Strong friendships need heavy tables, a robust menu, deep flavors, room to converse — a restaurant that supports a table of foodies ready to drink and eat in a big way. Asado caters to friends. They’ll push tables together — strong, thick, sturdy mesas accentuating the dark woods, tiles and metals of the open room. Here you may speak frankly, get a tiny bit loud, and pass plates across the table until everyone tries what you are eating.

It doesn’t hurt that Asado serves exceptional South American food. The rising star of Sixth Avenue, copping a reservation here proves challenging, so do you and your friends a favor and call early.

Then, be in the moment — one that fairly consistently delights — Asado rarely misses a beat. Bring a big group and order everything — moving forks of food around the table in a clockwise fashion. If you lack enough friends, we recommend the specials, or from the standby menu, the hanger steak, stuffed pork chop or lamb shank.

On the salad front, we enjoy both the Endivas Y Paltas — a marriage of endive, avocado, hearts of palm, green onions and lobster with champagne vinaigrette — and the Ensalada Hierbras — a mix of arugula, cilantro, watercress, mint, walnuts, jicama, shaved manchego cheese and a passion fruit vinaigrette. The winner was the passion fruit dressing.

Asado offers an interesting selection of desserts. The caramel crepes are served warm with vanilla bean ice cream; they really hit the spot after a filling meal.

Enjoy your friends and conversation because Asado even does the dishes.