Penelope's or Rare for 30th Birthday Dinner?

[leuce7]

I'm looking for a place to have dinner before heading out for a night of karaoke (at 38th between 5th and 6th) Saturday night and am having a hard time. I think it'll be around 10 people or so; don't want anything too expensive but I am looking for something festive (30!) so cheap to moderate works. I'm just unfamiliar with the neighborhood for anything except Korean (which we're not doing because we just had a BBQ dinner there). Would Penelope or Rare better fit the bill? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

[sugartoof]

Penelope is a strange choice, and the cross town distance to 6th Ave. is probably farther than you want. More importantly, the food isn't stellar.

You can also probably do better than Rare.

Maybe Foodparc (many options, and a beer garden), Lan Sheng, Smorgas Chef, Nirvana for Indian, Dhaba (even farther than Penelope's), Lazzara's pizza (not incredible, but will fit a group thing)....

It may be easier to switch your karaoke choice to open up your food choices.

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Lazzara's
221 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018

Dhaba
108 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Nirvana
346 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Smorgas Chef
58 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Lan Sheng
60 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

FoodParc
845 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001

[leuce7]

I was leaning toward Rare because of the rooftop bar. It doesn't have to be anywhere fancy--if I'm going for the great food I'd rather wait to go with my husband and really enjoy it than take a crowd--but it would be nice to have something fun, decent, and not expensive. Lazzara's was on my short list, but Rare seemed more summery.

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Lazzara's
221 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018

[Elizabeth E.]

Rare rooftop is a great spot (I was there last week) but important to note that the Rare rooftop does not serve food, unless it's a pre-order for catering for groups of 20 or more. You'd have to eat in the restaurant and then go up to the roof (and probably a line on Saturday).

[RGR]

Perhaps, Artisanal? Haven''t been in several years, and I wasn't bowled by my experiences there. However, many Hounds like it a lot, and it certainly has a boisterous, festive vibe.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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Artisanal
2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016

[Miss Needle]

Probably not the best idea for a hot muggy day, but I find that the all you can eat hot pot at Szechuan Gourmet can be festive, especially as it's a communal dish.

And I agree with princeofpork that Rare is probably a better choice over Penelope.

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Szechuan Gourmet
21 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

[kathryn]

I thought they stop hot pot in the summer at SG?

[Miss Needle]

You may be right. When I've had hot pot there in the past, it wasn't on the menu and wall and had to ask for it. But I'm generally not in a hot pot mood during the summer.

[leuce7]

I've never been there, and in my search saw it a good bit so I might have to make a trip. But yeah, with the weather the way it's been, probably not the way to go.

[kathryn]

Szechuan Gourmet's non-hotpot food is really good and I've done big groups there before. It's really fun if you have an adventurous group of friends who enjoys eating family style.

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Szechuan Gourmet
21 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

[princeofpork]

Penelope is certainly not festive. It a little comfort food shop. Rare is an upscale burger place that could be festive especially if the 10 of you are a rowdy bunch. You could also grab a dink on the roof of Rare which is a really cool spot.

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Penelope
159 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

Rare View
303 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

Rare Bar & Grill
303 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016