How to Book a Bar for a Group of 20 (Without the Headache)

The private room seats up to 22 and requires advance booking with a minimum spend — currently around $800 on weeknights. The cocktail program is exceptional, which makes that minimum easy to hit. Velvet curtains, low lighting and table service from the moment you arrive. Book six to eight weeks out for any weekend date. Their events team responds to email the same day.

Order: The seasonal punch bowl — a shared vessel for eight to ten people, best value for large groups

One of Chicago's most accommodating bars for large parties. The back section holds 25 comfortably with dedicated service. No minimum spend on weeknights, a modest $500 on Saturdays. The beer list is deep and well priced, meaning your group can drink for four hours and come in under budget. Call two to three weeks ahead — they rarely take last-minute group bookings on weekends.

Order: Pitchers of the house lager — best value for groups and refills come quickly

Purl takes group bookings for their lower ground floor, ring-fenced for parties of 18 to 25. The cocktails are theatrical — dry ice, vintage glassware, flavours you will not find elsewhere in London. The team handles large groups without visible effort. Book via email rather than phone; the confirmation trail is useful and they respond faster in writing.

Order: A pre-ordered cocktail package — three options per person agreed in advance, makes service fast and smooth

Employees Only has a structured group booking process and quotes a per-person minimum rather than a flat total. For 20 people on a Friday, expect $50 to $75 per head — reasonable given the quality of the cocktails. The team is direct about capacity and does not oversell. Their group coordinator responds within 24 hours by email and the process is one of the most professional in New York.

Order: The Mata Hari — the most popular order for groups and always available in volume

The upstairs parlour room is bookable for private events and holds 15 to 30 in reasonable comfort. The Irish whiskey selection is unmatched in New York and the staff will walk your group through the menu if you request it. Minimum spends are firm but the quality justifies every dollar. Book eight to ten weeks out for any weekend date — this room is consistently one of the most requested in the city.

Order: A tasting flight of Irish single malts — an experience that generates conversation all evening

Consistently ranked among the world's best cocktail bars and built for large groups. They can reserve a section of the main bar or a private room depending on size. The Victorian mahogany interior and crystal glassware set the occasion immediately. Service is impeccable — every person in your group will feel looked after, not processed. The right choice when the occasion warrants the spend.

Order: The signature Merchant cocktail, or ask the bartender to design a bespoke round for the whole group

One of the best group-friendly cocktail bars in the South. Anvil has a thoughtful group booking process and a back section that fits up to 25 without crowding. Their spirits list is encyclopaedic and the bartenders are knowledgeable without being preachy about it. No hard minimum on weeknights for parties under 25. Call a fortnight ahead and they will confirm the same day.

Order: The Oaxacan Old Fashioned — a reliable crowd-pleaser for groups of mixed drinkers

Sun Liquor's production space on Harvard Avenue doubles as a private event space for up to 30, with working copper stills as backdrop. Spirits are distilled on site, which makes the drinks their own conversation starter. The intimate, warm room makes groups feel like insiders rather than event guests. Book via the events team at least three weeks in advance for weekend dates.

Order: The Hedge Trimmer gin — made on the premises and unavailable outside Washington state

Balthazar's long zinc bar and the adjacent lounge area can be reserved for groups booking in advance. It works best for groups that want drinks alongside dinner rather than a pure drinking session, but the bar program holds the evening on its own if needed. The French wine list is particularly good value when the group wants to share bottles rather than order individually.

Order: Carafe of house Beaujolais — well priced, crowd-pleasing and refills arrive quickly

The poolside setting at the Freehand makes this one of Miami's easiest large-group venues. The outdoor layout means your group does not feel confined, and service moves between tables fluidly. No minimum for groups under 25 on Tuesday through Thursday makes it genuinely affordable by Miami standards. The cocktails are inventive and the atmosphere does half the evening's work for you.

Order: The house punch — made for sharing, always fresh, and half the work of ordering 20 individual cocktails