Holiday Tourist Advice

lemur11215

I have a group of six friends and family visiting this weekend. Each year I try to convince them not to come in December, but here they are anyway.

Personally, I avoid Manhattan as much as possible during the holidays (especially since I am the grinch) but they want to be here despite the crowds and the weather. Luckily, most of the group has been before so we don't have to do the ESB or Statue of Liberty.

One of the must-dos on their list is mass at St. Patrick's. We tried to go last year, but it was over an hour wait (outside in the cold). Does anyone have any tips? Best time to go?

Unbelievably, the other thing at the top of their list is dinner in Little Italy (I know, I know). I've suggested other options from Arthur Ave to good Italian not on Mulberry, but that's what they want. This will be the third year in a row of food ranging between so-so and terrible. (I would even be happy if they'd go for Lombardi's as "classic New York Italian".) I have sifted through chowhound and citysearch and not found a solid option. So, anyone have a recommendation for a decent restaurant in Little Italy?