Still need Birthday dinner help :/

[SarahAlex]

I'm being so indecisive! There will be 6 girls, none of which are into the clubbing paty scene but love delicious food and great wine/cocktails... for my 25th BDay. Something around Cambridge but not opposed to Boston..a place with a great atmosphere and great service but not crazy over the top expensive. I was thinking the East Coast Grill... but I go there a lot and it's not really the kind of place to lounge around after over cocktails... any suggestions!?

Thanks! :)

[saridt]

Also dante might be an idea --went there for apps & a glass of wine at the bar before the movies last Friday and tried two of the half-portions of pasta --one was a rabbit ravioli in a citrusy sauce & the other was really delicious gnocchi with duck. Both were excellent. I am pretty sure they take reservations through opentable.com. I didn't look around the dining room, but the bar was hopping at 7:00.

[Waidesworld]

Orleans in Davis Square gives a very decent meal at a good price and the wine selection isn't too bad either.

[ChefJune]

If it were me, I'd be heading over to Rialto in the Charles Hotel to try out Jody Adams' new menu! She's a fabulous cook, and the menu has an even more Italian twist than before. I salivate just thinking about her baked pastas!

and the whole room has a new vibe.

[Sgt Snackers]

We checked out the reincarnation last weekend and although the food and cocktails were superb, had some real service problems. Also, given the range of places that the OP mentioned earlier I suspect Rialto will be a bit too expensive for what they're looking for...

[heather_ly]

How about the B-Side? Fabulous coctails and food not too mention the chocolate fondue.

[SarahAlex]

Thanks! That was helpful :) I'm definitely not a clubbing/heavy party kind of girl... I'm into more low key/lounging over delicious wine and food kind of girl... if that helps :)

[Joanie]

You're not gonna get such wonderful wine and drinks at Addis Red Sea. If East Coast will take a reservation, that would work altho maybe you don't mind waiting a long time. Otherwise, I'd say Green St. or Monday Club. Both are in areas where you can bounce around later (Middlesex, Enormous room in Central; Noir, Casablanca, Rialto in Harvard).

[SarahAlex]

Or Addis Red Sea? lol

[SarahAlex]

So I've narrowed it down.. I swear! :)

Upstairs on the Square Monday room
Green Street Grill
East Coast Grill
Ole

THOUGHT about Temple Bar...

I have some vegetarian friends... I know Ole and East Coast have veggie opetions... but Upstairs and Green Street?? I dont anyone left out.

[Sgt Snackers]

Upstairs on the Square: Pretty good stuff, maybe a bit quiet for a 25 yo B-day party (in my opinion, though perhaps you won't be shotgunning Budweisers like, um ... nevermind.)

Green Street: Great cocktails. Good food although the menu has changed recently and is nowhere near as exciting as it used to be. Close to Central Sq so you can do some bar hopping later if you like.

East Coast Grill: My favorite of your picks. Absolutely fun. Great food and drinks. The place has its detractors on this board - deservedly so - but I have a hard time believing you would not have a great time. Ask to sit in the Volcano Room.

Ole: Now, I'm a big fan of the place, and I think the food is good (if not great), and nothing says "birthday" like "margaritas". I think ECG is a better bet.

Temple Bar: Don't waste your time - you have much better options on the table.

You'll be ok at Upstairs and Green Street for veggie options, though you might want to check online to see if their menus are posted just to be sure.

Sounds like you will have fun anywhere - have a good one and let us know how it turns out!

[DCtoBoston]

I am a big fan of Ole' and their guacamole that is prepared tableside. Considering Boston has a severe shortage of quality mexican food, Ole was an enjoyable upscale Mexican experience. The margaritas are a nice touch as well.

[saridt]

I was just at Ole last weekend & posted a review --it was NOT good...at all...and my husband & I used to really like it there.

[finlero]

The Monday Club Bar at Upstairs on the Square ("downstairs at Upstairs"?) serves excellent, inventive food and fun cocktails, plus it sports a nice wine list. Prices downstairs are semi-reasonable, certainly no worse than at ECG. The decor is decidedly cool and a little bizarre, think "Alice in Wonderland" goes to Harvard. Service is competent, if a tad erratic when busy.

I would not recommend the upstairs Soiree Room. A little too quiet, and a lot too expensive.

[yangzum]

What about Dali? Tapas are very festive, the atmosphere is great, and you can sip on sangrias.

[Joanie]

What was wrong with the last batch of suggestions? Eastern Standard, Cuchi Cuchi, Toro, they're all good as are the above.

[kittychow]

Om might be pricey but it's great and the atmosphere is terrific. I love the lounge there.

Or you could do dinner at Rendezvous and then head to the Enormous Room for drinks.

I'm sure someone has mentioned Cuchi Cuchi already... That could be really fun and I've had very good meals there.

[Snowflake]

I think West Side Lounge might work out for you. Or you could start at Chez Henri, get an apetizer and drink, then go down to West Side for a main course at the bar of grab a table and then, there is always Temple Bar a couple doors down. I think it would make a fun evening.
Or sticking close to Harvard Square there is Daedelus