"Sometimes, you just want to celebrate your birthday with a giant steak and a martini. And sometimes you want to do that without planning a reservation three months in advance, or without going to a place where you have to share a whole bunch of small plates. ALC is unstuffy, unpretentious, and great for groups—there’s even a few larger rooms in the back if you want a more private space. But perhaps most importantly, they make a killer steak that serves as the perfect entree after a round of escargot and grilled Buffalo lamb chops." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion