Schlepping to Red Hook from PS (Alma Restaurant)

furrygreyboy · October 2006

Being somewhat of a lazy-*ss, I tend to stick with local restaurants I can easily stroll to. I've been meaning to check out Alma for ages but recent Chowhound reviews suggest it's not that great. Any opinions? Is it worth the trip?

pitu · October 2006

It's fast on a bike . . . straight shot across Union. Then you have to get home, so . . . there's a bus that comes back across Union...

I haven't been for a year or so, but even then there was plenty of bitching on Chowhound. I think people have a hard time accepting Alma as Mexican that is not $1 tacos. The roof deck is really nice, and won't be open much longer. This time of year last year, they had an awesome Day of the Dead altar in the main room.

There's a really good duck dish with a chile relleno, and a really good lamb dish -- it's more like a nice restaurant in Mexico City than Cali-mex or Tex-mex or burrito-mex.

The sangria was AWFUL, but I quite liked the food. I had a big birthday dinner there with my friends from D.F.

They have a perfect dessert, chile chocolate flourless cake made next door at Margaret Palca Bakery.

apollonia666 · October 2006

For what it's worth, I went to Alma for brunch a few months back and remember enjoying it thoroughly. They have a glass-enclosed, heated rooftop deck seating area with lovely views, the service was good, and I dug the food (although now I don't remember what the heck I had).

rose · October 2006

I love the food there. Also the mojitos.

theoryofpractice · October 2006

I like Alma a lot -- perhaps not the most authentic Mexican food, and not the cheapest, either. But the roof deck is incredible, the service good and the vibe terrific.

furrygreyboy · October 2006

Thanks for the replies - think we'll give it a shot and make our own judements..... but probably skip the sangria

pluvious · October 2006

alma is alright, but if you're heading to the hook, the place to check out is the good fork (the good spoon?). totally excellent chow. of course, you'll pay more than at alma, but it's worth it.

8thandprez · October 2006

Forget Alma. It's all about the Red Hook soccer field food stalls. I haven't had Mexican/Central American food that authentic since I was backpacking through 10 yrs ago. Deeeeelicious!

christina · October 2006

Just don't eat that dish with the chocolate sauce. Can't remember the name now but it's not as good as it sounds on the menu as they drown it in the sauce.

rachel rae · October 2006

8thandPrez wrote: Forget Alma. It's all about the Red Hook soccer field food stalls. I haven't had Mexican/Central American food that authentic since I was backpacking through 10 yrs ago. Deeeeelicious!

When do those stalls close? I haven't been there yet, but think I am probably running out of time

idlewild · October 2006

Subject: Re: Schlepping to Red Hook from PS

FurryGreyBOy wrote: Being somewhat of a lazy-*ss, I tend to stick with local restaurants I can easily stroll to. I've been meaning to check out Alma for ages but recent Chowhound reviews suggest it's not that great. Any opinions? Is it worth the trip?

It's not like "Chowhounders" have the lock on great places. I have eaten at several places recommended by them which have sucked pretty bad. The best way to find great places is to either look at the menu and see if it's interesting or just order from a place that intrigues you. I would go there, try it and post back.

8thandprez · October 2006

Flexichick wrote: [quote=8thandPrez]Forget Alma. It's all about the Red Hook soccer field food stalls. I haven't had Mexican/Central American food that authentic since I was backpacking through 10 yrs ago. Deeeeelicious!

When do those stalls close? I haven't been there yet, but think I am probably running out of time

Unfortunately, I think today was the last day. We went down and PIGGED OUT. Elote, huaraches, pupusas, and agua fresca. Ahhhhh!!!

They're back in mid-May.

Schlepping to Red Hook from PS (Alma Restaurant)

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