Here's a look at Seattle's new spaces open for events this fall. The new and renovated Seattle venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
A note regarding COVID-19: At BizBash, we're still committed to bringing you ideas and inspiration for when (yes, when!) events are back up and running. Some of the venues listed here may not yet be available for hosting events due to the pandemic, or they may be operating at a lower capacity.
CitizenM Seattle South Lake Union
CitizenM Seattle South Lake Union opened in July. The 264-room, LEED Gold-certified hotel is located near Amazon's South Lake Union headquarters and is the first CitizenM property on the West Coast. The colorful venue, which features modern furniture, neon signage, and a comic book-inspired mural from Native American artist Jeffrey Veregge, offers four stylish meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 16. Each meeting room offers wireless connectivity, complimentary coffee and tea, natural daylight, and chalkboards or whiteboard walls. Also on site is CanteenM, a grab-and-go eatery open 24 hours a day.
Photo: Courtesy of CitizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Lotte Hotel Seattle
Taking up 16 floors of a glassy Fifth Avenue tower, the Lotte Hotel Seattle opened its doors in September, making it the third Lotte hotel in the United States. Originally built by Los Angeles hotel company SLS in the 44-floor F5 Tower, the property was purchased and updated, utilizing many of the original interior designs by Philippe Starck. The 189 guest rooms offer modern design inspired by Seattle's natural landscape and a floor-to-ceiling glass window with a view of both the ocean and cityscape. Of special note is the property's 22,000 square feet of event space, made up of large- and medium-sized banquet halls, more intimate meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and three private dining rooms. The Sanctuary Grand Ballroom—a repurposed 1901 beaux-arts church—holds up to 929 attendees and offers an elegant stained-glass interior space outfitted with antiques and thousands of organ pipes. On the 16th floor is Charlotte Restaurant and Lounge, which boasts two bars and a menu from chef Alexander La Motte.
Photo: Courtesy of Lotte Hotel Seattle
Dreamland Bar and Diner
In July, the team behind Stampede Cocktail Club opened a new restaurant with a dreamy garden “Xanadu” vibe in a nearby Fremont historical building formerly occupied by beer bar Red Door, and home to Fremont Drug Company in the early 20th century. Dreamland Bar and Diner offers an all-day breakfast menu featuring creative twists on comfort-food classics, plus a festive drink list, all described with references to mythological characters and creatures forged from the staff’s imagination. The 4,000-square-foot revamped space is filled with dreamy decor and Instagram-worthy elements such as a wall of mirrors, a hanging garden area, neon lighting, and even a disco-hallway where the ceiling is covered entirely with disco balls. Dreamland offers indoor and outdoor event space with an overall capacity of 99. A unique private dining option is the Deep-End pool room, but all areas can be reserved for events.
Photo: Courtesy of Dreamland Bar and Diner
El Gaucho
El Gaucho, the popular steakhouse chain founded in 1953, is opening a new location Nov. 3 in the historic Union Stables building, just a few blocks away from Pike Place Market. Simultaneously, it will close its 23-year-old Belltown restaurant, shifting its team to the new venue. The 10,000-square-foot eatery boasts a bar and four private dining rooms suited for up to 60 guests. The restaurant's environs exudes history, thanks to its setting in the city's old brick livery horse stable building built in 1910. (Guests will notice the intricately carved wood and antique glass front doors from the original El Gaucho location that lived in the space from 1953 to 1985.) Incorporating authentic yet fresh design elements, the venue includes an indoor fire pit, cushioned booths, and paintings of the old Belltown location. Familiar touches are reflected in the curved, upholstered bar, table-side flambés of Bananas Foster, and a live-fire grill. In addition, red, blue, and yellow hues and patterns are used throughout the space, derived from the traditional outfits worn by the Gauchos.
Photo: Courtesy of Fire & Vine Hospitality
Logan Brewing Company
Logan Brewing Company, a charity-focused brewery situated in the Burien Town Square’s Maverick Building, opened its first taproom in August. The 3,000-square-foot space is equipped with a 36-foot long bar, an indoor area that can accommodate as many as 77 guests, and an outdoor patio that offers seating for up to 45, with views of Burien’s Town Square Park to boot. The taproom features 10 on-tap options, with the brewery itself producing contemporary beer styles using ingredients from Washington state and the Pacific Northwest. While the venue does not offer food service, guests may bring in food from local restaurants. The brewery was named for Logan Palumbo, whose affinity for video and board games is reflected in the theme. Additionally, a portion of profits is given to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in his honor.
Photo: Logan Brewing Company Instagram
Lariat Bar
Several nightlife industry pros are coming together to open a wrestling-themed destination in White Center in November. Dubbed Lariat Bar, the 2,200-square-foot space will feature vintage posters, stage lighting, skeeball, pinball machines, a life-size Andre the Giant replica, and a small faux wrestling ring that will be used for live music performances and TV wrestling commentary. (Tip: Events can reserve the "ring" when it’s not in use.) As for food and beverage, beer from local Future Primitive Brewery, mezcal-based cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and concession-type food (think: nachos, hot dogs, and pretzels) will be available.
Rendering: Courtesy of Lariat Bar
