80+ CT Restaurants & Venues for The Perfect Holiday Party: 2018 Edition

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson November 16, 2018

They say you don’t need an excuse to throw a party, but if you’re still looking for one the holidays are a good reason! Connecticut restaurants have beautiful event spaces for your festivities and there are also unique venues that offer creative backdrops for your events. Click here for a guide to 70+ restaurants and venues for your next holiday party.

Tavern at Graybarns, Norwalk: Above the Main Dining Room, The Tavern at Graybarns has a Private Dining Room that can hold 30 guests seated and approximately 40 standing. The Barn can accommodate up to 75.
Schoolhouse at Cannondale, Wilton: The Schoolhouse in Wilton can help you throw a holiday cocktail party starting at $45 per person. Offerings include Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Mini Baked Brie, Beef Tenderloin Canape, and more.
The Loading Dock, Stamford: Industrial meets chic at The Loading Dock in Stamford. With a number of spaces, it's a great place to plan your next event.
Olea, New Haven: For smaller events, Olea can accommodate up to 40 guests in part of the restaurant enclosed by a curtain. Larger parties of up to 80 can fit throughout the restaurant.
Bar Sugo, Norwalk: Bar Sugo in Norwalk can supply everything you need for an event, from food to drinks to staff. Visit their website to inquire about having them host your holiday party.
The Chelsea, Fairfield: Executive Chef Eric Felitto and the team at the Chelsea will help you craft a wonderful holiday event. The Fairfield eatery serves up fun twists on American classics.
Bartaco, Stamford, Westport: Bartaco has plenty of options for the holidays. Order one of their "party packs" for your own off-premise event or contact them about hosting a private event.
Beach House Grille, Stratford: The Beach House in Stratford may be closed for the season, but you can still book them for your holiday events. Located on Short Beach, it has water views and a beautiful octagonal dining room.
SBC, Milford: SBC in Milford does holiday parties on site and has catering options for your home. Choose from their unique catering options, or make a custom menu of your own.
Barcelona Wine Bar, West Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield, Waypointe: Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large event, Barcelona offers signature tapas to Mediterranean specialties, with an extensive selection of wines from Spain and South America. Their small army of chefs, trained in a vast array of global cuisines, along with our talented catering team will work with you to make sure your event is a memorable one.
Outriggers, Stratford: Book your holiday party at Outriggers in Stratford by 12/1 and dessert is on them! The restaurant has gorgeous water views and sits on the marina.
SolToro, Mohegan Sun: SolToro, located inside of Mohegan Sun, will craft a fiesta guests wont forget. They have the main dining room as well as semi-private, and lounge spaces. They can even organize party favors, customized t-shirts, and live entertainment.
Waters Edge, Westbrook: Waters Edge in Westbrook is a sought out destination for events. The shoreline provides a scenic backdrop and they have plenty of spaces and overnight accommodation. They'll help you plan cocktail receptions, luncheons, dinner galas, brunches, and more.
Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, Mohegan Sun: Michael Jordan’s Steak House, located in Mohegan Sun, serves prime cuts of beef, over the top sides and appetizers, and a vast selection of cocktails and craft wines. They have main dining room tables for up to 13 guests. If you prefer a more intimate affair, you can also book the private dining room, semi-private dining room, or the whole restaurant.
Oyster Club, Mystic: The Oyster Club in Mystic, CT serves up farm-to-table fare. The team is ready to help you create a beautiful event. Email info@oysterclubct.com to get started.
Stonington Vineyards, Stonington: The Tasting Room at Stonington Vineyards has room for up to 50 seated guests or 75 guests for a cocktail reception. Weather permitting, you can have access to the entire grounds.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex: The Essex Steam Train is available for private events! Charter their Steam Train, Riverboat, or Dinner Train, or plan your function in the Oliver Jensen Gallery, River Valley Junction, or onboard the Little Red Caboose.
Discovery Museum, Bridgeport: For a unique event space, try the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport! They team up with Fortuna’s Catering Co. of Bridgeport for food and drinks and can also direct you to a photographer and event planner.
