Need recommendation-- where to take boss out to make her feel cool?

[Kikim]

My boss just announced she will be in NYC Tuesday night and asked if we will be around for dinner (we all work remotely). Boss is single female from Arkansas, 40's, sweet librarian type who is not too adventurous but likes to feel like she is one of the gang. I am in charge of setting up the dinner (other colleagues also female, so it would be a girls' night out). I was thinking somewhere with a fun scene (but not too hipster to make her feel out of place). Having moved outside the city, I have no idea what would fit the bill now-- I was thinking along the lines of Pastis, Baltazar or Spotted Pig, nothing too ethnic, I think she has pretty vanilla eating habits. I want her to have a great time above all, lots of people watching and wine, and to make her enjoy nyc. We are probably going to be eating early-- 6 or 6:30 on a Tue night-- so definitely somewhere lively at that time-- but not where we have to wait an hour for a table. Help?

-----
Spotted Pig
314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014

[Indian Globetrotter]

Check out ABC Kitchen...it is mind blowing. If she likes Japanese, try Bohemian..it is AMAZING. Not traditional Japanese food, they make other international dishes and probably do a better job!!

[lovexdreamer]

I've been trying to get a reservation at Bohemian. Would you be willing to share the number? I would be forever grateful.

[MMRuth]

My husband and I went to the bar at the Crosby Street Hotel on Friday night, and then to DBGB and had a fun (early) evening. DBGB was pretty packed - enjoyed the food, service was excellent and low key.

-----
DBGB
299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

[Kikim]

Funny I've been really wanting to try dbgb myself-- but wrote it off as I assumed it would be too small/cramped-- ok this in now back in consideration. Also, what about something like da Silvano or Bar Pitti? I personally haven't been to either in about 10 years but recall fawning italian waiters, could give her a little ego boost.

-----
Bar Pitti
268 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

[RGR]

LOL when I read that you were thinking DBGB was small and cramped. The space is enormous! However, the seating at tables along the center of the room is very tight. You don't say how many you will be, but if there will not be more than four of you, ask for one of the comfy booths.

DBGB photos, including of the space: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622494353416/

Balthazar is also a good option.

Balthazar photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391...

Note: Both places take reservations.

[Kikim]

Thanks for the pics, DGBG looks perfect, sold! I'll post back to let you all know her reaction, thanks!!

[Kikim]

I was writing a new post and realize I never followed up on this one! Thanks to all for the recs, my other colleagues dinged DGBG so we ended up going to Pastis. It was perfect for our purposes-- turns out I learned by boss loves Paris and she was thrilled to order steak frites. We also had a celeb sighting-- Heidi Klum toting her kids. Most importantly, it was busy and lively and the waiters fawned on my boss, so she definitely felt "cool", thanks to all!

[yebo]

I don't think the spotted pig is good for your goals re boss - unprediitably crowded, noisy; I don't know if they take reservations.

[Kikim]

I agree, I've since scratched that one off, thanks.

[downtownchica]

I've found the food at Pastis to be a wee bit better than at Balthazar of late, but I haven't been to either early evening and can't give you any info about the crowd.

Maialino might also fit the requirements.

-----
Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010