The Executive Dinner Playbook
Finding the right venue for your executive event can be challenging. You need to find a venue that is not too big and not too small (just like Goldilocks), is available on your preferred date and, most importantly, is an interesting space.
Here are some of our favorite venues in San Francisco that are bound to make an impression on your guests:
- Saint Joseph’s Arts Society
If you’re an art lover or just appreciate visually pleasing things, then feast your eyes on Saint Joseph’s Arts Society. After being abandoned for 30 years, the beautiful historic church of Saint Joseph has been restored by the talented interior designer to the stars, Ken Fulk, to showcase his bold and coveted style. This sculpted cathedral features otherworldly furniture, a bar covered in roses, papier-mache bear sculptures (in place of religious statues), and unusual taxidermists-photographers. The whole venue is an experience in itself. Great for large parties that want to make a statement.
- Marianne’s at The Cavalier
If you appreciate a more intimate setting that feels like a mix of regal and rock & roll with Ken Fulk’s flair, then Marianne’s was meant for you. This edgy salon tucked away behind the Cavalier can be easily missed if you don’t know it exists. With candlelight-type lighting, plush purple walls, posh leather, and zebra print furniture, you will feel like you’re hanging out with the Rolling Stones in their favorite semi-secret backroom. Great for small to medium parties that want a close-knit setting.
- The Interval at Long Now
If you appreciate a venue that is unlike anything you’ve seen before, then the Interval at Long Now will capture your attention. This one-of-a- kind venue is part museum, part coffee shop, and part bar features an apothecary-like bar/cafe, a variety of unusual objects (including the 10,000-year mechanical clock), and an expansive wall of books. What you may not notice is the hidden door within the library walls that leads to a secret room for hosting intimate salon-style events. Great for small parties who love an intellectual conversation.
- Cold Drinks Bar at China Live
If the roaring twenties in Shanghai is more your vibe, then Cold Drinks should fancy all of your needs. This glorified scotch bar boasts a glitzy jazz-era vibe with dapper bartenders and a moody ambiance. You don’t have to be a scotch lover to appreciate the bar. They serve a variety of craft cocktails and dishes from their award-winning restaurant, China Live, below. Great for small to midsize parties that swoon for an elegant Great Gatsby soiree.
- The Billiards Room in Wayfare Tavern
If you’re curious about what an Edwardian men’s club was like at the turn of the 20th century, then you should check out the Billiards Room in Wayfare Tavern. This handsome Victorian tavern is garnished with warm wood, antique lighting fixtures, odd taxidermy, and a converted top billiards table that serves as the dining room table by day and billiards by night. This is a Tyler Florence Michelin-starred restaurant so you’re bound to be in for a real treat. Great for small parties that want more renaissance than hip.
- Mr. Tipple’s Recording Studio
If you want to be transported back in time when entertainment included great live jazz music, swanky vibes, and classical spirits, then Mr. Tipple’s is your kind of gem. This open recording studio brings accomplished jazz and blues acts that will get you on your feet and in the jig. Great for small to midsize parties that want to be close to the band.
- The Backroom at Tosca Cafe
If legendary is more your thing, then the not-so-secret backroom of Tosca Cafe will provide the fanfare you need after these past years. Covered with photographs of all of the famous celebrities who wined and dined within these walls, this iconic San Francisco establishment holds some juicy secrets. if walls could talk, we could finally settle the rumor that Sean Penn shot a bullet through the wall. Great for small to midsize parties who are hoping to become famous by osmosis.
- The Gotham Club
If “Let’s play ball!” is music to your ears, then the Gotham Club will be a home run. Located inside the out-of-town scoreboard at Oracle park, the clubhouse features a stunning bar and dining area, access to a private field viewing section, and a secret lounge with a billiards table, bowling lanes, and vintage parlor games. The space is so cool that you don’t have to like baseball to enjoy it. Great for small to large parties that want a bucket list experience.
- The Penthouse at Wingtip
If stunning views capture your heart, then the Penthouse in Wingtip will take your breath away with its floor-to-ceiling windows with city views and rooftop deck overlooking the city skyline. The interior space has everything your need to have a well-rounded experience with a whisky room, a cigar room with club jackets (to prevent your clothes from getting smokey), a golf simulator, a wine cave, a champagne room, a barber, and a tailor. Great for small to large parties that like to indulge in the finer things in life.
- The San Francisco Mint
If you’re a history buff who would appreciate an 1874 National Historic Landmark, then the Old San Francisco Mint will bank all of your desires. Once holding ⅓ of the country’s wealth, this 100,000 square feet Greek revival masterpiece boasts a grand façade, classic columns, sweeping staircase entry, multiple ballrooms, 30-foot high ceiling, wraparound mezzanines, gold vaults, gaslight chandeliers, and expansive courtyard. Its ambiance is rich in history and aesthetics. Great for large-scale parties, but the individual rooms can be rented separately for smaller parties.
- The Speakeasy at the Barrel Room
If you haven’t noticed by now, we love a good speakeasy. Located in The Barrel Room (another former bank, but on a much smaller scale than the San Francisco Mint), the Speakeasy is accessed by a hidden stairway descending to an old basement bank vault with remnants of the prohibition era, including a library, a [electric] fireplace, chess table piano, and antique furnishings. This hideaway is great for small to medium parties that adore vintage charm.
Make your company event one to be remembered. We organize everything, so you can focus on more important business matters.
To get started, email us at info@thebonsoir.com or call (628) 223-3510.