After reading about Fonda’s happy hour in Chelsea, I asked a friend to meet me there to sample their fare.

When we arrived at happy hour, we learned that the offers were only available at the bar. Sadly, their barstools have no backs, making it uncomfortable for my aching back to sit without support. I requested one of the many empty booths next to the bar, explaining my back issue and mentioning that we also planned to order off the menu.

Management declined. I’m guessing they haven’t had a chance to read Danny Meyer’s “Setting the Table,” which focuses on hospitality or Will Guidara’s “Unreasonable Hospitality,” both of which I recommend. My recent listening to them on their audiobooks has made me look at service differently.

We moved to a table and instead ordered from the regular menu, starting with some guacamole and chips ($15.95 — would have been $11 at the bar where they offered six other small $11 plates.)
We each ordered chicken mole enchiladas ($25.95), with three soft corn tortillas drenched in the dark, flavorful sauce. We realized we should have shared, as the servings were too large to finish. Leftovers came home.

Fonda is a decent watering hole if you find yourself in the Chelsea hood.

Fonda
Chelsea
189 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
917-525-5252
fondarestaurant.com/