I found ""1492"" to be a real find in the lower east side. In the summer, they have outdoor seating in the back of the restaurant, which is romantic (even though it's separated from a basketball court by a wire fence, it's still charming). The tapas there are very, very cheap by Manhattan standards ($5-$8), and tasty! They are great to eat with the bread they serve (which comes with a very garlicky butter spread). Entrees are large and considerably more expensive ($18 and up). If you prefer variety, you can definitely make a dinner out of the tapas and bread. Definitely try the almond and dates wrapped in bacon, the garlic shrimp, and the cold platter with various meats and cheese. One downside here: waiters aren't so great, and have quite an attitude. But imagine--without alcohol, dinner for two can easily be under $30! In Manhattan!
Pros: not too crowded, inexpensive, ambience
Cons: service
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