The Sunburnt Cow

Went for a Saturday brunch around 2:30pm.
Pros: No wait. Considering these guys are a notorious bunching spot, I was definitely impressed at the crowd control. They move endless brunch to the bar, which is smart, but gets extremely crowded. Our waiter was quick & attentive. He was there with the (luke warm) mimosa pitcher before we blinked and they were full. The poached eggs were delicious.
Cons: We had to wade deep into the crowd of brunch — goers at the bar before finding a hostess. The atmosphere is pretty oppressive: for a popular brunch spot you’d think they’d invest a little more in the upkeep of the building like maybe some upholstery here or there (I sat on a spring, which I guess was ok after three mimosas, but it was a surprise I didn’t bargain for in any case), and a fresh coat of paint. This place looks like Julia Roberts at the beginning of Pretty Woman, all she really needs is a good bath & a polish. But really. It shows a little lack of love from the ownership. Pawning it off as character only goes so far, especially when you have a place as beautiful as Agave with some top notch (cold) margaritas offering brunch and poached eggs with salmon for literally $ 2.95 more on the West Side.
Probably won’t return for the price point. I think it might be a bit past it’s glurry.

Unilocal pictures of the burger were what got my hungover self out of bed and in a seat at The Sunburnt Cow for a noon brunch. I had to walk all the way there since it’s pretty inconveniently located (no subways nearby and buses wouldn’t be worth the wait).
Like others, I wasn’t sure if I was in the right place. There’s no signage outside, just a porch and a black awning. The inside is essentially a dimly lit long bar with scant seating upfront and a larger outdoor seating area in the back. On a sunny/​warm day, it was perfect to sit outside. We were a large group of 10 and had made a reservation in advance, so no waiting for a table needed. I’d recommend making reservations since there was a huge line by the time we left.
I obviously got the burger ($ 10) which was delicious with the pineapple and bacon pairing. I thought the fluffy and big fries were great too. A few of us ordered the burger and the waiter got all our customizations (i.e. no beets, tomato, bun etc) right! I was impressed with the service and they were very generous with the alcohol. We received free shots too as we neared the end of our 1.5 hours.
All in all, everyone had a good time here with plenty of alcohol and big servings of food!

Came here 2 years ago i know im real late
cool place a little small got boozy with the bottomless drinks received a good headache from the cheap alcohol but im not complaining,
I never had poached eggs until i came here for brunch with my college friends.
From then on i will barely ordered scrambled eggs i needz my eggz poached ya hear me poached!!!
The place was chill and after brunch we played the bar where they transferred our last few drinks because other pple needed the table.
We were already drunk by then and didn’t give a damn we would have drunk the damn mimosas out of faucet if asked.
any who good time, small place decent food make reservations…
woo hoo sunburnt cizow!

Came here for brunch with a few coworkers. It was awesome. My alcohol was never empty and for such a cheap price. The staff was friendly and courteous which was nice. You can tell that everything was a bit rushed though as they’re trying to turn around a large number of people in a short amount of time.
We did get the free shots and they were awesome.
The food was awesome. You really have to try to eat slowly though because once all the food’s gone, time’s up and you have to get a drunk at the bar, which is usually too packed to do anything at.
A greyhound btw is alcohol + grapefruit juice. Think the alochol is vodka, but don’t quote me on that.

I went here with some co-​workers for brunch on a Saturday morning and got the Adelaide: smoked salmon eggs benedict over hard with salad on an egg english muffin and french fries. That little… I MEAN BIG thing was really tasty. The portion was large but I ate every bit.
I am happy we did not sit in the back outdoor area because I saw that people had to keep their jackets on. Our sat right beside the partition and got to see the view first hand.
The place was a little dingy and dark for my taste but the food was solid, so as foodie that is highly ranked in my book. The bar was constantly over run with people and the bartenders were super friendly… Mimosa’s for everyone!
The other pleasant surprise was the sound track they had playing. It is always nice to hear good familiar music. What was kind of annoying was the whole 2 hour limit per table situation, so don’t get me wrong I get the policy and respect it, but this affected their customer service and made us fee like we were being shooed out the whole time. They lost a star because of that, otherwise 4 stars would have been in order.

