Sunburnt Cow

The long brick-walled space resembles many Alphabet City bars, but walk past the bathrooms papered in Aussie tabloids and the open galley kitchen, and you'll find one of the city's most unusual backyards: Candles flicker off sand-colored, cave-like walls under a retractable canvas ceiling. The laid-back Oz-accented staff answer "no problem" to just about everything. The menu is more bistro than barbecue, but plenty of meat does get thrown on the barbie. A skewer of plump, nicely charred lamb cubes with polenta and green beans under a frizzle of fried onion stands up to the grill excellently,…

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Editor's Tips

The Extras:: Wake up early and head over for Vegemite on toast (and coffee, boiled eggs and juice) in the morning.
Save Money:: Fifteen bucks scores you an Australian brunch with endless beer, mimosas or bloody marys on weekends. Weekdays, show up for a two-hour time slot between 4pm and 8pm for all you can drink for $20.
Know Before You Go:: A "counter meal" gets you three courses for $16 bucks any day of the week.

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User Reviews (56)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“The atmosphere of this restaurant is super fun and is a great choice for a group dinner or just a good deal!” “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.” “delicious food, great service, laid back atmosphere.” “Excellent food and atmosphere” “The staff was very accomodating, great drinks, great atmosphere.” “Went on a Thursday night, sat outside - atmosphere was great, lots of people, great drinks.” “The set-up was comfortable and cozy, and for $5 Monday night, who could complain?” “The venue is sm all and limited, yet the dive-y atmostphere is comfortable.” “Hands down my favorite place to go for a fun brunch!” “Great food, great service, cool people awesome atmosphere.” “" The service was "friendly" and "exceptional" and the atmosphere was also great.” “highly recommend it if you're looking for great food with a casual atmosphere.” “in the three years we have been open all of us have committed ourselves to offering a genuinely friendly, happy atmosphere with good food, cheep booze and great service.”
dessert	100.0% positive	“All the food from the apitizers to the desserts was delicious!” “The salads were put together right there on the spot, and the desserts too, so everything tasted fresh.” “The WORST part was when we were ready to order dessert, the waiter told us the kitchen had CLOSED.”
drinks	93.99999618530273% positive	“The drinks were also great.” “Went on a Thursday night, sat outside - atmosphere was great, lots of people, great drinks.” “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 h” “Last time was Passion Fruit Infused Tequila), food that is amazing (I would have never put beets on a burger but it was INSANE), drinks that are unique (and don't cost your utility bill) and a pumping DJ that kept the place lively.” “The drinks were really good- albeit a bit weird served out of baby bottles.” “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.” “The staff is friendly and attentive and you can get real Australian beers there (Coopers, etc.).” “the food might not be very expensive, but those drinks add up fast!” “you can even play video games at the bar on the big screen!” “The drinks are great, the vibe rocks, and the food is delicious.” “Can hang out, chat and drink and go inside for great music and dancing.” “Fantastic food and a really interesting bar and dining room.” “every time we discover something new,moo juice, real australian meat pies, a burger with the lot, fantastic ossie wines” “The appetizers were great but the beer battered fish & chips tasted bland.” “For $15 you get unlimited mimosas or beer (we got bloody marys that were INCREDIBLE, like a meal in a drink, that they let us include in the brunch price), staff that is beyond friendly (this is the second time I was there and both times they came over wi” “The staff was very accomodating, great drinks, great atmosphere.” “The kicker though, for me was Mad Max play on a big screen in the bar.” “The drinks are terrific as well as the vibe and where else can you get a drink in a baby bottle?” “For just $15 we got a decent and satisfying brunch and all we could drink.” “The food was good, and they were great about refilling the drinks.” “had been in for drinks before, gotta love the moo juice, and decided I would have dinner and stay and party.” “Best drinks, awesome crowd, amazing food, live music (sometimes) and a garden for the smokers like us!” “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.” “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.” “Aside from the fact that you get unlimited drinks the food is awesome and the french fries are the best I've ever had.”
food quality	93.17999839782715% positive	“The food is great and everything is really cheap.” “The food isn't bad but it is a bit weird - you can order things like kangaroo sausages and buffalo ribs.” “was not a fan of the shrimp appetizer, but my barramundi entree was great and the burgers here are really tasty.” “Overall, an interesting venture into different comfort food- a must try.” “Last time was Passion Fruit Infused Tequila), food that is amazing (I would have never put beets on a burger but it was INSANE), drinks that are unique (and don't cost your utility bill) and a pumping DJ that kept the place lively.” “The appetizers were great but the beer battered fish & chips tasted bland.” “The food at both locations were great!” “Best drinks, awesome crowd, amazing food, live music (sometimes) and a garden for the smokers like us!” “Lamb chop was out of this world the shrimp on the barbie was great and their barra fish was out of this world.” “the food might not be very expensive, but those drinks add up fast!” “All the food we ordered was great.” “Heathe and the whole staff present a warm welcoming environment and the food is in a word - SENSATIONAL.” “Excellent food, freeflow bloody marys and mimosas!” “Great food, great service, cool people awesome atmosphere.” “Anyways, we went back and the food and service was superb.” “An authentic pavlova should be light and fluffy, with a delicate meringue outside.” “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.” “Speaking of food, the food was amazing.” “the food is delicious, the bartenders are hot, and the music rocks from the djs.” “For $15 you get unlimited mimosas or beer (we got bloody marys that were INCREDIBLE, like a meal in a drink, that they let us include in the brunch price), staff that is beyond friendly (this is the second time I was there and both times they came over wi” “The food was delicious, the set-up was very tasteful, and they even created menus with our logo without even asking!” “100% of those attending liked the food, "delectable, distinct, and sublime," and "best calamari in NYC" with "beautiful presentation.” “in the three years we have been open all of us have