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Group Dinner Destinations: Say Goodbye to Check-Splitting Nightmares in NYC
Remember the days before mobile payment apps? Dining out with a group often devolved into a logistical challenge, primarily due to restaurants’ reluctance to divide bills. This frequently resulted in two frustrating scenarios: either one person reluctantly covered the entire expense, transforming into an impromptu lender for days, or the group descended into protracted debates about individual shares long after the meal concluded.
Fortunately, those dining dilemmas are largely a relic of the past. Now, coordinating a large group dinner is significantly simpler, with the primary hurdles being venue selection and scheduling. If you’re planning a gathering for a dozen friends, here are three recommended restaurants in New York City that cater to larger parties.
Party in the Pavilion at Phoenix Palace
During the winter months, I visited Phoenix Palace, a restaurant on Bowery established by the team behind Potluck Club. This Chinatown eatery, approaching its first anniversary, offers an exceptional space for group dinners.
Elegant Private Dining Space
My visit revealed a beautifully designed pavilion situated in the restaurant’s rear. This semi-private area provides an ideal setting for dinner parties, comfortably accommodating groups of 10 to 18 guests. For reservations within this distinctive space – be it termed a gazebo or pergola – Phoenix Palace presents a six-course prix fixe menu at $75 per person. For those generously hosting, this amounts to a range of $750 to $1,350 before taxes and gratuity.
Diverse and Delicious Menu Options
Concerns about limited choices are unwarranted. Phoenix Palace features a concise yet satisfying à la carte menu, with nearly every dish proving to be outstanding. For the prix fixe, ensure your selections include the scallops and vermicelli, the flavorful lobster sticky rice, and the steak tartare, which are noteworthy additions beyond the set menu.
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85 Bowery (Hester Street)
Al Badawi: A Top Choice for Large Groups
My second recommendation originates from a friend, Lee, who celebrated her birthday at Al Badawi, a Palestinian restaurant located on Atlantic Avenue. This establishment, previously mentioned favorably, proved to be an excellent and affordable option for her large birthday dinner.
Exceptional Value and Family-Style Dining
The group enjoyed an abundant array of mezze, freshly baked pita bread, delectable cheesy pistachio flatbreads, and substantial portions of rice accompanied by grilled lamb chops. Al Badawi offers group dinners at a fixed price of $35 per person, encompassing this generous spread. Alternative family-style platters featuring beef, chicken, or vegetarian options are also available, all including ample servings of rice. Adding to its appeal, Al Badawi is a B.Y.O.B. establishment with no corkage fee, making it a particularly budget-friendly choice.
151 Atlantic Avenue (Clinton Street)
Rhodora Wine Bar: A Relaxed Gathering Spot
Finally, a personal note: my birthday approaches next week. While a grand, wedding-scale celebration with a curated playlist and out-of-town guests remains a future aspiration due to budget considerations, I’ve come to appreciate more informal birthday gatherings.
Casual and Intimate Celebrations
In previous years, I’ve opted for relaxed venues such as the back room of Prima Wine Bar in Clinton Hill. Last year, a colleague organized a casual celebration at Rhodora Wine Bar in Fort Greene. Rhodora has become a favored spot for last-minute gatherings. Instead of a traditional cake, we marked the occasion with a candle in a serving of She Wolf bread with butter – Rhodora’s menu leans towards snack-style offerings, ideal for lighter meals. The generous hospitality meant I didn’t personally pay for wine, as friends contributed bottles. This relaxed and enjoyable experience is easily repeatable.
197 Adelphi Street (Willoughby Avenue)
Considering Solo Dining? Overcoming the Stigma
This week’s newsletter featured Priya Krishna’s insightful exploration of solo dining and the varying perceptions surrounding it. Krishna notes, “Despite increasing solo activities among Americans, dining alone often carries feelings of self-consciousness and perceived judgment.” Restaurant owners, already operating with narrow profit margins, also express concern about the financial viability of tables occupied by single diners. Perhaps a “Where to Eat” solo dining challenge warrants consideration.
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