Fort Worth likes to brunch hard, as proven by the endless options for Sunday Funday (and sometimes Saturday) dining destinations. For many, the brunch cocktails are just as important than the menu itself. Patrons are lured by mimosa flights, coffee concoctions, bellinis, and bloodys (the latter of which saw a “build-your-own” trend that, thankfully, has disappeared).
Today’s brunch beverages are fancier than ever, spiked with vodka or high-end tequila, served with big garnishes of fresh fruit and herbs, and topped with crisp bubbly for the perfect toast. Here are six places for lip-smacking brunch libations, all of which are great for entertaining guests in town this holiday season.
Eggtastic Brunch Café
Opened in April, this new breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurant in Alliance Town Center earned early raves for its huge menu, ample space, and cheery vibe - including a full bar for sitting and sipping. Cocktails include bloody Marys and mimosas (watermelon is a fun juice option) along with the unique Avocado Margarita made with Don Julio tequila, pineapple, lime, and rimmed with Tajin. Eggtastic also roasts its own coffee beans, so don’t miss getting a cup of Joe or better yet, order the Abuelitas con Café – coffee spiked with more Don Julio and kissed with Abuelita brand Mexican chocolate. All pair perfectly with classic biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, Benedicts of all sorts, and several varieties of waffles, French toast, crepes, and pancakes (don't miss the lemon-poppy seed). Bonus for busy holiday schedules: brunch is served daily until 2:30 pm.
Walloon’s Restaurant
In time for the holidays, this new restaurant has just launched brunch service. Walloon’s, the latest concept from chef Marcus Paslay (Piattello, Clay Pigeon Food & Drink, Provender Hall) which opened in July, has kicked off Saturday and Sunday brunch service with classic cocktails. The boozy lineup includes bellinis, bloody Marys, and mimosas, along with the upscale French 75, paloma, and the already popular espresso martini. Pair them with new dishes like the smoked salmon eggs Benedict, berry-topped French toast, and avocado toast piled with tomatoes, salsa verde, and feta. Book brunch reservations from 10 am-1:45 pm via Resy.
Hot Box Biscuit Club
Don’t sleep on this South Main Street biscuit haven for Sunday Funday – Hot Box has one of the most elaborate lists of brunch cocktails in town. First, there’s the genius Breakfast Margarita, a drink that lands somewhere between a marg and a mimosa that’s made with tequila, margarita mix, and orange juice topped with bubbles. Other fan favorites include the Boozy Palmer made with sweet tea vodka and lemonade; the Gin Punch made with orange juice, passion fruit juice, and Tang; and the Naughty Cherry Limeade spiked with vodka. Hot Box also serves Fort Worth-based Sons of Liberty Coffee, which can be found in the Adult Coffee cocktail made with amaretto and Irish cream. Hot Box is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7 am-2 pm.
Goat & Vine Restaurant & Winery
Brunch “packages” are popular at this frilly Montgomery Plaza Italian destination, where patrons can partake in endless apps, mimosas, and brunch cocktails for a per-person price of $85. The deal also comes with a choice of one entrée, with options ranging from steak and eggs to crème brulee French toast. There’s a two-hour time limit to indulge in all the cinnamon roll bread, steak carpaccio, and smoked salmon toast one can desire, washed down with fresh peach bellinis, vodka-spiked mimosas, and Brunch Punch made with rum and prosecco. Perk up with the tart and tangy Rise & Shine, a concoction of Espolon tequila, grapefruit juice, grapefruit sparkling soda, lime, and a salt rim. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 am.
Facebook/Eggtastic
New in North Fort Worth is Eggtastic Brunch Cafe and its Strawberry Smash
Chef Point Restaurant & Bar
A roundup of best brunch cocktails wouldn’t be complete without a nod to Chef Point’s famed Bloody Best behemoth bloody Mary. Recognized nationally for its staggering stature, the towering meal-in-a-glass is garnished with a little bit of everything on the menu: thick bacon, jumbo shrimp, waffle fries stacked with a Nolan Ryan Beef slider, a thick piece of the restaurant’s Better Than Sex fried chicken, and all the traditional accompaniments. There’s also the traditional bloody Mary along with a flight of mimosas that includes your choice of bubbly. Pair with French toast bread pudding topped with hot cognac sauce; or with shrimp & grits topped with Chef's crawfish sauce. Brunch at the Colleyville restaurant is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.
The Bearded Lady
Breakfast shots, anyone? This South Main Street gastropub (which will open a sister concept called The Tropic Lady soon on Race Street.) takes brunch very seriously. Get things going with a Blueberry Pancake Shot, made with blueberry vodka, butterscotch schnapps, and orange juice; then choose from one of multiple mules, ranch waters, or micheladas. Mimosas can be served by the carafe with unique mixers like lavender lemonade; or pucker up with the pickle-infused vodka-spiked bloody Mary. There’s always a seasonal cocktail, too, and this month it’s the Holiday Nightcap with pecan pie whiskey and bourbon cream liqueur. Stay nourished with strawberry cheesecake pancakes, the everything bagel breakfast sandwich, or the vegan bearded burrito made with vegan chorizo and fried avocado. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 am, and there's a special Black Friday Brunch and Market happening on Friday, November 24.