London’s West End is packed full of eateries of every stripe, but few of them can rival Joe Allen when it comes to atmospheric dining.
The nondescript entrance lies down one of the quieter streets in Covent Garden, and guests have to descend to a basement to get into the restaurant itself. After passing through a velvet curtain, you enter a different world.
A live piano player provides the soundtrack as groups of theater-types huddle over white-clothed tables order from a menu full of classics. There is a clear American influence, with chili dogs and sloppy Joe sandwiches on the menu, and an extensive cocktail list.
I plumped for a delicious cheeseburger that came with fries, washed down with a beer. It was all tasty, but the main attraction at Joe Allen is the atmosphere. The walls are covered with old theater posters, and it feels like the kind of place where scriptwriters meet the stars of the stage to convince them to come on board their latest project.
You can get a table or sit at the bar, and cocktail service goes on until the early hours. Rumor has it the barman will keep serving until the last group leaves, but I’ve yet to put it to the test.
A meal for two with drinks came to $60, a price worth paying to check out one of London’s oldest American restaurants.
Joe Allen
13 Exeter St.
London WC2E 7DT
44 20 7836 0651
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