Looking for an Art Deco venue for a cocktail reception for around 150 people in or around Toronto.

[tweetcheeks]

I'm looking for an Art Deco venue for a cocktail reception for around 150 people in or around Toronto. I want appetizers and open bar (even if I have to provide my own alcohol). I've checked out the Carlu and Capitol Theatre and recently had to back out of a contract at the Berkeley Church Field House due to too many mistakes on their end. Ideally I'd love to have some indoor and outdoor space, but it won't be a deciding factor! Any suggestions would be great!

[tweetcheeks]

Thanks everyone for your feedback! I should have mentioned it's for a wedding reception, too.

1. The Carlu is definitely something well take a second look at yes, I've heard the food is amazing here. The decor is gorgeous and it's always been my first choice, but the price for alcohol and light hors d'oeuvres was quoted at $125 - $175 pp, so a bit high, though this was without any type of negotiation so far.

2. Palais Royale I have heard the food is mediocre but space is gorgeous. I'll check them out :).

3. Capitol Theatre is still a preferred choice, and the chef is apparently amazing. We sampled some of the menu and it was delicious! Price was quite reasonable for the amount of food and drink we were getting. Same feel as the Carlu, just far more budget friendly.

Suggestions to check out the Roosevelt Room, ROM, and Eglinton Grand are appreciated! Has anyone ever attended wedding receptions at these venues?

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The Roosevelt Room
2 Drummond St, Toronto, ON M8V, CA

[MeMeMe]

I was recently at an event at the Carlu and the food was amazing and the place is gorgeous. I think the Palais Royale is a little large for what you need (they only have one giant space). I too have heard that the Eglinton Grand's food is mediocre and frankly the accessibility isn't very great for some people who may have mobility issues.

[The Chowhound Team]

Folks, just a quick reminder that we're a food discussion forum. We'd ask that the replies focus on the quality of food and catering at venues that are also Art Deco styled, rather than strictly focusing on the architecture of the space.

[currycue]

Lula Lounge has an Art Deco feel to it and the food is pretty good as well. Saw a show there last week.

www.lula.ca

[toveggiegirl]

I agree with Googs, The Carlu is absolutely lovely. Why did you eliminate it as an option?
The Eglinton Grand is also a really neat space but the food can be iffy. http://www.eglintongrand.com/
One more place to check out is The Roosevelt Room. www.TheRooseveltRoom.ca/

[Googs]

You want The Carlu. Really. It's an oustanding venue lovingly restored to it's orginal art deco state. The staff there will deliver the perfect event. You really can't ask for a better place.

Having said that, you might also consider the Currelly Gallery at the Royal Ontario Museum.

[ministerofkebab]

totally agree, had an event at the Carlu last year, beautiful space, great staff and 150 is a good number for that space, perhaps a little low, but it is configurable.

[Pizza Lover]

I was recently at the Design Exchange - former Toronto stock market on Bay St. and it's a beautiful space.

[Toronto Fastfoodie]

I second the design exchange. I have been there for events and it is exactly what you wanted. Not only does it have the art deco design, but there are a lot of original features left over from when it was a trading floor which make great conversation starters.

[Googs]

You've apparently never loaded into the DX. BRU-tal.

[Toronto Fastfoodie]

What do you mean, "loaded in?" I was a guest there twice. The set up for each event was very different (one was a mingle type event and the other a speaker) but it was great for both. My only problem, upon reflection, is that it feels a little cold-literally and figuratively.

[Googs]

Sorry. Lingo for bringing gear into a venue. That place is terrible if you happen to be one of the suppliers unlucky enough to have to push from dock to room. The OP seems to be organizing and attending rather than supplying, but I wasn't sure enough to skip that point.

[Flexitarian]

How about the Palais Royale?

[villars]

try the 424 Wellington. It's inexpensive, downtown and has enough of an Deco feel to pull off a theme reception. bonus, you can bring in any caterer you want.
http://424events.com/