Linus, my Surry Hills brunch buddy visited Cowbell 808 a couple of weeks back. We decided on this venue as we have been eyeing the famous Ricotta Hotcakes and Bacon Icecream (yes, bacon!!). The cafe is situated on Bourke Street, close to Bourke Street Bakery (and yes, we  couldn't resist visiting the bakery after brunch to grab some tarts!).

The cafe wasn't too busy on that weekday but we chose to sit on one of the few tables outside on the footpath to absorb some vitamin D. So, of course we ordered the 'Fat Stacked Ricotta Hotcakes' ($18) which was oozing out marscapone. You can choose to have it served with espresso syrup or maple syrup but we decided to try both. It was our whole day's meal in one; we weren't sure if we were having breakfast, brunch or dessert. The hotcakes were light and fluffy but I was disappointed with the bacon ice cream. There were minuscule bits of bacon mixed in the scoop of ice cream but other than that it was outshone by the sweetness. Also, definitely go with the maple syrup if you are not a big coffee fan!

We also ordered the Cowbell 808 burger ($18) to share which included a ground beef patty, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onion served between a sesame seed bun and with a few spiced onion rings on the side. The burger wasn't too bad but again I wasn't blown away with the dish.


Overall, it was a nice little establishment but I wasn't overawe with our food choices. They had a few other interesting items on the menu such as Lamb Toastie and Grilled Eggplant Roll as well as the usual breakfast favourites such as baked eggs and bircher muesli but Cowbell 808 hasn't left me longing to come back.



Cowbell 808 
Address: 616 Bourke Street Surry Hills 2010
Phone: 9698 5044
Opening times: 7 am-3 pm, Monday to Friday.  8 am-3pm Saturday and Sunday
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Cowbell808