Where to Eat Downtown for Large Group Dinners
We get asked ALL THE TIME where to go for a large group meal. Believe us, after celebrating countless birthdays in New York City, we understand the struggle. Most places either don’t take reservations or have a minimum large party spend. We’ve compiled a list for you with lots of good options for your next celebration.
Click on each location and it will take you right to the TikTok review so you can see what to get!
Our Favorites
Cervos
Cervos ($$$) (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
You can call ahead for large groups and it’s around $85 per person (without alcohol) for a shareable tasting meal. What to get: Mussels, Manila Clams, Shrimp and all the sourdough for dipping, get a Piri Piri Chicken and side of fries.
Kikis ($$) (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
They don’t take reservations, but go and put your name down and grab a drip at Le Dive or Bar Belly nearby. If you want a nightcap after dinner head to 169 Bar. You can’t go wrong with anything but start with dips, and fried zucchini chips and pair with lamb chops. You can skip their baklava.
Lil’ Frankies
Lil’ Frankie’s ($$) (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
Always a great option! We’ve never regretted a meal here.
What to get: a pizza as an app with the whole roasted eggplant on the side (add chili oil) and chicken parmesan, spaghetti limone, and rigatoni with mini meatballs to share.
The Tyger (SoHo, Manhattan) or Chinese Tuxedo ($$$) (Chinatown, Manhattan) (they have the same owners)
Pro-tip: go to Peachy’s before or after Chinese Tuxedo or Apoteke.
Wu’s Wonton King
Wu’s Wonton King ($$) (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
Anywhere you can enjoy Chinese food using a lazy susan is perfect for a large group. It’s BYOB. This is such a fun birthday spot or large group dinner. It’s cash only but can be super affordable if you avoid their crab/fresh seafood.
Joe & Pat’s ($$) (East Village, Manhattan)
Oh how we love their pizza (it’s on our top 5) and they have SO many options. What to get: tri-pie and vodka pie also you’d have no idea their cauliflower crust was made of cauliflower.
Shiki ($$$) (SoHo, Manhattan)
They offer a $65 or $100 omakase. If you work with them far enough in advance you can book out a large portion of their counter seats, we once went at 5pm and had all 14 seats. We know omakase isn’t always for everyone but this could be really fun and it’s BYOB!
Taqueria St. Marks ($) (East Village, Manhattan)
A great option if you don’t want to spend a ton. Nothing like tacos and margs with all your friends!
Peking Duck House ($$) (Chinatown & Midtown, Manhattan)
No reservations, so go early and put your name down. However, we’ve heard if you call ahead and let them know you have a large party (15+) they will hold the table for you. What to get: They have a $47 or $57 option that include peking duck and both are super sharable.
19 Cleveland
19 Cleveland ($$) (Nolita, Manhattan)
Ideally you want to sit downstairs for their party vibes, but getting a large table in the main dining room works too! What to get: Lamb carbonara, garlic and tomato hummus, halloumi, chicken schnitzel.
12 Chairs ($$) (SoHo, Manhattan)
Great Mediterranean food and perfect for brunch or dinner! They also have a Williasburg Brooklyn location. This is a good spot to take your parents as well! We love that they serve breakfast all day, because sometimes you just want eggs for dinner.
Cafe Spaghetti
Cafe Spaghetti ($$) (Carroll Gardens, Manhattan)
A great option in Brooklyn. This newer Italian spot has a large backyard that can accommodate big parties. In the winter it’s covered and heated. Order the ricotta crostini with truffle butter, orecchiette with broccoli rabe and the fusilli bolognese.
