Pittsburgh, a city with a rich history, beautiful culture, and an amazing view is a perfect place for any kind of event.
But when it comes to picking the perfect venue, many overlook certain hidden gems—restaurants. Yes, restaurants—which are the bastions of wonderful meals and congeniality—can be awesome places for events, combining convenience, atmosphere, and culinary delights.
So what makes restaurants such good Pittsburgh event venues? Let’s get into the whys and find out how you can pick the right restaurant for your next big event.
Navigating the Allure of Restaurant Event Spaces
Here’s a look at what makes restaurants great Pittsburgh event venues:
1. Built-In Ambiance
Restaurants are designed to create a mood of their own. A French bistro, for example, might have a modern chic, while a gastropub may have rustic charm and warmth. Thanks to this, you won’t need to worry about setting up the atmosphere, freeing you to pay attention to other aspects of planning your event.
2. Culinary Canvas
Let’s be honest: food is the foundation of every good event. Restaurants have qualified chefs and professional kitchens and this means that there will be a large variety of catering options, from passed hors d’oeuvres to plated meals, all of which will be made with the finest ingredients and culinary skills.
3. Convenience is King
Organizing an event often comes with a truckload of logistical challenges. Fortunately, restaurants can cover a lot of these challenges; for example, by providing tables, chairs, linens, and sometimes even basic A/V equipment. Also, the on-site staff provides cleaning and waste disposal services, so you can relax and enjoy your event without worrying about the post-party headache.
4. Flexibility for All
Restaurants vary in size and style, from small and cozy to large and lavish. Many of them have private dining rooms, and semi-private areas or rent the whole place out. This flexibility allows you to find a location that perfectly fits your guest list.
5. Location, Location, Location
Restaurants are usually found in places where it’s easy to get to, such as near public transport hubs or in an area where there’s plenty of parking. This will make it easier for your guests to find the venue.
Choosing the Ideal Restaurant for Your Event
Now that you know why restaurants make great Pittsburgh event venues, you need to choose the right one for your event. The thing is, there are many restaurants out there, so you’ll need to consider a few things when making your choice:
1. Match Your Style to Their Ambiance
Think about what your event will be like—consider the atmosphere you want to create. A casual business meeting fits perfectly in a gastropub with exposed brick walls while a birthday celebration might be better in a place with a lively bar and a rooftop patio.
2. Think About the Menu
Food is one of the most important parts of any event, so make sure that the restaurant has a great menu. Also, if you are going to plan a themed event, try to choose a restaurant with cuisine that matches the theme. Make sure to take the dietary restrictions of your guests into account and let the restaurant know about it.
You should also ask the restaurant about the possibility of the restaurant serving vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests.
3. Consider Your Guest Capacity
Space arrangement is a key factor when it comes to making people feel good and comfortable. Make sure to give the restaurant a valid guest number and find out their seating capacity for different arrangements.
4. Pick the Location
Think about how convenient it will be for your guests to reach the restaurant. If the majority of the guests are from a certain area of Pittsburgh, choose a restaurant that’s in that particular area to make traveling to the event more convenient.
Also, if parking is necessary, make sure to choose a restaurant that has plenty of parking space for your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about Pittsburgh event venues:
1. Can I supply beverages for the event instead of asking the restaurant?
This depends on the restaurant’s policy. Some restaurants may allow you to supply your own alcoholic beverages but it’s always a good idea to confirm this with your chosen restaurant.
2. Should I tip the restaurant staff?
Tipping isn’t mandatory but it’s appreciated by most restaurants. If you plan on tipping, make sure to ask the restaurant if it’s okay to do so. Some restaurants may have a no-tipping policy.
3. What kind of additional charges should I expect when booking a restaurant for an event?
Some additional expenses include the cost of catering packages, staff service fees, and a fee for supplying audio/visual equipment. Make sure you take into consideration all these costs before finalizing the booking.
Great Pittsburgh event venues await
The venue plays a huge role in making any event great and restaurants in Pittsburgh make for some of the best event spaces you can find. When you book a restaurant for an event, you’ll be treated to a space with a great atmosphere and a nice banquet menu to boot—so start looking for a great restaurant in Pittsburgh today!