Downtown Space for 20-30

My friend has been put in charge of finding a dinner option for 20-30 in the heart of downtown for the evening of Wednesday, March 17th. Most if not all of the group members will be from out of town. Many will be staying at the downtown Marriot near the Convention Center. Most will not have vehicles. Many of the participants are graduate students and young professionals, so cost is very much a concern. The group will be looking to have dinner and drinks. My friend is new to town herself - having come from the school from which the whole group is associated - so she's asked for my help.

The three ideas I tossed out were the new O'Sheas, BBC on 4th, and Brownings. Pub food and alcohol. Done and done in my book. All three have pluses and minuses relating to location (Brownings is farther away) and offerings (O'Shea's has the "fullest" bar), etc.

Wanted to see if anyone else had suggestions. The group is not looking for a private room, but they are looking for a seating arrangement where they can all be together. Being that it is a Wed night, I'm sure places will be happy to entertain a group of 25.

[I told her 4SL is always an option as long as she's okay with us never talking again. I'll be participating in this conference as well, and my primary goal is going to be to steer as many people away from 4SL as humanly possible.]

You might consider Theatre Square Marketplace - good price points, fun vibe and walking distance for everyone. I just booked a party there for 35 on Thunder Eve.

Isn't that St. Patrick's Day? May be an issue at some of the pubs.

Z's Fusion

Seems like The Bristol would be able to fill this order.

Maybe Bearno's by the Bridge? They have tons of space and are quite pubby.

[Robin Garr]

Saffron's also has a very nice private room that would probably hold 20 and maybe 30. I really do think St. Patrick's Day is going to be a major barrier to a pub, especially O'Shea's. "Hi, I want to make reservations at your popular Irish pub for a party of 30 on March 17"? I don't think so ...

I've eaten at Theater Square Marketplace and it is stunningly beautiful and the food is creative and very fresh. Service was top notch. I thought it was pretty expensive and it is not terribly vegetarian and certainly not vegan friendly. I know you didn't ask about those options, but in a group of young professionals these days, you can nearly always count on a handful of vegetarians and a vegan. And you did say that cost would be a factor. But again the space and decor is worth a visit for themselves and the food is top notch. I will visit again, gladly.

My Irish grandmother probably isn't smiling down on me from heaven right now. I feel like this week is just getting longer and my brain is in no position to respond...

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I think you were on the right course when you thought about Brownings. They have both private and public areas. I am sure they would be happy to have you. Paula B is a regular poster here on the forum.

Since many of them will be staying in the Marriott anyway, you might consider Blu Italian Grille there in the hotel. I used to work there, actually. You'd want to ask for Holly or Jamie to wait on you when you make the reservations.

You can really spend as much as you want there. The fried calamari appetizer is sizeable and could easily be a meal. The pasta dishes are reasonable AND very good sized. You will run into more cost when you get into steaks and chicken and seafood, but such is the case anywhere you go. Their daily soup is usually good, so soup and a salad is a viable option. There is a chance chef might even be willing to make a special prix fixe menu for your gathering as well. After all it IS a Marriott and they are big on giving you what you want.

If you go, tell them Dan Box sent you. That won't get you special treatment or anything, but I would like to let my old serving friends know I still think about them occassionally.

The drinks might hurt you a little cost-wise, though. You could probably go to Champions, the sports bar, after you eat dinner and get your drinks a little cheaper. Blu does have an amazing wine list. You can get some really nice wines by the glass. Da Vinci Chianti is my favorite with a pasta with red sauce!

I hope you find a place whether it's Blu or otherwise. Stay safe and enjoy your visit! They would no doubt LOVE to have you on a Wednesday night and goodness knows there is ample space for you.

Cheers...

Chef Dan

Saffron's also has a very nice private room that would probably hold 20 and maybe 30. I really do think St. Patrick's Day is going to be a major barrier to a pub, especially O'Shea's. "Hi, I want to make reservations at your popular Irish pub for a party of 30 on March 17"? I don't think so ...

Yup - best choice - Saffron's.

Saffron's also has a very nice private room that would probably hold 20 and maybe 30. I really do think St. Patrick's Day is going to be a major barrier to a pub, especially O'Shea's. "Hi, I want to make reservations at your popular Irish pub for a party of 30 on March 17"? I don't think so ...

Yup - best choice - Saffron's.

Saffron's gets pricey for dinner, although the food is stellar. It's a great place to go I'm just not sure it meets the gentleman's stipulations. Just be warned...

Chef Dan

As mentioned earlier Browning's would be a great choice and since they have the private area they would but more likely able to accommodate a large group on St. Patrick's day. Good beer, great food and very accommodating!

As mentioned earlier Browning's would be a great choice and since they have the private area they would but more likely able to accommodate a large group on St. Patrick's day. Good beer, great food and very accommodating!

yeah. their food is definitely good. i was blown away!

Chef Dan

Don't overlook the Bristol on Main St. at 6th. It's a few blocks from the Marriott but not a bad walk. Very good for that kind of group and price range.