Six New Seattle-Area Event Spaces with Availability for Holiday 2024 and Beyond
With all this talk of return to office, where’s the discussion on return to holiday parties? Recent research from Gallup shows 76% of employees with close friends at work are far more likely to stay with the organization. It’s safe to assume employees are more engaged in social settings than the office, so here’s look at some of Seattle’s lesser known, small to mid-size party locales ideal for team building, merrymaking and community creation beyond the water cooler.
In an effort to diversify offerings, Seattle’s specialty foods company Gourmondo has found that many small businesses are leaning into special events. From a historic Pioneer Square bookstore doubling down on literary libations to a Seattle Sounder’s venue full of charm, a Pike Place hideaway ready for its closeup or a new Woodinville Tasting Room with culinary chops, here are six new private event spaces with availability through the holiday season.
Long Brother’s Fine and Rare Books (capacity 48 guests). Silent reading party, anyone? This historic space in Seattle’s Pioneer Square recently began moonlighting as a vibey event space with the help of Gourmondo’s culinary prowess. As the exclusive caterer for this cozy nook full of charm, Gourmondo creates custom cocktail programs for the venue’s built-in bar as well as bites and libations to round out a classic Seattle night out.
The NINETY (capacity 154 guests). The premier event space for the Seattle Sounders is also Gourmondo’s newest venue collaboration. Located at Sounders FC’s front office headquarters in Pioneer Square (406 Occidental Ave S.), the space features the Club’s trophies, Posters by the People display, and other unique historical features.
Long Shadows Tasting Room Woodinville (Full Tasting Room capacity 200 guests) Opened mid-2023, Long Shadows Tasting Room in Woodinville recently partnered with Gourmondo to enhance it’s award-winning wines with epicurean experiences. The 7,400 sq ft. tasting room sports a modern, industrial vibe with soaring 35-ft. ceilings, a double-sided, copper-cased fireplace, a dramatic backlit bar with granite countertops, polished cement floors with large area rugs, and a gleaming grand piano create an inspired, contemporary impression. Book a private space or create a custom pairing menu or the Epicurean Experience for an intimate celebration for the table.
Karoo Café. (capacity 120 guests) This newly opened coffee to cocktails venue offering a taste of South Africa in the bustling heart of Pike Place Market is also open for private events. Created by South African native Olivia Veermak, this space serves up more than just coffee and cocktails. The space emanates warmth and a sense of togetherness, embracing the Ubuntu philosophy of 'I am because we are.' Dive into a space where every corner is crafted with South African hospitality with a menu of tapas style fare from the chefs at Gourmondo to match.
SLU BRU—South Lake Union’s brand-new beer hall and Gourmondo’s new venue partner. This sleek, new beer hall is available to be booked for private events Monday through Saturday. Enjoy access to the entire pub, with 10+ beers on tap and a curated custom catering menu.
Plaza Yarrow Bay. This beautiful new space on the Kirkland waterfront is available for private events Monday through Friday. Enjoy catering options and bar service thoughtfully curated for your event by our experienced and friendly event staff at Gourmondo.
About Gourmondo
Gourmondo is a specialty foods and catering company founded in 1996 on the belief that gourmet and high-quality food should be accessible and approachable to everyone. With storied beginnings as a four-top café in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market, Gourmondo has grown into one of the largest and longest- running, women-owned catering companies in the PNW. The nimble, award-winning team shines within a variety of hospitality experiences. Services include gourmet soirees, retail and wholesale offerings, elevated boxed lunches that give back to the community, and a Corporate Campus Amenity Division with bustling cafes that bring connection back to the workplace. All Gourmondo products including baked goods, dressings, sauces, marinades, and stocks are made in house fresh daily. Ingredients are obsessively curated, with custom imported olive oils, and spice rubs that are individually blended by World Spice Merchants in the Pike Place Market. As an equal-opportunity, second chance employer, Gourmondo is passionate about good business practices, supporting team members, and thriving communities. Learn more at gourmondoco.com and @GourmondoCo.