Private Cocktail Party in Seattle?

[cookingteach]

I'm in San Francisco and trying to plan a 40th bday party for someone in Seattle. We're looking for a restaurant that will do heavy appetizers and cocktails for a private party. I lived in Seattle for years and am up there regularly to eat and see family but, can't think of a place with great food, good drinks and the room to have a big group in a private or semi-private space. Any ideas?

I was thinking: buying out Cactus in Mad Park, a room at Wild Ginger, the deck at Pink Door (but late November???)....help!

[wino22]

The room underneath El Gaucho? I'm blanking on the name of it... it's not the Pampas Room... the Big Picture? Anyway, I attended a 60th birthday party there with heavy apps, signature cocktails (chosen by the host), and since there is a small movie theater there, they played a home video and snapshots from the birthday girl's life. It was pretty cool and pretty unique.

[pablissima]

You could also try the new space at Culinary Communion up on Beacon Hill. the loft space would be a nice comfortable "living room" feel and I'm sure they could work up some option for the catering party.

[niknik2]

You could try one of the hotels. The brand new Drawing Room next door to Volterra looks very pretty and the website says they can do up to 85.

[skisvalley]

The Penthouse at Canlis. Perfect for November.

[krb]

How many people are you expecting?

[cookingteach]

I think we might be around 50-60 so it limits us, I know. Great suggestions so far-thank you!

[nseattlefoodie]

Oliver's Twist in Phinney Ridge does private parties as well. Amazing menu, really good drinks.
They have a sample menu on their website: http://www.oliverstwistseattle.com/
Great space too, rotating art on the walls.

[barleywino]

although i like Olivers Twist, i'm not sure they can provide "heavy appetizers" as "real" restaurants can, since they don't really have a kitchen. In this category of "nibbles" (not heavy appetizers) with cocktails, maybe Licorous is a better option (although 50 people would probably fill Licorous). Another option is a private room with water views at Waterfront grill (be sure not to miss their crispy shrimp app)

[nseattlefoodie]

Good point on Oliver's Twist. I have to disagree on Licorous though, I was disappointed in the quality of the food, had been a fan of Lark for years and was so excited to try out their new venture. Finally tried it out, and well, was just not impressed. Any thoughts on Veil up in Queen Anne? We did "nibbles" there one night and thought they were quite tasty.

[barleywino]

haven't been back to Veil for ages, i've gotten attitude on separate occasions from both the bartender and the kitchen (this was on a night when the head chef Shannon Galusha was out, he has always been great to us)

[creo420]

Upstairs at Tulio might work, good food and drink and a very nice space to boot.

Creo

[howard 1st]

the completely private room at steelhead diner (1st/pine) accomodates up to about 20 for cocktails - palace ballroom (5th/blanchard?) is a cavernous space that can easily handle 200 and open only for booked events

[barleywino]

try Crush...or if you're considering Asian, O'Asian (the Seattle P-I had their xmas party there)