Restaurnat Advice Midtown / MT West
 

I'm looking for a restaurant (can be any type of food, except fast - no yucky Burger King) that would allow our small group to eat for under $18 per person - most are underage, so this would not include alcoholic drinks, just a beverage and meal, and we would probably wait until after theater for dessert. Looking for a location in Midtown near theaters, or Midtown west (around 56th street or so). Any suggestions? Thanks for helping us plan, this board has already been a huge help!

Maybe spelling my question correctly would have been nice? Sorry, I should have been more careful!

We recently ate at the Johns Pizzeria on 44th St. Good, brick oven pizza and a really attractive place.

How about Virgil's Real BarBQ, a really fun place with good food and something for everyone -- especially with the younger crowd. Easily in your budget and depending upon the size of the group, they will probably take a reservation. It's at 45th I believe. Too far south? What theatre?

Hi Everyone,<BR>Thanks for the good suggestions so far - keep them coming! Patrick, 45th isn't too far south, and this groups is ready to do some walking anyway! Our Hotel is on 56th so anything around there or near the theater district is just fine. I really appreciate your help.

Always a good question . . . .topping for anyone interested

I always suggest the restaurant strip on 9th Ave, between 56th and 49th (I think) as a welcome relief from prices of midtown expense account/tourist restaurants. Especially if you have hungry kids with you. Starting at 9th corner W56th with Ralph's, which looks like nothing special but has very good, inexpensive Italian, my family likes Vinyl, which features "healthy" food--vegetarian choices, Thai dishes, and my kids like their burgers and sort of funky atmosphere; also Julian's, lovely place, the fanciest on the street; Saigon Fun for great Vietnamese; Island Burgers is a little slice-in-the-wall with famous burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and shakes; my kids also ask for Go Sushi, a nice fast-food Japanese with, again, reasonable prices; I like the Greek grilled fish/meat and fun atmosphere at Uncle Nick's; there are usually lines outside Mangia e Beve, even on cold nights, which indicates good things going on inside; Rte. 66 has good-quality casual/coffee shop type food; not to forget my husband's favorite Chinese, Grand Szechwan International, supposed to be one of the best of that genre in town. All of these places would meet your budget requirements and are strongly recommended. Or, your group could split up, and some go to the Thai place, others to the Mexican across the street, etc.

Lois, THANKS! These are just the type of suggestions we are looking for. I really appreciate your help!

I second John's Pizza... good food, great atmosphere (is built in a converted church, so still has some stained glass and HIGH ceilings).<BR><BR>If you are 4 or more people and you watch what you order, you may be able to eat at Carmine's (44th St). Entrees are ~$15-28, but it's family style, so you could easily split 3 dinners between the 4 of you (and you're expected to do so, so don't feel uncomfortable about sharing).

Definitley John's Pizzeria.<BR>Have fun!

I'll also recommend Virgil's. Correction on its address: West 44th (between Times Square and 6th Avenue) not 45th.<BR>Abbey, just so you understand distances, 20 north/south blocks equal one mile.

You have received lots of good choices. If you want to keep the cost down to around $12 a person, tip included consider the Dallas BBQ on W. 43rd just east of Broadway. A very large restaurant that can handle groups. Virgil's may top $18 per person with a soft drink and tip included. Carmines could be much less than $18 a person if you follow the advice in a previous post - two or possible three people sharing an entre. FAmily style service so portions are fairly large. Carmine's and Virgil's take reservations for six or more people.