Par-tay

May 23, 2008 9:59 AM

Private party spaces in New York?

I've decided to embrace my 40th birthday by throwing a bash for my friends. I've been searching the web for private party spaces, and so far I haven't found one that suits me. I was thinking of The Living Room, which is the private space in either Off the Wagon or Jake's Dilemna or, you know, one of those five frat bars that are all related. Not my type of place, but maybe I won't notice the drunken, hooting twenty-somethings if I'm not in the main room.

Here's my criteria: open bar, appetizers (preferably buffet-style, not passed), option for karaoke, nothing too "sleek" (I prefer pubby to modern), and not too big (I'll be inviting about 25 guests). If possible, I'd like to keep the cost under $800, but I'm willing to go higher.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. If I were a billionaire I'd invite all of you. Well, maybe there are just a couple I'd leave out...

posted by Evangeline to food & drink (10 comments total)

Union Hall, perhaps? Don't know about karaoke, but the bocce courts are pretty sweet. Nice room, too.
posted by TryTheTilapia at 10:52 AM on May 23

Try the Evelyn Lounge - the lower level is a nice space, and if I recall correctly, they threw in the space for free with the purchase of $800 worth of food and drink...
posted by deliriouscool at 11:39 AM on May 23

It's a bit much to slog through, but this is a handy collection of event sites: eventective
posted by Debaser626 at 11:39 AM on May 23

Oh, Evelyn looked just about perfect until I discovered that they're closed. Too bad.

I love Union Hall, but the only space they have available is that elevated area in the back of the bar, and I'd prefer something a little more private.

Thanks and keep 'em coming!
posted by Evangeline at 11:55 AM on May 23

I went to a rocking party once at a photographer's studio. She regularly rents it out for parties. It's a huge room with those floor to ceiling windows, with a kitchen and bathroom and all the fixings for a party. I always thought, if I wanted to host a blowout, it would be there.

Sadly, I can't remember her name. I can ask a pal though if that sounds like something you'd like.
posted by CunningLinguist at 1:06 PM on May 23

I remembered!
posted by CunningLinguist at 1:07 PM on May 23

CunningL is invited!
posted by Evangeline at 1:47 PM on May 23

It doesn't say so on the listing or the website, but I am almost positive that Puck Fair has a basement bar that they rent out for private parties.
posted by lalex at 8:35 PM on May 23

Sent an email to Puck Fair and am waiting to hear back. Thanks guys!
posted by Evangeline at 1:41 PM on May 27

Oh, great, I hope Puck Fair works out! If not, maybe try the private rooms at Niagara or Blue Owl? If memory serves, the Niagara room would likely work, but I'm not sure about food...Blue Owl does food but their private room might be a bit small for your party.

Good luck!
posted by lalex at 9:16 PM on May 27