Not in downtown Bethesda, but the French place in the Sangamore shops? I'm blanking on the name.

How many people? Olazzo's martini bar is a good place for a small group; not enough room for a large one. Same with Quarry House. 8407 gets great reviews, and you could try the new micro-brewery (Firehouse 1?) for a more casual vibe. There's also a place or two on the south side of the tracks, by the NTB. Looks like it has a good vibe.

I've heard good things about Jackie's in SS.

Thanks pp, Afterwards cafe has a big dessert selection and they expect a lot of people to just come fore dessert and drinks, so I feel comfortable making a reservation and not getting dinner, plus they specialize in dessert. I'm looking for something similar in MoCo, if I'm going to DC, I'll go there because it's exactly what I want but I'd prefer to go somewhere more convenient. I think Mrs. Ks is out of our price range, especially a private room, but I agree, it's nice, went to a private lunch in the cellar and it's beautiful.

In DC, Coco Sala or Serendipity?

I'm not familiar with the cafe you mentioned but we love 8407 in silver spring and they have a nice little lounge area in the bar
also there is a great wine cellar at mrs k's in silver spring too, it's nothing like the rest of the restaraunt and there is even a little semi private room with a great big table

I'd like to celebrate my birthday with a group of friends but don't want to obligate everyone to dinner. I'm looking for a good sit down place that would be fine with a big group coming in for dessert and drinks and that has a good dessert selection. I'm thinking something like Afterwards Cafe in Dupont. Any ideas?