The Early Word on Lower East Side Newcomer APL

APL is a brandspankin' new addition to the Lower East Side. Combining continental cuisine with psychedelic decor, patrons can choose to play it safe with bar foods like Spinach dip, or go more adventurous with rabbit or Barbajuan. Here are some thoughts from the early birds.

The Pretty Tasty News: To match the Shepard Fairey designed zany wallpaper, APL put together some uniquely kooky dishes. Shecky's posts"...once inside, you'll note boldly patterned and brightly colored wallpaper, bronze sneakers hanging from faux power lines, glass-encased bird-shaped cut-outs, and a metal jungle-gym suspended from the back-room skylight. It can all be a bit overwhelming, but so are the menu items, which include shareable plates of Clam Gratin ($14) and Fried Pickles with Ricotta Cheese ($8). As unconventional as the dishes may sound, the Eel Anagi Bun with Onion Butter ($16) is pretty tasty, as are the $12 specialty cocktails like the Orchard Fizz (sparkling white, roasted apple bitters, cranberry and lemon) and the East River (mint nitro-fused El Dorado rum, cucumber and lime). Keep in mind, this APL isn't very big, so ditch your friend who hates crowded bars and only eats pizza you know what they say about one bad apple". [Shecky's]

The Bad News: Yelpers have been fairly positive, but a couple really doubt that APL can make the cut: "3 stars for the very friendly service... would have been 2 otherwise. Small portions, hit or miss on food quality/taste. We went there opening night last weekend, so things could change over time. Very friendly staff, but the menu was strange with a limited selection." And: "the server and atmosphere were nice, but the food was seriously lacking. The tuna tartar was fishy & the arugala salad was drowning in balsamic. after spending $100 for wine & 3 appetizers, we left disappointed. You're better off going over to The Meatball Shop instead for tastier food!" [Yelp]

The Good News: If there's one thing that all Yelpers agree with it's APL's grandiose service. The newest reviews boast: "The amusing decor and vivacious attitudes from the hostess to our waitress made what started out as a mundane Friday night, into an enjoyable evening./Our waitress was so gregarious and fun to chat with, she never left us hanging, but wasn't a nuisance either; and she persuaded us to get desert which was excellent! It was strawberry brazo which topped off the night with perfection!" Sounds like a sweet evening. [Yelp]

The Great News: The only Menupages review so far is short and sweet: "this place is so cool, i felt like it had it all. the ambiance, bar, food and was pretty impressed with the nice staff." [Menupages]

More Good News: A Foursquare user leaves this tip: "Custom wallpaper by Shepard Fairey - To-order custom infused bottles - incredible cocktails - awesome atmosphere - GREAT cocktail spot." [Foursquare]

The 'Fit For Foodies' News: A couple of diners have left OpenTable rankings and while it's not a huge home run for the food, they get excellent marks for service and the following comments: "Delicious food and very good service...fit for foodies, neighborhood gem." [OpenTable]
—Maite Alvarez