[I posted this in the Eating Out category, but I think I might get more responses here]

My friends and I are recent college grads (read: kind of poor), but we like to eat well. We are looking for a new stand-by place -- a restaurant we can always count on for a good, affordable meal. Our old one closed about a year ago, and we're still mourning its loss. This is what we want:
* Not insanely expensive (~$12-15 entrees, $7-9 glasses of wine)
* Vegetarian friendly
* in Manhattan (we're downtown girls, so preferably below 23rd Street)
* GOOD FOOD! We don't need high-end gourmet, just a flavorful, delicious meal
Bonus would be nice ambiance and friendly service that is open to parties larger than 6.