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Alison ico

Alison
- 1651 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029

American restaurant, Bistro ★4.0 (162)·$30–50

1651 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

4.0
Had an early dinner here. A decent happy hour. Loved the Mediterranean salad. The buffalo shrimp appetizer was ok. The happy hour shrimp tacos were so so. The Argentinian sea bass was good but odd to have buffalo sauce. Chicken kale salad was good. - Thomas Kim
Alison Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$30–50 per person Reported by 162 people$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

Alison Introduce

In the dynamic and diverse culinary landscape of New York City, finding a restaurant that feels both sophisticated and genuinely comfortable is a treat. In the vibrant neighborhood of East Harlem, Alison has established itself as a premier destination for those seeking a modern American dining experience with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This is more than just a place to grab a bite; it's a social hub where locals and visitors alike can enjoy great food, fantastic drinks, and a lively, engaging environment. Alison strikes a perfect balance between trendy and casual, making it a go-to spot for everything from a quick lunch to a romantic dinner or a celebratory gathering with friends.

Alison's approach to cuisine is a testament to the best of modern American cooking, with a menu that is both creative and approachable. It offers a wide array of dishes, from classic comfort food to lighter, healthier options, ensuring there's something to please every palate. The kitchen takes familiar concepts and elevates them with fresh, quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The menu is divided into distinct sections for lunch and dinner, accommodating different moods and cravings throughout the day. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty Alison Burger, a perfectly seared Alaskan Salmon, or some flavorful Fish Tacos, the food is designed to satisfy and impress. The commitment to a diverse menu also includes a variety of vegetarian options, such as the Roasted Portobello Sandwich and Farro Bowl, making it an inclusive spot for all diners.

Beyond the food, Alison is celebrated for its lively and engaging atmosphere. The restaurant features live music, which adds a special layer of entertainment and energy to the dining experience. Its bar is a major highlight, with a reputation for a great beer selection, excellent cocktails, and an extensive wine list. The happy hour is a particular draw, offering both drink and food specials that make it a perfect destination for after-work gatherings. The overall vibe is a blend of cozy, trendy, and romantic, which allows the restaurant to adapt to different occasions. Whether you're dining solo, on a date, or with a large group, Alison provides a setting that feels just right. This combination of quality food, a vibrant atmosphere, and excellent service is what makes Alison a true standout in the neighborhood.


Location and Accessibility

Alison is located at 1651 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA, in the heart of East Harlem. Its location is easily accessible, serving both the local community and those traveling from other parts of Manhattan. The restaurant is conveniently situated near public transportation, with the 6 train at the 103rd Street station just a short walk away. For those who drive, the area offers free street parking, a rarity in New York City, which is a major convenience for diners. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone. They even go a step further by being pet-friendly, with dogs allowed inside and outside.


Services Offered

Alison provides a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers, making it a versatile dining destination.

  • Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the restaurant’s cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere.
  • Outdoor Seating: Perfect for warm weather dining, offering a pleasant al fresco experience.
  • Delivery: Convenient delivery services, including no-contact delivery, are available for enjoying a meal at home.
  • Takeout: A quick and easy option for picking up orders to go.
  • Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: Alison serves meals throughout the day, with dedicated menus for each service.
  • Catering: The restaurant offers catering services for events and special occasions.
  • Accepts Reservations: Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a table is ready upon arrival.

Features / Highlights

What makes Alison a top choice in East Harlem? A number of key features and highlights contribute to its popularity and strong reputation.

  • Great Beer, Cocktails, and Wine List: The bar is a central part of the experience, with an impressive selection of drinks for all tastes.
  • Live Music: Regular live music performances add a vibrant and entertaining element to the dining atmosphere.
  • Happy Hour Specials: Known for offering excellent deals on both drinks and food during happy hour, making it a great value.
  • Diverse Crowd: The restaurant is family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender-safe space, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
  • Pet-Friendly: A unique feature for NYC, allowing dogs both inside and outside.

Contact Information

To make a reservation or get in touch with the restaurant, you can use the following information.

