Private dining space in DC
 

I need to find a nice restaurant with a private dining room in DC for approximately 25 people -- something upscale and elegant. Any suggestions?

You'd have to use catering, but the Building Museum has smaller rooms (larger ones - like the atrium -- too) available for functions.

Cafe Milano has a great space on the second floor of the restaurant. It's called the Wine Room, I believe there are photos on their website.

Cafe Milano looks nice. I'll give them a call. Any other suggestions??

Not sure if it as upscale and elegant as you might desire, and it is a chain, but Maggiano's on Wisconsin Ave. has multiple banquet rooms. Every banquet I've attended at a Maggiano's has been a very nice affair.

Cerlaurie: if you want to see celebs, have a GREAT Italian meal, see and be seen, then Cafe Milano is the place to be. Celebs as in Kevin Spacey last Dec., among, many, many others-everyone who is anyone in DC heads there at one time or another -EVERYONE.

P.S. Franco Nuchese, the owner/mgr./greeter is a doll. (but sometimes you can't get in, 'cause it's too crowded).

Cafe Milano is nice and you may see celebrities there, but you have plenty of other choices. Most of the staekhouses (Palm, Smith and Wollensky, Mortons, etc.), as well as the other top restaurants in the city are able to accomodate private dining requests. I'd find the restaurant I want and call them.

The Tabard Inn has two beautiful private dining rooms, exquisite food, wonderful ambience, and is a fraction of what you would pay at the Palm, Morton's, etc. Highly recommended.

http://www.tabardinn.com/banquet.htm

We want to stay away from the chains like Maggiano's, Morton's, etc. We have several meetings every year in Chicago so would like to try something more unique to DC.

I'm not a big fan of the Tabard Inn, though it is highly regarded. If you want something with a DC flavor, you could try Vidalia (upscale southern cuisine near Dupont Circle) or Taberna del Alabardero (Spanish cuisine near the World Bank)

I don't know anyone who is a fan of the food at Tabard Inn, and I don't think anyone who knows anything about the food scene in DC holds it in high regard, for many years now.

If you are looking to stay in the downtown core, you could also take a look at the Occidental Grill which has a private room; the second floor of Butterfield 9; DC Coast; and Olives (which may fall into your no-chain list). Charlie Palmer Steak and Bistro Bis are also really nice and located close to the Capitol building.

Tabard Inn is a great space, but the food is decidely average.

Five years ago I attended a very enjoyable Wedding reception at Taberna del Alabadero, a Basque/Spanish restaurant of high quality. A grand time.

Spygirl,

I'm quite perplexed by your comment regarding the Tabard Inn. I admit I've only been going for the last year or so (about 8 visits). OK, it isn't in the same league as Citronelle or Taberna del Alabardero, but for a moderately priced place it always delivers the goods. What exactly did you or your friends have that wasn't great? I can't believe it was recently.

I stand by my rec. for Cerlaurie's request for private dining room, upscale and elegant. A nice space, the food/wine are very good, and the prices are moderate. I always, always enjoy going there.

That really got me going - I almost feel like having a lunch there with you to show you that it is back (if it ever went away).

Try the Hay-Adams Hotel downtown. Their restaurant is wonderful, very elegant and the service is great. I believe they have private rooms.

Bardo,
Are there any particular dishes/hors d'oeuvres you recommend at the Tabard Inn? I'm planning to hold an event there. Thanks.

Bardo, if it makes you feel better, no one goes to Cafe Millano for the mediocre food either. It's all about the scene, not the food.