Cool place for a bridal shower?

I am organizing a bridal shower for a friend that lives in Manhattan (and I don't, so I can't investigate places as much as I would like). It is going to be under 30 people for lunch on a Saturday in July (noon-3pm ish?). I am willing to go as high as $40 per person (or am I lowballing this? I have no idea). I am looking for a restaurant that has a private area for large groups and has great food. It needs to be hip enough that the hounds that are attending will be happy, but also have enough crowd pleasers for the older out of town family members who don't take culinary risks. Any ideas? It is her only shower and she is a great friend, so I want it to be fabulous for everyone involved.