GJG854's Profile
Lunch for 11 without private dining room
OK, so I'm having some trouble with a specific "where to have lunch" question. I'm trying to put together a lunch in Manhattan for 11 people on the Sunday before Christmas. The problem is that many places won't seat a group of 11 and provide a la carte service. They often want to give you a limited set menu and do it through their special events service. But we want to be in the regular dining room and order off a full menu. We've tried to break it up into groups of 5 and 6, but some say they can't guarantee two tables together. Looking for something Midtown-ish, but a little bit downtown is fine too. Something around $40/person and not $80. So far I've tried booking at:
JoJo - they offered a set menu with choice of 2 apps, 2 mains, 2 deserts; couldn't promise two tables together of 5 and 6.
Gramercy Tavern - no weekend lunch in the dining room, that was news to me.
EMP - would only offer a limited set menu in their private dining room, couldn't confirm two tables together if we split into 5 and 6, then found out they're closed on Sunday anyway...
Union Square Cafe - same as EMP, wanted to do a limited set menu and couldn't confirm two tables of 5 and 6 together.
So, does anyone have recommendations of comparable restaurants that might be willing to accommodate a large party with these conditions? More casual is fine too. I thought Balthazar but on second thought it's too loud and I've heard the food isn't so great these days. Thanks for any ideas!
DC on Friday - casual but great food
OK, so we've narrowed it down to Blue Duck and Central. Any thoughts between the two? From looking at menus, Blue Duck definitely seems to take itself more seriously, but I like that they have a vegetarian section. It seems like the atmosphere at Central would be a bit more casual and fun. What are the "don't miss" dishes at each? Any input welcome! Thanks.
DC on Friday - casual but great food
Thanks for the recommendations so far. Proof looks great. I should have mentioned that we have one vegetarian in the group, so I liked that Blue Duck Tavern had a few good veg options. Any more ideas would be welcome!
DC on Friday - casual but great food
I'll be in DC this Friday night. Staying in the Courthouse area of Arlington. I'm looking for a place for dinner that night with a few friends. Great food, young/hip atmosphere, casual and fun. Something not too expensive ($30+ entrees) would be great. Good drinks and bistro type food. I'm thinking of places like The Harrison, The Little Owl, or Gramercy Taven (tavern menu) in NYC if that helps. Can be in Arlington or in DC proper, but we won't have a car so fairly close to a metro stop would be best. I've eaten at 1789 in the past but think it would be too stuffy/formal for this occasion. I've heard good things about Blue Duck Tavern. Any recommendations? Thanks!
