The ambitious Argentinian Alma 33 has personality and price going for them. Richard Lusardi, a New Yorker of Argentinean descent (Craft, Beacon, Windows on the World) and chef Enrico Primarti (Falai, East Side Social Club) are two whose energy is so infectious and who are so knowledgeable that you just want to be around them. They've split the old Elettaria space into a tapas bar that's open late up front and a boutiquey dining room in the back with a lot of wallet- friendly menu options. The front bar is perfect for meeting for a drink that could lead to food. It stays open late; cava or prosecco are only $6 a glass - Veuve only $9 - and they pair well with such nibbles as polenta lollipops, skirt steak skewers with chimichurri or sardines with pistachio pesto. In the main dining room, this spot redefines the meat-heavy misapprehension about Argentinian food with a healthy mix of fish and pastas. Strongest on the menu are the Orata, done whole, deboned with leeks, squash and olives; the Branzino, pan-seared and delivered in a red pepper coulis with a dandelion, grapefruit and red onion salad best; and the Almejas, a tagliolini with clams and broccoli rabe. ($21, $15, $16 respectively.) An atmosphere conducive to dates (they play a lot of tango) with a bar that makes you want to linger, they've perfectly nailed what diners want right now.

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