Northeast Minneapolis has become a hotbed not only for new apartments, but meeting and event space. Why? Katie Shepherd of the Food Building said, “It’s the location. People want to stay out of downtown, but within sight of it.” Suzi Shands, Mintahoe Catering Events, agreed. “Northeast has a vibe, a feeling. It’s artistic, young, hip and fun,” she said.
When the organizers of the Edison centennial had to move one of their events from one place to another, we got to wondering, how many event spaces are there in Northeast? As it turns out, quite a few. We started with our own experience and an online search for event centers.
56 Brewing, 3055 NE Columbia Ave, 612-404-0056. If a wedding in Xcel Park or the nearby community garden sounds like the venue for you, check into what 56 Brewing has to offer for a reception. The 3,000 sq-ft. Barrel Room next door to the Taproom can accommodate 300 standing, 150 seated, and their mezzanine is made for smaller events such as baby showers, rehearsal dinners or business meetings. TVs are available, as are table linens. Cost depends on the day the event will be held (weekends, naturally, command a higher price), as well as the season. Community groups, however, can use the space for free. Get in touch with 56’s events coordinator to work out the details.
Ambiente, 505 1st Ave NE, 612-424-6944, info@ambientegallerie.com. A chiropractor’s office is probably the last place you’d expect to use for a birthday party, art opening or wedding, but Ambiente is far from ordinary. When Dr. Kari Boudreau moved her office from 13th Avenue NE to 1st Avenue NE 11 years ago, she rented the entire first floor. “I’ve always had art in my offices, and I wanted to create a greener space that would get used on weekends as well as Monday through Friday,” she said. She hired an architect, Ali Heshmati, who, through a system of cantilevered fabric walls and cables, transformed the area into chiropractic offices by day and event spaces by night. The resulting 3,800-sq.-ft. space is licensed for 150 seated guests, although it can hold more if you’re hosting a stand-up cocktail party. Walls are decorated with a gallery of artwork that changes every two months, much of it from Northeast artists. The back of the building has a loading dock for catering use; Boudreau prefers to allow guests to use catering options that best suit them, including food trucks.
The APT Event Space, 511 Central, #5, 833-278-6757, info@theaptmpls.com. The APT is just what it sounds like, an apartment-turned-event-space. Chris Villegas first had the idea to use the second-floor apartment on Central and Hennepin as a gathering place for groups of 15 to 20 people in 2018. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he opened in 2020 and found that his small space was just what small groups needed – a safe, clean space to gather. Since then, he’s hosted a “plethora” of events, including bridal and baby showers, bachelorette parties, private dinners, weddings, fashion shows, graduation parties and corporate networking events. The furniture is easily moved, allowing him to provide space for a movie night or a “getting ready” area for weddings. The winter months are not as busy as the summer months, so he fills in with photo shoots. It costs $700 to rent the apartment for six hours during the day (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) and $800 for an evening (4-10 p.m.) He also offers package deals. For an example, a wedding package may include valet parking, a hosted bar, a private chef, an officiant and an Airbnb stay the night before.
Cedars Hall, 602 University Ave, 612-379-8989. If you’re looking for the ultimate in flexibility, you might want to consider Cedars Hall, part of St. Maron’s Catholic Church. “Your event will be run how you want it,” said John Stein. “If you want to bring in your own caterer or have your grandma cook in our kitchen, it’s up to you.” Cedars can also provide food – Stein prefers to use Northeast companies such as Marino’s, Kramarczuk’s or Ray J’s – and alcohol, two bartenders and security guards. The bright, airy, 5,600-sq.-ft. hall boasts a 42 x 42-ft. wooden dance floor. They also offer decorating services. They’re booked most Saturdays from April to October. In addition to weddings, they also host events for corporations, schools and cultural groups. For pricing, contact Stein at the number above.
Eastro Restaurant & Event Center, 2300 University Avenue, 612-707-5792, EastroEvents@gmail.com. Housed in the old Gastof zur Gemutlichkeit building, Eastro can host groups from 12 to 200. As reported in the Oct. 5 Northeaster, they offer East African foods with a Western twist.
