Where to get almost bottomless mimosas and big Bloody Marys at Metro Detroit brunches

I'm often asked where is the best place to get bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys during brunch.

The problem is that it's technically illegal for Michigan restaurants to serve any kind of bottomless alcohol. The "sale of unlimited quantity of alcoholic liquor at specific price" is not permitted, according to the state's liquor code.

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I do remember the days when this rule was either not in play yet, or not well known, however. I can recall servers at Dino's in Ferndale patrolling the dining room with a pitcher of mimosa for refills, and "bottomless" was also advertised at restaurants of yore like Union Street in Detroit, Mr. B's Gastropub in Royal Oak, Claddagh Irish Pub in Livonia and Quattro Cucina Italiana in Birmingham.

Of course you will find some bars and restaurants that offer bottomless brunch drinks, but I won't out them here. Instead, here are some brunch spots that offer a great bang-for-your-buck on mimosas and more.

Central Kitchen and Bar: A chic and social brunch destination for Saturday and Sunday, this Campus Martius-area restaurant has $14 mimosas made with Spanish sparkling wine which you can upgrade to different flavors for $1. Get a refill for 50 cents; limit four. 660 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 963-9000. centraldetroit.com.

McShane's Irish Pub: Spacious and casual McShane's is great for groups and seems to offer something for everyone. During brunch, get mimosas for $5 with refills for 75 cents. They also have a cocktail, coffee and Bloody Mary bar for you to spruce up your drink with olives, meat, cheese, hot sauce and more. 1460 Michigan, Detroit. (313) 961-1960. mcshanespub.com.

Bobcat Bonnie's: This locally based restaurant collective has build-your-own Bloody Marys and mimosas during brunch service for $5, plus a bunch of other fun drinks like cereal shooters and “IV bags” that are kind of like adult version of Capri Sun pouches. Locations in Corktown, Ferndale, Wyandotte, Partridge Creek, Ypsilanti, Kalamazoo, and coming soon to Toledo and Lansing, too. Bobcatbonnies.com.

The Block: Along with shrimp and grits, short rib skillet and a salmon burger, the Block’s Saturday and Sunday brunch menu also has flavored mimosas by the carafe ($24) and a “bubble bar” where you can dress up your champagne with liqueur, juice, candied nuts and seasonal fruit ($44). They also have boozy slushies. 3919 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 832-0892. theblockdet.com.

Vivio’s: Not cheap, but you can’t write an article about Bloody Marys and not mention the hometown favorite, Vivio’s. This Eastern Market hot spot uses their award-winning mix and decks out their Bloodys with all sorts of booze, toppings and spiced rims, including pickled Brussels sprouts, pierogi, crab cakes and shrimp skewers. 2460 Market, Detroit. (313) 393-1711. viviosdetroit.net. There's also a Vivio's restaurant in Warren.

Public House and Pop’s for Italian: During weekend brunch service, these sister restaurants located across the street from each other serve 100-ounce mimosa towers to let guests pour at their own pace. The giant vessels with a spout and a cooling core are available so long as you have three or more guests at the table — it's made with three bottles of champagne! — and they cost $49 at Public House and $59 at Pop’s. They tell me these sell themselves. When one mimosa tower goes to a table, it’s very likely the spectacle will trigger another table to see it and order one for themselves. Brunch is served 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. at both restaurants. Pop’s for Italian, 280 W. Nine Mile in Ferndale. Public House, 241 W. Nine Mile in Ferndale. dinehometown.com.

Bierhaven: The standard mimosa here is $7, but you can also order a 34-ounce “manmosa” for $10. It’s somewhere between a screwdriver and a shandy with orange vodka, orange juice, wheat beer and an orange wheel. You can also get bottle service with your choice of champagne and juice for $25. 20030 Vreeland, Woodhaven. (734) 561-3175. bierhavenbar.com.

Terry's Terrace: Home to a lot of seafood, a whole vegan menu and a ton of fun cocktails, this 85-year-old restaurant also has a 100-ounce mimosa tower during brunch on Saturday and Sunday. You have to share it with at least three people and it costs $55. 36470 Jefferson, Harrison Township. (586) 463-2671. terrystime.com.

Melody Baetens is The Detroit News restaurant critic

mbaetens@detroitnews.com