We can picture it now: you’re the maid of honor, mother of the bride, BFF, mom or spouse tasked with planning the oh-so-perfect celebration. Charlotte has no shortage of scoop-worthy venues, but no need to feel overwhelmed, you’re starting in the right place. Read on for our picks for where to throw a party your loved one (and guests!) will never forget.
Events with a View
Cloud Bar by David Burke (CLOSED)
555 S McDowell St.
Cloud Bar by David Burke, a rooftop oasis overlooking the Charlotte skyline, offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy its food, ambiance and exceptional service at private gatherings. Atop uptown’s Le Méridien Hotel, the space can accommodate VIP seating with table or couch reservations or private events up to 250 guests.
For more information, please fill out a private event inquiry form or contact Private Events Manager Sean Murphy at sean@cloudbarbydb.com.
Dressler’s
1100 Metropolitan Ave.
For great views of Uptown Charlotte, opt for the two private dining spaces at Dressler’s Metropolitan. The spaces, which can be booked separately or together, offer capacity for up to 75 guests for a seated dinner and up to 100 guests for a cocktail-style reception. View all the details and inquire about your event here.
Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St.
For immaculate city views to go with your get-together, book the private dining room at Fahrenheit. The room is designed to hold up to 65 guests seated for dinner or 85 guests for a cocktail party or receptions. The room is equipped with a 65” Smart TV and is perfect for presentations, board meetings, rehearsal dinners, cocktail receptions, and more. For larger events of up to 400 guests, you can use either the East or West Dining Rooms, or even exclusive use of the entire restaurant. And Sunday through Thursday, you can host cocktail hours, office mixers, or receptions in the bar, lounge area, rooftop patio, or even the rooftop garden. To get more details and to make your reservation, contact their Private Events Manager, Andrea Franceschelli, at 980-237-6718 or fill out the form here.
Topside at The Waterman Fish Bar
2729 South Blvd.
When you’re hosting a party with a nautical vibe, look no further than Topside, the rooftop bar at The Waterman Fish Bar. This South End spot offers a relaxed vibe and skyline views.
Girls Night Out
The Royal Tot
933 Louise Ave
While a tropical girls trip might not be in the cards (yet!) you can still make your escape to The Royal Tot, where the Sunset Room will hold 40 people, the Birds’ Nest, a bookout of the full upper bar for 150, or the entire facility for 250. Find more info here, and email events@eta.group to let them know you’re interested.
Rosie’s Wine Garden
940 N Davidson St.
What could be more perfect than a warm-weather event surrounded by blooms? Rosie’s Wine Garden offers a private event space for up to 50 guests, perfect for showers or more formal gatherings. If you’re looking for something more casual, all seating is first-come first serve during regular operating hours, and light decor and outside food is permitted.
Sophia’s Lounge
127 North Tryon Street
Gather in luxury at Sophia’s Lounge, where the blend of high-design opulence, crafted cocktails and sharable plates make it the perfect atmosphere for elegant birthday parties, corporate events, happy hours and weddings. Start planning by calling 704-998-0115 or email sales@theiveyshotel.com.
Novelty House
123 E 5th St Suite 500
A rooftop with a view. Host your next event at this chic cocktail bar located at the top of the Binaco Tower. While you’re there, grab the girls for the perfect Insta-worthy shot in front of their flower wall. Novelty house is not a restaurant and does not have a food menu, but during private events, nearby restaurants and caterers can be used. Start here to fill out their private rental form.
Sweet Spot Studio
4418 Monroe Rd.
Sweet Spot Studio offers pastry and baking classes for all experience levels, making it a great choice for a girls’ night out, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, corporate events, and more. They host groups of up to 15 participants in the Studio, and classes can range from cake and cookie decorating to buttercream piping and beyond. Email hello@sweetspotstudioclt.com to learn more.
Classic & Timeless
These tried and true spots for events are trusted for a reason: they know how to do it right.
Whether you’re planning an elegant seated dinner, festive cocktail reception or private business meeting, The McNinch House Restaurant offers the flexibility to customize every aspect of an event to ensure it’s unforgettable and guests enjoy true Southern hospitality in this turn of the century Victorian home in Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward. For more information, please call 704-332-6159 or email Mcninchhouse@gmail.com.
Private event options at McNinch House Restaurant include:
- Private dining. McNinch House Restaurant can accommodate up to 40 guests. Retractable pocket doors provide the option of private dining for smaller parties.
- Chef’s Table. The ultimate experience, luxury awaits at Chef’s Table for 4 or more guests.
- The entire restaurant. For a grand and unforgettable event, the entire restaurant is available.
Bar One Lounge
6815 Phillips Place
Looking for the perfect place to celebrate a spouse’s birthday, retirement or milestone? In SouthPark, guests can cozy up to either side of Bar One Lounge’s sprawling bar or settle into a plush booth for drinks, celebration and conversation. Inquire here.
Red Salt by David Burke (CLOSED)
555 S McDowell St.
Red Salt by David Burke, one of the most distinctive and noteworthy restaurants in the Queen City, is housed in the Le Méridien Hotel uptown. From intimate affairs for up to 30 guests in the Private Dining Room (seated dinner for 20 comfortably or a cocktail hour with high tops for 30) to larger occasions in a semi-private dining room (suitable for up to 40 guests) or a buyout of the entire restaurant, Red Salt delivers superb food and exceptional service in an unforgettable setting.
For more information, please fill out a private event inquiry form or contact Private Events Manager Sean Murphy at sean@cloudbarbydb.com.
