Not to brag, but you’re a pretty great hostess: You always have extra bottles of wine on hand and your playlist is on point. But sometimes an occasion calls for a fancier—and bigger—gathering than your apartment can handle. Here’s where to host a baby shower, work dinner, engagement party and everything in between.
Where to Have a Private Dinner (or Brunch) in NYC
You can’t sit with us
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Published Oct 4, 2016
Maman
Maman Greenpoint (seats 14)
We’re having a hard time picturing a prettier backdrop for a baby or bridal shower (think of the Instagrams!). Also, what party wouldn’t benefit from three-tiered towers of matcha croissants and Nutella beignets?
80 Kent St. (at Franklin St.), Brooklyn; 347-689-9195 or mamannyc.com
Charlie Bird/Facebook
Charlie Bird (seats 14)
The cool-kid spot with the hip-hop soundtrack and the amazing wine list also happens to have a private space that feels like the exposed-brick dining room you wish you had. In other words, it’s an automatic good time.
5 King St. (at Sixth Ave.); 212-235-7133 or charliebirdnyc.com
Freemans
Freemans (seats 10-30)
This downtown staple has not one but three private spaces of varying sizes. All of them have the same cozy hunting-lodge vibes as the restaurant, but our favorite is the intimate wine cellar (we’ll give you one guess why) for a party of up to 12.
End of Freemans Alley (at Rivington St.); 212-420-0012 or freemansrestaurant.com
EN Japanese Brasserie
En Japanese Brasserie (seats 5-38)
Does your celebration call for more of a dark, luxe atmosphere over something bright and cheery (maybe to impress some big-shot clients)? Nab one or more of the six rooms here for an elegant, sake-spiked affair.
435 Hudson St. (at Leroy St.); 212-647-9196 or enjb.com
@blackantnyc/Instagram
The Black Ant (seats 24)
If guacamole and margaritas are a requirement at your party (and why shouldn’t they be?), this is a good bet. It's perfect for livelier occasions like birthdays and bachelorette parties—though if you have a tequila-fueled shower in mind, we’re all for it.
60 Second Ave. (between Third and Fourth sts.); 212-598-0300 or theblackantnyc.com
Palma
Palma (seats 16-24)
The two-room carriage house behind this West Village restaurant is a popular party venue, and it’s easy to see why: It’s like someone hacked into our Pinterest and built a flower-filled space—that serves pasta—just for us.
28 Cornelia St. (between Bleecker and W. Fourth sts.); 212-691-2223 or palmanyc.com
Beecher's
Beecher's (seats 25)
Hold everything: Your next private dinner could be inside a cheese factory. That’s right, you and 23 friends can feast on fromage (and also other food) on a mezzanine overlooking the actual creamery. Dreams do come true.
900 Broadway (at 20th St.); 212-466-3340 or beechershandmadecheese.com
Narcissa
Narcissa (seats 12)
Of course the gorgeous veggie-focused spot has an equally gorgeous private dining setup. Book before it gets too cold so you can take advantage of the door to the adjacent garden.
25 Cooper Sq. (at Fifth St.); 212-228-3344 or narcissarestaurant.com
Brooklyn Winery
Brooklyn Winery (seats 30)
Whatever the occasion, you’re going to want plenty of wine, so why not skip the middleman? Brooklyn Winery has the private-party game down to a science—it’s a popular wedding venue—and its Parlor Room is a great option for smaller gatherings.
213 N. Eighth St. (at Roebling St.), Brooklyn; 347-763-1506 or bkwinery.com
Kingsley
Kingsley (seats 30)
The eclectic plates at this East Village spot are eminently shareable, and that’s really what group meals are about, right? And if you’re planning a brunch get-together, it’s hard to beat a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
190 Ave. B (at E. 12th St.); 212-674-4500 or kingsleynyc.com
Adrian Mueller/Salinas
Salinas (seats 40)
There’s nothing worse than fickle weather ruining a carefully planned party. This spot’s back garden has a retractable roof and a fireplace—so no matter what, you’re in good hands.
136 Ninth Ave. (at W. 19th St.); 212-776-1990 or salinasnyc.com