Best Group Friendly Restaurants in Boston

Walking into Catalyst you're met by a sense of calm, the large space is filled with inviting elements that make you want to find a seat and stay there for a very long time. The double sided fireplace is surrounded by benches begging for you to take a seat and hanging from the wall you'll see live greenery adding a splash of color to the industrial chic decor. But what makes Catalyst special is their food. Dinner is excellent but brunch is a real treat. Appetizers invite a family style experience for the first part of the meal. In the spirit of eggs benedict, you'll find a breakfast that could satisfy a movie star- a poached egg atop a tournedo of beef sitting on a pile of grits all doused in hollandaise.

A casually elegant interior is swanky without being stuffy. Small tiles seem to glisten from the light reflecting off their shiny surface. The lively bar scene is the perfect place to sit solo and order a light meal, or a simple snack including something from their impressive selection of raw bar essentials even during their brunch hours. Enjoy the leisurely scene at one of their many private or communal tables, or opt for a patio seat; with warming stations you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air well after summer ends and much in advance of when it begins. Gaslight's brunch is as inviting as its atmosphere; order a few things to share from their sweet and savory options to create your perfect brunch.

In the heart of Kenmore Square, moments away from Fenway Park sits Eastern Standard. A sophisticated restaurant with a fabulous bar that churns out out some the best New American cuisine in the city. Although you can make it a light lunch, who would want to when the raw bar summons diners to indulge and entrees like, The Gouda Mac n Cheese, and Chicken Sausage and Gravy served over a buttermilk biscuit are options you could enjoy mid -day? If you have time for a cocktail then sip away-the menu is a sophisticated list of libations. For those looking to avoid the booze but in need of more than a basic soda, enjoy one of Eastern Standard's anything but ordinary mocktails.

Summer Shack has consistently good food, excellent blackboard specials, stiff drinks and a seasoned wait staff. The laid back atmosphere is family friendly, but also offers an oyster bar in the center of the space as well as a more casual sports bar in another room (for those looking to leave the kids behind). Excellent daily specials combined with a variety of classics make Summer Shack a place to return to over and over again. Not a seafood fanatic, the land lover's menu allows all an equally exciting dining experience as specialties like their fried chicken make it hard not to get an order for the table even if a lobster is your main course plan.

Fugakyu in Brookline's Coolidge Corner has been a favorite for many Boston locals since it opened its doors 12 years ago. Everything is perfectly prepared, allowing you the opportunity to truly get what you want without worry. Their fun variations of rolls, which use their super fresh fish, are served in your setting of choice: private booth, tatami room, a table or simply at the sushi bar. An elegant sushi escape, Fugakyu works well for dates, nights with friends, family or a group. And for those who prefer to eat their food cooked, the of Japanese cuisine is exceptional. Either way, Fugakyu is sure to make you happy.

Located in Liberty Wharf, arguably the hottest place to dine in the city, especially during warmer months, Del Frisco's offers outdoor waterfront dining on their stunning glass walled patio (to keep it comfortable even if the wind blows). But location alone does not sell Del Frisco's, their steaks are charred on the outside while staying melt in your mouth perfect on the inside, and the service is second to none. Their seafood selection is off the charts, and the wine list wows even the toughest crowds. A meal here will have you encountering more than one waiter whose sole purpose is to make your meal memorable. And memorable it will be because each bite at Del Frisco's leaves you longing for one more.

Walking into Maggiano's you get the sense you're entering an Italian home. A warm welcome awaits as you approach the host who will happily seat you. Your server will offer the option to order individually or family style, but the entire table must stick to the plan you select. Offering their Italian specialties either way, group dining is more fun when you can pass the plates around. When the large platters of food appear at your table for passing, just as they would for a family dinner in an Italian family, don't be shy as this chain does red sauce right. Dig into classic appetizers like calamari fritt� and caprese salad. Enjoy seconds of the hearty servings of pasta like their baked rigatoni or spaghetti and meatballs and save room for the main course selections like chicken parmesan and veal piccata then indulge in desserts like tiramisu and spumoni.

The Atlantic Wharf location of Smith and Wollensky overlooks the historic Fort Point Channel. Their outdoor dining scene is bustling during the warmer months when diners can score a seat for dinner or just drinks at their outdoor bar and take in the sweeping waterfront views. Offering diners prime dry aged steaks, premium seafood, award-winning wines and an extensive cocktail list, it is a hot spot for a business lunch or special dinner. Indulge in their coffee cocoa rubbed filet or one of their dry aged favorites like the melt in your mouth rib eye. Request your steak sliced family stay;e and share a few bites of each or make a meal of their appetizers like the mussels and crab cake.