Recession Drinking at Allen and Delancey

February 23, 2009 10:11 am

Recession Drinking at Allen and Delancey

In this difficult economic climate, it goes without saying that the restaurant industry is taking a hit in a big way. Amidst waning patronage and a sea of endless dining options in New York City, restaurants have taken proactive and shrewd measures to draw in diners. Some have pushed menu items that are more wallet-friendly, like burgers and bar food, while others have instituted prix-fixe menus served daily. Other dining spots have elected to offer half price bottles of wine on certain nights. It all feels like a perpetual happy hour that extends to every strata of the dining world.

For those who are still gainfully employed and have maintained the frequency at which they dine out, these recession specials are an unexpected boon. Diners can take satisfaction in restaurants being more wallet-friendly than ever, with the additional bonuses of supporting local business owners and bolstering a stagnant economy.

I've also done my share by partaking in various restaurant specials around town. However, instead of feeling achieved for having taken advantage of these deals, I always left my meals plagued with feelings of longing and envy. When I ordered a prix-fixe item or menu special, it made me envious of those dining off the regular menu and only served as a reminder that I would not be enjoying the pricier a la carte items. Crazy as it may sound, these restaurant specials often had the opposite of their intended effect, and made me feel worse, not better, about dining out during a recession.

I then learned about a new special that the Lower East Side restaurant Allen and Delancey is currently promoting, called "Happy Nights." Every Tuesday, for the entire night, all cocktails at the bar are 50%. I was thrilled to take advantage of this special offer last Tuesday for a number of reasons. The first reason was the price. Cocktail dens and speakeasies are now a dime a dozen in this city, and many restaurants also incorporate strong cocktail offerings as part of their drink list, but each expertly crafted libation will run you an average cost of $12-15. The cocktails at Allen and Delancey are $13 each, so every cocktail you order on a Tuesday is a mere $6.50. Secondly, Allen and Delancey is a highly regarded, Michelin-starred restaurant with an equally matched cocktail menu. The drinks are divided into five thematic categories, then further separated into two subcategories, 1 and 2. Drinks in the 1 category are lighter and more refreshing, while Category 2 drinks are deeper and more nuanced. I sipped and savored the Tiner's Stand #2, L'Heure Verte #1 and William and Mary #2, which contained base spirits of amaro, rye and gin. All cocktails utilize the finest spirits and liqueurs and are thoughtful, complex and fully developed. They are also fairly potent. The best part about this special however, is that you don't suffer from any feelings of deprivation whilst partaking in the promotion. The entire cocktail menu is at your disposal and is the same drink menu you would order from on any other night and at any other time.

The decor at Allen and Delancey is stunning, with dim candle lit rooms and antiqued accents, further heightening the pleasure of enjoying a well crafted drink. The full dinner menu is also available at the bar should you want to nosh on appetizers or mains while you imbibe your drinks. You can enjoy these fine cocktails for half price at the front bar only, which seats approximately 15, so go earlier if possible. This was one recession special that left me feeling pretty great about the amazing deal I just got.

Drinkers beware that sushi and savoury at the bar are superb, but for those vegetarians the menu options are extremely limited, so have a nibble on our way out in that case...for the libations and ambiences are plenty to fulfill.

Allen and Delancey
115 Allen Street
New York, NY 10002
212-253-5400

-Susan Kum