Taro (also now on Flatbush). Much better than Geido.

I love the crispy watercress salad, the kao soi and the pickled spare ribs. Ask for everything spicy.

Bar Corvo is the place on Washington. I'm a fan.

If you are willing to go up to $40 pp (which I realize is a big if), I would recommend Otto. The food and atmosphere seem right for this occasion and they are very good with groups.

Brooklyn Larder is owned by the Franny's folks, so its possible that he GC's could be used at either--I would ask.

Not sure of your price point, but Franny's is great choice. Also consider Al di La and Applewood.

Here is the list from nyccorked:

http://nycorked.wikispaces.com/

I went the day after christmas at about 6pm. No wait to order, our pie took about 1/2 an hour. By far the easiest experience I have ever had there.

my party of 6 was seated at a round table for brunch at Maialino--check to see if it can accomdate 8. Plenty of lunch items on the menu which is one of the reasons its one of my favorite brunches in town.

I've taken multiple classes at the Astor Center and all have been excellent (and the meal afterwards delicious)

Marc Forgione is good combo of convivial atmosphere and good food

Wong

I'll second Otto--I think it has the right vibe for a birthday along with the price point.

Otto might be good for this. I believe their group dining options are all under $60.

Craft does not serve lunch as far as I know--only dinner.

Agreed on the Del Posto/Babbo point, espeically now that you can get lunch at Babbo (and reservations are not hard to come by).

I love the Yum Crispy Duck at Pam Real Thai.

To add to small h's list, we did a tasting of small pours of scotch at North End Grill. The bartender was very knowledgable and helpful.

the souffles are pretty good but everything else I tried at large group meal was mediocre. I've had better souffles in the last year at Minetta Tavern and at the Mark restaurant.

the Tavern at Grammercy Tavern might work. It certainly has he beer and wine options.

I think the fish tacos at the Brooklyn Flea are pretty good. I can't remember the name of the vendor.

And Egg's new sister restaurant Parish Hall. For more info on these see the Outer Boroughs board

The lines for Blue Smoke at either location are never bad--I don't think I waited more than 5 or 10 mins even on opening day. I highly reccomend the wings. Shake Shack lines are indeed long--plan to get to the game early if you want food from there.

Wogies is the philly sports bar in NYC. Good wings, super casual, and I believe they take reservations during the post season.

http://wogies.com/site/

They were also plentiful at the GAP and Fort Greene greenmarkets this past weekend. $4 a bunch.

Where in Park Slope will you be? My favorite brunches in the neighborhood are at Al Di La and Applewood, though neither takes reservations for brunch.

If 50th street is not too far south, try Tolache, a popular rec on these boards.

Congee Bowery does also have private rooms. I've held a party there and food, space and service were all excellent.

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Congee Bowery
207 Bowery, New York, NY 10002

I agree--the Capsuto Freres brunch menu LOOKS great, but I had a pretty terrible brunch there a few years back. We had a family gathering there--about 10 people and not one person enjoyed their food. Eggs were overcooked, fish dishes were undersalted etc. We split some souffles for dessert and those were pretty good, but IMHO not worth it considering the quaility of the rest of the food. Not to mention that we had really bad service. Not someplace I would return.

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Capsouto Freres
451 Washington St, New York, NY 10013

I don't know of a place specifically like that, but both fairway and zabars carry the mini blini.

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Zabar's
2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

Fairway Market
2127 Broadway, New York, NY 10023