Submitted by smilechild t3_11m9dgv in providence

I'm looking for a small banquet hall or private dining/party room to host a brunch for ~50 people on Memorial Day morning. Lots of restaurants are not open that day, can't accommodate that many people, or are asking for $4k+ to buy out the restaurant. I'm OK with something low-key like a community room. Can be a bit out of Providence too.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

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Mountain_Bill5743 t1_jbhfaqa wrote

Is this including food? Admittedly, brunch should be cheaper than other meals, but 4k sounds about on par for a private space and food for 50 (especially if there's any kind of booze). You may get quoted higher as a holiday off will probably be a profitable time for a restaurant that is one of the only ones open that day (Seven Stars had a line out the door on MLK day, for example).

Just to put it into context. Feeding 50 people is expensive and gratuity and stuff will add up quickly.

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smilechild OP t1_jbhw9xt wrote

Yeah that definitely makes sense. I'm wishing for there to be an option that's less fancy and set up than an actual restaurant, but may not be possible. Thanks for the insight!

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Mountain_Bill5743 t1_jbi5j38 wrote

Yep, hope it helps. I'm planning a wedding so I am all too familiar with catering costs and restaurant spaces (not this region). With inflation, these costs are much higher than they were even a few years back.

Since it's a brunch, one idea might be to find a meeting space like others are suggesting and then cater something in like panera. That might not fit the vibe of the event you are planning, though, but it will avoid increasing the budget or cutting attendees. A thread here the other day was discussing affordable caterers.

Make sure to find out things like food minimums, venue tax Providence might tack on, and whether the location you want to meet only allows you to use a certain caterer for this event.

Good luck.

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zen_mctunamelt t1_jbguevm wrote

Check out the Landing on Dyer St. art gallery gift shop ice cream shop and a really nice airy space. Part of the Providence River Boat Company too. I held a catered cocktail party there last July and we also took a sunset booze cruise. Good luck.

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emrsea3 t1_jbh77ik wrote

Highly recommend Meehan Overlook in Gov. Notte Park.

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Wide_Television_7074 t1_jbh8w7f wrote

why do you think you wouldn’t have to buy out the restaurant? 50 people is a big event for a restaurant

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gidggirl413 t1_jbj21kh wrote

What about knights of Columbus hall or vfw...place like that. Some of them are nice if you search. The one in north providence is nice (there are two knights' halls in np, and one is better) cheap rental, then hire a caterer separately. I've done this for a brunch pre covid. It cost me 2k. With liquor. And the caterer did the decorations, table clothes etc too...

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redditguru1900 t1_jbh9ks4 wrote

Maybe try Waterman Grille. I’m not sure price or availability but could be worth calling to see

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smilechild OP t1_jbhw2cm wrote

Tried them, they're the ones that gave me the 4k estimate. Thank you!

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BlancheDevereauxPVD t1_jbifb66 wrote

Memorial Day is also going to be tough because of college graduation. Restaurants have been booked for months. But the restaurant I work at doesn’t do brunch regularly but they might be willing to work with you on a menu and open early. DM me if you’re interested, I will put you in touch with the owners.

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nodumbunny t1_jbir1qg wrote

St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Pawtucket has a social hall they rent out. It's down the street from the church and doesn't give any church vibes at all (which IMO was a wise investment decision on their part. They make money renting it out.) It has a commercial kitchen and bar which you can use or not. Best kept secret in room rentals around here as far as I am concerned.

Also search this sub because this question has been asked before.

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BackgroundDelay8588 t1_jbk173c wrote

Snookers is a great spot to host a party, they can easily accommodate 50 people and they’re a casual spot with fun games and pool tables :) and would definitely be within your budget

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JustShawnML t1_jbkc7qg wrote

Machines with magnets in Pawtucket

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meme-scraperr t1_jbvzgr3 wrote

The Chelos in EP has a nice space in the back. Affordable, the food is good, and the staff are great. Very tailored experience, they will help you set up and break it down for you. They are open through pretty much every holiday and should be able to do a morning event

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Proof-Variation7005 t1_jbgunq3 wrote

Space is cold, expensive to get to, and extremely dangerous. I'd recommend finding someplace on Earth instead. Best of luck.

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