Casual, quiet place for graduation lunch near Worcester, MA

[basta265]

I need suggestions for a good restaurant for lunch for about 10 - 15 people following the Holy Cross Graduation on Friday May 27th.

Here's what I am looking for: not too far from Worcester, easy to find, good parking, quiet so we can hear each other, good casual food (sandwiches, salads, burgers, etc.). We don't need a private room, but it would be nice to have some privacy.

Thank you!

[awm922]

here's a link to the restaurants on Shrewsbury st. Lots to choose from. I'm partial to Leo's for good homestyle Italian. I'm sure you can find something.

http://tasteworcester.com/category/re...

[Rick_V]

I've been to a celebration just about that size at Via that was great. They have some spaces that work well for groups, and they have a very nice lunch menu that's a good deal, with terrific sandwiches, although I don't know if it's on offer Saturdays.

[invinotheresverde]

I'd be shocked if they still had room for a 15 this close to graduation.

[invinotheresverde]

Almost everywhere good was booked long ago, unfortunately. The HC grad is the biggest one, since almost all of the students are from out of town. Therefore, no one celebrates at home.
The restaurant where I used to work was usually booked for HC grad/Baccalaureate by the Christmas before. Also, for the same reasons, everywhere will be loud. Lots of large parties celebrating creates a ton of noise.

The further you get out of the city, the easier/quieter time you will have.

[basta265]

"The further you get out of the city, the easier/quieter time you will have."

Any recommendations for a place not too far outside the city that would be good?

[phelana]

Did you try Ceres, the former Beechwood? They are new and may not be booked yet. Otherwise what direction are you coming from Boston or points west??

[basta265]

points west

[invinotheresverde]

It's not my favorite place, but the Flying Rhino might be what you're looking for. It's less casual than most of the places on Restaurant Row, so there might still be reservations left. It's definitely a salad/sandwich/burger place.

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Flying Rhino Cafe
278 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604

"Restaurant Row" -- Shrewsbury Street
Worcester MA, Worcester, MA

[phelana]

Is Armsby Abbey open or The People's Kitchen?? What about the Publik House in Sturbridge on your way home?

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Armsby Abbey
144 Main Street, Worcester, MA

[invinotheresverde]

Armsby won't take a 15.

[Science Chick]

People's doesn't serve lunch :(