Alma
(718) 643-5400
187 Columbia St
Brooklyn,
NY
11231
40.6856
-74.0024
Neighborhood: Columbia Street Waterfront District
What People Are Saying About Alma
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This Brooklyn hot spot, located on an unlikely corner west of the BQE, draws a diverse crowd. A raucous bar leads upstairs to an upbeat, Southwestern-appointed dining room. Another flight up, the elegant lantern-lit rooftop inspires a reverent and romantic mood.
The Food
After 14 years at Zarela, arguably the city's best Mexican restaurant, Gary Jacobson offers bold cooking that befits Alma's many moods, playing soulful and serious in the same bite. Some appetizers, such as saucy tortilla cheese chilaquiles rancheros, will have you licking your plate, and others merely scraping it. Corn-husk tamales conceal anise-scented mole; crispy masa cups contain succulent braised duck; and tender seafood seviche tickles with citrus spice. Elaborate entrees--pork-stuffed ancho rellenos studded with raisins and green olives, and expertly seared trout escabeche refreshed with mint and jalapeno--achieve riveting harmonies. Local bakeries supply a delectable dessert roster, but Alma takes credit for the creamy flan.
User Reviews
chicknwangs
May 22, 2009
a very disappointing evening. I ordered the charcoal grilled shrimp over hominy with wine, lime chili sauce. It was almost inedible. The shrimps were over cooked and tasted like they'd been marinated in dirty dishwater. I didn't taste any limes or wine in the sauce. It was dirty looking. Incredible unprofessional. I have no idea what they have going on in the kitchen but trust me its not worth the $100 you'll be spending on two entrees and 3 cocktails.
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FredSHart
February 11, 2009
Looking for a nice meal at a reasonable price? Not here. Get this, two people, two entrees, gaucamole and three margaritas. $100. Sent Anthony the owner an email the next day asking for an explanation. He said "with all due respect" I should have said something to the waiter (in front of my date?) and that it was a reasonable price for two people. These were speciality drinks! OK fine Anthony. Maybe you should spend more time at the restaurant then. The drinks were small, more ice than anything, and the entrees seems overcooked and bland. Adios Alma.
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Anonymous
December 23, 2008
Hang at the downstairs bar and wait for a table upstairs--it's worth the wait. The neuvo Mexican food is great, but it's the spectacular, roof-top view of Manhattan that makes Alma a must-go.
read full reviewThe Details on Alma
What to Drink:
The bar mixes fantastic margaritas with house-infused tequilas in vanilla-pineapple and habanero flavors, plus fresh lime juice.
Know Before You Go:
The free chips and salsa come with smoky pico de gallo and fresh salsa verde. Make it a meal with buttery guacamole, served in a lava-rock pedestal bowl.
In the Neighborhood:
Find out what's happening on Smith Street.
Look Good:
Reservations are not taken, so show up early for a coveted patio table.
The Extras:
In the winter, the patio is enclosed and heated, ensuring a great Manhattan in any season.
Category:
Restaurants, Lounges, Bars & Pubs, Billiards Bars, Neighborhood Bars, Bars & Clubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Quiet, View Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Group Dining