Keep finding myself in the East Village/​Alphabet city area for some reason, the land that doesn’t believe in subway stations. Maybe my friends are secretly hipsters… or crack den connosiuers, what ever the case may be, I once again found myself there… this time for Sunday Brunch at the Sunburnt Cow.
The Cow is East Village meets Melbourne; grundgy, edgy, and a few health violations here or there. The crowd young, the resto packed with a booming base and a surprisingly friendly staff! An ode to Aussieland, The Cow is more of a bar than a restaurant. Most of the people inside were nursing hangovers or for the true Champs, still drunk.
Our wait was about 2 hours, but was made bearable with a couple of complimentary shots, good music, and plenty of people watching. (Like watching the thirst and unbridled lust of a girl’s friends when she introduced them to her new boyfriend)
I tried the Heart Breaker, grilled hanger steak, 2 poached eggs, potato fritter, sauteed mushrooms, served with bloody mary sauce. Taste wise, it definitely hit the spot. I would’ve changed the potato fritter for some Aussie style potatoes.
With my glass never being empty and the fastest serving of fries I’ve ever had, I’ll be back at the Sunburnt Cow and try their brunch again. Word of warning for those who don’t feel like waiting, make a reservation. And those who know anything about NYC’s brunch scene (I act like I’m all in the know… this was my first bottomless brunch!), the day before is probably too late… call way ahead of time for a table and a shorter wait.

I feel like I really always do enjoy brunch here, but I have that uneasy feeling that the AYCD brunch deal blinds me from the odd, dilapidated décor, and the fact that the drinks are made from some of the cheapest swill you can find in the city. I feel like the food is decent, that’s about it. Also, there’s gotta be some shady stuff going on. I remember this place was shut down due to health code violations, but they were still kind of open, but you had to enter through the side door. YEAH, super shady. Also, a brunch place that’s cash only? So very shady.
I was given a «gift certificate» to the Sunburnt Cow (or the Sunburnt Calf) by a co-​worker, but was not allowed to use it for all-​you-​can-​drink brunch. Um, so when am I going to be able to use it? Waiter was pretty adamant about the subject, which left me annoyed, but it is what it is. Moreover, the waitstaff in general was kind of fake friendly and not actually very helpful or efficient, which is the worst.
Overall, not a bad place to get brunch, but don’t come here expecting amazing décor or high quality ingredients. Primary objective is to consume alcohol early in the day and pad your drinking with some better-​than-​average brunch dishes.

My friend recommended this place last weekend for brunch, and after skimming the reviews on good ol’ Unilocal we decided to make a go of it. When I arrived (after taking 3 trains from the UWS — damn Alphabet city) I seriously thought I was in the wrong place. I’m not usually a brunch snob but I was praying my friends wouldn’t be waiting inside of this place. Covered in chipped black paint and no sign in sight, it screamed, «abandoned,» «dirty,» «no trespassing.» The health inspection grade of B didn’t calm my reluctant feelings either. Despite my silent prayers, one of my friends emerged from the brunch spot from hell with news that we would have to wait until 3:30p for even the possibility of getting a table. It was 2:30. Also, cash only — of course.
I went along with it and went inside to wait. Not to my surprise it was small, dark, loud and cramped as hell. Waitresses were weaving in and out of young 20 somethings, half at the bar, half lining the walls waiting for a table. We were all just hoping to get sat and start ordering up our unlimited drinks with a $ 20 or $ 25 brunch entrée. I would have even sat out in the ironically freezing «Outback» if that meant I could start eating.
At 3:30 we were informed by the adorable waitress in her even more adorable Aussie accent that they were full and wouldn’t be seating again until 4:30. BTW, they seem to seat in shifts because just before this happened they were rushing everyone out of their seats and directing them to the bar. I gotta give it to their staff — they run a tight ship.
My friends were either too set on this place or too lazy to go somewhere else because I was outnumbered again and suckered into the waiting game. We grabbed a drink across the street at a deserted bar and waited. Again.
FINALLY, at 4:30ish we got a table. The place had calmed down quite a bit and we knocked back mimosas while waiting on food. I got a cheeseburger because, let’s face it, at this point it was basically dinner time. It was good — nothing outstanding. The mimosas were fine. The service was pretty good. I was so over it at this point though. The bright side — complimentary mini shots with the check.
To be clear, as irritated as I was it was our fault for not coming earlier. We knew how busy this place got. Also, I was having a good time with my girls. That’s all that matters, right? Right. Nevertheless, I came, I saw, I waited, and I’m not going back.

Awesome staff– so laid back yet efficient and helpful.
The crabcakes were awesome.
They handled our party of 12 so well, everyone had a great time. Will happily return.

