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Top Small Venues in San Francisco, CA
Small venues are versatile spaces that can cater to various events with a small number of participants. It could be an intimate wedding, a small party or a team building event. No matter what you’re planning, you’ll find a plethora of options all across the city: sophisticated restaurants, cozy cafes, atmospheric bars, charming outdoor patios and more! Take a look at our list of small venues for rent in San Francisco and find out how easy it is to book the perfect space with Tagvenue.
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![Rick's side at Rick & Roxy's in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA]()
from $500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityRick's side
125 guestsRick & Roxy'sCow Hollow, San Francisco, CA
#Supervenue
JJoanna H.
“It was the perfect space and the owner was amazing to work with ” -
![The Whole Venue at The American Bookbinders Museum in South of Market (SOMA), San Francisco, CA]()
from $375
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Whole Venue
110 guestsThe American Bookbinders MuseumSouth of Market (SOMA), San Francisco, CADDea H.
“Both events were very different in content/style but the space is very versatile and was great for both. ” -
![ELIXIR Bar and Parklet at Elixir in Mission Dolores, San Francisco, CA]()
from $326
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityELIXIR Bar and Parklet
85 guestsElixirMission Dolores, San Francisco, CAKKatie M.
“I highly recommend this venue to anyone looking to rent a space for an event. ” -
![Roxy's side at Rick & Roxy's in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA]()
from $500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityRoxy's side
175 guestsRick & Roxy'sCow Hollow, San Francisco, CA
#Supervenue
IIsa O.
“This was a perfect venue to rent out for a disco themed birthday. ” -
![Event Area at Dynamico Space in Union Square, San Francisco, CA]()
from $250
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEvent Area
50 guestsDynamico SpaceUnion Square, San Francisco, CASSamantha
“Great meeting space with tons of availability, even on weekends. ” -
![Semi-Private Area at El Lopo in Van Ness, San Francisco, CA]()
from $150
minimum spend / per afternoonCheck availabilitySemi-Private Area
20 guestsEl LopoVan Ness, San Francisco, CA
#Supervenue
PPierce Y.
“We loved the atmosphere of the place. They were very accommodating and had delicious food and drinks. ” -
![Inside Area at Chief Sullivan's in North Beach, San Francisco, CA]()
from $45
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityInside Area
200 guestsChief Sullivan'sNorth Beach, San Francisco, CAMMark D.
“Can't recommend this venue enough! Adrianna was responsive and a pleasure to work with. ” -
![The Canteen at Toy Soldier in Financial District, San Francisco, CA]()
from $500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Canteen
60 guestsToy SoldierFinancial District, San Francisco, CAOOliver
“The space is huge and has a great sound system, the food was good, and the location was easy to get to! ” -
![Rooftop Restaurant and Bar at Sazerac in Union Street, San Francisco, CA]()
from $500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityRooftop Restaurant and Bar
50 guestsSazeracUnion Street, San Francisco, CAAAmy H.
“Lovely bartenders, great drinks, and great vibes at the venue. ” -
![The Officer's Club at Toy Soldier in Financial District, San Francisco, CA]()
from $500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Officer's Club
100 guestsToy SoldierFinancial District, San Francisco, CATTanner S.
“The bartender was an awesome guy, kept up with 40+ people all night. ” -
![Speakeasy at The Academy in Mission Dolores, San Francisco, CA]()
from $600
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilitySpeakeasy
30 guestsThe AcademyMission Dolores, San Francisco, CABBrian H.
“Centrally located in the Castro. The bartender we had did a great job. Overall would absolutely rent again ” -
![Hemingway Room at Novela in Financial District, San Francisco, CA]()
from $500
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityHemingway Room
45 guestsNovelaFinancial District, San Francisco, CAthe space has been used for product launches, intimate hostings, small group happy hours, and executive lounges. We pride ourselves on exacting attention to every detail of your event experience with you and your guest first
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FAQs about Top Small Venues in San Francisco, CA
The northeastern part of the city is particularly rich in event venues of all types. Check out bustling downtown, with popular areas such as Union Square, SoMa or the Financial District. The lively Mission District and Cow Hollow also offer something for everyone: upscale restaurants, trendy coffee shops, vibrant nightlife spots and live music venues. If you’re into water views, explore the waterfront areas of Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero or the Marina District. And if you’d rather book a small venue away from the hustle and bustle, look for spaces in the Richmond and Sunset Districts.
