Nightlife

Private Sector

The Hot List: 2010 Holiday Parties

We won’t delve into the giving versus receiving debate, but we can all agree that when there’s a party, everyone wins. So in the spirit of the holidays, we’ve scouted out six spots to get the season rolling. And by rolling, we mean keeping the spirits flowing.

The Dough Room at Flour + Water
THE NEW DEAL

The Dough Room at Flour + Water

This room, located around the corner from its pizza-joint sibling, transforms from the pasta prep room by day to a moody, rustic private dining room by night. Expect them to pull out all the stops in prepping the Italian-inspired menu, which is your cue to do the same on the holiday front.

Russell’s Room at Bourbon & Branch
THE HIDDEN STASH

Russell’s Room at Bourbon & Branch

This former cigar shop and basement speakeasy with five escape exits to Geary, Jones, O’Farrell and Leavenworth was resurrected for your private cocktailing purposes. You’ll secure your customized secret password, which your guests will use to get escorted inside. It’ll be up to you to find the exit.

Holds 35, Bourbon & Branch, 501 Jones St (at O’Farrell), reserve at 415-346-1735

The Gallery at Foreign Cinema
THE PAPARAZZI

The Gallery at Foreign Cinema

While the Director’s Table in the room with the vintage 35mm film projector works for a dinner party of 12, the Gallery—with 18-foot ceilings, skylights, modern art and fully stocked bar—is what you’ll need to close out the year. Add the patio for private indoor/outdoor access—it’s always good to keep your options open.

Holds about 100, Foreign Cinema, 2534 Mission St (at 21st), reserve at 415-648-7600

Quince’s Cellar-Adjacent Experience
THE SPLURGE

Quince’s Cellar-Adjacent Experience

With one of the best wine lists in town and the guys from 15 Romolo in charge of the cocktails, the holiday cheer will be flowing steadily from behind the silk drapes. Add in some lobster skewers, then start working on finding something to live up to it for next year...

Holds 30, Quince, 470 Pacific Ave (at Montgomery), reserve at 415-775-8500

The Slanted Door’s Lounge
OPEN-DOOR POLICY

The Slanted Door’s Lounge

The glass-enclosed room overlooking Treasure Island has a slight fishbowl effect, so if you’d rather stay in the mix, you’re better off opting for the more festive, semiprivate lounge by the bar. Not to mention that you’ll enjoy instant access to the next round.

Transported SF’s Teacher Bus
THE MOBILE UNIT

Transported SF’s Teacher Bus

Hailing cabs is generally a hopeless endeavor in this city—hence this bus. Unlike a cab, it’s equipped with all your party needs: stocked coolers and a linoleum dance floor, to name a few. To top it off, it’s biofuel powered—lest you worry about your carbon footprint. Remember what they say about the journey...

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