VENUE: Island Creek Oyster Bar (Photo Credit: Michael Piazza)
Bostons ever-growing landscape of historic structures and new developments presents a wide swath of options for corporate powwows, marketing affairs, and other business functions. Heres a selection of five top spots from the event experts at BizBash.
For Drinks or Dinner Near Fenway: Island Creek Oyster Bar
Island Creek Oyster Bar opened inside Kenmore Squares Hotel Commonwealthjust a quick walk to Fenway Parkin October 2010. The space, available for buyout, seats 100 in the dining room, 50 in the dining space next to the bar, and 25 at the granite-topped bar. The decor pays homage to the restaurants 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. (500 Commonwealth Ave., 617.532.5300, islandcreekoysterbar.com)
For Private Dining Rooms With a View: Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhouse
Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhousea chain with locations in such cities as Las Vegas, Dallas, and New Yorkopened a Boston outpost in April. The Liberty Wharf venue houses two private dining rooms. The Harbor Room can seat 20 or hold 40 for receptions and offers floor-to-ceiling views of the water, while the Doulos Room can seat 80 or hold 100 for cocktails. The Doulos Room can also be divided with a retractable wall to accommodate dinners for 30, 40, or 50, and has a 120-inch projector screen and a projector. Set lunch and dinner menus for events include shrimp platters, crab cakes, chicken Provencal, and filet mignon. (250 Northern Ave., 617.951.1368, delfriscos.com)
For Presentations After a Convention: Jerry Remys Seaport
The latest addition to the seaport districts growing number of dining options for convention-center guests is Jerry Remys Seaport, a restaurant and sports bar with water views and 47 televisions, now open on Liberty Wharf. The space holds 300, is available for buyout, and seats 70 for private events in the main dining area. A 42-foot video screen is made of 32 HDTVsowners claim the wall is the largest of its kind in New England. Booths include independently controlled televisions that will soon be connected to the Internet. The venue is the second outpost from Red Sox commentator Jerry Remy, with a menu similar to the Fenway-area location but with more seafood and lighter fare. (250 Northern Ave., 617.856.7369, jerryremysseaport.com)
For Sea-Faring Parties: Entertainment Cruises
Entertainment Cruises offers private cruises with views of the city skyline for groups of 20 to 800 on a single boat and as many as 1,500 for fleet sailing of their three boats: Spirit of Boston, Odyssey, and the private-events-only Seaport Elite. A customizable menu is available on Seaport Elite. On the other boats, cocktail and dinner options from the in-house chef include maple-glazed chipotle chicken and Argentinian salmon. A champagne and chocolate brunch also happens every Sunday. (200 Seaport Blvd., Suite 75, 866.429.9283, entertainmentcruises.com)
For Sleek Boutique Meetings: The Liberty Hotel
Formerly a jail, the Liberty Hotel has been reincarnated as one of Bostons most popular hotels, thanks to its Lydia Shire-helmed restaurant, Scampo; popular lounge, Alibi; and posh location at the edge of Beacon Hill. Meeting spaces include an open courtyard, airy rotundas, and a chandelier-studded ballroom that holds 350. In January, the hotel became part of Starwoods Luxury Collection, so meeting and event planners are eligible for Starwood Preferred Planner points. ( 215 Charles St., 617.399.4260, libertyhotel.com)
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