The costs of renting a small event space in San Francisco will range from around $360 to $3500 per session. If you’re looking for affordable alternatives, it may make sense to look for venues that charge per person. In this case, prices start at around $26 and reach up to around $52 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)
Discover some of our favorite small event venues you’ll find in and around San Francisco:
- Patio at Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge - Enjoy world-class cocktails in this tropical oasis in the heart of the city! Outdoor parties have never been this good. This venue is perfect for up to 40 people.
- Studio 2 “Rhythm And Flow” at Rae Studios - Planning a small workshop, photoshoot, or meeting? This airy space with boho decor and plenty of natural light can accommodate a versatile mix of events. Conveniently located in Union Square.
- Outdoor Garden Terrace at The Academy - An intimate and cozy outdoor space with charming twinkling lights and access to a bar - can you ask for much more? This venue near Church and 14th Street station will elevate your upcoming event to new heights! It's perfect for up to 60 guests.
While San Francisco is generally expensive, there are some tricks you can apply to save some money while renting a venue for your small event.
- Book a space that’s just the right size. Don’t book a venue for 30 when you’re only expecting 15 guests. Make sure that the space you choose will comfortably fit everyone you’ve invited, but avoid overpaying for a venue that’s too big for your purposes.
- Bring your own food and beverages. Food and drinks typically constitute a large portion of the total cost. Sometimes finding external caterers can be a cheaper alternative, but you have to get the venue manager’s approval first! Organizing a potluck is also a great way to cut the costs.
- Host a cash bar. Alcohol is expensive. A good way to go easy on your wallet is to simply have your guests pay for their own drinks that they buy from the bar.
Your Guide to Renting Small Venues in San Francisco, CA
Best small spaces for your event in SF
NocNoc in Hayes Valley offers a quirky interior filled with custom artwork, glowing colours, and relaxed booth seating. It’s a top pick for informal gatherings where people want to mingle, dance, and enjoy a space that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Sazerac on Union Street gives you the feel of a private cocktail lounge, complete with plush seating and a built-in bar. The space is popular for intimate receptions, rehearsal dinners, or small business mixers.
HeartLab in the Mission District was designed with creative energy in mind. The space includes a presentation screen and flexible table setup, making it suitable for team offsites, storytelling nights, or creative pitch events.
Barbarossa Lounge in North Beach blends moody lighting and antique furnishings with an open layout ideal for semi-private parties. There’s a dance floor, DJ setup, and separate lounge nooks if you want a mix of social zones.
Question Mark Bar in SOMA offers multiple room sizes and a welcoming, unpretentious bar area. It's ideal for birthday bashes, niche meetups, or low-key private events that need both space and character.
Top neighborhoods to find venues for small groups
In SOMA you’ll find everything from modern lounge setups like Zoë with its upscale design elements, to more casual spaces like Office 440, where you can host a creative workshop or smaller corporate event.
In Mission Dolores and the Mission District check out Kilowatt, which leans more toward nightlife-style events, and Naked Kitchen, which doubles as a private dining room with chef-level kitchen access—perfect for intimate dinners or culinary launches.
North Beach and Union Street have The Bamboo Hut has a tropical feel and works well for birthdays or themed events, while Owl Tree downtown offers a quieter, classy space for networking or soft-launch events.
What kind of events work well in smaller spaces?
Small venues are best for events that benefit from a bit of intimacy or atmosphere. Rick & Roxy’s in Cow Hollow is popular for semi-formal occasions like engagement parties or album listening sessions, thanks to its adjustable lighting, seating, and built-in bar area.
Frankie’s Java House in South Beach provides a casual setting for community meetups or acoustic music events. It’s a compact venue with seating and standing space that encourages socialising without needing heavy production.
Ditas Marin, floating on the San Francisco Bay, offers a seated dinner setup with views for smaller gatherings that lean more toward the private or upscale side. It’s often booked for anniversaries or corporate dinners.
