Graduation season is around the corner and anticipation is running high. Whether you’re a student finally ready to shed your academic career and move on to the next great thing, or a parent proud to usher your child into the next stage of life, there are parties to plan and speeches to make. Graduation day comes with many weighty decisions, and your dinner venue might be the most important. Ambiance and atmosphere play a central role in your celebration, and you’ll want this to be a night to remember.
For a graduation dinner marked by class and culinary delight, there’s no better venue than The Gregory. Located within the Watermark hotel, The Gregory offers a dining experience brimming with scintillating Southern flavors and world-class service in a one-of-a-kind historic setting.
A Brief History of the Watermark Hotel
Your graduation celebration deserves a distinguished, iconic venue. The Watermark was built in 1925, as the home of the Louisiana National Bank and the first skyscraper to tower over Baton Rouge. In 1970, it became the State Office Building and served as a hub of offices for higher education and housed the state’s Board of Regents.
Today, The Watermark weaves together decades of art and history for a setting unlike any other. The bold imprint of art deco style is evident throughout, while stately historical touches evoke the building’s storied past. Every room retains an element of the original bank, from striking federal-style columns and original artwork to the vault that houses a private meeting space.
As soon as you step through the doors, you’ll be struck by the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic look. The seamless integration of past and present with an eye toward the future makes the perfect setting for graduation festivities.
An Introduction to The Gregory
The Gregory is one of The Watermark’s two enticing restaurants and is quickly becoming a go-to spot for the latest and greatest in Southern cuisine. Its dining space sits comfortably between a bustling open kitchen on one side and full bar on the other.
The Gregory’s first claim to fame is a collection of original murals by the restaurant’s namesake — Angela Gregory. Gregory gained notoriety as a preeminent female sculptor and is a beloved artist in the region. Her contribution to the Louisiana National Bank building came in the form of eight bas-relief sculptures decorating the lobby. Gregory created the panels in 1949 to highlight the modernization of Louisiana after World War II.
Each panel is 6 feet by 12 feet and emblazoned with iconic scenes, each illustrating an element of Louisiana’s rich history and culture. The Old Mississippi River Bridge, sugar cane fields and cypress trees all make appearances in these breathtaking pieces. If cultural richness is a factor in where to have your high school graduation dinner in Baton Rouge, there’s no venue better than The Gregory.
World-Class Cuisine
Baton Rouge long stood in the shadow of internationally-known culinary hot spot New Orleans. With the revitalization of downtown and the influx of innovative young talent, Baton Rouge is coming into its own as a Deep South star. While in the past the city was accused of lacking a cultural identity, places like The Gregory are turning Baton Rouge’s melting pot of culture into a culinary strength.
Chef de Cuisine Justin Lambert has deep roots in the region. After growing up in Avoyelles Parish, steeped in Louisiana traditions like Cochon de Lait, Lambert moved to New Orleans and took on the big city. He mastered the world-famous Creole cuisine of New Orleans and decided to make his mark in up-and-coming Baton Rouge. Lambert’s dedication to preserving regional traditions and breathing new life into them made him the perfect choice to open and oversee The Gregory. Today, his profound passion for Cajun cuisine drives the vision behind The Gregory’s eclectic upscale menu. The Gregory offers a modern take on classic dishes, highlighting the fundamentals of Deep Southern cooking.
Immerse yourself and your guests in authentic Louisiana staples like frog legs and beef marrow, or keep things tame with the best cheeseburger you’ve ever had. When you’re searching for where to have college graduation dinner in Baton Rouge, you want a menu with something for everyone. The Gregory has options for even the pickiest member of your party, and a dish for the most adventurous.
The Freshest Ingredients
Top-tier food only comes from a combination of the best components. We strive to source our ingredients from local farmers whenever possible, and the results shine through in every dish. When you’re deciding where to have your graduation dinner in Baton Rouge, choose The Gregory for the finest in local flavors.
The menu’s garden offerings showcase the vibrant array of fresh ingredients available. From crisp greens to delightfully crunchy veggies all topped with delectable dressings, each salad offers your guests an intimate look at the fresh produce of the region.
The Right Tools for the Job
The Gregory’s kitchen is outfitted with the state-of-the-art equipment you’d expect in any high-end establishment — with some extras for good measure. In addition to a cast-iron grill, the kitchen boasts a wood-stone oven. These ovens heat up faster, cool down quicker, and get hotter than standard ovens.
The Gregory is also proud to use a Josper oven. This marvel of modern cooking technology combines the functions of an oven and a grill with the ultra-flavorful power of charcoal.
Top of the line equipment plus the expertise of The Gregory’s chefs equals a kitchen environment tailored specifically to the unique cooking styles of Baton Rouge cuisine.
A Modern Twist to the Menu
Excellent service is a tradition at The Gregory, and your graduation party will appreciate the consummate professionalism of the waitstaff. But in addition to good old fashioned service, your graduation party can employ a piece of modern tech to enhance the dining experience.
When your party is seated, you won’t get the traditional tri-fold menu. Instead, The Gregory has situated itself firmly in the 21st century with an interactive experience. The menu is presented on tablets, and each entry displays the relevant information and a high-resolution photo of the dish for you to examine.
Perhaps the best perk of the tablet menu system is the wine pairing feature. Each menu item features one or more wine pairing suggestions to help bring out the richness and complexity of your chosen dish. Our menus are just one more way we make your graduation dinner one-of-a-kind.
