Aza 1668 Third Ave 93rd & 94th Sts.
Upper East Side
212.426.1416
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Aza:
On a block (scratch that, a neighborhood) full of bro bars and faux Irish pubs, a wine bar of any variety is a welcome addition. Aza, the wine and tapas boite that recently replaced what was once the eyesore formerly known as Tequila Jacks, had nowhere to go but up. The new owners of Aza have taken a D-grade version of Margaritaville and managed to flip it into a romantic and upscale hangout. (Though it’s not the UES without a few big screens.) They’re holding their own with a better-than-average wine selection and tasty tapas. (The 18th-month cured Serrano ham is a win for less than a 10-spot.) Sure, it’s not a speakeasy or absinthe den, but by the time there’s one of those in the upper 90’s, New Yorkers will probably be back to being oenophiles.
Cutest most cozy wine bar ever! Who knew something like this was right in our neighborhood? My boyfriend and I shared the cheese plate, The spring rolls and the hummus and warm pita. Everything was great, the waitress was really friendly, It was an all around welcoming atmosphere :)
I'm in love!
2/23/2011 11:24:39 PM
Eugene W. says:
Excellent
What an upgrade from Tequila Jack's which used to be here! We live in the neighborhood and have been meaning to try this place since it opened around six weeks ago. The freak 60+ degree February weather tonight was the perfect chance. We sat at the table by the open window, and our dog sat right outside where there used to be Tequila Jack's wood terrace/porch. Dog friendly, check.
Ordered a bottle of Rioja, $33, very reasonable and great wine, check. For the tapas we got:
skirt steak - flavorful but on the tough side, and was not warm enough tortilla española - an interesting version of the old favorite, kind of crispy on the outside, we really enjoyed this one fried olives - first time having this dish, we are big fans! camarones (shrimp) - very fresh and nicely flavored
Service was excellent - the waitress was very friendly, and gave good advice on the selection. Good service, check. In the back, they have a lofted lounge-type area with cozy-looking couches that I think would be great for larger parties.
I really hope this place sticks around. I think they are still working out their food repertoire to some extent, but the food was quite good overall. I am definitely a fan and would come back again.
2/23/2011 7:39:19 PM
Bronte says:
Wow- really bad
Those good reviews are either fake (all posted at the same time?) or from crazy people. This place smells bad, had inedible food and really weird decor. It's too bad, because a tapas place would be a great addition to the neighborhood. I won't be back until these guys get it together. Places like this are what give the UES a bad reputation.
2/3/2011 8:15:12 AM
Mark says:
Great food, and friendly service!
The sauce with the skirt steak was out of control, and perfectly cooked mussels. Very friendly and attentive staff. Spent a good while lounging with wine and food brought out a leisurely pace.
1/28/2011 4:15:01 PM
Jon says:
Definitely A Great Spot..
The neighborhood needed a spot like this really badly and thankfully someone finally made it happen. I don't know if I'm happier that this place is here or that Tequila Jacks is gone. Either way, I've been enjoying my time spent in Aza very much and I look forward to seeing it evolve for years to come.
It's a good place to relax for a cocktail, throw back a few with your friends, grab a tasty meal or even take a date. The dimly lit lounge in the back is really charming - the perfect setting to get comfortable with a first date or to spend some romantic time with your girlfriend, boyfriend (or other).
Good Luck..
1/28/2011 4:14:18 PM
Allison says:
NYC's newest hotspot!
Elegance on the Upper West Side in this new Wine & Tapas Bar!
There is nothing like this where I live or close on the Upper East Side... All I do is cross the street for an excellent variety in wines & champagne & spanish tapas. The wines are very well chosen, the champagne is wonderful & the food is incerdible... just delicious!
I definitely have found a favorite new venue & would highly recommend you stop in & check it out as well!
1/28/2011 9:35:45 AM
Jeff says:
Total Crap
Almost ate there last night. Ordered a couple glasses of wine and an order of paella. The paella was inedible. It had almost an inch of liquid covering some overcooked rice and a chicken wing floating on top. Tasted it and it was like the water used to steam clams. They were nice enough to take it off the bill without us asking though.
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