Whether you imbibe too much on New Year's Eve or not, what better way to start off the new year than with a convivial brunch with friends and family (or other poor hungover souls)? These spots are ushering in 2009 with New Year's Day repasts that are worth getting off the couch for.
Spend New Year's Day in style at Sixteen, the fine-dining destination at Trump International Hotel & Tower. A lavish spread will include everything from a display of artisan cheeses and meats to a cold seafood station featuring sushi, king crab legs and jumbo shrimp. A breakfast bar, omelet and carving stations, a dessert table and kids' offerings will also be on hand (11AM-3PM, $75 for adults, $25 for children eight and under).
A family-friendly New Year's Day brunch will be served at Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar in Lakeview. Parents will cling to their bottomless mimosas ($10) and dig into eggs benedict ($10) or BLTs ($8), while the kids will enjoy classics like pancakes, PB&J and grilled cheese (children's brunch items are $5 and include a drink and fruit or ice cream).
Your first meal of the year involves football, hearty dishes and eye-opening cocktails at Dunlays on Clark in Lincoln Park and Dunlays on the Square in Logan Square. Both locations will be serving brunch from 10AM-3PM, including Dunlays' infamous bloody Marys, which contain vodka, a shot of Guinness and loads of garnishes, for $6.50 each.
Duck into Bin Wine Cafe for a cozy, comforting -- complete with hair of the dog -- start to your new year. The restaurant will serve its popular brunch menu from 11AM until 3PM, as well as much-needed bloody Mary and mimosa flights for $10 each.
Catch the bowl games and the Winter Classic (the Blackhawks historic match at Wrigley Field) from a comfy spot at Smoke Daddy. The restaurant will be serving a "BarBQue Brunch" on New Year's Day from 10AM-3PM, complete with Southern-style favorites like biscuits-and-gravy ($10), grits with cheddar cheese ($5) and apple butter pancakes with maple sausage or hickory-smoked bacon ($12).
Kohan Japanese Restaurant feels your pain, that's why it's hosting a New Year's Day "Hangover Lunch" from 12-2PM. Groggy guests are encouraged to wear their PJs to score free fountain drinks or green tea (who couldn't use the energy?) with the purchase of a lunch buffet.
