The Dudes Are Alright

Sunday Bloody Mary Sunday #1: De Santos

The little stretch of West 10th Street that De Santos sits on is maybe my favorite block in Manhattan to consume food and drink on.  There’s Jack’s Coffee, Lowcountry, and Highlands (which I haven’t had yet, but hear is wonderful).  On the other side of the street sits De Santos, which happens to be the same building where Janis Joplin once lived.

It’s a nice little joint that boasts a $35 dollar all you can drink Bloody Mary (or mimosa, if you’re into that sort of thing…) brunch special.  It’s decorated well in the whole old wood and leather sort of way, and the service is friendly enough to make me want to return. 

So we’ve got a cute place with what you’d have to say is a pretty sweet deal.  But in the world of Bloody Mary obsession, unless you are going to get the steak & eggs, it isn’t totally worth it.

A good Bloody Mary costs 8-12 bucks — this is usually a good rule of thumb I tend to go by, and when I’m given the option of drinking an unlimited number, that is usually the first tip-off that they aren’t going to be anything to write home about.  While it is generous, there is nothing special about the somewhat watery, pretty weak (I drank 4 and didn’t feel a thing — I know, I’m a lush), and overall bland cocktail that you’re allowed to consume without anybody cutting you off for two hours (that’s the limit you’re given).  I had to ask the waitress to bring me the components that my drinks seemed to be lacking so I could add them myself: Tabasco, horseradish, and Worcestershire.  She was gracious enough to do so, and frankly, after four glasses of iced tomato juice and other savory ingredients, you get to the point of asking, “what’s the difference?” So to get your money’s worth you need to get the most expensive thing possible.  Otherwise, you should spend your Bloody money elsewhere.

With the first Sunday Bloody Mary Sunday, let this be the first lesson: unlimited Bloody Marys are not necessarily a good thing.  If you really think you need more than two, you’re a brave soul, and I respect that you have no fear of acid reflux haunting you.