Brick Walk Tavern, Fairfield: The Brick Walk Tavern recently opened in Fairfield. Reserve the Chef's Room and collaborate with Executive Chef David to create a themed dinner, multi-course menu, or other unique experience of your design.
Bear’s Smokehouse, Hartford: Hartford's Bear's Smokehouse has the Bear Den, which can accommodate up to 14 people, and the main dining room, which holds 15-40. They have mixologists on site and can customize their menu to fit your needs.
Evarito’s, Norwalk: Evaritos in Norwalk has semi-private dining areas and can tailor an event for you based on the size of the party. They have complementary event planners on hand to ensure that your event is special.
Bar Zepoli, Stamford: Bar Zepoli has a wine room, back dining room, and main dining room. You can also buy out the whole restaurant to accommodate 150 guests.
Bank Street Events, Stamford: Bank Street Events is actually a 1912 bank building with 23 foot ceilings, 10 foot windows, a marble dance floor, and a screened skylight.
Osteria Romana, Norwalk & Monroe: Osteria Romana, with locations in Monroe and Norwalk, offers platinum, silver, and gold tiered menus depending on your party's needs. They do both lunch and dinner events in an elegant atmosphere.
Engine Room, Mystic: Located in the heart of historic downtown Mystic, The Engine Room offers a contemporary rustic backdrop for your private events. They offer anything from seated dinners to cocktail receptions.
Saybrook Point Inn, Saybrook: Saybrook Point Inn has coastal views and a number of private event spaces for your holiday parties. You can also reserve space for large groups in the main dining room and supplement your visit with overnight packages.
Aspen Restaurant & Bar, Old Saybrook: Aspen Restaurant & Bar's Amber Lounge is the perfect place for a holiday party. The private room seats 50, has its own bar and bathrooms, and is decorated with trees and a double-sided fireplace.
Saltwater Grille, Litchfield: Saltwater Grille in Litchfield to "come for the food and stay for the fun," so it's fitting that they'd be a go-to spot for holiday parties. They have plenty of private spaces for your celebrations.
Bar Rosso, Stamford: r Rosso in Stamford has several private dining rooms. The layout of the restaurant makes it easy to coordinate an event in the dining area itself as well.
WoodWinds, Branford: The Woodwinds in Branford will help you make the ultimate buffet-style holiday party, complete with DJ entertainment and a full dance floor.
Flinders Lane, Stamford: linders Lane has Private and Semi-Private Spaces available for your events. The industrial chic dining room can accommodate 8-60 people for seated dinner parties. They also welcome cocktail receptions for up to 150.
Roger Sherman Inn, New Canaan: The Roger Sherman in has a number of rooms of all different sizes for your private holiday party: The Blue Room (14), the Terrace Room (80), the Hunt Room (30), the Ivy Room (30), the Garden Room (70), the WineRoom (36), and the Porch (70). Reception style can accommodate between 20-200 guests.
Frank Pepe’s “The Spot,” New Haven: At Frank Pepe's "The Spot" in New Haven, events are always given the whole restaurant. For added fun, guests can watch the pizzas being made.
Le Madri, Bethel: At Le Madri in Bethel, events can be held in the private dining room, main dining space, or bar/ lounge. The private room comfortably seats 30 while the main dining room can seat as many as 130.
O’Neill’s, Norwalk: O'Neill's in Norwalk has both a private dining room and a buy-out option. Seated, they can hold up to 120, while for a reception they can hold up to 150.
El Segundo, Norwalk: El Segundo in Norwalk can hold 60-80 people seated. Though there is not a private dining room, people can buy out the restaurant and enjoy a Juke box, separate music control, multiple TVs, and A/V capabilities. Packages can be tailored to individual events.
The Spread, Norwalk & Greenwich: If you choose to buy out The Spread in Norwalk, you can invite 100 people for a seated shindig or 150 for a reception.
Peaches, Norwalk: At Peaches in Norwalk, their Juke Joint on the second floor offers privacy, a full bar, private restrooms, a fireplace, and a rooftop deck with heaters.
