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Because no matter what your shot-drinking compatriots say, Bloody Mary's aren't just for brunch -- they are an all-hours beverage. Here are the best places in ATX to find a good one.
The artisanal Bloody Mary: The base of Opal D's famous version is Tito's Vodka infused with garlic, poblano peppers, and sun dried tomatoes, which is then mixed with their own housemade Mary mix. The result is rich, salty, and marvelous.
A simple, classy Bloody Mary that's tomato-filled enough to restore your body's lost nutrients (this is assuming you are drinking it in brunch form, i.e., recovering from a hangover), but not so spicy as to shock your taste buds.
Frank just does so many things right, it almost isn't fair to other restaurants. There's the killer location (4th and Colorado), their sharp, hip branding, their glorious craft cocktail menu (bacon-infused vodka Bloody Mary's, anyone?), and finally, their food. Oh, their food! Frank has an in-house sausage program, and their specialties include a pleasantly sour pork and beer brat, as well as an antelope, rabbit and pork sausage (that isn't overpoweringly gamey). Frank wasn't the first beloved hot dog institution in Austin, but since opening four years ago, it has upped the game of every self-respecting hot dog purveyor in town.
Deep down in the history vault of east Austin, there lies proof that Hillside Farmacy was, indeed, once a pharmacy (the "ph" kind). Which makes the throwback feel appropriate: The atmosphere is 1920s-feeling restaurant with tiny white tiles all over the walls, and dishes include boutique American/continental fare, like mac n' cheese carbonara (the classic with upscale touches like pancetta and mornay sauce). Order their Wasabi Bloody Mary, which is Asian spicy and yummy.
The Grackle's Bloody Mary's are made with a nod to the Michelada, with a touch of big, bold Guinness (and generous spice) in each glass.
Avert your eyes, Bloody Mary purists: BarChi Sushi makes a Spicy Bloody Mary Sake that is to die for, using their own housemade Mary blend. The result is herbier, less salty than your average Bloody Mary, making it a delightful drink companion to your sushi.
On Sunday, The Park hauls out their "build your own Bloody Mary" bar, which may be stressful for OCD types, but lovely if you like a vegetable-packed beverage. Also don't miss the truly creative mimosas at this (teensy bit fratty) sports bar -- the Lavender-Blackberry Mimosa is juicy and delicious.
