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chadradchad Jun 12, 2011 08:49 PM

East Village/LES Dinner for 7

NY Chowers,

I am meeting a group of friends (7 to be exact) this Friday night. Any advice for somewhere in the EV or LES that could accommodate a large group at this late notice?

I currently have reservations at Counter, but have read mediocre reviews on it. We are eating later (9:30-10:00) and would like a place that is vegetarian friendly (1-2 dish on menu is great, doesn't have to be all veggies.) Somewhere that has a fun party vibe with fun drinks. Also cuisine does not matter! We are looking to spend $12-$22 for entrees.

Thank you so much in advance!

  1. k
    kathryn Jun 13, 2011 03:03 PM

    I would start by giving these places a call -- they are not on OpenTable or restrict availability on OpenTable. Menu may be pretty limited for the vegetarian though:

    The Beagle
    Pylos -- I think they only have beer/wine and not liquor though
    Peels
    Yerba Buena

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    Pylos
    128 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

    Yerba Buena
    23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

    Peels
    325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

    The Beagle
    162 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

    3 Replies
    1. re: kathryn
      c
      chadradchad Jun 13, 2011 03:22 PM

      Thanks! I will see what is out there. Counter is still open, at least they are on Open Table and I have a reservation right now.

      Thanks!

      1. re: chadradchad
        c
        chadradchad Jun 14, 2011 05:55 AM

        Made reservations for La Palapa. thanks!

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        La Palapa
        77 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

        1. re: chadradchad
          c
          chadradchad Jun 25, 2011 03:23 PM

          Our plane was delayed and we didn't get in until 11 PM. So we ate in Brooklyn! All of that for nothing. Thanks!

    2. h
      hungrycomposer Jun 13, 2011 02:56 PM

      Cafe Mogador and Cafe Orlin are old standbys. Not necessarily the most inventive food in the area, but both restaurants have plenty of local character, are not expensive, and serve good food.

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      Cafe Mogador
      101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

      Cafe Orlin
      41 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

      1. sgordon Jun 13, 2011 01:15 PM

        The Smith could work, as InfoMofo suggested. They have a real something-for-everyone kind of menu. Also in the same vein would be Essex Restaurant on the LES, very popular place for large groups. Italian and Mexican restos tend to be naturally veggie-friendly. La Palapa is a great little place for the latter, good for groups, eclectic menu, not your typical "burritos y tacos" joint. For Italian, there are lots of places. Veloce Pizzeria is pretty good, and takes reservations.

        Also, Middle Eastern places - Ilili, Moustache, Le Caire - any of them will have your various vegetarian meze for the non-meat-eaters.

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        Moustache
        265 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009

        Ilili
        236 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001

        La Palapa
        77 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

        Le Caire
        189 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009

        Essex
        120 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002

        Veloce Pizzeria
        103 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003

        2 Replies
        1. re: sgordon
          m
          michelleats Jun 14, 2011 06:33 AM

          Ilili is a bit north of the East Village (5th Ave. at 27th St.), but it's a good choice and it's open until 11:30 on Fridays. The vegetarian options on the menu are excellent, often better than non-vegetarian.

          Is the East Village La Palapa still open? I noticed the other day that La Palapa Rockola in the West Village has closed.

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          Ilili
          236 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001

          La Palapa
          77 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

          1. re: michelleats
            sgordon Jun 14, 2011 07:27 AM

            Oops, my bad on ilili - might have been confusing them with another Middle Eastern place in the EV...

            La Palapa is definitely open. One of our regular brunch spots.

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            La Palapa
            77 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

        2. i
          InfoMofo Jun 13, 2011 11:24 AM

          I thought the Counter closed?

          I think your question is a little tough, because it's late enough on a Friday that I wouldn't risk going anywhere with a large group that you couldn't get reservations. I checked on opentable and it's kinda slim pickings for that area and that time.

          I saw they had DBGB, but it's a tiny bit on the high side of your price range. Also I went once with a large group and the table they seated us at was really cramped. Their vegetarian options are also pretty boring looking (but i'm not a vegetarian, i can't really speak to them).

          I did see they have availability at The Smith, which actually does fit in your price range and might be a good choice. Keep in mind this place is really loud, but for a big group that atmosphere might be right. They look like they have a little more vegetarian options.

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          Counter
          105 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003

          The Smith
          55 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10003

          DBGB
          299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

          1. c
            chadradchad Jun 13, 2011 10:55 AM

            I guess Counter it is! Haven't heard from anyone. Do I need to post any more details? Thanks.

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