HELP! Need dinner recs for catching up with friend...

[Liquid Sky]

Hi Everyone,

Going to catch up with a friend for dinner. Can you recommend places with good food AND atmosphere (energetic vibe, nice lighting, good music AND not pretentious)?

Some ideas so far:

--Bar Room at The Modern
--Pintxos (Tribeca) for tapas
--Azul Bistro (LES)

Liked Dylan Prime, but want to try someplace else.

Trying to take a break from Italian food.

French, Seafood-focused, Tapas, Brazilian or Argentinean places are all great.

Manhattan preferred. (No offense to the other boroughs!)

[dec132]

off the top of my head:

Lure Fishbar
Landmarc
Pylos
Public

[Liquid Sky]

Thanks, dec!

Can you tell me your thoughts on Public and Landmarc?

I've heard good things about Landmarc's wine... their food a little less so.

Public is the Australian place, right?

[dec132]

Yes, public is the australian place. I really enjoyed by meals at both:

Public i had the kangaroo as an app. and then the grilled shrimp as an entree. Public is more sceny than Landmarc. It is louder (but not overly powering)

Landmarc is more homey and VERY good. i spilt the Filet and tuna steak when i went there. the food was really good (the steak was great.... and i am from chicago so i have had great steak). and the wine is very cheap and you can get craffes and try different types. if you are looking for a place to have great conversation and catchup i would say landmarc.
hope that helps

[Liquid Sky]

Many thanks!

[Liquid Sky]

Oh... and has anyone been to BOQUERIA lately?

Is it considered overpriced? I like tapas, but not when they overcharge.

[eeee]

Boqueria is kind of loud and cramped - I would go to Alta to catch up with a friend. they have a wonderful selection of rose wines!

[Liquid Sky]

Thanks, eeee.

[egit]

Landmarc over Public, definitely. Food at Public is pretty good. I had a terrible experience there, but I really can't hold the place responsible for *bad compnay*. Either way, I felt like Public was loud and scene-y, and they'd be less keen on letting you sit and camp for a while.

[Liquid Sky]

Thanks, egit! Right now my top contenders are:

Landmarc
Craftbar
Bar Room at Modern

Any other thoughts?

[centrejack]

I really like BarRoom - a beautiful room that has a good vibe and is fun. It also focuses on small plates and half entrees which I think is great for sharing with friends - and it makes it more intimate. The place can get a little boisterous but not too loud to talk or too crowded.

I haven't been in a couple of months so the menu could have changed but I one dish I would recommend is the tarte flambe I think it is the best version in the city.

[Liquid Sky]

Thanks, jack! How is the seating? Do I need to go early?

[centrejack]

Just get a reservation and there is no need to go early. Enjoy

[Liquid Sky]

Sounds good!

[elizabeththinks]

I second Alta, it's lovely & quieter, and more reasonably priced. Boqueria is excellent, but it gets v. v. expensive

[Liquid Sky]

Thanks, elizabeth. I am trying to take a break from Italian, which is why I decided not to do Alta.

[eeee]

FYI, Alta is Spanish-Mediterranean, not Italian