604552 Tue Mar 17 14:31:43 -0700 2009 13 18 Manhattan 0 4514119 I am looking for a place to go on Friday night for a double date. We are looking for a place with a lively atmosphere, good food and live music. Any suggestions? Thank you!! Tue Mar 17 14:31:43 -0700 2009 275262 SaltyD 1 4514331 Don't know if you're into Latin jazz, but the Jazz Standard has pretty good food (same kitchen as Smoke Restaurant, upstairs). Fri night's act, DAFNIS PRIETO SI O SI QUARTET is recording a live album that night, so that always encourages an audience to be lively. http://www.jazzstandard.net/red/index.html Tue Mar 17 15:46:30 -0700 2009 4514119 32941 Rmis32 2 4515843 That is a good suggestion. Thank you. I was hoping for a place with more contemporary music (mainly because I deal with Jazz and classical all day at work) Something like City Winery would be great. Unfortunately though, I have Celiac and have a hard time eating at City Winery. Wed Mar 18 07:13:13 -0700 2009 4514331 275262 SaltyD 3 4515854 Cuba has decent food and great live Cuban bands: http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails?restaurantid=5594 www.thelunchbelle.com Wed Mar 18 07:17:15 -0700 2009 4515843 110996 LeahBaila 4 4518402 i think this might actually be your best suggestion, saltyD. i've been to cuba once and didn't like the food or atm (too loud for real conversation)... but i think i may be in the minority. i've seen a number of credible posts favoring this place for food, drink and music. might be worth a look. Wed Mar 18 22:28:21 -0700 2009 4515854 64215 cimui 1 4516375 La Lanterna, downstairs - cute and cozy Wed Mar 18 09:43:35 -0700 2009 4514119 237328 luckieno2 1 4516582 Jules - on St. Marks Place - might be of interest. French bistro with live music every night. It's usually a jazz combo. The food is decent - not remarkable - bistro food and the prices are fair. http://www.julesbistro.com/index.html Wed Mar 18 10:40:36 -0700 2009 4514119 10787 Deenso 1 4516864 i went to boom a few years back in soho. they had a live music. it was really cute and yummy. Wed Mar 18 12:02:22 -0700 2009 4514119 178119 mch 1 4518347 I wouldn't say that the food at Blue Note is particularly excellent, but they do serve it. And the club sometimes draws great acts (many non-jazz). There are a number of items on the menu that should, theoretically, be gluten free (i.e. a fruit and cheese platter, roasted salmon, steak, salads w/o dressing). Acme Bar & Grill serves edible southern / cajun fare and has some fun, generally lesser-known indie rock-type acts downstairs. Again, the menu lists some grilled items that might work for you, though the danger of cross contamination from barbecue sauces that contain gluten might be high. I'd call and ask about this in advance. Wed Mar 18 21:37:04 -0700 2009 4514119 64215 cimui 1 4518538 Cornilia St. Cafe in the W. Village. Upstairs is just dinner and downstairs is an intimate performance space where there are different types of performances every night...i think their website has the schedule. You can order food downstairs too (that's what i've done). Only consideration is there is often a cover, but its totally worth it for a great environment and above average food. Thu Mar 19 01:47:09 -0700 2009 4514119 24826 nycskigal 2 4526601 If Cornelia St. Cafe's food is above average, only barely, in my opinion. I find their food very boring. I liked their old, Italian-influenced menu better. However, their performance space is good, though rather small, and I've heard good music there. Sat Mar 21 21:13:39 -0700 2009 4518538 17058 Pan 1 4519179 Oliva has live latin music later on in the evening, people even dance eventually...a great experience. The food is average but the sangria is great and the atmosphere is a fun Thu Mar 19 09:00:36 -0700 2009 4514119 257701 Francofoodie 2 4523284 Thank you all so much for your suggestions! I really appreciate it! This was my first Chowhound post and a total success. I will certainly be back! Fri Mar 20 13:34:12 -0700 2009 4519179 275262 SaltyD 3 4523291 Let us know how the date goes and where you all ended up! Have fun. www.thelunchbelle.com Fri Mar 20 13:35:59 -0700 2009 4523284 110996 LeahBaila