Eastern Alley

Holy moly, Eastern Alley has already shut down! Chef Sean Scotese confirmed today.
Sad face.

i REALLY enjoyed the food here. i was skeptical at first because the place is new and was quite empty when we arrived on a friday evening. i’m also a big cynic when it comes to «nouveau-​asian» places, so it takes a lot to win me over.
i got the pork loin, which was cooked to perfection and had the perfect complimenting sides. the whole time i was chewing and nodding «yes, yes».
my friend got the mackerel which she thoroughly enjoyed also. it was two large pieces of fish, great portions for a place that looks like it might have teeny food on large plates. another friend ordered the papaya salad which i wasn’t quick enough to steal a bite of, but looked amazing and he described it as «the bomb».
cute ambiance. nice and chill and the service is super friendly and helpful. good enough that i recommend it not only on Unilocal,but to other foodie friends that i know in the real world.

To be honest, I don’t care what kind of cuisine you would call it, pan asian, new american or asian fusion, I LOVE everything I’ve tried on the menu. Pork Loin, the scallion pancake, papaya salad and the bread pudding, I felt like a feather when I came out from the restaurant. I haven’t had such amazing food in awhile, considering the price range is very reasonable.
Anyways, with its creative menu, delicious food, cozy environment, sweet waitresses, awesome chef, handsome bartender, welcoming host, mysterious dimly lit dining room plus good tunes! I reckon Eastern Alley is probably the next best new hip restaurant.

I went with a big group so I got to pick off other plates as well as enjoy my summer rolls and mackerel.
My faves were the summer rolls, chicken liver pancake appetizers, as well as the chicken thigh entrée. The bread pudding dessert was also really delicious (made apparently with no butter at all!).
It’s pretty tough to order wrong here. As I mentioned, we were a large group and both the sous-​chef and chef came out to ask our advice on the menu.
Their hot-​sauce is also home-​made… Don’t ignore the little genie bottle full of it!
I’m not sure you could find better food, and the prices are so reasonable! I will be returning often.

3.5 Stars
Referred by a friend to check it out and often skeptical to ‘Asian Fusion,’ I really enjoyed the food and the entrée prices were reasonable for the quality & quantity
Appetizers: Summer Rolls & Hot n Sour Soup
5 stars to the rolls b/​c of the brisket twist; 3 stars to the soup — nothing too original here
Entrees: Short Ribs, Pork Loins & Oxtails — were all nicely cooked, great condiments — mm mm good. Rice cakes for side! (though overpriced)
Nice atmosphere. Attentive waitstaff. Good for a date. Also take advantage of BYOB while you can of course ;) Look forward to coming back for the half duck noodles

High-​fives all around to this place for atmosphere. So cute, perfect for dates. Lots of character with its brick walls and street-​lantern lighting, and rustic touches. The place is dimly lit but looks and feels brilliant and different! Asian rebel.
The Pan-​Asian menu is also very mouth-​watering and so diverse. The dishes are inventive and unique. For starters, I’d recommend the crispy scallion pancakes with shitake and chicken liver, curry wings, and grilled pork jerky! Isn’t this menu inspired!
Next up, Adobo potato pork loin, half duck noodles, mackerel, and crispy chicken thighs. So much flavor that isn’t one-​sided in these dishes. A brilliant combination of just the right flavors in every single dish.
Best of all, the place is BYOB! Love it!
Although some may argue that this asian food is crap compared to the authentic stuff in Chinatown, this place is downright cooler with food selection and presentation that competes well. Enter the very-​trendy door with an open mind, peoples!

Some of the best Pan Asian food I’ve ever had. Sexy ambience inside with low lights and glitchy hip hop beats. And absolutely the best duck plate in New York — freaking decadent! I’ll be back for sure.