624443 Tue Jun 02 07:19:26 -0700 2009 16 18 Manhattan 0 4735249 For my birthday, I want to go somewhere downtownish for small plates and delicious cocktails. Any recommendations? Degustation? Thanks! Tue Jun 02 07:19:26 -0700 2009 21555 chompchomp 1 4735650 I've heard wonderful things about Degustation, but I think that the bar seating may make it difficult to talk to a group of friends. I've had 2 wonderful meals at Damon's Frugal Friday Every Day Except Tuesday. Very fun; tea cocktail is delicious; and everything, including drinks, is under $10. Tue Jun 02 09:16:57 -0700 2009 4735249 294062 lawgirl1984 2 4740221 Agree Degustation is best for 2. I have been with a party of 3 and it was a bit awkward. This is a recent thread on Degustation: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/619818 Wed Jun 03 15:35:52 -0700 2009 4735650 73159 financialdistrictresident 1 4735797 pegu club death & co. employees only little branch boqueria (spanish tapas) wilfie & nell (neighborhood bar, good music, can reserve a long table. little gastropub-y sandwiches). i believe degustation is wine and beer only. if that's fine... you can also add these to your possibles list: ten bells (festive, loud, funky, all organic wines) monday room (quiet, fusiony more exotic foods, wine steward -- can get excellent cockails at attached restaurant / bar Public) grape & grain (neighborhoody, casual) wined up (more professional businessy, full bar as well) inoteca (always popular, always crowded, but you can reserve for groups) Tue Jun 02 10:01:30 -0700 2009 4735249 13695 thievery 2 4736029 I should clarify -- I am not looking for a big space, just for my husband and myself. Keep 'em coming -- this is great! Tue Jun 02 11:02:19 -0700 2009 4735797 21555 chompchomp 3 4737764 Casa Mono - delicious tapas/small dishes in the Union Square Area. Also Sala on Bowery and maybe Mercat in Noho Tue Jun 02 20:57:55 -0700 2009 4736029 301812 YummyInTheCity 4 4740229 Second Casa Mono and Mercat. Only downside is I left Casa Mono smelling like food. Wed Jun 03 15:39:13 -0700 2009 4737764 73159 financialdistrictresident 2 4891731 I just went to Wilfie and Nell and without seeing this board thought that it would be perfect for a small party especially in the summer. Cool roomy space with two sets of doors and long benches. We had their delicious sliders, grilled cheese, thick cut fries, Mc Clures pickles, gin lime rickey and beer. Sun Jul 26 11:23:54 -0700 2009 4735797 159519 tabs 1 4737580 I'd say Alta. There are great tables for 2 upstairs around the balconey. Basically, but not completely Spainish. The brussels sprouts are awesome if there on the menu at this time of the year. Dequestation is also a great option since it's just the 2 of you. Tue Jun 02 19:33:16 -0700 2009 4735249 117271 Stuffed Monkey 1 4737813 bacaro, on division east of chinatown. also i hear good things about tapeo29 on clinton. there's also the relatively new sorella on allen/delancey. Tue Jun 02 21:19:51 -0700 2009 4735249 18514 emilia 2 4738732 If it was down to Casa Mono or Tia Pol, where would you recommend? Wed Jun 03 08:40:37 -0700 2009 4737813 21555 chompchomp 3 4738972 I second Alta...fun atmosphere and the tables upstairs are perfect for 2. I was there this year for my birthday. It's a good middle ground between Tia Pol and Casa Mono. I personally do not really like Casa Mono. The tables are very close together and food is quite expensive for what you're getting. Wed Jun 03 09:56:12 -0700 2009 4738732 217533 ukitali 3 4740231 I have only been to Casa Mono so I would have to say Casa Mono. Send your clothes to the dry cleaner the next day . . . Wed Jun 03 15:40:46 -0700 2009 4738732 73159 financialdistrictresident 2 4740226 Bacaro is romantic. That said, when I went recently it wasn't that good. Duck ragu has become inconsistent. A recent rhead on Bacaro: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/459884 Wed Jun 03 15:38:30 -0700 2009 4737813 73159 financialdistrictresident 1 4739598 Stanton Social seem to be popular for small groups. The food we've had are decent to good, and the cocktails look appealing. Wed Jun 03 12:35:54 -0700 2009 4735249 10578 RCC 2 4740207 I enjoyed Alta, Stanton Social, and Bouqueria. Would happily go back to any of them.One thing I have noticed with most small plate dinners is that the dishes seem to come out too quickly making it difficult to properly enjoy them. Wed Jun 03 15:30:53 -0700 2009 4739598 77435 trishottawa 1 4740360 Rayuela might be fun: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/524986?tag=search_results;results_list IMHO the food is better at Degustation and Casa Mono. Wed Jun 03 16:29:55 -0700 2009 4735249 73159 financialdistrictresident