17th Birthday Suggestions

[valmar]

Any ideas for a 17th birthday celebration? I need a restaurant that can accomodate a group of 12 16-17 year olds, is about $30 per person (which doesn't need to cover alcohol since they are underage) and is festive and maybe a little trendy. They don't want to go to any chain restaurants like Hard Rock or Planet Hollywood.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[NYCnowLA]

my niece and a group of her friends celebrated a birthday in the lounge of Chinatown Brasserie. They have a limited menu in the lounge and they all had a great time.

[GurglingStomach]

I think teenagers would have a real good kick from Dallas BBQ. HUGE portions that will dilate their pupils and just be good cause for fun conversations.

http://damnedgoodfood.blogspot.com

[jenniebnyc]

come on..... this place is nowhere near trendy...even a little trendy. huge portions of pretty disgusting food. burgers and that onion loaf are about as far as i will go here. and that was about two years ago. ribs are gross. sorry, but this is my opinion of the place.

[vatl619]

Citrus is a great choice. Food is good, atmosphere is fun and festive.

If you are looking for a really tasty, festive, reasonably priced off the radar Mexican try Ranchos on ....Amsterdam and maybe 90th? All through college, my friends and I used to go every few weeks. We loved it, and never understood how it didnt get more popular.

[billyeats]

certainly not trendy, but how about dinosaur bbq? it's way, way uptown but is pretty damn good bbq which is what i wanted when i was 17. it's also great for groups. of course, i was in no way cool or hip at 17 so take it for what it's worth!

[hoon]

carmines or tony's di napoli might be good choices. family style italian places with lots of energy.

[bakedbeans]

Go with Ruby Foos

[jenniebnyc]

Ruby Foos (or Tao if you are willing to pay the extra money) would thrill any 17 year old. Actually, I would check out Citrus (UWS) too. This is a pretty cool place and in your budget.

[valmar]

Thanks!! I made reservations at Citrus. They have a really nice 3 course prix fixe for $34 pp. My daughter is so excited!!!

[jenniebnyc]

That's great. I hope you all have a great b-day celebration !! Report back.

[valmar]

The party was last night and they all loved it. They said that the food was great and they loved the atmosphere. Thanks again!!

[jenniebnyc]

Glad to hear everything worked out for the best and the b-day girl had a good time!!!

[Bugswife]

Otto's Enotecca, Dos Caminos, Rosa Mexicano, Cowgirl, Ruby Foo--all of these that have been suggested fit the bill.
I would also like to suggest the upstairs private area at Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Guy on Broadway and 13th.

[valmar]

I love all of the suggestions, but am intrigued by Max Brenner. The desserts look amazing, but any idea how the food is?

[Bugswife]

Food apparently is 'ok to good'. It is probably fine for a group of 17 year olds who are happy with burgers and stuff. And, whatever issues they have with food, they more than make up for with dessert. I get the impression that the food is basic fair and nothing more. I think it is a great place for a birthday party.

[maxine]

The regular food is not very good at all. I find the place annoying in a Disnyesque sort of way, and touresty. But a private room might not be so bad. It could be good for 17 year olds. The chocolate can be great. I love the double chocolate cookies and I've heard that the fondu is great.

[haleyjen]

I saw a group that age at Schiller's the other week, they seemed to be having a good time.

[RGR]

Otto is a good choice for a group. I'm not sure if it's considered trendy, but it is always on the radar because it's a Batali restaurant. While the sample group menu on their website has a $40 price, you could see if they can put together a menu that would fit your budget.

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

[NiKoLe1625]

i would definitely agree with Otto. Its very trendy. The pizza is great, and the ice cream is even better! Might get a BIT pricey, but im really not sure what they would charge for a large party!

[bakedbeans]

Take them to Lucky Chengs. They would have a blast!!

[downtownstefanie]

there's many 16-17 yr olds that would be freaked out by Lucky. Also, their food is pretty bad and overpriced. And they are known for poor service.

[valmar]

i agree about lucky chengs. my daughter has been to a couple of parties at lips and lucky chengs. i don't think she and her friends were freaked out, but they definitely don't want to do it again.

[downtownstefanie]

Cowgirl in the west village would be perfect. Good food, fun atmosphere and the usual dessert with bad singing of Happy Birthday gets taken to a new level. Definitely would stay under $30

[valmar]

Do you think Rosa Mexicano is doable at $30 pp? Is it a fun place?

Any other suggestions of Mexican restaurants that would be fun for 17 year olds?

[roze]

We went with a large group and got the guac for the table and everyone got an entree. It ended up being $50 a person with tax and tip. That being said everyone also had at least 2 margaritas, maybe more, so if you don't have the alcohol I think it would be right around $30 a person.

[roze]

rosa mexicaon?

[jenniebnyc]

Ruby Foos upper west side location.