Food Building, 1401 Marshall, 612-545-5555, hello@foodbuilding.com. Although the focus in the Food Building is on the production of food, there’s plenty of meeting space. Katie Shepherd said the building offers the Commons and the Tasting Room that can accommodate 200. They also offer the courtyard, which can handle 90 people standing. They host rehearsal dinners (now called “welcome parties”), corporate meetings, networking events and workshops as well as corporate holiday parties. They updated their space before the pandemic to admit more natural light, and installed a bar. Rental rates depend on the days of the week, running from $1,200 for the room and $1,200 for food and bar service during the day Friday to Sunday, to $2,400 for the room and $4,800 for food and bar on Saturdays. All the food comes from the makers within the building. (An exception is allowed for cake from a commercial kitchen, which is not made there.) Setup, linens and audio- visual equipment are available, as is an in-house cocktail maker. A final head count is needed seven days prior to the event.
GQ Event Center, 1517 Central Avenue, 952-594-0584, info@gqevents.com. Tucked into the “Alamo” building, GQ Event Center has been in operation just since January of this year. The new event space boasts its own house sound and lighting systems. Peter Kyalo said they chose the space because of its proximity to downtown and the historic neighborhood. The 5,000-sq.-ft. space can accommodate 250 seated guests. In-house decorators make setup easy. Although they don’t have a liquor license, they do allow licensed bar service. With valet parking, they’re set up for weddings, social and ticketed events such as concerts. Hall rental can be as much as $2,500-3,000, depending on requirements.
The Grand 1858, 212 2nd Street SE, 612-564-3777, and the 1893 Grain Belt, 1215 Marshall Street, are owned by Entourage Events, info@thentourage.com. Entourage Events likes to name its venues after the years they were built. Located ever-so-slightly outside of Northeast, The Grand was named a 2021 winner in the Best of Weddings competition. The 1893 Grain Belt opened in October, and has several smaller rooms for private parties as well as a large area for weddings.
Jax Cafe, 1928 University Avenue, 612- 789-7297, jaxcafe.com. If any restaurant has earned the title of neighborhood institution, it’s Jax. The Cosmopolitan Room can hold 100-300 guests, and features two bars and a dance floor. The more intimate Round Table room accommodates 50-100 and also has a bar and fireplace. Three other smaller rooms are also available.
Moose Bar & Grill, 356 Monroe St. NE., 612-623-4999. Many a fundraising benefit has been held in the basement banquet room of the Moose. The room also accommodates birthday parties, wedding and baby showers, grooms’ dinners and other events.
Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St, 612-253-0255; and Solar Arts, 711 15th Ave, 763-234-5069, info@mintahoe.com. Although the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board owns the building and the land surrounding it, Mintahoe Catering and Events has run the show at the Nicollet Island Pavilion for years. Perhaps the largest venue in Northeast, it can easily seat 600 or host 5,000 at a stand-up cocktail reception. The big three-season tent allows you to entertain outside and watch the Mississippi River slide by, while the indoor space of the old William Brothers Boiler Works offers a more formal setting for dinner and dancing. Corporate clients often choose to use food stations, which allows guests a choice of two or three small plates instead of plated dinners. If you’re planning a wedding at Nicollet Island, be aware that they’re booked 18 months out during the peak season of May 1-Oct. 31. A Saturday wedding package can cost $11,500 for the room during the peak season, and $16,000 for food.
According to Suzi Shands, Mintahoe co-president, Solar Arts, which Mintahoe took over in January, has a “warmer” vibe. “It’s in the heart of the Arts District,” she said, “next to the train tracks.” Indeed Brewing is on the main floor; artists’ lofts fill the second floor and the third floor offers event space. Capacity is 250 seated, 400 standing. The old tire factory has its original wood floors, high windows and exposed pipes. Artists in the building frequently fling open their doors during events, allowing guests to see their work. A Saturday wedding at Solar Arts runs $5,500 for room rent and $9,000 for food. As with the Pavilion, fees include room setup and teardown; you may incur additional fees for security or a “flair” bartender. Shands said 2023 dates at Solar Arts are “booking up fast.”
