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Salad and cocktail spots in Alphabet City

Made for those who believe a balanced lunch of greens is best paired with a stiff drink.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Cozy dining room with soft lighting and an open kitchen creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Jazz music plays softly, keeping noise low enough for easy conversation. Tables are comfortably spaced, making it ideal for relaxed meals or date nights.

Salads feature fresh, vibrant ingredients like mint, basil, and butternut squash. The Caesar salad stands out with toasty breadcrumbs adding a unique crunch.

Cocktails stand out with fantastic flavors and a well-crafted menu that rivals dedicated mixology spots. The wine and cocktail list offers a variety that often exceeds expectations.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is flavorful and perfectly cooked."

"The cocktails here were amazing and well balanced."

"I found the truffle Caesar salad with grilled chicken out of this world."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Expect long waitlists for reservations as the restaurant gains popularity.

3

The restaurant currently does not have a liquor license.

02
Plado Tasting Bar image 1
Tapas restaurant

Small, intimate space with an open kitchen and low-lit ambiance creates a cozy vibe. Music plays consistently, enhancing the atmosphere for friends' night, date night, or solo hang. Multiple seating areas offer privacy, while the bar blends Spanish and Italian influences.

Corn salad stands out with its seasoned flavor. Grilled peaches salad pairs well with smoked scallops. Mediterranean salad offers a distinct taste, while the garden salad is flavorful and well-mixed.

Happy hour offers better prices on classic well cocktails and appetizers. The cocktail selection is great and the drinks are consistently delicious with attentive service.

People are saying

"You have to try the taro gnocchi; it's fantastic."

"I loved the great selection of cocktails here."

"The garden salad was flavorful and well-mixed."

Good to know

1

Reservations require a credit card hold, so book in advance.

2

Happy hour runs from 12-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

03
Aquarelle NYC image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with elegant, cozy design and interiors resembling a sea vessel. Atmosphere includes live violin and DJ music, creating a vibrant yet intimate vibe. Features interactive dining with unique touches like axolotls and exclusive art displays.

Grilled romaine adds a smoky twist to the Caesar-style Aquarelle Salad. Shaved Brussels sprouts salad offers a light, crunchy texture with a beautiful dressing. Watermelon salad stands out as super fresh and delicious.

Creative and outstanding cocktails stand out here. The bartender is engaging and helpful in picking drinks, complementing the great wine selection.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and really fresh."

"I enjoyed the great cocktails here."

"The Caesar salad here is delicious and a staple."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour features $1.50 oysters and discounted cocktails, but only at the bar.

3

All sides are ordered separately and come at an additional cost.

04
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a sleek, minimalist bar and a European vibe. Music ranges from curated playlists to a DJ who energizes the crowd, creating a friendly and fun environment. The place is dog friendly and known for authentic Italian dishes and well-balanced wines.

The fennel salad stands out with fresh, crisp flavors. The little gem salad exists but feels ordinary compared to the fennel option.

Great cocktails include a signature mezcal cocktail and seasonal options like a watermelon spritz. Sitting at the bar offers chances to enjoy drinks while chatting with the bartender and owner.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pasta dishes."

"The smoked beetroot salad was unexpected and packed with unique flavor."

"You have to try their expertly made cocktails, especially the Negronis."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Weekend events feature a pre-fixe menu and brunch coming soon.

3

The restaurant is dog friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

05
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American restaurant

American restaurant offers a warm, confident space with framed menus adding character and a tiny bar that feels inviting. The atmosphere is vibey and trendy, balancing music volume to create a chill and fun vibe. Outdoor terrace seating provides an additional option despite some discomfort on steep inclines.

Salads here stand out for their fresh, zesty flavors and variety. The Little Gem Salad and Roasted Carrot Salad offer crisp, vibrant tastes that complement the menu well.

Cocktails match the chic vibe with a constantly evolving menu. Drinks like the Cucumber Melon Gimlet and creations by the mixologist stand out alongside a friendly bartender.

People are saying

"I thought Virginia's served one of the best burgers in the city."

"The salad here is incredible, even better than the burger."

"The cocktails here were crafty and on point."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating with around 15 tables.

2

Virginia's charges $50 for last minute cancellations on reservations.

3

The burger costs $20, with sides like French fries adding an additional $12.

06
Nowon East Village image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, cramped space with dim red and purple lighting and loud 90's hip hop and classic rock music creates a grungy, hip vibe. Outdoor seating features retro neon lights and vintage posters, adding to the neighborhood feel. Cocktails and infused soju offer unique drink options that complement the energetic atmosphere.

Salad features a unique mix that can change opinions on walnuts. Staff offers kind service and will pack salads to go when asked.

Soju cocktails stand out with their unique flavor. Drinks come with great taste and the service is consistently amazing.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers were juicy, flavorful, and worth the hype."

"The black sesame Caesar salad had really good flavor."

"The cocktails here were amazing and unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required on Saturday nights due to high demand.

2

The special on Monday offers $5 off the 5 or 7 course tasting menu.

3

Guests should arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 for the special menu discount.

