Rehearsal Dinner - Newport, RI

[amanda3571]

I'm getting married in Newport on October 16th. We are looking to scout out a restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. Ideally, we'd like to have a private room to hold about 40ish people. 2 restaurants that have been recommended are 22 Bowen's and The Moorning. Anyone have feedback on either?

We'd like something casual, delicious, fun, and easy.

Any suggestions would be so helpful.

Many thanks.

[teedles]

I think that 22 Bowen's and The Moorings are great choices. 22B can be on the pricey side. The Moorings will be light and fun with a great menu and drink choices. Other options to think about are Rhumbline, UpScales or Zelda's. Those three you can take over the restaurant for your own needs...

[invinotheresverde]

For $25-30 a head? When I was shopping rehearsal venues, everywhere was $50 and up for food.

[Emilyc]

The Red Parrot could set aside seating for 40 on their second floor as could Brick Alley Pub. These may be more within your budget and offer your group a bit of privacy.

I have heard about a lot of rehearsal dinners at H20...they don't re-open for the summer for another couple of months, though.

22 Bowen would be a great choice but I think they would be out of your price range.

[LostinCT]

We looked at all of those for our wedding in 05. They were stuffier than we wanted for the rehearsal. We ended up doing Sardellas. I haven't been there since but it's a Newport staple, Italian food. They have a back room, with a small private bar and served family style. We had about 40 people from all over the world, and the family style really broke the ice. Everyone loved the shrimp app, people still rave about it. It was a great casual night where lots of people got to know each other so the formal wedding the next day was a lot more fun. Here's their web site http://www.sardellas.com/index.php?ti... Good luck and Congrats

[amanda3571]

Thanks! Will look into this as well.

[milemarker0]

Aside from the ones already mentioned, check out La Forge Casino Restuarant. They have a back room that is separate, and if the weather is nice, you can do apps and cocktails on the patio overlooking the Tennis Hall of Fame exhibition court. Peter, the owner is really nice and helpful with picking menu options.

[invinotheresverde]

Sardella's is a great rec.

[lonione]

The Brick Alley Pub on Thames

[invinotheresverde]

Do you have a budget a/o preference of cuisine?

[amanda3571]

We haven't set the budget yet, however we'd like to keep it approx $25-30 a head for food (we'll deal with the booze later). And I hate to use such a broad term, but I suppose we're looking for "American" cuisine. We do also need a restaurant that offers vegetarian entrees. I like the look of The Mooring's menu, but there's not one vegetarian entree, just sides. We havent yet contacted them to see if they'd accomodate, just trying to get a feel for what's out there right now.

[invinotheresverde]

I'd be surprised if you could get out of The Mooring for that, but anything's possible.