NYC restaurant for Sweet 16

[chm36]

I am looking for a fun, not too expensive restaurant for my daughters Sweet 16. We are having about 20 people. Just want to have a nice dinner, entertainment would be nice, but not necessary.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[intuscany]

Does anyone think that Jekyll and Hyde is a good bet? There are 2 locations.

[jenniebnyc]

When I was sixteen I thought I was 21, so being in a restaurant that had a "bar scene", such as Asia de Cuba, made me feel all the cooler!!!

Years ago we had my sister's sweet sixteen at Cafe Iguana and then my dad paid off the bouncers at the Palladium and in we all went.

Those were the good old days.

[bewley]

There's a place on the UES called Serendipity 3 (225 E. 60th St, between Second and Third Ave). This place is the get all for sweet 16 parties, and has a cool . . . well you'll have to see it.

Here's a review:

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/serendipity-3/

And here's their website:

http://www.serendipity3.com/

[Beans]

Don't Otto, Asia de Cuba, and Sapa all seem a little too trendy, scene-oriented (read: bar scene) for a group of sixteen year-olds (unless that's what you're looking for)?

Maybe take a look at the BBQ places in Manhattan? Dinosaur has a big space.

Houston's is another idea for casual American group dining. Even though it's a chain, Frank Bruni (Times food critic) gave it a thumbs up in his blog.

Also, on Zagat's website, they list 147 "Teen Friendly" restaurants in the NYC metro area. Might be worth a look.

[RGR]

I haven't been to Otto, but from what other Hounds have written about it, it doesn't sound at all like a bar-scene kind of place. In fact, it's often cited at being very family-friendly. Acc. to their website, they have special arrangements for large groups, and the cost fits the o.p.'s budget. So, this may actually be an excellent choice.

http://www.ottopizzeria.com/group_din...

[Beans]

Fair enough. I've been several times, and spent the majority of my time there in the Wine Bar, which takes up the entire front section of the restaurant. It's dark, bustling and loud. I love it, but many have complained that it's crowded & noisy. But again, that's the wine bar, which IMO, is the jewel of Otto.

With that said, I'm sure the group dining section is worth a look.

[CornflakeGirl]

Otto seems very fitting. The teens should enjoy the food and feel "grown-up" by getting a night out in Manhattan. The noise and crowd probably won't be a turn off for them either.

[kersie]

While Otto is great, I believe you have to do a set (not cheap) menu for parties that are larger than 12.

[RGR]

That's correct. But why would that be a problem? In fact, with a group that size, it cuts down on confusion. Also, if you click on the link to the menu in my previous post, you will see that in addition to antipasti + dessert (gelato and sorbetto), there is a choice of 4 different pizzas from a very long list. As for the cost, it's $40pp which, as I mentioned, is in line with the o.p.'s budget.

[jenniebnyc]

I would go to www.nymetro.com
Here you can check out the places I recommend below and search for other restaurants as well. Note: there is a search criteria "Good for GRoups" that can filter restaurants that might be good for your group of 20.

OTTO
Carmines
The communal table at Asia de Cuba
SAPA
Citrus

[chm36]

As for cuisine, probably Italian, American. Something basic that teenagers like.
No specific neighborhood. I'm not extremely familiar with New York City. I guess somewhere with a lot of atmosphere.
There will be 16 16yr olds, 2 adults and 2 kids 13.
Per Person-around $50

Thanks

[RGR]

You need to give us more specifics.

1. What are your cuisine preferences?

2. Any particular neighborhood?

3. Will those attending be mainly friends of your daughter, or is this more of a family affair with a mixed age group?

4. Give us a per person budget and tell us if that figure includes drinks (i.e., wine, liquor), tax and tip.