Beach House, Norwalk: The Beach House in SoNo, which now occupies the space that was once Mama's Boy, has two private dining rooms that hold approximately 50 people each.
Washington Prime, Norwalk:At Washington Prime, the Private Dining Room is available for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. The room can accommodate a maximum of 25 guests for a seated event and 35 guest for a social standing event. All rooms feature Ultra-HD 3D TVs that are WiFi, AppleTV and SmartTV ready.
The Lace Factory, Deep River:The Lace Factory in Deep River, CT is both historic and elegant. Their River Room holds about 50 people seated and has river views, 2 decks, a bar, and 2 bathrooms.
The Griswold Inn, Essex: The Griswold Inn perfectly captures New England charm. Whether you want brunch, lunch, or dinner, buffet or plated, they have a package to fit your vision. Their beautifully decked halls make for a picturesque holiday backdrop.
Millwrights, Simsbury: Millwright's Private Dining options include a Chef's Table for up to 16 guests, the Loft with an open demo kitchen for up to 60 guests, and full restaurant buy-outs for up to 175 guests. Private Dining is available for their Sunday brunch, luncheon, and dinner events.
La Zingara, Bethel: La Zingara and its upstairs ECCO Rooftop both accommodate private parties. They have done everything from pig roasts to wine dinners.
Union League Cafe, New Haven: Union League Cafe in New Haven has a number of event spaces. Whether its corporate of personal, their team is ready to assist you.
Heirloom, New Haven: At Heirloom in New Haven, use their private dining room or The Study at Yale, their penthouse space.
Bernard’s & Sarah’s Wine Bar, Ridgefield: Bernard's in Ridgefield has an assortment of rooms that provide space for 10 to 140 guests. They have a variety of packages so that you can choose the cuisine and format that's best for your party.
Geronimo Tequila Bar, New Haven & Fairfield: Geronimo Tequila Bar & Grill invites you to have your holiday party in the Cave in New Haven or the Loft in Fairfield.
Artisan, Southport & Hartford: Artisan in Southport has a small private dining room as well as other event spaces throughout the Delamar Hotel.
The Capital Grille, Stamford: At The Capital Grille, you can have access to a personal event coordinator, customized menus, wine pairing guidance, complimentary valet parking, and media technology.
Riverview Bistro, Stratford: Riverview Bistro in Stratford is known for its banquets and private events. They have a number of rooms and packages so that planning is easy and you can select the best option for your group. Plus, enjoy views of the river!
ZINC, New Haven: Take over the dining room of Kitchen Zinc in New Haven, or have a party on the patio when the temperatures rise.
L’escale, Greenwich: L'escale in Greenwich has a lounge, a spacious dining room, and private event spaces. The restaurant offers beautiful views of the harbor.
Harlan Social, Stamford: Harlan Social in Stamford can accommodate up to 250 in its bar and dining room. They also have semi-private dining for up to 80 and other options for smaller groups.
Walrus + Carpenter, Bridgeport: Walrus + Carpenter in Bridgeport offers two private dining rooms.
Rive Bistro, Westport: At Rive Bistro in Westport, choose from The Banquet Room that seats 65 guests, The Wine Room that seats up to 16 guests, or the Patio.
Harlan Publick, Norwalk: n addition to private dining rooms, Harlan Publick in Norwalk has private tap rooms. They hold up to 20 people and give people the chance to pour their own drinks.
South End, New Canaan: South End in New Canaan has a private dining room that holds approximately 12 people.
Match, Norwalk: Match in Norwalk has been a go-to for private events for 18 years. They can accommodate anywhere from 20-300 guests.
Brasitas, Norwalk: Brasitas in Norwalk and Stamford both have private rooms.
The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s, Darien: The Water's Edge at Giovanni's in Darien is one of the area's premier steakhouses. It has a variety of options for private dining and parties. They have a range of suites and packages, including options for a cocktail party, luncheon, dinner, and more.
Anthony’s Ocean View, New Haven: Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven offers a range of packages that can be customized for any occasion.