  • Address: 1651 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
  • Phone: (646) 876-1054

What Is Worth Choosing

Choosing Alison is about more than just finding a place to eat; it's about selecting a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. The menu is the core of its appeal. For lunch, the salads and bowls are a great choice, with the Mediterranean Salad and Salmon Rice Bowl being popular options. The Lunch Sandwiches are also a fantastic option, with the Steak Sandwich and Grilled Chicken Sandwich offering hearty and delicious choices. The dinner menu elevates the experience further, with high-quality entrees like Barramundi and Steak Frites. The Maine Lobster Roll is a luxurious and popular choice that stands out on the menu. The appetizers and sides, like the Mushroom Croquettes and Old Bay Fries, are perfect for sharing and provide a great way to start your meal.

Alison’s beverage program is a significant draw. The cocktails are inventive and well-crafted, and the beer and wine lists are curated to complement the food menu. The happy hour is a great opportunity to sample their offerings without breaking the bank. The restaurant’s atmosphere is another key reason to visit. It’s the kind of place that can feel romantic and intimate for a date night, or casual and lively for a group outing. The live music creates a dynamic background that enhances the dining experience, making it feel more like a special event. The restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity, a family-friendly vibe, and its pet-friendly policy all contribute to a feeling of community and acceptance that is hard to find. While some customer reviews may mention minor service issues, the general consensus is that the food is tasty and the overall experience is positive. For a New Yorker looking for a modern, high-quality American restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere and a diverse menu, Alison is a top contender and a well-rounded choice for your next dining adventure.

Alison Food & drink

  • Lunch Mains

  • Huevos Rancheros $18.00

    sunny side up eggs, fried tostada, refried beans, avocado & queso fresco

  • Alison Burger $21.00

    AB 100% grass-fed Sirloin, red onions, romaine lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo. Choice of Blue cheese – Provolone – American - Mozzarella. Fries or arugula salad

  • Rigatoni $21.00

    vodka sauce, fresh basil

  • Fish Tacos $21.00

    tempura baby Cod, pickled cabbage, feta crumbs, onions, cilantro & arbol sauce

  • Chicken Schnitzel $18.00

    thinly sliced breaded chicken, mashed potatoes & mustard cream

  • Steamed PEI Mussels $24.00

    Choice of: + Meuniere saffron-white wine, onions, parsley. Sourdough + Thai Curry sauce coconut milk-lemongrass broth, celery, onions. Sourdough

  • Lunch Salads & Bowls

  • Mediterranean Salad $16.00

    spinach, orzo, tomato, red onion, cucumber, feta & olives. Greek dressing

  • Farro Bowl $18.00

    Served with farro, avocado, pickled onions, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette.

  • Kale Salad $16.00

    Toasted almonds, dried cranberries, shaved ricotta & lemon vinaigrette.

  • Steak Salad $22.00

    spinach, caramelized onions, blue cheese, AB strip end steak, balsamic reduction

  • Salmon Rice Bowl $21.00

    coconut rice, seared salmon, avocado, seaweed, sesame seeds, ponzu sauce

  • Entrees

  • Fish Tacos $24.00

    Tempura fish, pickled cabbage, feta crumbs, onions, cilantro & arbol sauce.

  • Free Range Chicken $32.00

    Organic pan-roasted 1/2 chicken, potatoes & sautéed kale.

  • Barramundi $38.00

    Australian sea bass, black forbidden rice, charred bok choy & spicy guindilla pepper sauce

  • Steak Frites $45.00

    15oz grass-fed angus steak, Cognac-peppercorn sauce, fries.

  • Maine Lobster Roll $38.00

    Served cold on a brioche bun. Served with fries or arugula salad

  • Alaskan Salmon $32.00

    Sautéed kale, white navy beans, light lemon-butter sauce & shallots.

  • Alison Burger $24.00

    AB 100% grass-fed sirloin, caramelized onions, arugula, garlic aioli. Choice of blue cheese, provolone, American, mozzarella. Fries or arugula salad.

  • Steamed PEI Mussels $28.00

    Onions, parsley. Sourdough.

