You might need to cut your guest list...a lot. $2K isn't going to stretch very far.

Try Sine in Pentagon City. That's a tough budget for 100 peopel though.

You could always try Culinaire. it's the formal dining room of the Art Institute of Washington's culinary school. The place can sit maybe 40 folks. It's reservation only, too. yes you are being fed and served by students, but this is quality food lovingly prepared.

In FC, Mad Fox Brewery has semi-private space. I've also heard Don and Clair's will do a private event.

Thanks 13:21! That is sure to get me started!

You might want to talk to Whitlows (sand bar room), Carpool (side rooms you can rent), Boulevard Woodgrill (basement event space), Front Page (back bar area), RiRa (back room and upper balcony that are rentable). You could set out a spread and have the first hour or two be an open bar, and then it's a cash bar after that. they'd probably give you a deal. O'Sullivan's might work with you too, since they now have two bar areas. (As does Mad Rose.) SoBe might work too - they never seem all that busy. Clarendon Grill also rents out its patio that has heaters. And Rhodeside Grill in Rosslyn definitely rents out their basement.

I think you are going to be really hard pressedto get food and open bar for $20/per person. There's tip and tax that will add 25%.
Do you want a Saturday night or can it be a Sunday?

[code] can anyone recommend a restaurant or bar with a private / semi private area in Arlington, Alexandria, or Falls Church? Let's call it a milestone birthday where we happen to be expecting 100 or so people. It will be indoors on a non holiday weekend. Looking for fun / casual where we can mix a cash bar into the planning to stay on our $2k budget but keep the party going (but happy to guarantee a larger amount at our risk). Any non restaurant suggestions welcome too.