Finding a place in Boston for a gathering

May 30, 2012 1:10 PM

On a summer Monday evening in Boston, I need a venue where about 200 people could enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Price and location are an issue (we'll all be located near the Hynes convention center; transport time from there would need to be reasonable). I'm not in the area, and would appreciate any advice you might have on how I'd even go about trying to find such a place. Thanks!
posted by langedon to Food & Drink (9 answers total)

Look into the Sheraton hotel that's down the street - it's a walk from Hynes (I think it's even connected via the Prudential center walkways). I've been to a couple of large gatherings in which the company/organization has rented either all or part of the ballroom. Not sure of cost/availability but it's something to check out.
posted by ghostbikes at 1:41 PM on May 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'd personally suggest Eastern Standard, which is a 10 minute walk from Hynes. Nice spot (ambiance & food/drink), accommodates large groups, unsure of their pricing for private catering, but certainly if you're considering a hotel it would be comparable.
posted by pammeke at 1:51 PM on May 30, 2012

Depending on how formal you want to be, there are a ton of local options in the restaurants and hotels. If you want something kind of "local" and casual, you could try the Summer Shack, which is seafood right next door. Classier, but in the same building as the Hynes, is Towne Stove and Spirits. Both seem large enough to my memory, and are tasty.

If you call each of these places and they Can't help you, they may well be able to recommend others nearby.
posted by ldthomps at 1:59 PM on May 30, 2012

Lots of restaurants and bars will host private events. Boylston St. has a lot of places within a short walk from Hynes (5-10 min or less) ranging from low-rent to swanky. Hynes is on the T, so Kenmore Square is one stop away, and Harvard Square is less than 30 minutes by T. (But check the Red Sox schedule-- you'll want to avoid the subway around rush hour on a game night.) Since you're not familiar with the area, here's a few ideas that might be more budget-conscious.

On Boylston St: Pour House, Whiskey's, Cactus Club.
In Kenmore Sq: Cornwalls (no good if Sox are at home)
In Harvard Sq: John Harvard's Brewery
posted by Dixon Ticonderoga at 2:02 PM on May 30, 2012

I would strongly recommend Thomson Island, which is primarily used by Outward Bound.

I used to work there in a different group, and it's a beautiful (and unusual) setting with reasonable pricing (esp when compared to restaurants and traditional event locations; they'll negotiate pricing, especially for a group that large). It's 3.5 miles from the Hynes to Black Falcon Terminal, where the boat is docked.
posted by eggman at 2:16 PM on May 30, 2012

Top of the Hub for nice views over Boston and easy access (connected through Prudential) from Hynes.
posted by zeikka at 3:04 PM on May 30, 2012

The Boston Public Library is fairly close to the Hynes and has a number of different spaces for event rental.
posted by FreezBoy at 4:38 AM on May 31, 2012 [1 favorite]

Seconding the BPL, that's a great idea and here are links to meeting room descriptions and event planning info.

The first place I thought of was the Cyclorama, which is at the corner of Clarendon and Tremont St. in the South End (here's a better pic). It may be too big for your purposes, but it's an unusual and historic space, less generic than a restaurant or conference facility.

There might also be spaces at Northeastern University or the Berklee College of Music that would suit your needs and be less expensive than a restaurant.
posted by underthehat at 5:33 AM on May 31, 2012

Response by poster: Thanks, everybody. Lots of ideas here to explore.
posted by langedon at 10:19 AM on May 31, 2012