If there's one thing that New Year's Eve will almost always guarantee, it's a room-spinning-head-banging hangover the next morning- err... afternoon. We've compiled a list of the top five places to nip that hangover in the bud before it even happens (and if you hit up one of our super late-night options, you'll still have a fighting chance against it).
5. Hiro's Yakko San
A rare gem any other night of the year... but for December 31, it could be what saves your insides from scurrying out in either direction. Leave the sushi and sashimi for another time... NYE calls for business. A good before or after hangover soaking can happen if you order the right things like: katsu curry (with deep-fried pork cutlet and rice $13), crispy pork & onion salad ($7.50), vegetable tempura ($5.50), and gyoza (pork dumplings, we recommend fried $4.40).
4. Joey's
Head over to the Wynwood eatery for pizza. But not just any pizza - a pizza all to your self. If you bring friends, note beforehand that you are on a mission to own that inevitable hangover and you will victor despite their skepticism (you'll likely say all of this in a slur but, anyway...). The Diavola with tomato sauce, mozzarella and spicy salami ($11) will act like a wall of soldiers against all the alcohol. Protein and carbs -- sorry -- eight slices of protein and carbs will prove you to be a champ in this fight. Go get 'em, tiger.
3. Sakaya Kitchen Downtown
For a pre-gamer, try Richard Hale's Bulgogi Burger ($6.99). An Asian take on the classic bacon cheeseburger - charred Angus beef, tater tots, spicy cheese sauce, pork and spicy mayo. One bite of this Bulgogi monster and you'll be sure to have the perfect foundation to hold the evening's liquor at bay. Eat the whole thing, though, and you'll laugh in the face of that ugly hangover before it even starts. HA-HA-HA, hangover!
2. 100 Montaditos
You really can't go wrong with two buck sandwiches -- especially when you're looking for a quick bite before you doll up and engage in NYE tomfooleries. We recommend the #26 for this weekend's occasion -- pulled barbecue pork with alioli and crispy onion ($1.50). If you feel like you can pack in more, go for the $4 Sevilla Sampler (montaditos #1,7 and 37). The Spanish sammies are sure to pack a punch towards your would-be hangover. [Queue dramatic guitar strum] Olé!
1. LoKal
For the inner local in all of us: Owner Kuscher's favorite, Frita burger (Florida ground beef topped with guava jelly, melted Gruyere, stuffed with potato sticks, crispy bacon and LoKal sauce $11). While it's an undoubtable collision of flavors (hey, do you hear us complaining?) the frita will act like a warrior against every popped bottle to come. Looking for something more dangerous? A samurai of its kind: "My Childhood Dream" (halved seared donut, seven ounces of ground beef, American cheese and crispy bacon, $11). Wait, did they just put meat in between a donut? Oh yes they did, hangover grasshopper, oh yes they did.
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