Ask the Editor: Fun Restaurants for a Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

Welcome to Ask the Editor, Boston magazine’s dining advice column. Need a restaurant recommendation? Ask a pro.

BLR by Shōjō has a fun, large-format dining menu and takes group reservations. / Photo Provided

Question:

I’m planning a joint bachelor/bachelorette party for a group of friends. What are some places in Boston that are great for big groups, not too posh, and with a fun menu?

—N.K.

For the dinner portion of your party, you need a spot with a lively atmosphere, and wide-ranging menus that are good for sharing. The first spot that comes to mind is BLR By Shōjō, a Chinatown haunt your crew could take over for a large-format feast. With shareable platters like Peking duck; build-your-own roasted pork bao buns; whole-roasted Kung Pao cauliflower; and a “New England” lobster bake of sake-steamed clams, roasted potatoes with yuzu-nori butter, grilled corn, and Chinese sausage, the Chinese-American fare is a little bit familiar but refreshingly modern and delicious. The underground restaurant has a cool cordials cocktail list, too, with interactive options like Yin for Your Yang, lemongrass-infused Barr Hill gin served with chrysanthemum-honey tea and lychee candies. It also offers wines and sake by the bottle. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance for BLR’s large-format menu, and group dining reservations require a $250 minimum spend. We think you’ll have no trouble. (13A Hudson St., Boston, 617-338-4988, blrbyshojo.com)

The big, boisterous, ouzeri, Committee, is where to go for a fresh take on meze, Greek wines and spirits, and nightlife. Typically against a soundtrack of loud, Eruo house beats, the kitchen is serving up an array of dips and cheeses, seafood, grilled meats, and more shareable fare. The main attractions come from behind the bar, in the form of creative libations made with high-quality spirits, house infusions, and fresh garnishes; there are a couple large-format drink options, too, plus an all-Greek wine list curated by Lauren Friel of Rebel Rebel. Committee has one of our favorite patios with its own, outdoor bar that’s available for reservations, and other private-dining options include a lounge area with sexy red leather couches, banquette seating, and cocktail tables. (50 Northern Ave., Boston, 617-737-5051, committeeboston.com)

If your group prefers a Polynesian-style island getaway, consider docking at ​Tiki Rock. The downtown Boston cocktail bar is well-equipped to host big parties at large tables and round booths. Dinner here can range from snacks like edamame, coconut shrimp, and curry-fried chicken, to fresh crudos and sashimi. (Maki rolls and more elaborate sushi is typically available, but the sushi program is currently being revamped and will return in a few weeks.) There are a ton of fun, strong drinks, from tiki bar classics including a couple different punch bowls, plus unique creations like Scrumdiddly Rumptious, with a house rum blend, strawberry long pepper, Aperol, coconut, and lemon. The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind, leaning into its island inspiration with ship-like portholes, evocative lighting, and kitschy decor. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a live DJ in-house starting at 10 p.m.—every pre-wedding fete could use a little dance practice. (2 Broad St., Boston, 617-670-0107, tikirock.com)

Wherever you decide to bring the group, just make sure to make a reservation and let the host know you’re there to party. Have a great time, and best wishes to the fun-loving couple.