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The Mezcal Room at Maïz64 can accommodate up to 80 for a standing reception.
Maïz64

D.C.’s Top Destinations for Private Dining

When dining with the masses just won't do

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The Mezcal Room at Maïz64 can accommodate up to 80 for a standing reception.
| Maïz64

It’s nearly November, which is when private dining rooms start to book up fast for the holidays (particularly when it comes to private events). As families and companies weighs options for Thanksgiving dinners or Chrismahanukwanzakah parties, consider these options for private rooms in D.C.

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Compass Rose

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OK with having a Bedouin tent as a room? Up to eight people can experience this private dining experience from Compass Rose. Last spring, the space was redecorated and tailored to Ukraine.

Compass Rose’s popular private dining option just transformed into a “Sunflower Coach” as an ode to Ukraine. 
Jennifer Chase/Jennifer Chase Photography

Lyle Washington DC

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Opened in April 2021, Lyle Hotel in Dupont offers seven different options for private dining. Opt for an intimate, 12-person dinner in Lyle’s private dining room to a 70-person reception in the Drawing Room.

Lyle is outfitted with eclectic and artsy dining spaces.
Jennifer Chase/Jennifer Chase Photography

Maïz64

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At Logan Circle’s Mexican restaurant, the lower-level Mezcal Room is a stylish subterranean spot for a private event. It can accommodate 55 for dinner, 70 for the bar and dinner, and 80 for a standing reception.

The Mezcal Room at Maïz64.
Maïz64

St. Anselm

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Enjoy buttermilk biscuits, ax-handle rib eye and more in the Beefsteak Room, a unique private dining space that seats 18. The rustic decor makes for perfect for Instagram-friendly snaps.

Chang Chang

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Chang Chang can accommodate groups of up to 56 (for seated dinners) and 80 (for standing receptions) in its minimalist oak-inspired dining room. Guests can reserve specific areas of the restaurant, including “Lydia’s Corner,” Chang Chang’s more intimate, semi-private space that accommodates groups of up to 16 at two round tables and an area featuring lazy Susan tables that can accommodate up to 20 at two round tables.

Chang Chang, situated in the old 5,000-square-foot Mai Tai space, features white textured walls, herringbone floors, and arched-ceiling booths. 
Chang Chang

Rasika West End

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To really impress, check out Rasika's chef's table, where President Obama celebrated a birthday. It can seat 10 to 12. Additional private dining spaces include the The Library, which can seat 42 to 50, and the Garden Room, which hosts 10 to 12 diners.

A view of Rasika’s private dining room, with seating in the foreground and dropping wall hangings in wood and fuschia.
A view of Rasika’s private dining room, with seating in the foreground and dropping wall hangings in wood and fuschia.
R. Lopez/Eater DC

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

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The handsome dining room at Dupont Circle’s destination for ceviche includes two private dining rooms. Outfitted with built-in screens and LCD projectors; each one can host 20 people.

The chef’s counter at Pisco y Nazca, with a brick backdrop, blue back lighting and cooks at work
Pisco y Nazca
Brendan Kownacki/Official

SHŌTŌ Washington DC

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Tucked past the wine and sake cellar at downtown’s modern Japanese izakaya, this opulent private dining room lined with museum-quality artifacts offers one long table for 40. The room can also be split into two seating areas.

Rey Lopez for Shōtō

RPM Italian

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RPM Italian offers private dining for as little as 8 or a larger celebration of up to 500 guests. You can even create a personalized private dining experience, from menu selection and design to wine pairings and floral arrangements.

La Bise

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The French hotspot boasts three private dining rooms, which combined can host 150 guests for a standing holiday celebration, or 98 guests for seated festivities. For smaller events, La Bise can seat 48 people in the main dining room or accommodate 80 people for a standing reception. For a totally private affair, Blue Room can accommodate up to 50 for a standing reception, and the semi-private Curtain Room can accommodate up to 15 guests.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

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This D.C. power spot has three private dining rooms. The Gigi Room, the largest room, can accommodate 112 seated people or 200 people reception style. The South Beach Room — with its black lacquer millwork, leopard print carpeting, and retro-style chandelier — includes ornamental glass doors that reveal or conceal the bar below, fitting up to 30 seated individuals.

A dining room with long green and white curtains, wood flooring, and dark brown chairs, as well as marble columns and high ceilings
Dining Room at Joe’s
R. Lopez/Eater DC

L'Ardente

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The 2-year-old Italian showpiece has two private dining spaces that can be combined to accommodate 70 seated or 110 standing. They’re called The Galleria as a nod to their collections of local and international art, complete with a private entrance and bathrooms down a VIP hallway.

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L’Ardente’s private events area.
L’Ardente

The latest addition to Daikaya Group specializes in wafu (Japanese-style) Italian noodle dishes and pizza. The zen upstairs level is ideal for private parties, complete with horigotatsu-style dining (a traditional Japanese table that’s low to the ground with a recessed floor so the legs can stretch down). In addition to the upstairs level, the entire restaurant can be rented out. 

