The 9 Best Private Dining Rooms for Your DC Holiday Parties

It’s hard to believe that that time of year is almost upon us again — the time for celebrating family, decking the halls and most importantly, watching your colleagues down one too many vodka sodas at the company holiday soirèe.

And from pinkies-out dinner parties to a proper all-night rager, we’ve got the appropriate venue for every office. So do yourself a favor and show this list to whichever poor unfortunate soul is planning this year’s shindig. We can’t promise your colleagues won’t try to trick you into a round of karaoke afterward, but we can ensure that the food will be good and the drinks will be strong.

Now all you have to worry about is perfecting those Irish exit skills.

If dinner is the main event: Rasika

Penn Quarter & West End

This contemporary Indian restaurant has been a beloved mainstay in the DC dining scene since opening back in 2005. Its sister restaurant in West End opened in 2012. With a sophisticated vibe and delicious food, it’s a foolproof option for booking a small team dinner. Their intimate private dining room can seat up to 16 guests and incorporates a custom wall covering from European design studio Timorous Beasties. Guests can also host an even smaller gathering at the 12-seat Chef’s Table placed directly in front of the kitchen, where you can watch dinner being made by Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam. Have a larger team? The restaurant is also available for full buyouts and can accommodate 100 people for a seated dinner, or up to 150 people for a standing reception.

For more info on hosting a private event there, you can contact the restaurant at (202) 637-1222 or visit their website.

If you have a small team with a big appetite: Sfoglina

Downtown

Fabio Trabocchi’s pasta paradise is another great option for holiday dinners, with ample private dining room options depending on your team size. Front and center is their Dino Room, adjacent to the bar for easy access. It’s a cozy space that fits 10 seated or 15 standing, depending on whether you’re there for dinner or just drinks. We suggest not to skip straight to libations if Sfoglina is your choice — their hearty pasta dishes are the perfect winter warmer on a cold night. Other private rooms include the Peppe Room, equipped with windows that provide a direct view into the kitchen, and the larger Palmina Room, which seats 28.

For more info on hosting a private event there you can contact the restaurant at (202) 264-9497 or send them an email.

If you’re looking for a unique location: Legal Sea Foods

Chinatown & Ronald Reagan National Airport

Located across the street from Capital One Arena, Legal Sea Food’s Chinatown location features a 25-seat dining room enclosed in privacy curtains. But if your team doesn’t mind a quick drive, we suggest something a little bit different — snagging their glass-enclosed private dining room at the Legal Sea Foods at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. One of the most unique spaces in the city to host a function, groups of up to 48 guests can enjoy a view of the Capital and Washington Monument while also watching planes take off and land. The restaurant is accessible via the pre-security area of National Hall before Terminal B and C, giving your function an almost “hush-hush” speakeasy vibe that feels fun yet exclusive.

For more info on hosting a private event there you can visit their website.

If you want a true DC celebration: The Occidental

Penn Quarter

Just down the street from the White House is the posh, iconic Occidental. They’re able to accomodate parties as small as 10 up to a full restaurant buyout of 300 for whatever kind of event you plan on having, whether it be private dining or a cocktail social — as long as you keep it classy. Their Monument Room can fit a whopping 120 round tables, their Presidential Room can fit 56, and their Truman Bar fits 60 people standing. Those coming to dine can expect true white-tablecloth American food (they’re famous for their surf and turf) and all your guests will get a view of history on the walls in the form of framed portraits of statesmen.

For more info on hosting a private event there you can visit their website.

You want to set a real mood: Brixton

U Street

Brixton may get a bad rap for the young, dancey crowd that fills the two-story British-style pub on weekends, but don’t count it out. Their Lodge Bar is available for private dining and has all the elements for a low-key holiday celebration: think fireplaces, leather couches and flat-screen TVs.

For more info on hosting a private event there you can visit their website.

If you’re having a dignified get-together: The Oval Room

Downtown

Power dining hot spot, The Oval Room isn’t just for politicos and lobbyists enjoying oysters and gossip. It also features three private dining rooms, which combined can host 150 guests for a standing holiday party, or 100 guests for a seated reception. Book the Oval Room for a large party, seating up to 65 people in the main dining room. For total privacy check out their Green Room, which can accommodate 36 people seated or 50 for a standing reception. A small group of up to 15 can book the semi-private Curtain Room for a more intimate gathering.

For more info on hosting a private event there, you can call (202) 463-8700 or fill out a request form on their website.

If you want more room for activities: SPIN

Penn Quarter

Not the kind of team to sit down for a stuffy dinner? Try something a little more active at DC’s social ping-pong club, SPIN. Their private room holds up to 70 people standing and about 40 people seated, and includes fully customizable catering options with drink packages available for groups. They also offer the option for enhancements, like a Pro to help organize tournaments or communal games, as well as custom paddles, balls and decals.

For more info on hosting a private event there you can visit their website.

You want to fully bro-out: Astro Beer Hall

Penn Quarter

If ping pong isn’t your thing, try this spot right down the street, a two-level beer hall and full-service coffee shop featuring comfort food by Chef Chris Kujala from cult favorite Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. It’s got a game room to help break the ice, with pool tables, board games and arcade games like PAC-MAN and Shoot-to-Win basketball. The game room also offers a special card system that allows for guests’ unlimited play during private events.

For more info on hosting a private event there you can visit their website.

If you plan on hitting the dance floor: Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

Gallery Place

Dining at Cuba Libre instantly transports you to the tropical ambiance of an Old Havana street scene with their unique indoor courtyard. They offer two private event spaces: El Paladar, a private 26-seat dining room, and La Galer’a, which accommodates 50 seated guests or 70 for a reception, with a dedicated private bar. Semi-private options are available too, or you can go all out and rent the entire restaurant, which can fit a whopping 224 seated or 500 for a standing reception. Get creative by customizing the experience — they offer a variety of entertainment options like cigar rolling, floorshows, salsa lessons, professional dancers and musicians. Salud!

For more info on hosting a private event there you can reach out to the Sales & Local Marketing Director, call (202) 408-1600 or visit their website.