Food

Team Effort

A Few of Boston’s Best Group Dining Scenes

Friends. They’re always there when you need them most. And splitting an entire duck at a giant table counts as “most.” That’s why we’ve taken the liberty of finding some of Boston’s greatest group dining situations. Use them wisely. Or unwisely. Ours is not to judge.

THE KIRKLAND TAP & TROTTER

Not a Picnic Table, but Close Enough

Seats Up To: 8.
Who’s Going: Friends with a deep and abiding respect for doing outdoor things indoors. It’s a specific set of friends.
Because: It’s like having a picnic, but inside. And with Tony Maws making you fried pork ribs and sausage.

WINK & NOD

Couple Chairs. A Sofa. Get Comfortable.

Seats Up To: 8.
Who’s Going: Whoever you can round up for some serious imbibery on a Monday or Tuesday night, which is the only time they’ll let you get away with reserving this handsome sofa and collection of chairs.
Because: Tables schmables.

LULU’S ALLSTON

They Call It the “VIP Room.” Sorry.

Seats Up To: 10.
Who’s Going: Acquaintances with no objection to 1) the phrase “VIP Room,” 2) eating Frito chili pies for dinner, and 3) eating donut holes for dessert.
Because: It’s a slightly elevated space that slightly lords over the rest of the restaurant. Donut holes deserve that.

LIQUID ART HOUSE

Whole Duck Roasts Happen on This Tree

Seats Up To: 12.
Who’s Going: 11 people you feel comfortable eating an entire roasted duck on top of a glass-enclosed tree trunk with.
Because: It’s right by a window, so that’s nice. Aside from that, you should probably just eat on more tree trunks.

SERAFINA BOSTON

About That One Bank Vault Room...

Seats Up To: 24.
Who’s Going: Probably a bunch of people who haven’t eaten pizza in an underground bank vault before.
Because: It’s a big private room with a bunch of tables that you can make into one table. Also see: “eating pizza in an underground bank vault.”