December 7, 2022 —The month of December means one thing and one thing only: the holiday season is here, and celebratory gatherings are in the works! We have compiled a list of Philadelphia area’s best and most unique event venues for your convenience, including Rex at The Royal, Art in the Age, Red Owl Tavern, Royal Boucherie, Stella of New Hope, CO-OP Restaurant & Bar, Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Urban Farmer, Forsythia, The Twisted Tail and Xfinity Live!, all offering spacious environs and noteworthy private event packages ideal for celebrating the holiday season with extended family gatherings, and office holiday party, or any festive soirée from now until the new year.
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Rex at The Royal, the South Street hub for elevated Lowcountry cuisine, touts a private dining room that can seat up to 40 guests for a plated dinner, in addition to the lounge area with capacity for 50 guests for a cocktail reception, all located on the secluded, recently-launched mezzanine. When booking events at Rex at The Royal, planners can choose between three tiers of food and beverage packages. See more details below!
Inside the private dining room, marked by an entrance of dark hardwood French doors, parties of up to 40 can enjoy plated dinners showcasing the most coveted dishes served at Rex at The Royal: She Crab Soup, Shrimp & Grits, Pulled Pork Benedict, Oysters of the Half Shell, Rex Burger Sliders, Chicken and Dumplings and more. When planning an event, patrons can choose between buffet or family-style meals, as well as tiered bar packages spanning Basic, Mid-Tier, or Top Shelf, with varying ranges of cocktails, beer, and wines available. All cuisine and bar package details are available to view here.
Under inviting mood lighting in Rex at The Royal’s mezzanine lounge area, event attendees can cozy up with a craft cocktail or selections of wine in velvet-upholstered armchairs and sofas, enjoy standing room by the bar, or perch at high-top tables by the ledge, overlooking the expansive first floor dining area and bar. Rich teal walls, dark hardwood and warm, neutral accents complemented by colorful detailed rugs, potted plants, and strategically placed vintage lamps contribute to the old-world charm and cozy, sophisticated ambiance presented on the mezzanine. From the second floor, guests will have a bird’s eye view of original architecture from The Royal Theatre in the form of Rex’s sweeping archways, high ceilings, and performance stage, as well as the main dining floor and twinkling Amazonite bar.
To book the space at Rex at The Royal, planners are encouraged to reach out to events@sojournphilly.com.
Hours of operation: Monday 5-10 pm, Tuesday—Thursday 9 am—3 pm, 5—10 pm, Friday—Saturday 9 am—3 pm, 5 pm—12 am, Sunday 11 am—2:30 pm, 5—10 pm
1524 South St. | 267-319-1366 | www.rexphl.com
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Art in the Age, the elegant home bar supply and bottle shop known for craft spirits and interactive workshops, offers private cocktail workshops and guided tasting sessions for a uniquely fun and educational experience perfect for gatherings, of coworkers, friends, and family alike. The staff of expert mixologists provide guests with a behind-the-scenes look at classic cocktails from the history, to the basics of their construction, to instructions on creating designer cocktails at home. The experts at Art in the Age also offer guided tasting flights of premium spirits (from sister distillery Tamworth Distilling, Philadelphia local New Liberty Distillery, and more), sharing intel on the distillation process and unveiling subtle tasting notes. Boasting a full stock of home bar supplies from jiggers to shakers to stirring spoons to craft sodas, bitters and more, Art in the Age is the ideal one-stop-shop for all things beverage.
For larger groups, including corporate events, Art in the Age offers two options: a more hands-on program where guests learn background on a cocktail and proceed to stir it up themselves, or a more casual event, where the Art in the Age staff simply serves drinks, “open bar” style. For additional event details and any questions regarding booking an event, reach out to Art in the Age here.
