One-Upping Your Brunch

With the fluctuating temperatures that May presented us with, New Yorkers are collectively anticipating the summer sunshine and sweater-less freedom that June brings us. On weekends, higher temperatures bring the masses to the streets, primarily to restaurant patios where brunch becomes the event to plan all else around.

With a plethora of mimosa and bloody mary-infused brunch spots throughout the city, choosing where this weekend's festivities will ensue can be monotonous. Apart from the oh-so-cheap all you can drink brunches, some restaurants have recognized the need for diversity and have introduced unique ways to set their brunchtime spot apart from the rest. From variations on old cocktail classics to surroundings that make it hard to concentrate on the food, here are a couple of New York favorites that may just end up in this weekend's plans:

1. Boozy Bluegrass Brunch: With exceptional comfort food and your trusty bloody mary, this brunch at Nolita House is complete as your meal is accompanied by a four-person bluegrass band nestled in the corner of this small, often-packed spot. It kind of feels like a continuation of the previous night or as if you're in a house party with 50 of your closest friends.

2. Afternoon Tea...For Adults: Tea parties with your grandmother or like you had when you were a kid with your stuff animals don't compare to this...the rules have now changed. Double Crown introduces their Afternoon Tea--a few dozen oysters, finger sandwiches and your tea, over ice with cucumber, mint, and gin. Yes, gin.

3. The Manmosa: If you just so happen to venture outside of Manhattan for brunch (I know, it's a tough sell to leave the island), Gaslight Bar & Restaurant in Hoboken, NJ offers the "macho" version of the mimosa. A pint glass filled mixture of Blue Moon, orange juice and a shot of mandarin vodka. Men, raise your glasses.

4. Brunch...at Church: As long as you don't feel bad about imbibing at church, the Inside Park Terrace at St. Bart's Church is a pleasant escape in the middle of the city. With an outdoor terrace with umbrella-covered seating, this little gem feels like you're on vacation and is only open a few months of the year.

5. Passion Fruit Mimosa: Hell's Kitchen's own South African retreat, Braai lets the orange juice take a break and opts instead for passion fruit, champagne and orange puree. It may be hard to switch back to the standard once you've tried this one.

6. Strawberry Fields Forever: If you don't mind shelling out around forty bucks for a brunch buffet, the Beatles Brunch at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill features Strawberry Fields, a Beatles tribute band that look and sound just like the originals. Every Saturday you can get your fill of not only eggs, bacon and fried chicken, but also all of your favorite Beatles classics.