651493 Thu Sep 10 14:34:09 -0700 2009 7 18 Manhattan 0 5020320 creative chowhound challenge! looking for a largish space to celebrate my move from NYC (sniff!) to the west coast at the end of October, with anything from 20-40 pals, depending on how many ppl actually show. here's the challenge: i'm not looking for a sit-down dinner, but definitely fantastic food that will help me have a lasting impression of New York deliciousness. because i don't know how many people will show up, i'd like to keep it casual and not too 'eventy'. ideally, we could just take over a space that is normally not too packed (it will be a weekday night) and people can buy their own drinks and small plates/ food & come and go as they please. i'm hoping for a space that either has a private area (i'm willing to put down a small deposit) or, if a restaurant, a layout that will make it easy for people to mill about between seating and the bar, rather than sit down formally in separate booths/tables, since people will be coming in and out. any cuisine is fine as long as it's delish, not too expensive (<$20 entrees or cheaper small plates/tapas), casual, and downtown (LES, East Village, Soho, West Village). to give you an idea, some favorites of mine: Supper, Esperanto, Awash, Von, Terroir, Chikalicious, Death&CO. Vibe definitely more on the boho-chic-hip-rustic side than the fancy (eg, slicker spots like Rayuela or Stanton Social are ok but not ideal) Some ideas: -The 10 Bells (LES) -Side area at Gemma -Supper -Tapeo 28 (never been) -Il Bagatto (downstairs or next door) -Bia (Viet Wine Bar) i see empty restaurants all the time in LES/E Village that could use this sort of weekday business, but of course i just can't think of them now. thanks in advance! Thu Sep 10 14:34:09 -0700 2009 18514 emilia 1 5020515 I had my birthday party in May of '08 at The Ten Bells (30ish people), and it worked out very well. However! if your guests don't get there early - even on a weeknight - they may not get seats, and it's not a comfortable place to mill around. And they only serve wine and beer. What about Loreley on Rivington? They have a nice garden in the back that would be good for a gathering. http://www.loreleynyc.com/ Thu Sep 10 15:56:58 -0700 2009 5020320 13722 small h 1 5021810 -- 10 Bells, I like it but it's very small and it's always crowded. Always. -- Supper is also always crowded and the bar area is too small to risk showing up with even 10 people, let alone up to 40. -- Bia only has table service, I think. -- Tapeo 28 is tiny. -- Il Bagatto, honestly I have no idea. I feel like a giant party pooper by writing all of this. But I have a few suggestions. Salt Bar on Clinton is not normally crowded and could probably accomodate you. Also, with a group that size it may be worth calling ahead and advising them. Spitzer's Corner has a back room which they may be willing to open for you if you tell them you'll have 20-40. That's all I can think of off the top of my head at the moment. There are others... they just escape me this early in the morning. Fri Sep 11 07:42:26 -0700 2009 5020320 94227 egit 1 5021883 If you know you will have at least 20 people, make a reservation at Spitzer's Corner. Just make the reservation for 25. Plus or minus 5 people will not matter and not everyone will show up at once. It is exactly what you are looking for. Fri Sep 11 08:12:00 -0700 2009 5020320 10198 eeee 1 5022076 Hey, one more thought just occurred to me. You said you like Von. Why not ask them if you can have the side room for a few hours? They're pretty mellow about pretty much everything. And Bianca will happily bring food over for you. (search this board for caveats on Bianca). Fri Sep 11 09:11:03 -0700 2009 5020320 94227 egit 1 5028805 Ooohh...all great ideas. i will look into all of these options. I do love spitzers and bianca. i've heard mixed reviews about the food at salt bar, but i like the atmosphere. anyone been there? thanks for all these...any more ideas, please keep them coming! i will report back. Mon Sep 14 10:41:17 -0700 2009 5020320 18514 emilia 1 5028904 i was going to say Spitzer's as well! Mon Sep 14 11:12:52 -0700 2009 5020320 120738 PhishFoodie 1 5030376 Smith on 3rd ave? Redhead too small? Mon Sep 14 20:42:29 -0700 2009 5020320 12656 bigjeff