Alobar is Long Island City’s Best Date Night Restaurant

Who knew Long Island City would be home to one of my favorite restaurants in NYC? As a downtown girl-about-town residing in the East Village, venturing above 14^th street for a special meal is pretty rare, as my neighborhood and the surrounding blocks boast some of New York’s best restaurants, secret foodie spots and gourmet cheap eats. So a trip to an outerborough better be worth it. Luckily for me, Alobar in Long Island City exceeded my expectation and then some. 

(Image courtesy of Alobar Restaurant)

Bacon makes everything better, right? Of course! So you must (seriously, I’m giving you no choice) order Alobar’s Maple Bacon Popcorn. Yes, you read that right and can read it again: Maple. Bacon. Popcorn. Think sweet and salty to the ultimate degree. Once you pop the crunchy popcorn covered in a sweet glaze, tossed with chunks of slab bacon and cut nicely with truffle oil, you’ll wonder if you can share this bowl with your date. Decide to play nice because you can make Alobar’s ultimate snack food once you get home with this recipe:

Maple Bacon Popcorn | Recipe from Alobar, serves 6 (or 2 hungry daters)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 pound thick-cut bacon

3/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 cups basic popcorn

Preheat an oven to 350°. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon strips and cook until crisp, turning occasionally. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings.

Crumble bacon. Toss bacon, drippings, maple syrup, black pepper, and salt with popcorn. Spread popcorn mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes, rotating trays halfway through, stirring occasionally. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Now back to your dinner date, already in progress! Order a few of their small plates for the table, like Foie Gras and Potato Pirogies (white wine onions, apple horseradish cheese sauce) and Ginger Glazed Baby Back Ribs. Cheese lovers should also share a large plate of Mac and Cheese “Carbonara” for an indulgent four cheese blend, pancetta and a luscious poached egg on top.

The Lamb Two Ways served with fingerling potato, cippolini, brussel sprouts is tender, flavorful and just an all around outstanding main course. 

End your meal on a sweet note with an ode to your childhood. Fluffernutter is a grown up version of your favorite sandwich with melted Belgian chocolate, marshmallow and peanut butter. 

Treat your date or best friend to a special dinner at Alobar. From small bites to desserts, you'll find yourself in love with this LIC restaurant and planning your next trip on the 7 train to enjoy another delicious meal. Alobar is offering comfort pub fair with gourmet twists and high quality, local ingredients that is well worth the short ride out of Manhattan.

Alobar. 46-42 Vernon Boulevard. LIC.