Sip, Savor, and Socialize: The Ultimate Boozy Brunch Guide

October 8, 2023
Row of cocktails for brunch at the bar.

Ah, brunch—the one meal that somehow justifies eating pastries, eggs, and burgers in a single sitting while sipping on mimosas or Bloody Marys. But not just any brunch; we’re talking about boozy brunch, a weekend ritual that elevates your morning eggs to an effervescent occasion. If you think a classic mimosa with your avocado toast is the peak of this mid-morning feast, you’re only scratching the surface. Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned brunch aficionado like me, prepare to leave this read with a roster of must-visit places that are sure to satiate both your hunger and your thirst. Cheers!

THE DIME STORE

719 Griswold Street #180, Detroit

This all-day brunch restaurant in downtown Detroit specializes in made-from-scratch breakfast, lunch, and brunch food. Owner/Operator Ann-Marie Murphy shares, “While our menu has a variety of options to choose from, we’re known for our more creative dishes like the Duck Bop Hash (breakfast potatoes tossed with house-confit duck leg, Korean bbq sauce, spinach, and onion, and topped with over easy eggs, house-pickled veggies, and Sriracha) and the Cheesesteak Benny (shaved ribeye, onion, crimini mushroom and American cheese topped with poached eggs and housemade hollandaise on an English muffin). Our seasonal Chef’s specials are also great options and change regularly so there’s always something new to try. To complement a menu made nearly entirely in-house, we offer a full bar with craft beer, wine, and classic cocktails. Guest favorites include our Bloody Mary, Peach Mimosa, and Orange Creamsicle, made with Detroit’s own Faygo Orange Pop.”

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the dime store brunch option eggs benedict with potatoes
Photo courtesy of The Dime Store

15TH STREET TAVERN

10081 South Ortonville Road, Clarkston 

For personalized brunch options and bottomless mimosas, 15th Street Tavern is the place to be. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests can opt for a specialty item right from the menu, like the Steak & Egg Flatbread or Huevos Rancheros, or choose to build their own pancakes or waffles. There are a variety of toppings and fresh ingredients to choose from, ranging from blueberries to granola, and fruity pebbles to ice cream. And of course, there’s the bar that serves bottomless mimosas, loaded bloody marys, espresso martinis, breakfast shots, and boozy coffee. 

BROOKLYN STREET LOCAL

1266 Michigan Ave, Detroit

Brooklyn Street Local’s owner, Deveri Gifford tells us, “Our Corktown restaurant is a favorite brunch spot in Detroit. The perfect gathering place for breakfast or lunch, and a great choice for a quick and healthy takeout lunch. With a commitment to local sourcing and sustainability, you can feel good about eating with us. Our menu features brunch cocktails, locally sourced meats, cheeses and produce, plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, lighter fare, and comfort food. We are known for our authentic poutine with squeaky cheese curds. Get it fully loaded with eggs and bacon, or vegan and gluten-free with mushroom gravy.” Other menu options include the Banana Walnut Pancakes, Vegan Breakfast Sandwich, or Hangover Special, which is two eggs any style, toast, a breakfast protein, and a side of poutine. 

brunch from brooklyn street local. plate of bacon, eggs, jam and toast, and poutine fries
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Street Local

THE MEETING HOUSE

301 South Main Street, Rochester

Located in Rochester, The Meeting House does brunch its own way, offering several unique options. Patrons can go for the traditional brunch fare, with a Classic Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Flapjacks, or even Housemade Granola. But for those looking to switch it up, Braised Short Rib Enchiladas, a Housemade Soft Pretzel, or a Cinnamon Roll Baked Pancake are just a few options to choose from. Pair any of that with sparkling, red, or white wine, a cocktail, or tap beer and you’ve got yourself a brunch winner.

BOBCAT BONNIE’S

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

Bobcat Bonnie’s started as a single building in Corktown and has blossomed into a thriving eatery, operating nine locations. There are signature brunch items to choose from, like Billionaire’s Bacon, Fruity Pebbles Pancakes, and Smoked Salmon Bennie on a Biscuit. There’s a ‘build your own’ bar for bloody marys and mimosas. Other fun brunch cocktails include the Cereal Shoots and Bonnie’s IV Bags.