  • Sides

  • Fries $11.00
  • Sourdough $8.00
  • Old Bay Fries $11.00

    With cilantro aioli.

  • Roasted Cauliflower $12.00
  • Snacks

  • Hummus With Pita $12.00

    Smoked paprika & za'atar.

  • Olives & Feta $7.00

    Served with herbed olive oil.

  • Mushroom Croquettes $14.00

    mustard cream

  • Crispy Chickpeas $7.00

    Rosemary & black salt.

  • Appetizers

  • Lamb Chops $22.00

    New Zealand baby lamb chops, curry couscous, dill labneh

  • Five Onion Soup $10.00

    Served with house bread.

  • Kofta Lamb Kebab $14.00

    Served with feta and avocado spread.

  • Cheese Croquettes $14.00

    Bechamel & mustard cream

  • Buffalo Wings $16.00

    blue cheese aioli.

  • Buffalo Shrimp $16.00

    Served with whipped blue cheese.

  • Lunch Appetizers

  • Manchego Salad $14.00

    Arugula, candied walnuts, honey-vinaigrette.

  • Mushroom Croquettes $14.00

    mustard cream

  • Hummus With Pita $12.00

    Smoked paprika & za'atar.

  • Five Onion Soup $10.00

    Served with house bread.

  • Cheese Croquettes $11.00

    Bechamel & mustard cream

  • Crispy Calamari $18.00

    spicy marinara, lemon

  • Seafood

  • Crispy Calamari $18.00

    spicy marinara, lemon

  • Crispy Sushi Rice $16.00

    Fresh spicy tuna, tobiko, scallions & eel sauce.

  • Shrimp Aguachile $26.00

    Spicy Sinaloa style ceviche, raw onions, avocado & cilantro

  • Black Ceviche $26.00

    Shrimp and scallops in black citrus, avocado, peppers, and cilantro

  • Desserts

  • Liege Waffle $12.00

    Warm Belgian waffle, bananas, nutella

  • NY Cheesecake $9.00

    raspberry compote

  • Coffee Flan $9.00

    espresso custard, caramel

  • Apple Tart $12.00

    house made apple tart served warm with vanilla ice cream

  • Lunch Sides

  • Old Bay Fries $9.00

    with cilantro aioli

  • Fries $9.00
  • Roasted Cauliflower $12.00
  • Mashed Potatoes $9.00
  • Lunch Sandwiches

  • Roasted Portobello Sandwich $18.00

    goat cheese, roasted peppers, shaved lettuce & balsamic tomatoes

  • Prosciutto Caprese $18.00

    fresh Mozzarella, tomato & basil

  • Salmon Sandwich $18.00

    tartar sauce & arugula

  • Steak Sandwich $18.00

    grilled hanger steak, blue cheese, raw onions & arugula

  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich $18.00

    pesto, mozzarella, tomato & onions

  • Homemade Pasta

  • Pappardelle Al Pesto $28.00

    4 Jumbo grilled shrimp Housemade pesto **contains pine nuts**

  • Cacio E Pepe $22.00

    Pecorino Romano, fresh cracked pepper

  • Rigatoni $24.00

    vodka sauce, fresh basil

  • Salads

  • Steak Salad $24.00

    spinach, caramelized onions, blue cheese, AB strip end steak, balsamic reduction

  • Salmon Rice Bowl $24.00

    Served with steamed white rice, pan-seared Alaskan salmon, chunky avocado, sesame, and ponzu sauce.

  • Farro Bowl $18.00

    Served with farro, avocado, pickled onions, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette.

  • Mediterranean Salad $16.00

    spinach, orzo, tomato, red onion, cucumber, feta & olives. Greek dressing

  • Kale Salad $16.00

    Toasted almonds, dried cranberries, shaved ricotta & lemon vinaigrette.

Alison Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great wine list
  • Live music
  • Sports
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Locals
  • Transgender safespace
  • Planning

  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed inside
  • Dogs allowed outside

Alison Photos

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Alison Location

Alison

1651 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Alison Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 506 user reviews.

oystersbrunchwinehappy hoursalmonchilaquileslambcalamariold baycroquettes

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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