If we can't get in to Alias

[was_bk]

Thursday night for dinner where's the next (non Italian) spot on the LES where a visiting work colleague and I can have a nice meal and a pleasant chat.

If I knew what time we were meeting for dinner I'd call Allias and make reservations but since I don't and it's supposed to be really cold, I'd like to have a game plan in place.

Actually, I've never been to Alias but based on several threads it seemed to fit the bill and I'd like to give it a try. But if I can't where else do you suggest?

Reading several threads makes it seem that folks here also like Freeman's Alley but iirc, they definately don't take ressies. 'inoteca is out 'cause she doesn't want Italian.

Please help me with some ideas so my colleague doesn't suffer frostbite instead of enjoying a decent meal in nyc.

thanks

[was_bk]

first off thanks all for the suggestions!

well here's what happened...we went to Freeman's and while it looked rather empty, they told us the only open 2 tops were by the door. My colleague is visiting ffrom the South so the thought of being hit with a cold wind everytime the door opened really didn't seem very appealing.

So we ended up strolling down Rivington and I was thinking about giving Chubo a try when we reached Alias. We stopped in and they had room so we stayed.

We both enjoyed our meals and had great service from two staff members who patiently listened to my colleague's food allergy issues and made thoughtful recommendations.

We both had the grilled artichoke and bleu cheese appetizer which we both thought was great.

I had the snapper mainly because I was intrigued by the marscapone polenta. I was not disappointed.

My colleague had the scallops which looked tasty and she cleared her plate.

Dessert for me was the chocolate pecan tart and coffee which was good but not great. Next time (and in warmer weather) I'd probably go elsewhere for dessert.

All in all I happy with the choice and look forward to trying the other spots mentioned sooner rather than later.

thanks again all

[jenniebnyc]

Haven't been in a while, but how about Mermaid Inn. I've always had good meals here.

[agraham]

We couldn't get into Alias a few nights ago (a Monday or Tuesday), so we walked a block up Clinton to 1492. Decent tapas, AMAZING fish soup (ordered a second one it was so good), small but intersting wine list. They tried to seat us in the back room (covered garden really, with just one lonely couple that looked like they were in the process of breaking up), so we opted to sit at the bar. Looks like it'd be good to go with a group (was just the girl and myself), so you could order lots and lots of plates.

[nyufoodie]

I used to frequent 1492 a lot when I still lived in the EV. The garden part is better during the summer. It hasn't been as popular as before so, it is actually always a good back-up in that area and they have this bacon wrapped with dates tapas that's really good.

[kayonyc]

I liked Chubo when I went, and it was surprisingly empty (though it was a sunday night). Interesting flavors and good ingedients. Price was reasonable. I loved WD-50, but be prepared to cough up money. I know you don't want Italian, but Falai is highly recommended. Great food at a good price. These are all on Clinton Street.

I'd nix Schiller's - although it is a good ppl watching place. Service is horrendous and the food is standard.

[mas]

has anybody been to alias in awhile? it used to be one of my favorites but then went dramatically downhill, in terms of both interesting food and quality of execution. i probably haven't been in about a year.

[nyufoodie]

I forgot to add that when I went to Alias for the 1st and last time...the food was just bad bordering to inedible and this was more than a year ago...with the many many great choices to be found in the LES...I didn't feel the need to give it a 2nd chance. I would go to Schiller's over Alias in a heartbeat. They may not be serving great food but it is good enough/decent...on the nabe, I highly recommend Azul Bistro on Stanton cor Suffolk as well...order the mix grill for two! Tides has the best room albeit small....but service there is always gracious.

[wingman]

I don't think you'll have much of a problem getting a table at Alias. If you do Freemans would be a pretty good alternative, other spots in the immediate area tha are not Itallian are Schillers, Bondi Road, Tides, Clinton St. Baking Co., Essex - all of which I can say are tasty; Tides and Clinton St. are a bit more refined (Clinton St. has a different feel at night than at brunch) while Schilers is like a French Pub Bistro and Bondi Road an Australlian seafood shack.

[nyufoodie]

I would go to Freeman's as it is definitely bigger than Alias and also has better food plus it's full of character as well.They have two bars were you can grab drinks if there's a wait and there cocktails there are pretty good too. If, the wait is too long...there's always Loreley across the street from Freeman's which also serve decent /german food.