In a world w/o Uncle Boons... Location Help for a 40th b-day party

So I was looking to throw a 40th birthday in January (or whenever the world opens back up in NYC) with ~15 -20 ppl. I had my heart set on Uncle Boons but I just heard they are closing. True Heartbreak!

I am at a lose of something comparable. Criteria:: Great food, super fun atmosphere, good for groups, not pretentious, Easy neighborhood. I cannot find a great in between - Nomad is great but stuffier than I wanted and there are tons of cheaper options but those feel wrong for the occasion.

CH community has always come to my rescue. Any ideas on this one? I was going to pick up the tab which at uncle boons would have been <5k, but now I am at a loss.

Also, before anyone says it I am not risking a party if NYC is still in the shape we are today. Just being an optimist and looking for restaurants that hopefully stay open.

TIA.