Planning a b’nai mitzvah party sometime soon? Oy vey, we feel for you.
Even the most organized of planners can find themselves overwhelmed trying to sort through all the details. But perhaps the most crucial is deciding on a venue because that in large part will set the tone.
The good news is that in St. Louis, venue options are almost as vast as the Mighty Mississippi. What follows are 9 relatively new(ish) and notable places you might want to consider:
The Garage
750 S. Fourth St., thegaragestl.com
Located downtown, The Garage, marries industrial space with a vibrant vibe, and is perfect for anyone whose sensibilities run gritty, pretty and city. Colorful graffiti covers the walls of this warehouse-like venue that can accommodate parties ranging from 50 to 750, and where’s there’s enough indoor and outdoor space for everything from dancing the hora to a competitive game of “Pin the Kippah on the Rabbi.” Rentals run from $1,000 to $1,700 depending on the day of the week and the number of people being hosted. Any caterer can be used, and while there is no kitchen on the premises, one can be accessed next door at Honky Tonk STL, which The Garage also owns.
The Reverie
17057 N Outer 40 Rd., thereveriestl.com
Located at The District in Chesterfield, the Reverie is a popular venue for b’nai mitzvah parties because of its versatile event spaces. It offers a grown-up setting with modern amenities, including state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, customizable lighting and spacious dance floors. The dining area can seat up to 325 people (700 for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres), and features sliding and pivoting floor-to-ceiling doors that lead from one room to another. Butler’s Pantry, which operates the Reverie, also serves as exclusive caterer and can accommodate kosher catering if needed. Room rentals range from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on day and time, with a $7,000 minimum food and beverage package.
The Noble
3611 S. Grand Blvd., thenoblestl.com
Once a 10-story Art Deco bank, The Noble, at the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and Gravois Road, was considered south St. Louis’ first skyscraper when it opened in 1929. Though the bank closed in 2001, its intricate stonework on the exterior of the building as well as the metal and plaster work inside, have been painstakingly restored to highlight its original beauty, including vaulted ceilings, a converted vault space and ornate, Art Deco fixtures. With over 7,000 square feet of space, the Noble can accommodate 250 guests for banquet-style seating (220 with a dance floor) or up to 350 for a cocktail reception. Rental fees go from $1,500 to $4,000 with food and beverage minimums ranging from $3,500 to $11,000. The venue has partnered with Culinary Canvas for catering.
Kranzberg Arts Foundation
Grand Center
The Kranzberg Arts Foundation in Grand Center boasts multiple party venues under the KAF umbrella, but the one most often selected for b’nai mitzvah celebrations is the airy and open Urban Ballroom on the fourth floor of the .Zack at 3224 Locust St. This private event space with sweeping views of downtown can seat up to 350 and allows for a cocktail reception for 450. The $3,500 weekend rental fee includes tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware and the like. While the preferred caterer is David Kirkland Catering, the venue offers other options as well as accommodations for kosher catering. And if that space isn’t big enough, or if the circus speaks to your child, The Big Top, available March through October, can seat 600 people and handle 1,200 for a cocktail reception. The rental price: just a mere $8,000.
The Smith at The MOTO Museum
3408 Locust St., thesmithstlouis.com
Located in Midtown, The Smith at The MOTO Museum offers 7,500 square feet of versatile party space with high ceilings and exposed brick walls. The space can be configured to accommodate a variety of layouts, including a traditional reception (400 seated with dance floor), a cocktail party (up to 750), or a seated dinner (up to 450). The space also has a large garage door that can be opened to the outdoor patio. The venue showcases a collection of classic motorcycles, which provides a unique element for event décor as well as a backdrop for photos. Rental ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 and bar and catering are handled exclusively by Urban Canvas.
The Dogwood in the Grove
4308 Manchester Ave.
The Dogwood’s facade is comprised of the original 1940s Kroger Grocery storefront, with huge picture windows and a pair of towering Cyprus doors dating from 1860s New Orleans. A second story was added during renovations with a terrace overlooking the Grove neighborhood. A secluded garden area can be used for guests to sip and stroll or even as a gathering place for the kids. The venue accommodates 110 guests seated with food stations and 150 for plated dinners and 200 cocktail style. The Social Affair, the catering group that operates the venue, can customize menus to most any theme. Depending on the season and day of the week, room rental runs between $4,000 and $5,750 and food and beverage minimum $6,000 to $15,000.
Wild Carrot
3901 Shaw Ave., wildcarrotstl.com
It 2015, Laura and Casey Bunch bought what a former movie theater in the historic Shaw neighborhood and spent three years refurbishing the 7,500-square-foot building and facade using old photographs depicting what the outside of the 100-year-old theater had looked like. Today, Wild Carrot –named for Laura’s favorite flower (Queen Anne’s lace also known as wild carrot) — can accommodate 300 guests for a cocktail reception and up to 250 guests seated. The space rents for $6,200 for a Saturday night (less other nights) and the bar runs between $30 and $38 a person. The venue has eight preferred caterers but will accommodate kosher catering. “We wanted a place that is inviting and unique while allowing our clients’ personality and vibe to also shine,” said Laura Bunch.
18 Rails
THE Venue@City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way, 18rails.com
Another party venue from caterers Butler’s Pantry is 18 Rails, located in the City Foundry. It gets its name from the 18 rail lines that connected St. Louis to the rest of the country back in the day. Functioning in a previous life as Century Electric Company, the nearly 7,000 square feet of space maintains its industrial vibe but feels modern with a wall of original windows, exposed brick, treated concrete, wood grain and metal sheeting. It can seat roughly 350, with capacity up to 700 for a standup affair. Contact Butler’s Pantry at 314-664-7680 for rental and catering packages.
City Winery
3730 Foundry Way
Also at the Foundry is City Winery, an entertainment venue, winery, restaurant and event space all under one roof. The entire facility can be rented for parties of up to 280 people seated and 350 for a standing reception. The venue does not charge a rental fee but there is a food and beverage minimum plus a 20 % administrative fee which is based on the spaces of the venue that are used. Shannon Markway, event sales manager, notes that because the catering is done on premises by the winery’s culinary team, menus can be fully customized.
