Picking the communal brain: early holiay dinner for office

My wife's office (9 adventurous eaters incl. 1 vegan (not strident; prepared to work with the majority)

Looking for someplace festive for an early dinner; $ is a factor as they're a non-profit. This is not an expense account event. They are in the north loop, but probably ready to travel within reason.

For some idea of general habits, they're big Noon o Kabob fans. Also Indian lovers. Also had a dinner at West Town Tavern together that they all loved. (But that would be too pricey for this event.)

Just looking for inspiration; new ideas.

Why not try one of the restaurants that has "deals." (For example, La Sardine and their $22 3-course meals on Tuesdays).

I've got Lao Sze Chuan on the brain lately...just made reservations for a gathering in early December.

How about there? It's very affordable and offers an expansive list of vegetarian items(yes, I know the difference...but if the vegan co-worker's prepared to go along to get along...)

I agree with Christopher G that Chinatown would be a great idea.

For another possiblity, how about Santorini? It's hard for me to imagine not eating octopus or lamb or other animals there, but I see on their menu that they have a couple things that look vegan (vegetarian kebab and two of the pastas) and a vegetarian (but not vegan) moussaka.

http://www.santorinichicago.com/menu_main.html

Great ideas. I had thought of Greektown myself and then forgot it. And Chinatown was a big, "duh!" Of course. Have funneled these good suggestions on through. Only wish I was going myself.