We're aware we complain about this a lot, but this time it really did feel like the mimosas were straight orange juice. The bottomless package including rail drinks is a saving grace, but even we'd rather not slam gin-and-tonics at one in the afternoon.

You're better off avoiding the reasonable temptation to order brunch food at brunch -- the "famous" steak and cheese is indeed very good -- lest you end up with a tiny portion of French toast you'll devour in two minutes.

We closed things out with a hug, so all's well that ends well, but in the most complimentary way possible (truly, we deserve it), we've never had a sassier waiter.

The heated patio provides a nice view of 17th Street (and a large Christmas tree with Jill Biden's face atop it), but the straw chairs feel like toilet seats and there's really no getting around that.