Rehearsal Dinner for 35-40 people in Galleria/Montrose

[gastrotect]

Next summer my fiance and I will be getting married in Houston in the Galleria area. I am doing some research to locate a suitable restaurant for our rehearsal dinner. Normally, being a Chowhound, quality of food would rule the day, but since I have to consider my parents' wallet, I am looking to be affordable as a priority. I will have about 35 people and would like someplace where I can get $50 per person or less (that would hopefully include alcohol, though it's not a strict guideline). To accomplish this I'm guessing family style dining will be our best bet, but if it can be accomplished with individual plates, that works too. I don't want to do anything too adventurous since so many different people will be eating. I am thinking Italian, Southern, Tex-Mex are all examples of cuisine that would work well. Galleria and Montrose are the two areas I'm thinking will work best, but I am not married to those two areas, so suggest away. Thank you in advance for any advice.

[mjust]

I know Philippe's has private rooms that could accommodate your group, and it has been getting a lot of good feedback on this board recently. But, I'm not sure whether it would fit with the budget.

Ouisie's has private rooms as well, and they have their event planning info online so you can see exactly what your options would be.

Not sure if you're definitely looking for a private room, but these are the two that came to mind.

[bornie]

I recently attended a business function at Mangione on Post Oak in the Galleria area.. They have pvt rooms on the 2nd floor that I believe will easily acommadate and I think the prices will fall in the range you are looking. Food was good as was the service. Not sure if they'll charge u for the room tho? Give em a call and negotiate.

[DoobieWah]

I think you mean Maggiano's?

East side of Post Oak betwixt Westheimer and San Felipe?

[James Cristinian]

I was going to post the same thing. I went once and the only thing I can remember as decent was the mussels. Other items tasted of freezer burn, one was a lobster special. I did a post on it but I couldn't find it. It is a national chain and is nice enough inside, we went just after Christmas, but I couldn't get past the food.

[gastrotect]

I've been to Maggiano's before. Didn't even think of it. Good to know there is one in Houston. Agreed on the food, it's only mediocre, but the setting and price-range would be right.

[bornie]

Yes,, thats it DW... the food here is ok, surely not memorable,, the ability to handle large parties in a pvt dining area might be the draw for some,, esp for the orig poster..

[Lambowner]

Tex-Mex has ruled the day in my family's rehearsal dinners. The original Pappasito's Cantina at 6445 Richmond is close to the Galleria and probably in your range.

http://pappasitos.com/locations/

[gastrotect]

I actually thought of Pappasito's right after I posted this. Glad to see someone else thinks it might work. That will be on my shortlist I think.