The city on New Year's Day is all about the walking wounded—some folks will spend the day recovering in bed, and others are ready to head back out there and get in the game. For the latter group, here are some places open for New Year's Day brunch. Just don't forget to tip big; your poor server or bartender is probably in worse shape than you.
You really put the hurt on, didn’t you? Looks like you could use the loco moco (Prather Ranch beef patty, steamed rice, sunny side egg, and sweet soy) to fix your situation. There’s also buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, and the Michelada (beer, lemon, salt, and spice) is also there to help. Open at 10:30am; reservations available by phone (415-252-7500) or online.
Sometimes, all you want is a pizza when you’re hungover, and fortunately Gioia is also slinging some pies on New Year's Day. Actually, they will be hosting a full-on brunch with mimosas, Bellinis, Blue Bottle French press coffee, and some special brunch dishes. You can bet there will be a breakfast pizza, plus their standard pizza menu too. Open 11am–4pm.
You look like you need some fresh air. Head on over to El Techo’s first New Year’s Day brunch, which will have Techo Rancheros (tortilla, pork, fried eggs, salsa verde, beans) and their amazing chicharrones (roasted and fried chunks of pork shoulder, housemade tortillas, lime, salsa, escabeche; served by the half pound). And hello, Bloody Maria, save us all (reposado, El Techo bloody blend, cilantro, house pickles). Starts at 11am; reservations available via OpenTable or on the website; walk-ins welcome.
You have some relatives in town? Feeling a little fancy? You can kick off the New Year in style with a special brunch, and one heck of a view. There will be an omelet and waffle station, charcuterie and cheeses, porchetta, and other dishes, plus piano music, how civilized. 10am–2pm. $109 per adult, and $59 per child (ages 4–12). Reservations are required. Please call 415-616-6941.
Ahhh, Mission-style chilaquiles with pork belly, doesn’t that sound good? Or challah French toast, and brioche beignets? You’ll be able to score all of it, plus morning-after cocktails like the Painkiller. Best of all, you can go for a walk in the Presidio afterward and take in some fresh SF air. You’re looking much better… Open 10am–4pm.
Americano Restaurant & Bar (Hotel Vitale)
The folks at Americano are kindly holding New Year’s Day brunch again, and they offer some of the earliest hours: 7:30am–2pm, and tend to have a bunch of tasty egg dishes available, banana pancakes, and more. 8 Mission St. at the Embarcadero.
You know Beretta will be able to help you with some proper hair of the dog (like the Pamplemousse, with gin, lemon, grapefruit, basil, elderflower), and then it’s time to gear up for an eggy pizza like the carbonara (bacon, eggs, mozzarella, pecorino, and cracked black pepper). Outdoor tables, also helpful. Open at 11am; reservations accepted for parties of 6 or larger.
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.
