Quirky, casual and affordable Tribeca hangout.

The Scene
Regulars revel in the hodgepodge feel of this neighborhood restaurant, where the decor and the cuisine are wildly eccentric. The bar room is almost tavern-like, while the rear multi-level tea room is more bohemian in its ambience. Service is well-meaning, but innattentive at times due to understaffing.

The Food
There's a Mediterranean bent to the menu--hummus, babaganoush and stuffed grape leaves are offered, as well as Moroccan chicken and spicy Merguez lamb sausage. Several of the side dishes -- especially the sauteed apples alongside the sausage, and the crispy coconut rice cake partnered with the pepper-crusted tuna -- outshine their main course counterparts, Though fresh and nicely prepared, most dishes could use a lighter hand with the salt shaker. And considering the restaurant's high tea program, desserts are surprisingly disappointing, especially the tough crusted nut tart and gluey tiramisu.