Please recommend a party venue (for adults)

[Anonymous]

My friend and I are conspiring to put together a surprise 40th birthday party for her husband in late February. Can anyone recommend a great space in DC, close-in Maryland or close-in Virginia for a party with space for about 50 people standing (she wants cocktails/hors d'ouevres, NOT a sit-down dinner) a band and dancing? Plus if there is a hotel nearby for out-of-town guests, great, but we'd prefer a restaurant or club instead of a hotel space which always seems to feel corporate/institutional to me. Would love your recommendations, thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

Try the Mansion on O Street.

[Anonymous]

Mansion on O Street is very funky, but felt a bit like you were in one of those antique-junk stores with all of the clutter/stuff on the walls/tables/floor, etc.

Cheff Geoffs, Gordon Biersch and Clydes downtown have private rooms. Zola (also downtown) is a step up and has private rooms as well.

Hotel Monaco downtown is very elegant and not the typical Hilton/Sheraton, etc.

Maybe check out the Washingtonian for the wedding section?

[Anonymous]

We had a 40th party and Clare and Don's Beach Shack! It was so much fun.

[Anonymous]

The Atrium at Meadowlark Gardens is near Wolf Trap. Not too far from hotels in Tysons.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the suggestions so far! I had completely forgotten about the Mansion on O Street - went to a wedding there ages ago.

Clare and Don's would be great for me, but the party is for a total foodie so I think not as good for him.