20 Best Restaurants to Have a Baby Shower

Are you wondering which restaurant is best to have a baby shower? If YES, here are 20 best restaurants to have a baby shower.

Hosting a baby shower at a restaurant is an unconventional yet practical solution when your home isn’t the ideal place for the gathering. Coupled with the fact that the shower is going to be one attended by everyone from aunts, uncles, and cousins to college pals, you may appreciate the help with the food and serving.

Note that some restaurants also accommodate parties. Letting the restaurant’s staff cook, serve, and clean up, allows you to focus on socializing, leading the games, and oohing and aahing with everyone else over the onesies with yellow ducks.

If you are looking for the perfect location to throw a baby shower, there are many amazing restaurants in the United States to choose from.

Remember, some of these spaces require reservations up to a month in advance, while others may only require a day. A good number of them have private or semi-private spaces for rent, but others do not.

Some require rental charges, others a deposit to hold your place, and some charge per person. Be sure to call and consult with a manager about these requirements. While you have the manager on the phone, ensure to ask about smaller details like minimum and maximum guest numbers, and special event menu options.

Some spots will let in outside cakes, but others will not because of health department codes. Some will allow you to bring your own décor and some will decorate for you. It all depends on the space.

Best Restaurants to Have a Baby Shower

1. Prickly Pear Café

If you intend to host the baby shower within April 15 and Oct. 15, this spot might be the perfect location to celebrate. Their back patio can hold up to 70 people and is fully carpeted and covered, so the baby shower can still go on, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Add a little spice to your shindig with a Tex-Mex menu of enchiladas, fajitas, crab and sweet potato cakes, chips and salsa, guacamole, and more. A 50-percent deposit is due at the time of your booking to reserve your date and time

2. Alibi of Troy

Main courses include wholesome dishes like chicken parmesan, rib eye steak, shrimp scampi, or a pizza and pasta package that includes hot breadsticks, all served family-style. A $100 deposit is needed to ensure your date and your three-hour time slot.

Any changes to your party are expected to be made two weeks prior to your date. You are welcome to bring a cake, as long as it is commercially prepared, but a $15 cake setup and a cleanup charge will be applied.

3. Polish Village Café

You can enjoy the taste of Poland in “The Room Upstairs” at this Hamtramck spot. Choose from a buffet or family style setup, or pick items off of the downstairs menu. Ask about decking your space with balloons, streamers, flowers, lanterns, and more

4. Buca di Beppo

Pick from a semi-private dining room for an intimate gathering or banquet hall for larger parties, both of which are festively decorated with a bit of Italian flair. You can also design a menu specifically to your to-be mother’s taste, or utilize their free event consultation option for a group menu.

5. Ike’s Restaurant

Smaller celebrations can be hosted in the Western Room, which can host 20-40 guests, the Southwestern Room, which can hold 20-50 guests, or the Midwestern Room, which can accommodate 50-70 people. Larger groups with 40-80 guests can take the Southern and Northern Rooms, and those with upwards of 160 guests can choose the Ball Room.

Note that when you select your space, take a look at their extensive variety of American, Middle Eastern, and Italian food, along with appetizers, salads, and desserts, to customize the perfect menu for your celebration. Non-refundable deposits are required to secure your date and time. This fee will be applied toward your final bill

6. Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill

Choose a private or semi-private room for your next baby shower with no rental fee for the space. Room sizes and the minimum number of guests required for rental vary by location. Menu items include pizza, salad, specialty bread, and special options for kids. Ask for gluten-free options, too

7. PizzaPapalis

Well known for its deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza, this metro Detroit chain packs ample flavor into its savory pies. Everyday menu list prices and sizes apply. Additional party platters include mostaccioli, meat lasagne, fresh veggies, and salads. Some locations require a deposit

8. Gilbert’s Lodge

This spot offers a banquet room that can hold up to 55 people, with a minimum of 20 during the week and 25 on the weekends. The number of guests are expected to be confirmed a week before the function. They offer several menu options for parties including the “Now ‘That’s Italian,’” which includes:

Aantipasto salad, Italian wedding soup, breadsticks, chicken or veal Parmesan with mostaccioli and dessert, the “Mexican Fiesta,” which includes chips and salsa, fajitas, Spanish rice, a nacho and taco bar and dessert, a family-style menu, plated meals, and hors d’oeuvres tray, and more – priced per person.

