5 Patios You Can Enjoy for Brunch This Fall
Photograph via YANOMAMI.
Brunch; our most beloved portmanteau of breakfast and lunch - and undefeated summer staple. Although brunch has been around since the late 19th century, the last decade has taken brunch from a delicacy to a meal, that is more highly regarded than breakfast or lunch! It's safe to say, brunch is here to stay, and that there's really no wrong way to do brunch. However, a unanimous favorite at Juana seems to be the Patio Brunch.
For those of you who can't brave the summer heat - or simply prefer cooler days - we've compiled a quick list of the swankiest year-round patios, so that you may continue to relish in the great outdoors and endless mimosas.
If you find yourself at any of these spots, share your experience with us!
1. Hazel - Washington, DC
Photograph courtesy of Hazel.
Everything about Hazel is ingeniously cosmopolitan - yet still intimate and inviting. This contemporary American restaurant is located in Washington, D.C. in the heart of the Shaw neighborhood, and is known for its diverse menu inspired by plates from around the world (most popular for their Dim Sum brunch). Not only do they have a colorful menu, their drink menu is pretty lit as well.
Because the menu is so extensive, the restaurant pairs items that best complement each other - which is perfect for first-timers. Additionally, each plate is big enough to share, and for only $99 diners can enjoy all of the brunch menu items. Consistent favorites seem to be "Grandma's Zucchini Bread", the Shortrib Hash, and the Duck Confit Hash.
2. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe - Chicago, IL
Photograph via TripAdvisor.
If you can't quite afford a trip to Cuba, you can make your way to 90 Miles Cuban Cafe, located in Logan Square - about 15 miles north of downtown Chicago, IL. The lively atmosphere and authentic Cuban cuisine literally makes diners feel as if they are on the colorful island.
The restaurant is owned by the Gonzales family, who came from Cuba in the 1980's and have perfected their great-grandmother's recipes. These recipes were passed down to their grandmother, who actually used to own a catering business in Havana. And now, Alberto Gonzales is continuing his family's legacy in an unlikely place.
Although the restaurant is BYOB, the brunch menu is pretty hefty, consisting of items such as; Chuleta de Cerdo (smoked pork chop served w/ two fried eggs & French fries); 90 Miles Special (white rice, black bean, fried or scrambled eggs, steak, and french bread); and many more.
3. Irongate - Washington, DC
Being one of the oldest restaurants in DC, Irongate doesn't need to do much to stand out. The modest brick building, enclosed by an iron gate, houses a menu full of unique Mediterranean inspired dishes, as well as an extensive drink menu. The setting and menu are perfect for private events and parties.
4. Bowery Road Brunch - New York, NY
Photograph via TripAdvisor.
Bowery Road is a proud farm-to-table American restaurant, located in Union Square. The head chef, Ron Rosselli, turns fresh ingredients into comfort food. While head mixologist (and co-founder of The American Bartending Institute of New York), Dushan Zaric, turns spirits into drinkable art.
As if a world-renowned chef and mixologist weren't enough, the restaurant was designed by Dutch East Design, and uses light oak, blackened steel, and leather banquettes to create a sophisticated, yet eclectic atmosphere. If you're looking for a true culinary experience - on a budget and on a time crunch - then Bowery Road is the place for you.
5. Faun Brunch - Brooklyn, NY
If you love Instagram-able food more than you actually love food, then you must visit Faun. The American-Italian restaurant has an intimate dining room, a solid wood bar, and a lush garden patio that houses many of the plants / herbs they use for food and cocktails. It's honestly hard to say what's more impressive; the menu or the restaurant itself (oh, because one of the founders is also an architect)?!
Whatever the case may be, don't take a bite out of the Big Apple without visiting this garden!