666069 Tue Nov 10 09:25:25 -0800 2009 13 3 California 0 5170103 Hello All, I am planning a party for 30-40 people and will need a place VERY close to the Marriott on 5th Ave. I have gotten a few recommendations from the Marriott but wanted to know what my friends on Chowhound think. . Here are the places that were recommended: Lou & Mickeys at the Gaslamp Chianti Osteria Panevion Donovans Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Tue Nov 10 09:25:25 -0800 2009 1104449 Laziloo 1 5170181 Are you looking for something great or just something that will work? Tue Nov 10 09:51:38 -0800 2009 5170103 155341 stevewag23 2 5170519 Well...how about both? Of course it needs to accommodate our group but I want something fabulous, if at all possible! Thanks. Tue Nov 10 11:36:34 -0800 2009 5170181 1104449 Laziloo 3 5170815 If you want something great, I would not go to any of the marriots suggestions. I need to think a little more for something great. Tue Nov 10 13:16:50 -0800 2009 5170519 155341 stevewag23 4 5171507 I think Jsix would be the best choice that is very close. Only question, I don't know is if they have a private room. Tue Nov 10 18:25:17 -0800 2009 5170815 155341 stevewag23 1 5170824 You might want to check out Roys. Tue Nov 10 13:19:15 -0800 2009 5170103 21396 normalheightsfoodie 1 5170858 Does Jsix have a private room? They are doing some pretty darn good food. You also may want to check out the Roy's, the food is consistently above average and some of the time can be great. Tue Nov 10 13:30:07 -0800 2009 5170103 50314 jturtle 1 5171158 Do you have a budget? Does the party need to be fancy, business-oriented or can it be something more casual? I'm asking because my thoughts wandered towards asking Neighborhood if you can rent out the restaurant for the night (it'll fit 30-40 snugly) and having a great dinner of good burgers and craft beers. Tue Nov 10 15:41:08 -0800 2009 5170103 93901 geekyfoodie 1 5171876 skip Lou and Mickey's. My s.o. ended up there for a biz meeting and was embarrassed that the host chose that place for a high-level gathering. Donovan's is your best bet on your list. The UTC location does a great job for large dinner meetings. Tue Nov 10 21:50:07 -0800 2009 5170103 10853 daantaat 1 5171969 If you are up for something close but not walking distance from Gaslamp then I would go with Bertrand at Mister A's. Very good classical food, and the views will amaze the guests. Tue Nov 10 23:13:54 -0800 2009 5170103 248052 4wino 1 5172668 I live in that neighborhood. Your criteria (30-40, VERY close to Marriott on 5th) would eliminate any real special cuisine, but I expect you already knew that. Chianti / Osteria Panevino: competent Italian but I think you'd have to buy out either place. Lou & Mickey's: agree it's a pass Roy's: I like the food and atmosphere there but it's got to be a pass because it's simply not VERY close to your hotel; a 10 minute walk, including crossing busy Harbor Dr. Jsix: Good choice IF they can accomodate your size Bertrand @ Mr. A's: too far, probably too expensive and fancy for that size group There are several chain steak houses that qualify: Donovan's, Flemings and Palm, Morton's. Of those I like Flemings best. Their private room may be too small, though. McCormick & Schmick's: Seafood, of course, but also meat. Another chain, but they do have an upstairs dining area that could accomodate 35-40; the setting is sleek and upscale. Wed Nov 11 08:37:44 -0800 2009 5170103 38631 mcgrath 1 5173087 Donovan's would be a great choice..they have the Mezzanine room that accommodates up to 42 people.. Jsix is another great suggestion at the Hotel Solamar.. McCormicks & Schmicks at the Omni upstairs might work...not enclosed but private. Maybe the US Grant Hotel, Hilton Bayfront or the Ivy Hotel.. Wed Nov 11 10:49:39 -0800 2009 5170103 97452 Beach Chick 1 5174062 I vote for JSix. They are located in a hotel and might be more accustomed to accommodating a large party. The food AND service are solid. Bertrand's has a great view, blah blah blah, but the food is grossly overrated. I don't know of anyone mentioned Morton's, they are expensive, but wonderful. Wed Nov 11 16:01:43 -0800 2009 5170103 70144 Dagney 2 5174227 Yeah, I was going to say Morton's over Donovans. Wed Nov 11 17:05:52 -0800 2009 5174062 155341 stevewag23