Looking for casual, private room with great food

[compunaut4]

I am looking for a restaurant that can accommodate approximately 30-40 people in a private room for a wedding rehearsal dinner for this October, 2010. I live in Ohio but am planning the wedding in DC. So far, I'm not having much fun! Your help and guidance would be much appreciated.

[compunaut4]

Thanks for all the ideas. I will definitely follow-up with them. Has anyone eaten at Farmers and Fishers? They have some private dining and it seems very reasonably priced.

[ktmoomau]

I haven't eaten there in a long time, but we had a birthday party there one night with about 28 people and they did a very good job. Everyone liked the food, there were a lot of menu options. Not the most creative food, but very good for a large group.

[ktmoomau]

You might also try Brasserie Beck, Sea Catch, Zola and Sonoma. (Sea Catch and Sonoma have special events sections right on their websites that are very handy)

[chowser]

Do you want to be in DC, outlying areas? How much would you like to spend per person? Any specific type of food you want or don't want?

[compunaut4]

Well, since the groom's family is not in a position to host this, we are paying for the wedding AND the rehearsal dinner. That said, I would love to keep it at a reasonable cost. I'm guessing that no matter where we go, it will still end up costing close to $100 per person though less would be great!

I would love to stay in town, if possible, just for convenience sake of the guests. As for the food, I would like to keep it on the simple side. Good American or Italian fare, nothing too exotic or ethnic. I'm trying to achieve a rather intimate, laid-back dinner to contrast with the wedding which is more formal. Outdoor dining would be great too.

Thanks so much for any input!

[WashDC33]

I'd check out Dino for good Italian. They have a few different private/semi-private room options: http://www.dino-dc.com/2007/03/private_dining_.html/

Firefly in Dupont might be another option for what you're looking for: http://www.firefly-dc.com/private-dining/index.php

Also, Old Ebbitt Grill has a several private rooms and menu options. The food isn't really anything special, but it has a nice quintessential DC feel: http://www.ebbitt.com/main/home.cfm?S...

Good luck!!

[chowser]

Rules out what I could suggest (mostly out of the city) but hopefully those parameters will make it easier for people to make suggestions. Good luck with it!