You can get an open bar, punch bowl or pop added to your menu, at an additional charge, too. Store- or bakery-bought cakes only

9. American Pie

This location offers a pizza buffet extravaganza that includes pieces of bread and dessert, alongside video games and a play area. The staff will set up balloons at the tables and scrawl your unborn baby’s name on a chalkboard, before your arrival.

Bring your own finishing touches like centerpieces, cake, and ice cream. Call 24 hours in advance to request your tables. High chairs and booster seats are available upon request.

10. Antoniou’s Towne Square Pizza

Note that this spot offers a personal all-you-can-eat buffet that includes three different pizzas with up to three toppings, breadsticks, and fountain drinks. You can add a salad, pasta, chicken, or meatballs for an additional charge. There is a minimum of 30 attendees during the week and 40 on the weekend.

11. Mad Hatter Bistro

Private rooms can accommodate up to 30 guests. A final headcount is expected to be confirmed five days prior to the event. Choose from afternoon tea, brunch and dinner options, or a customized menu. Cakes and floral arrangements can be delivered to the bistro. Cake cutting and plating costs $1.50 per person.

12. Hard Rock Café

Choose from six venue capacities – including the outdoor patio – which can hold between 50 and 265 seated guests, that are all decked out in rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. They also offer a diverse menu that can be mixed, matched, and added to a customizable group menu and a kids’ menu for ages 10 and under.

13. Brio Tuscan Grille

The Troy location can host a party of up to 25 guests, while the location in Clinton Township can host up to 60. They provide a variety of event packages that can include appetizers, a bar service, dessert, plated meals, or Tuscan-style salads and pasta.

You are expected to provide the final guest count three business days prior to the event, additional fees for A/V equipment, valet, coat check, floral arrangements, or hosted bar apply.

14. Cheli’s Chili Bar

Former Defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, Chris Chelios, owns this spot, which is located in the heart of Detroit near Comerica Park. They rent out to parties of 50-500 and feature a menu primarily made up of American favorites.

15. Pasquale’s

Pick from two private rooms: the Napoli room, which holds up to 35 people, or the Mediterranean room that holds up to 125 people. Or choose the semi-private Roma room, which seats up to 75 guests. Dine in the dining room, when it is available.

They offer Italian cuisine including pasta and pizza buffets; plus family-style dinners and dessert options. Pick your dishes and one of their four dining styles and bon appétit.

16. Antonio’s Cucina Italiana

Note that each location offers beautifully decorated private rooms for scheduled events. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date. Room capacities vary by location, but the largest room, which is at the Canton location, can hold up to 140 people.

Traditional Italian dishes like Gnocchi Rita, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Chicken Antonio, make up the family-style menu that is sure to please any palate. Staffers can set up a gift table, and provide a cake, or you may bring your own cake, for an additional $20. The final guest count is required three days prior to the scheduled event.

17. Hockeytown Café

Red Wing fans will go head over heels for this Detroit spot, which is embellished with all kinds of sports memorabilia and Motor City décor. Note that they offer four rooms to host in, including an outdoor patio that can hold up to 700 strollings and 500 seated guests.

A minimum of 30 is required. Hosts can choose from a private events menu, typically served buffet style, and can even get a DJ, for a charge.

18. BRAVO! Cucina Italiana

Hold your baby shower at this Italian eatery, which offers event packages that can include appetizers, a family-style buffet, bar service, brunch, lunch, breakfast, dessert, or a chef selected menu, for groups over 15. No fees apply to rent the space, but you do have to give them a final guest count three days before your event.

