What are some trendy restaurants in NYC where people in their mid 20s can enjoy?

Question

I am going to NYC with my bf at the end of July and want to take him to a nice, trendy restaurant in the city. some place where people ages 24 and 25 will not feel too young and where we can get dinner for around 25-30 bucks a plate (if possible) and not have to get all dressed up. Some place fun and trendy. Please give me a few suggestions. I don't know the city that well.

Answer 1

Balthazaar is a pretty good recommendation - but the food isn't that great.

Other good ones include:

Pastis - like balthazaar (same owner) french bistro

Schillers - Same owner as Balthazaar - cheaper food though.

Spice Market - Jean Georges owned asian fusion restaurant in the Meatpacking district

Momofuku Ssam Bar - Trendy Korean/American fusion place in the East Village.  

Tao - Trendy asian place in midtown with a club vibe - food and service is mediocre

Bond St - Sushi place in Noho.  Can be a little expensive depending on what you order.

Spice - Thai place near union square - very trendy and cheap.  good food.

Answer 2

The point of a trendy restaurant IS to get dressed up.

Also a trendy restaurant will not have plates at 25 to 30.

Expect the trendiness to run you at least $50 a person.

Restaurants aren't an older retired persons dominion either.

(I wonder where you are from that you can get these things.)

Answer 3

Balthazar -- Entrees are 25 --  30 but you will spend more if you get appetizers drinks or wine.

Blue Smoke

PS I will admit I never ate at Balthazar, but every time I walk past it is packed and people are hanging out outside and most seemed pretty young.

I eat at Blue Smoke fairly often the food is great and the service is too -- some places don't treat younger people that well, you won't have this problem at Blue Smoke.  I suppose it is not super trendy, but has a young crowd and probably trendy enough for out of towners.