NGail

Does anyone have any suggestions for a mid-priced restaurant in D.C. that can accommodate 15 of us, including 3 kids and a baby? Some of us will be coming from Falls Church, so a place near that end of town would be a plus.
Thanks!

kja

Petits Plats has a private room that might suit, and although it isn't particularly near Falls Church, it's right off the red line and so should be easy to reach. Only you can decide if the prices suit.
www.petitsplats.com

NGail

Thanks, Kja
Their menu looks gorgeous and I like the private rooms. I wonder if they have a kids' menu.

obxgirl

Are you seeking a place in or near Fall Church or in the city?

Petit Plats menu looks sweet. I've passed it many times and have wondered about eating there.

NGail

In D.C. Half the group is at a hotel in the city. The rest will come in from Falls Church.

DebbieDoesDulles

No kids menu but they allow kids to order from the menu of their pizza place (downstairs).

obxgirl

I think kja has given you a great suggestion.

gardendiva

Just a few doors down is Lebanese Traverna. Great food and service. They have private dining but I did not see if they had a kids menu.

NGail

Does anyone know of Founding Fathers? The location is near the Metro from FC and it looks family-friendly.
Can't see the menu though.

Might be a little easier to get to.

NGail

The menu is on their website - pretty kid-friendly.
Any opinions about it?

Thanks.

obxgirl

Founding Farmers is a popular restaurant in Foggy Bottom. The food is very good. It's usually crowded and very noisy and for that reason I wouldn't go there was a group of 15 people.

kja

IMO, the Lebanese Taverna used to be great. Not so much in the past few years -- the service and food have both, IMO, declined dramatically.

When Petits Plats serves a private party, they sometimes provide alternatives to their regular menu. Whether they would do so for NGail's group would, I'm sure, depend on all sorts of things. If it seems at all interesting, contact them.

gardendiva

"IMO, the Lebanese Taverna used to be great. Not so much in the past few years -- the service and food have both, IMO, declined dramatically."

I would defer to your experience. I was there 3 years ago and 5 years ago and had a wonderful experience. obviously something has changed.

NewbE

Has anyone asked Petit Plats if they might require a pre-selected menu? I am not at all familiar with that restaurant, maybe it's big enough not to fret over a party of 15. But many smaller establishments--not tiny, though--would require a pre-selected menu and a deposit for a group over 10. Just a thought.

kja

@ gardendiva: Yes, unfortunately, the man who had run that particular branch of the Lebanese Taverna for many, many years died and in my experience, consistent quality control went with him. Sometimes the service is OK, sometimes the food is OK, but not with the regularity of the past.

NGail

We're back!
Ate at Gordon Biersch Restaurant and Brewery and it worked out very well.
It's located on F Street and 9th, walking distance from the hotel some of us were at, and a not-bad drive from Falls Church.
Kind of a sporty, casual place. Our room was glassed off from the rest of restaurant so it was quiet and there was plenty of space so the kids could float around, which was great.
Cost about $750 up front, for the room and the food and drink, and since we spent less than that, we were given the difference as a gift card - very fair, I thought.
Food was good and service efficient. We lingered for over 2 1/2 hours and never felt rushed.
So, highly recommended, if you have a mixed crowd like ours.

kja

I'm glad you found something that worked for you -- thanks for letting us know!