Wild women need food

[NCetr]

Three of us are heading to the city Friday to celebrate recent birthdays that end in "0."

Where do hip, happening women (over 40) go for a lively dining experience and then, where to after dinner? We're staying near Times Square but location is not an issue.

My friends wouldn't be classified as foodies so the mood is probably more important than fine dining.

Thanks!

[HippoParade]

I think if you are interested in Meatpacking, check out Buddakan, Morimoto, Spice Market, or CraftSteak - I am fairly certain that you will find the mood you seek!

[ChowDiva]

What about French Bistro, Pastis or Balthazar? Lively, great food, plus there's a little bit on the menu for everyone. Pastis in the Meatpacking District has quite a few upscale spots close by for afterwards (Plunge at the Gansevoort, Ara Wine Bar, PM). Balthazar is also in a good spot for some after-dinner drinks.

[egit]

Actually I'd second Pastis over my previous suggestion (Old Homestead). Much hipper, better variety, better people watching, and you'd probably be able to get a rez reasonably easy.

[NCetr]

Thanks for the recs -- took a look at the Pastis website and agree it seems like the right choice! Am also considering Vento, but I think the Meathpacking District is the ticket. I'll let you know how we fare.

[wingman]

Sounds like Pastis in the Meatpacking would fit everything you and your friends are looking for. Babbo is very far from a beer and burger place and isn't "tarditional" itallian food - takes more of an adventurous pallat to truly enjoy it - Pastis definetley would be great for you guys.

[RGR]

Amalia has beautiful decor, and the overall ambiance is quite hip. It happens to be located in the Times Square area, on 55th St., b/t B'way & 7th Av. The Mediterranean/Contemporary American cuisine would probably not appeal to your friends. But you might want to stop in for a drink.

[NCetr]

My friends would probably cringe if they knew they were being described as only meat and potato eaters! I am probably underestimating them. Amalia sounds quite nice. I tried to get reservations at Babbo with no luck (because everyone likes Italian, right?), but how 'bout the wine bar there?

[RGR]

Well, if you want to give your friends the proverbial benefit of the doubt, the food at Amalia is delicious and not particularly way out. There are a couple of steaks available as well as frites. Though there may have been menu changes since we were there, you can view it on Menupages.

http://www.menupages.com/restaurantde...

[Ineedit2Eat.it]

Frankly I avoid Times Sq area as much as possible.
It would help to know what type of cuisine you're into and price range. Considering its a bday I suggest Sushi Samba. The location on 7th ave attract a slightly younger crowd than the park ave location but either one is an experience. The Park Ave location is near enough to Union SQ with a good night scene.

Also I can recommend Sala 19 (W 19th Btwn 5th & 6th) . This is a Spanish restaurant with incredible tapas and amazing Sangria. Wonderful ambiance!

Either restaurants will require reservations. Happy Birthday!

[NCetr]

Thanks Ineedit -- my girls are more into beer and burgers (American food, in otherwords) and I'm willing to go along with that for a night (although a solid wine list would make me happy). Price really isn't an issue. I think we'll do people watching in Times Square but agree with you that we aren't all that hot to dine there. Thanks for your good wishes!

[egit]

The people you'll be seeing near Times Square will be tourists. If you want hip, you may want to consider getting burgers at the Old Homestead. Actually, the outdoor tables go under a different name... but they'll have good meat and potatoes fare, and then if you think you can deal with the "hipness" of the Meatpacking District, it'll be walking distance for you. Would probably be good people watching though.

[JoLi]

I'd recommend Vento in the Meatpacking district. Good people watching and the downstairs turns into a fun dance club.

Food is pretty good, not amazing.

[princeofpork]

Go to Tao. You will feel so hip.

[financialdistrictresident]

Not to Tao. Especially if they are into burgers, Asian food might scare them! I have only been to Tao once and I cannot understand (other than the giant Buddha) why it is in the top 5 reservations on opentable.com . . .