There’s an old saying: “If you do brunch without a Bloody Mary, you’re just doing a sad, late breakfast.”
Or something like that.
I didn’t like Bloody Marys in college, but everybody told me that as soon as I hit 22 and had my first bad hangover, a Bloody Mary would change my life forever, and it’s true.
My Sundays used to feel wasted if I didn’t take my normal brunch spots up on the mimosa specials, but now it’s all about a Bloody Mary. Or two.
Regardless of what you’re looking for in your Bloody Mary this weekend (my checklist includes cheap, DIY and good toppings), you’ll find it.
The cheapest Bloody Mary
Boudreaux’s for their half-price ($2.50) Bloody Mary every Sunday. 501 East 36th Street.
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The spiciest Bloody Mary
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for their mix of Absolut Peppar, Zing Zang and horseradish. 1626 East Boulevard.
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The best DIY Bloody Mary
Boudreaux’s Bloody Mary bar been described as both awesome and epic. 501 East 36th Street.
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The cheapest DIY Bloody Mary
Whiskey Warehouse for their $3 Bloody Mary bar. 1221 The Plaza.
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The best vegan Bloody Mary
Fern. Noteworthy: their vegan take is only $1. 1323 Central Avenue.
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The best bacon-tinted Bloody Mary
Terrace Café for their Bacon Bloody Mary, made with a fruity tomato base and hickory-smoked bacon and topped with black pepper and a bacon strip. 4625 Piedmont Row Drive.
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The best Bloody Mary mix
Tavern on the Tracks, whose homemade mix contains 13 spices and has won awards. 1411 South Tryon Street.
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The Bloody Mary Bar with the best toppings
Brazwells, with a bar consisting of things like lemons, limes, olives and okra — just to name a few. 1627 Montford Drive.
The Bloody Mary with the most surprising aftertaste
Cajun Queen’s Bloody Mary, a.k.a. the Muddy Waters, which comes with an oyster as a shooter. 1800 East 7th Street.
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The Bloody Mary most likely to make you feel important
The Bloody at Dandelion Market. Sip on it while you eat things like a roasted red pepper and goat cheese frittata. 118 West 5th Street.
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