Thursday, January 21, 2010

Private event locales

Dear Alix,

I’m planning to throw a 40th birthday party for my husband and need some inspiration. Do you have any suggestions for interesting Seattle party venues?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dear Party Planner,

Ah, the age-old question of location… It all depends, doesn’t it, on what kind of vibe you’re looking for, how big or small the party might be and in what part of town you want to throw this shindig. I’m not suggesting that the list below is a comprehensive one, not by a long shot; there are a gazillion restaurants and bars not to mention dedicated event spaces that are vying for your business. Instead, this is a short list of venues that I think are interesting or well laid out or geographically desirable or all of the above. And I’m thinking somewhere in the 25-40 guest range for the most part, a nice party size.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
big
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Some of the restaurants and bars I like that also happen to have private spaces:

Chez Shea (Pike Place Market)
94 Pike St, Ste 34
(206) 467-9990

Soul Repair (the back room at Quinn’s on Capitol Hill)
1001 E Pike St
(206) 979-SHOP

Chapel (Capitol Hill)
1600 Melrose Ave
(206) 447-4180

BalMar (Ballard)
5449 Ballard Ave NW
(206) 297-0500

Volterra (Ballard)
5411 Ballard Ave NW
(206) 789-5100

Or in the case of one of my favorite little spots, they don’t have a private space because it’s so small but they do rent out the whole place:

Licorous (Capitol Hill)
928 12th Ave
(206) 325-6947

If your guest of honor -- or maybe just the bulk of your guests -- are more beer-oriented, you might consider either one of these:

Elysian (SoDo)
542 1st Ave S, Ste B
(206) 382-4498

Hale’s Ales (Fremont/Ballard)
4301 Leary Way NW
(206) 706-1544

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bigger
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And if by chance I have it all wrong and you’re interested in throwing a bigger party:

Palace Ballroom (Downtown)
2030 5th Ave
(206) 441-5542

Pravda (Capitol Hill)
1406 10th Ave, Ste 200
(206) 728-1177

Given my recent affection for Georgetown, it’s not too terribly surprising that I would recommend two in that neighborhood, both very different spaces:

Georgetown Ballroom (Georgetown)
5623 Airport Way S
(206) 763-4999

Georgetown Studios (Georgetown)
5890 Airport Way S
(800) 517-1052

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BIGGEST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Or if we’re talking blowout and you need a space that’s ballroom-sized, The Dome Room at the Arctic Club Hotel is a little something different. With rococo gilt and a stained glass dome ceiling, as well as the Polar Bar in the hotel lobby when you want to slip away for a game of pool, it’s very throwback in all the right ways. Though it was sold to Hilton and added to the Doubletree brand last year; hopefully they maintain all that is good in this unique hotel.

Arctic Club Hotel (Downtown)
700 3rd Ave
(206) 340-0340

3 comments:

  1. Great suggestions for small and large parties, Alix.

    My personal 'fav' for a small to mid-size private gathering is Harvest Vine on Madison. They have added a private room downstairs, it has the same cozy 'wine cellar' feel as the rest of the place. I often think it would be fun to have my...ummm...next birthday party bash there!

    As for Arctic Club Hotel. Never fear, my dear. They will maintain the caliber of service. It's a great venue option for a large special event. The Dome Room cannot be beat!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Suite 410 is a discreet, chic bar. It is great for an informal small gathering of about 15-20. You can book it if you want as well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the suggestions of Harvest Vine and Suite 410. Both great locations, and good additions to the list.

    Also, I'm happy to hear that the Arctic Club Hotel will be remaining fabulous...

    ReplyDelete