50th Birthday Private Room or Restaurant

[dreamfish]

I am looking to host a party for my 50th birthday for about 50-70 guests in San Francisco this March. I either want a private room in a large restaurant (so we don't have to also find a caterer and all the trapping that go with it) or a small-medium sized restaurant that typically isn't open on Sunday and would open just for us for lunch. I did the latter for my 40th and it worked out great. The same restaurant isn't in business anymore.

I may have to ask my guests to pitch in anywhere from $20-30, which I've also done before, and I'd cover the rest. Another possibility is a relative has offered to pay for the party, but he won't tell me the budget (kind of hard to plan, eh?).

There must be parking nearby -- on the street, a garage, valet, whatever.

I would like a contemporary ambiance and fun, tasteful decor, not stuffy. High caliber menu is a must, but doesn't need to be high caliber prices.

[casalbore spirit]

Wow!You have a lot of demands but say you are" looking to host a party"You are lucky as I was that a relative has offered to help out.A suggestion...My sister hosted my 50th at
Le Colonial,formerly Trader Vic's.Tropical style with an in house catered menu.She hired a reggae(my music love)band and our private room accommodated your guest list amount.I personally am turned off when invited to a milestone celebration and am expected to contribute dollars or dishes.I feel the host/hostess should be realistic and sensitive as to what they can provide for their guests,Wishing you a celebration that pleases you and marks your 50th year in a special way.
http://www.lecolonialsf.com/parties.html

[ML8000]

These sites will narrow the size of group and budget:

http://www.sfpdv.com/
http://www.opentable.com/info/banquet...

From there you can reference reviews.

[kresge86]

I just attended a wonderful private dinner party for about 40 people at Foreign Cinema. Both the passed appetizers and 3-course dinner were excellent. We were in a private room - a big, airy space with large artwork on the walls - plenty big enough for 50 - 70. We had our own bartenders, who mixed wonderful cocktails. No idea as to price.