Son's 30th Birthday Party

[woodyfay]

Looking for a restaurant in April to celebrate son's 30th birthday. The party might be for friends, relatives or both. He is not into big spectacles, but rather looking for an off beat type atmosphere Food should be good and price should be in the moderate to high range. Manhattan would be great, but would also consider Brooklyn. Not sure yet of the number of people.

[carcrash]

Sojourn is perfect for that. I've recommended it before, but it's one of my favorite places on the Upper East Side. Young, great interesting food, service is friendly and really responsive. Where I'll probably go for my 30th.

[woodyfay]

I looked it up and it sounds quite good. Is there a private room or area for a party?

[gutsofsteel]

You should go look at Sojourn. I don't think it's right for a birthday dinner. It's a little wine bar-ish and it's very dark.

[woodyfay]

Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.

[gutsofsteel]

You really need to narrow it down in order to get helpful suggestions. Number of people to start. "Food should be good" doesn't really help much. And what does "off beat type of atmosphere" mean to you? And what do you consider moderate to high price range?

[woodyfay]

I think I would rather tell you a place that I know my son has liked - The Modern at Moma. They have a private room. But, I do think the price range is a little high for a group of 30 somethings. I am thinking of about $30-35 a person. I think I would like a rather a more casual atmosphere rather than a very formal atmosphere. "Off beat" I know could mean a lot of things, but I guess I meant to say an atmosphere that attracts a group interested in the arts (if that Is helpful in any way).

[gutsofsteel]

Are you talking about $30 - $35 per person including wine, tax and tip? Because not only is that not moderate or high, that's very low for NYC. You're not going to find a private room for that price range. And how many people are you talking about?

[woodyfay]

$30-35 just for the food, but, of course, if such a place does not exist I would go higher. Thinking about 20-30 people. Can't be more specific at this point. When I first made my post, I was just trying to get some names to explore before making any definitive plans.

[gutsofsteel]

Lupa has a room which accomodates 30 people. It's about $100 per person which probably doesn't include tip. Probably not wine either. You need to be more realistic about your budget, I think. Or not plan on doing anything even remotely upscale. You could go to El Paso Taqueria, that would be close to your budget. I think Carmine's and places like that are over your budget, but you could check.

[joules14]

I disagree completely with what is being said regarding your budget. This is a recession and many restaurants are suffering and willing to negotiate. For my rehearsal dinner in July, I negotiated a two course menu (no dessert) including red and white wine at 5 Ninth in the meatpacking district for 30 guests. It's not 'fancy', but they have an upstairs room that has exposed brick and wood and a very rustic, cozy charming feel. Guests had two options for both the appetizer and the entree, and the cost was $30 ++ per guest. (not including tax and tip). I went to them with that budget, and they made a menu to match that. (their normal menus start around $60 plus without any drinks) One of the other tools I used to negotiate was the time of the party- we had an earlier dinner (6pm) rather than an 8pm dinner which allowed them to have another party after ours. It turned out great and everyone loved the food. Dont' be afraid to negotiate!

-----
5 Ninth
5 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014

[GeraldineNY]

I plan a lot of birthday dinners so would be happy to help, but can you narrow it down a little?

[woodyfay]

I forgot to say that my son does not like ice cream or cake. But, I know I like those desserts, as most guests would too. Dylan's would not work.

[smokeandapancake]

Is there a cusine you would prefer?

[woodyfay]

Most probably American cuisine, but open to others. No chinese cuisine, please.