The zen upstairs floor at Tonari offers horigotatsu-style seating.
Rey Lopez for Tonari

The Henri

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A private seated dinner at downtown’s artsy newcomer the Henri can accommodate four to 200 diners, while a cocktail reception set up promises 15 to 400 guests comfortably.

Carmine's

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The massive Italian eatery in Penn Quarter boasts a whopping 9 private dining rooms, advertising rooms for anywhere from 15 to 700 people.

A generous portion of eggplant parmesan topped with mozzarella cheese on a white tablecloth
Eggplant parmesan from Carmine’s
Carmine’s [official photo]

Charlie Palmer Steak

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One of Capitol Hill's top destinations for private dining, the renovated steakhouse has multiple options for rental, including the coveted terrace and rooftop spaces.

A dining room with open windows, large hanging chandeliers and white tablecloths
The dining room at Charlie Palmer Steak in Capitol Hill
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Officina

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The three-level complex at the Wharf has plenty of options for private events, from the 12-seat private dining room overlooking the water to a very chic rooftop events space complete with fire pits and stellar views that can accommodate up to 60 people.

Crazy Aunt Helen's

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The color-soaked Capitol Hill diner has an upstairs Peacock Room that seats up to 55 for a private dinner or 75 people for a standing reception, plus a full bar and stage for performances or karaoke or presentations. Book one of its frequent entertainers like Drag Queen Tara Hoot and DJ Phil Reese to liven up the event.

In addition to private events, the upstairs Peacock Room hosts live entertainment like improv and cabaret night.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Hill East Burger

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Southeast’s smoked burger saloon can host a party for a group of 50 or less. Burgers are the main character, but they also serve chicken sandwiches, chili, and for a sweet treat, Coke float with rich vanilla ice cream.

Mi Vida Restaurante

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Mi Vida has multiple private and semi-private spaces and special menus for private dining on the Wharf, including an 11,000-square-foot space offering panoramic views of the Potomac River. And the new Mi Via along 14th Street NW has a plaster-framed Hacienda room that serves as a private events perch up top.

An order of pescado a la talla at Mi Vida includes red and green adobo
Fish from Mi Vida
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

ilili Restaurant

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The Wharf’s Lebanese stunner can accommodate 8 to up to 150 seated (or 270 standing) for a private full buyout with a prix-fixe menu available. The space, designed by Nasser Nakib, evokes a Lebanese garden through its Mediterranean color palette, hand-embroidered chairs, and custom tiling and wallpaper sourced from Lebanon. More information on booking private events at ilili DC can be found here

The bar at Ilili features marble and copper detailing.
The bar at Ilili features marble and copper detailing.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

District Winery

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District Winery’s 40-person private event space, The Portrait Room, offers patio access and full waterfront views. Choose between three packages: a dinner Menuplated brunch or a private wine tasting

District Winery’s waterfront private dining room.
District Winery

Compass Rose

OK with having a Bedouin tent as a room? Up to eight people can experience this private dining experience from Compass Rose. Last spring, the space was redecorated and tailored to Ukraine.

Compass Rose’s popular private dining option just transformed into a “Sunflower Coach” as an ode to Ukraine. 
Jennifer Chase/Jennifer Chase Photography

Lyle Washington DC

Opened in April 2021, Lyle Hotel in Dupont offers seven different options for private dining. Opt for an intimate, 12-person dinner in Lyle’s private dining room to a 70-person reception in the Drawing Room.

Lyle is outfitted with eclectic and artsy dining spaces.
Jennifer Chase/Jennifer Chase Photography

Maïz64

At Logan Circle’s Mexican restaurant, the lower-level Mezcal Room is a stylish subterranean spot for a private event. It can accommodate 55 for dinner, 70 for the bar and dinner, and 80 for a standing reception.

The Mezcal Room at Maïz64.
Maïz64

St. Anselm

Enjoy buttermilk biscuits, ax-handle rib eye and more in the Beefsteak Room, a unique private dining space that seats 18. The rustic decor makes for perfect for Instagram-friendly snaps.

Chang Chang

Chang Chang can accommodate groups of up to 56 (for seated dinners) and 80 (for standing receptions) in its minimalist oak-inspired dining room. Guests can reserve specific areas of the restaurant, including “Lydia’s Corner,” Chang Chang’s more intimate, semi-private space that accommodates groups of up to 16 at two round tables and an area featuring lazy Susan tables that can accommodate up to 20 at two round tables.

Chang Chang, situated in the old 5,000-square-foot Mai Tai space, features white textured walls, herringbone floors, and arched-ceiling booths. 
Chang Chang

Rasika West End

To really impress, check out Rasika's chef's table, where President Obama celebrated a birthday. It can seat 10 to 12. Additional private dining spaces include the The Library, which can seat 42 to 50, and the Garden Room, which hosts 10 to 12 diners.

A view of Rasika’s private dining room, with seating in the foreground and dropping wall hangings in wood and fuschia.
A view of Rasika’s private dining room, with seating in the foreground and dropping wall hangings in wood and fuschia.
R. Lopez/Eater DC

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

The handsome dining room at Dupont Circle’s destination for ceviche includes two private dining rooms. Outfitted with built-in screens and LCD projectors; each one can host 20 people.

