Restaurant in Melrose/Wakefield/Malden area?

[Heather29]

Hi everybody
I'm going to host a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend. As or right now, we are a party of 18. Does anybody have any suggestions for a fun, casual place that can accomodate a large party such as ourselves?
Thanks in advance!

[Chris VR]

PortoBello has a room that probably can take a group of that size... whether or not the kitchen can manage it is something I wouldn't be sure of.

I think Duck Walk in Wakefield has a back room as well.

Turners has an area that I think can take a larger group.

I think I'd probably go to Exchange Street Bistro, myself. It's a fun scene. It's been a while since I've been there but the menu had a lot of potential when I was there last (soon after they opened), and I have been wanting to see where things have ended up.

-----
Porto-Bello Restaurant
979 Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880

Turner's Seafood Grill & Mrkt
506 Main St, Melrose, MA 02176

Duck Walk On Wakefield Sq
397 Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880

Exchange Street Bistro
67 Exchange Street, Malden, MA 02148

[macca]

We have had good luck with large groups at the Duck Walk.The back room is free - but you need a minimum number of diners- not sure what the # is, but I think it is more than 16. I have used the room and have had everyone order directly from the menu, and have also ordered appetizers, and plates for the entire group.
Chris is right about Portobellos- food is great, but the service is good but slow.
Not sure when you are planning, but Mexico Lindo in Melrose has an outside patio- and they may reserve the patio for a large group. That may be fun.

[Chris VR]

Oh yes, the patio is great at Mexico Lindo- we were there on a weeknight with about 12 people and it was empty.

[macca]

I actually prefer the patio, as the restaurant is usually crowded, and even on warm nights it is o smteimes cooler outside.

[Heather29]

Hi everybody! Thanks for the sugestions. My first thought was Mexico Lindo but they won't take reservations until about an hour before we wanted to go. I wasn't taking the chance with so many people being involved. I decided to go with Kowloon. It's fun, nearby, and they took a reservation! That is good to know about Duck Walk. That is a big favorite of mine.

[Trixie Too]

Ristorante Molise in Wakefield has a back room that I think can accommodate your party.