What is a cocktail party? It means different things to different people. All that most agree on, is that cocktails are served. Also called a cocktail reception, or a mixer in the corporate world, a cocktail party is open to interpretation.
But thanks to the Perfect Venue Marketplace, you’ll easily discover the best cocktail party venues in San Francisco. Looking for a cozy nook in the heart of the city, a lively event space in downtown San Francisco, an outdoor venue, or a jazz bar? You’ll find all of these and more.
Here are seven of our most unique cocktail party venues in San Francisco for your next soirée.
7 Unique Cocktail Party Venues in San Francisco
Are you an event planner looking for a venue for a cocktail reception? These seven unique cocktail party venues in San Francisco each have their own distinctive appeal. No matter the size or theme of the event, you’re sure to find an event space that’s perfect for your client’s needs.
1. Alchemist Bar & Lounge
If you’re looking to create a little cocktail magic, the Alchemist Bar & Lounge on 3rd Street is a great choice. Exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and vintage decor accents create the perfect backdrop for unique cocktail events. Two event space options are available.
The Upstairs Loft is ideal for small, intimate gatherings, with space for 10 seated and 15 standing guests. It provides the privacy your clients will want for their cocktail parties, yet still offers excellent views of the venue below.
You can also choose the Full Venue option, which offers room for 80 seated or up to 200 standing guests. Alchemist Bar & Lounge is known and loved for its laid-back vibe and expertly crafted cocktails.
What the Alchemist Bar & Lounge Venue is Great For
This event space stands out among cocktail party venues in San Fran, with its cozy and inviting atmosphere and creative drinks. It’s a great choice for a private cocktail party, corporate happy hour event, or birthday party.
2. Lost & Found Cocktail Bar
Need a cocktail party event space in the Sunset District? At the Lost & Found Cocktail Bar on Taraval Street, the sun never sets on a good time.
This venue has an interesting concept for its bar program — landmarks and destinations in San Francisco that people love to get lost in. And this is yet another destination they’ll be happy to lose a few hours in. Cozy surroundings, comfort food, and great cocktails, that’s what this place is all about.
Multiple event space options are available. The Upstairs Private Room and Lower Private Room both offer enough room for 25 people either seated or standing. The Partial Venue option gives you space for 35 seated or standing guests. And the Main Bar accommodates 50 seated or 75 standing guests.
Lost & Found Cocktail Bar offers full buyouts of their main space and private rooms with karaoke. They also offer semi-private event options.
What the Lost & Found Cocktail Bar Venue is Great For
This is not only one of the best cocktail party venues in San Francisco, but they also offer pickup and delivery. You can order bar food, party food trays, and cocktails for pick up or delivery for your next event. This helps with any upcoming corporate mixers or private celebrations you need catering for.
3. Bix
Bix is another top San Francisco cocktail party venue. You’ll find this gem on Gold Street. Here, guests enjoy classic cocktails, contemporary American cuisine, and the smooth sounds of live jazz in an elegant two-story establishment.
Seat 20 people in the Private Dining Room. Or do a Full restaurant Buyout to accommodate up to 100 seated or 150 standing people, split between the main floor and mezzanine spaces.
There’s an open bar during cocktail hour. But what’s a cocktail party without amazing appetizers? That’s no problem at Bix. Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres are available during cocktail hour. Cocktail receptions offer up to 16 different appetizers, so guests will have all the delicious choices they want.
What the Bix Venue is Great For
This event space offers customized, personalized menus, a variety of appetizers, and of course, great cocktails. Guests will love the understated yet stylish surroundings and live jazz music performances, setting the scene for a memorable cocktail reception event.
4. 25 Lusk
This venue should be easy to find, as 25 Lusk can be found at 25 Lusk Street. But that’s not what makes this unique event space an event planner’s dream. Rather, it’s the convenience of six unique event space options, including a rooftop space.
The Clarke Table and Ogden Room spaces seat 14 and 16 people respectively, and are perfect for smaller gatherings. There’s also a Private Dining Room with space for 35 seated or 40 standing people. And comfy Lounge Bays with room for 60 seated or 75 standing people.
Are you planning a slightly larger cocktail event? A Lower-Level Lounge & Bar Buyout option gives you enough space for 85 seated or up to 250 standing guests. Exposed brick, soft lighting, wood ceiling beams, glass partitions, and large mirrors all add to the ambiance.
But we highly recommend the Rooftop space for a cocktail party with a difference. Guests will enjoy the fresh air but also be assured of privacy. This informal space can accommodate up to 125 guests as a full buyout.
What the 25 Lusk Venue is Great For
It can be challenging to find cocktail party venues with rooftop spaces. That’s why this event space is so versatile, and one you’ll definitely want to keep in mind for future events. Rooftop bars are often the best spaces for creating a party vibe, after all.
5. Black Cat Jazz Supper Club
The Black Cat Jazz Supper Club on Eddy Street is a true jazz club and one of Cisco’s most popular cocktail party venues. Three event space options are available, giving you all the versatility your upcoming event needs.
Guests can enjoy cocktail hour in the aptly named Cocktail Hour at the Upstairs Bar space with its art-lined walls and comfy leather seating. There’s room for 16 seated and 20 standing guests.
Did you have something bigger in mind? The Downstairs Supper Club features dining near the stage, dining tables and booth seating with partial views, and several quirky armchairs and drinks tables. This space seats 70.
Alternatively, make this cocktail party event a night to remember with craft cocktails, supper, and live music with a Full Venue Buyout. This option can accommodate 90 seated and 20 standing guests.
What the Black Cat Jazz Supper Club Venue is Great For
You won’t have to worry about providing entertainment for your cocktail party guests in this event space. World-class jazz musicians from all over the world perform here, every night. Artists fees apply. But if the party’s host has something to say to the guests, a microphone is available for events.
