Food

New Year’s Day Brunch Guide

Where to say hello to 2014 (preferably with bottomless mimosas).

Welcome in the new year at the recently opened Agua 301 in Navy Yard for New Year’s Day brunch. Photograph by Andrew Propp.

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All our brunch suggestions in one handy location.

Who says the bubbly has to stop flowing on New Year’s Eve? Plenty of spots around Washington offer New Year’s Day brunch on an unconventional Wednesday, whether you’re looking to stave off a hangover with bottomless mimosas or toast 2014 with a celebratory meal. Read on for pig roasts, all-day brunching options, and a cold pizza special (yes, that’s a thing).

Agora

1527 17th Street, NW; 202-332-6767

Bottomless is the word at this Dupont Mediterranean spot, where you can sip endless mimosas, bloodies, and booze, and eat your fill of hot and cold mezze, egg dishes, sandwiches, and more. The price tag is fairly gentle at $33 (a la carte is also available).

When: 11 to 3 (last seating at 2:30).

Agua 301

301 Water St., SW; 202-484-0301

This Navy Yard modern Mexican spot just opened, and is serving its first brunch on New Year’s Day.

When: 10:30 to 3.

Ambar

523 Eighth St., SE; 202-813-3039

Ring in 2014 with bottomless brunch cocktails and plates like the Balkan burger, eggs Benedict, and more for $35 (here’s a menu). Extra good news for night owls: the “morning” meal runs until 4.

When: 10 to 4.

Bar Pilar

1833 14th Street, NW; 202-265-1751

Late-risers can get brunch all-day at this 14th Street staple. Given you may have over-indulged, dim lighting and ample bacon are draws.

When: 11 to close.

Blue Duck Tavern

1201 24th St., NW; 202-419-6755

If you’re bouncing instead of dragging out of bed, why not treat yourself to an elegant meal at the Park Hyatt? The short rib hash with poached eggs with a side of gouda grits is hard to pass up (here’s a sample menu).

When: 11 to 2:30

The Coupe

3415 11th St., NW; 202-290-3342

This Columbia Heights spot is open 24-7, so it’s no surprised they’re dishing up New Year’s Day brunch. The special of the day is bubble and squeak, a pub staple of corned beef, fried potatoes, and brussels sprouts topped with two eggs.

When: All day.

The Diner

2453 18th St., NW; 2-2-232-8800

It’s a casual affair at this Adams Morgan staple, with pitchers of mimosas ($22 vats serve six), and brunch specials like pumpkin pancakes and a Reuben benedict.

When: All day, but Benedicts end at 3.

El Centro DF

Both Georgetown and 14th Street locations.

The only thing better than Mexican brunch? Unlimited Mexican brunch. These twin cantinas pour bottomless micheledas and agua frescas and offer endless plates of ceviche, huevos rancheros, tacos, and more for $35 (check out a sample menu).

When: Georgetown (10:30 to 4), 14th Street (10:30 to 3).

Firefly

1310 New Hampshire Ave NW; 202-956-6650

Cheap cocktails may be in order after a night of splurging. Head over for $3 mimosas, $4 bloodies, and dishes like eggs with country sausage and red eye gravy.

When: 9 to 2.

Farmers Fishers Bakers

3000 K St., NW; 202-298-8783

A big night out calls for a big meal the next day. The Farmers Market buffet brunch should do the trick (and it’s a good deal at $30 per person).

When: 10 to 2:30

Founding Farmers

Both Downtown and Rockville locations

We think 2014 should be the year of more brunch. Sister Founding Farmers spots agree, offering their weekend afternoon menus on both New Year’s Eve and Day.

When: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 to 2.

Granville Moore’s

1238 H St., NE; 202-399-2546

It’s a no-frills New Year’s Eve at this no-cover spot, followed by a casual “hangover brunch” the next day.

When: 11 to 3

Masa 14

1825 14th St., NW; 202-328-1414

Masa serves its usual decadent brunch: an unlimited selection of small plates, lychee bellinis, bacon bloodies, and more for $35. You can order a la carte, but what’s the fun in that?

When: 10 to 3 (last seating at 2).

Mussel Bar & Grille

Both Bethesda and Arlington locations

Start the year off with a warming bowl of mussels and some grilled bread for dunking at Robert Wiedmaier’s sister restaurants.

When: 10:30 to 3:30

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace / Black Jack

1612 14th St., NW; 202-986-8778

The regular brunch menu is in effect at Pearl Dive, while Black Jack is throwing it’s great all-day happy hour starting at 3 (half-price beers! two-for-one oysters!). A hangover special may prove handy: a dive burger and Shiner bock for $10.

When: Pearl Dive (11 to 3); Black Jack (3 to close)

Poste

555 Eight St., NW; 202-783-6060

Start 2014 with a pig roast (why not?) and bloody Mary bar during an all-day brunch-tacular. The aforementioned swine is served starting at noon, but early-risers can order from the normal brunch menu at 8.

When: 8 to 4.

Urbana

2121 P St., NW; 202-956-6650

Here’s something different: a $10 cold pizza special that includes a chilled margherita pie and bloody. If you prefer something less leftover-like, the regular menu is served.

Zengo

781 Seventh St., NW; 202-393-2929

Richard Sandoval is all about bottomless brunch. You’ll find more of the same at his Latin-Asian spot, this time with drinks like passion fruit mimosas, ceviche, sushi rolls, dim sum, and more.

When: 10:30 to 2:30

Food Editor

Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.