Has anyone been to "Top of the Tower" in the Beekman Hotel? I've heard the view is great, but don't know about the food.
I'm deciding on this or Il Buco for a special family dinner. Any thoughts? How about the Spice Market in the meatpacking district? Any thoughts are welcome! Thanks

Top of the Tower is noted more for the view than for the food. I live a few blocks away and have never eaten a meal here so that may tell you something. The view is great, though. Go there for drinks and then head downtown to Il Buco. The Spice Market is kind of "trendy" and will be more of a scene although the food is said to be good. Il Buco (Italian food) and Spice Market (A famous chef's take on Asian street food) are two very different types of places so it would help if you said a bit more about your tastes. Are there children in your party?

jojo started the "special occasion" thread for her father's 80th birthday. I believe there are teens as part of the group of 15.

I am not sure the scene of the Spice Market would be enjoyed by most 80-year-olds. I think you need to be more specific in your request in order to get knowledgeable responses. What kind of food? How much per person? Need private room? Day of the week? Noisy/quiet?? Scen-ey/traditional? Diners who are sophisticated in their tastes?

Oh, yes, seetheworld, I see now that I have already addressed this question and now the poster has started a new thread. Never mind...jojo has much good advice already.

Il Buco is fantastic. Depending on the size of your party, Il Buco has a very cool private dining area in its wine cellar area.

Spice market is old news, "trendy" with tourists. Plus the food is overpriced and mediocre.

The food was fine - nothing special. Best views are from the cocktail lounge. Just go for drinks and to listen to the piano player.

It's been years since I ate there and food was "fine." Maybe you don't need haute cuisine for this occasion.

The Water Club is another place with views and the food is pretty good. They even have some private rooms, but I think for 15, a table would be fine.

The Water's Edge in Long Island City has views of Manhattan. They offer a free ferry from 34 st to get there. I've never been there, but the ratings in the Zagat guide are good, actually a bit better than the Water Club.

Il Buco is great. The private room is the wine cellar downstairs. I agree Spice Market is probably not a good idea for either menu or ambiance.

We did a party for my Dad's 80th at Water's Edge in Long Island City. They did a very nice job; great view; good food. And that boat ride, if you want to take it instead of taking a taxi. Festive, too.

I may be partial, but I got married at the Top of the Tower. That was nearly 7 years ago so I can't vouch for the food right now. But...the view is really something special, and you can go outside onto the terraces too. The way the tables are set up, you may find it difficult to squeeze many people into a square one. only 2 of our tables had 8 people, and the rest we're six. so if you have more than that, I wouldnt recommend it. But it's very beautiful...