Brunch: Il Bastardo

This place was completely crazy on a stick.  And I totally loved it - well I probably would have loved it if I was five years younger.  Silly me, I went expecting a nice relaxing brunch in Chelsea but what I got was an AYCD brunch in the middle of Vegas (I can confirm flashblacks). 

AYCD option for $20 with your brunch entree!

As you can see from the menu above, you can add $20 to your meal for the All You Can Drink unlimited Mimosas, Champagne, Screw Drivers, or Bloody Marys option.  At $10-12 for an individual drink, why not go for the unlimited?  When you get the drink, it comes in large wine glasses instead of the usual skinny champagne glasses. And these drinks are constantly refilled - I never ever had less than half in my glass at any time.  Definitely get your $20 worth!!  These drinks were definitely strong though, so go easy.

The drinks are huge and always refilled

As you're sipping your drink and perusing the menu, you won't be able to ignore the music and energy around you.  There's a DJ booth with a DJ spinning club music - yes during brunch!  When a particularly good song comes on, fellow diners get up and dance in the aisles and occasionally free shots get passed around!  It's definitely a carefree happy-go-lucky atmosphere, but if you are trying to catch up with a friend don't expect to hear any conversation here. 

DJ Booth setting the party mood at brunch

Every seated during brunch

Good song comes on and everyone is up and dancing!

Waiter standing on the bar and passing out free shots

If all tables are full, the bar has great big comfy stools if you want to sit there for your meal (which is what dining compadre and I did).  For our meal, we ordered the Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, and a side of fries.

Our brunch classics: Eggs Florentine and Eggs Benedict

Loooove french fries (with our drinks standing guard)

Fries were good - hot and freshly made!  My Eggs Florentine were as expected.  Sadly, though, dinging compadre's Eggs Benedict came out over-done!  Her eggs were not even close to runny.  Il Bastardo was gracious enough to send out perfectly done second batch for her.

Over-done Eggs Benedict sad =(

Overall, Il Bastardo was definitely a unique experience.  If you are looking for an energetic boozy brunch to jump start your weekend (or continue the party from the night before), this place is for you.  As for me, I think I personally prefer to ease into my mornings these days - no pumping music before noon for me please!  AND I like my Eggs Benedict runny...

Piggy says No

Il Bastardo
191 7th Ave (btwn 21st and 22nd St)
212-675-5980

Thanks for reading - Piggy KK