Recommend a venue for graduation party

Carrot303

I'm considering having DH's law school graduation party somewhere other than our house.  I really don't want to have it here but I think price will scare us into cramming everyone into our home. 

We'll likely have around 30ish people??  Under 50 for sure so nowhere too big.  It'll be from about noon until 2 or 3 in mid-May and we need to feed people lunch and drinks.

I called Hanson's on Old South Pearl last week but they never called me back.  (Never a good sign that they're organized) but I would love a restaurant with a banquet-type menu and a private room; however, if someone knows of some amazing gallery or whatever, I'm all ears.  

The location probably needs to be between DU and Parker.  Any ideas?  I'm thinking either Old South Pearl, the DTC, or Parker but maybe I'm forgetting somewhere obvious.  Downtown would be awesome but probably crazy expensive.

Oh - the absolute ideal location is our super-duper amazing neighborhood clubhouse but it's already booked.  It was PERFECT.  Sigh.

coloradogirl26

I just threw H a surprise 40th last night at the Bent Noodle at Parker and Dartmouth - Aurora/Denver border. They have a free private room, we did buffet dinner and drink tickets for 65 people and it worked out wonderfully. Also, I had Kelley of Kelley Kakes do his cake and they let me bring it in without trouble. The owner's name is Guthrie.....great service, food, drink selection and atmosphere.

 

schoolsoutbride

That new street thing at Dry Creek and 25 (just looked called "shops at Vellagio") has an art gallery you can rent for events. No idea on price, though.  

sara_c

I know CB & Potts on Arapahoe has a privite room. 

WonderRed

Does he have good friends who can go in on a big joint party to offset costs?   When I graduated six or seven of us went in on our grad party together and we rented out the lodge at the small, local ski area just outside of Missoula and threw an all day BBQ on the deck.  We got a lot more out of the day than if we had each done our own and all of our family and friends just loved it.  I realize that doesn't help you with a venue here, but if teaming up is an option it can open up a lot more doors for you.

AdaraMarie

My wedding reception was about that size and we had it in a private room at Maggiano's on Dry Creek/I-25.  I think their lunch banquet menu is between $20 and $40/person depending on what options you go with.

Tyrna

Even though your clubhouse is booked, do you have a friend or family member who has a clubhouse you could book? 

 Also are you set on it being indoors?  There are a lot of really nice outdoor locations where you could do something nice, hire a caterer, and enjoy good food, friends, and family.

xyllah

The hickory house in Parker has a private room downstairs and you could do a BBQ lunch, they are really good!

I had my reception at the War horse in parker, we had the back room to ourselves with the fireplace and it was really nice. They didn't charge us for the room, just the food itself.

Jeep Doll

Not sure on prices of any of these places, but here are some to check out.

Rack House Pub (Kalamath, one block north of Alameda) has AMAZING food... bar food type menu, but so good.  They have a private room which is a little bland, but you might be able to coordinate a free tour of the Stranahan's distillery (which is attached) with your room in case any of the guys want to do that in addition.

Black Pearl on S Pearl has a loft area.  Not sure if you could book that separately, but 30 people would fit and it overlooks the restaurant.

Maggianos (both locations) have private rooms and you get a lot of food for the price.

Max Gill & Grill on S Gaylord has a back bar area that is reserved for private parties frequently.  I've never been back there since it is always reserved when I eat there, but you can check it out.

Carrot303

These are some fantastic ideas!  Thank you all so much.  I'm on a brainstorming roll now.