My husband is having his big 5-0 in November. We’re in California, but I’m planning the surprise party for Manhattan. It will be 20-25 people. His family members are very uncomfortable with any food that is outside of their norm. The last time they went to Manhattan, they ate at Olive Garden one night, and Applebee’s the next. I’m thinking Italian food will be the safest, but don’t want to get stuck eating crappy Italian food. Anybody have a suggestion for a place with a room of the right size? I’m thinking $50/person. They’ll be staying in Times Square. We’ll likely stay in Chelsea or Greenwich. A few suggestions I’ve gotten so far are Il Bastardo, Carmine’s, and Sambucca. I’m not familiar with any of them, so all opinions are welcome!
Well, with your $50 price limit the top places are ruled out. Carmines is sort of a zoo, Sambuca is decent, well priced family style Italian that does have a lot of spaces that could be good for a party.
Of course there is always Peking Duck House that has a much used back room
This place might work. We had a very good dinner there last year.
Casa Nonna is part of the BLT family of restaurants and has a great private room that seats about 20…room minimum is $1500 though so that will push the upper of your price limit but you can reach that figure with any combo of food/bev (inc alcohol)…
For the sake of family relationships, pick Applebee’s in Times Square. Go out with your husband on another night, for his real birthday dinner. Manhattan offers plenty of dining which is either cheap, or bland, or event styled. However, all three criteria are hard to find in one package here.