schlegal1

We are going to the KC for Saturday matinee as a group of 20. Thought we would get tapas afterwards (around 4:30 p.m.) and wanted to go to Zaytinya. But they consider such a large group as needed to book as an "event" and, therefore, require their set menus which start at $41/person.

I have no problem with their policy and think it probably makes sense but that is just too expensive for our group so I need some other suggestions.

Needs to be a place where we can eat light because it is still too early for dinner. Needs to be a place that will be ok with a group of 20. Needs to be close to the KC.

Thanks for any help!

NewbE

Have you seen Zaytinya? It's not tiny, but 20 people would have to occupy one of their corner, partitioned areas, hence he need to book a party. Thinking, thinking... most places aren't very big. How about Bistro du Coin in Dupont?

schlegal1

I have been to Zaytinya and really enjoyed it so I am bummed it won't work out this time. But it makes complete sense to me that they have it because they want to provide good service and food to people so the set menu is the easiest way to do that for such a large party. *sigh*

Googling Bistro du Coin...

schlegal1

French food might be a bit heavy for late afternoon.

Tapas seemed so perfect.

gabriele

Sequoia. It is in walking distance and the group size and menu won't be a problem. Terrific views...

schlegal1

Another member of the group just suggested that. Seems pricey, though. I don't imagine we'll get out much under what Zaytinya is charging or am I mistaken?

obxgirl

Sounds like you already know that a group of 20 is going to be an issue for any restaurant w/o prior reservations. Are you all driving to and from the KC or taking public transportation?

A 10 minute walk from the KC is the District Commons as well as Burger, Tap & Shake. Both at Washington Circle. Half that distance right across from the Foggy Bottom Metro (where the KC shuttle stops) is Circa Bistro.

For Zaytinya, $41 including gratuity doesn't sound awful tho it's a bit pricey for a snack. That's a glass of wine and 2-3 tapas per person? Do you have dinner res elsewhere that night -- if not, consider Zaytinya an early dinner?

NewbE

How about the restaurant in the KC? As I recall, and I may be quite wrong, there's a fancier one and a less fancy one. Perhaps the less fancy one could set up a table for some light fare?

NewbE

Btw, Bistrot du Coin, as the name suggest, is a Bistro and not a formal French restaurant. I know you goggled the menu, so you saw they have pates, moules, small sandwiches...

How about Jaleo? Tapas, after all, and somewhat larger than Zaytninya, sort of, so they may be able to swing your group.

schlegal1

Jaleo is part of the same restaurant group as Zaytinya so their events people manage it all.

$41 does not include any alcoholic beverages, only tapas. Which is fine on another occasion, but not this one.

Hmm, I have eaten at the KC for brunch but wasn't aware of the restaurant being open otherwise. I'll check.

Some are driving, some are taking the metro in. All in all we could scrounge enough space in vehicles to drive somewhere.

I didn't actually think a group of 20 would be a big deal at 4:30 p.m. since that is an off time. We should have thought more about that.

Looking at the additional suggestions now. But we may end up at Sequoia.

kja

> Jaleo is part of the same restaurant group as Zaytinya so their events people manage it all.

Yes, but do they charge the same prices for groups? My experience as a non-group diner is that Zaytinya is much more expensive than Jaleo for the same number/variety of courses.

Bistro du Coin is so poorly soundproofed that I've never been able to convince myself go inside.

Have you considered Petits Plats? I have no idea what they would charge, but I believe it has a private area and it looks like they offer a special menu for 42, and they might be open to negotiating a lower price for a simpler/less generous menu. If you/your group is willing to consider going to the Woodley Park Metro, I don't see what you have to lose by at least contacting Petits Plats.

And I think the Cafe Paradiso, next door, also has a private room.

If you are willing to go as far as the Cleveland Park metro, check with Lavandau. I don't think it has a private room, but it might consider a large party at that time of day.

Good luck!

schlegal1

We are such country bumpkins. We were lulled by the ability of just daily seating a large party in Charlottesville at an "off" hour.

We have had success, though: Farmers Fishers Bakers is going to accommodate us. Can't wait.

Thanks for all the help.