Please HELP! Restaurant Suggestion for party in DC

[maryfish18]

I'm hosting a 30th birthday party for about 20-25 people. I'd like a casual atmosphere with good food somewhere in DC. I'm having a hard time finding a restaurant that is fun and less than $70 a person. I'd appreciate any suggestions!

[westendhoya]

I posted a reply in a similar thread yesterday and will repost it here.

"My sister (19) actually did the same thing for her birthday and had it as Zengo's. Foodwise it is a little off course from what you describe but they had the perfect private room and everyone had such a good time. They were also very helpful with the menu and so forth leading up to the event and the food and service could not have been any better. It is a great happening place too and I'm sure your daughters and her friends would think it would be really 'cool' to have it there. I would look into it if I were you."

[KWynn]

I did a surprise 30th for my husband at Bistro Francais in Georgetown. They have a private backroom and were very accomodating. I don't believe they required a prix fix menu, and we ordered some bottles of wine for the table. It was definitely <$70 including drinks. Oh, and they let us bring our own cake for a nominal "cake cutting charge".
Another option would be Zengo. They have a semi-private room and you can do lots of items for the table to share. This should definitely stay within your budget for food alone, although their drinks are pricey ($10 for a small-ish mojito). Wine list is what you'd expect for trendy downtown.

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Zengo Restaurant
781 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

Bistro Francais
3124-28 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

[zinfandel]

Ah, interesting, I am also looking to host a 30th birthday party for a group of about the same size! It's how I stumbled upon these forums tonight.

Based on HilkaryIC's suggestions I may look into Clydes, but I was also curious as to whether anyone knew of any good sushi places in DC or the MD suburbs that have private rooms. I'd like to do something like a cocktail party with sushi for a few hours, rather than a sit-down meal. Any suggestions?

[ktmoomau]

Cafe Asia in Rosslyn right across the bridge in VA has good sushi and asian dishes and a huge back room. A friend had a birthday party back there it was nice. I think they use it on some busy nights for spillover, I don't know if she was charged for room rental or not.

[keithdcil]

Seven Seas in Rockville (In the back of one of those stip mall on the Pike - Federal Plaza? ). Very good chinese rest that focuses on fresh fish. They have a few private rooms and do sushi very well.

[Elyssa]

Btw does the $70 include drinks/alcohol?

[negociants]

upstairs at Ardeo? Do you have to have a private room? There's also PS7, which has a room that can be curtained off. When Oyamel was Andale, there was a separate back room, where I had a birthday, I believe it's still there. Chef Geoff's might be another good option.

[dining with doc]

tough because of party size
the palm in tysons may work
although it isn't fantastic, it is fun and you could probably get a room at either Magianno's or at Buca de Beppa.
you may be able to get a large table at Holywood East Cafe in Wheaton
also the lodge at tower oaks in Rockville

[Elyssa]

Don't go to Buca de Beppa or Magiannos. If you want Italian food you are better off getting it from the Pasta Mamas at Filomena. I know some people on the board don't like it but the quality is fresh, the portions are large, and you can certainly get out of there with $70/pp. Plus you have the added bonus of having a HUGE slice of their delicious cakes for the birthday boy/girl. Plus they have the space for larger parties.

[Geoff]

My initial thought was Acadiana. There's at least one separate room, and great food of course....but I don't know if you can get out of there at your price point for this kind of party.

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Acadiana
901 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001

[ktmoomau]

I did a birthday at Agraria last year with about 21 I think and they didn't make us get a back room which would have been pricey and it certainly was less than $70 pp because we ordered off the regular menu.

[HilkaryIC]

Are you including acohol in the $70/per person? Zola has a few group menus ranging from $56-69/ without a bar option. Clydes in Gallery Place has private rooms and a menu that is certianly less than $70. Mei N Yu's cheapest group menu is $65.

[Elyssa]

Zola was going to be my recommendation as well...not sure if they have a private room though (which you might want with that big of a group). Another option would be Hudson in Dupont Circle or if you like Indian cuisine you can check out Heritage located in Glover Park and Dupont Circle.