Need rec for awkwardly timed meal for 15 ppl near John Hancock Hall (Back Bay)

[powella]

I am looking for a decent place to take 15 people for a meal at about 3pm on a Saturday in December. We will all be attending the 1pm performance of the Urban Nutcracker at John Hancock Hall (Back Bay Events Center), corner of Berkeley and Stuart. I don't know the area well at all....any suggestions? A place that takes reservations would be a bonus. TIA, 'hounds.

[C. Hamster]

Parish Cafe for sandwiches/salads

Douzo for sushi
Flash's for casual fare

[powella]

Thanks, all. We are looking to satisfy a group of folks who will likely have very different appetites at that time of day, so the small plate idea is a very helpful one. I'm going to investigate Tico's further but am remembering we have a vegetarian to satisfy, so I'm going to have her vet the menus before proceeding.....

[Niblet]

Maybe Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao? I haven't been yet but seems perfect for a group. 200 Dartmouth.

ETA: sorry, just looked at hours and they don't open until 4:30 on Saturdays.

[mjg0725]

Post 390 is a great bet. Not sure why people hate on it. Just did a function there and it was perfect. Big portions and great quality food.

[hotoynoodle]

because i have had nothing but mediocre food, bad drinks and atrocious service there. last time i went it took over 30 minutes to get soup and then still had to track somebody down for a spoon. i've given up. being trampled by guys in dockers and blue oxfords isn't a bonus either.

[C. Hamster]

OMG

The food stinks, except for desserts (which rock)

To describe the service as atrocious is being kind. Its overtly passive aggressive and majorly snooty.

We had a particularly unfortunate lunch experience about 2 years ago which necessitated asking for tha manager who then went a bit Orfaly on us.

Sadly I am dragged there for business lunches and after dinner drinks because its a block from my office. But I certainly would recommend against the place.

[mwk]

Maggiano's isn't far from there, and you could probably get one of their private dining rooms.

[teezeetoo]

plus 3 for Tico - close, flexible (small or big plates) roomy and unlikely to be crowded and noisy at that time - of course, make reservations for a group that size wherever you're headed.

[BellaBoston]

Red Lantern doesn't open until 5pm, 4:30 for drinks. Tico is a good option as is Via Matta. Bristol Lounge is not far from there either and is a nice holiday spot--well decorated etc.

[hotoynoodle]

also bistro du midi and laurel. even places that generally don't take reservations might prefer to take one for a group that size.

[bear]

I think Laurel closed a while back. Maybe Geoffrey's now?

[C. Hamster]

Laurel closed maybe 3 years ago. And yes it is Geoffrey's. Sort of a gay guys place on Sat afternoon. At the bar at least.

[hotoynoodle]

feh, old lady brain. have been there since it changed over too. 15 ppl won't be seated at the bar and the prices are very reasonable.

[bear]

Agreed. Geoffrey's would work for a casual spot, and I can't imagine they would be overly busy at that time of day, even with performances in the area.

[Bob Dobalina]

Tico is in that neighborhood.

[mats77]

Zocalo on Stanhope street for Mexican?

[meeps2002]

Forgot completely of Red Lantern - which is next door - I have only been to Zocalo once and was unimpressed.

[meeps2002]

for that time...depending on how nice you have plenty of options

CH can give you the reviews, but

I would walk 2 blocks to Tremont and pick one of those options but:
Back Bay Hotel
CODA
McCormicks
Post 390 (not sure the hours)

[C. Hamster]

None of those places are on Tremont though...???

Post 390 is ghastly. Id avoid it.

15 people in Coda at once might be tough, its so small but Salty Pig could accomodate.

Avila or Davios come to mind.

What's your price point? How far are you wiling to walk? What kind of food?

[meeps2002]

I was just mentioning Tremont as a reference to only being 2 blocks away - which opens a whole new realm of good eats. I work right neat the OP's target area - it's awful for food.

If I wanted pub food, I'd hit the Globe on Boylston or Salty Pig myself

[C. Hamster]

Tremont is more like 6 blocks from John Hancock hall but Picco or Masa might work