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Sonnyboy
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sonnyboy
8.3
Sonnyboy brings an Australian-style brunch playbook to Rivington Street, with strong coffee, hearty egg plates, and a social, buzzy room. It’s a go-to for groups and day dates who want something livelier than a quiet cafe but more food-focused than a bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Folded Eggs, Ricotta Hotcake, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: An Australian brunch hangout with strong coffee, fun cocktails, and lively energy.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting a social, upbeat brunch.
When to visit: Late morning before peak weekend rush for more breathing room.
What to order: Harissa Folded Eggs, Ricotta Hotcake, Breakfast Burrito.
Insider tip: On nice days, request sidewalk seating to watch Rivington Street wake up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Rivington Street; expect metered spots and competitive weekend availability. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual-but-stylish brunch attire; athleisure and denim are common, but many lean trendy for photos and group outings.
Noise level: Moderately loud during peak brunch hours with energetic chatter; quiet enough for conversation on weekdays or at sidewalk tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the restaurant is brunch-focused, but expect 30–60 minutes for prime weekend brunch slots without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; walk-ins are usually seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several egg dishes, bowls, and the ricotta hotcake work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few bowls can be made vegan with modifications, but the menu leans heavily on eggs and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — multiple dishes can be prepared gluten-free; staff is accustomed to handling requests, though there's no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for daytime dates — the upbeat Australian café vibe feels relaxed and social, and outdoor seating offers a lower-noise option. Not ideal if you're looking for something intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Late mornings on Saturdays and Sundays often run 30–60 minutes for walk-ins; weekdays are much easier with near-immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — the menu is approachable and the staff is accommodating, but the tight layout and lively noise may be less ideal for toddlers. Best for families with school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: A more social, stylish brunch experience than quieter LES breakfast cafés, with stronger coffee and livelier group-friendly energy.
Skip if: You want a serene breakfast, need extensive vegan options, or prefer a space with roomy seating — nearby café-style spots will serve those needs better.
Sonnyboy
8.1
Sonnyboy brings Australian cafe culture to Rivington Street with all-day dishes and spritzes that extend to a busy run of sidewalk tables. Brunch plates, burgers, and natural-leaning wines make the outdoor seats especially popular on mild weekends when the block feels like a daytime hangout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta hotcakes, Breakfast sandwich with sausage and chili jam, Sonnyboy burger and fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Australian-style all-day cafe dishes and spritzes served at tightly packed sidewalk tables.
Who should go: Brunch groups, casual dates, and spritz fans on sunny days.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday golden hour for the sidewalk buzz.
What to order: Ricotta hotcakes, breakfast sandwich, and the Sonnyboy burger.
Insider tip: Hit weekday Happy Hour for discounted burgers and cocktails outdoors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability on Rivington, especially during brunch hours. Paid garages are available within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Athleisure, denim, and daytime outfits fit right in; groups often lean trendier on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate outdoors with steady street energy; conversation is doable but expect background chatter during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on weather and patio demand; waitlist moves faster for outdoor tables.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie-friendly brunch dishes, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items can be made vegan with modifications; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-free (e.g., bread swaps, bowls); no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the sunny sidewalk tables and spritz-forward menu create a relaxed, daytime-date vibe. Not ideal if you want deep conversation since the outdoor area gets lively.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes. Weekday afternoons are easy, but weekend brunch often requires joining a waitlist. Parties of two turn over faster than larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for daytime visits. High chairs are limited, but the menu has approachable dishes. Best for families with kids ages 6+ who can handle outdoor seating and sidewalk foot traffic.
Best For
Better for: Daytime hangs, brunch groups, and casual spritz sessions with outdoor seating that feels social and buzzy.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, extensive vegan options, or a reservation-driven dinner experience with more formal service.