560013 Wed Sep 24 17:02:24 -0700 2008 5 8 Midwest 0 4059307 I used to live in Minneapolis and will be returning for a visit. Want to host a dinner for friends (18-20) in a private/semi-private room. Preferred style? When I lived there, I often visited and very much enjoyed 20-21 at the Walker, 112 Eatery, Cafe Alma and Lurcat. Places of that quality is what I'm after. Any chowhound recommendations? Thanks very much. Wed Sep 24 17:02:24 -0700 2008 55188 cortez 1 4061285 You could give the wine room at JP's American Bistro a shot. It is private so you can get a little louder and the various bottles of wine/caskets are a nice backdrop.... Thu Sep 25 11:55:54 -0700 2008 4059307 185526 Db Cooper 1 4067414 Brix Bistro on Excelsior Blvd in St Louis Park has a nice back room - I'm not sure how many it seats but it's a separate room with its own music controls and a large rectangle table. I want to say that it seats maybe 15-20. The food is pretty good, and drinks are excellent. I had dinner in that room about a year ago and thought it was ideal for a group. Sun Sep 28 08:26:53 -0700 2008 4059307 229073 Marnatee 1 4071221 If you are the adventurous sort and are willing to drive to that foreign city of St. Paul, the Downtowner Woodfire Grill has a private room that will accommodate up to 34. Excellent food, great owner, and highly rated. Located on West 7th, a couple of blocks from Xcel Center. Check out their web site for more info on the private room. www.downtownerwoodfire.com/main.htm Mon Sep 29 20:04:10 -0700 2008 4059307 112214 golferjl 1 4072371 Cortez, if it's not too late, check this old thread for a few more ideas: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/348634 I was asking for "safe" food for my very traditional-tastebudded inlaws, but a few of the suggested places are closer to the Alma/20-21/Lurcat/112 vein - like Muffuletta, Solera and W.A. Frost. By the way, Vincent and Alma have upstairs rooms (open to the main area) that would probably work for your size of a group. Give them a call! Anne Tue Sep 30 10:52:32 -0700 2008 4059307 12541 AnneInMpls 2 4073503 Thanks very much, Anne. I was not aware that Vincent and Alma have upstairs rooms. Tue Sep 30 21:08:03 -0700 2008 4072371 55188 cortez