As a former waitstaff trainer and front end manager, I tend to take my first impression of a restaurant seriously. Is the atmosphere and staff welcoming? Does it immediately feel like somewhere you'd like to spend time? And as my first experience unfolds, I allow the menu and the waitstaff to lead, meaning that I try to make as few assumptions as is humanly possible and just allow the meal to come as it does. Are recommendations made? Are the staff attentive to the dining experience of the guests? And I am delighted to report that The Alley On Main gracefully checked all of these boxes during our first visit, which took place Tuesday, July 10th around 7:00pm.
My wife and I were immediately greeted at the very instant we were seen to be standing at the door, by a waiter that altered his course to greet and seat us. Our waiter arrived very shortly after, and he astutely recognized our body language as being that of first-time guests. Specials were explained, menu layout was touched on and drink orders were placed. Within a few minutes we had water and confirmation that our bar drinks would arrive shortly. This steady and attentive clockwork flowed through the entire meal.
The hallmark of a worthy restaurant comes in how errors are handled. My wife's filet was cooked to medium, whereas she'd ordered medium-rare. As our waiter approached for after-delivery check up, he noted my wife looking a the first cut and asked "Is the steak cooked as you like it?" When informed that it wasn't, he offered to return it immediately. We prefer not to be wasteful and asked if we could keep it as is and to please send word through to the kitchen for feedback. A few minutes later a manager arrived and thanked us for our feedback, apologized and insisted on either a discount or a dessert. Mistakes happen in restaurants, and when handled properly the overall guest impression can come away better for the experience. This was definitely the case here.
The quality, quantity, preparation and presentation of the food was otherwise spot on for the price and overall style of the restaurant. Everything tasted fresh and authentic; nothing felt "out-of-the-can" or ordinary. Which when compared to the chain comparisons, makes for dining value and worthy of the luxury of an evening out.
Most importantly, we left wanting to return with friends and family in the future, which is by my estimation the best grade a restaurant can receive. If you've made it this far into my review, you are exactly the kind of person that I have every confidence will enjoy a visit to The Alley On Main.
simply the best! Amazing food, warm welcoming staff and a comfortable atmosphere. We have a number of favorites on the menu, consistently excellent thanks!
I went for the first time in December on a cold night. I got the Salmon Salad minus the goat cheese and crispy Brussels Sprouts and it was delicious. They are very quick and efficient too since I was with a large group that all ordered different items. The favorite was the Chicken Parmesan! It looked Amazing and was a huge portion! There were a few who got steaks. If I return I am getting the Chicken Parmesan! The only downside was that It was super crowded and really hot! I wore a sweater and was roasting! I only drank water for that reason too. They need to have a door cracked or something. The food is worth going for!
I was in town for a job and stopped by here to have lunch/dinner before my event. It had good ratings so I gave it a shot. This was a good decision.
My server Hailey was so nice and suggested the meatball pasta dish, which was delicious.
But the brussel sprouts were top 3 I’ve had in a restaurant. They were so tasty!
They had a rich and flavorful stout which is always my go to on draft.
I hope to come here again when I’m in town. I would highly recommend!
A clean laid back place with all fresh ingredients, 100% made from scratch, and with a solid bourbon selection whats not to like. We are potentially using them for our wedding that's why we stopped in to try their regular menu. They have a wide selection on the menu and this place isn't over the top and it's decently priced. Staff was kind and service was on point. We had lunch there so idk what dinner looks like but im sure service is the same. Check this place out you won't be upset. Thans for yhe great lunch.
What a wonderful experience! The service was great and the food was fabulous. One can tell that a lot of love goes into preparation and presentation. My steak was seasoned perfectly and cooked exactly as ordered. The house made French fries were crispy, but not overdone... just the way I like them. Paired with a Malbec, it was very satisfying. I recommend the Jefferson bourbon drink and my wife loved the wild berry mojito.
I have been in this place many many times for business lunches and meetings. The service has always been good and the food has always been great. Certainly one of the popular spots in downtown Murfreesboro. Simple menu with a wide variety to satisfy most. I'm sure I'll be back :)
This place is a gem! Our server was so friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. She answered all of our questions and gave us some great details about the history of the restaurant and how the food was sourced and prepared. All the food was delicious and perfectly cooked (the crispy brussel sprouts are a MUST). Cocktails were fabulous, too! It was such a great experience, we decided to come back the next day for some cocktails and appetizers at the bar. Equally great bar service. Very highly recommend!
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