Certainly there are many times throughout the year where we find ourselves incredibly busy, wrapped up in specific seasons or events. Yet nothing feels quite like the hustle and bustle of December. Between the seasonal traditions of decorating our homes, planning – and cooking – the perfect feasts, and shopping for every ingredient or the perfect present, this month can often pass by in a blur, and we might not even realize it until we hear the countdown welcoming in the new year. Truly, this time of year is one many of us wish to savor, and what better way than to slow down and treat yourself to a delicious brunch? Forget about your busy schedules and plans for a little while as you treat your senses to some of the best brunch spots the Mohawk Valley has to offer. Whether you are looking for a healthy side of mimosas, a reason to dress a bit fancy, or a quick bite – that still wows your taste buds and reminds you to savor the moment – these ten brunch destinations are not to be missed!
Tailor and the Cook
311 Main Street, Utica
(315) 624-FOOD
tailorandthecook.com
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tailor and the Cook delivers a farm-to-table brunch experience with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Their seasonal menu ensures guests will enjoy new and exciting takes on classic brunch favorites while feeling comfy and cozy in a warm, inviting atmosphere. If you’re craving breakfast smash burgers, omelets, and chocolate chip bread pudding, and want to try some handcrafted brunch cocktails to go with them (two-hour bottomless mimosas, anyone?), then make sure you give this downtown Utica staple a try!
Knead to Eat Bakery and Café
53 Franklin Square, Utica
(315) 864-8742
facebook.com/Kneadbakeryandcafe/
Knead to Eat is defined by the warmth of fresh-baked food and the inviting energy of a neighborhood café. It’s a place where espresso, pastries, and from-scratch breakfasts set the tone for a relaxed, flavorful start to the day. Their weekend brunch menu features house-made burritos, loaded omelets, and signature pancakes, including a pancake board with 14 mini pancakes and all the fixings – all crafted with care and served in a bright, cozy space in downtown Utica. Arrive early, especially during the busy holiday season, to secure your spot at this local favorite.
Wildflowers
5218 Patrick Road, Verona
(800) 771-7711
turningstone.com/dining/wildflowers
Located within The Lodge at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Wildflowers is an award-winning fine dining experience. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients crafted into dishes that celebrate flavor and innovation, all within an upscale atmosphere. Brunch is served from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and offers dishes such as steak and eggs, bananas foster stuffed french toast, and croque madame. Cocktails include mimosa flights, bellinis, and a morning bloom – a combination of champagne, pear nectar, and pomegranate juice. Be sure to dress in your best business casual or cocktail attire for this dining experience, and let the chefs at Wildflowers remind you to savor every bite.
Aqua Vino Restaurant and Bar
8655 Clinton Street, New Hartford
(315) 732-0116
aquavinorestaurant.com
This Italian restaurant has been satisfying customers since 2007, and their weekly brunch will not disappoint. Offered every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., their brunch menu is split into sweet, savory, and Aqua Vino classics, thus offering something for every brunch-goer, no matter their preferred flavor profile. Indulge in a brunch punch, bottomless aperol spritz, or pint-size bloody mary to go with your cannoli pancakes, smoke salmon hash, or turkey cranberry melt, and be sure to savor the season through these delicious flavors.
Villa Verona Vineyard and Bistro
4914 State Route 365, Oneida
(315) 363-3305
villaveronavineyard.com
Villa Verona Vineyard and Bistro is perfectly situated halfway between Utica and Syracuse, making this brunch spot a great destination on your way to all of the December happenings. Their bistro offers a beautiful atmosphere where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy their house-made dishes, which are crafted with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their Sunday brunch is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features delicacies such as breakfast poutine, brunch burgers, and egg frittata or belgium waffle breakfast sandwiches. They also offer mimosa and wine flights to complete your vineyard experience!
Babe’s at Harbor Point
80 North Genesee Street, Utica
(315) 735-0777
babesutica.com
A Utica tradition for over 30 years, Babe’s at Harbor Point not only serves delicious burgers, sandwiches, and brick oven pizzas, but they also offer Babe’s Boozy Brunch. Available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this brunch experience offers a mix of American comfort food with a twist. With a menu of unique items such as Fruity Pebbles™ french toast, sticky bun pancakes, or bangin’ shrimp benedict, there is certainly something for everyone. Plus, their brunch cocktail menu puts the “booze” in Boozy Brunch, with options such as endless mimosas and peach bellinis, bloody mary and mimosa flights, and house wines.
Beeches Manor
7900 Turin Road, Rome
(315) 356-2600
beechesmanor.com
This beautiful historic property in the heart of Rome offers a full-service restaurant and pub, complete with weekly live music and monthly Sunday brunches. Reserve your table for the December 28th brunch, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and treat yourself to the seasonal brunch menu at Beeches Manor. Past brunches included delectable offerings ranging from champagne chicken and shepherd’s pie to pumpkin pancakes and western omelets. Be sure to check out the dessert table and cocktail menu for even more festive flavors!
Saturday Spreads
264 East Main Street, Frankfort
(315) 444-8151
saturdayspreads.com
The tasty drinks and quick bites at this coffee shop and café will surely remind you to treasure the little moments this December. Family-owned and operated by a mother and daughter, Saturday Spreads is serving up delicious flavors with their seasonal drink menu, grab-and-go sandwich and salad options, and selection of open-faced bagels. Looking for something to enjoy brunch at home? Consider ordering their brunch boards, which not only look incredible but taste amazing, too!
1909
60 Lake Street, Cooperstown
(607) 547-9931
otesaga.com/dine/1909
Located at the Otesaga Hotel, 1909 promises to delight guests with both fantastic flavors and historical ambiance. Enjoy lakeside views when you dine at their A La Carte Brunch, which is offered every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The menu ranges from lighter plates such as avocado toast and overnight oats to sharable options such as seafood on ice, cinnamon monkey bread, or khachapuri. Wash down these delicious dishes with your choice of brunch beverages, signature mocktails, or an assortment of seasonal cocktails, a variety of wines, and local craft beers.
Sheri’s Eastside Diner
2199 Bleecker Street, Utica
(315) 790-5250
sheriseastsidediner.net
If you’re looking for the comfort of a classic diner this December, then this place is for you. The delicious home-cooked meals at Sheri’s Eastside Diner will satisfy both your taste buds and your holiday spirit. Their all-day breakfast includes the classics of omelets, pancakes and waffles, french toast, and breakfast sandwiches, but with some unique flavor options. Try ordering the cheeseburger or reuben omelets, some banana bread french toast, or The Davenport breakfast sandwich, which is a breaded chicken breast, eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapenos and sausage gravy all piled onto a hard roll.
Other Place To Get Your Brunch On
If you’re looking for even more places to grab brunch in the Mohawk Valley this December, we suggest checking out the following locations:
- Canal Side Inn: 395 Canal Place, Little Falls
- Castlewood Cafe: 1307 Champlin Avenue, Utica
- Delta Lake Inn: 8524 Fish Hatchery Road, Rome
- The Java Shop by Cucina Berto: 402 Mohawk Street, Herkimer
- Charlie’s Place: 8170 Seneca Turnpike, Clinton
- Craylee’s Diner: 237 Bleecker Street, Utica
- Top of the Morning Café: 414 Trenton Road, Utica
- Doubleday Café: 93 Main Street, Cooperstown
