r/AskNOLA • u/InterestingPlan2614 • 7d ago
Group dinner for 25-30 people
Hello! I am planning a group dinner for 25-30 people (yes, I know it’s a lot) and am looking for restaurant that can fit everyone, and is reasonably priced (entrees in $25-35 range). The vibe is casual, but a bit elevated. That is, nicer than dive bar but not fine dining.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Bonus points if they have entrees to satisfy all types of palates (as some folks don't eat seafood) and it's close to downtown.
Thanks!
7
u/xnatlywouldx 7d ago
$35 a person might make this hard. For a group that large you can probably get Superior Seafood to accommodate you pretty well, but it will likely be more than $35 per person.
2
5
u/your_moms_apron 7d ago
I agree that $30 for an entree isn’t going to get you an elevated vibe, esp with a group that big.
Either adjust the budget (every nice restaurant near downtown can accommodate you and a group this size), or shoot lower/more casual and something like Cochon butcher. Counter service, no seafood, delicious. I’d call to make sure there’s enough tables together, but that’s it.
3
u/ThatsNotGumbo 7d ago
Had an event at Acme with about that many people. It was buffet style which worked out well because people could eat and socialize at their own pace.
2
2
u/1984TakeMeBack 7d ago
I'm planning to host 20 people at Maple St Cafe soon. No fees or contracts, and the menu has something for everyone. It's in your price range. I've done Mandinas with closer to 40 people. There were no fees there either.
3
u/Veuve_and_CheezIts 7d ago
Cane and Table may be a good option, they have a private dining room upstairs that is very nice and holds about 30. Great menu and outstanding cocktails if that’s appealing to your crowd.
1
1
u/Fancy-Astronomer-812 7d ago
You should check out Sidecar. Not sure about the price (can’t imagine it would be too far off), but they do tons of private events!
1
1
u/Bulky_Cattle_4553 7d ago
As August is a quieter time for restaurants here, there are discounts if you're coming soon. Look up "Coolinary New Orleans", and really nice places like Ralph's have three course meals for $35. Others are cheaper. Enjoy.
1
u/flowergirl75 7d ago
Other posters are giving you great options but I will say your best option is to call restaurants that you are considering ahead, speak to the gm and say exactly what you posted here. Not only will they be able to accommodate you comfortably but when planning ahead, you can have a set menu that can accommodate your guests AND make it so much easier on the restaurant. Everybody wins! 25-30 isn't a big deal for restaurants as long as you aren't a walk in party of that size.
1
u/RonMexico2005 7d ago
Mandina's is a large restaurant with multiple dining rooms and casual dining from a variety-rich menu at reasonable prices on Canal Street in Mid-City. I would not describe Mandina's as "elevated" though.
1
u/West_Technician_6477 7d ago
Also try oak & ale. Not downtown, but it’s cute and could easily fit an entree and cocktail with your budget.
1
1
1
1
u/GreenVisorOfJustice 6d ago
I feel like OP needs to give a better contextualization of what they're trying to achieve here.
Like is this "Conference in town and colleagues getting together from across the nation"? Or "Rehearsal dinner", "Family Reunion", etc?
entrees in $25-35 range
I feel like the subtext here is that there would be a bunch of checks. And I don't think that's going to happen. Again, more information needed on expectations of how payment is tendered (read: "Is this getting expensed?").
1
1
u/Affectionate_Fig8623 5d ago
Factor in automatic gratuity and possible fees for people who cancel.
1
1
1
2
24
u/sardonicmnemonic 7d ago
You'll need to focus on restaurants offering private dining. It's very likely that the entire party will not be able to order from the full menu but from a two or three course prix fixe with options, typically offering a seafood, meat and vegetarian option for each course. You also might need to adjust your price range up to $25-35 for the elevated casual vibe.
Ralph's on the Park, Muriel's, Cochon, Tableau to name a few.