07
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French restaurant

French restaurant combines exposed brick walls, candle lighting, and a cozy outdoor wooden terrace with a retro style interior. Loud music creates a lively, party-like atmosphere where conversations require raising voices. Garden seating and window seats that open in summer add to the inviting vibe.

Salads feature toasted goat cheese rounds and nicely dressed mixed greens. Some dishes pair salad with eggs or potatoes for a balanced plate.

French 75 stands out as a signature cocktail here. The menu includes well-crafted drinks like the Paper Plane made with Yellowstone Bourbon, Aperol, lemon, and Amaro Nonino. Waitstaff offer helpful suggestions when choosing from the signature cocktails.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and beautifully plated."

"The cocktails here are super chouette and superb."

"The salads here are fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes one main dish and unlimited mimosas for $41 cash only.

2

Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand.

3

The restaurant is cash only; no credit cards or ATMs available nearby.

08
Commodore II image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant with nautical-themed decor and retro 70s vibe featuring vinyl booths and fish tanks. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with a mix of nostalgic energy and stylish metro design. Known for amazing cocktails and highly praised fried chicken.

Wedge salad arrives quickly and pairs well with other dishes like fried chicken and nachos. The green salad comes with an orange Julio, adding a fresh touch to the meal.

Commodore cocktail stands out among the drinks. Cocktails here pair well with food and create a lively vibe.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is amazing."

"The brisket here feels like stepping back into the seventies."

"The DJ was spinning our favorite tunes on Friday night."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is less crowded, making it a good time to visit.

2

The restaurant charges $15 for a burger that is marked $12 on the happy hour menu.

3

The restaurant accepts tap to pay for convenience.

09
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American restaurant

Narrow indoor space feels tight and loud, contrasting with a spacious sunny garden that offers a secret garden vibe and lush outdoor seating. Bar area channels a Cuban Turn Of Millennium style with nostalgic music. Low chairs and tasteful decor create an elegant yet cozy atmosphere.

Salads feature perfectly ripe avocado and a frisee salad with persimmon. The White Bean Salad stands out as beyond delicious, and side salads often surprise with their quality.

Death On The Beach cocktails stand out for their quality and taste. The menu features a Mezcal cocktail that is well made and drinks come at modest prices.

People are saying

"You have to try the brunch pancakes; they're homemade and have a slight crunch."

"I loved their white bean salad with arugula and avocado."

"The cocktails here are excellent and properly prepared."

Good to know

1

Expect up to a 90 minute wait for brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch to avoid long waits.

3

Happy hour runs late into the night with special drink prices.

10
Au Za'atar - East Village image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Warm, earthy colors and colorful mosaics create a cozy, authentic atmosphere with tight seating inside and on the sidewalk patio. Outdoor heated seating offers a pleasant option year-round. Lebanese music plays softly, enhancing the inviting vibe.

Salads include a fattoush salad praised for its quality and a quinoa salad served alongside chicken kabobs. The Mezze & Dips Tower offers a variety of fresh salad options with pita slices and free refills.

Cocktails come light and fresh, like the Spritz served in a large wine glass. The Once Upon a Time cocktail features blackberries and stands out for its flavor.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here, especially the kebabs, is so flavorful and satisfying."

"The salads here are so fresh, especially the halloumi beets."

"I found the cocktails here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

You need a reservation on a weekend to dine here.

2

Expect over 1 hour wait for chicken shawarma during busy times.

3

Portions are small; 2 chicken kababs cost $28.

11
A10 Kitchen image 1
American restaurant

Interior design feels grown and sexy with a cozy, intimate atmosphere despite close seating that creates a lively, vibrant energy. Outdoor seating offers heated booths that provide a comfortable escape from the street. Music plays a strong role in setting a great mood throughout visits.

Salads come with homemade dressing but tend to be on the salty side. They pair with other dishes like grilled cheese or burgers but stand out less on their own.

Cocktails feature real fruit puree and come in well balanced flavors like Blackberry Bangkok and Dark Horse. Carafes and specialty drinks offer variety at a reasonable price around $15 per person.

People are saying

"The drinks and food during Happy Hour are phenomenal."

"The cocktails here are amazing and reasonably priced."

"I found the salad to be decent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 8 PM on Wednesdays with drinks priced at $5-6.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's busy location.

12
Supper image 1
Northern Italian restaurant

Northern Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian decor and a wine room with over 700 selections. Atmosphere feels like a warm, hospitable neighborhood hangout with heated outdoor seating and private dining rooms. Music plays aggressively from top 40 charts, creating a lively but sometimes intrusive vibe.

Salads come fresh and simple, like the tomato burrata salad and a bean salad served at the start. They pair well with the pasta and veal dishes, adding a crisp, light touch.

Offers 3 for 1 brunch cocktails that attract attention. Features an excellent plum cocktail and generally very good cocktails alongside the food.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the lemon spaghetti, is life-changing."

"I loved the salads and pastas I tried here."

"I enjoyed very good pasta and cocktails."

Good to know

1

Supper is cash only, so make sure to bring cash.

2

You should make a reservation.

3

Expect to pay around $30 per person just for a dish.

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