Venue for 120 people for a 50th Anniversary

[jpjtarey]

I have just been recently tasked with finding a venue for my in-laws' 50th in August. I am organizing it from California so I would like to find a place that is one stop shop - like a restaurant with a big banquet room or hotel.

I was all set on doing it at Ray's Boathouse but they are booked for the day that the in-laws want. Any other suggestions?

I would like a place with good food and a good view of the water. My daughter is afraid of heights so I would prefer no high rise. My budget is around $40-$50 per person for a luncheon.

Thanks!!!

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Ray's Boathouse Restaurant
6049 Seaview Ave., Seattle, WA 98107

[oliveoyl]

i have no idea what it costs, but no one has mentioned Tom Douglas' Palace Ballroom.
there is no view, but IMHO nice food and great staff can trump just OK food and a sketchy view.

[Bethwick]

You should also check out Bell Harbor Conference Center. I have been to a few functions there, the food is decent, and some of the spaces have decks and great water views. Also check out Ponti Seafood Grill, they do private lunch functions, have great food and a charming view of a pretty section of the ship canal.

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Ponti Seafood Grill
3014 3rd Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98109

[cburnsi]

Here are a few other places to consider:

The Canal. This venue used to be a restaurant called Hiram's. It is at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard. http://www.thecanalseattle.com

Palasades. This restaurant at the Elliott Bay Marina has several options for big parties - including the Alani Room which is a located next door to the restaurant. It is a beautiful venue right at the marina and the food is good. http://www.palisaderestaurant.com/page/alani/

There are a few locations on Lake Union that might work all except McCormicks are catering venues:

Lake Union Crew - they have a great view of the city
McCormick and Schmick's Harborside
415 Westlake - but I'm not sure who they use to cater
The Skansonia Ferry - http://www.skansonia.com/
The Yacht Club on Lake Union - http://www.ravishingradish.com/seattl...

Best of luck!

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Lake Union Cafe
3119 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102

[jpjtarey]

Thank you all for the great suggestions! I have checked out some of them and they were booked for the date the in-laws want: Blue Ribbon, Skansonia, etc.

I am sure I can find one that is still available from all the suggestions above. It will keep me busy for the next few days. Thanks guys.

[Mike CP]

I once heard about a good place somewhere on Eastlake close to the University Bridge. I think a friend of a friend had a wedding reception here, and they said it was a good place. Anybody know the name or more details?

[GreenYoshi]

I think that's Lake Union Cafe. Just down the street from Eastlake B&G.
My friend's having a wedding there this year.

No idea what the food situation is like.

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Lake Union Cafe
3119 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102

[bluedog67]

There is a catering place on Estlake, maybe associated w/ Blue Ribbon? I have been to an event there, but cannot think of the name.

Next door to Rays is Shillshole Beach Club (or something similar) catering only space. Great view, food ok, but not spectacular.

Herban Feast is a cool space (no view, but historic warehouse in sodo) great food.

[dagoose]

Maybe Ravishing Radish is the one on Eastlake? I was only at a tasting at their own space, I don't remember it being big enough for 120, but I could be wrong. There food is fantastic there, we chose them for our friends wedding, it was delicious. They also have a restaurant on Eastlake, its new. Called Ravish.

[ethereal]

I thought Lake Union Cafe did a great job with food. Added bonus is that you can (or used to be able to) bring your own wine for a nominal corkage fee. What I don't love about the space is that it's dark. If you have a daytime summer event, it's not ideal. Also, the view is not spectacular. Looks at a pretty ugly part of Lake Union. And the traffic just outside is deafening (freeway above).

SBBC is right next to Ray's. They have 2 spaces, but I believe the smaller of them only holds 70-ish. Again, they surprised me with the food in a good way (although I haven't been there recently). They have a great patio space, but the building is not impressive upon arrival. Inside is better, but their porte cochere is not nice. Parking is super easy and free.

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Lake Union Cafe
3119 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102

[mharris]

Oh, too bad Ray's Boathouse was booked :( Such a great Seattle venue but they do fill up fast! I give another vote to the Waterfront Seafood Grill. I went to a wedding reception there (well over 100 people) and it was incredible. Salty's is really good, too...less spendy but you'll still have great meals and great views :)

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Ray's Boathouse Restaurant
6049 Seaview Ave., Seattle, WA 98107

Waterfront Seafood Grill
2801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121

[seattleviking]

McCormick and Schmick's Harborside has banquet rooms right on Lake Union and it's almost at water level or 1 floor up.

I've been to a lunch even there and is the food that I had was good and would definitely be in your budget range. It's a chain, etc... but I think the food is the same ballpark as Salty's.

[HungWeiLo]

Golf Club at Newcastle has decent food for parties your size, although there's a Seattle and Bellevue skyline view rather than much of a water view but equally nice.

If you insist on a water view, Edgewater Inn has nice food and a good view of the water while not in a tall building.

[jpjtarey]

I sent an inquiry to Edgewater but have not heard back. I hope the food is good. The Newcastle venue is beautiful. Good suggestion. Thanks.

[Brunhilde]

I'm unsure of the cost, but I've been to a luncheon gathering that large at Salty's on Alki and it was very nice.

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Salty's on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98126

[jpjtarey]

Thanks. That is a good suggestion. I hope they are not booked.

[jpjtarey]

What do you think of the Waterfront Seafood Grill Pier 70 vs. Salty's?

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Waterfront Seafood Grill
2801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121

[bluedog67]

The food is far better at Waterfront, but you will pay dearly for it. Salty's is just fine, but will be easier on the wallet.