Goup of 8-10, Santa Monica-ish, cheap-ish?

[arb]

Need a place for dinner tomorrow night with a group of 8 or so people. We're starting out in Santa Monica, although it could be any place between there and mid-city. I'm looking for someplace that is not expensive, fun but not deafeningly loud. (And takes reservations - not willing to risk it on Saturday night!)

Here's the story: We are a small amateur klezmer band, will be playing at a retirement home in Santa Monica tomorrow at 6, want to eat afterwards. We usually eat together at a deli, but might be willing to branch out!

[ellaystingray]

What about Tender Greens?

[BSW6490]

If you like Mexican, Tlapazola Grill on Gateway at Brrington is very good and has alcohol too.

[archer]

Another vote for Tlapazola. Also, you could get a tatami room @ Musha on Wilshire, if Japanese small plates appeal to your group.

[Servorg]

A caveat for Tlapazola (and Musha) might be price since Warszawa was beyond the budget comfort level for the group.

[archer]

I've actually found both restaurants less $ than Warszawa, but it probably depends on how one orders (particularly @ Musha). My average bill @ Musha is never more than $30 (which includes plenty of sake). Not much more @ Tlapazola (entree under $20+1 margarita+ 1 coffee). But it's a good idea for OP to check on-line menus and see if either are w/in budget.

[Servorg]

I don't know. The website menu for Warszawa lists their mains as all being around $16 to $17 dollars. Except for their duckling at $21 and their beef filet at $24 I think their prices are either lower than Tlapazola or comparable.

[westsidegal]

my average bill at musha is never less than $30/pp.
warzawa, in my experience, is less expencsive.

[archer]

I was at Warszawa a long time ago & recall it being more, but I suspect the difference may be the price of drinks/wine, rather than the food, which probably is comparable in cost.

[westsidegal]

i rarely order much, if any, alcohol at a restaurant because it so easily can double the cost of the meal. this might/probably explains why our experiences differ.

[westsidegal]

how about the Polish restaurant WARZAWA on lincoln blvd?
1414 Lincoln Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90401-2733
[phone]
www.warszawarestaurant.com/

sort of fits the theme. . . .

[wienermobile]

+1 for Warsawa. Love their Pierogi.

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Warszawa Restaurant
1414 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[arb]

I actually really want to go to Warsawa! - but for this occasion I think it's a little too formal, and just a tiny bit too expensive.

[Servorg]

You might take a look at this newish Mediterranean place I posted about just a little while back called Z Garden: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/822228 We are still trying to get there so it would be a bit of "blind faith" without risking the bank.

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Z Garden
2350 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

[arb]

Wow, good one, Sevorg! Up to 27 reviews on Yelp, 4.5 average. That might hit the spot!