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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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










Alison Location
Alison Reviews
oystersbrunchwinehappy hoursalmonchilaquileslambcalamariold baycroquettes
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Had 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.
June 11 · Thomas KimCame for a quick bite and to talk with some friends.Service was average it was not busy due to rain store when myself and two others went. So I say that not sure if establishment was packed how better or worst the service may be. This particular day the waitress was serving a total of two tables. Small venue but clean but bathroom smelled like a dirty mop.Host was kind to info about happy hour. So had a few wines and the beer that comes with burger on happy hour menuSo had the shrimp tacos (6), burger with fries ( fries over done , greasy, and more like left over fries), the table next to us had fresher fries.Experience was not awful.Shrimp tacos were tasty. My friend mention the burger wasn’t bad either.
May 24 · LolaI popped into Alison for a quick bite to eat and drink to cool down and hold me over until dinner. The happy hour menu provided good options and I ordered the shrimp tacos and a glass of wine, both $9 each. It was busy when I arrived around 3pm but there was available bar seating and a few empty tables so I was seated right away. I wish I caught the (2) servers names at the time, but they were both so accommodating and kind even though the restaurant was becoming busier. It can definitely get loud inside, with more groups arriving for happy hour, but after I paid the bill one of the servers returned to offer me a generous second glass of wine. I truly appreciated the gesture and hope they know how it was the kind and thoughtful service that made a nice experience at Alison!
June 25 · Morgan BorthwickMy lunch was delicious. I had a French omelette and drank a rose spritzer. A bit pricey but I like Everything about this restaurant. Friendly and professional staff. Good music. Not too loud. Happy hour starts early. Good variety of food. Nice size restroom and clean.
July 29 · Delia RonAlison is an absolute GEM! The ambiance, the people and music selection had me going from the start. Being a new customer there the bartender offered me a free drink and the food to follow was outstanding. My server Marc, must have had experience in the Hamptons because his service and attention to detail when it came to the menu and drinks were phenomenal and unmatched to any place in New York State that I’ve been to. He approached the table with a jovial spirit and an eagerness to impress. I will definitely be visiting again!
August 23 · Jon-Erik Zayas
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