What Makes Decoys Seafood Restaurant Ideal for Large Groups & Private Dining Events?
Finding the right place to throw a celebration? Yeah… it can be weirdly stressful. You want it to feel special. You want somewhere that feels festive, but still chill. Good food is non-negotiable. A great view? Total bonus. And if you don’t have to deal with decorating or cleaning up afterward? Now that’s the dream.
If any of that hits home, we have something that will save you the headache: Decoys Seafood in Suffolk.
Seriously—this place checks every box. It’s already a local favorite for dinner dates and lazy Sunday meals, but upstairs? That’s where the real magic happens. There’s this gorgeous little private dining space called The Captain’s Room, and it’s just waiting to host your next celebration.
Why Choose Decoys Seafood For Private Dinner?
Tucked up above the main dining area, it’s got this amazing view of Bennett’s Creek that makes everything feel a little extra. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, your parents’ anniversary, or finally escaping your job for retirement, this room just gets it right.
It’s got that warm, woodsy charm with natural finishes, comfy lighting, and an open layout that makes everyone feel welcome. It’s intimate but never cramped, and somehow suits just about any kind of party. Dress it up or down—it works either way.
The Right Size for Real Celebrations
Not too big, not too small—The Captain’s Room hits the sweet spot. It comfortably seats up to 45 guests for a full meal or 50 for a cocktail-style gathering. It’s ideal for:
· Family reunions where everyone actually hears each other
· Intimate weddings or engagement celebrations
· Retirement parties with a personal touch
· Office dinners that don’t feel like work
With flexible layouts and staff to guide you through the planning process, you can keep things as low-key or as customized as you’d like.
Elevated Coastal Cuisine
Let’s talk food. Because everyone remembers the crab dip.
At Decoys, the kitchen brings bold flavors and local ingredients together in dishes that go way beyond your typical “event food.” Picture:
· Freshly shucked local oysters
· Buttery seared scallops
· Steamed shrimp and seasonal catches
· Hand-cut steaks grilled to perfection
Work with the culinary team to create a menu that fits your event’s style—plated dinners, buffet service, or passed appetizers with custom cocktails.
And the best part? Every dish is prepared with care and served fresh from the kitchen—no chafing dish nightmares here.
So Much Local History, It’s Practically a Built-In Conversation Starter
What makes Decoys different is that the place is literally built on local history.
Long before it became one of Suffolk’s favorite restaurants, this spot was known as Bennett’s Creek Marina—a launching point for duck hunters heading out into the Nansemond and James Rivers. The Tiki bar next door? It’s called the Blind Duck as a nod to those old duck blinds. Even cooler, we used wood from the actual land to build out the restaurant. You’ll see pine, pecan, black walnut, red cedar, and osage orange all throughout the space. It’s gorgeous and meaningful.
And if you look close enough, you might even spot the preserved paw prints of a three-legged dog named “Mate”—a mascot created from actual 1800s-era prints found in the concrete during construction. Seriously.
So when your guests arrive, they’re not just walking into a private dining room—they’re stepping into a story. And whether your crew is made up of history buffs, seafood lovers, or just people who love a good view, they’re gonna feel the magic.
Perfect for Any Kind of Party
So who’s this room actually for? In a word: everyone. But if you’re wondering what kind of events it works best for, here’s just a short list:
Birthday dinners that feel like a big hug
Anniversaries with candlelight and creek views
Retirement parties that say “You made it—now relax”
Engagement celebrations with bubbly and oysters
Small wedding receptions with local charm
Business dinners that don’t feel like a chore
Holiday gatherings that are actually enjoyable
And because Decoys requires any group over 9 guests to book private dining, it actually ends up making the experience better. You’re not squished at two separate tables yelling across the room—you’re all together in one beautiful space.
Let the Staff Handle the Details
Planning an event shouldn’t feel like another full-time job. The team at Decoys totally gets that. Once you reserve the Captain’s Room, we’re ready to help with everything—from menu planning to seating arrangements to wine pairings. Seriously, we’ll even help with custom touches if you want to make the night feel extra special.
Just keep in mind: you do need to book at least 72 hours in advance, and food/beverage minimums apply. But trust me, once you walk in and see that view, it’s worth every penny.
Ready to Book?
So...what are you celebrating?
Whatever it is—make it one to remember. Decoys Seafood isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a destination. A little hidden gem on the creek where laughter echoes louder, food tastes better, and milestones are toasted with style.
To check availability or get started planning, just give our team a call or stop by for dinner and ask for a peek at the Captain’s Room. And hey, even if you’re not ready to book today, it’s a great excuse for a cocktail and crab dip.