CAUTION: CASH ONLY.
A delightful gem hidden in Alphabet City. My friend and I arrived because we heard of their brunch with unlimited drinks. When we arrived, I was shocked by the outside. Mostly because it looked like a crack den. No discernible sign outside or sign of life. The building looked like it could fall in on itself within a matter of seconds. Needless to say, I was a little worried.
When walking in though, I was pleasantly surprised by how homey it was and how much space there was. Because it was Thanksgiving weekend, it was pretty dead so we went and sat down. I got the omelette of the day (spinach, tomato and cheddar) and began my unlimited mimosas.
Five mimosas later and I was really feeling this brunch. People are not kidding when they say they don’t let your glass ever be empty. The only downside to this place is that the brunch itself was a tad skimpy. Don’t get me wrong — the omelette was delicious, but the toast and salad were tiny to say the least.
Overall though, this is perhaps the best drunch I’ve ever had simply because the drinks are truly unlimited. Again please!

Came here to celebrate my friends post triathlon party. Rez for noon, everyone of course was running late. By 12:30, they were lecturing us that we only had the table til 1:30. I told them they better get us seated then… instead of telling us we can’t sit. This concept really makes no sense. A party of 10 with 7 people there can’t be seated yet they are kicking us out soon? sigh.
This place was jam packed. I loved their simple menu-​$ 10 options, $ 15 options, plus $ 5 for all you can drink mimosas, greyhounds, and bloody marys. Most entrees come with «typical sides» meaning French fries and salad. The French fries were a great greasy hangover cure but essentially has no flavor. The salad was in edible and soggy (probably from the grease of the fries?)
The service was overall very stressed and rushed. We were clearly inconveniencing them by ordering food… at a restaurant.
For a place trying to be competitive in NYC, they def have the menu and prices going for them, but service and quality of food going against them.

Getting popped on by birds in the back patio… Not a good look. But they made up for it with good service in the form of extra free shots/​drinks at the bar and lots of napkins.
Also the food was a lot better than you’d expect for an all you can drink brunch place.
The place is very fratty — a lot of bro tanks, a fair amount of neon. Good for big groups.

The food is not so good but the atmosphere and all-​you-​can-​drink brunch is loads of fun. For $ 20 or $ 25 you get an entrée and all you can drink mimosas, screwdrivers, sangria, greyhounds, etc.
Got there around 11:30 AM and there was a short line out the door. When the clock struck 12, the hostess was going around outside asking who had a reservation. I’m so confused! On Unilocal it says they accept reservations. but when I called and asked, they said they don’t take any reservations and to just come in. What?
So the only table they had for the 3 of us was a table of 2. It was really tight and we were willing to take it instead of waiting because we were starved. Our server was really nice and got us our mimosas quickly. She came back and took our order right away even though she had the entire section outside and everyone got seated at the same time. I noticed there were a lot of big parties. I think it’s definitely more fun for the AYCD brunch with a bigger group since the food there is so-​so.
I forget the name of my entrée, maybe the Heart Stopper or something. But it was steak, poached eggs, side salad with a bloody mary sauce. They had me at bloody mary sauce. I ordered it Med Rare and I would say one end was cooked that way and the rest was well done. We all ordered steak and none of us got steak knives. The food wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t good. I would come back for the AYCD though.
Service was good. The staff worked together as a team to run food, keep our drinks refilled and see if everything was ok at the table. Love love how they come around with pitchers and just fill your glass.
And the free shot with your check was delicious.

I recently returned to The Sunburt Cow after a long hiatus (as in pre-​Yelp days!) when I had told my girlfriends that it’s the spot to hear hot Aussies serving you a pint and be given free shots throughout the night because they are such gracious hosts.
This place has not changed. It’s still dark, slightly dingy but has a great outdoor patio. If memory serves me right, the crowd doesn’t arrive into this spot until after midnight so if you want something a little more chill, come earlier to enjoy a bevvie and a shot on the house. The guys behind the bar are always friendly, cheeky and will talk you up because they know their accents will make most American girls swoon a little.
If you want a boozy brunch, this is also a great place to hit up. I forget the price but it does involve unlimited drinks for 2hrs, I believe? You will most likely leave drunk and ready to pass out… by 2pm.
Still worth a pit stop if you’re in the area.

