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Al-Andalus
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Al-Andalus
7.7
A small East Village dining room that leans Moorish-Spanish in spirit, running a tapas-style format that’s especially friendly to plant-forward eaters. It’s the kind of place where you stack a table with a handful of small plates, then finish with one more savory dish once you know what’s hitting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas bravas, Gambas-style tapas, Croquetas (house style)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Moorish-leaning tapas energy with a plant-forward comfort lane.
Who should go: Vegetarian-friendly dates and small-plate fans
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier tables
What to order: Patatas bravas, two tapas specials, one hearty finishing plate
Insider tip: Order 2–3 plates first, then add based on what you loved.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm. Plan on walking or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans and a nice top work, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not typically open for lunch; dinner service is the norm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward tapas and satisfying meat-free plates.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—several tapas can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available; best to confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate, calm, and shareable without feeling awkward, which keeps conversation flowing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends are tighter but manageable with a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes for older, calm kids, but the room and menu skew more adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Plant-forward tapas, relaxed pacing, and a quieter date-night atmosphere than louder Spanish spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a high-energy scene, large group dining, or a traditional meat-heavy Spanish menu.
Al-Andalus
7.7
A newer vegan tapas room designed for quick, shareable plates with a Middle Eastern and Iberian lean. It’s strongest as a structured stop: pick 3–4 dishes for the table, keep the pacing tight, and let one standout “main” plate anchor the spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom shawarma, Roasted eggplant, Patatas bravas
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Vegan tapas built for sharing, with a sharp value-and-variety lineup.
Who should go: Groups that want small plates and fast momentum
When to visit: Early dinner while the kitchen is at peak pace
What to order: Mushroom shawarma, roasted eggplant, patatas bravas
Insider tip: Choose one “centerpiece” plate—then fill the rest with lighter sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in Alphabet City and especially tough after 6pm. Public transit or rideshare is the easiest option.
Dress code: Casual-trendy. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but the room leans stylish rather than sloppy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at the start of the night, louder once the room fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short walk-in pause
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based.
Vegan options: Yes — fully vegan menu with multiple shareable options.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free dishes, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like sharing plates. The menu gives you built-in conversation and keeps the pacing light, though it’s better for casual chemistry than a long, intimate sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings. On weekends, arriving early or right when a table turns improves your odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens. The small-plate format works, but there’s no kids menu and the vibe skews social rather than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Quick-hit vegan sharing plates, group ordering, and strong value for variety in a trendy but approachable room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or a long, coursed experience — this works best as a fast-moving stop rather than an all-night destination.