New Year's Day is a time of hope, of college football, and, usually, massive hangovers. The last thing you want to do on this day off is scrounge up something to eat in the fridge. Instead, continue your celebration of the fact that you can finally use that 2009 Far Side calendar with a meal out at one of these spots.
Still haven't figured out what you're doing for the Eve? Head here.
O'Donovan's
10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $15.95 adults, $6.95 kids under 11
What better way to follow your all-you-can-drink New year's Eve celebration than with an all-you-can-eat New Year's Day at O'Donovans? Chef Victor DeLeon is cooking up your typical breakfast favorites of eggs, bacon, sausage and french toast. Those who prefer the "-unch" side of brunch can choose from sloppy joes, buffalo wings, pastas, salads and chili dogs. Stations for omelets, Belgian waffles and prime rib will also be set up. After stuffing your belly with all that it can handle, just rest for a couple of hours so you can be ready when dinner time rolls along. From 4-10 p.m., O'Donovans will serve a full rack of barbecue baby back ribs for only $9.95 (normally $16).
Bin Wine Cafe
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Those looking for a little hair of the dog after rolling out of bed on New Year's Day should head to this Wicker Park Cafe, which will be serving up its popular bloody marys and mimosas for $10. Those who see food as their main hangover cure can opt for the brunch menu, which includes hearty selections of chocolate chip pancakes ($8), egg sandwiches ($7) and a pulled pork and scrambled egg burrito ($10).
Eno
4 p.m.-midnight
After a night of house parties and all-you-can-drink debauchery, a relaxing evening with that special someone should sound appealing. With a view overlooking the Magnificent Mile, Eno offers its guests a celebration full of chocolates, cheeses and wines. This includes bubbly; the Tickled Pink ($16) and Méthode Champenoise ($20) flights should go down smoother than whatever you drank last night. White chocolate-covered strawberries from Michigan's The Chocolate Garden and the rosemary caramel from Kansas City's Christopher Elbow Chocolatier will make sure your new year starts off sweet.
McCormick & Schmick's
2-9 p.m. (Gold Coast); 2-8 p.m. (Oak Brook and Skokie); 4-9 p.m. (Rosemont)
Let the executive chefs of the well-known McCormick & Schmick's restaurants help you celebrate the new year with traditional holiday dishes (the regular seasonal menu will still be available). You can also toast to the season with cocktails like the Rosemary Honey 75 (a twist on the classic French 75 made with rosemary-infused honey), Harbor Cider and an apple cider mojito with house-made apple mint syrup. Reservations are highly recommended.
Sixteen
11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $75 for adults, $27 for children under 8
Those looking for a fine dining experience for their first meal of the new year may want to reserve a table at the Trump Tower's Sixteen restaurant. Chef Frank Brunacci's menu is filled with a variety of soups, salads, raw bar and breakfast items that the Donald himself would enjoy. A cold seafood station is set to serve sushi, crab legs and jumbo shrimps. A breakfast bar will be serving classic eggs benedict, waffles with berries and cream and omelets. Other offerings include artisan cheeses, meats and breads and assorted tarts, cakes and mousses.
Durty Nellie's
Too lazy to get dressed? Just roll out of bed and head to this Irish bar in the northern suburbs of Palatine. If you're still wearing your pajamas, you can get a complimentary bloody mary. If you're too embarrassed to show off your bed-wear (or lack of), then just bring your New Year's Eve party ticket (if you spent the previous night at Durty Nellie's, that is) for that free drink. If nothing else, you can still ring in this New Year's Day with the "Hangover Brunch" menu and $5 pitchers while watching those college bowl games all day.
Think we've dropped the ball with these choices? Try heading here instead:
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago offers a five-star brunch with breakfast selections, holiday favorites and a bloody-mary bar ($72 adults, $25 kids 5-12).
Angelina Ristorante's champagne brunch menu is available ala carte, or you can choose one dish (such as a frittata or croque monsieur) and get unlimited mimosas, bellinis or kir royales for $20.
NoMI serves up brunch and holiday dishes starting at 11 a.m. ($45 adults, $21 kids 6-12)
Trader Todd's Adventure Bar offers brunch from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., including $5 mimosas and $6.50 build-your-own bloody marys.
Le Lan will serve up its special "annual" menu throughout January; guests can choose one French-Asian inspired entree and one dessert for just $20.09.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap will dim the lights so as not to aggravate your raging headache...and offer "Hair of the Dog" specials and itmes like bloody mary skirt steak and bananas foster challah French toast.
Ann Sather (Belmont) will have extended hours on January 1 (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), which means even more chances to indulge in cinnamon rolls.
Kitsch'n offers its award-winning brunch menu, full bar, pajama door prizes and more from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at both locations.
Farmerie 58 offers a brunch special until 3 p.m., featuring a complimentary mimosa for each guest.
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