Birthday Dinner place in New Orleans for big group

[jlb9900]

We are a group of 11 visiting and will be celebrating 2 birthdays on a Saturday in October. I want something nice but not too expensive. I am thinking Luke or the Palace Cafe. We are staying in the CBD. Any suggestions?

[edible complex]

avoid Palace Cafe, you could do better at Luke, Muriel's, Cochon, RioMar, La Boca, Mr. B's, Rambla, Domenica
call ahead and speak to sales to arrange and discuss menu options. many places offer 3 course prix-fixe, if budget is of concern. most will appreciate the heads up for a larger group celebrating something special.
cheers!

[hazelhurst]

I echo avoiding Palace for a large group--I attended a function for about fifty or so ther a few years back and there and it was just a clumsy arrangment...not a good space for it.

[jlb9900]

Wonderful thanks! Which one of your suggestions is your favorite?

[edible complex]

Muriel's has a 3 course that is not that expensive and offers some good options. it is located on Jackson Square. you could start w/drinks in their courtyard or on a balcony; or, if the Seance Room is available, I always start there and have a tarot card reader for cocktail hour before dinners. you could book someone from Bottom of the Cup Tea Room, and it makes for great conversation and gives a local feel to the celebration.

[jlb9900]

that is exactly what we will do! thank you for your help!

[edible complex]

http://www.muriels.com/html/dinner.html

my recent picks on the Table d'Hote:
apps: seafood gumbo and shrimp & goat cheese crepes
entrees: puppy drum and pork chop
dessert: creme brulee and pain perdu bread pudding

[hazelhurst]

Muriel's is an excellent suggestion--I always forget that one

[uptownlibrarian]

I went to a birthday party with about 12 people at Murial's in August, and had a great time - but also forgot about it. Maybe they have a marketing problem.

[ScarlettNola]

HAte to jump on the bandwagon, but Muriel's is a great place for a group.

[EatingEmily]

I second the vote for Domenica- they have a big table (20+ seats) perfect for communal style dining with big groups.

[jlb9900]

I wish they had an online menu! The restauraunt is so new it isn't in any of my guide books...I will call them and see what they can provide. thanks!

[TaTee]

My daughter went to Domenica last night and said the service was excruciatingly horrible. Might want to wait a few months more. I'd go with Muriel's.

[edible complex]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/651427

and there is a link to another Domenica thread in the above where someone typed out the menu.