The Carousel at Lighthouse Point, New Haven: Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven has a beautiful carousel that can serve as a backdrop for your special occasions.
Two Roads, Stratford: Two Roads Brewery in Stratford has a private events room that holds 75 seated or 160 standing. You can also schedule private tours for groups larger than 10 and smaller than 20.
Cask Republic, New Haven, Stamford: Cask Republic's Stamford location has a private dining room with its own private bar and fireplace lounge area that can accommodate 50-70 people. Their sister restaurant in Norwalk offers semi-private space that is ideal for large cocktail parties or lunch and dinner celebrations.
Knot Norms, Norwalk: Host a party at Knot Norms or have them cater so you can have your bash in your own home!
Match Burger Lobster, Westport: Chef Matt Storch recently opened Match Burger Lobster in Westport. This holiday season, they will have on and off site options to make the season merry.
Fire Engine Pizza Co, Bridgeport: For $49.95 per person, Fire Engine Pizza can provide a 4 course dinner and open bar for your holiday party.
Butchers & Bakers, Farmington: At Butchers & Bakers in Farmington, a private room accommodates groups up to 150. It includes a full bar, AV equipment, and a stage.
Market Place Kitchen & Bar, Avon: Market Place Kitchen & Bar in Avon has a cozy private event room complete with fireplace.
The Café at Middlebury Consignment, Middlebury: The Kitchen at the Café at Middlebury Consignment offers a variety of private, culinary-themed events, from intimate cooking lessons to elegant gourmet dining events for groups of up to 50.
The Ole Dog Tavern, Stratford: The Ole Dog Tavern in Stratford uses the adjoining space for private parties. "The Stratford Room" is perfect for groups and they offer a variety of menus.
OKO, Westport: OKO can host up to 40 guests for seated gatherings and up to 60 for cocktail receptions in its dining room.
The Cottage, Westport: The Cottage brings its celebrated and seasonal cuisine to private events, including seated breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch, as well as cocktail parties in the restaurant’s cozy and charming dining room and bar area. Chef Brian Lewis will create a customized menu for both on-site and off-site private parties.
Shell & Bones, New Haven: Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill, located on the waterfront in New Haven, hosts private parties from 6 to 150 guests for lunch, brunch or dinner. Chef Arturo-Franco Camacho will create a personalized menu for a seated, buffet or cocktail party.
Guilford Mooring, Guilford: Guilford Mooring has a bright sunroom/bar area with cathedral ceilings and large windows overlooking the water, or a large dining area with a rustic stone fireplace. On-site catering is also available.
The Stack, New Haven: The Stack, featuring Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in New Haven, offers private party space in its main dining room and bar area (seating for up to 200), as well as its outdoor heated and partially covered Biergarten, complete with firepits (seating for up to 250) for lunch, brunch and dinner events
Bourbon Raw, Norwalk: Although Bourbon Raw does not have a private dining room, you can buy out the restaurant.. It holds 120 seated and 150 for a reception.
Cantiki, Norwalk: Cantiki in Norwalk has 2 catering price tiers so you can choose the menu that best fits your budget.
Bailey’s Backyard, Ridgefield: Bailey's Backyard in Ridgefield has a private dining room that holds 28 seated.
Public Wine Bar, Norwalk: Public Wine Bar's private dining room seats 40 people. You also have the option to buy out the r
Tablao, Norwalk: Tablao is known for its Spanish tapas. Its private dining room holds 18.
Saltwater, Norwalk: Saltwater Restaurant & Bar has a semi-private dining room. Should you choose to buy out the restaurant, it holds 150 seated and 250 for a reception.
Our House, Norwalk: Our House is a new dive bar in the heart of SoNo that says goodbye to the pretentious by reintroducing the fun environment of bars past. It can hold 170, with space both upstairs and downstairs. There is also a private dining room.
Bobby Q’s Cue & Company, Norwalk: Bobby Q's is a casual, gathering place for families and friends located in the heart of downtown Norwalk at The Waypointe District. They have a private dining room as well as the option to buy out the restaurant.