How to Choose the Right Private Dining Space

Planning a special gathering, whether it's a milestone celebration, a business dinner, or an intimate holiday party, starts with one key decision: the space. The right private dining room sets the tone for the entire evening, while the wrong fit can leave your event feeling cramped, cavernous, or simply off.

At NANDO in downtown Evansville, we offer two distinct private dining spaces designed for very different occasions. Here's how to choose the one that's right for your event.

Start With Your Guest Count

The single most important factor is how many people you're hosting. A room that's too large can feel empty and impersonal; one that's too small feels uncomfortable. As the etiquette experts at the Emily Post Institute note, nailing down your guest count early is a foundational step in any solid party plan, because nearly every other decision flows from it.

Get a rough headcount before anything else. At NANDO, that number alone will often point you to the right room:

• The Abbey seats up to 50 guests, ideal for medium-to-large gatherings and receptions.
• The Speakeasy seats up to 14 guests, perfect for intimate dinners and smaller meetings.

See the four-step party planning framework here:
https://emilypost.com/advice/anna-and-lizzies-four-step-party-plan

Match the Space to the Occasion

Beyond size, think about the feel you want. Different events call for different atmospheres.

The Abbey, located upstairs on our second floor, offers a refined, spacious setting well suited to corporate events, cocktail receptions, rehearsal dinners, and holiday parties. If your event is celebratory, social, or on the larger side, this is likely your room.

The Speakeasy, tucked into our basement level, brings a more intimate, exclusive atmosphere and includes a presentation screen. That makes it ideal for private business dinners, board meetings, or smaller celebrations where focus and privacy matter.

Explore both spaces in detail here:
https://www.nandosteakhouse.com/private-dining

Consider the Practical Details

The best events are the ones where nothing catches you off guard. A few practical points worth confirming for any private dining space:

• Accessibility. At NANDO, both The Abbey (second floor) and The Speakeasy (basement) are accessed by stairs, with no elevator access, worth noting if any of your guests have mobility needs.
• Technology. If you're giving a presentation, confirm AV capability. The Speakeasy includes a presentation screen, and complimentary AV setup is available for slideshows or presentations.
• Rental period. Both spaces are booked as a 4-hour rental, giving you a clear window to plan your evening around.
• Dedicated service. A great private event includes a team focused solely on your group, so you can host without worrying about logistics.

Think About the Full Experience

A private dining space is more than four walls, it's the whole experience within them. At NANDO, that includes optional sommelier-led wine pairings and bourbon flights, and customizable, hand-written wood-fired menus curated upon request. These touches turn a simple reservation into a genuinely memorable event.

When choosing your space, ask what's possible beyond the table itself. The extras are often what your guests remember most.

Let Us Help You Choose

Still not sure which space fits your event? That's exactly what our private dining team is here for. Tell us about your occasion, your guest count, and your vision, and we'll help you land on the perfect setting.

Start planning your event here:
https://www.nandosteakhouse.com/contact

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