Retirement brings the closing of one chapter and the start of a new one. If you’ve been tasked with planning a retirement party, your guest of honor deserves a celebration to commemorate this significant milestone. There’s a lot that goes into party planning, and picking a venue should be at the top of your list. New York City is the perfect spot to plan a party because venue options are endless. Whether you’re planning something small and intimate, like a farewell luncheon, or something larger and more formal, like a cocktail party, NYC will undoubtedly have the perfect venue for you!
We have curated a list of 15 top-notch venues to consider when planning your event. Find everything from outdoor patios and rooftop spaces with fantastic city views to your favorite local restaurants and bars to larger venues with lots of extras. Let EMRG Media help you in your venue search and bring your retirement party vision to life.
A Few Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Retirement Party Venue
Choosing the perfect venue for your retiree and their guests can be challenging. New York City has so many options, making it even tougher to decide. So, it’s important to narrow down your top picks based on must-have event amenities.
Here are some things to consider before choosing:
- Check your local area first regarding accessibility for your guests. If you’re inviting co-workers, it might be best to pick a venue close to the retiree’s place of work.
- If you have guests traveling from afar and they’ll be taking public transportation, pick a venue near Penn Station or Grand Central Station, as those are large transportation hubs.
- Rental fees for venues vary greatly depending on the location. Also, some venues offer special event packages and charge per person. Having a clear budget is important when choosing a venue.
- Guest consideration is always important. Where will everyone be most comfortable? How many people are being invited? How far are people willing to travel? What is the budget? Start by answering these questions, and then let your search begin!
Additionally, remember to visit each venue you consider to experience the layout for yourself in person. Visualize your retirement party designs and guests mingling throughout a space. See where your caterer might setup and where your live band will perform. Also, it’s during these visits that you’ll want to be prepared to ask your NYC venue representative any additional questions you might have about the space.
Restaurants & Cocktail Lounges, Perfect for a Sophisticated Retirement Party
1. 9 Jones
Situated in the West Village, 9 Jones has a sophisticated vibe that’s perfect for your next event. Described as “British private club meets New York City edge,” it’s sure to leave your guests with a unique experience they won’t forget. Additionally, they have a fantastic Greek-inspired menu and a cocktail cart service. Moreover, 9 Jones is great for a sit-down dinner and post-dinner cocktails.
Location: 9 Jones Street, New York, NY (West Village)
2. NEBULA
If you’re looking for a late-night celebration, NEBULA is the place to choose. This high-energy club will bring you the best music, lights, and cutting-edge technology to make for a memorable party. They specialize in private events, so let them customize your event just how you’ve envisioned it.
Location: 135 W 41st St, New York, NY (Midtown, near Bryant Park)
3. Roberta’s Pizza
This Brooklyn pizzeria is one of the most well-known in the area, and its laid-back atmosphere is perfect for any retirement party. Roberta’s Pizza has a large space for hosting parties and craft events in a personalized way to make sure all the guests are taken care of. For large groups, they offer a fixed-price menu for family-style service. This is a great restaurant to host a more intimate luncheon or a sit-down dinner.
Location: 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY (Bushwick)
4. The Bonnie
Located in Queens, this local hot spot can cover all your event needs. The Bonnie has a unique layout with multiple rooms and an outdoor bar garden. They offer brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites. Bon Appetit has named it one of New York City’s best brunch spots, and their cocktails have been featured in The Wall Street Journal. There’s something here for all your guests to enjoy.
Location: 29-12 23rd Ave, Queens, NY (Astoria)
5. Marea
Located near Central Park, Marea offers coastal Italian cuisine and exceptional service to all its guests. They have four private party rooms to accommodate a more intimate setting. Check out this beautiful and award-winning restaurant for your next party.
Location: 240 Central Park S, New York, NY
Retirement Party Perfection with Outdoor & Rooftop Spaces
6. Midnights
This Brooklyn gem is perfect for a more casual gathering. Midnights’ patio is simple and stylish and can be transformed into whatever theme you’re planning. Their outdoor space is open in the warmer months and then transformed in the winter months into a tented and heated oasis. Additionally, they offer many enhancements so you can customize your party and achieve your vision.
