Any recommendations on where to hold a wedding rehearsal dinner? We're expecting 40 to 50 people and hoping to spend about $20 per person. I saw a list of private dining on Santabarbara.com, but it doesn't seem complete. The event is in August.
COMMENT 160150
|
2011-04-01 10:07 AM |
|
Try the University Club downtown.
|
| |
LIZTISH340
|
2011-04-01 10:08 AM |
|
We had one at Beachside and it was great! You get the room all to yourselves and the views are great. Also, people enjoyed walking on the beach and pier before and after.
|
| |
COMMENT 160153
|
2011-04-01 10:09 AM |
|
What is the age demo of the couple?
|
| |
COMMENT 160155
|
2011-04-01 10:14 AM |
|
Cold Springs Tavern?
|
| |
COMMENT 160156
|
2011-04-01 10:15 AM |
|
Stella Mare's, in Montecito, is the best place in town. Beautiful decor, great food, fair prices. We held ours there and had a great time!
|
| |
COMMENT 160162
|
2011-04-01 10:34 AM |
|
$20 per person sounds on the low side for a restaurant, unless no one will be consuming alcoholic beverages. If you want to keep your price tag low, maybe you could reserve a group spot at Goleta Beach and have Country Catering do the food and you could purchase beer & wine from Costco and get ice & plastic cups. Weather should be fine in August.
|
| |
EDHATBARBARA
|
2011-04-01 10:44 AM |
|
How about Arnoldi's?
|
| |
COMMENT 160168P
|
2011-04-01 10:45 AM |
|
$20 is way low in this town. Make sure it's a no host bar too. Let us know where you ended up going.
|
| |
EDHATBARBARA
|
2011-04-01 10:45 AM |
|
You should also talk to the Barbeque Company in Carpinteria -- they'd close the place for your party. Great people.
|
| |
COMMENT 160171
|
2011-04-01 10:46 AM |
|
$20 per person is very limiting. You'll have to be creative! I can't think of anything to help you out. Chipotle delivered to a backyard setting?
|
| |
ROB EGENOLF
|
2011-04-01 11:08 AM |
|
None of these suggestions will come close to $20/person (other than picking up something from Chipolte and eating in your back yard) To have any sort of sit down rehearsal dinner in a facility, you will need to increase your budget considerably.
|
| |
COMMENT 160180
|
2011-04-01 11:08 AM |
|
How about Goleta Beachside Bar & Cafe. The Patio is very nice, but it will be more than $20 !!
|
| |
COMMENT 160181P
|
2011-04-01 11:09 AM |
|
Try Jade at 3132 State Street - 563-2007. Price right - food terrific - and you will have the place to yourselves if you reserve way ahead.
|
| |
COMMENT 160183P
|
2011-04-01 11:17 AM |
|
Not counting alcohol, you might manage about $20 per person for a basic lunch or really light dinner in the Ebar's private room, which holds about 50. Not very fancy looking, though.
|
| |
COMMENT 160189
|
2011-04-01 11:24 AM |
|
OP here! We're looking for $20 per person for just food, not drinks. Gratuity and tax can be extra. Our families aren't big drinkers, but we're willing to pay for drinks beyond the $20 per person. Does that help? ... and no Chipotle! Gosh. :P
|
| |
COMMENT 160192
|
2011-04-01 11:31 AM |
|
China Pavilion on Chapala.
|
| |
EDHATBARBARA
|
2011-04-01 11:32 AM |
|
You can do it at Arnoldi's or the BBQ Co. for around $20 pp.
|
| |
COMMENT 160195
|
2011-04-01 11:33 AM |
|
I second Arnoldi's
|
| |
COMMENT 160198P
|
2011-04-01 11:43 AM |
|
I also recommend Arnoldi's - back room or patio. They will work with your budget.
|
| |
COMMENT 160204
|
2011-04-01 11:53 AM |
|
We had had a great time !! We reserved the Land Shark (the harbor bus/boat ) brought along a few cases of wine and soft drinks and had a local catering company, Creme Fraiche (805) 965 6914 do box meals. It was blast ! Nothing like toasting with Champagne as you drive into the ocean for a gentle tour of the harbor. We had 43 people to the SB Historical Museum (wedding location) for rehearsal. The Land Shark collected us there and off we went into the sunset. A very gentle ride about the town and harbor with excellent catering. A great and memorable experience . All for under $900 (which bumps your price point a bit, but well worth it). Enjoy your life together ! Planning a wedding is only the first test.
|
| |
COMMENT 160205
|
2011-04-01 11:53 AM |
|
We had our reception at Endless Summer. I believe the lowest price is $29.95 per person. You get the whole lanai to your party. We had about 60. Nice setting, overlooking the harbor. Service was excellent. The Fish house is another good place for a party of 50. I don't know what their prices are though.
