Pandemic who? Yes, the office holiday party — which is your once-a-year pass to imbibe too much on the boss’s tab — is back. We have a feeling that, like the travel craze, the parties will be better than ever too. Here are six cool places in NYC to host your holiday party.
1. The Grill
There are old fashioned steakhouses, and then there’s the Grill. This is an establishment that takes its history very seriously, paying special tribute to the classic Seagram Building that houses both the restaurant and the event space called the Pool. With two intimate dining rooms available for private events, the Grill is not looking to host your typical office holiday party. That is, no Santa hats or shared punch bowl. Instead, you can expect extensive table-side preparation, a swanky dress code, and maybe even a champagne tower. The rooms, both showing off iconic Lee Krasner artwork, can be booked separately or together, housing a total of 35 guests between the two.
Good for:
Pure, unadulterated New York class. Best for smaller parties that want an old-school vibe.
2. Fasano
The Fasano family brand has been around since 1902. So you can bet the elegant Italian menu of this new NYC outpost had icon status before even being conceived. But its private event offerings are really what take this establishment to the next level. It has four stunning private spaces, each offering a range of unique experiences for your holiday party. Book the oh-so-chic Osteria for a more intimate, relaxed dinner, or the world-renowned Baretto for a night of dancing and entertainment. If you’re looking for a more private space, fit for celebrations, you may be drawn to the Board Room, complete with its own reception area.
Good For:
Everyone. Whatever your occasion, Fasano has a private room for it.
3. Mo Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental
It’s not everyday that you get to enjoy dinner with a panoramic view of Central Park. That’s something for special occasions — like dinner paid for by the boss. And the private dining room at the Mandarin Oriental’s Mo Lounge is as special as it gets. The Gallery is Mo’s private event space, and it mirrors the lounge’s funky aesthetic in an intimate, suave setting. The room can accommodate up to 60 people for cocktails, or a smaller group for sit-down dinners.
Good For:
A holiday party that feels like it’s set in Gatsby’s library. Think dark, green velvet; vintage sconces; and art that starts a conversation.
4. Comodo NYC
Champagne towers are fun, but sometimes you like your team so much that all you need for a good time is a charming space, interesting food, and great wine. If you’re one of the lucky ones, we suggest the private room at Comodo. The space is anything but humble, and yet the reasonably priced fixed menu makes the whole experience feel both festive and down to earth. The size of the room invites non-stuffy conversation, and its location in the Freehand Hotel adds just the perfect touch of swank. Plus, the food really does speak for itself. We suggest doing as we did at our team dinner, and ordering one of everything on the menu. You won’t regret it.
Good for:
A close team wanting an intimate setting; foodies and wine lovers; and everyone in between.
5. Zou Zou
Another affordable option, Zou Zou, is a warm and lively Mediterranean restaurant in Manhattan West. The space is fun and bright, the food is inspired, and the energy just makes you feel good. The menu itself is great for sharing. So when you add two gorgeous private spaces to the mix, Zou Zou seems like a no-brainer for your holiday party. The private rooms echo the dark wood and open feeling of the restaurant’s main dining room, but with a focus on intimacy and adaptability. Whatever vision you may have for your event, Zou Zou wants to help make it happen. The two spaces can be combined for a cocktail reception or a seated dinner, accommodating between 42 and 60 guests.
Good for:
A good-time group that likes eating on the adventurous side. Suitable for both bigger and smaller parties, depending on what event format you’re looking for.
6. SPIN
Ever heard of a table tennis social club? Neither had we, and we’d certainly never thought of hosting a company holiday party at one. Enter SPIN, an underground venue focusing on table tennis, private events, and shareable high end cuisine. Along with 19 ping pong tables, SPIN offers on-site catering, a private room with its own bar, house DJs, and a famous bathtub filled with table tennis balls for the perfect photo op. The space is fun but not contrived, with multiple private rooms and lounges to choose from. The details are just as entertaining as the concept itself, from customizable bleacher seating to Olympic flooring throughout the venue. And if you’re looking to take it to the next level, SPIN offers a variety of custom elements to add on to your private-event package. DJs and interactive installations curated to your event, a table tennis professional to coach you through tournaments and competitions, or personalized paddles complete with your company logo. The sky’s the limit here.
Good for:
A party that feels like a party. Bigger teams and younger demographics will thrive here. But the venue’s versatility makes it great for anyone.
Ready to book?
Drop us a line at [email protected], and we can help you plan customized group events.
