Brunch. It’s arguably the most important meal of the gay week. So we’re launching a new series exploring some of the best spots to enjoy the perfect weekend spread. From killer cocktails to the tastiest of tacos, we’ll break down where you should be brunching right now!
When it first opened in Midtown in five years ago, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine was far from an immediate brunch hit. In fact, the first local outpost of the Mexican-meets Salvordorian concept opened rather quietly and took a while to catch on, particularly with the gay crowd. These days though, Gloria’s is one of the busiest restaurants in the Midtown neighborhood, offering salsa lessons on Friday and Saturday nights and serving as a popular weekday happy hour spot. But brunch is where this restaurant truly shines.
Inside the expansive, modern space you’ll discover an elegant bar bathed in light and a main dining room dominated by rich textiles and large chandeliers. But the best spot for brunch—particularly when the weather is mild—is the L-shaped room to the rear of the restaurant where sliding glass doors transform the space into an open-air patio.
Any good brunch starts with drinks and Gloria’s has mimosas down to an inexpensive science. Enjoy traditional mimosas for just $1 or versions using pomegranate and mango extract for $2. The pours are generous and at that price you may want to make sure you’re taking Uber to the next stop. Micheladas and margaritas are other specialties here and make the perfect pairings with much of the Latin-influenced menu.
Huevos a Caballo at Gloria's
On the food front, each table is served Gloria’s award-winning black bean dip and traditional red salsa with tortilla chips. Be warned: the black bean dip is addictive and keeps getting refilled along with that basket of chips. I’ve personally filled up on the dip alone, nearly forgetting about the main meal. An easy mistake you will not want to make.
The menu features a wide assortment of options, from overstuffed breakfast tacos filled with eggs, chorizo, onions and jalapenos to specialty omelets like the Campesino with black beans, cheddar and jack cheeses, sour cream and queso fresco. My favorite is the simple Huevos a Caballo—two eggs over-easy topping a perfectly-prepared skirt steak and served with black beans and guacamole. The portions are satisfying but not overwhelming, allowing you to continue on with Sunday Funday without the need for intermediary couch time.
Check out the full menu and visit Gloria’s with your brunch group soon.