Eastern Standard for business dinner?

[mangomama23]

I'm from DC and will be hosting a "get to know you" business dinner next Wednesday for 8. I'm looking for a restaurant with a relatively lively scene and excellent food/service that our group (ranging in age from a few early 30s to mostly 50s) will enjoy. I'm going for a more casual vibe, but still professional as we don't all know each other.

Eastern Standard looks great for dinner with a group of friends, but is it appropriate for a business dinner? Am concerned it may be too casual (and perhaps overly noisy?). Troquet has also been recommended to me as one in our group is very into wine, but I realize that is going in a more upscale direction.

Our hotel is in the financial district, but am happy to go anywhere that's a 10-15 minute taxi ride away. Price isn't an issue, but would prefer the $20-30/entree range.

Feedback on Eastern Standard or Troquet -- or other suggestions -- very much appreciated!

[cambridgejen]

I've taken out of town business guests to Eastern Standard with favorable results. Depending on the level of formality you have in mind, for a group of 8+, you might consider using their private dining room. I took executives from my company in the late 40s / early 50s age group and they thoroughly enjoyed the food, drinks, and ambience. (This was in summer though, so the outdoor patio was a plus.)

[mangomama23]

Thanks, everyone -- we ended up at Eastern Standard and had a great dinner. Definitely a fun spot for a group like mine. The cocktails did not disappoint and the service was quite good. Appreciate the recommendations.

[csammy]

Both are great in different ways.

Troquet is a smaller restaurant that is closer to your hotel and has one of the best wine programs in the city.

Eastern Standard will be more lively (can be noisy) and will be in your $20-30/entree range.

[Fort Point]

Ate at Eastern Standard recently and the food was excellent, but the noise (music) level at 10:00 was dreadfully loud. However, it looked like there was a small enclosed room in the back right of the restaurant. You might want to check that out. I would think the noise level would be much less.