Private Dining Room for 60 in Santa Monica/Venice - Rehearsal Dinner

[DMojoD]

I'm looking for a private dining room that can hold 60 people for a rehearsal dinner in the Santa Monica/Venice area for around $30/person before tax and tip. I've read all of the posts on this topic and am having trouble finding a location that can hold this number of people. Italian or Mexican would be great, but I'm open to the type of food. C&O seemed perfect, but what they don't advertise is that they have a $1000 minimum per hour for their private dining room upstairs or the private patio! Thanks so much for your help!

[djegg101]

Hi - I'm wondering if you've had any news or success DMojoD! We're in a similar situation and I've been following this thread closely... Have you booked anything yet

[DMojoD]

Hi there! Nope, we're sort of in the midst of reevaluating/changing plans. Another place that we also looked into that I don't think was mentioned yet is Daily Grill on Colorado. Good luck to you and keep us posted of what you come up with!

[krick]

Manchego on Main might work.

[shelbo]

You might call the Bel Air Bay Club. The upper club is available for dinners or events, and they do a nice job. Choices run from caviar and oysters to enchiladas and tacos. Much more intimate than a hotel ball room, and the views are as good as you get in Los Angeles.

[Phurstluv]

Don't you have to be a member, or referred to by a member? I thought that was the whole point of a "private" club.

[shelbo]

No membership needed, the upper club is available to the public for events.

www.belairbayclub.com - click on "Weddings and Events".

You just need to call their catering folks.

[JBC]

My gut reaction is that you couldn't possibly rent out part of the BABC upper club and have it catered for $30 per person.

[coffeebrownies]

Many many years ago we rented out the carousel at the Santa Monica Pier--and brought in food carts. It might be totally off the mark, but at the time it was exceedingly cheap.

[ElissaInPlaya]

We did ours at Guelaguetza at Palms/National - 5 years ago. Very casual and very fun.

-----
Guelaguetza
11127 Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

[NYCnowLA]

that location is no longer.

[PD Girl]

We had our rehearsal dinner at Monsoon on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. They have a great private room upstairs from the main dining room. It had its own bar and sound set up. The food was great (we had a buffet) and everyone had a great time at the open bar.

[DMojoD]

I haven't been able to get through to anyone at Marix yet but I'll keep trying!

I definitely thought of Library Ale House, but since they are so busy on Saturday nights I'm doubtful that they would rent out the entire patio, but I will definitely inquire.

Thanks for the Monsoon suggestion - I hadn't thought of that.

Thanks everyone for all of your help! I really appreciate it and keep the suggestions coming!

[jeanmarieok]

How about the Library Ale House? They have that whole back/side room?

[JBC]

Marix Tex Mex - Santa Monica - Private room upstairs holds up to 55, squeeze in 5 more?

http://www.marixtexmex.com/company/cater.php

You didn't specify which night, i.e. how many tables do they turn on a Tuesday vs a Friday?

Lares - Santa Monica - You could inquire if you could take over the upstairs, your party wouldn't all be sitting at the same table though, some would be in booths:

http://laresrestaurant.com/

[DMojoD]

It will be a Saturday night.

I had thought of Lares but they will only rent out the upstairs until 4pm. Since many of our guests are coming from out of town that day, we unfortunately can't do a lunch.

I will defintely look into the Santa Monica Marix. Thanks!!

[Phurstluv]

Does Marix really hold that many?? Have been to a couple of events there, seemed small to me. But I do dig the food, so, if it does hold that many, go for it , DmojoD!

[dtud]

la cachette bistro always seems empty and definitely seems like it could seat this sized party. while it would be getting close to your price range limit - they might be flexible especially depending on the food choices. i've found a lot of places will accommodate a budget if you book on an off night or if they are in need of business. this is especially so if you have a pre-planned menu. just a thought.

there's also la cabana in venice which is a pretty tasty place and definitely within your price range / party size.
http://www.lacabanavenice.com/Largep.htm

http://www.lacachettebistro.com/

[DMojoD]

La Cabana is a great idea! I called them, though, and they said they won't rent out the entire patio. They will only section off part of it for 35 people. Unfortunately, not private and not big enough! I'll keep looking...

[dtud]

that's too bad. i assume you've also checked out casablanca - on lincoln right near there. i don't care for the food, but a lot of other people seem to like it.

http://www.casablancarestaurant.net/

there's also el cholo. i know it's not really a chowish place - but it has some nice la history associated with it and the food is ok.

http://www.elcholo.com/asp/site/santa...

good luck!

[DMojoD]

I tried El Cholo but they said they couldn't fit a group that size. I haven't tried Casablanca. I drive by it all the time but I've never actually eaten there.

I also talked to the people at Anna's on Pico and it might have some promise. It didn't seem like they'd ever had a big group there before but the guy sounded like he'd be willing to work with us. I think I'll go check it out.

Thank you all for your great suggestions! Please keep them coming!

[westsidegal]

how many people do you plan on having? 60? (in your original post)? or 35? (in the above post)?
makes a big difference.

[Servorg]

I think the OP was saying that La Cabana wouldn't work because it only had space for 35 people ("Unfortunately... not big enough!") and they need space for 60.

[DMojoD]

I need space for 60. La Cabana would only provide space for 35 people. Sorry if that was confusing.

[mollyomormon]

Maybe Warszawa?
http://www.warszawarestaurant.com/eve...

[Phurstluv]

Don't know if it has a private room, but Westside Tavern is large and supposed to have great food. Dinner's most exp. entree is $25 - may be they will work with a set menu for you.

[Phurstluv]

Prolly way over your price point, but have you tried the Buffalo Club?

[DMojoD]

Yeah, way out of the price range. Thanks for the suggestion though!