Small Party Venues for Rent in New York City

One of the greatest cities in the world is home to some of the greatest small party venues on Earth. It doesn’t matter what kind of party you have in mind (as long as it’s quite an intimate one), you will not be disappointed with the wide selection of fantastic venues in New York. But in case you’re not sure what kind of party could be thrown in one of them, here are some of our suggestions. Ultimately, sometimes size doesn’t matter at all.

What kind of party can I throw in a small NYC venue?

A birthday party - No matter which year you (or someone close to you) are celebrating - a birthday always deserves a bash with all the fanfare. Let’s start with a kid’s birthday party. More often than not, all kids care about are their friends and the fact they can play together. This makes your task slightly easier as all you’ll only need to think of are a finger-licking cake, colorful decorations and pre-planned games for the day when it comes. Adults tend to be more humble, yet pickier about their birthdays and how they’ll celebrate. Some decide to host a dinner celebration with their closest family and friends whilst others opt for an intimate party in a pub or bar.

A celebratory dinner with your nearest and dearest - You got promoted? Or you finally quit the job you resented? Did you buy a house? Or are you starting a new chapter in your life by moving away to a different country? We could name at least a hundred more reasons why you should host an intimate celebratory dinner with your nearest and dearest. Remember: any occasion is a good enough reason to throw a party, even a small one. You can rent out a private room in your favourite restaurant or the whole space and invite guests to join you for a delicious feast. If you’re worried about the guest list and the fact that you won’t be able to keep it brief, try narrowing it down to only those people you would host for a dinner at your house.

An engagement party - Invite only those with whom you will feel comfortable on such a special occasion. Even though it’s not your wedding day (yet), an engagement is still a big deal to celebrate. This is why you should carefully plan each detail of the event. Set a budget for your party so that you have fun but also have enough resources for your special day. A small engagement party allows future wedding guests to get to know one another and celebrate the future Mr and Mrs - without having to break the bank. Where to host it, though? The venue you choose for your perfect post-proposal party should speak to the occasion’s importance, but not go against your own sense of style. If you don’t want to make too much fuss, go for a bar or a cozy cafe, but if you’re opting for a more elevated setting, rent a restaurant or its adjoining private dining room.

A product launch - You’ve worked hard on a new product and can’t wait to show it off to the world?! A product launch doesn’t have to be a huge enterprise with hundreds of guests - it can also be an intimate affair with 30 people who will truly celebrate your achievement. First and foremost, think of the theme you want the party to have. It will determine your choice of the venue to host your event. What’s more, the place should match the brand and the product itself. If you choose somewhere unique that people aren’t expecting, this can help you increase engagement with potential customers and result in product sales. You should also not forget about launching a teaser before the big launch to build some buzz around it. Once you have all that, your product launch will be a smashing success without a doubt.

An intimate wedding - Contrary to what plenty of people seem to believe, a wedding doesn’t have to be a large celebration. It obviously can be one if that’s what you and your other half want to do. But throwing a small wedding doesn’t have to mean caring less or not celebrating properly. It actually helps you stick to a healthy budget and since the guest list is rather condensed, it also allows you to spend quality time with each of your guests.  

Celebrate the magical moments with your nearest and dearest and cherish the whole event without worrying about extra costs. 

And what other kind of party could be hosted in a small venue? Essentially, any kind could be thrown - it all depends on the size of your guest list and, once that’s decided, on the choice of venue you will rent out for the event. Don’t hesitate any longer and simply book a small party venue for your next celebration in New York City!

Small Party Venues in New York City FAQ

How much does it cost to rent a small party venue in New York City?

Rental fees of small party venues in NYC vary greatly, mainly depending on the location of the given place. Most of the spots charge for each guest with prices ranging between $30 and $85 per person. It is also very likely that the venue you choose for your party will charge hourly rates - those usually vary from $400 to $500 per hour. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

What is the most convenient way to get around the city?

When it comes to moving around New York, we strongly suggest you use the city’s subway system. There are over 450 stations and 36 lines that can get you pretty much anywhere. Wherever there is no subway, you can always jump on a bus. If you’ve missed your train or bus, you can go for an iconic yellow taxi - but be aware of the traffic.

Where can I find the best small party venues in New York City?

You will be able to find fantastic places around all of Manhattan, from Harlem to the Lower East Side. SoHo, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen or Midtown. They are all full of great and intimate spaces ideal for all kinds of celebrations. You should also check out Brooklyn for a wide selection of cozy spots! Williamsburg, Carroll Gardens and Brooklyn Heights, to name a few, are filled with pubs, bars, restaurants ideal for an unforgettable feast. Queens boasts a lot of fantastic small places as well. Astoria, Corona, Flushing or Jackson Heights are all home to fabulous spaces, such as restaurants, lofts, studios and art galleries, where, depending on your requirements and taste, you can host a great intimate affair.

What are some of the best small venues in New York City?

You can’t decide on just ONE small venue to rent for your party? We’ve jotted down our top-picks, so have a look and get inspired:

• Gran Morsi - The Terrace at Tribeca’s Gran Morsi is a cozy space ideal for parties all year round. The restaurant is the epitome of elegance, simplicity and Italy, serving bold flavors.   
• St Tropez Soho - About 50 people can comfortably sit inside and up to 20 outside in this charming French place in the heart of SoHo. Brick wall, candles,  and reclaimed wood fittings - what else could you possibly want for an intimate gathering?