Dear PoP – Best Place to Host a Holiday Party?
06 November 2009 3:00 PM | By Prince Of Petworth in Bars, Dear PoP
Photo by PoPville Flickr user HoodSweatsh
“Dear PoP,
I have a question that I am always faced with and maybe you would be interested in posting on your blog for thoughts – I usually end up responsible for finding the place to host my work’s holiday party, as well as other work events (going away parties, retirements, etc.). I work at a nonprofit with about 40 people, and it is really hard to find a cool place that is inexpensive to host such events. Since you’re hosting your party at Wonderland, that might a good option. Any other thoughts?”
I agree Wonderland is a great spot. You could also check with the folks at Red Derby (14th and Quincy) who are always very accommodating. Where would you guys recommend?
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06 November 2009 3:08 PM | Sarah Said:
I hear the jerk chicken place right by the Petworth metro is a good place for parties.
06 November 2009 3:11 PM | AmI4realz Said:
Green Lantern, cheap beer and video bar. Totes work friendly
06 November 2009 3:12 PM | On the Water Said:
The Miss Ann down at the gangplank. The owners post a very high price, but can be convinced to negotiate….I was on board last year for the parade of lights, and it has a wonderful feel for the holidays when decorated.
See
http://www.missanncharters.com/
06 November 2009 3:17 PM | Ross Said:
Big Hunt has a couple extra rooms that you can rent out
06 November 2009 3:18 PM | EdTheRed Said:
The Saloon has an upstairs – I’ve attended a couple of private events there. No idea about the cost, though.
06 November 2009 3:23 PM | Anonymous Said:
Florida Park
06 November 2009 3:26 PM | Monkey Daddy Said:
My wife and I had a rehearsal dinner after-party thingy at Chi Cha Lounge. They were really nice and accommodating. I think they have some kind of room of the side or downstairs.
06 November 2009 3:30 PM | Goot Lemmon Said:
I’ve also hosted parties in the upstairs at Wonderland, and they were always extremely helpful and easy to work with. I don’t remember the details, but unlike a lot of places around town, the minimums on different things were very reasonable.
06 November 2009 3:32 PM | ontarioroader Said:
Chief Ike’s will rent out one or both sides of their upstairs. I’ve also been to events organizations have done at Pharmacy Bar and The Reef on 18th St.
06 November 2009 3:38 PM | dceited Said:
the upstairs room at vinoteca is great. i attended a great party there, but sadly have no idea about the cost.
06 November 2009 3:40 PM | lrp Said:
I would recommend the upstairs room @ RedRocks on 11th and Park NW. Great beer menu and I’m sure they would make some tasty holiday cocktails to accompany the yummy ‘za!
06 November 2009 4:11 PM | christopher Said:
agree with irp… red rocks could not be more accomodating and friendly for a gathering! you might be hard pressed to squeeze 40 people in the upstairs though…
06 November 2009 4:37 PM | DCster Said:
I helped arrange something at Marty’s near Capitol Hill, if that area works for you. I think it was reasonably priced from what I can recall.
06 November 2009 5:57 PM | springroadintoaction Said:
We’ve always had a lot of good luck at Hamilton’s. And, if your office is anywhere near the hill, Rock and Roll Hotel is also a great option.
06 November 2009 6:12 PM | PetworthRes Said:
We had our post-rehearsal-dinner party at Bourbon in Adams Morgan. Since it’s mostly a late night place, you can have a pretty big crowd on the second floor earlier in the evening, for a happy hour, and have it mostly to yourselves. There’s no extra charge.
07 November 2009 12:15 PM | Anonymous Said:
While I’ve never actually looked into it, I’m sure the Black Cat would be a good place. They have many different rooms to work with. Also, they don’t usually open until later so you could probably convince them to open a little earlier for you at very little cost.
07 November 2009 3:55 PM | Nofiction Said:
The Reef on the 18th street has a downstairs (right on 18th) that friends of mine have hired for something like $100 plus a minimum at the bar. The size is about right…I think they have four dozen or so people attend.
07 November 2009 6:44 PM | Nichole Said:
@DCster Marty’s no longer exists. It’s now Cava.
On the Hill: I like Top of the Hill a lot (above Pour House), and Lounge 201 over on Mass Ave. has a great private room. I also love the American Legion on 3rd and D SE, if you don’t mind bringing your own food and booze – it’s cheap and easy. Cantina Marina is also a great spot, down on the water.
I’ve also had great parties at the Derby, and you can rent the second floor at Adam’s Mill for cheap and it’s actually a really okay spot.
But, you said you’re looking for a work thing, so not sure you’re necessarily looking for a bar. Where’s your office? Generally what’s your budget? What is the age/demographic of the staff? Are these after work things, or lunch things, or afternoon things? How important is the food/booze ratio? Does your office pay, or does everyone pay for themselves? These are all things that make a difference. (Can you tell I host a lot of events?)
07 November 2009 8:28 PM | Andy Duffy Said:
Somebody told me Duffy’s has a really cool back room..least that’s what I hear.
08 November 2009 11:37 AM | Ryan Said:
Here are my favorites for spaces with private rooms for dinner/cocktail reception for staff which is fun, not too expensive, and great spaces/food:
- Tabard Inn (Room 24)
- CoCo Sala
- The Madison Hotel (they have a cool lounge room near the bar you can rent)
- Darlington House (2nd floor)
- Cafe Milano
- Zola
- Zola Kitchen
- Bistro Bis
08 November 2009 6:16 PM | StubsDC Said:
Go to amazon.com and buy a copy of Unique Meeting, Wedding and Party Venues in Greater Washington
08 November 2009 8:28 PM | Simon Landau Said:
Wonderland for sure…such a fun bar.
08 November 2009 10:10 PM | enus gobunger Said:
I second Andy Duffy’s self promotion. That back room is pretty great. And Andy is always there to make sure you’ve got everything you want