The 5 Best Places To Host A Holiday Party In NYC
Looking for a fun place throw your festive holiday party? Whether you're looking for a bar, a full service dining area, or even a way to spice up your in-office soiree, here are five great venues (and services) that will certainly impress your guests. By Carly Petrone.
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Spice up your annual holiday party at Church Street Tavern. Not only can you rent out their lounge area downstairs but you can host a dinner party in their main dining room. Guests can enjoy a wide range of appetizers from their cocktail reception menu. Chef John Daley even offers sushi options while passed items include Pork Belly Chicharron Skewers, Mini Beef Wellingtons, Fried Oysters, and more. If dining on a prix fixe menu is more your style then you'll be happy to know that they offer both a 3 course and 4 course menu that includes fan favorites like Burrata with balsamic roasted beets, a seafood selection from their raw bar, Brick Chicken, and fun dessert options like Ginger Crème Brulee and Chocolate Budino. They also can make it easy by preparing stationary platters with cured meats and cheeses, seafood towers, and traditional charcuterie. Learn more about their open bar options as well as minimums here.
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Sip on handcrafted cocktails and pass around the decadent charcuterie plates during your holiday party at Drexler's in the lower east side. It's easy to entertain your guests downstairs at the private bar that includes plenty of seating and even a piano (for those who feel like tickling the ivories). Seasoned mixologists will be on hand to help you test out the New York Sour – Elijah Craig 12yr bourbon, lemon, sugar, red wine, and egg white - or go big with the Employee of the Month – Mount Gay Black Barrel, Oloroso sherry, passion fruit, orgeat, pineapple, and lime – it serves two so be prepared. Plus, you can really impress your guests by ordering a bunch of their ice cream sandwiches (made with mint ice cream) at the end of the evening. Reserve your spot here.
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Brooklynites will be happy to know that 61 Local rents out their private space for up to 75 people. This room gets plenty of natural light while the wooden beams and exposed brick create a relaxing environment that everyone can enjoy. With access to a private bar and in-house catering, you don't have to worry about anything but the guest list. If you're looking for a more intimate space, check out their communal dining area, which can fit up to 45 guests. It's easy to grab a beer or cider (or kombucha!) and catch up with friends and co-workers at this spot. Reserve your table or walk in and snag a spot! Learn more here.
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Head downtown to Louie & Chan for a private dining experience (up to 15 people) or private lounge party (up to 150 people). Dine at The Louie and enjoy seasonal customized prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Pair your meal with a selection of grand reserve wines and break bread with your loved ones, co-workers, or holiday buds. The lounge is available for night parties from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. and must have a minimum duration of 2 hours. Sip on seasonal cocktails - a variety of beverage packages are available depending on your party's needs. Learn more here.
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Don't feel like renting out a space this year? Bring the holiday party to you with the help of Cater2.me. This convenient service delivers the best hand-selected food providers directly to your office. Let Gigi Café bring a Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar (with all the toppings) to your workspace and create a break that everyone can enjoy or have a make-your-own holiday cake party with a little help from the folks over at Minnie's Bakeshop. This service includes 4 different flavors of Minnie's cakes (ranging from eggnog to red velvet), 4 flavors of buttercream (caramel, Bailey's Irish cream, vanilla, and chocolate-peppermint), 4 kinds of toppings (did someone say whisky caramel drizzle?), pastry bags and tips, and at least one staff member to teach your group how to create the perfect holiday cake. If you're looking for a catered meal to help make the office more festive make sure to check out the special holiday menus from Landhaus. Celebrate the Christmas season with Pineapple Glazed Ham with Buttermilk Biscuits, Italian style deboned and rolled turkey breast, Potato Gratin, Apple Crumble, and more. Those gearing up for Hanukkah can nosh on Yukon Gold and Celery Root Latkes with apple sauce and sour cream, Braised Brisket with Parsnips and Carrot, Assorted Chanukah Themed Cookies and Chocolate Coins, and much more. Let Cater2.me take care of the logistics so all you have to do is show up. Learn more about the company and their list of NYC-based vendors here.
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If you know your guests like beer then definitely throw your holiday party at Threes Brewing in Brooklyn. The Montgomery offers an intimate space with a bar designed to accommodate up to 60 people for drinks and seating for up to 35 people for sit down dinner. The Main Bar features a state-of-the-art, three-temperature draught beer system where house-made beers pour directly from serving tanks. This bigger space can hold up to 150 people and is housed with an A/V system with hi-fi speakers as well as a projector and a 10-foot screen. Finally, The Yard is great for larger parties (up to 180 people for mingling, 120 for seating) and is a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays. This 3,200 sq. ft. outdoor space is highlighted with dramatic 16 foot high steel trellis hoops, English Ivy and wisteria climbing up its sides, and apple trees lining the south wall. Plus, guests can enjoy a separate bar where draft beers will be poured. Want to learn more? Contact them here.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
