Private room for 20-30, brunch/lunch or dinner, around/under $50pp with drinks?

[biondanonima]

Okay, I know it's a tall order. BF and I are eloping this summer and are thinking of having a little get together when we get home to celebrate. We are looking into the possibility of having a cookout at our church, but we thought we'd investigate restaurant options as well just to see what was possible.

I've read a lot of the recent threads on the topic and have gleaned some good suggestions. It seems that with our budgetary constraints, dinner is likely out, unless we go someplace ultra-casual (which is actually fine, as long as the food is good). Lunch or brunch is totally fine for us though. No specific preference for cuisine either - we're serious carnivores but we have friends who aren't, so someplace that suits a wide swath of tastes would be great. We're eloping in New Mexico, so something Southwest or Mexican might be fun - not necessary though. When I say that $50pp should include drinks, I would prefer wine/beer if dinner and at least mimosas/champagne if brunch. A friend of mine put on a party a couple of years ago for around $45pp at La Mela in Little Italy, which included three courses and unlimited wine, so I know it's doable if we don't try to be upscale about it! :)

Anywhere in Manhattan is okay (Western Queens is fine too, since we live in Sunnyside) - an outdoor area would be a bonus. In our price range, I've seen recommendations for Gascogne, Tia Pol, The Park, 'inoteca, Calle Ocho - all of these sound fine, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other recent experiences to recommend. Thoughts?

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Tia Pol
205 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Gascogne
158 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Calle Ocho
45 W 81st St, New York, NY 10024

La Mela
167 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013

'inoteca
323 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

[kathryn]

Blue Ribbon Bakery [I am not sure where they would put you but they handle large groups well]
‘inoteca: LES location has private room downstairs, Gramercy location only takes reservations for parties of 6 or more, which one were you considering?
Jane: private room downstairs
The Smith: ditto, see web site at http://www.ctrnyc.com/CTR/ctr_html/ctr_privateparties.html
Public: they have a semi private long table as well as the Monday Room, which is a private room/wine bar behind the host stand. The semi-private table only seats 20 but is a $35 prix fixe menu including one drink.
Stanton Social: upstairs lounge area is bright, airy, and I've definitely seen that number of people up there for some sort of shower
Sarabeth's Central Park South: just checked their web site and it's $50pp plus tax and tip, and an additional $10pp to add a drink
Otto: their beverage package includes all you can drink options. http://www.ottopizzeria.com/private_dining.cfm

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/666183

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Stanton Social
99 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10002

Blue Ribbon Bakery
33 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014

The Monday Room
210 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012

[biondanonima]

Thanks Kathryn -

for 'inoteca I was looking at the LES location with the private room - have you been? I've had a drink at the bar there but never eaten there or seen the private room. The other suggestions sound great, especially Otto! I would never have thought of that and I'm sure it's something my friends would enjoy. Will definitely investigate these further!

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'inoteca
323 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

[kathryn]

The private room is downstairs, and quite cozy. But since it's summer, you may not want to be completely underground in a brick cellar.