Andover, MA-area restaurant rec for Company function?

[LindaWhit]

(I'm hoping this is going on the proper board, since I'm looking for a restaurant in the Boston area...)

It's that time of year - hunting for a place to hold the Company's holiday/Christmas/end-of-year party. We've moved from Newburyport to Andover, and I'm not as familiar with places around here as I was in Newburyport.

Some caveats - we're looking for a casual enough place to host about 40 people max - definitely *not* a function hall - probably more a restaurant or an inn with a private room that has a private catering/buffet-type menu.

For history - the last two years we went to David's Tavern in Newburyport, using one of their function rooms. The food was apps (passed and stationary) and a carving station and a pasta station, then dessert. Beer, wine and sodas. This is a mingling type function - not a sit-down dinner (although there will be tables and chairs).

I've checked a bit into places in Andover proper - Burton's Grill doesn't have a private room, so that's out. I was thinking Glory or Evenfall, whose menus I like, but someone told me that Evenfall has a very stale, smoke smell.

Another recommendation was the Sweetheart Inn in Methuen, which doesn't look too bad from the website.

Any other ideas?

[nm424]

I second Glory, but only based on what I've heard through others...

[sweetcream]

Hi! I live in Andover and have been to all the places mentioned. I think Andover Inn is a good choice. They have a nice private room and it can be as casual or as formal as you want it ot be. They are very accomodating. (New owners as well as the old)It is very festive at Christmas time and just beautiful. A real New England Christmas card. Not too expensive either depending on what you pick. I have been to several Christmas parties there with a local service club and it has been perfect each time. The only other one you could look at is Andover Country Club. Food won't be as good but it is a nice atmosphere and they can handle it for sure.
I really wih there were more choices in this town.

[pjgsolo]

Jackson's Restaurant in Methuen on Rte 110 is also reasonable and they have a private room upstairs if you have 40 people, but they are booking up fast! www.jacksonsrestaurantldt.com

[pjgsolo]

Another place to consider for about 40 people and casual is Oriental Garden Restaurant in Haverhill, which is right off the 495 exit. They have a large back room they let you use and if you are still there at 9PM on a Thurs, Friday or Saturday Night you have free entertainment (karaoke and dancing**). You can order a buffet and there is no charge for the room. If you want you can also have a DJ come in and play music if it is early evening before the karaoke starts. It is quite a fun place. I believe the buffet is around $12-15. ** http://hometown.aol.com/ogskaraoke/my...

[pluziam]

I've got to disagree about Sal's, although I must say the bar area, deck and function room are well designed and very attractive - the pizza/pasta offerings are uninspired and just bland. I wanted so much to love this place but would only go there for the bar and apps, the calamari and antipasto aren't bad.

[Infomaniac]

I tried Sal's this weekend and wasn't that impressed with the two meals we ordered. I wish I ordered the pizza, but I went with a pasta dish (chicken broccoli alfredo) that was really not that good, and had to send it back, and ended up eating a salad. My friend got chicken marsala that she said tasted strange, which I tried and it did.

[ScubaSteve]

i would neva call Sals 'inspired,' not even close. but i really do think they do a nice pizza (one of the best in the area) and their other offerings, the chicken parm is my favorite, r decent and approachable for all. i really only offered this as alternative place that has probably the best setting for what the OP was looking for. and seeing the places mentioned (Glory, excellent. and Evenfall, still gud) i wanted to offer something at a lower price point.

[ScubaSteve]

just down 28 and up 495 a couple exits is the new Sals in lawrence. it's right off the highway, plenty of parking and they have everything from pizza to very good red sauce italian. they do corporate events so they know how to handle a group, plus, if it's nice out they have a big deck overlooking the river.

[opinionatedchef]

we had dinner at glory a few yrs ago. v good food and v attractive room. le chateau is so institutional red sauce ital.
the old andover town hall rents out for functions and you could hire a caterer...

[LindaWhit]

I've also had dinner at Glory, and very much enjoyed it. Don't know if they do functions the way their sister restaurant, Evenfall, does. But will definitely check with them. And thanks for the heads up on The Chateau. Definitely not my cuppa tea.

[amljml]

Dylan's in is Downtown Andover on Park St. (next to Old Town Hall).

We haven't been to Palmer's lately but had a sit down lunch for 60 people about 5 years ago and the food was good.

[amljml]

Some suggestions that are a little more casual than what you've done before are:
Dylan's(pub style food)has a private room upstairs. The Chateau (Italian)has several private rooms.

You may also try Palmer's which is more upscale food. Ask if they would let you have the upstairs area.

Andover Inn was recently taken over by new management and was totally renovated. Haven't been there yet but believe they have a website.

[LindaWhit]

Where is Dylan's? And The Chateau was recommended to me as well.

Also, I've been to Palmer's (in the bar) several times in a group setting, and was seriously underwhelmed by the bar food. Is their dinner or function food better?

[jackattack]

Is the Andover Inn too formal?

How about Fortunato's in Lowell? www.fortunatosrestaurant.com

[LindaWhit]

The Andover Inn might be a bit too formal - we're a pretty casual group. But I had printed out some info from their website and will call and check them as well.

And thanks for the Fortunato's link - I'll check it out!