"Al Badawi’s cheesy flatbreads and big shareable plates of roasted lamb are some of the most reliable big-group dinner items in New York. They have locations in Brooklyn Heights and the Upper East Side, and both are BYOB. The UES edition has a giant fake tree in one corner, and it’s generally pretty easy to walk into with a group. Bring some friends, get a dip sampler, a few flatbreads, and a couple bottles of wine, and expect lots of good conversation while you enjoy a Palestinian feast. " - bryan kim, will hartman