End your weekend on a high note with eye-opening brunch cocktails.
In Atlanta, there are a few things you can count on: Traffic is always abysmal (and only gets worse this time of the year); sweet tea and Coca-Cola are a way of life; and we love—and I mean love— Sunday brunch, with cocktails, of course. Can you think of a better way to end the weekend than relaxing with a cold one over a hearty breakfast? I didn’t think so.
We don’t even care that Atlanta’s archaic liquor laws prevent us from being served that first drink before 12:30 p.m. That just means we can stay in our PJs a few more minutes before we have to look presentable. Once we are up and ready to face the world on those sleepy Sunday mornings, we’ll be visiting some of these Buckhead spots to sample boozy cocktails, with a side of bacon and eggs—if we must.
BANTAM + BIDDY
Even at brunch, chicken is the name of the game at Shaun Doty’s Bantam + Biddy. Go for the Big Chicken Skillet or the Fried Chicken and Cheddar Waffle (as they say, when in Rome). Wash them down with a Strawberry Fields cocktail (or two). It’s a refreshing mix of vodka, muddled strawberries, mint, lemon juice and soda that won’t fill you up since you’ll definitely need to save room for a Sublime Doughnut. (They are only available on Saturday and Sunday until they sell out.)
BISTRO NIKO
If you loved chocolate milk as a kid, the team at Bistro Niko had you in mind when it created its Dark Chocolate Milk afternoon cocktail. This sweet treat is an indulgent mixture of chocolate syrup, Stoli Vanil vodka, Kahlua, milk and seltzer—definitely not kid-friendly. What it is, is the perfect chocolate milk to sip alongside a Sunday brunch serving of Brioche French Toast with maple syrup and Applewood smoked bacon, or Belgian Waffles “Chantilly” with fresh whipped cream and warm maple syrup. Does it get any better?
COOK HALL
If you’ve never been to Cook Hall, first order the Cocktail Kit, a fully stocked mini bar complete with vodka or Champagne, syrups, bitters, herbs and recipes (just in case), that is sent to the table so you can build your own Champagne cocktail or Bloody Mary. It’s fun to compare drink flavors among your friends. Then, once you realize why there are professionals behind the bar mixing up, ahem, real concoctions, order a round of the Celeste, a bright, floral blend of sparkling wine, St. George Botanivore Gin, house made lemon-plum shrub, house made plum bitters, Lillet Blanc and honey, which pairs nicely with a simple dish such as the bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese or a bigger breakfast of eggs Benedict.
FADO IRISH PUB
And you thought Fado was just for St. Patrick’s Day! Think again. This Irish pub also happens to serve up one killer weekend brunch. You can watch soccer, rugby and football while you fill up on a traditional Irish breakfast (eggs, Irish sausages, rashers [bacon], black and white puddings, mushrooms, tomatoes and Guinness bread). Just save room for plenty of drinks (it’s an Irish pub, people), such as bottomless mimosas or a Beermosa—a blend of Stella Cidre, orange juice and muddled peach.
LOCAL THREE
If you’re a die-hard bruncher, head to Local Three for an all-you-can-eat buffet of everything from eggs and bacon to quiche du jour and vanilla shortbread, all served in the restaurant’s massive kitchen. And even though the menu says to pig out, don’t overindulge without imbibing on a few Muddy’s Waters. Bourbon reigns supreme here, and this drink is the bomb. It’s a mix of Maker’s Mark, house made ginger ale and lime—on draught. It’s light and refreshing, and a little bit spicy, and alone worth brunching here.
SOUTHERN ART & BOURBON BAR
Chef Art Smith’s Southern Art and Bourbon Bar serves up a hearty brunch every Sunday, with faves such as crab cakes, assorted Danishes and build-your-own omelets. But you should also try the Manhattan Redemption cocktail, a twist on the Manhattan, with Benton’s ham from the ham bar. The chocolate and vanilla notes in the cocktail’s Carpano Antica sweet vermouth and cherry vanilla bitters contrast perfectly with the ham’s slightly salty and sweet flavor.
DETAILS:
Bantam + Biddy
3393 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30326
404.841.7559
bantamandbiddy.com
Bistro Niko
3344 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30326
404.261.6456
buckheadrestaurants.com
Cook Hall
W Atlanta – Buckhead
3377 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30326
404.523.3600
cookhallatlanta.com
Fado Irish Pub
273 Buckhead Avenue
Atlanta 30305
404.841.0066
fadoirishpub.com/atlanta
Local Three
3290 Northside Parkway
Atlanta 30327
404.968.2700
localthree.com
Southern Art and Bourbon Bar
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
3315 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30326
404.946.9070
southernart.com
STORY: Sarah Gleim
PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
