This Friday, in conjunction with Valentine's Day, folks around town will be doing one of two things. Those with the pleasure of having a significant other will likely spend the night in the close company of their special friend. Fancy restaurants will fill up and hotel room walls will shake.
The love-deprived residents of the Capital City are probably going to do all they can to forget the sorry fact that they are so lonesome. I'm guessing they'll drink a lot.
It doesn't matter if your Valentine's Day leaves you with a sore pelvis or a spinning head. Come Saturday morning (or Saturday afternoon or even Saturday evening) you're going to be hungry.
My Valentine's Day present to you, my loyal readers (all six of you) will, I hope, assist your post-Valentine's recovery. I give to you the best places in town to nurse a hangover (whether it be alcohol-induced, loving-induced, or some combination thereof).
If you've ever been on the Beltline, chances are you've driven past the Copper Top Restaurant, 5401 W. Beltline Hwy. That's too bad, because the place has more than a few good qualities.
The closed-down, frost covered mini-golf course located next door makes for a surreal backdrop and the sight of cars speeding by on the Beltline is pleasantly hypnotic, something like a post-modern fish tank.
Ambience aside, the food is decent too. Breakfast is served all day long and there are always a variety of daily specials for us poor college students. Everything comes in big, predictable-tasting portions, which is great if you're feeling a little under the weather.
Next time you're in the vicinity of Whitney Way and the Beltline, stop at the Copper Top for some comfortable food and a nice view. Make sure to try the Greek Omelet.
Anyone who's cool knows the place to go for breakfast is Willalby's Cafe, 1351 Williamson St. Most of the grungy-hip customers look like they just got back from a White Stripes concert.
Despite its inherent coolness, Willalby's is still a friendly, laid-back place to cure a cloudy mind and an empty stomach. The atmosphere is definitely dressed-down casual, with fake wood on the walls and mismatched coffee cups on the tables.
The help is quirky, but the food is just plain great. The pancakes are huge--it's a task just to finish one. Omelets are cooked to perfection, fluffy and not too dry. Best of all, everything is really cheap. Eight bucks will get your tummy full and leave enough for a good tip--which might even put your waitress in a good mood.
Those seeking anonymity while eating breakfast the morning after should look no further than the American Table Family Restaurant, 1201 N. Sherman Ave. With a clientele of mostly 80-somethings from the adult living community across the street, it's easy to eat your meal of shame totally incognito at the Table.
But the American Table isn't my favorite place for a sobering breakfast just because it's easy to blend in with the surroundings. Quite simply, the restaurant has a lot going for it.
As the rotating pie display and teal-colored vinyl booths suggest, the Table is a quintessential diner. It has all the traits that make a diner great: a large and varied menu, big and tasty portions, friendly service and modest prices.
What truly sets the American Table apart from its hangover-helping competition are the subtle nuances that other places just can't offer. Tobaccophiles will be pleased to know that smoking is permitted here. Those who like booze with their pancakes are also in luck, as the hostess stand at the American Table doubles as a bar. Whatever your choice of food or poison, you can get it here.
Regardless of where you end up for your breakfast the morning after, whether your date is a foxy babe or just the morning paper, any one of these places is a sure bet to get you feeling right. And ready for another night of hard drinking and/ or sweet lovin'.
