Ask Amanda: Graduation Dinner Ideas

Graduation season is approaching, and I'm fielding lots of questions about where to celebrate with family members. Many graduates are looking for small private rooms to dine in, and plenty have budget on the brain.

Here are a few of my favorite private rooms around town, perfect for toasting that new diploma.

• Againn: I love the plush, clubby feel of Againn's private room, which seats 14 and has windows into the kitchen. (Photo at right by Powers and Crewe.)
  
• Ardeo+Bardeo: Featuring a tucked away rooftop patio, the private dining room at Ardeo+Bardeo can accommodate 40 for a seated dinner. 

• Birch and Barley: At this beer-centric destination, ask about booking the semi-private space behind that beautiful beer organ, facing the kitchen. It can accommodate 18 guests.

• Central: I like that the private room at the back of Michel Richard's bustling brasserie still lets you peer out on the kitchen and dining room action.

• CityZen: If it's a splurge you're after, I love the round table facing Eric Ziebold's serene open kitchen in CityZen's semi-private wine gallery room.



• Estadio: A front section of this delicious Spanish spot (pictured above) can be made private for up to 26 guests, thanks to large rolling panels that block it off from the dining room.

• Oyamel: I've been to several great parties in the vibrantly colored private room at Oyamel, which seats up to 50.

• Poste: There are three private rooms that can fit 10-45 guests at this Hotel Monaco restaurant, featuring chef Rob Weland's seasonal and locally focused cooking.

• Zaytinya: Ask about booking one of the spaces up on Zaytinya's mezzanine, overlooking the dining room.

• 1789: Many a graduation has been celebrated at 1789, and if you're looking for a spot with some history, but a menu that's delightfully current, one of the private rooms in this classic Georgetown restaurant is a good choice.

Have a favorite private room at a DC restaurant or had a great experience dining with a big group? Let us know in the comments.

Have a question about dining out in DC? Ask Amanda.
Have a question about dining out in DC? Ask Amanda.