Junction bakery is lovely and has counter service and order ahead.

Zinnia in Silverspring comes to mind.
They have something called the Garden Picnic for large groups. I would call to see what that means. The other option is potluck if someone would volunteer their yard. Our parents back in the day loved those.

It’s not counter service, but Cactus Cantina is otherwise a good option.

Anonymous wrote:Surfside in Van Ness - large patio, I'm sure they could very easily do separate checks

I don't think it's large enough for 40 people though. Maybe go to the City Ridge development and people can buy what they want from Wegman's, Taco Bamba, Tatte, etc. and have a picnic on the lawn. A similar thing could be at the Parks at Walter Reed (it has a Whole Foods, ice cream store, and some other food places) or Rockville Town Center.

Surfside in Van Ness - large patio, I'm sure they could very easily do separate checks

Sonny’s Pizza on Georgia Ave.

Anonymous wrote:You could reach out to Glen Echo Park and see if you can reserve a group of tables. They have the cafe there if people want to buy food or they can bring it with them.

Good idea (Praline?). Also, the Irish Inn is right there. I recall it has outdoor seating.

https://irishinnglenecho.com/

Maybe Unconventional Diner

Anonymous wrote:No to a bunch of HS’s at a bar/winerry


This restaurant has a few locations - w a private space option.

https://www.barnandlodge.com/columbia/

I dunno. I just went to a high school grad party at a winery. It seemed ok to me, and I'm usually pretty strict about that stuff. I think it used to be that places like this were more like a bar. Now many have more of a restaurant vibe. And almost all sit-down restaurants serve alcohol...

You could reach out to Glen Echo Park and see if you can reserve a group of tables. They have the cafe there if people want to buy food or they can bring it with them.

No to a bunch of HS’s at a bar/winerry


This restaurant has a few locations - w a private space option.

https://www.barnandlodge.com/columbia/

Thanks for this good point - yes the coach is likely going! Okay - food hall like place in a nice setting/outdoor dining? I am envisioning something like that crystal city water park or union market …but in Potomac Maryland or northwest. Thanks!!

Anonymous wrote:Are coaches invited too? If so then the optics of a high school team and coaches at a brewery or winery is bad optics. Regardless if the parents are present.

+1
I thought the same thing. I would be judging hard if I saw HS team in a brewery or winery - even with parents and coaches. Its like going to a bar. Does not matter if you are only drinking virgin mojitos.

Are coaches invited too? If so then the optics of a high school team and coaches at a brewery or winery is bad optics. Regardless if the parents are present.

Looking for a dining recommendation- will be a large group on a Saturday (high school soccer team and parents so maybe up to 40). Somewhere between Potomac Maryland and NW DC. Casual with variety of food options; outdoor dining; nice atmosphere. Thinking something like a farm brewery or beer garden or place with counter service so everyone can order what they want (and don’t have to worry about separate checks or splitting giant bills. Plus weather should be good so nice scenery would be a bonus. Any food halls or beer gardens or ….??? Thanks for suggestions - google AI is failing me so far!