The chef’s counter at Pisco y Nazca, with a brick backdrop, blue back lighting and cooks at work
Pisco y Nazca
Brendan Kownacki/Official

SHŌTŌ Washington DC

Tucked past the wine and sake cellar at downtown’s modern Japanese izakaya, this opulent private dining room lined with museum-quality artifacts offers one long table for 40. The room can also be split into two seating areas.

Rey Lopez for Shōtō

RPM Italian

RPM Italian offers private dining for as little as 8 or a larger celebration of up to 500 guests. You can even create a personalized private dining experience, from menu selection and design to wine pairings and floral arrangements.

La Bise

The French hotspot boasts three private dining rooms, which combined can host 150 guests for a standing holiday celebration, or 98 guests for seated festivities. For smaller events, La Bise can seat 48 people in the main dining room or accommodate 80 people for a standing reception. For a totally private affair, Blue Room can accommodate up to 50 for a standing reception, and the semi-private Curtain Room can accommodate up to 15 guests.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

This D.C. power spot has three private dining rooms. The Gigi Room, the largest room, can accommodate 112 seated people or 200 people reception style. The South Beach Room — with its black lacquer millwork, leopard print carpeting, and retro-style chandelier — includes ornamental glass doors that reveal or conceal the bar below, fitting up to 30 seated individuals.

A dining room with long green and white curtains, wood flooring, and dark brown chairs, as well as marble columns and high ceilings
Dining Room at Joe’s
R. Lopez/Eater DC

L'Ardente

The 2-year-old Italian showpiece has two private dining spaces that can be combined to accommodate 70 seated or 110 standing. They’re called The Galleria as a nod to their collections of local and international art, complete with a private entrance and bathrooms down a VIP hallway.

L’Ardente’s private events area.
L’Ardente

Tonari

The latest addition to Daikaya Group specializes in wafu (Japanese-style) Italian noodle dishes and pizza. The zen upstairs level is ideal for private parties, complete with horigotatsu-style dining (a traditional Japanese table that’s low to the ground with a recessed floor so the legs can stretch down). In addition to the upstairs level, the entire restaurant can be rented out. 

The zen upstairs floor at Tonari offers horigotatsu-style seating.
Rey Lopez for Tonari

The Henri

A private seated dinner at downtown’s artsy newcomer the Henri can accommodate four to 200 diners, while a cocktail reception set up promises 15 to 400 guests comfortably.

Carmine's

The massive Italian eatery in Penn Quarter boasts a whopping 9 private dining rooms, advertising rooms for anywhere from 15 to 700 people.

A generous portion of eggplant parmesan topped with mozzarella cheese on a white tablecloth
Eggplant parmesan from Carmine’s
Carmine’s [official photo]

Related Maps

Charlie Palmer Steak

One of Capitol Hill's top destinations for private dining, the renovated steakhouse has multiple options for rental, including the coveted terrace and rooftop spaces.

A dining room with open windows, large hanging chandeliers and white tablecloths
The dining room at Charlie Palmer Steak in Capitol Hill
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Officina

The three-level complex at the Wharf has plenty of options for private events, from the 12-seat private dining room overlooking the water to a very chic rooftop events space complete with fire pits and stellar views that can accommodate up to 60 people.

Crazy Aunt Helen's

The color-soaked Capitol Hill diner has an upstairs Peacock Room that seats up to 55 for a private dinner or 75 people for a standing reception, plus a full bar and stage for performances or karaoke or presentations. Book one of its frequent entertainers like Drag Queen Tara Hoot and DJ Phil Reese to liven up the event.

In addition to private events, the upstairs Peacock Room hosts live entertainment like improv and cabaret night.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Hill East Burger

Southeast’s smoked burger saloon can host a party for a group of 50 or less. Burgers are the main character, but they also serve chicken sandwiches, chili, and for a sweet treat, Coke float with rich vanilla ice cream.

Mi Vida Restaurante

Mi Vida has multiple private and semi-private spaces and special menus for private dining on the Wharf, including an 11,000-square-foot space offering panoramic views of the Potomac River. And the new Mi Via along 14th Street NW has a plaster-framed Hacienda room that serves as a private events perch up top.

An order of pescado a la talla at Mi Vida includes red and green adobo
Fish from Mi Vida
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

ilili Restaurant

The Wharf’s Lebanese stunner can accommodate 8 to up to 150 seated (or 270 standing) for a private full buyout with a prix-fixe menu available. The space, designed by Nasser Nakib, evokes a Lebanese garden through its Mediterranean color palette, hand-embroidered chairs, and custom tiling and wallpaper sourced from Lebanon. More information on booking private events at ilili DC can be found here

The bar at Ilili features marble and copper detailing.
The bar at Ilili features marble and copper detailing.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

District Winery

District Winery’s 40-person private event space, The Portrait Room, offers patio access and full waterfront views. Choose between three packages: a dinner Menuplated brunch or a private wine tasting

District Winery’s waterfront private dining room.
District Winery

Related Maps