20-something going away party restaurant ideas

[selectiveomnivore]

I'm starting the brainstorm for a going away party I need to organize (for moi!) with my friends. I'd like to do a dinner somewhere followed by moving on to dancing/a bar/karaoke. So my criteria are:

- good for a group and will take reservations for 10-20 people
- preferably will do a group without restricting to a more limited menu
- people can get out for $20-30 not accounting for booze (the cheaper the better so people don't have to splurge, we have a mix of incomes and student budgets in the group)
- a place with fun cocktails or drink options, including pitchers, would be nice
- no need for a nice wine list as only a couple would appreciate it
- not Japanese or Korean (my two least favorites)
- accessible to a nice nightlife option for afterward, so within a 10 minute walking radius
- probably prefer SF as most friends are there, but I live in Oakland so would really appreciate good ideas here

For reference on my thinking, I thought of The Trappist and Beer Revolution in Oakland, but they're a bit too chill for the vibe I'm going for. Something sort of like Cha Cha Cha in the Mission is a decent option, but I did my birthday there a few years ago.

Any and all ideas are welcome!

-----
Cha Cha Cha
2327 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Beer Revolution
464 3rd St, Oakland, CA 94607

[selectiveomnivore]

Thanks for all of the input and ideas. For now I've got a reservation at Suppenkuche.

-----
Suppenkuche
525 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102

[selectiveomnivore]

We did stick with Suppenkuche. They handled a party of 14 well, and the atmosphere was great for our group. Food was good, beer was better. Headed to Smuggler's Cove afterwards, which was slow as always, but fun and delicious.

-----
Suppenkuche
525 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Smuggler's Cove
650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102

[HungryDonkey]

Not the most stellar food but if you pick and choose wisely, it's decent: Capp's Corner. Good location, family style (except entrees), lively and works well for a group. The bartenders pour 'em stiff so easy on the wallet. One caveat: Make sure you're not eating too close to the start or end of a Beach Blanket Babylon show when the kitchen can get backed up.

-----
Capp's Corner
1600 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133

[sf415]

Beretta! Had a group dinner of about 12 ppl and it was fabulous. Might be a bit more expensive than your price range, but totally worth it.

[operagirl]

Ooh. They just got props on Serious Eats for having one of the best Bloody Marys in SF. Will be trying it out tomorrow night with my BF -- can't wait!

[foodeye]

Mua, as an Oakland option.

-----
Mua
2442A Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94612

[bbulkow]

+1 on Mua. Right party atmosphere, much better food than Cha Cha Cha.

-----
Cha Cha Cha
2327 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Mua
2442A Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94612

[mariacarmen]

i don't know if this is your cup of tea, but i'm actually doing a bday celebration for 15-20 people here: Sausage Factory in the Castro. http://castrosausagefactory.com/ the banquet room is reservable for free, you don't have to pre-order from the menu, it has a full bar, the food is cheap, and i'm assured by a friend who has held many events there that the food is reliable, but probably not super interesting, and the Castro is a fun place to party - but you're also close enough to mission bars if you want to end up there. all that said, i don't know first hand if the quality of food is any better here than at Bucca's.

last year, i had a bday party at The Sycamore: http://thesycamoresf.com/ - with about 15 people. they wouldn't take a res but i got there at 5:30 and basically set aside a section for my guests - ordered some wine, and they were totally cool with it. they set me up with glasses and everything so i could hold the tables once i got there - i did call in advance. and we stayed until closing. it's only beer/wine, but now you're actually in the mission so your guests can get away with cheap drinks and good upscale bar food and then continue the party in a nearby bar. the Sycamore also has a nice patio and if you got there early enough I'm sure you could corner off some of that space instead of the inside.

another spot that's casual and hipsterish is Velvet Cantina: http://velvetcantina.com/. It's sort of upscale-ish-but-not-expensive mexican food, in the mission. i'm not sure about big parties, but from what i remember they do have the space for it. and they have a full bar. it's a cool space, looks like an old mexican bordello or something.

and i haven't been to Bruno's since they changed chefs, but it's definitely a big enough space for you, in the Mission, and a full bar: http://www.brunossf.com/eat.php The new chef is one of the "losers" of Top Chef = Ryan Scott. I can't remember much about him, tho he has cooked at Gary Danko's and Myth. I don't know why they don't have a menu posted - maybe he hasn't been there long enough. They do private parties.

While Limon Rotisserie is a good suggestion food-wise, it's going to be a pricier option.

Have fun!

-----
Sausage Factory
517 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114

[bbulkow]

Sycamore crossed my mind too. It's not a super broad menu but it's a cool place to hang.

[ML8000]

Try Tanjia in Temescal...Moroccan, belly dancers and a prix fixe $20 buck dinner.

-----
Tanjia
4905 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

[selectiveomnivore]

Any info on the vibe at Limon Rotisserie? Would it be a good place for a dozen friends to start a big night?

-----
Limon Rotisserie
1001 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110

[operagirl]

I was just there a couple weeks ago -- the food is absolutely wonderful! We were only a group of four, but there were definitely some larger group celebrating downstairs. I'd call and ask about how they'd accomodate such a big group, but I can definitely confirm that the food is awesome and the vibe is convivial. Great Albarino that goes well with the chicken, too =).

[selectiveomnivore]

adding criteria of not a chain, thanks!

[Keesey]

Buca di Beppo. Infusion Lounge, Mezzanine, Manor West all within walking distance.

Have fun!

[selectiveomnivore]

Thanks for the Buca suggestion. Right price range and location idea, but I'm not interested in eating there. I went once and thought it was blah, and I try to stay away from chains for dinners in these parts since we have so many good other restaurants. More interesting side of the food spectrum would be good. Something fun/innovative/interesting or just GOOD food.

[Keesey]

I agree that it is blah, but I couldn't think of anywhere else that could hold possibly 20 people and with that price range.

Try calling Farmerbrown if they can fit your large party.

[selectiveomnivore]

thanks, I appreciate it! i am thinking 10-12 people is most likely for dinner with more showing up after, but just in case I did put in that big range.