committed ourselves to offering a genuinely friendly, happy atmosphere with good food, cheep booze and great service.” “Extremely poor service, below average cuisine and WORST brunch menu ever.” “The menu had changed quite a bit (prices almost doubled on certain things) and the best dishes were gone (shrimp on the barbie & the boar ribs).” “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!)” “The food was pretty mediocre, kind of overpriced for the quality.” “Fantastic food and a really interesting bar and dining room.” “All the food from the apitizers to the desserts was delicious!” “delicious food, great service, laid back atmosphere.” “The drinks are great, the vibe rocks, and the food is delicious.” “The salads were put together right there on the spot, and the desserts too, so everything tasted fresh.” “The food is pretty good, but you can not beat the unlimited mimosa brunch.” “highly recommend it if you're looking for great food with a casual atmosphere.” “The food was good, and they were great about refilling the drinks.” “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” “The brunch menu was excellent (I got Queen Adelaide- poached eggs with salmon and served with fries and salad.” “So aside from the yummy entree, excellent service, and even more excellent dinner price, I save the best for last:” “Granted, my boyfriend and I were only one of 3 tables seated that quiet dinner night, but the food was absolutely delicious.” “Aside from the fact that you get unlimited drinks the food is awesome and the french fries are the best I've ever had.” “Food is fantastic, but since they switches to Tapas-style dishes (same food, only less of it), the prices don't make much sense.” “Excellent food and atmosphere” “The food was very good too.” “every time we discover something new,moo juice, real australian meat pies, a burger with the lot, fantastic ossie wines”
menu variety	88.88999938964844% positive	“The food was delicious, the set-up was very tasteful, and they even created menus with our logo without even asking!” “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).” “Great date place and everthing on the menu is around $10 which is super cheap.” “Extremely poor service, below average cuisine and WORST brunch menu ever.” “The brunch menu was excellent (I got Queen Adelaide- poached eggs with salmon and served with fries and salad.” “The menu had changed quite a bit (prices almost doubled on certain things) and the best dishes were gone (shrimp on the barbie & the boar ribs).” “Unlimited brunch menu was great.” “think our table ordered the entire menu and everything was great.” “Went a couple of nights ago and it has an austrailan tapas menu wich is perfect for this type of restaurant.”
overall	100.0% positive	“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.” “So, the best quality about this place is that it is different simply because of the lack of similar restaurants.” “The waitress was really great, but I wouldn't go back to this place.” “great place to eat out with a small group of friends.”
return potential	66.66999816894531% positive	“hope to find myself wanting to go back one day but this past trip left a bad taste in my mouth!” “The waitress was really great, but I wouldn't go back to this place.” “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”
service	83.8700008392334% positive	“Food is great, prices are great - staff is super friendly and the vibe is FUN!” “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.” “Even the people in the place were friendly and social.” “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.” “Aussie staff were super friendly.” “Great food, great service, cool people awesome atmosphere.” “The WORST part was when we were ready to order dessert, the waiter told us the kitchen had CLOSED.” “Staff is overtly friendly and un-New Yorkish.” “So aside from the yummy entree, excellent service, and even more excellent dinner price, I save the best for last:” “Anyways, we went back and the food and service was superb.” “Great service from owner both times!” “The staff was attentive and helpful in making suggestions.” “Heathe and the whole staff present a warm welcoming environment and the food is in a word - SENSATIONAL.” “Dont bother going in 2 mondays because I am going back with 12 people.” “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?” “The place was nice and airy and the staff were excellent!” “The staff was very accomodating, great drinks, great atmosphere.” “The service is always wonderful and everyone who I have taken there has adored it.” “delicious food, great service, laid back atmosphere.” “The waitress was really great, but I wouldn't go back to this place.” “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.” “The staff is friendly and attentive and you can get real Australian beers there (Coopers, etc.).” “Extremely poor service, below average cuisine and WORST brunch menu ever.” “The waitress makes sure your glass is always full and does not rush you at all.” “Great staff, very friendly and personable.” “in the three years we have been open all of us have committed ourselves to offering a genuinely friendly, happy atmosphere with good food, cheep booze and great service.” “" The service was "friendly" and "exceptional" and the atmosphere was also great.” “Almost cool venue, except for the rude bouncer” “Went on a Thursday night, sat outside - atmosphere was great, lots of people, great drinks.” “the food is delicious, the bartenders are hot, and the music rocks from the djs.” “For $15 you get unlimited mimosas or beer (we got bloody marys that were INCREDIBLE, like a meal in a drink, that they let us include in the brunch price), staff that is beyond friendly (this is the second time I was there and both times they came over wi”
value	84.61999893188477% positive	“Excellent value!” “The food was pretty mediocre, kind of overpriced for the quality.” “the food might not be very expensive, but those drinks add up fast!” “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!” “The menu had changed quite a bit (prices almost doubled on certain things) and the best dishes were gone (shrimp on the barbie & the boar ribs).” “The food is great and everything is really cheap.” “For $15 you get unlimited mimosas or beer (we got bloody marys that were INCREDIBLE, like a meal in a drink, that they let us include in the brunch price), staff that is beyond friendly (this is the second time I was there and both times they came over wi” “Food is great, prices are great - staff is super friendly and the vibe is FUN!” “Food is fantastic, but since they switches to Tapas-style dishes (same food, only less of it), the prices don't make much sense.” “Great date place and everthing on the menu is around $10 which is super cheap.” “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 h” “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.” “So aside from the yummy entree, excellent service, and even more excellent dinner price, I save the best for last:”

