A bunch of us twenty-somethings are going to be in downtown Seattle on New Year's Eve...we're looking for a restaurant to accomodate maybe ten or twelve of us, lively atmosphere important, and moderately priced. I've perused old messages and see a lot of the same names mentioned, and a lot of them seem pretty expensive. We're open to most kinds of food. What about restaurants in Pike Place Market...how late are those restaurants open, and is it a place we could just wander around and find something suitable?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

love
roxy

You may want to check out Salty's in Alki Beach. It's a seafood place and beautiful views of Seattle from the lounge. Have a great time!! ***kim***

It's hard to imagine a group of 10 or 12 walking into any decent restaurant and expecting to get a table on a normal night. Doing so on New Year's Eve is beyond unthinkable.

Honey, you need to make reservations pronto! Moderately priced? What about Palomino?

Yeah, I know I need to make reservations, and yes, the wandering around thing was a stupid question. I'm trying to do something about this, and none of my friends seem to be any help, especially the ones who actually live in Seattle, so it's a lousy task that's fallen on little Los Angeles me.

What's Palomino?

love
roxy

Salty's is anything but moderately priced.

Downtown for a group I would talk to Palace Kitchen, they have a private room that holds 14- we just used it for my birthday party. The menu there is a good range of prices. Also Icon Grill is fun, upbeat, moderate in price and has a good selection of menu items. Also check into Mama's kitchen if you want a loud, boisterous, casual, mexican themed nye. The Melting Pot on lower queen anne is great for groups and Ten Mercer also has good space for that.

for a large group there is no way I would not have a reservation anywhere on nye! Get on the phone and call these places right away. Oh also Rays Boat House although you'd have to take a short cab ride.

Find numbers at http://seattle.citysearch.com/

If you don't already know there is a huge party at pier 66:

www.absolutnewyears.com/index.html

Have fun!!

The Palace Kitchen is one of three restaurants in Seattle owned by Tom Douglas. We dined at the Dahlia Lounge this summer and it was excellent. Etta's (named after his daughter Loretta) is the other place which is also very good.

www.palacekitchen.com for more information if you are interested. If they can accomodate your group, you will not be disappointed. Tom was recently featured in Coastal Living magazine. Bon Appetit!! ***kim***

OH, Palomino is a place on 5th Avenue. www.palomino.com Another consideration is the Six Seven at the Edgewater Hotel located directly on the waterfront. We stayed here for four days last summer and it was fantastic!! www.edgewaterhotel.com is the website and click on Six Seven to learn more about this excellent restaurant! ***kim***

Tom Douglas' places will be fine if you can get in (Dahlia, Palace, Etta's) and ought to have a lively atmosphere (read, noisy).

If were me, I'd probably go for atmosphere and location over being a foodie, therefore I'd call the Pink Door on Post Alley in the Pike Market - good food (best in summer on the terrace, but okay indoors in winter too), a lovely room, and great location. Head across the alley and down afterwards to Kells for Irish music, blarney and Guinness to wash down the pasta. Or head down to Pioneer Square for a major bar-music scene.

Use the Seattle Weekly (www.seattleweekly.com) for links and phone numbers, and numerous reviews, of many places. Also consult the Pacific NW boards at chowhound.com for reviews ad nauseum.

We made a reservation for twelve at the Pink Door on NYE...it better be good, I'll let you know!

love
roxy

Geez, no pressure.

FYI the forecast is for wet, so plan accordingly.

I think you'll like the Pink Door--really good, reasonably priced Italian food (and not just red suace over everything), great location, hip clientele. Happy New Year!

Turn it on: The Pink Door sounds like an excellent choice for your young group. CitySearch gives it a 9.1 and Zagat a 21/30 for their food rating. It sounds like it also provides great entertainment.

The orecchietta dish comes highly recommended and sounds like they have a nice varied menu for you to choose from. Have a great time and Happy New Year!! ***kim***