Temperatures are dropping, holiday decorations are popping up everywhere, and there’s no way to avoid the classic Christmas tunes constantly invading radio airwaves. The holiday season is officially upon us, so get ready to pencil some parties into your calendar in the coming weeks. From intimate dining rooms to lavish lofts, here are some of the best places in town with private dining options, perfect for any holiday party.
Boathouse Canton 2809 Boston St., 410-773-9795
Space: Located along the waterfront at Tindeco Wharf, this multi-level Canton restaurant has seven private indoor/outdoor spaces including the mezzanine level, a sunroom, an outdoor lounge, or a large event tent on the water.
Accommodates: 20-100 guests.
Eats and Drinks: Customized menus can be created based on the guest list with fare ranging from tomato bruschetta to bayou shrimp. (We also have it on good authority that Boathouse’s lobster mac and cheese is to die for!) Open bar packages are also available.
Pricing: Range from $25-$45 per person based on the menu of your choosing.
The Brewer’s Art 1106 N. Charles St., 410-547-6925
Space: The cozy charm of this 19th-century mansion, famous for its house-made ales, makes it a great place to celebrate the holidays with a semi-private back dining room overlooking the brew house.
Accommodates: A maximum of 40 guests.
Food and Drinks: Hosts can customize a seated three-course, pre-fixe menu including soup or a salad, an entrée, and a dessert. The menu includes unlimited glasses of house brewed beer and wine by the glass.
Pricing: $65 per person.
Pazo 1425 Aliceanna St., 410-534-7296
Space: With a recently transformed menu, this trendy Harbor East restaurant features both The Avellino Room and The Villa Rosa room, and the entire restaurant can be rented out on select evenings.
Accommodates: The smaller private dining rooms can hold 32 guests, while the whole restaurant fits 350.
Food and Drinks: Hosts can choose from multiple pre-fixe options for both sit-down meals and cocktail receptions. Wine and cocktail pairings can also be added to the menu. Pazo’s signature catering delicacies includes everything from Escarole salad to hanger steak and oven-roasted chicken.
Price: Range from $39-$58 per person.
Red Star Bar & Grille 906 S. Wolfe St., 410-675-0212
Space: The exposed brick and cozy dim lighting of this historical building in Fells Point boasts a loft located on the second floor with exposed wooden beams, high ceilings, and a warm ambience.
Accommodates: Up to 200 people.
Food and Drinks: Platters include appetizers like Chesapeake crab dip, green lip mussels, and finger sandwiches. For a larger party, the restaurant provides buffet options with wraps, salads, and entrees like coriander chicken with smashed potatoes, and herb roasted salmon over creamy asparagus risotto.
Price: Platters are $40-$100 per 20 people; buffets are $15 -$22.
Langermann’s 2400 Boston St., #101A 410-534-3287
Space: This Canton restaurant features Carolina-style dishes and an entire mezzanine space that can be rented for private events.
Accommodates: A maximum of 70 people.
Eats and Drinks: Platters feature appetizers like catfish fingers and crab-stuffed mushroom caps, and highlights of the pre-fixe menus include Carolina shrimp and grits and grilled salmon. There are separate bar packages available.
Price: Pre-fixe menus range from $35-$55 per person; platters are $29-$100.
Heavy Seas Alehouse 1300 Bank St., 410-753-1403
Space: The private room located in this historical brick and mortar building is accented with mahogany tables and chairs and is equipped with its own bar. An adjacent beer garden is also available for small private gatherings.
Accommodates: Anywhere from 10-150 people.
Eats and Drinks: A cocktail party menu is available for guests to indulge in unlimited servings of appetizers like charcuterie and grilled flat iron steak. Three-course pre-fixe menus can be customized before the party, with entrees like braised lamb shoulder or house-made ricotta cavatelli. Drink packages (with a slant towards Heavy Seas products) are also available.
Price: The cocktail party menu is $20 per person; group dining ranges from $29-$49 per person.
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood 6526 Holabird Ave., 410-633-4040
Space: This hometown favorite, which was recently featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,has two private banquet rooms that can be used for both intimate gatherings and large affairs. Amenities include a surround sound system, HD television screens, and a projector.
Accommodates: 30-300 guests.
Eats and Drinks: Private dining options include either buffet style service or seated meals. Hosts can customize the menu for the party, choosing from entrees like shrimp and chicken creole, stuffed pork chops, and roast beef. Open bar options can also be added, with offerings ranging from draft beer to premium liquor.
Pricing: Packages range from $20.99 to $32.99 per person. (Open bar packages range from $14.99 to $20.99 extra.)