Looking for really good places for a dinner following a burial at Arlington

[Jachern]

In March, my mother and father will be buried at Arlington. Because they were great food, wine, and restaurant lovers, my family would like to commemorate them with a nice dinner. We'll number 20-30, including some children and would like to find a place with a private room, definitely not something that shouts "chain" or "theme" and that is within reasonable distance but doesn't have to be right near the cemetery. For instance, I've looked at a couple possibilities in the Alexandria Old Town area. But since I'm not at all familiar with this area and have been put "in charge," I could really use some guidance. Gadsby's is one I've looked at.

[DanielK]

You know, I was just thinking that Ray's the Steaks in Arlington might work well. Great food, not just steaks, my kids love it, and they have a private room in the back that might be just the right size for you.

[Just Visiting]

They do? I know of only two rooms - the one up front, to the right of the host stand, and the one directly behind the host stand. While that second room could function as a private room if you could fill it (I am pretty sure it holds way more than 30 people), it is hard to imagine sitting and schmoozing at Ray's for 4 hours, even if two of those hours are 3-5. Also, I don't think they are open for lunch, so they might not be interested in opening what is basically 2-3 hours early.

[crackers]

There's a back room at Rays. Straight back from the front door/host stand. But I don't think it is a place to hang out for 3+ hours!

There are at least a couple of large public parking garages in Old Town, particularly under the open square where the weekly Farmers Market is held, and A La Lucia is slightly north - away from the main drag on King St.

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A La Lucia
315 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[Just Visiting]

It just occurred to me, based on the overall picture (up to 30 people, drinks/apps at 3 pm, prefer private room) that you might want to call your restaurant of choice first and make arrangements in advance. Ordering a selection of apps in advance could really make your event go more smoothly than 30 people descending on a kitchen at an off time and having 30 people order at once. You could even do likewise with regard to the dinners....

[Jachern]

We definitely aren't going to just show up. We're hiring the private room just as one would for a wedding reception or whatever--why I need to make plans this far in advance. But thanks.

[nytdct]

There have been a number of discussions of similar venues in Arlington (particularly the Clarendon area) which is also a straightfoward trip from Arlington National Cemetary and may offer easier parking options that Old Town Alexandria - among the suggestions have been Tallulah, Libery Tavern, Lyon Hall, Boulevarde Woodgrill and Sam and Harry's

[Jachern]

My family--gotta love 'em--have decided they want to go straight from the funeral, settle into a restaurant for apps and a toast and a commemoration followed by an early dinner at same place. So we need a place that could do something like 3-7 and I've been told that I should be thinking Georgetown or Alexandria Old Town for the walkability, charm factor. Change anyone's recs?

[Just Visiting]

I assume you plan to contact said restaurant in advance, as any place that is good is unlikely to be serving anything at 3 p.m. unless given advance warning. Parking in Georgetown in a major hassle. Old Town Alexandria is not much better. Neither area has great food, IMHO. I agree with all above who are trying to steer you towards Clarendon. You will have to check with the various restaurants about private rooms. Which makes me wonder why you wouldn't want to try Willow, which is good food, private room, easy parking...

[ktmoomau]

I would add Eventide and Vermillion to the list to look at.

[Jachern]

Vermillion has been mentioned a couple times but I couldn't tell whether they had any private rooms. Does anyone know? What about Brabbo in Alexandria?

[Just Visiting]

It doesn't look like Vermillion does. You would need to call them. I don't know anything about Brabbo. I agree that 1789 is terrific and not hard to get to. The problem is parking. They have valet, but if you have crazy people in your family who will either freak out at the idea of tipping someone to park a car or who will not hand over the keys to a valet, you are setting yourself up for stress. Having lots of crazy people in my family who can't cope with valet, I feel an obligation to warn others. They do have private rooms.

[Jachern]

Unfortunately, the first thing I saw when I went to 1789's website is "jacket required" and that is definitely going to be an issue, even though everyone in my family is totally down with valets (I think some of them think McDonald's should have one). But I have a 60 year old brother who is a hippie and I doubt he's going to be comfortable in a jacket required type of place. Not to be too selfish but I know I'm staying in Alexandria, so I'd love to find somewhere around there but is parking that bad a problem? Other problem with Georgetown...some will have cars but not all. Thanks to everyone so far; this is incredibly helpful.

[katecm]

Depending on your price tag, I'd recommend 1789. It's not that hard to get to Georgetown from the cemetery assuming you have cars, and it's a first-class restaurant with a lovely ambiance - very old-fashioned DC: http://www.1789restaurant.com/private...

[Just Visiting]

Although Gadsby's is not a chain, I wouldn't recommend it. I'll admit I haven't been there in a really long time - years - but there's a reason for that. I was just not memorable. Certainly not "really good." I don't know if Vermillion has a private room, but if they do, that is a place I'd strongly recommend. The Majestic has great comfort food, but no private room. If you want to go in the other direction, say into Roslyn or Ballston, I can strongly recommend Willow, which has great food and a private room. Don't let the surroundings put you off. It is all office building and on a weekend, the area appears to be deserted. There is parking right under the building.

[crackers]

My condolences Jachern. I was asked this same question last week, for a group of 40 who were looking for lunch after a ceremony at Arlington. A La Lucia in Old Town Alexandria has a private room that can accommodate up to 40, and I've always been very pleased with the food (in terms of quantity and value) and service there. It's about 5 miles south of Arlington but easy to get to - pretty much a straight shot down Rt. 1. http://www.alalucia.com/menu.html

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A La Lucia
315 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[ahack]

I second A La Lucia. I think their private room was very nice and secluded. Their food and service were both excellent. I can't comment on the menu selections as I think they provided a pre-selected menu for the event I attended. Also, as I recall, there was only street parking, so depending on the time and day that may be a consideration.

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A La Lucia
315 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314