Midtown NYC rest. help - lunch/midweek/family
 

Help! I am trying to find a restaurant in midtown that will accommodate a family brunch/lunch on a Friday in June prior to a graduation! We are 12 people, including a wheelchair & highchair. I thought of Norma's in Le Parker Meridien hotel but they will not guarantee a table of 12. I know midtown is tough - but it would be so much easier to walk to a restaurant with the wheelchair instead of cab... Any ideas would be very helpful!

Bobby Van's is a nice steakhouse in midtown and Thalia's is a large place which serves american cuisine with a hint of asian fusion. Though I recommend menupages.com as a great way to look.

Would you consider going to the Time Warner Center and having brunch/lunch at Landmarc? There is an elevator to the third floor where the restaurant is located.

Few places do brunch during the week. But for lunch - have you looked at Rock Center Cafe - I know I've seen groups there.

Beacon - 25 W. 56th St. bet. 5th and 6th. - really good wood-fired American food, something for everyone lively atmosphere, polished but friendly service.

Solera - 216 e. 53rd St - very tasty Spanish/tapas

Brasserie 8 1/2 - 9 W. 57th St - reliable food, good service

compare menus and prices at www.menupages.com

Thank you everyone for your responses! I know I made a tough request and I really appreciate everyone's suggestions. I will consider each restaurant.

You won't find "brunch" on a Friday. "Midtown" is too large an area to deal with. At least narrow it by east vs. west if not by 40's/50's etc. Cibo is a good restaurant that has good value prix fixe lunches and should be able to accomodate you.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...mp;cuisineid=0

Carmine's near Times Square serves family style Italian (huge portions to share) and should take a reservation for 12, esp. if it's not a matinee day (Fri, Sat,Sun)

Where is the graduation?

I definitely would NOT recommend Carmine's for your celebratory brunch/lunch. Too hectic and noisy.
However, I do agree with mclaurie in that you should refine your preferred area. Midtown does indeed cover a wide swath. Where is the graduation.
(PS: mclaurie, I'm sure you meant Wednesday, not Friday as a matinee day!)

It's a medical school graduation at Radio City Music Hall in the early afternoon. It does not need to be brunch. I've adjusted our time to Noon as many places don't serve lunch until noon weekdays.
Trust me - I have tons of ideas for non-midtown places as I lived in the city for years. But the meal is not as much about the food as it is about family together. I'm thinking maybe Thalia's or seeing if my family is comfortable with the Rock Center Cafe prices.. obviously the location can't be beat.

I was going to suggest Thalia - I think that's a really good idea - terrific service, good food, comfortable surroundings. Good choice.

Maria Pia might be another option. They have a $12.95 prix fixe lunch and a pretty back garden room.
http://www.mariapianyc.com/media/websitemari.html

Moda the italian restaurant in Flatotel(52nd street between 6th and 7th.) could be an option : nice food, and possibility to lunch outdor if weather permits.
Erik