We have received many requests for me to put on my event planner hat and share some insider information. When Cassie and I set out to bring you all Little Hoboken, the intention was always to NOT self-promote our careers, but make it about Hoboken as a community and for the families. But, as they say, I'll "give the people what they want!"
Searching for a venue for a party is always a massive headache. Even for professionals. We need to check so many boxes for each event we are hosting and it needs to create the appropriate overall vibe that we've been envisioning for that particular event.
At the end of the day, most local spots WILL let you rent their space or a section of their space even if they don't market themselves as an event space. So, if you love a local Mexican restaurant and that fits your vision of the perfect "Fiesta Uno", call and ask!
Capacity:
MAKE A LIST! Know what your possible maximum guest list could be and work off of that. If every person comes, they need room. That also means you have to accommodate the food, activities, vendors, or anything else that may come in. If the capacity is 200 guests standing, remember, that means, no seating for your 190 guests and definitely no bounce house in the corner! Ask for floor plans and assume they have given you maximum numbers based on it being TIGHT!
Budget:
There is always room for negotiation, but you can't make a miracle. Can you negotiate a rate on a Tuesday afternoon event? Most likely. A Saturday night during the holiday season? Nope! Know your budget prior to going in and be willing to bend on other things if the venue is something you HAVE to have. Maybe get clever and make your own centerpieces instead of outsourcing and throw that extra money to the venue. Also, know exactly what you are getting. Is it raw space and you have to bring in all tables, chairs, linens, staff, food, beverage, paper goods or china? Factor every last spoon into that budget before you freak yourself out later. Make sure if your price per person does include food and alcohol that you are quoting a different rate for guests under 21. That means a 19 year old is NOT counted as an adult!
Timeline:
This is the biggest mistake most of my clients make if they book a venue before we meet. They book a venue and it's perfect and they have BIG plans for the party's theme and decor. Then, they tell me I have one hour to load in and set it all up. I am really good at what I do and have some fabulous assistants that work for me, but I'm not a magician. Find out how much extra time you can add on the front end of your event and if you have the option to pay extra for extra time, DO IT! It's always worth it if decor is important to you! (some places event let you come in the night before if they have nothing planned for that evening!) You also need to look into the amount of time you have to breakdown. Is there an event starting one hour after your party? All of these things have to be factored in before you go on an Etsy shopping spree.
Parking:
In Hoboken, we all know this is the biggest complaint we hear from anyone who comes here from out of town. If there is parking nearby, find out and add that garage info to the invitation. It will prevent you from listening to the moaning and groaning (if my dad is on your guest list) and from answering the same question a million times. Sometimes, you can even pre-pay for parking for your party and get a discounted rate. If you aren't sure about that, ask the space. They may have a garage they work with and offer validation. Need help finding parking? Be sure to check out www.hobokenparkinghelper.com
Here is a list of local venues that you can decorate, design and fill with your favorite celebration!
10th and Willow
Capacity: Varies on event (Private Room Avail)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 935 Willow Ave
Anthony David's
Capacity: 18
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 953 Bloomfield St
Antique Loft
Capacity: Varies on event
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Location: 33 Newark Street
Amanda's
Capacity: 90 (Half of Restaurant Avail)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 908 Washington St
Bin 14 (Back Patio)
Capacity: 30 +/- (varies on party)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 1314 Washington St
Brass Rail
Capacity: 70 (upstairs)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 135 Washington St
Carpe Diem
Capacity: 20+ (upstairs)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 1405 Grand St
Celebrate Life Studio
Capacity: 30
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen: No
Location: 1200 Park Ave
Dozzino
Capacity: 30-80
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 534 Adams Street
Edge Hoboken
Capacity:
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Location: 417 Newark St.
Elks Club
Capacity: Varies on event
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen for Caterer: Yes
Location: 1005 Washington Street
Grimaldi's
Capacity: 50 (private room)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 411 Washington Street
Halifax (@ W Hotel)
Capacity: 60 (semi-private space)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 225 River Street
Hoboken Gourmet
Capacity: 20
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 423 Washington Street
House of Que
Capacity: Varies on event (Half of Restaurant Avail)
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 340 Sinatra Dr
Hudson Table
Capacity: 32 seated 45 standing
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen: Yes
Location: 1403 Clinton Street
Johnny Pepperoni
Capacity: 60
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 219 11th St
Jubilee Center
Capacity: 115
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen: Yes
Location: 601 Jackson Street
Knights of Columbus
Capacity: Varies on event
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen for Caterer: Yes
Location: 122 Adams Street
*Sponsored Listing*
Kolo Klub
Capacity: 40 - 160
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen: Only Preferred Caterers Can Use
Location: 1422 Grand Street
KOLO KLUB is a stylishly restored open floor plan venue. This artisan-built loft in a turn-of-the-century building in uptown Hoboken is the home to the town’s best kept secret in beautiful event space! From intimate gatherings to weddings of all sizes to large galas are planned and executed brilliantly by the Kolo Klub team in the stunning setting of our venue. To arrange your next unforgettable event, contact us.
If you can dream it, we can perfect it!
Local Barre West
Capacity: Varies on event/room
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen for Caterer: Yes
Location: 720 Monroe Street, #300
Lulu's (@ W Hotel)
Capacity: 300
Outside Catering Allowed: Preferred Caterer List
Onsite Kitchen for Caterer: Only Preferred Caterers Can Use
Location: 225 River St
Mills Tavern
Capacity: Varies on event (upper balcony, as well as, entire space)
Onsite Kitchen: Yes
Location: 125 Washington St.
Monroe Movement Space
Capacity: 25 kids 65 adults
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Onsite Kitchen: No
Location: 720 Monroe St
Northern Soul
Capacity: 176
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 700 First Street
Simply Chai
Capacity: 50
Outside Catering Allowed: No (BYOB)
Location: 79 Hudson Street
W Hotel Ballroom
Capacity: 75-400
Outside Catering Allowed: No
Location: 225 River St
Willie McBride's
Capacity: 150 (Private Back Room with Private Bar Available)
Outside Catering Allowed: Yes
Location: 616 Grand St
Have a venue that should be on this list? Email us! hello@littlehobokenblog.com
This list serves informational purposes only. Little Hoboken, LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for
the information provided or services rendered from any vendor listed on our website.