137 Ave. C (near 9th St.)
New York, NY 10009
212-529-0005
Rating: Almost Addictive
Cuisine: Australian
Entree Price: $10-$16
Hours: 5PM-midnight Mon-Thur; 11AM-3AM Fri-Sun
Most addictive dish: The Lot Burger (with pineapple and bacon)
Review
I went to school in Austin, TX, many years ago, and while I was there a local slacker-friend was still bumming around local coffee shops and poetry slams 3 years after graduating, unsure of what to do with himself. Eventually, he opened one of those quintessential college town restaurants – one part urban rebel, one part college grunge and one part great food. It’s the kind of place that can only be opened by a very special type of responsible slacker. It’s a lot like the Sunburnt Cow.
Visually arresting films (like Final Fantasy VII and Sin City) are projected in distorted colors onto the brick wall behind the front bar, and random lamps dimly light the funky furniture giving the whole place a feeling that veers near goth, but lands safely in grungy-cool. The atmosphere is enhanced by the truly Australian (you can tell by their accents) staff who are as laid back as someone sitting on Bondi Beach.
With so much seemingly haphazard style, you might expect the food to misfire occasionally. It doesn’t. In fact, it is surprisingly fresh and full of Aussie originality. The burgers (especially the one with bacon and pineapple) compete with some of the best in the city, and the juiciness of the aged NY strip steak demonstrates that they know their way around a cow. If you happen to make your way to brunch at the Sunburnt Cow, the Bush Benedict (made with real bacon instead of the Canadian version) is pretty leet. And for all you recession-influenced people, you’ll be happy to know that mimosas are bottomless and are only about $4 on top of your entrée. This place really does feel like Austin (minus the accents).