For many, New Year’s Day brunch is a time to rise slowly and nurse hangovers and bleary eyes after a night of partying and celebration. Others greet the day with gusto and optimism for the coming twelve months. And some people just want to take advantage of their time off with an extra helping of mimosas, poached eggs, and bacon. However you prefer to ring in 2019, one of these festive brunches aims to fit the need come Tuesday.
Duck into this Georgetown “speakeasy” for a leisurely meal accompanied by inventive craft cocktails. Guests here can choose from hearty entrees like cheesy shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and a crab cake eggs Benedict. Main plates range from $12 to $19, and with individual mimosas and cocktails priced at $9 to $14 each. Wake up with the About Last Night, a vodka concoction with Thai chili grenadine, lime, and sparkling wine or share a large format punch or peach bellini. (1075 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., a la carte)
All-Purpose Capitol Riverfront
Celebrate surviving 2018 with bottomless mimosas, bellinis, and Aperol spritzes for $19 at this favorite pizzeria. Dig into brunch pizzas like the Lady Brynn, topped with Parmesan fonduta, prosciutto, gruyere, egg, and chive or the cheese-and-bacon Beltway with heirloom tomato and arugula. Round out the meal with polenta muffins, a smoked salmon crostini, or an Italian riff on disco fries with Sicilian hot sauce. (79 Potomac Ave. SE, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., a la carte)
Show up in your pajamas and score a free mimosa or coffee drink with the purchase of a brunch entree. Dishes range from crab scrapple with a poached egg ($17) to chorizo chilaquiles ($15) or Dutch apple pancakes with maple stewed apples and vanilla clotted cream ($16). (385 Water St. SE, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., a la carte)
In parts of the Southern U.S., it’s tradition to eat a bowl of Hoppin’ John on New Year’s day in order to bring good luck for the coming year. New Orleans native David Guas will prepare the classic rice and peas dish at his Arlington cafe on January 1 and serve it with collard greens, bacon, ham steak, and cornbread. Wash it all down with $5 boozy beverages like a Mississippi Mimosa. (1515 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., a la carte).
This upscale French brasserie is rolling out a decadent buffet for 2019, anchored by a make-your-own Belgian waffle station. Add to your plate with steak frites, mussels, and selection of quiches. Reservations can be made online. (1600 King St., Alexandria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $42 per person).
You might be feeling uneasy for the coming first days and months of 2019. Attempt to cut through the mystery at Dirty Habit’s annual Fortune Teller’s Brunch, an event featuring free tarot card and lipsology (lip print) readings. Each brunch guest will also receive a fortune cookie containing prizes like a free glass of Champagne or gift cards for future visits. The brunch menu itself is varied, including savory bites like mushroom soup ($12) and chicken pot pie ($14) alongside classics like a brunch burrito ($15) and a bagel with lox ($17). Reservations are encouraged. (555 8th St. NW, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., a la carte).
Come Tuesday morning, this Petworth cidery will be keeping glasses and stomachs full with bottomless cider mimosas and a full barbecue spread from Smoke & Ember. The two-hour event will provide vegetarian options as well, along with board games. Tickets can be purchased in advance. (3930 Georgia Ave. NW, 12 p.m.-2 p.m., $48 all-inclusive).
Keep the New Year’s Eve party going with $18 bottomless Bloody Marys and “beermosas” during brunch at City Tap House’s Dupont Circle and Penn Quarter locations. Bottomless mimosas will be discounted to $9 for the holiday feast, which is full of a la carte fare like strawberry sundae pancakes and breakfast tacos. (1250 Connecticut Ave. NW and 901 9th St. NW, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., a la carte)
Party into 2019 with this whiskey bar’s New Year’s Hangover Hog Roast. The menu will include a complimentary WhistlePig whiskey tasting along with $15 plates of pulled pork and sides like poblano cornbread and collard greens. There are also specials on wings, sliders, and chili. There will be $5 draft beers, $10 whiskey cocktails, and discounted flights, too. (2007 18th St. NW, 3 p.m.-10 p.m., a la carte)
Stay cozy after a night on the town and ease into the New Year with a themed “Flannels and French Toast” brunch at this glam McPherson Square eatery. Soak up the partying from the night before with brioche french toast and toppings or nurse a hangover with bottomless sparkling wine. Anyone wearing flannel can score the drink package for the half-off price of $9.25. (1350 I St. NW, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., a la carte)
The 80’s vibes will flow from morning to night at Radiator’s “I Wanna Brunch with Somebody” meal. Get lost in the 80’s playlist while indulging with huevos rancheros ($15) or crab beignets ($12) from the special menu. That’s not to mention the bar’s new brunch cocktails and a New Year’s day happy hour that will run through 10 p.m. (1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., a la carte)
Chef and owner Danny Lledo will welcome the Glover Park neighborhood in on Tuesday for a two-course menu. He’s sticking close to the classics with takes on vanilla bean French toast, steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, and more. Dessert can be added for an additional $5 per person, as can all-you-can-drink mimosas or Bloody Marys for $15. (2404 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $20+ a la carte).
Dim sum is the main attraction at Wolfgang Puck’s Asian-influenced dining room. Chef Russell Smith will amp up the standard menu with some splurge-worthy, family-style dishes—think a 24-ounce bone-in ribeye steak or a whole roasted duckling with steam buns. (575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, large format entrees are $79 each, drinks and dim sum a la carte )
Warm up to January with ramen and other small plates packed with Toki Underground’s Asian flair. Start off with cauliflower and chicken or quail egg and bacon bao buns or a variety of seasonal dumplings. The usual noodle bowls will be on hand for $14-$15 each, and brunch drinks include options like the Japan-Irish coffee and the Kimchi Mary. (1234 H St. NE, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., a la carte)
This post has been updated to reflect that Brabo is a French, not Belgian, brasserie.
