Some brunches lean casual, almost predictable — a quick plate of eggs, a mimosa or two, and the slow drift of a Sunday afternoon. But brunch at COQODAQ is something else entirely: playful, polished, and humming with a kind of sparkle that makes the midday feel like a celebration.
I met a friend this weekend to try their newest concept, The Brucket List, a cheeky nod to their signature pairing of Korean fried chicken and Champagne. The idea alone felt like a wink — brunch with personality — and the execution carried it through with equal parts style and intention.
The prix fixe menu ($38) set the pace, beginning with eight Coqo D’Oeuvres — small, jewel-like bites that felt more like a tasting flight than a starter. Each one arrived with precision: delicate, balanced, and beautifully composed, the kind of food that asks you to pause before diving in. It was a reminder that brunch, even at this price point, can be a canvas for creativity rather than routine.
Entrées followed, each one carrying that same sense of quiet flair. We chose the Chicken & Waffle, which turned out to be the star of the table — crisp, airy, and seasoned just right, a plate that managed to feel indulgent without being heavy. It was playful in spirit but thoughtful in execution, and it lingered with us long after the plates were cleared.
Of course, part of COQODAQ’s magic is in the space itself. The dining room remains visually striking — glowing gold tones, curved edges, and just the right amount of drama to feel transportive. It’s a room that knows how to hold energy without overwhelming it, glamorous without tipping into excess. Midday light softened its edges, turning what might otherwise feel like evening glamour into something warm and celebratory.
What struck me most was how intentional the whole experience felt. New York brunch often falls into familiar patterns — avocado toast, eggs benedict, a line out the door — but COQODAQ’s approach manages to break the rhythm while still delivering comfort. It doesn’t feel forced, just refreshingly different, as if the restaurant understands that even in a city where brunch is practically a ritual, there’s still room for surprise.
Leaving the table, I felt that soft buzz — not just from the Champagne pairings, but from the sense of having shared a moment that was both lighthearted and memorable. COQODAQ’s brunch isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but it does reimagine the experience with a sense of sparkle that feels rare.
It’s brunch elevated — still approachable, still celebratory, but with enough polish and cheek to remind you why this city never runs out of ways to surprise you.
COQODAQ, 12 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
