Sunburnt Cow

One of the worst places I'd ever been to in New York, hands down, but not because of the restaurant itself. For some reason this cute little place in Alphabet City (right across the street from a hipster wine shop and next to a little hippie garden called La Plaza Cultural) attracts Jersey Shore types. My friend and I were the only non-orange-skinned people in there. An otherwise lovely brunch with unlimited mimosas and bloody mary's ruined by the worst kind of conversations, which we heard loud and clear due to the proximity of the tables to each other. I give three stars, though, for the excellent service, the decor, and the food. My friend and I showed up around noon on a Sunday, and there were crowds of people outside on the sidewalk and inside at the bar area. We thought the wait would be incredibly long, but we were seated within ten minutes. We asked for a table out in sun in the enclosed outdoor back area and was told that they were all full, but the host came back to get us after we were seated when a table outside opened up. I really appreciated the gesture because one, there were other people waiting for tables, and, two, it was hard for anyone to maneuver around anywhere and the host didn't have to go to the trouble of moving us. Throughout our entire stay all the waiters were available to refill our drinks, and all of them were helpful and courteous despite the number of orders and customers and demands. I was very impressed. The decor is hip and cute - we were drawn to it in the first place because of the name itself (""sunburnt cow"" = adorable). There was a live DJ spinning 80s hits, creating a nice, intimate atmosphere. Too bad the intimacy was rather overwhelming...The back area is made to look like a cave; I loved the fact that there was a tiny lamp nestled into a crevice in the ""cave wall"" right behind my seat. The food was pretty good - my friend and I both got eggs benedict with salmon and avocado. There are limited choices for brunch, but they all looked great. No vegan or strictly vegetarian options, though. The check comes with lemon drops! I do have to say that our bloody mary's had very little alcohol. Then again...being unlimited... Great restaurant in and of itself, but factor in the clientele...I will not be going back there. more

This is the best brunch experience I've had in NYC to date. I had a burger with a slice of beet and pinapple and it was out of this world. I was with 5 people and everyone agreed that the brunch was out of this world. Now I have to try their other restaurants. more

Totally over-hyped. It leaves you confused and wondering if you are experiencing a wild party from the prior night, or if you just have a really bad hangover. It's a great place to go if you want to drink during the day, in the pitch darkness. Or if your solution for a hangover is to... just drink some more. They do have an all you can drink special, but I found that the drinks aren't fresh and have obviously cheap quality. There's something about this place that didn't really settle well with me. I can appreciate the fact that it is a total hipster spot, so I suppose they are going for the ""what you see is what you get"" look. They have a limited menu, so I ordered the egg white veggie omelette. Kind of greasy. I really don't have anything good to say about it. Meh. I've literally had better. If I were you, I'd find a different place for a weekend brunch. Unless you're looking for a fratty booze-fest. Then, go for it! After all, your weekend is usually well deserved if you live in Manhattan. more

Went here with a large group recently for brunch, and was unimpressed. The unlimited drinks brunch seemed to be a big draw for the other customers, but since I couldn't drink for health reasons, I wasn't able to take advantage. They don't have much of a selection in non-alcholic drinks - actually, all they have is cocktails and mixers like juice and soda. They don't have coffee either. Pros: brunch with unlimited drinks. Friendly accommadating service Cons: loud, dingy atmospher, no coffee, below average food. more

I am sort of in love with this place. Hands down my favorite place to go for a fun brunch! The food is pretty good, but you can not beat the unlimited mimosa brunch. I have also been for dinner and they have a $16 3 course deal. I was not a fan of the shrimp appetizer, but my barramundi entree was great and the burgers here are really tasty. The atmosphere of this restaurant is super fun and is a great choice for a group dinner or just a good deal! Pros: Value, outside area, fun atmosphere Cons: shrimp appetizer more

Granted, my boyfriend and I were only one of 3 tables seated that quiet dinner night, but the food was absolutely delicious....we did the fixed priced 3-course dinner, and by god...our burger was REALLY something special!! If you're really seeking a truly different flavor between your buns, the one they serve here is absolute HEAVEN! Granted, I felt like I'd just consumed enough greasy calories for the rest of the week when I was done, but considering the fact that I was looking for exactly that --a deliciously unique and totally gratifying meal-- well, i wouldn't go back and change a thing. more

The fellow/gal who wrote ""No fun allowed at Sunburnt Cow 03/17/2008 Posted by mcgintax"" just doesn't get it. One of the reasons that this place is so great is that they don't allow drunken people having what they may term ""fun"" into the place in order not to spoil the dining experiences of others. Maybe it's just me, as an Australian living in NYC for many years, but we Aussies generally don't stand for loud, obnoxious, intoxicated people. I have been to the Cow numerous times, and it's always been fantastic. The biggest complaint I could make is that my side salad one night was a bit limp. Big deal. The service is always wonderful and everyone who I have taken there has adored it. Pros: Food, service, atmosphere are great Cons: Can get crowded more

I go to The Cow at least once a month and there's nothing more relaxing and enjoyable on a Sunday afternoon. The food is great and everything is really cheap. The drinks are non-stop and not watered down as you would expect from an ""all you can drink"" brunch. Kimiko, the DJ, tops the experience off playing everything you could want to hear, even if you didn't know you wanted to hear it. more

