Seemor
SonnyboyB+Worth Trying
65 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, United States
· Australian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (522 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Stylish LES brunch-and-all-day spot with standout hotcakes, creative small plates, and lively vibe; food shines but waits, tight seating, and uneven service are real tradeoffs.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Sonnyboy delivers solid neighborhood brunch appeal through strong food quality anchored by its celebrated ricotta hotcake and creative small plates, but inconsistent execution on coffee and seasoning prevents higher standing. Service splits between friendly and stretched, while tight seating and winter drafts limit comfort—yet the LES destination factor and reasonable pricing make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood brunch spots, especially for those willing to navigate weekend waits.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling even when the line spills onto Rivington. Expect close tables, a mirror-kissed ceiling, and staff who are often sweet but sometimes stretched. One diner put it best: "The hotcake was a star, but getting seated took longer than hoped." It is a stylish neighborhood hang where the playlist hums and plates whirl past, though winter drafts near the door can chill the mood. The cooking leans elevated comfort with global flickers rather than theatrics—ricotta hotcake with berry compote, harissa-folded eggs with greens, and a tingly Szechuan-kissed fried chicken that crackles with lime. Portions satisfy, prices are sensible for the LES, and the menu’s allergen labels make ordering easy. Coffee opinions diverge, but small plates and the burger repeatedly win over both locals and visitors seeking a lively brunch fix. For families, there is no kids menu, but the lineup is workable: fluffy hotcakes, fries, a cheeseburger, tomato pasta, and ice cream. The space is tight and the vibe energetic, so strollers and naps may clash with peak brunch hours. Come early on weekends or aim for off-peak to keep wait times small and appetites happy.
At a Glance
- Ricotta hotcake and small plates are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Allergen-labeled menu with several gluten-free and vegetarian choices
- Long waits and occasional reservation delays on weekends
- Service can be slow or forgetful during rushes
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- destination_hotcake
- allergen_labeled_menu
- small_space_but_event_friendly
- global_spice_accents
What People Love
- Fluffy, memorable hotcake that anchors the menu
- Balanced global flavors like harissa and Szechuan pepper
- Reasonable pricing for LES quality and portions
- Hip space with upbeat music and cozy energy
Points of Concern
- Reservation and seating delays are common on busy weekends; plan buffer time
- Service can be inattentive or slow at peak; check-ins and coffee lag reported
- Winter drafts and tight quarters reduce comfort, especially near the door
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; may not suit conservative palates
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (X% five-star, staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$36-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For gluten-free: Ricotta Hotcake, Tingly Fried Chicken, Golden Mash Chicken
- For vegetarians: Burrata + Fig Toast, Kung Pao Cauliflower, Tomato Pasta
- For kids: Beef Burger with fries, Ricotta Hotcake, Basque Cheesecake
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with friends before LES shopping
- Casual date over small plates and a cocktail
- Group celebrations that need flexible table arrangements
- Solo bar-seat brunch when you missed your res
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Lower East Side block with youthful crowd, bars, and boutiques; high weekend brunch traffic.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked nightlife corridor; typical city grit but generally safe with steady footfall.
Nearby: Near galleries, indie shops, and cocktail bars; attracts brunch lines and late-night diners.
Lower East SideThe Lower East Side offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of casual and upscale restaurants, bars, and cafes. It is known for its eclectic atmosphere, blending old New York charm with contemporary culture, attracting a diverse crowd interested in innovative cuisine and nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–23:00
Wednesday17:00–23:00
Thursday17:00–23:00
Friday09:00–00:00
Saturday09:00–00:00
Sunday09:00–18:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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