Boston Rehearsal Dinner
 

Looking for suggestions on where to have a tasteful wedding rehearsal dinner. The reception is at the Parker House. Any ideas?

Upstairs on the square. In Harvard Square.

It would be helpful if you mentioned the number of people and an approximate per person budget.

Approximately 35 people - no budget. Would also like to stay within the city proper (not cambridge or other outskirts)

1. L'Espelier -exquisite, fine French dining located in the middle of charming Back Bay (www.lespalier.com)
2. Radius - Elegant yet hip gourmet restaurant in the Financial District (www.radiusrestaurant.com)
3. Les Zygomates - amazing French bistro with an ultra-amazing wine list in the Leather District (near Financial District, think: lofts) (wwww.winebar.com)

We've dined at all three many times. Les Zyg's our fav but L'Espelier is by far and away the best if you really aren't worried about a budget.

The Hampshire House is beautiful.

Providing dinner for a group of 35 requires a whole set of skills and services that aren't the same as providing dinner for several groups of 2's and 4's.

I'd suggest either a downtown hotel that is accustomed to serving large groups, or restaurants with private rooms for groups. Among hotels in or near downtown (with 10 mins walk of the Parker House), your best bets for quality include the Four Seasons, either of the Ritz Carltons, Le Meridien, or the Boston Harbor Hotel. Among restuarnts, a great choice if they're available is the Bay Tower Room, which has panoramic views of Boston and the waterfront.

I agree, you want a private room and experienced facility for a group that size. I'm pretty sure that Hampshire House has such resources, but L'Espalier doesn't.

I think we went to Anthony's -out on the pier - great food,nice view, good service for a group about your size

You might also want to post this on theknot.com message board. Those brides have checked out everything and will know of the perfect place! Congrats!!

Hampshire House has a lovely room for a private group.. Overlooks the Boston Garden and Commons...Check out www.chowhound.com and look at and inquire of the chowhounds on the Boston site..But.. for heavens sake...stay away from Anthony's.

Hampshire House is right up the hill from the Parker House...a definite plus.

The Hampshire House, at 84 Beacon Street on the "flat" of Beacon Hill overlooking the Public Garden, is on the far side of Boston Common from the Parker House. You'd have to walk to Beacon Street, over Beacon Hill and down Beacon past the Common, cross Charles Street, to the Hampshire House; a half a mile, I'd say, on brick sidewalks not fit for dressy shoes.

I agree that Anthony's has limited appeal to anyone who has not yet reached retirement age.

The Hampshire house is wonderfu. Other ideas that are close are Maison Robert which is across the street from the Parker or the newly redesigned Lock Obers also downtown within walking distance of the hotel.