Alexandra

I won't lie, it was indeed the name of this charming little bistro that first drew me in. It was Christmas Eve last year and I was waiting for my boyfriend to get off of work, running around like a mad woman picking up last minute gifts before we headed upstate. I had to feed my friend's cat before I left which is what brought me down to the west village to begin with. I was just about to head back uptown to our hotel (even though we're New Yorkers, we treated ourselves that night since he had to work late and we needed to catch a train early). Anyways, I came across Alexandra and decided to go in for a drink, but once I saw the menu I decided I could use a little snack as well. I had their basinal green salad which was market greens, apples and hazelnuts with just lemon and olive oil as dressing. Perfectly simple, the ingredients were fresh and delicious. As for my Hendricks martini, I've never had better. I didn't get to sample any of the bigger dishes because I knew I'd be eating later that evening but I certainly saw some delectable dishes at other tables. (I had the best seat in the small dining room by the way - corner table at the window - I saw the action inside and out) Needless to say, I've walked by a few times since and always tell myself I'm going to go back and now that I think about it, I really hope I will soon. Looks like the perfect date place and now that I'm single again, perhaps I can find a nice gentleman to take me!

Food was surprisingly superb from start to finish. calamari is not the usual batter mes. All the food is wonderfully rich and delicious. Don't go here if you are counting calories. Service was odd and uneven. Maybe it was just a Friday the 13th night. Reminds us of old New York and how it used to be- lots of crazies and lots of surprises. Atmosphere was somewhat circus like and we would not have been surprised if a fire eater sat down next us and started practicing. Music was interesting and not too loud. We'll be back.

This place is amazing. I have had every item on the menu and all have been great. The calamari is by far the best in the city. Eat here if you are looking for excellent food in a nice, romantic, cozy atmosphere and you aren't in a rush. Don't eat here if you want to have your appetizer, entree, dessert, and check in less than fifty minutes. It won't happen.

The waitstaff havs a huge chip on their shoulders with a us against them attitude....too expensive to be treated at a sub par level.....skip it and try another great place in the area.

Yesterday I had an absolutely wonderful lunch there. I had the Nicoise salad and a glass of wine. I have had many lunches at this place. You can sit outside and enjoy the weather or it is cozy inside as well. The is wonderful and the service too. Great people watching. I highly recommend!

I went this place once a few years agao and swore that I wouldnever go back. So, today i was canoodled into going again. i put aside my original experience and entertained my fiancee's request. Mistake. The atmoshpere of the place is fine. It is small, quaint and has a relaxed vibe, with pleasant music playing. What I don't like is that they seem to over stuff the place with tables. Just too many for the place so it feels a bit cramped (even for NYC). Now, the last time I came the reason I refused to go back was i felt the food was average and the pricing absurd. Guess what? same thing this time around. I ordered a hamburger, for $9, which literally was just that - a preformed hamburger, bun onion a tinsy minsy tomato a little lettuce and a bun. that's it. The burger was less than average and as mentioned looked preformed. If you want sides, say fries, its an extra $5. I saw some delivered to another table and was glad that i didnt. What gets me it that with in several blocks, there are any number of places that have incredible burgers at fair prices for what you are ordering Now, onto my fiancee. She ordered an omelet. It looked well prepared, but again an $11 omelet is ridiculous. I will say she enjoyed, so that's something. Lastly, service and timing....our waiter was fine, but seemed lost. And as others mentioned, it is relatively slow. I couldnt imagine if the place was full. Bottom line is that Alexandra's thinks more of itself than it should. Food needs to be more inspired.

We went last night with another couple. Food was amazing - service from the bar to the table was excellent - and the overall vibe was great. We literally were there from 6 to 10pm and never felt rushed or uncomfortable. And seriously - the food is crazy good - start with the calamari!