04/21/11

Cute place, but it attracts the Jersey Shore crowd

by blacktrillium at Citysearch

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.

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04/05/11

WOW

by GoDuke at Citysearch

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.

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02/23/11

Totally over-hyped

by JohannaClyne at Citysearch

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.

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08/05/09

not for everyone

by FulalahBaker at Citysearch

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.

The food was pretty mediocre, kind of overpriced for the quality. I was seated under a leaky skylight which dripped on us the whole time, and the kitchen and dining area looked pretty dirty.

The waitress was really great, but I wouldn't go back to this place. I might have liked it better when I was younger, but I prefer more grown up restaurants now.

Pros: brunch with unlimited drinks. Friendly accommadating service
Cons: loud, dingy atmospher, no coffee, below average food.

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07/11/08

Excellent value!

by nybabe12 at Citysearch

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!

Sunburnt Cow

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What People Are Saying About Sunburnt Cow

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User Reviews (56)

04/21/11

Cute place, but it attracts the Jersey Shore crowd

by blacktrillium at Citysearch

04/05/11

WOW

by GoDuke at Citysearch

02/23/11

Totally over-hyped

by JohannaClyne at Citysearch

08/05/09

not for everyone

by FulalahBaker at Citysearch

07/11/08

Excellent value!

by nybabe12 at Citysearch

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