I am starting this review long before my food arrives for a very simple reason. Service. Aloette had an hour and a half wait. No reservations.
It was 8:45 and I was tired and needed a drink. You can't wait at their bar because it is part of their seating. The maître d' called upstairs to Alo and arranged a "window seat" for me at the bar. This is literally sitting on the window sill which is comfortably arranged with pillows and a candle.
Originally, I had to approach the bar after a long wait to be welcomed. The bartender apologized and took my order. Eventually I was invited to take a seat at the bar and offered a dinner menu. I decided to wait for my Alloette reservation.
When my text came and I went back downstairs, the maître d' was again tremendously gracious and accommodating. He offered me a seating choice (table or bar counter), took my drink order, asked if I had any menu questions and just generally made me feel welcome.
I ordered their famous burger and was not disappointed. It was cooked perfectly (they don't ask how you want it cooked) with a large slice of beaufort cheese caramelized on top. Beaufort is a firm, raw cow's milk cheese associated with the gruyère family. I was very happy I had waited and not eaten upstairs as this burger was the best I have ever had!
So, although the wait associated with no reservations makes eating at Aloette challenging, it is well worth it!