Lively West Village dinner spot

[cgbklyn]

A friend is taking me to dinner for my birthday on Monday. My pick. I want to go someplace lively with a fun atmosphere and good food, not too expensive. I suggested Tertulia, but I'm afraid it might be full up when we get there (7:30). If it is, any ideas for a backup in walking distance? Again, my criteria are lively vibe and good food. Doesn't have to be the best meal of my life. Thanks.

[michelleats]

If it's a Monday, the wait may not actually be all that dreadful at 7:30. I'm not into waiting at all, but a half hour doesn't make you grouchy, I think that was the estimate they gave me last time we dropped by around then.

Other good options in the area:

- Joseph Leonard's
- Fedora
- Whitehall (get the pressed duck terrine; sit in the front room if you want lively, since the back room may not fill until more like 8 or 8:30 p.m.)
- Red Farm is still pretty trendy, though I'm not really all that fond of the food. (Others, like Gael Greene, seem to really like it.) You'll likely be seated at a communal table.
- Wilfie and Nell -- totally non-pretentious, well priced, solidly executed, but basic pub grub. Again, you might be seated at a communal table, but I personally have never minded with this crowd. Strong, basic cocktails.
- Empellon -- fairly good Mexican-inspired food. Loud/lively. Pretty good, interesting cocktails.

I haven't been to Fatty Cue, but Kathryn has a few reports on this board. From what I've heard (on this board and from friends), the food is fair to good, the cocktails great.

I could go on... and on... but this should be a good starting point for research.

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Fedora
239 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014

Wilfie & Nell
228 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014

Joseph Leonard
170 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014

Empellon Taqueria
230 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014

RedFarm
529 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

Whitehall
19 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

[sam1]

these are good options even though, i loathe fedora's food.

dell'anima and spasso are quite scene-y. i prefer dell'anima's food and service over spasso though. pastas are killer.

blue ribbon bakery may also work here but the place is more my go-to for lunch rather than dinner.

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

Dell'Anima
38 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Fedora
239 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014

Spasso
551 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

[cgbklyn]

Great. Thanks for the suggestions.