Saxon and Parole is a casual yet sophisticated bistro and drinkery in the Bowery that serves one of NYC’s best burgers. It’s definitely a knife and fork burger (it’s about 20 feet tall), but it’s worth the effort. Often times, burgers that you can’t just pick up with your hands, are not worth it. As you can see from the pic, there’s a lot going on here but each ingredients really adds to the equation. Especially the maple bacon.

They also have a Bloody Mary bar, which we did not take advantage of because we didn’t have the brain capacity to do anything for ourselves. I wasn’t even in the mood to take myself to the restroom. I wonder if our waiter could have assisted with that somehow? “Sir, can we have an extra glass for…well, can we?”

The Eggs Benedict on crispy parmesan potato pancakes were quite nice if you have a lighter appetite (or are just not a big ole pig) but you can always supplement with the incredible Breakfast Bread Basket (if you ARE a big ole pig). It’s a thing of beauty, not too overwhelming but each pastry was really tasty and I loved the cream and jams that come with it.

The place was dead for brunch (at least when they first opened for the day) but it’s a very popular place other times. Back to the burger for a moment. It costs $19, so is on the higher side but really worth trying if you’re into that sort of thing. And if you’re not, please go away.

Or better yet, go fix me a bloody mary from the complicated bloody mary bar. I’m too tired to think (or pee by myself) right now.

316 Bowery
New York, NY 10012
b/t Bond St & 2nd St
NoHo
(212) 254-0350
saxonandparole.com

DIY Bloody Mary Bar

Bloody Maria
Altos blanco, fresh vegetable juice, chipotle, fresh cilantro, mezcal float $12

Classic ‘Champagne’ Cocktail
Angostura-soaked sugar cube, sparkling wine, lemon oils $12

BREAKFAST BREAD BASKET
Homemade pastries & bread, salted butter, sweet vanilla butter, homemade jams $9

Virginia surryano ham, crispy potato Parmesan cakes, poached eggs, yuzu hollandaise $15

S+P dry aged Angus burger with Pennsylvania Havarti, maple bacon, a fried egg + fries $19

S+P dry aged Angus burger with Pennsylvania Havarti, maple bacon, a fried egg + fries $19