Link & Pin
Multiple locations
The elevated yet inviting atmosphere at Link & Pin makes any occasion feel like a celebration. While the North Cross location offers a dedicated private dining room, the New Bern location boasts semi-private spaces for smaller groups and a cocktail lounge for small bites and cocktails. Looking for a larger space? Link & Pin Arboretum offers a larger semi-private area availability permitting.
Mariposa
500 S. Tryon
We can’t get over how beautiful and elegant Mariposa is, making it a perfect spot to host spring and summer gatherings. Their outdoor patio can accommodate 25-65 guests and the dining room is available on a limited basis for buyouts (up to 75). Send an inquiry here or email info@mariposaclt.com if interested.
On the Water
Port City Club by David Burke
18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius
Port City Club by David Burke, overlooking Lake Norman, offers several ways to enjoy its food, lake views and exceptional service at private gatherings. The Classic Private Room with glass walls is light and bright, with a view of the Lake for cocktails, appetizers and dining. The space can accommodate corporate and private events up to 40 guests. The larger Grand Dining Room, with windows along the length of the room, can provide seating for 70 guests. The outside patio offers additional options for private and Port City Club special restaurant events. For more information, please fill out a private event inquiry form: http://portcityclubbydb.com/private-events/ or contact Private Events Manager Jan Black at janblack@portcityclub.com
Drift on Lake Wylie
315-M Lanyard Ln, Belmont, NC
Whether it’s a formal seated meal, cocktails or happy hour small bites, Drift on Lake Wylie is sure to impress. They can accommodate various setups for large groups, small seated meals, cocktails with passed canapés, social shindigs, or corporate fetes. For details on private rooms and booking start here.
The Pump House
575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill
If you’re looking for something with a river view, The Pump House is your spot. All private and semi-private spaces have beautiful views of the river. Choose from prix fix menu for brunch, lunch, dinner or corporate events. There is a food and beverage minimum for the space but no room rental fee. View all private dining options and start planning here.
- Catawba River Room: 50 people for plated dinner and up to 60 people for cocktail reception
- East Balcony: 16 people for plated dinner or 20 people for a cocktail reception
- West Balcony: 24 people for plated dinner or 40 people for a cocktail reception
- Main Dining Balcony: 50 people for plated dinner or up to 60 people for cocktail reception
- Rooftop: 100 people for cocktail reception.
Contact: ROBBIE BALDWIN | SALES + MARKETING MANAGER | RBALDWIN@ROCKHILLPUMPHOUSE.COM | (803)417-2306
Venues for larger soirées
The Ruth
2122 Thrift Road
Planning for a crowd? The Ruth by Beau Monde offers a light filled, airy, and warm venue for up to 868 guests.. This renovated production facility has ample space for guests, along with a private bar and separate meeting rooms, plus large indoor and outdoor spaces. The all-incusive packages are perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinner, showers, birthday parties and more.
The Collector’s Room
1520 S Tryon St.
The Collector’s Room by Beau Monde in South End provides full-service catering, a bar, and a dedicated concierge to walk you through your entire experience. You can even take your guests’ event experience to the next level by curating your own art collection to showcase during your wedding celebration. Accommodates up to 299 guests.
The Duke Mansion
400 Hermitage Rd.
A mainstay for weddings, showers and social events, The Duke Mansion should be on your short list while dreaming up your perfect event. While The Levine Living Room is the perfect location for a larger size function, the Mansion has many other options for all size groups. Many rooms even have attached porches, or you can opt for an al fresco event in the garden areas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Mansion is always sure to impress.
Truist Field
324 S Mint St.
Host your next event behind home plate at Truist Field. Home of the Knights baseball team, Truist Field can host a variety of private and public events for groups from 10 to 10,000 people when the team is on the road. Options include the Diamonds Direct Luxury Lounge, Budweiser Home Plate Club, party terraces and even on-field events. View all options and start planning here.
For the kids
Children’s Garden at Wing Haven
260 Ridgewood Avenue
If you’re planning a bash for the nature-loving kid, look no further than the Children’s Garden at Wing Haven. The exploratory, hands-on garden offers a perfect backdrop and activity for everyone to enjoy. Wing Haven allows certain outside decorations and cake, while picnic tables and access to the SEED Wildlife Garden are included for groups up to 15 children and 40 people total.
SAS Cupcakes
9941 Rea Road.
Satisfy their sweet tooth with a party at SAS Cupcakes in Blakeney. Their all-inclusive package options that include mini cupcakes to decorate and instruction, plus the option to add-on cake pop tutorials or a character appearance.
Lazy 5 Ranch
15100 Mooresville Rd.
Get up close and personal with a wild party at Lazy 5 Ranch. Lazy 5 Ranch offers a large picnic shelter with tables underneath as well as many other picnic tables on the grounds. Picnic shelter and table use are first come, first serve and cannot be reserved. Wagon rides for your party can be reserved by calling 704-663-5100.
Small Hands, Big Art
7415 Waverly Walk Ave.
Calling all artists! Small Hands Big Art hosts art and pottery parties that will have everyone tapping into their creative side. Art parties in the Mixed Media studio involve a lot of paint, glue and glitter while pottery parties offer kids a chance to create their own hand-built ceramic sculpture. Party packages include all art supplies, decorations, an online photo album, and a personalized digital invitation that you can circulate via email or print at home. Parties start at age 4, pottery Parties start at age 6.
