By Steve Crenshaw '11
Reviewer

Take a stroll down the Corner on any given Sunday and you’ll find a plethora of sundress-clad undergrads enjoying a mimosa, some fruit salad, and a waffle or two. Finding a spot to grab brunch on the weekend is easy. As Lionel Richie once put it, it’s easy like Sunday morning. Unfortunately, those of us who crave Bloody Marys, hash browns, and the occasional pig-in-a-blanket during the workweek are not as fortunate. For whatever reason, the majority of restaurateurs do not recognize the utter necessity of two eggs over medium with a side of bacon to the post-Bar Review recovery process. Luckily, a few establishments have seen the light. I give you the Fabulous Four Friday Brunch Spots:

4. The Tavern, 1140 Emmet St. N

A classic down-home breakfast joint, The Tavern boasts the slogan “Where students, tourists and townspeople meet.” Just a stone’s throw from North Grounds, The Tavern is the perfect place for 1Ls to grab a quick bite before or after Contracts, or for upperclassmen to get some greasy-man food to fuel their softball-filled Friday.

Recommended Dish: Sausage Gravy. Will it clog your arteries? Yes. Will it congeal if you leave it setting for too long? Absolutely. Is it delicious? Undoubtedly. Do you get seconds? Hell. Yeah. This is not for the faint of heart, but, for the heartiest of the hearty, a second helping of Sausage Gravy is on the house.

Bonus: Given its proximity to the Law School, it’s very likely that you and your fellow Bar Reviewer will run into one, two, maybe 15 people you know. Extra bonus points if everyone is still in the previous night’s attire.

3. Café Cubano, 112 W. Main St. # 1

Don’t be fooled by the coffeehouse feel of Café Cubano, as they offer some of the best Latin-style breakfast dishes this side of the Appalachians. Located next to Marco and Luca’s on the Downtown Mall, Café Cubano serves robust espresso drinks to complement their full breakfast menu.

Recommended Dish: Huevos Buenos. Believe the name; these babies are good. Scrambled eggs with ham, fresh-made salsa and potatoes accompanied by a flour tortilla for do-it-yourself breakfast-burrito goodness? Why, yes I’ll have some of that.

Bonus: Outdoor seating lends itself perfectly to people-watching on the Downtown Mall. Don’t pretend you’re above it.

2. Bluegrass Grill & Bakery, 313 2nd St. SE

This small bakery next to X Lounge serves up some of the finest breakfast food and freshest baked goods in Charlottesville. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself faced with a 20 minute wait on any given Friday. Wait it out; I promise it’ll be worth your while.

Recommended Dish: Tofu Hash. Honestly, everything on the menu is great, but, for you veggies out there, you simply can’t beat this deliciously seasoned tofu dish. Add a biscuit with honey and butter and you’ve got yourself a little slice of no-meat heaven.

Bonus: That hipster chick you picked up at The Decemberists concert will really appreciate the décor and the proprietor’s taste in attire, ear ornamentation, and hairstyle.

1. Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House, 1626 Richmond Rd.

Normally chain restaurants do not top “Best Of” lists, but Aunt Sarah’s is the exception. Aunt Sarah’s has every conceivable breakfast option your heart could desire. Add on daily specials for the early birds (11 a.m.) and that is one full menu, my friends. Don’t mind that Aunt Sarah’s is a little off the beaten path; Maria and the rest of the exceedingly nice, caring waitstaff will more than make up for it.

Recommended Dish: The Big Farmer. Proclaimed to be a “heart attack on a plate,” the Big Farmer is as manly and meaty as the dreamy 3L for which it is named. A giant buttermilk pancake stuffed with sausage, ham, Canadian bacon and real bacon plus your choice of delicious home fries, spot-on grits, or a succulent hash-brown casserole equals one perfect Friday morning meal.

Bonus: Every table has the peg-jumping intelligence test. You know, the one that drives you mad, because you swear you can do better than leaving two of those stupid pegs on opposite sides of the stupid triangle. Not that I would know anything about that though. Sixty percent of the time, I get it every time.

And there you have it: everything you need to know to power through the Friday hangover. See you out there after Boylan.