|
| |
EDHATBARBARA
|
2011-04-01 11:59 AM |
|
I also wonder whether the El Paseo Restaurant might work for you? It'd be a great location -- just wonder whether they'd come in at your price point. Might be worth investigating?
|
| |
EDHATBARBARA
|
2011-04-01 11:59 AM |
|
Does Harry's have a private room?
|
| |
COMMENT 160209
|
2011-04-01 12:05 PM |
|
Marmalade has a private room. Don't know the charges but they will not be totally reasonable. $20 is a bit hopeful.
|
| |
MESARATS
|
2011-04-01 12:11 PM |
|
I went to a backyard wedding a few months ago and Cliffs and Company Catering did the food for about 30 people for less then$20 per person. Three entrees plus sides and I was surprised at the volume and quality for the price. Cliffs and Co is closed but maybe the catering company is still going and hopefully run by the same guy that was doing it then. I was never a fan of the restaurant and almost in shock that they pulled it off
|
| |
COMMENT 160211
|
2011-04-01 12:11 PM |
|
Harry's has a private room, but like every other restaurant in town (and I do mean EVERY non-fast-food restaurant), you will pay more than $20 per person. If any one of your party is a member of the Moose Lodge or the Elks Lodge, then that might be a way to go.
|
| |
COMMENT 160219
|
2011-04-01 12:41 PM |
|
Elks Lodge!!!
|
| |
COMMENT 160226
|
2011-04-01 12:59 PM |
|
Padaro Beach grill baby!!! Yummie - I may head there now!
|
| |
COMMENT 160235P
|
2011-04-01 01:21 PM |
|
For a rehearsal dinner, I would do a backyard picnic. We had a birthday party and had Woody's cater the food. Chicken Ranch does an awesome job, too! Casual, Santa Barbara-y, summery...perfect!
|
| |
COMMENT 160267
|
2011-04-01 02:55 PM |
|
Elephant Bar
|
| |
AQUAHOLIC
|
2011-04-01 02:58 PM |
|
I third Arnoldi's...wonderful outdoor patio and bocce ball...a local institution!
|
| |
COMMENT 160288
|
2011-04-01 03:22 PM |
|
"Nothing like toasting with Champagne as you drive into the ocean for a gentle tour of the harbor."
That's what I thought! All the people in the car with me for some reason were all freaked out. Well, thanks for making me feel better, now I know I'm not the crazy one! :D
(PS: I actually like this idea, however, it's not feasible unless you can confirm your entire guest list doesn't get sea sick.)
|
| |
COMMENT 160329
|
2011-04-01 05:04 PM |
|
you could do it for 20 bucks..better call burger king in advance
|
| |
COMMENT 160333P
|
2011-04-01 05:11 PM |
|
Harry's or Beachside ~ both great choices!
|
| |
COMMENT 160363P
|
2011-04-01 06:40 PM |
|
NOT Harry's. Absolutely not. 100% not.
|
| |
BECKY
|
2011-04-01 07:24 PM |
|
I bet most of the Chinese restaurants in town would be happy to work with you, and you could have great food for reasonable prices. I'd call The Ming Dynasty (K-Mart shopping center). They have 2 menus -- the gringo one, and the real one. If you collaborate with them on a buffet offering, it could be fantastic!
|
| |
COMMENT 160394
|
2011-04-01 08:24 PM |
|
I'm smiling as I recall our barbecue rehearsal dinner at the Carp. Beach Pavilions. Were were so poor back in 2000 ... my sister and bro-in-law ante'd up to buy food and drink (and pay for the reservation and alcohol permit!) Family barbecued; everyone served themselves buffet-style, and we got to visit, chill, and have fun. (which was NOT the case the next day, at the reception. Except for the cake, we never had a chance to eat!) It was, even on our budget 11 years ago, a little over $20 per person ... but I'll never forget.
|
| |
SDP
|
2011-04-01 09:02 PM |
|
We held our rehearsal dinner at Arnoldi's 5 years ago in the back room and it was great. If I remember correctly, I think we had 20-30 people and it cost around $600. They have a wonderful backyard with firepits, bocce ball and tables.
|
| |
COMMENT 160405P
|
2011-04-01 11:37 PM |
|
Some of the suggestions are baffling. Harrys?! The university club probably charged over $20 in 1965. And Padaro Grill is closed right now, people. Try someplace with some actual ambiance and good food. Call Arts and Letters and see if they can do a special deal for you for around $20 per person. You might have to pay more, but it's oh so much better than Harrys.
