Cafe d'Alsace

after reading some reviews i decided to go, saying i live in the west village its a long trip just to check it out, anyways the sitting was prompt even i didn't have a reservation, awful hostess though, very rude! waitress was excellent very patient, attentive and knowledgeable, the only thing i found wrong is that she didn't say the price for the specials, food was ok only, nothing to talk about.  What i so extremely wrong was the price, i got a special entry wild mushroom ravioli with shaved truffles, and i know what truffles cost but 34 bucks for this plate is ridiculous, and what I'm the most angry about is that the same dish is on the menu for $19, (with out the truffles) that means they charged me $15 for shaved truffles, believe me they weren't that many i not a cheap person but i don't like to get ripped off i don't think ill make the trip again

The beer sommelier was too busy having a glass of wine & dinner at the bar behind us to finish pairing beers with our main entrees and desserts. Thankfully my husband is a chef with good taste in beer & he was able to pair a delicious beer with our desserts (it was too late for the main entrees....we kept thinking surely he would come back!). Would maybe go back for the beer selection and possibly some food, but will steer clear of the beer sommelier.

After reading, seemingly, a million reviews I decided it was my turn to try Cafe D'alsace. We had not made a reservation but the staff was friendly and helpful and we were seated within 20 minutes. I was not keen on the tables being so close but it turns out it adds to the experience. I eyed my neighbor's plates when making my selections and simply had to have neigbor on the left's dessert! My server was, appropriately, friendly and knowledgeable and the sommelier was charming. We opted to try some of the 125(?) beers in place of wine. The beer pairings were fabulous and our server seemed to really enjoy our good time. I would definately recommend the goat cheese tatin as an appetizer. If adventurous try the choucroute garnie or the seafood sausage! I got the choucroute de poissons and was quite happy. For dessert, definately taste the apple tart. We had an all-around great experience and will definately be repeating this place. The Alsacian food, though a little "heavy" for my normal taste is very persuasive and I suspect will be even more enjoyable come the winter months.

We've been meaning to try Cafe d'Alsace for some time; I fear we waited too long. The food is pleasant (and portions large) but seems to be an Americanized version of Alsatian food -- probably healthier but.... The Frenchman at a neighboring table (and you will hear everything your neighbors say) was disappointed in his choucroute; we felt ours was pleasant but not special. Similarly for the chicken and the leeks. The real problem is the service: it's friendly but just por. First, we found that half of our tiny table was covered in sticky muck, which seemed to have been there for quite a while, because our waiter had to come back twice to get it off. Second, we were well into our first course before we could get anyone to give us bread, and the basket we got was from our neighbors, who hadn't yet gotten their food. We asked and asked, were promised and promised, and baskets of bread left the kitchen but never for us. Not surprisingly, we never got a refill on that basket, which holds only 3 slices of bread and 1 roll, once you get it. Second, it was difficult to get anyone to pour our wine; we made the mistake of opting *not* to keep it on the table. Third, we could only get water glasses refilled by hailing someone several times; no refills were offered spontaneously. Fourth, our neighbors (because service is slow and tables close, you may find yourself bonding) ordered a medium rare steack and got well done steak with cold potatoes, which they sent back. Fifth, we ordered a dessert wine which was served in a cordial glass! You will never pay so much for a decent if undistinguished Muscat. On the positive side, the serving staff was very friendly (they will touch you) and did not seem to resent any request. But when you spend the whole meal trying to get a clean table, a couple of pieces of bread, a glass of the wine you've bought, and a bit more water, the whole things starts feeling like a competition rather than a good night out.

I really enjoyed this place - great atmosphere, good food, nice and well-done but not pretentious. It was a little crowded, but didn't feel overwhelming or too noisy. The layout is nice, and feels very authentic without being over-the-top or in-your-face. Try the duck sausage - delicious!

We had lunch here and found the food to be pretty good and in very generous portions. The steak frites was ordered rare and it was. The frites were so so. My spouse had the chicken fricassee and it was excellent and required 1/2 to be taken home. The soup special was a cold tomato soup which was not only different and tasty but again in a large portion--it incorporated vinegar quite well. The breads were fresh and abundant. Two decafs and a chocolate tart topped off a fine meal. The prices were fair for Manhattan, maybe even a tad on the less expensive side. My steak frites was $17.50, soup was $7.50 and the fricassee was $13.75; coffee was $2.50 each and dessert $9.00. Decor was top of the line; restrooms were unisex--so no long lines for females. A communal trough for washing up. Service was first rate and attentive. (I had read of their poor service here and elsewhere). I'd go again.

First time I went, I loved it, friendly staff who couldn't do enough to please. Second time was for brunch, friendly but forgetful. Third time went on a Tuesday night at 6:45 and the place was half full but would not seat us b/c we didn't have a reservation. Seems they keep on tiny table next to the hostess area for drop-ins. I was really excited about this place when it opened, but if I have to make reservations to go, not sure I will.