Nightlife

Private Practice

The Hot List: 2011 Holiday Parties

It might not feel like it now, pre-turkey and all. But big trees, bright lights and aggressively placed mistletoe are in your future. So we’ve taken the liberty of compiling the prime spots especially conducive to seasonal merrymaking. Make us proud...

FOR A CASUAL GATHERING OF AGAVE LOVERS

Salon de Fiesta at Tacolicious

You Require: A rustic den with access to more than 300 tequilas and mezcals.
You’ll Receive: A skylight-equipped back room that was formerly the machine shop where they once fabricated cables for the Golden Gate Bridge. It now doubles as a space for a piñata party—which, we all know, is seasonless.

FOR A TIKI-FUELED ESCAPE

The Boathouse at Smuggler’s Cove

You Require: A personal bartender assigned to your own private bar.
You’ll Receive: A three-story waterfall that leads to a subterranean tiki den equipped with its own bar serving up flaming volcano drinks. This might be the only time when Hawaiian shirts and Santa hats actually make sense.

FOR RELIVING SEMESTER AT SEA

The Bridge Tower at Waterbar

You Require: Fresh air.
You’ll Receive: A bayside terrace and waterfront views virtually under the Bay Bridge. If your jacket isn’t keeping her warm enough, there’s central heating inside the Bridge Tower and, of course, martinis from your private bar. Not like you need a reason.

FOR A PARTY OF TWO...

Private Dining at Fifth Floor

You Require: The possibility of room service.
You’ll Receive: A three- to five-course tasting menu, which shouldn’t get you into too much trouble. But add the benefit of a private cocktail cart and more than 700 wines at your disposal, and you might need a hotel room. Okay, you need it. Just book it now.

FOR FEELING LIKE YOU’RE IN BORDEAUX

The Oak Room at Ram’s Gate Winery

You Require: A change of scenery and lots of wine.
You’ll Receive: A plethora of options, from the covered gallery to the library to the barrel rooms. Our favorite: the Oak Room, where you and 19 of your closest friends will fete in the company of eight five-ton French oak fermentation tanks from Bordeaux. The tanks may be empty...