Sons of Essex

Fans of boozy brunch will want to try outSons of Essex. It has a speakeasy vibe, thanks to the deli counter out front: skip the sandwich and walk right by to enter the bar and restaurant. The brunch menu offers comfort food mashups like Cap’n Crunch–crusted challah french toast ($15) and lobster benedict ($21) alongside carafes of mimosas, bellinis and bloody mary’s (all $25). Consider adding a side of the truffle mac and cheese ($16), a fan favorite from the dinner menu. Other evening entrees include a mushroom pizza ($18), braised short ribs ($30) and fried chicken brined in sweet tea ($29). To drink, there’s a wide variety of signature cocktails, plus wine and spirits by the glass or bottle. Whether you come for breakfast, dinner or drinks, you’ll notice the party atmosphere—a DJ always seems to be spinning hip-hop jams from the ‘90s and early ‘00s.