18 Ave. B Now Open at, uh, 18 Avenue B
Posted at 10:45:22 AM in Bar openings, East Village nightlifeby Justine Goodman
The latest addition to the hustle and bustle of Alphabet City is 18 Ave. B, which opened quietly on Saturday night, drawing a moderate crowd of local residents, passersby and the rejects who couldn't flex their way into neighboring hot spots Le Souk, Carne Vale and Hacienda at 40C. In fairness, according to 18 Ave. B's owner, the bar's painfully unimaginative name is only temporary; he plans to re-name it Zaitzeff--which happens to be his own last name and that of his other establishment, Zaitzeff in the Financial District. Like the original, the new spot features a pub-style menu of assorted burgers--from Kobe and sirloin to turkey and veggie--salads and sandwiches. Although there was a predictable amount of confusion at the bar on opening night (most notably, the adorably inexperienced bartender, who committed the double offense of first making a Vermouth-soaked martini and then serving it in a rocks glass), the charming little newcomer may prove to be a welcome alternative in a neighborhood overrun by hipster hangouts, wannabe hot spots and dive bars.
I just walked past this place last night! There used to be a chocolate fountain outside. I mentioned it to the owner, and he said, "Yeah, I know. Gross." Made me laugh!
Posted by: Lower Eat Side | October 09, 2007 at 06:39 PM
I made the mistake of having a drink there on Saturday night. The space is fairly bland and they kept playing Def Leppard songs. Looks like a real bridge and tunnel hot-spot-to-be.
Posted by: luis44 | October 11, 2007 at 09:19 AM
real classy place- jazz music/bob marley/80s... light candles at night to set the mood, good service - just opened so chaos can occur on occasion - but overall amazing food ( i love the burger with the Portuguese muffin!) friendly owners - will talk with you and take input. really cleaned up the ole junk (hai chai tea house) that used to be there. black and white, some communal tables, fresh flowers, organic food - good date spot or family/friends
Posted by: shandra | October 19, 2007 at 05:46 PM
real classy place- jazz music/bob marley/80s... light candles at night to set the mood, good service - just opened so chaos can occur on occasion - but overall amazing food ( i love the burger with the Portuguese muffin!) friendly owners - will talk with you and take input. really cleaned up the ole junk (hai chai tea house) that used to be there. black and white, some communal tables, fresh flowers, organic food - good date spot or family/friends
Posted by: shandra | October 19, 2007 at 05:46 PM
real classy place- jazz music/bob marley/80s... light candles at night to set the mood, good service - just opened so chaos can occur on occasion - but overall amazing food ( i love the burger with the Portuguese muffin!) friendly owners - will talk with you and take input. really cleaned up the ole junk (hai chai tea house) that used to be there. black and white, some communal tables, fresh flowers, organic food - good date spot or family/friends
Posted by: shandra | October 19, 2007 at 05:46 PM
pretty good food.. it was a bit busy so service was a little slow but it was defintley worth the wait. Portugese muffin was sooo good- really tied the burger togehter. this bar is not bland at all- its your basic full bar, jazzy music, nice tables- VERY CLEAN which is semi rare around here on the lower east side. all organic ingrediants, fresh, deliver comes fairly quick as well. oo the egg sandwhich was also really good. friendly owner, nice place for family or date! i highly suggest it
Posted by: mike | October 21, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Service was friendly, but $40 for two burgers and two beers. No thanks. Burgers at Royale much better & prices more reasonable.
Posted by: kjf | October 22, 2007 at 04:21 PM
I had a party for 7 come in without reservations and was very impressed with the service and the food. They were moderately busy but made us feel great about the small weight. The place was very clean, the bar tender - a Spanish/Italian looking guy was absolutely beautiful- a little slow with the drinks though. Overall i was satisfied with the way my evening went and I will probably end up going there a couple times a month.
Posted by: trumpin0007 | November 15, 2007 at 03:12 PM