Help! ISO- 23rd Bday Dinner in Malibu/SM//Venice

[kek is khmer]

Day: Saturday
Party Size: 15-25
Group Type: College Students/Recent grads/young professional
Price: $15-$25/person, not including drinks
Need something like: Yard House
Trying to avoid a place like: The Cheesecake Factory (overly extensive menu and no reservations) or Nobu (high-end and not for a picky eater)
Food Type: We're Open.
Considering: C&O and Duke's
Full Bar: Yes!!
Atmosphere: fun and casual (jeans sneakers) that doesn't mind a loud group and where we can stay for a while.

Like a good CH I did a search for Malibu and didn't find much so I need your help! We'll be in Malibu so we'd like something in that area but we're open to other places nearby. Is Duke's a good choice?

Ever been to a restaurant for a bday and didn't like your food/service and felt like you overpaid on top of that? That's definitely the type of place I'm trying to avoid. Thanks for your help!!

[glutton]

26 Beach might be an option to consider the next time there is a birthday to be celebrated...

[kek is khmer]

Thanks everyone for the recs. We decided to go with Marix since their location is really convenient and the bday girl wanted mexican. I sooo wanted to go to Musha but our group size was too large.

Once again, thanks for the recs.

[Juji]

Maybe something in the Palisades, like Marix Tex Mex? The food may not be super spectacular, but the margaritas do the trick and it's good for a large party.

[mollyomormon]

Marix might be perfect. I had my 26th bday there and it was a lot of fun, although the food isn't great.

[archer]

Or Lula's on Main St. in Santa Monica. Not inspired, but very good Mexican food, excellent margaritas and always fun w/ a crowd. They handle large groups well. Nice patio for your party.

[hrhboo]

World Cafe on Main, Enterprise Fish Co, Nikki's. C&O kick you out as soon as you finish your food, they don't let anyone linger over drinks! Duke's will probably be fun for your group.

[nick_r]

That hasn't been my experience... I've had birthday dinners there that have lasted around 3 hours.

[hrhboo]

On two separate occasions we have tried to order more wine after our plates have been removed and were refused. This was the location by the water.

[kek is khmer]

That sucks! We dont want to feel rushed. I've dont C&Os so many times that its my back up plan incase I can't find anything else.

[nick_r]

I say you can never go wrong with C&O for a birthday party. A loud group making lots of noise doesn't faze that place in the slightest. But be warned that they are kind of reservation nazis, so make sure you at least have a critical mass of people (i.e. about half your party) there within a few minutes of your reservation time, or they'll boot you.

[Diana]

Hard price range for the area. You could do Neptune's Net. Really , really low key. No Bar. Walk up counters, yes, but a great place to sit and watch the ocean with a plate of seafood and a beer.

Library Alehouse, Santa Monica
Ye Olde Kings' Head in Santa Monica
Duke's is OK, but not spectacular.
Father's Office is too small for your party.