Looking for restaurant to host large group

A friend and I will be hosting a group of about 20-25 friends that are coming in from out of town at the end of April and are looking for restaurant ideas. We'd like to keep things casual and moderately priced. Since the majority of people will be staying downtown any suggestions in that general neck of the woods would be more than welcome.

Thanks for your help!

Are you looking for a reastaurant that can accomodate a group that size or are you looking for a private room in a restaurant that can accomodate a group that size?

Steve,

We'll go either way. Being that we're interested in a place with a more casual atmosphere we realize that we might find a place that is willing to accommodate the group, but doesn't necessarily have a private room.

I'd consider the Reza's on Ontario. It's a big interesting room, often filled with large groups enjoying family meals. The menu is friendly to everyone from carnivores to vegans with plenty of well-done standards to keep the most conservative eater content but exotic enough that people who want to try quail fesenjan can do so. Persian, or even middle-eastern, food hasn't permeated small town America the way Italian, Mexican, and Chinese have, so it also has a nice "I'm in a big city" feel to it.
The Reza's website has their menu but not, oddly, their address. It's 432 W. Ontario.

Another possibility, again with the advantage that it's not found everywhere and can satisfy conservative to adventerous tastes, is tapas. One discussion (not always enthusiastic) of some of the alternatives is here. I like Emilio's myself, but, I'm in the minority.

Ann Fisher wrote:The Reza's website has their menu but not, oddly, their address. It's 432 W. Ontario.

Strangely enough it's not on the main page but *is* on the delivery page, the one place where you aren't likely to need it.

Thanks for the recommendations, Ann, and for pointing me to that thread. Tapas was high on our list.

For tapas and a large group I recommend Cafe Iberico.

Their prices are phenomenally low and they offer great packages for larger groups.

I once planned an office holiday party there and we were just bowled over by the quantity and quality of the food for the price. Packages with sangria start at 22/person.

http://www.cafe-iberico.com/packages.html

Plus, it's great fun, at least according to me, my friends, and many family members!

I agree with Food Nut. Cafe Iberico is fun with a group and a very good deal. I seem to recall it is kind of loud on the weekends, but I haven't been there on a weekend in a while. I think the room to the right would be quieter, maybe you could ask to be seated on that side. There is a bar in the other dining area, so that contributes to the noise. Cafe Iberico is also a great place to go for lunch.

Also, if you are looking for a burger place, Ed Debevic's might be a good choice.

I really appreciate everyone's help here. After all the good things that have been said about Cafe Iberico we gave them a call. Apparently they're not willing to help us out at all on a Friday or Saturday sighting their policy of not taking reservations on those nights. They also told my friend that they have no private rooms even though it's clearly stated that they do on their web site.

Now we're trying Red Light. Why hit your head against the wall with a place that doesn't seem interested in your business?

If casual and moderately priced are criteria, you may want to take a look at PJ Clarkes, either the Division street or Illinois street locations. I've been to functions in the private rooms at both of them, and they do an excellent job, for a reasonable price.

It's not fancy food, but I've always found PJs to put out a top quality product. An open bar and buffet with mini-burgers, chicken wings, calamari, crab cakes,etc. can be a great casual get-together.

Give Brasserie Jo a call. They have a private room for larger groups, and it shouldn't be outrageously expensive. Whenever we've ordered meals in advance for groups there (usually in the 40-50 range), the service has been excellent, the wine choices very good, and the food well presented and well prepared.

Thanks again for the additional suggestions. After making a few more inquiries I think we're down to Adobo Grill and Red Light, but leaning toward Red Light. The woman at Red Light is very friendly and seems quite willing to help us pull a menu together. The atmosphere is a definite plus as well.

I don't know if they do, but maybe FoodLife does something special for big groups -- ropes off a particular area, or something. It might be worth an inquiry as that could be a fun place for a group, though everyone might be jumping up to get food and disturbing the party. But it's a thought, and the Melman folks are usually pretty accomodating.

Red Light is a great choice for parties. In my experience, the atmosphere, food and service are all first rate. However, I did see one of your criteria is that is that it be moderately priced. Red Light, although not the most expensive restaurant, it can be pricey (especially for Asian food). Entree's can be in the $20-$30 range. You said that you already spoke with someone at Red Light, so maybe you are aware of this.

If you do end up going with Red Light, make sure to have the Octopus, Avocado and Kimchee salad. Damn good.

trixie-pea wrote:If you do end up going with Red Light, make sure to have the Octopus, Avocado and Kimchee salad. Damn good.

Trixie-pea,

Boy o boy that sounds delicious. I haven't been to Red Light for a year or two, any other menu suggestions?

Enjoy,
Gary

The last time I went I had that Octopus salad--which was the standout because it was so interesting to look at and even more delicious to taste. When we inquired about the incredible kimchee, our waitress said that one of the line cooks is from Korea and makes it herself. But I also had the rock shrimp fried rice - huge portion (enough for a whole table) and the Peking Duck. My only critique of the duck was that conceptually, it was inside out. Usually you order Peking duck for the skin, but I found that the skin took a back seat to the lucious meat. Not that the skin wasn't good, but it was more about the meat. I don't hold it against the dish, it was just unexpected.

I think this is a great place to go in a big old group so that you can order more, taste more. One thing I did not try that I would like to is the Wasabi Bloody Mary (with ginger and soy).

I'm smelling an LTH dinner.

trixie-pea,

We decided to survey our group to get an idea of price range and found that people were willing to spend more than we had originally thought. While Red Light is on the higher end of the range, it's still very doable. Aside from the fact that my friend dines there quite often (as she lives in the neighborhood), she also had them fax a menu over to her office. That was followed up by a conversation with the person that coordinates banquet dining. So far so good!

That salad sounds wonderful. Thanks for the heads up.