I had two friends visiting from Spain this weekend, and we started off our Sunday with a wonderful brunch at Esperanto (Sunday jazz brunch at Esperanto is HIGHLY recommended!) After our brunch (which included a few mimosas, because what NYC brunch doesn't) we walked over to Sunburnt Cow. We were admittedly being a little silly and having a LOT of fun with our visiting friends, while waiting for a bartender to take a drink order. After waiting some time without any service, the bartender approached me and told me his manager said we were too drunk, and ""would we like some water?"" Seriously???! Not once in my life have I not been served for being too drunk, that is so not my style, so its quite insulting when someone calls you drunk at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, after brunch! I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. Apparently no fun is allowed at Sunburnt Cow, who wants to hang out there?! more

My friends and I love exploring new brunch places throughout the city, and our latest stop along the tour was the Sunburnt Cow, and we were not disappointed at all! For just $15 we got a decent and satisfying brunch and all we could drink. They make a great Bloody Marry! The menu is limited but the wait staff w/ their cute accents def make up for it (i.e. Nathan)! You will definitely have to wait on a Sunday, but I assure you it's well worth it. They also have a great DJ who plays everything you want to hear but nothing you would put on your i-pod (trust me it makes sense when you go). I can't wait to go to this spot up on a week night and check out the scene! If you looking for a hip, fun, and cheap brunch definitely check out the SB COW...I mean it's the cheaper than going down under! Pros: Scene, wait-staff, drinks, music Cons: Limited Menu Selection more

The venue is sm all and limited, yet the dive-y atmostphere is comfortable. Good, funky music. I would've really liked this place, except for the bouncer who was horribly rude and spoke very disrespectfully to women in the bar once he was drunk. As a woman, I would not go back there again. more

I love this place. I came with my best friend and had so much fun... Its only $15 for a meal and unlimited mimosas, and they are by far the most generous with the ""unlimited"" than any other place I've been to. The waitress makes sure your glass is always full and does not rush you at all. The food was very good too. Wait can be very long but it is soooo worth it! Pros: Great value, unlimited mimosas Cons: Long wait more

About a year and a half ago is when my boyfriend and I heard about this place- and we went all the time because the food was amazing (shrimp on the barbie was FANTASTIC!) We even go to Bondi Road-- we are huge fans of the owner's places-- it has been a few months since my last time at the cow (and that time was mediocre with friends when drinks were spilled all over us - but the owner Heath is a great guy and went out of his way to make it up to us. ) Pros: Great drinks, great ambiance Cons: new menu is bland more

My friends took me out to Bondi Road and Sunburnt Cow this past wknd. The food at both locations were great!!!! A great place to eat out with a small group of friends. The owner recognized us from the previous evening and welcomed us with open arms when we went to Cunburnt Cow for brunch. I would definitely go back to both places again when I visit NYC. Pros: Great food, service, and unlimited drinks Cons: small area more

I had only gone to Sunburnt Cow once and I'm planning to return again! The wait was kinda long (we got there around 2 pm and didn't get seated until 3) but it was worth the wait! The brunch menu was excellent (I got Queen Adelaide- poached eggs with salmon and served with fries and salad.. yumm!) and the best part is for $15 you also get unlimited drinks! (bloody marys or mimosas). The place was nice and airy and the staff were excellent! Pros: Excellent food, freeflow drinks, outdoor Cons: Wait time, cash only (I think) more

Had a birthday dinner at Sunburnt Cow and it was fantastic. The staff was very accomodating, great drinks, great atmosphere. All the food from the apitizers to the desserts was delicious! Pros: good for groups, food, staff Cons: no airconditioning more

The brunch is definitely a great deal. I ate there for the first time this week and sat out back. The tables are very close together, but such is life in the East Village. The food was good, and they were great about refilling the drinks. We got there a little before 1:00 and didn't have to wait for a table but by the time we were leaving there was a line out the door, so it seems like the earlier the better if you don't want to wait. I'll definitely be going back. Pros: unlimited cocktails with brunch Cons: weird house music more

Just wanted to say that I love the sunburnt cow and I think the owner, Heathe, is a really great guy. I wish you the best. Pros: Love all the great drinks more

An Australian restaurant in America that is not called the Outback is a rare thing to find. So, the best quality about this place is that it is different simply because of the lack of similar restaurants. The staff is friendly and attentive and you can get real Australian beers there (Coopers, etc.). The food isn't bad but it is a bit weird - you can order things like kangaroo sausages and buffalo ribs. The hamburger has beets on it - which supposedly is how people in Australia eat their hamburgers. The biggest drawback to this place is that it is in Alphabet City, which can be a pain to get to. But if you are in the mood for a dining adventure, and you have some attachment to Australia - then get in a cab and give this place a try. Pros: Price, Service, Ambiance Cons: Location more

The Sunburnt Cow has become a steady favorite for my friends and I (Been going consistently for about 3 years so I write this with extensive research). Heathe and the whole staff present a warm welcoming environment and the food is in a word - SENSATIONAL. I have been to the Cow for brunch, dinner and saturday nights for drinks. You never know what to expect as far as vibe, but you can always expect a great time, fabulous cocktails and cheap and delcious food. I am shocked that this place has received any negative ads - but whatever, I guess you can't please everyone. Keep doing what you're doing - love the saturday night party - Awesome music with live bongos?!?! The brunch? Bring an empty stomach and a good attitude, might have to wait a bit but your glass is always filled with your faves (mimosas, bloody marys, fosters) Well worth any wait! Pros: Ambience, Staff Friendliness, Menu selection, Cocktail List, Brunch Deal, Theme Nights, BURGERS! Cons: A bit dark but then again that can be a good thing on certain days. ha! more