30th Birthday Party

30th bday party w/ dancing & bar

Sept. 2003

I'm looking for a place to have my 30th b-day party. The party will have about 50 guests. I would prefer to bring my own food, otherwise veggie friendly appetizers. I would also either like a full cash bar or be able to bring in alcohol. I'll have a DJ, so dance space is key, too. I looked at the archived suggestions, but alas all were either unavailable or too expensive. I've tried community centers & churches, but most have a 10 PM curfew or only do weddings (?!?!?!). I've also tried Cafe de la Paz & Pyramid Brewery. Any leads you could offer would be great. Or if someone wants to lend me their house :) 30 year old party animal

It may be too far for you, but I've had two birthday parties at the Italian-American Hall in Alameda. It's a somewhat sparse place, but there are plenty of tables & chairs, and a sufficient area for dancing and a small DJ setup--as well as a small stage. (I taught some line dances and it worked out just fine.) There is also a big, working kitchen. I think there were 40-50 people each time and it was maybe 1/2 filled. There was an extra charge for having alcohol on the premises (insurance). I rented it through Andy Pagano at Pagano's Hardware on Lincoln; Andy has since passed away, but I'm sure if you called the store, they could tell you whom you can rent it from. I seem to recall that it was $150-200 for the whole night. Have fun! Jennie

The Allegro Ballroom (Emeryville) - it has dancing space and is very reasobable in cost. Best of luck

There's a lovely small school (65 students) on Pinehurst, basically in the canyon between Montclair and Moraga. The site is spectacular, nestled amongst redwoods. The building itself is new and quite lovely. I know the school, like all CA schools, is hurting for money, and I wonder if they'd be willing to let you use the facility for your party for a small fee on a weekend. I think they also have a kitchen. I think they've had bands play there on weekends for fundraisers,and they have a community room that looks like it could accommdate 50 wild dancers quite nicely. Check out photos at: http://www.canyon.k12.ca.us/school/photos.htm There's contact info there, too. You could call and ask... Jennifer

Hi, I do not know what all has been mentioned, but I do know of 2 great places. One is the Black Box in Oakland on 19th and Telegraph. Laura(ie) is the manager. There is a dance floor, art gallery, couches, they have a bar, and if they are allowed to sell thier liquor, or whatever, they give u a cheaper rate. There is space for food, a loft that has space for more sitting and eating. They close up at 2am. There's room for a DJ and it is sooooo nice. I have thrown concerts and my mother's 50th b- day party. There is plenty of parking, Bart is right around the corner, bus stop right in front. Very nice and the people are friendly.

Also, Ashkenaz on Gilman and San Pablo, Starry Plough on Shattuck, La Pena on Shattuck off Ashby. All of these are in Berkeley. Also, check the Berkeley Marina hotels. They can be reasonable at times. That's all I have to offer as far as suggestions. Hope they help. Good Luck Marissa

Have you considered the Berkeley Yacht Club? they have a full cash bar along with a kitchen that you or your caterers could use, and room for at least 100. And you don't have to be a sailing nut to book it. Other yacht clubs may have similar possibilities -- I'm not sure. You can find information about them on line -- just do a google search. Karen

You might try the Redwood Heights Rec Center. It's very inexpensive, has a nice kitchen and a not completely beautiful, but dress-upable space. I think it's ~75, with an additional cost for a liquor license. Phone number: (510) 482-7827 Website; http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/centers_redwood_heights.asp
RH Resident