19. Traffic Jam and Snug

Founded in 1965, this historic restaurant has an in-house bakery, microbrewery, dairy, and both intimate and spacious dining rooms.

Accommodations can be made on short notice for parties of less than 30. Rooms can seat up to 270. Choose among salads, sharable cold and hot platters – featuring miniature ham salad sandwiches, three cheese tortellini, zip sauce-roasted beef tenderloin, mini Indian raja pies, and more.

20. Sweet Lorraine’s

This full-service restaurant is renowned for its ethnic and vegan eats, but it is also an expert in private dining. It can accommodate 35 guests for a luncheon or dinner party, but the Marriott can host larger parties if needed. A $50 deposit is required to secure your date, and you must provide a final headcount and final menu a week before your event. Call to inquire about customizing your menu.

When making your pick, consider whether to have a sit-down meal or a buffet-style event too, as some venues will also provide a baby shower cake, so make sure to inquire when booking. Many restaurants also offer off-site catering if the party will be in the comforts of home, the backyard, or a resident’s lounge.

20 Tips for Having a Baby Shower in a Restaurant

1. The Food Comes First

Choose a restaurant by narrowing down names of locations that have food that will be appealing to guests and accommodating to a baby shower.

Make sure that the restaurant has accommodations for the number of guests attending. Create a sample menu of food that will be served at the party. Some good choices are tea sandwiches, soups and a veggie tray. Drinks could include non-alcoholic mimosas, sparkling water, tea, coffee and cola.

When setting up the restaurant reservation, ensure to include these requests and also ask for food that the restaurant serves exclusively.

2. Come Early

Arrive at the restaurant an hour or more early before guests. Take your time to lay the tablecloths out on the table and set the party favours in the centre of each table. If place settings are not provided, make sure they are set up to accommodate each guest.

3. Ask for Decorations

Ask the restaurant ahead of time how much decorating is allowed, if any. You might want to decorate minimally to give the party a more intimate feel.

Streamers and balloons are easy to set up and inexpensive. However, if the restaurant prefers you not to decorate, bring a centrepiece for the table, such as a balloon bouquet or diaper cake. Another simple way to decorate is to designate a table for the gifts, and wrap ribbon or streamers around it.

4. Mix It Up With A Breakfast Shower

Baby showers are traditionally thrown at lunchtime or in the late afternoon, so mix things up by hosting a breakfast or brunch shower. Note that this allows guests to enjoy the party right at the start of the day, and they will still have the rest of the day to themselves.

A breakfast shower also opens up the options for a yummy menu including tasty French Toast Fingers or these miniature Brunch Casseroles.

5. Make It Three Hours—Max

All that socializing is exhausting. Set a three-hour time limit on the shower so that the afternoon leaves guests wanting more instead of covertly checking the time on their phones.

6. Send Out Invitations Three To Four Weeks Before The Event

For traditional paper invitations, ensure to get them in the mail three to four weeks before the baby shower. This gives guests plenty of time to plan ahead, but isn’t so early that they will forget about the event before the day arrives. Remind the baby-mama to register before the invitations go out. Guests will want to check her registry online right away.

7. Serve Lots Of Alcohol

Sorry, this is for the guests, not for baby mama. But greeting guests with glasses of prosecco or signature cocktails can help break the ice.

8. Bring The Games

Encourage everyone to participate in games and activities such as “message in a bottle” where everyone can write an encouraging word of wisdom or a caring thought for the new mom-to-be. Messages can be collected and then placed in a large baby bottle.

A fun game would be “Guess the Gerber” where guests compete for table prizes by trying to figure out the name of different types of baby food.

9. Let Guests Graze With A Buffet Setup

Avoid the hassle of a sit-down meal and set up a buffet. Big platter salads, fruit plates, dips and crackers or crocks of sandwich or taco fillings are easy to set out and allow guests to help themselves.

If you want to make it fancy, then consider including some small-bite foods, like these Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches, which feel fancy even though they are simple. Handheld mini desserts are also completely adorable. And don’t forget the beverages! It is always a good idea to offer an interesting drink option for the guest of honour.

