Are you planning to celebrate a special occasion? Why not do it in a restaurant?! Washington, D.C. boasts an amazing dining scene that will please any palate. So whatever you’ve envisioned for the party, you’ll most likely find it in one of the city’s eateries! You can taste proper Japanese sushi in Dupont Circle or relish American comfort food in Adams Morgan. It doesn’t matter what your vision is, you’ll find somewhere to suit your taste and style without a doubt! Scroll through our list of special occasion restaurants in Washington, DC, and start organizing your celebration!
In Washington, DC, prices of special occasion restaurants average $2500 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Washington, DC, based on Tagvenue data from October 2025:
From $1500 | to $5000 | minimum spend per event |
From $50 | to $68 | per person |
From $50 | hire fee per hour |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2025), the best options include:
Half of Second Floor at Johnny Pistolas
in Adams Morgan - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Space was great. Food was awesome. Staff were exceptional.’
Back Bar at Right Proper Brewing Company
in Shaw - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Beverage and food options were amazing and had plenty of space for all our guests.’
Entire Venue at El Techo
in Shaw - rated 4.7/5
Our user said: ‘Nice looking venue, great egg rolls and steak tacos and very accommodating staff.’
You'll find special occasion restaurants in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Washington, DC, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2025):
Small special occasion restaurants | up to 30 guests | prices average $1600 minimum spend per event |
Medium special occasion restaurants | between 50 and 80 guests | prices average $3500 minimum spend per event |
Large special occasion restaurants | over 90 guests | prices average $8000 minimum spend per event |
Yes, you can! For at least half of the year, the weather in Washington, D.C. allows us to dine outside and have an amazing time under the stars! If you’re in the mood for some alfresco celebrations, we recommend having a look at our selection of outdoor venues in DC. Who knows, maybe you'll find the perfect spot for your upcoming event?
Wherever you go in D.C., you’ll find a great restaurant without much trouble. When walking around Downtown, you’ll be able to spot a mix of great places for both food and culture. Have a look at Adams Morgan and its collection of eclectic restaurants. And if you’re in for some fun, head to Dupont Circle where you’ll find great eateries serving cuisine from all over the world. We can’t also miss out on Ivy City - an area full of character and unique vibes. You can be sure that you won’t be leaving this neighborhood with an empty stomach.
We suggest you start your search for a restaurant as soon as possible. This way, you’ll have enough time to carefully plan and arrange everything. That’s why the best time to book a place for your special occasion is at least 4 weeks before the date of the event.
Enjoy a drinking and dining experience from one of D.C’s fantastic eateries. It doesn’t matter what you’re planning to celebrate - whether it’s a moving-away party, a birthday celebration or a wedding reception - restaurants are a popular choice for hosting a variety of special occasions. When you book the whole place or a private dining room, you won’t have to bother yourself with anything else other than choosing something from the menu and entertaining your guests. We assure you that it’ll be an amazing opportunity to celebrate, relax and spend quality time with your nearest and dearest.
If you’re looking for a restaurant around Washington, D.C. where you could host your upcoming special occasion, you’re in for a treat! The city offers an incredible variety of spaces and cuisines, which means you’ll find the perfect place for your event without a doubt! Simply browse our listings and see for yourself! But before you head on the search, check out our short guide to Washington’s restaurants - we’re certain it’ll help you with making the final decision and save you at least some trouble.