Boston is known for its seafood, and visitors are often keen to sample it. Here are two spots—one new, one open for more than a century—that can host private groups for classic New England-style dinners.
1. Island Creek Oyster Bar opened inside Kenmore Square's Hotel Commonwealth in late October. The space, available for buyout, seats 100 in the dining room, 50 in the bar-side dining space, and 25 at a granite-topped bar. The decor pays homage to the restaurant's namesake seafood with a wall installation constructed of thousands of oyster shells. Menu items also include lobster roe noodles with braised short rib and organic chicken breast with locally-sourced broccoli.
2. Billed as "America's oldest restaurant," the storied Union Oyster House opened in 1826. The venue houses five private dining areas. Suited for smaller groups, the Capen's Loft seats 20 amid brick walls, mounted fishing tropes, and paintings of colonial Boston; another area for 20 is known as 37 Union. The largest area, Union Bar, can hold 300. Other options include Webster's Den, which holds 125, and the 50-capacity Freedom Trail room. Menu items include clam chowder, lobster scampi, and pan-seared haddock.
