Room for 50 with BYO food, no catering?

[Robin Garr]

This is kind of an odd request I got by Email, and frankly, it wasn't something I had thought about before: A group is planning a big birthday party for their friend and they want to rent a "nice" place to accommodate a group of 50, but they want to bring their own potluck food.

My knee-jerk reaction was that no restaurant would be interested in a private room rental with BYO food, but in this economy, who knows?

If you've got suggestions or information about this practice being more commonplace than I think it is, please post!

I would recommend any American Legion, VFW or Eagles lodge. They usually only require that you purchase their alcoholic beverages if desired, as there are conflicts with state liquor laws against BYOB and chartered organizations. Most are very reasonable also. I think the Eagles here in J-town rent their room for only $300.00. That breaks down to $6.00 a person.

Did they specifically say they wanted a dining room at a restaurant? When I read the subject I wasn't thinking restaurant dining room, but I did think of Nunnlea House on Hurstbourne, though for 50 people that might be a little bit much depending on exactly what they are looking for, and budget.

Maybe The Olmsted? 899-7670

Maybe The Olmsted? 899-7670

Masterson's does the catering there now and I doubt that they would let outside food come in.
I also thought of the Frasier House next to the Women's Club on 4th Street, But I think its $700 to rent it out.
I could make better recommendations if I knew what kind of budget they were working with.
There are a lot of places, some nicer than others. Depends on how much they were looking to spend.

Many of the subdivisions have community centers with nice rooms for such events. Maybe one of the guests lives in a subdivision that has one? Also, the Peewee Valley women's club is available for rental, we've used it before and the rental fee was quite reasonable.

The American Legion Post on Bardstown Road rents the front room of the "Log Cabin" at a reasonable rate. We live across the street and I've rented from them a couple times... One time for my husband's 50th birthday party (5 years ago) and another time for my son's wedding (2 years ago).

When were they planning on having the party, Robin? If it is later in February, I may be able to accomodate them at The Blind Pig.

Try the Conrad Caldwell House in Old Louisville -- they have a nice dining room in the addition at the rear of the mansion. There also is a large kitchen with huge old range, sinks, refrigerator, prep area etc. I don't believe they require you to have a caterer. Don't know what their liquor policy is.

They also have some smaller dining rooms in the mansion itself.

Leslie Ellis

Many of the subdivisions have community centers with nice rooms for such events. Maybe one of the guests lives in a subdivision that has one? Also, the Peewee Valley women's club is available for rental, we've used it before and the rental fee was quite reasonable.

Good point- our nice clubhouse here in Springhurst rents for very cheap (I think $150) with a res kitchen. I'm pretty sure you have to be a resident to rent it. Have them check to see if any of the guests lives in a subdivision with a clubhouse.

Deb

[Robin Garr]

Thanks, all. This appears to be an older group, some of them disabled, who want to gather to celebrate a friend's 70th birthday and do it up right. I would have given more information at the beginning if I had known more.

Obviously they're looking for a place that's "nice" but not horribly expensive. It should be in the city, not out in the suburbs - a long trek for most - and it must be wheelchair-accessible. I guess that narrows the field a lot. I hope it doesn't narrow it to impossibility.

There used to be Woman's Club on Grinstead directly across from the Baptist Seminary. Went to a wedding reception there once. The Clifton Center rents rooms of all sizes I believe.

Just a couple thoughts.

Over here on the Sunny Side of the river, there are a number of "community buildings" that could easily accommodate such a gathering, including a restored one-room school house, the community building at the county 4-H fairgrounds, etc. Those options are pretty inexpensive ($150 or less). I'm sure there are such facilities on the southern side of the river too. And, of course, there's always the possibility of renting the fellowship hall of a small church.

Lois

I believe the Middletown Women's Club is less than $100 rental - can't exactly recall the price but had my sister's baby shower there in 2008.

Look at the basement of the Kaden Tower (where Ruth Chris is)

It's a beautiful space, all marble....coat rooms, kitchen. Lovely space that is Louisville's best secret.

If you need great entertainment for an older crowd, I'm one of the few in this town who do the oldies.