Here's a look at new San Francisco eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces to open for events this winter. The new and renovated venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fund-raisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, teambuilding activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
Hotel Via's Rooftop at Via is the only rooftop hotel bar with 360-degree views of AT&T Park, the Bay Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and beyond. The 3,000-square-foot rooftop is open for full buyouts and private events. It can be reserved for groups of as many as 200 standing guests. Designed by C Walters Design, the venue opened in June and features an expansive indoor and outdoor lounge with private draped cabanas, contemporary furniture, wind-proof glass, communal tables, and open-air fire pits.
Moscone Center, San Francisco's convention center, completed the second phase of a renovation in September, adding a new 55,000-square-foot, column-free, high-tech ballroom that can be divided in multiple configurations. There’s also a new conference and display hall that can accommodate multiple events. Overall the phase added 200,000 square feet. The expansion is seeking a minimum of LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill says the project will seek LEED Platinum certification.
In September, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco unveiled a renovation of more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including its Veranda Ballroom and the addition of a new SoMa Suite executive boardroom. New York-based design firm Meyer Davis designed the refresh's blue, purple, and cool gray palette with custom carpets inspired by San Francisco’s fog and mist. In the SoMa Suite, a custom walnut conference table is outfitted with eight Eames executive chairs. The divisible 6,960-square-foot Veranda Ballroom can hold 540 seated guests or 1,200 guests for a reception. The Veranda Terrace can accommodate as many as 300, offering sweeping views of Yerba Buena Gardens, the Moscone Convention Center, and SoMa.
San Francisco Proper Hotel, located in a historic flatiron-style building in the city's Mid-Market neighborhood, opened in early September with 131 guest rooms and creative direction from famed designer Kelly Wearstler. The boutique hotel includes several event venues. Charmaine’s, the rooftop terrace, offers fire pits, fireplaces, bars, and lounges with room for as many as 250 for cocktails. The Point of Charmaine’s can accommodate a 125-person reception. Rudium Hall I seats 14 or accommodates as many as 75 for receptions. Rudium Hall II seats 14 in a boardroom configuration. The hotel’s restaurant, Villon, serves contemporary American cuisine in a glamorous setting. Villon’s private dining room, G’s Room, can seat as many as 14. Overall, the restaurant can hold 50 for receptions or 100 using the restaurant and the hotel’s lobby.
Gibson, a new restaurant with gilded Art Deco design, opened in October in the Tenderloin's Hotel Bijou. Chef Robin Song’s menu revolves around a wood-fired hearth, showcasing cooking techniques involving fire and smoke. The restaurant's decor includes dramatic ceiling art, floor tile, and gold touches designed by Mister Important Design. The 90-seat space covers 4,000 square feet.
The Absinthe Group opened its latest restaurant, Barcino, in July in Hayes Valley. The tapas menu is inspired by the dining and drinking culture of Catalonia. The airy, 2,500-square-foot space is filled with live greenery and Catalonian-inspired art pieces like an etched mirror map of ancient Barcelona by Oakland-based artist Dave Brandon. The restaurant is available for full buyouts for as many as 100 for receptions. There’s also a semiprivate space for events that can accommodate 24 seated guests or 30 guests for cocktails.
Bar and restaurant Toy Soldier opened in the financial district’s Belden Alley in September, serving American cuisine. The two-story space offers various private and semiprivate spaces for events, offering two full bars, a cocktail lounge, and an outdoor seating area. The private lounge and dining room can accommodate as many as 65 seated guests or 100 standing guests. The space includes a bar, customizable sound and lighting controls, and room for a dance floor. It is also available for full buyouts for as many as 250 guests.
In October, chef James Syhabout opened an extension to his two-Michelin-starred Commis in Oakland. The stylish 24-seat CDP is located right next store to the 26-seat Commis, with a sleek marble bar and plush banquettes. CDP serves craft cocktails and elegant bar food.
Sports bar and cocktail destination Trademark & Copyright celebrated its grand opening in June. This is a two-in-one destination: There's a sports bar with patio space, and a hidden speakeasy for craft cocktails. The venue is available for private events and can accommodate approximately 160 people across both venues for standing receptions, with room for 60 in its speakeasy.
The minimalist Shiba Ramen opened in February in Oakland, and is available for private dinners and events. The 40-seat restaurant can host up to 40 guests for standing receptions. In September, the owners of Shiba Ramen also opened a sake bar in Emeryville Public Market, offering Japanese beers and snacks like lotus root chips and burgers. The Periodic Table is also available for events.