Location: 149 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY (Williamsburg)
7. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
230 Fifth is NYC’s largest all-year outdoor & indoor bar and event space. The city views are outstanding! They can accommodate small and large groups with their custom-tailored service. Their private spaces include the Rooftop Garden, Penthouse Lounge, Hard Bar, and Fifth Avenue Empire Penthouse. Treat your guests to this luxurious space for your next event.
Location: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY (Flatiron District)
8. 620 Loft & Garden
620 Loft & Garden has some of the most unique city views of any rooftop spaces. You can see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall. Tented spaces ensure they are available year-round. 620 Loft & Garden offers a reflective pool, a manicured garden, and an interior loft. You’ll wow your guests with this dramatic venue.
Location: 620 5th Ave, New York, NY (Rockefeller Center)
9. Midtown Loft & Terrace
Celebrate your next party right in the heart of the city at Midtown Loft & Terrace. With 360-degree views of midtown, your guests can enjoy production rentals such as an illuminated sky bar, comfortable lounge furniture, and a photo booth to capture a memorable party. Their experienced team is there to help with all your event needs.
Location: 267 5th Ave, New York, NY (Midtown)
10. Cloud Social Rooftop Bar
Self-described as “an unpretentious, relaxed but refined rooftop bar,” Cloud Social is a great choice for an outdoor party venue. Their laid-back beer garden is perfect for photo ops with its direct views of the Empire State Building. They offer small plates and an extensive drink menu. Moreover, it is a perfect spot for a relaxed cocktail party.
Location: 6 W 32nd St, New York, NY (New York Manhattan Hotel)
Venues to Accommodate Large Retirement Party Events
11. The Liberty Warehouse
This large event space is situated directly on New York Harbor in Brooklyn and has breathtaking views of The Statue of Liberty. Even though they cater to large groups, their services are individualized to make every event feel personal. The Liberty House was constructed pre-Civil War in the 1850’s and has been renovated to accommodate the modern crowd. Still, it holds all its historic charm and would have your guests appreciating its magnificent beauty.
Location: 260 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY (Red Hook)
12. Ascent Lounge
For a sophisticated and elegant experience, Ascent Lounge is the perfect venue. With its large cocktail lounge and stunning views of Central Park, this spot will wow your guests. They offer a premier bar, a chef-driven menu, and many entertainment add-ons to make your party completely personalized.
Location: 10 Columbus Cir 4th Floor, New York, NY (Columbus Circle)
13. Pier 15
Pier 15 is home to a number of day and night cruises that are great for large groups. It’s a fun and unique experience that will have your guests talking about it long after the party is over. Additionally, Hornblower offers elevated parties with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the city skyline.
Location: 78 South St, New York, NY
14. Villa Barone Manor
The Bronx is where you’ll find this exclusive catering facility to help you with all your event needs. Villa Barone Manor offers a “blend of European elegance and American sophistication” to show your guests the best time. Additionally, they have multiple event packages ranging from sit-down dinners, cocktail receptions, and so much more!
Location: 737 Throgs Neck Expy, Bronx, NY (Throgs Neck)
15. Tavern On The Green
There’s a reason Tavern on the Green has been frequented by celebrities over the years. It’s because of its historic charm and Central Park setting. Moreover, the menu is hearty and rustic, capturing the spirit of NYC. Their team will work out all the event details from start to finish for easy planning. This spot will be perfect for making unforgettable memories.
It’s Time to Find the Perfect NYC Venue for Your Retirement Party!
Planning for a retirement party is no easy task. However, finding the perfect venue is made easier by narrowing down your options. New York City has so many to choose from and this list just barely scratches the surface. But, just by asking yourself some simple questions, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in a venue. Celebrate the retiree guest of honor by personalizing their party and inviting all their family and friends to a spot you’ve carefully chosen. The memories made for the start of their new chapter will last a lifetime!
Retirement party planning is a breeze with EMRG Media! Contact us to help you plan your next NYC event!
