I'm at a loss for making dinner plans tonight with a good friend. She just got engaged, and I'm also moving from New York in the next couple of weeks, so we're looking for a fun place to celebrate our life changing events. We're looking to keep it at under $60/person (including drinks). The main criteria are: no Italian food, good cocktails, and possibly an outdoor space (if the weather holds). As we both live in the city, a fun neighborhood spot would be just fine, as long as we stay in Manhattan. Any ideas? Thanks!

Sushi Samba has a roofdeck that is supposed to be fun.

I like the new Barca 18 -- meets all your criteria for fun, not Italian, yummy drinks (sangria!), but no outdoor space.

I can think of dozens of options. Many dozens.

Which neighborhood? You gotta pick one or two with so many great options.

Thanks for the suggestions. Sushi Samba is on the list, but, we've both been there before.

Gekko, as for neighborhoods, let's take the UWS, UES & Midtown out of the mix. The Village, Soho, Union Square or Chelsea would all work. But, if you can think of something outside of those neighborhoods, we'd be open to that as well.

Also went to a great French bistro on 14th street with a gorgeous outdoor garden in the back. Someone here recommended it. Maybe I can think of it.

Hmm...it's hard once you take Italian out of the mix. It's such a standby. We found a little gem of a restaurant in Alphabet City that I love, Grape and Grain. It's on 6th b/t B&C. Stanton Social on the LES is pretty good, and you might be able to get in on a Monday night.

Now we're talkin'. . . Here are a few that come to mind:

Havana Village near the intersection of Bleecker & Christopher (outdoor garden seating in back). Great Sangria.

Dos Caminos, W. Houston, of course.

Zum Schneider, if you like German food & beer, Avenue C at 7th.

Esperanto, excellent Nuevo Latino, Avenue C at 9th.

Coffee Shop, on Union Square West.

Ah, yes, Gavroche. You'll love it. Charming garden, charming host, delicious food.

http://www.gavroche-ny.com/

All of Gekko's ideas are great, I would also submit Mercadito and Cafecito in Alpha City

You guys are fabulous! Thanks. So many choices, so little time...

The Spotted Pig on W 11th...hard to get into but could be OK on a Monday.