Hours of operation: Tuesday—Thursday 12—7 pm, Friday—Saturday 12—8 pm, Sunday 12—6 pm
116 North 3rd St. | 215-922-2600 | www.artintheage.com
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Red Owl Tavern, the contemporary kitchen and bar located across Independence Hall, invites locals and visitors to commemorate the holidays with friends, family, and co-workers by hosting a gathering in one of the elaborate event spaces. Options include the Chef’s Table, perfect for personable dinners accommodating up to ten guests in the historic bank vault-turned-wine cellar, and The Shangai Room, fit for larger groups of up to 30 attendees, creating a blissful ambiance with everyone sitting together at one table, complete with a vaulted brick ceiling, vintage chandeliers, and mahogany paneled walls.
For more expansive events, The Mezzanine seats up to 60 guests overlooking the lively first-floor restaurant, or folks can opt for renting out the entire restaurant which holds a capacity of 150. To book a private event, click here.
Hours of operation: Breakfast Monday through Friday, 7:30 am–10:45 am; Lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 am –4:30 pm; Dinner Monday through Tuesday, 4:30 pm–9 pm; Thursday through Friday, 4:30 pm–10 pm; Saturday, 5 pm–10 pm, Brunch Saturday, 8 am–4 pm; Sunday 8 am–3 pm
433 Chestnut St | 215.923.2267 | https://redowltavern.com
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Royal Boucherie, Old City’s atmospheric and lively neighborhood restaurant and bar, is a magnificent venue for hosting any type of celebratory event, whether that be a wedding ceremony and/or reception, office holiday party, intimate (and extended) family gathering, and more.
The second-floor private dining room and adjacent al fresco garden patio provides an ideal ambiance for a ritzy holiday soirée with the indoor dining room seating up to 40, and ample standing room by the bar that can accommodate 60 people comfortably, while the covered garden terrace holds smaller parties of 25 seated and 35 for a cocktail-hour.
Holiday-centric private events can be scheduled during weekend brunch and standard dinner service, with the added option of a private lunch event held during the week. To inquire about booking a private event at Royal Boucherie, click here.
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday 4 pm–10 pm, Friday 4 pm–11 pm, Saturday 10 am–11 pm, Sunday 10 am–9 pm
52 S. 2nd St. | 267.606.6313 | www.royalboucherie.com
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Stella of New Hope, the modern American restaurant on the Delaware River helmed by seasoned Executive Chef Michael O’Halloran, offers four unique spaces for 45-200 people each with sweeping riverside views, including the Stella Ballroom, Riverview Terrace, Stella Dining Room and Stella’s heated Patio. Packages range from a 2-hour cocktail event with passed apps to stationed hors d’oeuvres, cocktail style entrée stations, family style seated dinner or a Brunch buffet. Fun add-ons include a signature cocktail, DIY Taco Bar, DIY Bloody Mary or Mimosa Bar, and more. Those interested in learning more can call 267.740.2691 or email info@stellanewhope.com.
Hours of operation: Tuesday through Thursday 4 pm–9 pm, Friday 4 pm–11 pm, Saturday 11 am–2 pm and 4 pm– 11 pm, Sunday 11 am–2 pm, and 4 pm–9 pm
50 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938 | 267.740.2691 | www.stellanewhope.com
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Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Logan Square’s swanky rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offers individualized pods each adorned with fire pits for more intimate gatherings and happy hours with stunning views. Pods can be reserved for groups of 7-12, with pricing starting around $500-$700 for food and beverage minimum. Assembly is also available for full buy-outs. For more information or to book a private event, click here.
Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday 4 pm–12 am, Friday through Saturday 4 pm–2 am
1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy | 215.783.4171 | www.assemblyrooftop.com
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Urban Farmer, Logan Square’s modern American steakhouse helmed by Executive Chef Sonny Ingui, offers semi-private and private options for holiday parties and beyond, including a beautiful fully private space for 20 guests with views of historic Logan Square and a warm and inviting semi-private space with hand-made wooden shelved displaying housemate preserved fruits and vegetables for 26. The private dining room and pantry can be combined to accommodate a total of 46 guests. The plated private dining menu starts at $95/person and includes a first course with soup and salad, guests’ choice of entrée, including seafood, pork chop and, of course, prime steak cuts, plus sides such as baked Mac and cheese, roasted local mushrooms, and more and finishes with dessert. Add-ons include cheese and charcuterie, a second starter course, and steak enhancements. Interested parties can head to Urban Farmer’s website here and fill out an inquiry form.
Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 8 am–9 pm, and Sunday, 8 am–3 pm
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | 215.963.2788 | www.urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
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CO-OP Restaurant & Bar, a modern and airy restaurant and bar located in University City at 33rd and Chestnut Streets, offers the perfect semi-private space for groups of 40-50 in its bar and lounge. Perfect for happy hours or a relaxed cocktail hour with passed apps, CO-OP will cater food and beverage packages to guests’ wishes. Located smack in between University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, CO-OP is the perfect gathering spot for faculty, medical residents, university departments, students, and more this holiday season. Interested parties can call 215.398.1874 or email co-oprestaurant@studyhotels.com.
Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday, 7 am–2 pm, 4 pm–10 pm; Bar menu only Sunday through Tuesday, 4 pm–10 pm
20 S 33rd St | 215.398.1874 | https://www.coopphilly.com
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Forsythia, Chef Christopher Kearse’s contemporary French restaurant and bar in Old City, is the quintessential backdrop for festive and fabulous holiday parties with receptions, celebratory brunches, and office holiday events frequently held in the Bar and Lounge or Main Dining Room.
The enhanced Bar and Louge area boast 14 seats for a quaint soirée, excellent for hosting an intimate evening with loved ones. The main dining room showcases its wood-burning oven with rustic European architectural influence, accommodating larger parties – ideal for celebrating with co-workers or extended family. To inquire about private events this holiday season at Forsythia, click here.
Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm–10 pm for dinner service, and Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am–2 pm for brunch service.
233 Chestnut Street | 215.644.9395 | www.forsythiaphilly.com
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The Twisted Tail, the Southern-inspired restaurant, bar and live music venue on Headhouse Square, will customize any event for family, friends, co-workers, and more. The Twisted Tail offers multiple private and semi-private spaces, including the second-floor Juke Joint for groups up to 100, 130 if combined with the adjacent Club Room. Two long tables at the rear of of the Juke Joint can accommodate 40 people for a seated dinner. The first floor offers a full dining room and large horseshoe bar which is also available for bookings. Instead of a set price, The Twisted Tail will customize food and beverage specific to guests’ taste and preference with options such as a cocktail hour, dinner buffet, whiskey open bar, and more.
George Reilly, Owner of The Twisted Tail, is also available for private parties, and offers guided tastings, cocktail classes and more. Information can be found here.
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday 4 pm–10 pm; Friday 4 pm–12 am; Saturday 11 am–12 am; Sunday 10 am–10 pm
509 S. 2nd St. | 215.558.2471 | http://thetwistedtail.com/
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Xfinity Live!, the dynamic sports-anchored district located in the heart of South Philadelphia, is gearing up for the holidays by opening its doors for private holiday parties. With a diverse array of activities and venues, including the only mechanical bull in Philadelphia, Xfinity Live! offers incredible flexibility for private events of any size or budget for 20-6000 guests. From corporate groups to meetings and banquets, Xfinity Live! offers a wide variety of spaces including incredible restaurants, bars, lounges and entertainment venues. Nothing compares to the variety of amenities and attractions that Xfinity Live! can offer to a signature event, cocktail reception or dinner party.
Xfinity Live!’s holiday packages include three levels of service are based on 2-hour events, with possibility to extend. The complete offerings include:
- Level 1 – Pro Package / $40 per person
- Selection of 4 hors d’oeuvres
- Antipasti display
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Level 2 – MVP Package / $80 per person
- Pro Package
- Selection of 1 dinner station
- Antipasti display
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Open bar (2-hour minimum) featuring house wine and domestic beers
- Level 3 – Hall of Fame Package / $100 per person
- MVP Package
- Selection of additional dinner station
- Open bar (2-hour minimum) featuring premium cocktails and imported beers
Packages and venue locations are subject to availability. To obtain a quote, a request form can be filled out here.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 4 pm–2 am; Sunday and Saturday 12 pm–2 am.
1100 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148 | (267) 534-4264
-Lex Nemchenko