Pick a place for a prom dinner

So the prom's upon you and the kids still haven't decided on dinner. There's still time to pick a place that's both friendly and flexible enough to acommodate these crowds. (Hint: Avoid places that don't take reservations or sound cool to your queries.) Where should the prom crowd go? There are dozens of popular restaurants to choose from, but before picking one be sure it can cater to your group's particular time frame, budget and tastes. The restaurants here give an idea of what to look for in menus and special features.

Anthony's Homeport

Several locations

This reliable local mini-chain has restaurants in various view locations from Everett to Olympia. In the spring and again in the fall at homecoming time, the Anthony's at Everett Marina Village (425-252-3333) stocks up on steak, pastas and deep-fry items, especially seafood, says general manager Paul Bonjean. Oh, yes, and strawberries. For lots of "virgin" daiquiris.

Guests can expect lots of choices here, and most entrees are priced between $13.95 and $23.95. That's a good deal, since the entrees include bread, salad, vegetable and rice or potato.

"Ambiance" is good here, with great views of both the waterfront and classmates at other tables.

Axis

2214 First Ave., Seattle

206-441-9600

This big, inviting room in hotty-hot Belltown offers a broad menu that likely has something for just about every taste and budget. Co-owner Rich Malia says a number of his prom-going patrons have palates as sophisticated as their elders. They'll go right to the high end of the menu for blackened ahi or jumbo prawns etouffee (each $25). Others are far more comfortable with the many selections from the wood-fired grill, oven or rotisserie.

The restaurant can accommodate several large parties at once, but they do ask that such groups go on one check and meet a $25-per-person minimum. They also include an automatic 15 percent gratuity on parties of 8 to 12, 18 percent for 12 or more. A credit card number is required to hold those big reservations.

Buca di Beppo

701 Ninth Ave. N., Seattle

206-244-2288

If sitting down and being quiet isn't what you had in mind for your prom dinner, Buca may be the place for you. All the Italian standards are served family-style - enormous portions heaped on platters meant for sharing. Two crowd-pleasers: spaghetti that comes with three half-pound meatballs ($18.95) and marinated chicken smothered in cacciatore sauce. Served with a 2-pound heap of garlic mashers, this "7-pound dish for 20 bucks" is a deal, says "paisano partner" Carron Harris, aka the manager.

By the way, she says, go ahead and table-hop. The place is busy, boisterous and stuffed with kitsch, photos and multicolored Christmas-tree lights that invite a party.

Palisade

2601 W. Marina Place, Seattle

206-285-1000

With stunning water, city and mountain views from every table in this large house, diners will feel they're in a special place. Lots of polished wood and a burbling saltwater tide pool full of sea creatures add to the atmosphere.

Again, the food selection is broad, ranging from roasted and grilled meats to tropical dishes and plenty of seafood. Cedar-plank-roasted salmon is a specialty. Most dinners range from around $19 to $27. Palisade also offers a special Dinner for Two featuring choice of beverage, green salad, one of four entrees (salmon, macadamia-nut chicken, prime rib or garlic prawns) and a yummy spiced banana ice-cream sundae for dessert. The $50 price includes everything but the tip. Plan on spending 1 1/2 to 2 hours at the restaurant. If you need to spend less time, be sure to let your server know.

Salty's

1936 Harbor Ave. S.W., Seattle

206-937-1600

Another great view spot, this restaurant is large enough to accommodate all sorts of parties, and has private rooms if you want to do your own thing with a specially planned menu. The restaurant will work with you to create a dinner that matches your taste and budget.

Among the entrees: New York steak with buttermilk mashed potatoes ($34.25), seafood fettuccine ($19.50) and grilled salmon with satsuma potato puree ($21.95).

Spazzo Mediterranean Grill

Key Bank Building

10655 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue

425-454-8255

Another big room with a big menu, this Eastside establishment knows the drill when it comes to special-occasion crowds. An added advantage: The restaurant is arranged in sections to accommodate various styles, from casual and lively up front to more formal farther back. It also has two adjoining private dining rooms that can hold up to 75 as one unit or split to take 35 or so in each.

Diners can design their own menus ahead of time, and arrange to have a selection of individual entrees or a set menu. It's also possible to have your meals served family-style so everyone gets a chance to sample. Spazzo features a large selection of tapas, or finger foods, that are great for sharing or for those light eaters.

The tapas include familiar offerings such as Spanish-style ribs ($5.95) and grilled pizza with pancetta ($7.95) to seafood-lover stuff such as prawns sauteed with garlic and sherry ($7.95). For the young women who lean toward greens, Spazzo's salad selection includes a popular Greek and a chopped chicken with smoked mozzarella. Full entrees run from a simple rigatoni pasta with tomato-basil sauce to a sophisticated seared ahi tuna in a fennel crust ($21.95).