fun restaurant for 18 yr old boy's birthday, large party = help need recs!!

[asianbun]

my friends nephew is turning 18, they live in NJ, looking for a recommendation that is entertaining, lively and can accommodate a large crowd.

all recs appreciated!

[AubWah]

upstairs at cantoon garden

[princeofpork]

Downstairs at Blue Water Grill.

-----
Blue Water Grill
31 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003

[Chuck Lawrence]

Blue Ribbon Bakery (they can get their own semi-private room)
Double Crown
Public

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

Double Crown
316 Bowery, New York, NY 10012

[princeofpork]

Downstairs at El Parador.

-----
El Parador
325 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016

[msny98]

Dinosaur BBQ or Wildwood BBQ is perfect for this

-----
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
777 W. 125th Street, New York, NY 10027

[nyctripper]

Buddakan?

-----
Buddakan
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

[Motosport]

I second Buddakan. Sounds perfect for sophisticated diners. Entertaining too!

-----
Buddakan
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

[mom22tots]

Another vote for Buddakan....fun scene and great for a big group.

[Motosport]

El Rio Grande if you like Mexican.
One of the family style Little Italy places like Puglia's would be fun too.
Out of town friends rave about Carmine's but we have avoided it as too touristy but it may be perfect for you.

-----
El Rio Grande
160 East 38th Street, New York, NY 10016

Puglia
189 Hester St, New York, NY 10013

[asianbun]

thanks, carmine's is definitely too touristy. The boy and his family are quite sophisticated and have dined many places in manhattan , all upscale, but looking for something a little more entertaining.