Hey there! I hope this hasn’t been sitting in my message inbox for ages— Tumblr isn’t the best always at letting me know that there’s a message, and I sometimes forget to do so on my own.

Anyway. My immediate thought is Local 188, which I think best fits your parameters. It’s relatively big, the atmosphere is fun and not stuffy, and the food is consistently good. I’ve been with large-ish groups and they’ve handled it really well. One thing to keep in mind, particularly since it’s a birthday dinner: as much as I love the restaurant, I haven’t loved their desserts. But I still think it’s the best option.

Alternatively, there’s Petite Jacqueline, where the desserts are fantastic. That’s a little bit more expensive than Local 188, but also feels a little fancier. I doubt you would run into issues with being judged about the way you were dressed from anyone that works there,* but if I recall, the last few times I’ve been the crowd has been slightly older and dressier than Local 188. But that’s not to put you off! (Caveat: I don’t know for sure that they do groups that big.)

Staying within a one-block radius, there’s also Boda “very Thai” Kitchen + Bar. Boda is a little bit less expensive than Local 188, and I like the food a lot. The few times I’ve been with large groups, they’ve been able to handle things well. I would say that it’s a younger crowd than Petite Jacqueline, and maybe even than Local 188, and the atmosphere is decidedly not of the giving-funny-looks variety. Otherwise, mango with sticky rice is one of my favorite desserts ever, and they have it and it is fantastic.

You should also take a look at Caiola’s. I remember the prices being equivalent to Local 188, but they don’t list their prices online and I can’t remember for sure. It might be worth calling and explaining that you’re trying to organize a birthday dinner and want to make sure the dinner is within everyone’s budget, but you didn’t see prices listed on the website.

Good luck, and happy birthday!

* The whole idea of that makes me so sad, by the way.