Inside My Table #57 | Restaurant listings
A Menu of Venues
What makes a great party venue? It’s all about flexible perspective, about transforming a theater, sports arena or even just a big, square room into something surprising and meaningful for both guests and hosts. These 14 special-events sites have the potential to fire up a New Year’s Eve party, bring co-workers together, underpin a charity fundraiser and/or launch a newly-wed couple in style.
Courtyard on St. James Place, 1885 St. James Place, 713-621-0555. Guests can almost get lost in the gorgeous gardens on the property of this gracefully landscaped setting. Brides-to-be fantasize about their dream weddings and receptions taking place outdoors in the courtyard, and the Grand Ballroom accommodates 300 for dancing and dining. A large-group “Club Plan” provides venue exclusivity. For more information, visit www.courtyardonstjames.com.
Downtown Grand Room, 1512 Austin at Bell, 713-951-0115. As one of Houston’s newest venues, two things particularly stand out about this grand space: the sheer size and the features. Able to accommodate up to 1,043 people and housing two dance floors and with a multitude of stage areas for bands and five room-rental options, the building is well-equipped for your biggest blow-out. The special services are nearly endless.
Fontenot Grand Mansion, 5807 Spring Stuebner Road bet. Northcrest Dr. & Gosling Rd., 281-355-8961. The sprawling, green grounds of this magnificent mansion conjure up a Tuscan villa. Dr. Gene Fontenot, Jr. and wife Reina recently opened their elegant estate to the public for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties and such. With some 48 acres of fabulous fountains, limestone arches and lush landscaping, your memory will be beautiful. Visit www.fontenotgrandmansion.com.
Hermann Park Japanese Garden, Main St. at Sunset Blvd., 713-284-1914. Natural elements like rock, wood and manicured plants harmonize to create a calming atmosphere in this cultural garden. A tiny teahouse, which holds no more than 30 people, is perfectly petite for picnics, teas and intimate wedding ceremonies. The facility is rented out in three-hour increments for private events, ideal for relaxing birthday gatherings. For more information, contact the City of Houston, Parks and Recreation Department.
*Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, 1 Hermann Circle Drive, 713-639-4629. Think Discovery Channel meets E! Entertainment Television. The museum is ideal for charity galas, corporate events and seated dinners: Guests will love interacting with thousands of live butterflies in the Cockrell Center or dining in the shadow of a diplodocus dinosaur. Host your wedding reception in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, enveloped by the brilliance of precious stones. Visit www.hmns.org. (Note: Many of Houston’s other museums are also available for parties.)
Magnolia Ballroom, 715 Franklin at Milam, 713-223-8508. Built in 1893, this venue first served as executive offices and tap room for the Houston Ice and Brewing Company. Today, the Magnolia is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and photos from the early 20th century adorn the antique walls. Guests of birthday parties, weddings and other corporate functions can dance on the polished hardwood floors and admire Houston from the covered balcony that overlooks Buffalo Bayou Park. Visit www.magnoliaballroom.com.
Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford bet. Texas & Congress, 713-259-8000. A party in Houston’s 42,000-seat baseball park is an experience. Union Station’s lobby — the grand entranceway to the park — dazzles with graceful columns and a soaring ceiling, while the rooftop awards a splendid view of downtown from high-top cocktail tables. Hit a home-run by hosting at the Diamond Club or Champions Pavilion. Yes, even the field can be rented.
Paraiso Maravilla, 5714 Fairdale bet. Bering & Chimney Rock, 713-977-5773. Built with Italian, Mediterranean and Mexican influence, this architectural hybrid prides itself on its versatility as a venue, both in the varied usage of its space and the types of events it will accommodate. The Chapel of Angels, with its romantic Renaissance allure, dim candlelight and perpetual trickle of fountain water, will touch any bride’s soul. Ivy crawls up the walls of The Palm Court, where gregarious groups of 120-plus gather. Visit www.pmhouston.com.
Rockefeller Hall, 3620 Washington Ave. at Waugh, 713-869-3344. Opera-style balconies and basic columns create a modern flamboyance at this circa 1925 venue. Recently renovated, the hall has drink bars on both upper and lower levels as well as a stage for a band or DJ and all of the furnishings for dinner groups of up to 350. Event planning and wedding consulting are both available on location. Visit www.rockefellerhall.com.
The Corinthian, 202 Fannin at Franklin, 713-222-2002. With its magnificent Corinthian column colonnade and gilded glow, this full-service facility represents the pinnacle of Houston’s special-event havens. Jackson and Co.’s glorious cuisine and motto, “Pamper People,” attract clientele such as Shell, BMW and the Smithsonian Institution. Wedding ceremonies and receptions frequent the neoclassical setting. Visit www.thecorinthianhouston.com.
The Crystal Ballrom at the Rice, 909 Texas at Travis, 713-227-RICE (7423). Few places in the Bayou City boast as much experience as “The Crown Jewel of Downtown” in catering to the diplomatic needs of visiting presidents and foreign dignitaries. Resplendent with mahogany, murals and, of course, crystal chandeliers galore, the classy space pleases guests with its proximity to downtown’s convention centers and hotels. The staff can coordinate catering and beverages, entertainment, valet and floral decor.
The Majestic Metro, 911 Preston at Travis, 713-224-7226. Deep in the heart of downtown’s historic district resides this long-standing theater-turned-party venue. While up to date with its high-tech sound system, extensive dance floor and versatile stage, the interior design of plush burgundy curtains and carpeting creates a sense of intimacy and comfort. Post a personalized message on the marquee to greet guests or spy on latecomers via the closed-circuit giant screen inside. Visit www.majesticmetro.com.
Verizon Wireless Theater, 520 Texas bet. Bagby & Smith, 713-230-1666. One word comes to mind when describing Verizon as a venue: flexible. With three unique seating configurations possible, a gala, luncheon or private event can seat 800 guests at round tables, 1,052 cabaret-style or 2,495 in theater seating. Needless to say, the theater boasts amazing audio and visual capabilities for a band, and the dance floor expands to any size. Valet or theater-district parking is available. Visit www.verizonwirelesstheater.com.
Wortham Center, 500 Texas at Smith, 713-237-1439. Bring your next bash to the sophisticated home of the Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera. The Grand Foyer, with its lofty ceiling and bold, warm-toned interior design, provides the perfect backdrop for a gala, banquet or company occasion. Set up banquet tables on the stages of the Brown and Cullen Theaters to conduct a fantastic feast. Aramark is the preferred caterer.
