Post Christmas Family Reunion Dinner
 

Twelve of us will be meeting in the New York area right after Christmas. The "kids" are all grown now; we're coming from ME, VA, NY and MD.

We're looking for a fun lively restaurant -- location could be anywhere in Manhattan, although I guess we could consider Brooklyn or Queens. In the past, we've had lots of fun at Sammy's Roumanian and Lola's. We'd like something festive and casual. While we don't want to pay top dollar, price is less of a factor if the atmosphere is right.

Any ideas? Thanks, Fodorites.

try carmines for great inexpensive family style italian.
they have 2 locations in manhattan - theater district on 44th and the upper west side

Thanks -- appreciate the tip.

We went to the Carmine's on the UWS this spring and had a great time. The food was good, the waiter was great, and it was busy with lots of seemingly happy people - it was a great atmosphere.

probably should have been "it HAD a great atmosphere". Sorry!

Count me among those who are not fans of Carmines. It will not hold a candle to Sammy's for fun or Lola's for food. It's large portions of red sauce Italian (that can be found in any city in the US) in a loud place with lots of kids. If you want basic Italian with something a bit different, you could consider Il Vagabondo with indoor bocce courts or Mangia e Bevi with singing waitstaff. If you want kitsch, Lucky Cheng's has a drag show.

Buddakan for a swank atmosphere (yet not too pricey) or Swing 46 for some dancing fun. Or Blue Smoke has good BBQ, burgers and ribs and jazz downstairs.