Emergency! Best Places for a 20-Person Dinner in DC Suburbs

A friend called me with this question a half hour ago (she approached me because she knows I'm from Baltimore originally, and thought I might know something about Washington); in fact, I wasn't able to help her from my own knowledge, and the best place I know to get a reliable answer is you.

Her daughter is getting married in mid-April, in Greenbelt, MD (DC metro area), and she needs to know a good place to have a celebratory dinner the night before. Because the guests will be unfamiliar with the region, I thought it would be better to find a restaurant in the MD suburbs (like Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Silver Spring, etc.) to spare them the agony of driving in Washington proper. A private room that can accommodate twenty is needed. If you have any thoughts, or can suggest another information source I can go to for thoughts, I'd greatly appreciate it on behalf of my friend.

Chicago-based LEYE has a Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda that does private parties. http://www.monamigabi.com/bethesda/parties/

Now, it is probable that a Chicago-based French bistro isn't exactly what they are looking for in the DC-suburbs.

This actually could be an excellent solution for them, Shasson! If anyone else has suggestions, please keep them coming, but already I'm feeling better about being able to give my friend an answer. Thanks.

LEYE is generally a safe bet, and there is nothing wrong with a safe bet for an event like this.

Growing in the area and just moving here a few years ago, here are my recommendations:

Jaleo in Bethesda does outstanding spanish tapas, and I believe they have a private room available.

Neyla in Georgeotown is another good option, and they can accomodate very large parties in a beautiful private room in the back. Very authentic Lebanese fare.

I can't think of a nicer place in Rockville than Black Market Bistro, but I'm not sure if they'd accomodate a large party.

If I think of anymore, I'll make sure to let you know.

Ask the good people at Don Rockwell, great DC version of this forum.

http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?act=idx