{local report} the caulfield, NYC

As empty as I saw it, The Caulfield via Gothamist

Last weekend I did a little 18 hour stint in NYC. Of course, I couldn't resist trying a new bottomless brunch spot with one of my favorite crews. We wanted to try Bondi Road or PS450 but it was so last minute, we couldn't get reservations for 6 anywhere. With some crafty research courtesy of ze internet and my friend Jessi's charming phone voice, the manager at The Caulfield "pulled some strings" and "was able to get us a table" on the early side of brunch. Well early it was! Contrary to my usual tardiness, I was the first to arrive, not out of our party, but out of anyone in New York to ever step foot in The Caulfield. Or so it appeared...

The Boozy: Our waitress came over and automatically offered us the limitless Mimosas, Bloody Mary's, AND Bellinis. It was very nice to have a third choice of drink for a change. Even the guys agreed the Bellinis were the best choice. I tried the Mimosa too, which was actually really fresh. The Bloody Mary's were apparently also strong and tasty. The place started to fill up as we kept drinking, and our waitress kept the booze flowing. Now, although this doesn't qualify as "boozy", for the sake of my gentleman brunchmates I'll add that our waitress was fun, mysterious, and very sweet. Yes, one of the guys relentlessly hit on her and did end up with her number (although we have yet to confirm if it's a real number!)

The Brunch: The food at The Caulfield was more than confusing. A mix of classic American grilled cheeses, waffles galore, but then there are several Mexican inspired menu items, like guacamole and burritos as well. A failed attempt at Tex-Mex? The chicken and waffles were subpar, but the brunch pizza and grilled cheeses were quite enjoyable, for greasy brunch food. I probably ate the guac & chips along with the queso dip all by myself. It wasn't the most satisfying food, but the drinks certainly made up for it.

Overall:  I think it would be great for a last minute group brunch. Perhaps the ambiance got a little better after I left, and there were definitely more people trickling in as our meal continued. We definitely were on the very early side of Saturday brunch, but I thought it was hilarious how "packed" the hostess made it sound on the phone. Nevertheless, our waitress was fabulous, and put up with my friend's incessant flirting. After I left, apparently they continued to pour the Bellinis even after we'd finished eating, and it got more than a little rowdy. I'm slightly jealous I had to leave early and they got to stay and revel in the booziness. So yeah, I'd go back, if I were invited, and maybe try their "Elvis Waffle" and get more than my money's worth of drinks next time around. 

Has anyone else tried The Caulfield? I'd love to hear of some new and fun boozy brunch spots in NYC and in Boston!


(Side note, the Bellinis made me think I had great pictures. Yeah, they were blurry. Check out Socially Superlative's review for some good pictures)

The Caulfield 

119 E. 27th Street

New York, NY 10016

212-868-5500

www.thecaulfield.com