|
| |
COMMENT 160411
|
2011-04-02 06:36 AM |
|
If you want to go Chinese I'd try Shanghai on Milpas. About the right size & excellent food. Don't be dissuaded by negatives here. If you talk honestly with the restaurant way ahead of time, they will suggest how you could do it. (or, if they're honest - that they can't) Some places might let you bring your own alcohol. Contact caterers for suggestions of restaurant alternatives (pure joy comes to mind). Some churches (Greek) have great settings & facilities & aren't that expensive. Good luck!
|
| |
COMMENT 160416
|
2011-04-02 07:36 AM |
|
Why not go to Woody's at Earl Warren. It is cheap and you can be guaranteed that no one else will be there. Just get a bunch of finger foods and make it a no host bar. You could create the menu too.
|
| |
COMMENT 160417
|
2011-04-02 07:41 AM |
|
Arnold's Cafe at Cota & Olive does a lot of wedding parties and I think the prices are reasonable. A great spot for it especially in the Summer, out on their patio with options for playing Bocci. My favorite restaurant.
|
| |
COMMENT 160423
|
2011-04-02 08:07 AM |
|
Crocodile restaurant....also great Hotel to house guests for the wedding, Lemon Tree Inn.
|
| |
COMMENT 160425
|
2011-04-02 08:12 AM |
|
We had our rehearsal dinner at Bangkok Palace 6 years ago. I bet you could keep it close to the $20 per person there.
|
| |
SPAGNOLA
|
2011-04-02 08:15 AM |
|
Arnoldi's - yes! I went to a wedding reception there in the back patio - it was magical and memorable. As the sun went down, the fairy lights sparkled in the pergola...so romantic. And it fits your $20 food budget. Perfect space for 40-50 people, and for any little ones to run around. You will love it.
|
| |
BLAKEYMOE
|
2011-04-02 08:24 AM |
|
Shelly, a good friend of ours owns Cafe Shell at 1112 State St. and is great at working with people on this type of event. We highly recommend giving her a call to see what she can put together.
|
| |
COMMENT 160436
|
2011-04-02 08:41 AM |
|
There are several restaurants beyond those mentioned here and a few more facilities are available like Serra hall, etc.
If you just get a facility like Stella Mares on Las Positas you have to cater the food and drink. $20.00 per person is a VERY TIGHT budget. The best thing to do is to get on the phone and shop around, i.e. do you have a room big enough to accomodate 40 top 50 people? Do you have adequate parking in the area?
If they serve food and drink, can you put a package together and what can you do, etc. etc. Then go and check out the room and if it is a food establishment too check out the menu, kitchen and facilities. (lots of work but if your trying to save money that is what you have to do)
|
| |
COMMENT 160443
|
2011-04-02 08:57 AM |
|
I agree with everyone that $20 is unrealistic for a "nice" restaurant - when our daughter got married we had Chinese take out at our house and it was great! Put it in nice serving dishes, add flowers and buy wine at Trader Joe's and viola! If you can afford it check out Opal by the Arlington Theater - I went to a large group event there and they did a fantastic job!
|
| |
COMMENT 160453
|
2011-04-02 09:39 AM |
|
Mulligan's!
|
| |
COMMENT 160456
|
2011-04-02 09:54 AM |
|
Check out Pastavino in the Camino Real Marketplace out in Goleta. They have a lovely patio that would easily handle 50 people, and on a summer evening, it would be ideal. Good food, very reasonable prices, good service, and they are nice people to work with.
|
| |
COMMENT 160467P
|
2011-04-02 10:31 AM |
|
I once went to a rehearsal dinner with many out of town guests so they rented a Trolley and had appetizers and champagne while doing a tour of Santa Barbara. After, dinner was at a private home. This might be above your budget, but if you are creative with the appetizers, get the champagne and any other alholcol on sale, and have a friend or two make the dinner, you might be able to swing it.
|
| |
JUST SAYIN
|
2011-04-02 12:11 PM |
|
I second Bangkok Palace. The food is wonderful and the owners are lovely and reasonable.
|
| |
COMMENT 160511
|
2011-04-02 12:42 PM |
|
We used El Paseo and they were very accommodating, but I don't recall the price 5 years ago, but doubt it was much over $20 but we had pitchers of margaritas, which was added on.
|
| |
COMMENT 160517
|
2011-04-02 01:13 PM |
|
Arnoldis is a great place for rehersal dinners. the patio can fit over 50 and they do have menus for $20 which include appetizer and pastas. great food and great service worth a try 962-5394
|
| |
COMMENT 160834
|
2011-04-04 08:56 AM |
|
I second Pastavine, it will be withing your budget and they have a lovely patio.
|
| |
