433880 Wed Aug 22 11:13:32 -0700 2007 6 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2870043 Hi. I'm new to LA from Brooklyn. Tomorrow night's my big ol thirty one and I'd like to find a wonderful place to take around 10 friends for dinner that's walkable from the Los Feliz area (walkable to me means anything within approx. 1 mile radius). For me, big home cooked dinner parties at a friend's place with loads of booze and music that go on until the wee hours are the best type. i'm looking for an establishment that somewhat replicates that warm feel. Some other notables: ENVIRONMENT: Good lighting, warm & cozy, well designed but not take itself too seriously, open (outdoor/patio would be nice but not neccessary). FOOD: I'm open to any cuisine, it would be great if there was a full bar (or BYO) MONEY: Hopefully not too pricey NEIGHBORHOOD: If there was a nearby bar/club/place to cut a rug later on, that would be a wicked bonus. suggestions here too would be helpful. Thanks for any suggestions! I'll let you know where we end up and how it worked out. *if anyone's from NY, here are some places i've had excellent bdays in the past: - Marlow & Sons http://marlowandsons.com/ - Franks http://www.frankrestaurant.com/ - Korean bbq in K-town Wed Aug 22 11:13:32 -0700 2007 121251 searead 1 2870154 There are not that many places in a one-mile radius of Los Feliz that fill all these requirements, but here goes: TOP CHOICES: Cliff's Edge, just a teensy bit farther in Silver Lake, would probably be the top choice for great patio, decent food, not too too pricey, full bar. Cobras and Matadors -- nice environment, service can be spotty but food is usually pretty tasty, decent prices, beer and wine only, sidewalk seating. Malo -- same owner as Cobras and Matadors so similar service issues, big if not too beautiful patio, decent food, great margaritas, reasonable prices. WOULD DO IN A PINCH (not as good for groups for various reasons): Tantra: Nice Indian atmosphere, pretty good food and drinks, a little pricey, service issues Mexico City: good drinks, food is pretty iffy but can be convenient for a group, no patio. Vermont: a little pricey, good drinks and solid food, crowd might be a little old for your group. Tiger Lily: not sure what's going on there these days, but there's plenty of space for a group, a sidewalk patio and ok Asian fusion food, full bar. Puran's: I think the food is pretty uninspired here but the young folks seem to like it; I think it's beer and wine only. Vinoteca/Farfalla/Tropicalia: good food and wine, no full bar Il Capriccio: solid well-priced Italian food, beer and wine only. Tangier: Not sure whether it's all club nights here but could be worth checking out. Wed Aug 22 11:38:16 -0700 2007 2870043 12460 Chowpatty 1 2870191 I just ate at El Conquistador with 5 others and would really recommend it over MALO, Malo means BAD, right? Great drinks, good food & excellent service. Wed Aug 22 11:46:54 -0700 2007 2870043 11279 Burger Boy 2 2870199 El Conquistador is definitely a party spot. Very campy. Good margaritas. Get there early or it will be packed. Wed Aug 22 11:49:24 -0700 2007 2870191 76025 mojoeater 3 2870318 cliff's edge sounds like it might be the right spot. any reccs for making reservations in a particular part of the restaurant (outdoors? upstairs?) or not to be missed menu items? Wed Aug 22 12:17:58 -0700 2007 2870199 121251 searead 4 2870391 Definitely outdoors. The upper part of the patio is more secluded but anywhere would be good. Wed Aug 22 12:34:15 -0700 2007 2870318 12460 Chowpatty 5 2870603 Couldn't agree more -- Cliff's Edge, outside. They make a great cocktail, and I always enjoy the filet. Wed Aug 22 13:18:42 -0700 2007 2870391 19082 djdebs