Maybe others have been more recently? Asking for myself, not the OP.
Keeping in mind that it’s a work event, even if informal:
Thai:
Sai Tong – nice atmosphere on both levels, good food, they won’t rush you (Cha Long has good food but is more expensive relative to portion size and they will rush you, Lum Lum is also good food of a different sub-type but is small so they will also rush you).
Or try Cambodian at Bayon.
Korean:
I’ve had many fun k-bbq work dinners over the years. Miss Korea or Don’s Bogam are reliable, Samwoojung is quieter. Or Hometown hot pot & bbq could be a good crossover option since you’re planning to do hotpot anyway. Away from bbq, Odre feels high end at a bargain price.
Tapas:
Boqueria and Soccarat both have good happy hours with food that transition easily into dinner. Alta is old school but always good.
Red sauce Italian:
A classic and delicious nyc experience made for family-style eating. Carmine’s is a whole thing (uws less of a zoo than times sq) 
. Or go somewhere smaller, no shortage of options. But a bit of a zoo can be fun.
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A gem of a post. Thank you.
We were in NYC over the MLK weekend. Recommend L’Express. French and cozy and you could eat for under $50.00, depending on wine.
Flex Mussels was good. They have happy hour prices that make it pretty affordable but it’s a very limited menu.
I am not talking about Italian food in general. I am talking about the vast majority of Italian restaurants in the US. Some of which are indeed actually an Olive Garden. Or the equivalent.
I’ve asked once for this unrelated discussion to stop or be taken elsewhere. Please and thank you.
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Would a more downmarket classic like Veselka work? I think they even take reservations now, they serve wine and beer, and when I was there a few years ago, the pierogi were still fantastic.
Couldn’t wade through all the Italian restaurant comments to tell if that’s out for you, @mig, but San Marzano on the LES is cheap and solid. You can easily stay under $50.
And, although no one’s vegan, I think Candle Cafe is hearty and delicious enough for non-vegans. If you want to focus on cuisines that NYC does especially well, vegan is definitely one of them.
i’m a loooong-time regular at veselka; it’s not really what i’m looking for here, though.
vegan food is a hard no.
It happens to the best of us. Posts not to your interest (or anyone else’s, for that matter) can be easily scrolled by or ignored, no?
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Most welcome. Look forward to hearing about where you go and what you eat!
