(Sandwich at Jaleo; Photo by Sean McCormick)
Best for groups
The Washington Post Staff | Updated 12/13/2011
Birthdays, going-away parties, engagement parties, you name it: If you're planning a large gathering over dinner, look to these restaurants first.
Acadiana
Washington, DC
The restaurant serves upscale (and pricey) Cajun food in a glorious setting, but it never gets too noisy for conversation.
Bistrot Lepic
Washington, DC
Settle into the wine bar upstairs just like you'd settle into a good friend's living room.
Brasserie Beck
Washington, DC
Belgian cuisine and a top-notch selection of Belgian beers fuel good times at Beck, especially if you're lucky enough to sit at the chef's table.
Busboys and Poets
Washington, DC
Splitting the bill is easy at this well-priced, lefty cafe and restaurant. The pizzas are perfect for sharing.
Carmine's
Washington, DC
Carmine's specializes in super-sized "family-style" portions of traditional Italian dishes in a space that holds 700.
Hill Country
Washington, DC
Texas barbecue is served cafeteria-style at Hill Country, a large Penn Quarter restaurant that offers live music and karaoke in the spacious basement "Boot Bar."
Indique Heights
Chevy Chase, MD
Filled with nooks and small rooms, Indique Heights has more than enough space for your army of cousins to join you at dinner.
Magnolias at the Mill
Purcellville, VA
Housed in a restored grain mill, atmospheric Magnolias offers a range of private dining rooms, stone baked pizzas and one of Virginia's top beer lists.
Rasika Penn Quarter
Washington, DC
Two elegant private spaces and four-star modern Indian cooking make Rasika the perfect setting for a meal to remember.
Rock Bottom Brewery
Bethesda, MD
Rock Bottom's a great place to gather with beer lovers: The Bethesda brewpub has won national awards for its beers. Reserve the upstairs lounge, which features pool tables and its own bar.
Virtue Feed & Grain
Alexandria, VA
Whether you're looking to dine, enjoy a few drinks or get in a couple of rounds on the old-school Donkey Kong machine, this sprawling two-level Alexandria restaurant fits the bill.
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