Dec 28 2008
Boozy Brunch: Roberto Passon
There is no better deal than an all you can drink brunch in NYC and there is no better deal for an all you can drink brunch than Roberto Passon in Hells Kitchen (741 Ninth Avenue at 50th Street). With no brunch items over $12 and with unlimited brunch cocktails (champagne, mimosas, screwdrivers, bloody marys, or strawberry/kiwi/peach bellinis) at $8 per person, it has to be one of if not the best brunch deal in NYC. Thanks to Wined & Dined commenter Dan for recommending it to us. More on our AYCD brunch at Roberto Passon and a new boozy brunch restaurant group discovery after the jump…
First of all, unlike some boozy brunch destinations, Roberto Passon lets you switch between cocktails so you can try them all out if you would like. Second of all, unlike some Italian restaurants that do brunch, Roberto Passon had an extensive selection of traditional brunch items. You can select from breakfast items such as french toast, pancakes, eggs benedict and omelets, in addition to the expected paninis, salads, pastas, and meat and fish choices. And the prices are ridiculous- the most expensive item being the grilled salmon with spinach at $12 (seriously).
Andy had the fusilli with chicken, tomato and bacon for $9 and it was delicious. It was flavorful, spicy, creamy, and the fusilli was perfectly al dente. I was in the mood for something relatively light so I had the Caesar salad with grilled shrimp for $9. The salad was crisp and the Caesar dressing authentic. I also found the grilled shrimp to be seasoned well. It went very well with the massive glasses of bubbly that were poured generously and refilled constantly.
Once my first large wine glass of champagne was poured, I was instantly reminded of Il Bastardo, another favorite all you can drink brunch spot in Chelsea. I checked out the Roberto Passon website and I learned that Roberto Passon is owned by the New York City Restaurant Group (NYCRG). The NYCRG owns three (now four) all you can drink brunch spots that I’ve been to countless times- Nero in Meatpacking, Il Bastardo in Chelsea, and Arte Cafe on the UWS. They also own Bar Baresco, Bocca Bacco, Gallo Nero, Zucchero e Pomodori, Cara Mia, Intermezzo, Maria Pia, film center cafe, Scarlatto, and Puttanesca. Their aim is to “provide delicious food at inexpensive prices” and boy do they succeed at boozy brunches. Cheers to NYCRG- keep up the great work!
here some other AYCD brunch places i go to — Maracas Mexican, Paradou, Waterstone Grill on Pearl St.
Thanks, Dave. We love Paradou but haven’t been to Maracas Mexican or Waterstone Grill. It looks like Maracas includes margaritas as an AYCD option? We’ll definitely have to try that out.
not many people seem to knwo abot bondi rd…in lower e side and i think same owner as sunburnt cow. they have all can drink brunch last time i went
Nice- we have hit up Sunburnt Cow on quite a few occassions, so we will definitely check out Bondi Road. Sounds great and I hear they have greyhounds as a drink option like the sunburnt cow. Thanks for the tip!
food items not cheap…but beacon in midtown does unlimited bloodys for $11
went w/ some friends to cafe 50 west in flatiron and they had $15 unlimited brunch cocktails. we were there for like 3 hours and they didnt rush us out. about all i remember.
Thanks Greg- Beacon is right in our neighborhood and I’ve heard about the unlimited bloodys but have not yet been. I actually forgot about it, so we’ll definitely have to hit it up. It’s tough to find places in midtown with great brunch specials.
Thanks, Matt, for the Cafe 50 West recommendation. It makes a huge difference when they don’t rush you out and roll their eyes when you order another. I mean, it is unlimited, right? Another one to add to the list!
place regate bistro has brunch item + unlimited drink for $16…may be biased cuz it’s right around blcok from me but good alternative to essex
Good call- $16 for a brunch item served with home fries, salad, and bottomless mimosas or bloody marys is quite a recession special. Can you get the steak & eggs or burger with that deal?
It looks like we’ll be heading to Regate at 198 Orchard! They also advertise 25% off alcohol/liquor on Wednesdays….
Yerba Buena has an all you drink brunch on the weekend too.
HB– i remember reading your post on Yerba Buena…thanks for that one. sounds like they mix up some pretty serious cocktails over there.
Tre on Ludlow, $17 gets you unlimited champagne, bellinis or mimosas and food
just read that tapeo 29 just started doing an all you can drink brunch (mimosas, screwdrivers and bloody marys)
Went to Roberto Passon based on this recommendation…AWESOME. It was empty at 11450am saturday and was mostly full by 1pm. Decent bloody mary (who can complain for $8 unlimited) and very good food and service. Hope it wasnt a fluke because I will return for dinner sometime. THANKS!
Maracas Mexican is awesome – I looove that place, and there’s always the trusty Arte Pasta w/ their unlimited mimosas for 5 more dollars. I will be going to Roberto tomorrow after finding it on your site. I’m super excited!