Frequently Asked Questions

I understand that a reservation is needed for dinner – how far in advance should I make one for a party of two?

Generally speaking a reservation for a party of two can be made several days before hand; there are obviously exceptions, such as Valentine’s Day, special themed dinners, and during the holidays.

I’ve heard that you sit with others during dinner, how does that work?

The concept is very European in nature but we are fond of referring to this as one would a ‘dinner party’ as you do meet and sit with other guests for dinner. Sharing food, conversation and often like experiences has made the Herb Lyceum a dining destination.

How do you accommodate special dietary needs?

Let us know of any allergies or dietary concerns when you make your reservations. With advance notice, the chef can prepare substitutions to satisfy most dietary needs.

What time are we expected to arrive and how long does dinner take?

On Fridays we invite our guests to arrive between 7:00 and 7:15 p.m. as we will sit down about 7:30 – 7:45 p.m. On Saturday you are invited to arrive at 6:30 and we sit down as a group at 7:15 p.m. Because we practice to be unhurried in all that we do the dinner is leisurely, the conversation lively, and the night magical - people normally leave about 10:30 p.m.

Arrival time may be different for special dinners, New Year’ Eve, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and if so we will post the time with the menu on our website.

What is the cancellation policy?

Reservations at The Herb Lyceum are like having tickets to an entertainment or theatre event. You are guaranteed a spot on the night of your reservation. Since we are purposefully small and intimate any cancellation affects us greatly, therefore at the time of your reservation, we take a credit card number. A one week advance cancellation notice is requested for larger (6-10 ppl.) groups. With less than 7 days notice, the full charge may apply if we are unable to rebook your seats. For smaller (2-4 ppl.) numbers 72 hours is requested.

May I request a specific room or table for my reservation?

We typically do not accept specific requests for a reservation as the makeup of table assignments depends on the number of guests and reservation sizes.

I’ve heard that this is BYOB, is there a corkage fee?

No, there is no fee. We have wine glasses and openers so bring wine if you choose.

If we don’t finish our wine may we bring the bottle back home with us?

“ MA ABCC regulations issued pursuant to Chapter 33 of the Acts of 2006 allows a licensed restaurant or hotel dining room patron to remove one partially consumed bottle of wine that has been purchased with a meal. The bottle that is removed must be placed in a one-time-use tamper proof transparent bag with the meal receipt attached to the sealed bag.”

The Herb Lyceum does not have a liquor license which is why you may bring your own liquor to dinner……therefore, since we did not sell you the wine, we not only may not place it in a tamper proof bag but must discourage you from traveling with an open bottle in your car.

I understand that you have lovely gardens  – will we be dining outside?

Our dinner guests are encouraged upon arrival to stroll the gardens (weather permitting) but we will be dining inside.

What is the dress code?
Professional casual is the norm. Jackets are not required for men, but certainly are not out of place.

May we bring our own music?

No, the Lyceum has dinner music playing at a controlled volume and for the benefit of all dinner guests we request that guests neither bring their own music or adjust our selections or volume.

Is there a dance floor or bar area for after dinner?

No, this is strictly a dining establishment with no liquor license or ability to accommodate dance music.

Is there a smoking area?

Yes, containers have been placed 30’ away from the building for smokers.

How far in advance should large groups (10 ppl.) make reservations?

Since the Herb Lyceum only seats 30 ppl and our peak times are May thru November with December often booked a year out we suggest at least a full month ahead of time.

I understand that I can book a private party at the Herb Lyceum; how does that work?

Groups of more than 10 are considered a private party and are billed according to day of the week, number of guests, etc. Exclusive use of the property is part of the rental. We do not book more than one event per day. Our event planner will work with you to coordinate your occasion (rehearsal dinner, business dinner, bridal shower, company party.) At the time of your reservation we take a credit card number and a 50% deposit. The balance will be charged the night of the event. Five days prior to your dinner date your reservation is firm/guaranteed. All cancellations on or after this date will forfeit the deposit. Credit cards will be charged full amount of dinner for ‘no shows.’

Is there a rental fee and what does a rental fee or deposit for a private group include?

Yes, there is a fee for the exclusive use of our property. There is also a minimum number of 20 guests requested. The fee includes a contract, custom designed menu, use of the gardens and grounds, 30’ x 30’ tent if needed, linens, crystal, china, etc.