The Best Pre-Grad Stop in Baton Rouge
We don’t just do dinner. If you’re looking for a place to fuel up on some of the best pre-grad fare Baton Rouge has to offer, book a grad lunch, brunch or breakfast at The Gregory. Start the big day with sweet and savory breakfast options — including local favorites like the turkey, bacon and pimento-dressed Hot Brown South.
Brunch options at The Gregory are hearty enough to carry you through the busy events of the day, and can also help you recover if you had a late night out. On Sundays, indulge in a line of cocktails you can’t find anywhere else. If you stop in for a quick lunch before the main event, you can still enjoy an indulgent meal on a time budget. Small plates, sandwiches, flatbreads and more populate the fresh and fun lunch menu, with an express special available if you’re in a time crunch.
Drinks for the Daring
Once graduation is over, you might want to unwind and savor the moment with a good drink. The bar at The Gregory offers a variety of traditional Southern cocktails with an innovative twist, all served across the iconic marble-top surface.
Wine lovers can peruse our captivating collection from around the world, all arranged in a stunning glass-front display. Each wine is selected for its ability to enhance the flavors present in Cajun and Creole food, so you know if you choose one of our delectable small plates you can find a wine to complement it perfectly.
Along with the culinary landscape, Baton Rouge’s craft beer scene has exploded. The Gregory is proud to have a rotating selection of beers on tap from the finest microbreweries for that perfect post-graduation toast.
The Peak of Private Dining
If you want the most memorable graduation celebration experience, The Gregory is one of the absolute best graduation party venues in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana Purchase private dining space is located just off the iconic Watermark hotel lobby, offering an intimate dining experience with The Watermark’s signature style.
With room for 36 guests, you can treat your friends and family to the very best The Gregory has to offer. When you book a private dining experience with us, our team does the hard work for you. Just tell us about your vision, and we’ll do everything in our power to make it happen.
The Gregory ensures seamless service for your graduation dinner by offering a limited three-course menu. Pick your soup, salad, and delectable dessert — and each guest can choose their own entrée. Does someone in your party have a food allergy or dietary restriction? We’re happy to discuss and accommodate your party’s particular needs, to ensure your graduation dinner is a delight for each and every guest.
You can bring your unique style to the table, too. Add your own decorations for that personal touch. If you have a large celebration party in tow and need to make a reservation for graduation dinner in Baton Rouge, contact The Gregory to find out how we can make your private dining experience shine.
Location, Location
If you’re wondering where to have dinner after your LSU graduation, you’re not alone. About 4,000 scholars graduate at a time. With that kind of crowd all leaving at once, you don’t want to get trapped in traffic on your way to dinner. The Gregory is located on 3rd Street in downtown Baton Rouge, less than 3 miles from LSU. Even in traffic, you’re only about 10 minutes from a well-deserved upscale graduation dinner.
Don’t discount the importance of choosing from nearby graduation party venues in Baton Rouge. There’s nothing like a traffic snarl to take the wind out of your sails when you know you still have a long way to go. The Gregory’s location in downtown’s central hub offers easy access for grads of any school in the area.
Both Baton Rouge Community College and the Baton Rouge School of Nursing are less than 4 miles away. Southern University and A&M College are a 15-minute drive for new grads and their families, making The Gregory a central spot perfect for groups coming from any of these schools.
It’s also only 15 minutes from Baton Rouge airport, making it an ideal meeting spot for friends and family members from out of town. And, of course, the Watermark’s style and service extend to our hotel accommodations as well. A stay in the Watermark’s elegant yet edgy collection of suites is the perfect way to celebrate graduation all week long and take advantage the hotel’s lush amenities.
Graduates and their guests can unwind in style, and the upscale atmosphere of the hotel is the perfect setting to savor the accomplishment of graduation. The simple online system makes it easy to book a suite — or several — in a snap.
Nearby Attractions
The Watermark and The Gregory are conveniently located near several of Baton Rouge’s exciting attractions. If you or your guests find yourselves with free time before graduation dinner or in the days surrounding the event, there’s plenty to do nearby the restaurant. Soak in some of the city’s history or bask in the many cultural spots around town. These five attractions are sure to please guests from out of town.
- Louisiana Art & Science Museum: This museum offers a double dose of educational appeal. It exhibits art, hosts events, and even has its own planetarium. Visitors with children will appreciate the hands-on galleries and interactive activities for kids.
- Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: Nature lovers will flock to this 103-acre center specializing in conservation and education efforts. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animal exhibits and explore some of the region’s native flora. Intrepid explorers will find plenty of wildlife, so tell your guests to bring the binoculars.
- Red Stick Farmers Market: This farmers market is a great way to explore the city, and potentially meet some of the producers who grew your graduation dinner from The Gregory. The outdoor market operates all year long, from 8 a.m. to noon. Your guests can get some fresh air and take in the sights before the big event.
- River Tours: The Watermark overlooks the Mississippi River, so guests can go from admiring the view to being out on the water in minutes. Guided river tours and kayak rentals are a great way to take advantage of the Mississippi and smaller surrounding rivers.
- Shaw Center for the Arts: The two museums housed in the Shaw Center for the Arts are home to engaging collections of art from all around the world. There’s something here for every age group, so it’s an ideal stop if there’s extra time before graduation dinner.
Make the Most of Graduation in Baton Rouge
Graduation for you or a family member is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want graduation dinner to be as special as the moment you’re celebrating. Your experience at The Gregory is more than just tantalizing flavor combinations and expertly prepared plates. It’s about comfort, service, and a beautifully-designed environment that takes any celebration up a notch. Use our online reservation system to book a table for up to 10 guests in just a few minutes.
