Need cheap non-diner for group of 20 in Oct.

[mickiet]

My turn to organize my club's monthly dinner. We've done Chinese and Thai, too many diners, and we're tired of Vynl. I'm panicking and drawing a blank.

Italian, American, Med and Eastern European are OK. Indian, Latin or Mexican *might* possibly be OK. Can't be 100% vegetarian (we have meat-eaters.)

The main problem is, our members are either cheap or poor. They can't stand the concept of a $12 plain hamburger.

Looking for something like Schiller's Liquor Bar, elmo or Cafeteria, but about 10%-20% cheaper, and can take rezzies. Separate party room not necessary.

Does such a place exist?

[mickiet]

Thank you everyone for the great info! Keep the ideas coming!

Isn't Shake Shack outdoors?

[LeahBaila]

Yes, it is outdoors.

[Jel212]

I completely stand up for the food at Saigon Grill - and the atmosphere at the Union Square one for a big cheap meal. Excellent, fresh, tasty food - #36, Chicken Ga Sate - is one of the top chicken dishes anywhere, ever. The shrimp summer rolls, shrimp crystal dumplings, and la ga sa. Incredibly good, and they have huge tables - the place is huge.

[CDB]

I just recommended this in another thread, but Puttanesca on 56th and 9th, is a good, relatively inexpensive option.

Not sure if they let big groups order ala carte or if they make you have a set menu, but IIRC, pastas are in the low teens and are pretty good. Its a good value overall, and if you are planning it during the week, their private room is usually open, at least it is when i walk by.

[kathryn]

Maybe Shake Shack? You can get a shack burger, fries, and a soda for $10.

[piccola]

Cafe Con Leche?
Maybe one of the Café Havana locations...

[LeahBaila]

What about Katz's Deli or John's Pizzeria??

[ellenb]

I was thinking John's too! esp the Times Square location for the group size

[mickiet]

Thank you for your ideas so far! Kuma Inn could be a possibility. Alta seems nice, but I agree with Darth Eater - I'm skittish about tapas and "small plates" places for the budget-minded. LeahBaila - your'e right on target, we're planning on going to Katz's for our December dinner.

[FNY]

Cafe Mogador?

Also, what about Indian on 6th street between 1st and 2nd avenue. I can't think of a specific one, but there are a lot of little restaurants on that block and most of them are affordable.

La Esquina Cantina might be another good option (not the restaurant, or the taco stand, but the little restaurant around the corner from the taco stand).

[FNY]

Just realized you need space for 20 people so my prior suggestions don't apply... Sambuca?

[kathryn]

Kuma Inn will be to small for a party that large. And whenever I dine there, I end up paying about $40 all told, too. It might not be as cheap as you want.

[JungMann]

Alta, Kuma Inn, Tanoreen, Charles's Southern Kitchen.

[DarthEater]

Alta can add up to $$$...