Only come here if you can handle an Aussie accent.
We only popped in here for a quick drink but I’m glad that we did. The bartender did, indeed, come equipped with the Aussie accent and they do, indeed, offer decent beer and cider to sip on. The bar is dimly-​lit (no, really it’s dark) and there is a pretty large space out back if you want to drink under the stars. We chose to sit outside. It’s definitely a novelty to have Aussies, and Aussies only, working there. I won’t complain, though *kicks feet onto table*

My friends and I strolled over to The Sunburnt Cow after church on Sunday. We knew there would be a wait… and it is oh soooo worth it.
We were obviously here for a boozey brunch, Aussi style. Though the semi long wait left us hungry and thirsty for some bottomless mimosas, we were so excited when we were finally seated. There’s a DJ that plays some beats while you eat and drink away. The menu is simple but has a lot of great breakfast choices. There are pancakes, bugers, steak and eggs, various eggs benedicts, omelets, bacon, crabcakes, and everything under the sun. It was so hard to make our choices, but within our group we were able to try a lot of different dishes. Delishhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! and all for under $ 25? It is so worth it! They also steadily keep the drinks coming, so make sure you bring your appetite and drinking cap. I can’t wait to come back again! I’m just gonna make sure I don’t eat for a day or so to make room for all this awesomeness that The Sunburnt Cow has to offer.

Ah, Sunburnt Cow… you’re just like the East Village, a little bit dingy and a whole lot of drunk. I’ve enjoyed coming to this Australian-​themed restaurant/​bar for as long as I’ve lived in the East Village. I usually come for their boozy brunch and I’ve never been disappointed by their Eggs Benedict and their Hamburger (egg optional)!
The staff is usually a lot of fun although occasionally inattentive due to their own hangovers. The bar usually gets pretty packed and can get uncomfortable and hard to order. The back dining room is actually kind of charming in that dingy hobo kind of way, but I like that kind of thing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-​end fun, go elsewhere. If you like it down and drity then the Cow is your spot!

I came here for a friend’s birthday brunch. I think the atmosphere is great for a casual drunk brunch, but there was nothing special that stood out about the food.
The mimosas barely had any alcohol in them and they came pretty infrequently. The burgers that we had were okay, nothing special.

Handsome Australian waiters. Unlimited, strong bloody Mary’s. Yummy omelettes. Live DJ. Round of shots as you pay the check. Yes, these things actually all DO live under one roof.
The Sunburnt Cow’s been on my to-​do list for a while now, and I was glad I finally got to check it out over the weekend. Not the most delicious food in the world but it’s a place you go more for the «boozy brunch» experience. For $ 20 or $ 25 (depending on your entrée), you’ll enjoy unlimited «moo marys» (aka super strong bloodys), mimosas, screwdrivers, or greyhounds. Which is always a plus. The food wasn’t bad. I had the «omelette of the day,» with shrimp, feta cheese, tomato, and avocado (there was bacon on it too but I requested that be left out of mine). My one complaint — there was DEFINITELY no avocado in the omelette, but it was good nonetheless. Plus, when a sexy Australian dude in tight jeans brings it to be smiling while another is refilling my drink… I can deal.
The place is small and fills up quickly so I’d request getting there early. Also keep in mind this place is CASH ONLY which was almost an issue for our group but thankfully we had enough to pay our bill. Which was delivered to our table with a free round of shots. And a note that a second complimentary round of shots was waiting for us at the bar. Were they trying to move us along so they could seat someone else at our table? Probably. But hey, if they’re doing that by giving me free booze, I’ll gladly relocate to the bar.
Alphabet City’s not usually my ‘hood, but next time I’m around during brunchtime I’d gladly drop some cash here again.

CASH ONLY– Boozy Brunch Party! That’s the best way I can describe it. Every time I come here, I know it’s going to be a good time. For around $ 22 you get an entrée and unlimited mimosas, screwdrivers, moo-​marys (hence the name) and a few other less important drinks. I always order the Lot Burger. It’s loaded with everything from a fried egg to pineapples to beets. Don’t worry, it’s delicious.
I have a few small issues with this place. When you walk in there’s no host at the door to greet you, therefore you have to walk your way to the bar and try to get someone’s attention. Also, the music is VERY LOUD. They usually have a DJ which is always good, but good luck trying to hear each other speak. I mean it’s fun if you want a party atmosphere but definitely not a good place to catch up with an old friend. I suggest you request to sit in the patio area if you have a large group. It’s brighter, prettier and less cramped. I give the patio 5 stars :)
After 1.5 hrs, your Aussie waiter will kindly bring you the check but not without a round of complimentary shots for everyone. Never fails. I love this place.