6. Conservatory of Flowers
One of the more unique San Francisco cocktail party venues, the Conservatory of Flowers offers guests the opportunity to sip cocktails surrounded by natural beauty. This is already a popular venue for private celebrations and weddings, with multiple event spaces including a venue buyout option.
But we’ll let you in on a secret. This venue on John F. Kennedy Drive at Golden Gate Park is also a great choice for truly memorable cocktail events.
Guests can enjoy a standing cocktail reception in the Victorian-style Conservatory. Five exhibit spaces filled with exotic plants and blooms from across the world, provide the ambiance.
It’s the ideal alternative to a garden party, with space for up to 200 standing guests. And thanks to the natural beauty all around, you don’t have to worry about the decor too much. This is one cocktail party where Mother Nature sets the mood.
What the Conservatory of Flowers Venue is Great For
It’s rare that one finds such a versatile event space, with the beauty of the outdoors. If you’re planning an event in the warmer seasons and want a venue that offers both outdoor and covered spaces, this is the one to consider. It’s set in a peaceful environment with beautiful, lush scenery.
Do you have a lot of outdoor events coming up? Outdoor events often have their own unique challenges. Check out our comprehensive guide to planning outdoor events. It’s full of great tips and insights and will help you make a success of any outdoor party.
7. House of Shields
Several San Francisco cocktail party venues have a vintage look. But at the House of Shields on New Montgomery Street, patrons enjoy the real thing. Built in 1908, it is one of San Francisco's oldest bars and was used as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era.
It is even rumored to have a secret passageway. But it’s no secret that this venue is the ideal place for a memorable, vintage-themed cocktail party. With its warm wood, leather seats, dark ceilings, chandeliers, and elegant historic details, it certainly looks the part, too.
Two event space options are available. The Mezzanine has room for 40 standing guests, and the Grand Bar Buyout gives you enough space for 100 standing guests. The full space seats 200 guests in total.
What the House of Shields Venue is Great For
This event space has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and charming vintage decor. The Mezzanine allows guests privacy, while still offering a view of the full bar. This upstairs event space also has a small bar for private event use.
Tips for Planning a Cocktail Event in San Francisco
With such a wide selection of cocktail venues in San Fran, there’s plenty of room for customization. Here are some tips for creating the best cocktail experiences.
Create A Unique Event Theme
Whether you’re planning a social event in the Mission District or a corporate event in the Financial District, any party is more fun with a theme. But this is just as true for cocktail events. A theme is especially popular for cocktail events over holiday periods.
And don’t forget the decor and furnishings. Some cocktail reception venues are more decorative than others. But regardless of the existing decor, you may want to add a few extra touches aligned with the event theme.
Pay Attention to the Layout
Cocktail receptions are often standing events. But most people aren’t happy to stand all night. Check that there is enough room for when everyone is standing at the start of the evening. But also ensure that there is enough comfortable seating for when some of the guests want to sit and chat.
If you’re new to event floor plan design and layout, don’t worry. We’re here to help. With our complete guide to floor plan design and layout planning, you’ll know exactly how to optimize space and resources for event success.
Craft a Signature Cocktail Menu
Craft a cocktail menu to fit the theme. Keep a few classics in the mix, though. Hire a mixologist to whip up the custom creations, and perhaps give guests a demonstration so they can try mixing their own cocktails at home. This doubles as event entertainment and adds that extra special touch.
Of course, all of this will depend on whether the venue you choose allows it. Always check before you book a venue. If they do not allow it, you can always create themed menus for your cocktail reception featuring the in-house cocktails.
Set the Mood
Set the right mood with soft lighting and music. The music can even fit the theme. But avoid harsh lighting, which is not conducive to an enjoyable social event. The music should be loud enough that guests don’t strain to hear it, but soft enough to allow them to converse with one another.
You may, however, wish to choose a venue that has live music. This sets the mood very nicely, but can also make it difficult for your event guest to chat and be heard. Keep this in mind when choosing your venue.
Prioritize Clients’ and Guests’ Safety
You’ve sent out the invitations and advised guests about the dress code. But have you made provisions for their safety? More so than any other event, a cocktail party centers around drinking alcohol. And at the end of the evening, those guests will be making their way home. Help them to do so safely.
Offer non-alcoholic mocktails for guests who don’t like to drink much alcohol, and for any designated drivers. Arrange easy access to rideshare services or public transportation for anyone who drinks too much alcohol to safely drive home.
There are legal consequences to drinking and driving, too. Have your clients or some of their guests only recently moved to San Francisco, California? They may still be unfamiliar with California’s laws on driving after consuming alcohol. Ensure that everyone attending the event knows the following:
- The legal drinking age in California is 21 years.
- By driving in California, drivers automatically consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if a law enforcement officer suspects them of driving under the influence of alcohol.
- It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more in California. It’s as low as 0.01% or more for drivers already on DUI probation.
Thinking of organizing a cocktail event on a boat in the SF Bay Area? That sounds like fun, but don’t let the skipper drink too much. The blood alcohol limit for boating is the same as for driving.
Find the Perfect Cocktail Party Venue on the Perfect Venue Marketplace
Your search for the perfect venue for your upcoming cocktail event is over. On the Perfect Venue Marketplace, you’ll find a wide selection of cocktail party venues in San Francisco CA. You’ll also find venues across the country for birthdays, weddings, holiday celebrations, corporate events, and more.
Our easy-to-use search function lets you filter search results according to location, event type, and number of guests. Once you’ve narrowed down your search criteria, you’ll discover that the perfect venue is just a few clicks away.
