Thank you all for your suggestions--

So, it turns out that we chose Sanai's. I was sick at home and couldn't make the meeting but I heard some things that disappointed: 1) despite my making two phone calls confirming the reservation (one a month ago and one four days ago) no one was prepared for us, 2) the food was mediocre, 3) when I called to say that someone dropped the ball and should have taken better care of this the manager said, "Are you calling to complain that they just had to wait five minutes in the bar and everything's just fine?" I said that no, I wasn't calling for that reason and she should apologize for not taking care of a party better by communicating with staff.

I can't say much more because I wasn't there, but now I wish we'd chosen Rasoi.

And to the person who said we should just stick to Downtown, the entire purpose of the group is to get all of the wards and neighborhoods in JC involved. Not all of us live in DTJC and we want to be able to support other restaurants. Rita and Joe's and Europa would have been great--definitely next time with carpooling.

Another vote for Europa...Rita & Joe's is OK but again it is not very close to the Path and IMO its not a nice walk its gets very industrial and shady. If you are driving then R&J would be fine.

Unfortunately, Taj Mahal is out of business. They were supposed to move into a new spot closer to the courthouse but they haven't and the old place is shut down. The phone number doesn't work either.

Rita & Joe's is your best bet. It should please everyone in your party. Plus they have a back room for parties. Even though the restaurant part is not that large it is still private enough to have a get together. Some of the other places have strong cooking odors coming from their stoves and ingredients which can permeate the clothing of your guests. Not a great souviner to carry home.

Huh, now I want to try out Sanai's and Rita and Joe's and Europa. I live in the area and I've never been to or even heard about any of those. Sanai's looks loud and Rita and Joe's is a serious hike from the PATH, though.

I've been to Rasoi plenty of times, mainly because the food is pretty good, if you like Indian, and the place has a liquor license. The ambience isn't all that great - it's like a 1970s wedding banquet - but it's the nicest I know of that fits all your reqs. China Spice has a really nice interior, and pretty good thai food and drinks, but they play music so loud you have to scream to have a conversation over dinner. If your group is at all open to BYOB I would definitely recommend Taj Mahal - very quiet, nice interior (nicest in that area except for Casa Dante, anyway), good food, and close to the PATH. Otherwise, Rasoi.

Sanai's or Rasoi. Rasoi is not loud at all IMHO.

Try Europa near the courthouse. They have a back room that could be good for a meeting -- especially if it's during the week, when it is quieter. Plus the paella is fabulous and huge.

Rita and Joes at the foot of Broadway. There is parking or you can walk from JSq. (some may consider it a long walk)

http://www.rita-joes.com/


It is a couple of blocks past Puccini?s and their deli Salumeria Ercolano


http://www.puccinisrestaurant.com/

Save yourself the trouble and just go downtown. Way more suitable options for a meeting (Light Horse, Satis, Amelia's, Bistro la source, Sky Thai)

What about Sanai's? I live in the area and never went there until a friend introduced me to it recently. They have good Sangria, the food is okay (I have only eaten there once so I can't be a fair judge at this point), and I believe they have spaces they could set aside for groups. It is a short walk from the PATH as well.

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Thank you, Anod, but that price is more than we can pay. We'd basically be eating dinner and paying for ourselves and a couple of beers/glasses of wine. Otherwise, I hear very nice things about it!

Rebecca

Hi--I've been asked to find a quiet restaurant that's not too pricey with a liquor license to have a meeting of about ten people in Journal Square (PATH accessible and not downtown). Casa Dante seems ok but is expensive, Max's of Manila seems fine but I don't know if it has a bar and I've been told Rasoi is a little loud. Are there recommendations?

Thank you