BREAD & ROSES

56258 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township

Bread & Roses was inspired by the saying, “bread for all, and roses too”, which refers to balancing the external and internal aspects of life. The team here integrates that same concept into the way they operate the restaurant. The brunch menu is expansive and everything is made using only local farm fresh ingredients. Some menu items include Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Crepes, and The Roasted Salmon Hash Bowl, which consists of two eggs, any style, atop fresh seasoned potatoes with roasted salmon, red peppers, French feta, horseradish sour cream, and dill. Brunch is available every day, from open to close along with a variety of booze. Keep this place in mind for the next time you’re in the Shelby Township area. 

THE APPARATUS ROOM

250 West Larned Street, Detroit

Located within the Detroit Foundation Hotel, The Apparatus Room serves as the heart of the property and is a staple of the Detroit community. Paying homage to its namesake, the original fire department Apparatus Room, the restaurant’s chic yet approachable design bridges the gap between old and new. The progressive New American fare incorporates the best of Michigan farm-grown produce, to locally caught seafood and Michigan-sourced pork and beef. As for brunch, menu options like the Coconut Oatmeal, Fried Chicken & Waffles, and Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bagel are all crowd favorites. The beverage program includes a collection of classic cocktails with a Foundation twist, like the Coffee Coquito with DCD Summer Rum, Chilled Coffee, Coco Lopez, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg, or the Lumberjack with Bacon Washed Bourbon, Borghetti, Cointreau, and Michigan Maple Syrup. 

pastries from the apparatus room, including muffins
Photo courtesy of The Apparatus Room

COMMON PUB

5440 Cass Ave, Detroit

Situated in Midtown, Common Pub has recently launched a Sunday Brunch menu that lands itself on our list. Joanna Maslach, Managing Partner tells us, “The brunch menu offers classics you love but slightly elevated with a little twist just the way New Head Chef Gill Knie likes it. Guests can expect items such as the Croque Mister, a take on the classic French Croque Monsieur where Chef Gill uses a generously buttered sourdough baguette, ham, cheddar, Dijon mustard, and smoked cheddar béchamel. It’s rich, substantial, and the perfect pairing to a boozy brunch we all deserve. The seasonal Brunch menu also includes items like The Foster Waffle, perfect for the sweet tooth bruncher. If Eggs Benedict are more your style, The Barcelona Benny will be right up your alley. Two perfectly poached eggs accompany Spanish chorizo, braised kale, and choron sauce on top of crisp sourdough bread served up with a generous portion of home fries. The menu has something for everyone. The espresso martini is a must! Join Common Pub every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all your brunch festivities.”

FOLK DETROIT

1701 Trumbull, Detroit

Folk Detroit is a cozy Corktown cafe that is definitely a crowd favorite. “Folk is your one-stop-shop for delicious food, biodynamic wines, and specialty coffee, served in a cozy cafe, wine shop, and private event space,” says Rohani Foulkes, owner. “Our food menu features delicious sandwiches, shareable plates, salads, and more, plus a rotating selection of decadent, housemade baked goods. We also have a full espresso menu featuring locally roasted coffee, specialty teas, and seasonal beverages. In addition to biodynamic wines, Folk offers canned beer, canned cocktails, the occasional seasonal cocktail, and a variety of N/A options for you to enjoy with us. Walk-ins are always welcome, reservations are encouraged. As a “Good Food 100” and “PLEDGE” establishment, we serve responsibly-made food and beverage that positively impacts our community. Folk’s mission is to provide quality and positive experiences centered on food, drink, people, and place. In doing so, we create positive, inclusive, and sustainable contributions that enable our entire community of hospitality professionals to thrive. We hope you will consider Folk for your next brunch outing. We offer a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with delicious, locally sourced food and drinks, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our table!” 

folk detroit brunch spread, including waffles with syrup, a scone, salads, biscuits, quiche, and a latte and glass of wine
Photo courtesy of Taylor Douglas Higgins (Instagram: @_calma_tay)

VICTORIA’S BISTRO & COCKTAIL BAR

12 South Washington Street, Oxford

Inspired by Europe’s small cafes and restaurants, this intimate establishment boasts a menu of Parisian-style cuisine. Brunch is served every day until 3 p.m., and although the menu is limited, there is a range of options such as the Seafood Benedict, Quiche, or Maple Walnut French Toast, to satisfy any brunch craving. Enjoy your brunch selection with a cocktail or a glass of wine. 

With all of these options, your weekend plans just got a whole lot more fun! Now go get your boozy brunch on!

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 19, 2022, and was authored by Briana Dixon.

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