Help! Small party rooms? [Twin Cities]

[AnneInMpls]

Does anyone know of a restaurant that has a private/semi-private room for a small group? By small, I mean 8 - 12 people.

It's my turn to host the family holiday gathering, but my house is all torn up. My family would probably be more comfortable in a separate room, as some of us are a little stodgy when other people are watching.

I'm racking my brain, but I can't think of anything good. Plus, there are some really picky/conservative eaters in the group, so full-blown ethnic and trendy places won't work. Ideally, I'm looking for a not-too-expensive place, but will settle for just about anything.

Can you help save me from mediocre food in a suburban hotel?

Thanks,
Anne

[AnneInMpls]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Looks like I've got several possibilities.

I checked out The Lexington today (and ate a yummy hot turkey sandwich, thanks to recommendations from this very board). They have the right kind of food and a medium-size party room (20 people) for an extra $50 or so. Ouch. But the food is great.

Anne

[jaycooke]

Firelake Grill in Minneapolis has two different party rooms -- one for a group of 10-15, and one that would hold 25-30. For a hotel restaurant, I generally enjoy their food.

Here's a link to the board room: http://www.firelakerestaurant.com/pri...
There's no minimum, so long as you're ordering a meal.

[St Paul Susie]

Doesn't downtowner woodfire grill have a nice little room off the back? That might be nice - good selection of no ethnic items but a few more original items as well!

[bob s]

Another thought. I think that Mission American Kitchen in the IDS has a smallish room. I've been to several business meetings in a room that is larger - along 7th Street behind the maitre d's desk - that is probably too large.

I don't know if the prices may be higher than you want. The food's is consistently good - not mindblowing - but definitely presentable. I consider it a reliable business lunch place. I can always find something a little interesting, while feeling comfortable that less adventurous eaters can find something they'll like too.

[uptowner]

I know Tryg's has a small party room that sits (according to their website) up to 24. Another place I had a meeting in a few months ago is Capital Grille which has a nice cozy wine room. Don't know about prices for either, sorry!

[katebauer]

It might be above your price limit but WA Frost's Fireside room holds 18-20 for a sit down meal. Looks like it's $25 to rent over lunch and $50 over dinner, with a $500 minimum for dinner.

http://www.wafrost.com/home.html

We're hosting an event at Nye's and I believe there was a $500 minimum to get the back room.

[bob s]

How about Jax Cafe? I haven't been there in a while, but it would seem to meet the needs of picky/conservative eaters. Don't know about prices either, but I seem to recall that they have various sizes of rooms.

[AnneInMpls]

I'll check with Jax, but their web site says that the smallest room is for 20-30 people. We might feel lost...

Thanks!
Anne

[Jordan]

Solera has the Alhambra Room, which is a small space with a communal table and lots of cushions for seating, but that may be more expensive than you prefer.

There's also a big communal table in the basement/kitchen area of Chino Latino. I think that is geared toward larger groups, but you could ask.

[The Dairy Queen]

Wow, that's tough this time of year. Is the wine room at Muffuletta too big?

~TDQ

[AnneInMpls]

Might be - the wine room seats 30. I doubt they would let us have the whole room without an extra charge. (I'm footing the bill, and I'm cheap...) But Muffuletta would be a great place, otherwise, so I'll give them a call. Thanks!

Anne