10. Have A Pregnancy Craving Station

Pickles, ice cream sundaes, watermelon—make sure the host has a whole section of food dedicated to your cravings. Don’t worry; everyone will want to indulge with you.

11. Choose The Guests Before The Venue

Note that one of the most common mistakes that people make when planning a baby shower is choosing a venue before the guest list is complete. This can be a problem because if you choose a restaurant with limited space, you might find that you don’t have room for everyone. To avoid this rather embarrassing scenario, get the guest list in order as early as possible.

12. Consider Going Paperless

Although nothing beats receiving a beautiful invitation in the mail, email invites have come a long way. These aren’t your mom’s corny musical emails from 1999.

Chic and trendy options (that you can design in minutes) abound online. Note that with everyone checking their email and social media every day, it is easy to get the word out online, plus you will save money on expensive cardstock invitations and postage.

13. Keep Things Light

Have it in mind that a baby shower is simply a group of friends celebrating the fact that one of them is about to have a baby.

Keep things light and simple. A baby shower should be the very opposite of formal. And when the big day arrives, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. The mother to be isn’t going to mind if things don’t go exactly to plan and therefore neither should you.

14. Assign A Gift-List Secretary

As noted above, you will need someone to record the gifts and who gave them. This makes the thank-you card process super easy.

As host, you will be busy keeping an eye on the food and mingling with guests. Assign the gift-list job beforehand to a friend or family member of the mom-to-be. They will jump into action when the time comes, and you will remain free to be an “I have got everything handled” party host.

15. Choose A Simple Colour Scheme

When it comes to décor, less can actually be more. Picking a simple colour scheme makes things easier and actually makes a bigger impact in the end. Narrow it down to two colours, or even go monochromatic. Coordinate tablecloths, paper goods, balloons and banners in the chosen colour scheme.

Remember, you are not stuck with pink for a girl and blue for a boy! Consider a seasonal colour-like sunny yellow for spring or silver and white for winter-or ask mama her favourite colours.

16. Chip Bar

Finger sandwiches are great, but what you really want (in addition to all those cute crustless sammies) is a table full of salty chips for guests to snack on. Have a candy bar with blue or pink coloured candies or another do-it-yourself station {cupcake or cookie decorating} that is fun and guests will have a favour to take home.

17. Don’t Forget The Favours

Party favours may still be given out at a restaurant baby shower; however it will be easier to stick to small gifts. Ensure to hand each guest a small gift bag with a scented candle or homemade gift, such as baked goods or candy in shapes of pacifiers, baby booties and bottles.

For a smaller group of guests, you may want to spend more by having an item personalized to remember the baby shower, such as a keychain with her initials on it. You may also skip the favour.

18. Keep The Food Simple

Have it in mind that no one attends a baby shower just for the free food. Keep things simple and don’t put anything on the menu that is going to stretch your culinary skills.

Count the number of people on the guest list and choose something that you can easily prepare with the resources available to you. If you find yourself a little low on seats, try to choose something that your guests can easily eat on their laps.

19. Send The Right Invitations

When it comes to baby shower invitations, there is no need to shell them out on fancy paper or with calligraphy. All you need is small pieces of paper that include all relevant information. The invitations should include the date, time, venue, and theme. It is also a good idea to include your phone number along with a request for all guests to RSVP before a certain date.

20. Set Up A Gift Registry

Instead of having guests bring things that your favourite mom to be has no use for, ask her to set up a small gift registry.

Doing so not only benefits the mom to be, but it also benefits the guests as it saves them from having to shop blind. Setting up a gift registry also removes the possibility of duplicate gifts, something which is surprisingly common at baby showers.

Conclusion

Unlike a casual potluck or dinner party, throwing a baby shower requires some organization. From wrangling gifts and games to ensuring everyone has enough food, shower hosts have a lot on their plates. Choosing to have a baby shower in a restaurant is beneficial when you have a small group of guests or would benefit from not having to choose the food, drinks, theme and decorations.