Winter is nigh upon us. It’s time to throw on flannel underwear and never leave the apartment. Soon enough we’ll all be dodging slush monsters while waving away rumors of how nice California is this time of year.
Don’t despair, readers. We might all turn into wretched mole-people this winter, but brunch is forever ours. It knows no season. In that spirit, check out these brunch spots with working fireplaces. Between that and their cozy, Christmas-ready ambiance, you’ll be sure to warm your belly and soul against Californians.
Bluebird
504 Flatbush Avenue, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens
Bluebird offers a hearty brunch menu with dishes like fancy grilled cheese and braised brisket hash with scrambled eggs, in an airy open space with an always-crackling fire. The price range hovers around $10 per main course, giving you some extra room in your budget to order one of their specialty drink “brunchtails.” Our favorite is the Bloody Breakfast ($7), a bacon-infused Bloody Mary.
Le Barricou
533 Grand Street, Williamsburg
If your snowy weekday commute is just too much to handle, take a detour to Le Barricou, which offers daily brunch from 11am to 4pm. Stop by on the weekends for a fancy grapefruit special with fennel pollen, maldon sea salt and sugar sprinkle ($3). Or if you’d rather just drink your breakfast, order the Shrimp Cocktail Bloody Mary for $14.
Scottadito Osteria Toscana
788a Union Street, Park Slope
This place does eggs, too, but Scottadito is famous for their Tuscan fare— tagliatelle al brie, et al— so this is one of those rare times you might actually treat yourself to pizza for breakfast. Scottadito’s $20 bottomless brunch deal includes any entree, coffee or tea, and unlimited mimosas/champagne, every weekend 11 am-3:30 pm. The alcohol is made all the better when you can drink up next to a roaring fire.
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La Cigogne
213 Union Street, Carroll Gardens
If you’re in the mood for a more sophisticated affair, check out La Cigogne. The restaurant specializes in food from the Alsace region of France, and they serve a mean brunch. Every weekend from 10am to 4pm, drop by for Nutella and banana stuffed pancakes ($12) or a French onion soup sandwich ($11). Their fireplace is more of a showpiece than a gathering spot, but you can be sure that if you’re seated close to the flames, you’ll feel ’em.
Bijan’s Brooklyn
81 Hoyt Street, Boerum Hill
Check out Bijan’s for their weekend brunch special. Stop by on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm to gorge yourself on an entree, coffee and a cocktail for $15. While you’re there don’t pass up on the toast served with fruit compote. It’s a real crowd pleaser.
The Rookery
425 Troutman Street, Bushwick
Okay, this one’s kind of an honorable mention. The Rookery’s fire pit is smaller, more of a warm-your-hands affair catering to the nightly watering hole crowd. But that’s okay, because you might just be brunching after dark with booze in hand: The Rookery offers all-day brunch on Sundays from 11am to 7pm. I repeat: all-day brunch. On top of that, happy hour begins daily at noon with $4 wells and $5 house wine. Pair your booze with an open faced oxtail sloppy joe with a fried egg on top ($13), and night brunch might just become your new favorite meal!
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Buschenschank
320 Court Street, Cobble Hill
Buschenschank is everything great about winter cooking. The rustic German beer hall offers hearty brunch food including apple pancakes and biscuits and gravy. And with the homey communal tables and two fireplaces, you’re guaranteed a spot by the fire.
Two Door Tavern
116 North 5th Street, Williamsburg
Two Door Tavern understands that sometimes you just want to stuff your face with eggs and bacon for a few hours. The expansive brunch menu offers five different types of eggs benedict and a variety of omelettes along with other standards like french toast and pancakes. The $15.95 prix fixe also throws in a Bloody Mary or a samosa.