East Village/LES Dinner for 7

[chadradchad]

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!

[chadradchad]

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

[InfoMofo]

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

[sgordon]

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

[michelleats]

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

[sgordon]

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

[hungrycomposer]

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

[kathryn]

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

[chadradchad]

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!

[chadradchad]

Made reservations for La Palapa. thanks!

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

[chadradchad]

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