Alexander's
San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 281-2539
- Price:
- $$
Editorial Review for Alexander's – by Erin Chambers
The Scene
If North Park really is aiming for chic and looking to shed its image as a shabby, thrift-store food 'hood, then Alexander's should be the new poster child. The tiny, all-white interior glows by simple candle light, just like Old Venice, and a DJ spins for a well-dressed crowd at the wine-only, marble bar. A heated patio out back beckons parties of two looking for a more quiet, romantic setting.
The Food
Because of the younger, more hip crowd, it's easy to think Alex's Italian menu would be more edgy and exciting than the Old Venice standard. It's not. It's identical, which is not to say it's poor. Just unsurprising. The "white room" pizza is a rustic, garden treat with spinach and a whole head of garlic in the center. Steak with shrimp satisfies, too, but what about something sweet to finish up a romantic meal? All we got was a melted cookie sundae mess.
Hits: Warm, candle lighting; Unique indoor/outdoor seating options
Misses: Spotty service; Noisy on weekends; Only one dismal dessert option
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Insider Tips
Fun FactIt's owned by the Walters family (son Alexander is head honcho here), who opened Old Venice in Point Loma more than 25 years ago.
When to GoNo reservations for parties less than eight people, so be prepared to wait a while for your table at prime dinner hours and on weekends.
Know Before You GoThis corner of 30th and Upas is an eclectic little gem with decent sushi spot Zensei, Bluefoot's live music scene across the street and the funky consignment shop Pat's Corner. Be sure to cruise around while you wait for a table.
User Reviews for Alexander's
12/29/2007 Posted by paradoxicalboy
The patio dining out back makes the place two entirely different experiences. Inside it tends to be busy and musical and bustling -- all white and candle glow, but outside it is quieter and cool and dark. There are three things on the menu that I love: Tuscan Seafood pasta with squid ink linguini, the chicken florentine, and the stuffed mushroom appetizer. Get a bottle of wine, two entres and a shared dessert and you'll only go over a hundred bucks if you tip thirty percent. Check out the website for prices and directions. www.alexanderson30th. com Though I wasn't so impressed in May when I tried it the first time, the last two times, they have been friendly and fast. There is ample parking on Upas behind the building and they do take reservations now.
11/10/2007 Posted by joan2350
We've been dying to try Alexander's. Tonight we called, and were told we could have a table in about 15 minutes, so we went right over. Parking was a problem, but we got ourselves a space and went in, and were promptly put at the bar. Parties that came in after us were acknowledged and seated promptly. We were NEVER acknowledged at the bar, not even a drink order was taken. After about 15 minutes, we were seated at a table, and the waitress, who gave GREAT service to the couple next to us, said she'd be with us "soon" and never came back. A young waiter "in training" ultimately saved the day by serving us, was sympathetic to our complaint, and served up good food and a good attitude. The food was good, but not worth the aggravation of the poor service. The ambiance of the restaurant is great; esthetically very pleasing but oh-so-noisy! They need to pad the walls or carpet the floor, or do something to diminish the noisy environment, and of course, they NEED to improve their service. Otherwise, Alexander's will not succeed if other customers have similar experiences.
Pros: pretty environment, good food.
Cons: Poor service, bad acoustics.
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