Castro Private Heated Outdoor Garden

Thank you for viewing our listing! Please be sure to read our FAQ, which will answer most common questions, before reaching out with an inquiry or booking request. _____________ In the heart of the Castro District, this gorgeous, one-of-a-kind outdoor oasis – located within a private social club – is perfect for Receptions, Product Launches, Client Events, Fundraisers, Catered Dinners, Cocktail Soirées, and Premier Parties. The space is located within a LGBTQ+ social club, and has additional areas available including a gorgeous outdoor garden terrace. To view other listings, click on host's profile. All listings are located within the same facility. ——————— OUTDOOR GARDEN TERRACE This space features a Brazilian Ipe deck, two fire pits, overhead heaters, outdoor lighting, speakers, and plenty of space for your group to enjoy a beautiful San Francisco day or evening. It is private, secluded, shielded from wind, comfortable, and free of distractions so you and your group can get maximum enjoyment and productivity. On the same level, the space connects to an intimate speakeasy-style lounge with private restroom, bar, and private seating areas, which can be reserved along with the Terrace for additional cost. ——————— INCLUDED IN BOOKING RATE: ❧ All required venue staff (additional may be necessary for special requests) Full use of the Outdoor Terrace ❧ Standing up to 60 ❧ Seated up to 30 ❧ 2 Fire pit sitting areas ❧ 2 Heated deck sitting areas ❧ Overhead cafe lights ❧ Designer outdoor furniture ❧ Brazilian Ipe deck ❧ Mounted electric heaters ❧ Restroom access indoors (main or lower level depending on other events) ——————— ***NOT INCLUDED*** IN BOOKING RATE (inquire w/ host for full pricing & options) FOOD & BEVERAGE: ❧ BEVERAGES: The venue is a licensed beverage caterer. Guests are *not* permitted to provide their own beverages or staff. Different package levels are available; please inquire w/ host. ❧ FOOD: Preferred vendor food catering options available. Any caterer not on the preferred list will incur an additional fee and require a separately-scheduled walk through. ——————— ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED UPON REQUEST (availability not guaranteed and must be booked well in advance): ❧ Beverage catering (w/ additional required staffing) ❧ Food catering ❧ Blackjack / card dealer ❧ Drag entertainment ❧ Outdoor Garden Terrace ❧ DJ or Karaoke ❧ Photo Booth ❧ Whiskey Tastings ❧ Wine Tastings ❧ Learn How to Make Your Own Signature Cocktail ❧ Barber Services (main floor barber salon) ——————— CONVENIENCE We are located less than a block from Church St. MUNI station, with easy street parking available nearby. ——————— EXPECTATIONS PRIOR TO YOUR BOOKING Guest will set expectations w/ Host 2-weeks prior to booking. *PLEASE NOTE* due to the pandemic we have received a ton of last-minute requests. Please understand that within 1 week we will need to charge a 15% late booking fee which helps with last-minute staff scheduling, etc. ——————— FAQ Q: What are the cost components involved in hosting a private event at this space?​ A: We will provide you with a detailed, itemized proposal for your review prior to booking. Cost components are: space rental (hourly), cleaning fee, required beverage package (per person, per hour - details & options provided by host), sales tax, gratuity, plus any add-ons or entertainment provided in-house. We may also charge additional fees for outside food vendors, last-minute bookings, or other requests outside our typical offerings. Q: Can we bring our own drinks? A: Our licensing and insurance do not allow for “BYOB” and therefore this is not allowed. ​ Q: Can we provide our own staff / bartender? A: We provide all event staff including bartender, barback, front of house host, etc. If you have a friend or volunteer who would like to assist with check-in (e.g. handing out door prizes, welcoming guests, etc.) that is okay but please inform the event manager. Only venue staff and management are allowed in any back-of-house areas labeled "staff only" or "employees only". Q: Can we have our guests pay for their own drinks? A: For larger private events of more than 10 people, we are not able to allow individual drink tabs or orders. This is to ensure smooth service and a successful event for both our staff, you, and your guests. We are happy to work with you on a beverage package that suits your needs and your budget. Q: What if some of my guests do not drink alcohol? A: Not to worry! Our staff is fully prepared with options and substitutes for your alcohol-free (or low-ABV preferring) guests. During the planning process, ask about non-alcoholic beer options, zero-proof spirits, "mocktails" and more to keep all of your guests happy. Please note: all guests will be charged at the same rate as the beverage package you select. ​ Q: How about food? Do you have preferred catering vendors that you work with?  A: We have preferred vendors who can give you a separate quote and take care of all food-related needs. Please inquire for our preferred vendors list. We do not handle food in-house, and we do not have a full kitchen on-site. If you work with an outside caterer not on our preferred vendors list, we charge a $250 fee. This covers time and expenses required for a new vendor, such as permit and insurance verification / paperwork, added email communication, required venue walk through, etc. If you do not hire professional catering but decide to bring in food or have it delivered, we charge a $100 fee to cover added staff clean-up time and waste disposal. ​ Q: What about security or door staff? Do we need to provide this?​ A: We provide all necessary venue staff, including a front receptionist who will greet your guests, verify their name on the guest list, check their coat or bag (complimentary), and direct them to the space where your event is being held. If you feel for any reason that your event requires additional professional security, please let us know and we can refer you to an appropriate contractor. ​ Q:  Is there parking included, or a garage nearby?​ A: There are no included parking spots with the venue, and unfortunately, The Castro does not have a parking garage. We are located right on Market Street, and there is generally street parking available within 1-2 block radius. Of course, for any guests who will be consuming alcoholic beverages, we strongly advise taking a car service or public transportation, which is readily available outside our venue. Q:  How do vendors or personnel load-in to the venue? Is there a loading dock or designated area?​ A: There is no loading dock or designated loading zone, however, we do have a side gate on Market Street that goes to the lower level (Speakeasy or Outdoor Terrace). This can often be the easiest way to load in, depending on which space you have reserved. Street parking is available or you may temporarily double park on Market Street for quick drop-offs. Please coordinate specific arrival times with venue management, and be advised that all set-up time must be part of the hourly rentals. Your event contact can go over these requirements to ensure a smooth experience. Q:  Can I arrive early to set up for my event?​ A: Yes! Please include any needed setup time when planning your event with us, and we can be sure to have the venue ready for your arrival. Please note: all time in the venue is charged an hourly rental fee. Depending on the scope of your setup needs, this time may be at a discounted rate. ​ Q: What about music / playlist? A: We have a Sonos system that covers the whole venue. If you have a Spotify playlist you can email to us as a link, that is ideal. Please make sure it is set to public, and send to the host. Then we can load it into our system and have it ready for when you arrive. Please be aware that you will not be able to "control" the music during the event. You may work with the event manager to set an appropriate volume, shuffle or other settings, prior to the start of the event. Q: Can we have a DJ? ​ A: It depends on which space you are renting, and which other events are happening at the venue. We have an old building where sound can bleed through to each floor. Also, outdoor amplified music is not allowed. Please ask your host for details on what is possible for your event. ​ Q: Do you allow dancing? A: Only in certain areas of the venue, including the outdoor terrace (keep in mind music and volume constraints), and the Speakeasy. Generally, we are more of a cocktail lounge space, not a dance club, so please consider this when planning your event. If we are not the most suitable venue, we can definitely recommend great alternatives. ​ Q: Do you allow guests under the age of 21? A: Our licensing does permit guests under age 21, however, they will not be served alcoholic beverages per state law. Any minors (guests under age 18) must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian at all times. Our venue is not suitable for young children, and we strongly recommend childcare services in lieu of bringing kids to the venue.