7 New Venues in San Francisco for Spring 2023 Meetings and Events

Graduate Palo Alto opened in January 2023 on University Avenue in downtown Palo Alto, just blocks from Stanford University. The renovated-yet-historical, six-story hotel—previously Hotel President—features a NorCal feel with vintage elements. The property boasts 100 rooms and two signature F&B concepts: Lou & Herbert’s, a lobby-level, day-to-night café; and President’s Terrace (pictured), a vibrant rooftop bar with unrivaled views. Here, planners can work with an outdoor fireplace, woven wicker barstools, and couches with plush pillows. The name is a nod to the historic roots of the hotel, originally named after then-President Herbert Hoover, one of the first students to enroll at Stanford University. The terrace is the perfect spot to host a vibrant outdoor gathering for up to 100 standing guests or 60 seated. Lou & Herbert's, meanwhile, can accommodate 50 standing or 30 seated for a private event.

Another rooftop to keep an eye on? Cavaña, located atop LUMA Hotel San Francisco in the Mission Bay neighborhood. The 17th-floor space debuted in February and is a rooftop lounge and Latin American cocktail bar, celebrating the spirit of Central and South America through food and beverage, music, and art. The menu features an expansive collection of agave and sugar-cane distillates, as well as artisanal cocktails and shareable plates (think: corn esquites tostadas, oysters, and slow-roasted beef short ribs with chimichurri). The concept comes from John Park of Brick x Brick Hospitality Group and Anthony Parks of True Hospitality. Cavaña has numerous spaces available for private events. This includes the South Terrace, which offers 180-degree views, a private bar, heaters, and two screens for streaming in a space that can accommodate 60 guests; the semi-private South Lounge, featuring a retractable glass door for fresh sea breezes and a capacity of 50 guests. Planners can combine the two for 100 guests. Or buyout the entire rooftop for up to 275 guests.

For a unique outdoor setting, planners should look to Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco's newest park, which debuted in July 2022. Designed by James Corner Field Operations (the firm behind New York’s High Line), the park adds 14 acres to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and adds a national park space over the concrete tunnels connecting San Francisco to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The new park boasts paths and gardens, plus access to scenic overlooks with stunning views of the bridge and city. Rentable spaces for events include the East Meadow, which can accommodate up to 500 guests; and the Western Lawn, a more intimate gathering space surrounded by floral landscapes that can accommodate up to 250 guests. Plus, Campfire Circle is lit daily from 4-5 p.m. for public enjoyment.

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, PABU Izakaya has been around for almost a decade, but it recently expanded its footprint and added more private dining space. PABU is a modern take on traditional izakaya-style dining, and it was founded by chefs Michael Mina and the late Ken Tominaga, of the famed Hana Japanese Restaurant in Sonoma County. It aims to be a destination for world-class sashimi, sushi, grilled meats from the robata, and a seasonal cocktail menu. PABU Izakaya offers planners a handful of private dining spaces that are ready to host a VIP dinner, corporate event, or reception. The Warrior 1 room can accommodate 12 seated, while Warrior 2 can accommodate 10 seated. If combined, they can host 22 seated or 25 standing. In late 2022, the restaurant completed renovations with the Garden Atrium (pictured), which looks out onto California Street in downtown San Francisco. Featuring a cherry blossom mural, the atrium can accommodate 20 seated or 30 standing. Buyouts of the entire restaurant are also on offer, for 180 seated or 300 standing guests. Looking to take it up a notch? Inquire about having chef Mina appear to lead a culinary demonstration while describing dishes, taking photos, signing cookbooks, giving speeches, and interacting with guests.

In November 2022, Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyard opened a three-story outpost in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood that features its Urban Tasting Room, an exhibition kitchen, and even a supper club dubbed Lyon & Swan. All three are available for private events, but the tasting room (pictured) is where you'll find the first biodynamic urban tasting room in the industry. Here, groups can learn about regenerative farming practices, the history behind the Alexander Valley vineyard, and more—all while sampling Eco Terreno's rosés, whites, and reds. The Urban Tasting Room can seat 35 comfortably, with a maximum of 50 standing, and it can also be used in conjunction with Lyon & Swan as a larger reception space. Want to get even closer to the action? The floor with the exhibition kitchen also offers a private dining space for engaging demos and tastings. It can accommodate up to 20.

This SoCal-founded brewery has locations in San Diego, Anaheim, Long Beach—and now San Francisco. In February 2023, Ballast Point Brewing Co. unveiled its new tasting room and kitchen, which is anchored at the base of the Icona: Labs building in Mission Bay. The 12,000-square-foot taproom joins a lively corner of the Bay, and is adjacent to the waterfront and minutes away from Oracle Park and Chase Arena. Guests can enjoy its flagship Sculpin IPA (we'd recommend the grapefruit version) paired with a menu that features fish tacos, falafel bites, hamachi crudo, and chicharrónes. They can also enjoy artwork from the brewing company's resident artist, Paul Elder, including a mural (pictured on the right) that nods to Ballast Point's new blonde ale, Speedboat Blonde. The Ballast Point San Francisco tasting room will begin rolling out its event-hosting capabilities in the coming weeks, aiming to be a laidback, fun atmosphere for post-meeting happy hours and other private functions.

The historic San Francisco Union Square hotel Villa Florence is now The Barnes. In January 2023, the classic building at 225 Powell St.—steps from the iconic San Francisco cable cars and near some of the city’s best shopping—unveiled room renovations to complement the hotel’s new name and vibe. The Barnes offers 189 guest rooms and a restaurant and bar (pictured) where guests can enjoy a double espresso in the morning and handcrafted cocktails and shareable appetizers in the evening. For meetings and events, consider the 816-square-foot Meeting Room for 72 seated or 100 standing guests, ideal for entertaining business associates or hosting a formal dinner. There's also the 292-square-foot Boardroom for smaller gatherings of up to 16 people.