PNA Hall, 1304 4th Street NE, 612-378-0367; and Rogue Buddha, 347 13th Avenue NE, 612-331-3889, both owned by Nicholas Harper. The PNA Hall has a long history in Northeast. Built by the Polish National Alliance, it has always been a gathering place for weddings and other large parties. Harper bought the property three years ago. “It’s an old-school place,” said Harper. Jaren Turley, who manages the space as well as Northeast Social below, agreed. “It’s kind of stuck in time,” he said. “There aren’t a lot of places like this anymore. We’re happy to be its stewards.” It has capacity for seating 200 (350 standing). Turley said the space has been used for everything from weddings to podcasts to pig roasts. The room has a stage, but A/V equipment is not included in the rental. Weekend rental runs about $2,500-3,000; weekdays, $750-1,500 during the off season. Wedding business took up 48 weekends pre-COVID. Turley said the hall is back up to 37 this year, and has 28 weddings booked for 2023. Note: The hall is not ADA-compliant; it is reached by a long staircase.
For a more intimate function, you may want to consider Rogue Buddha, just around the corner. Harper describes the décor as “moody art gallery,” with charcoal-colored walls, original tin ceiling tiles, electric candle chandeliers and, of course, a changing display of art. Although Harper has a preferred caterer, you are free to bring in your own food if you wish. The event space can hold 100-150 for a cocktail party (50 for a sit-down dinner). Rental rates depend on the day and size of the function, but average around $500-1,000.
Quincy Hall, 1325 Quincy Street NE, 612-400-1754, info@quincyhallmn.com. Quincy Hall has space for groups ranging from 100 to 1,000, according to its website. They have a list of preferred vendors, including wedding and conference planners. Catering is by CRAVE Catering.
The Revel Room, 2226 Central Avenue, 651-706-4812, hello@revelroommn.com. If you’re looking for a smaller venue for a workshop, book launch or intimate wedding, the Revel Room, with a capacity of just 99 people, may fit the bill. Melissa Kostichka, who manages the venue, said, “It’s an economical option for hosting events.” The website quotes rates of $110 per hour on weekdays, $220 per hour on Saturday and $175 per hour on Sunday. They have a roster of preferred caterers, but you can use your own for a 10% kitchen fee. They also offer an in-house barista and floral and decorating services.
Sinclair on Grand, 1903 Grand, 763-313-3024, Thesinclairongrand@gmail.com. The Sinclair was once slated to become an impound lot for Bobby & Steve’s, but neighbors fought for another use for the 1905 building, once the home of Sinclair Oil Refining. The result is the Sinclair on Grand, a 4,500-sq.-ft. event space with a “raw, industrial” feel that can seat 200. “It’s not a dive,” said co-owner Adam Garlie, “but it’s not prim and proper, either.” Although Bobby & Steve’s still owns the building, Garlie and Christina Formico own the business. She grew up in Northeast; the couple lives in Columbia Heights. They renovated the building, which had been used as an antique store, putting in new flooring and adding more modern lighting. This spring, they opened an adjacent outdoor space, becoming one of the few event centers able to offer an outdoor ceremony space. They don’t have a liquor license, but licensed bar services are welcome. Open since May 2021, they look forward to serving corporate clients, now that COVID-19 has started to abate somewhat. In the meantime, their weekends are solidly booked for weddings through April 2023. Hall rental prices vary, with Saturdays being the most expensive ($5,000). “We wanted a place where everybody could have a party without spending $75,000,” Garlie said.
Ukrainian Event Center, 301 Main, 612-259-8213, info@301onmain.com. The Ukraininan Event Center has been available for rent since 1982 – “Forty years in the same location!” said Operations Manager Taras Pidhayny. The 4,000-sq.-ft. main ballroom seats 300, and there are smaller meeting rooms that accommodate 50 people just down the hall. The center has its own licensed bar which is separate from the ballroom. They host weddings, corporate events, birthdays and quinceañeras, and are able to host live bands. They don’t have a preferred caterer; users can bring whatever licensed caterer they prefer. Typical rental is for eight hours, plus four hours for setup and takedown. Events must end at midnight. Pidhayny cited another plus – 100 off-street parking spaces.
The Whim, 655 19th Ave NE, 651-239-0257, info@thewhimevents.com. The Whim bills itself as a luxury event venue, with “get ready rooms” for brides, valet parking and seating capacity for 300. The former Carter Day building also hosts corporate events.
Columbia Heights
Central Mix, 4030 Central Avenue, 612-217-4529, thecentralmix@gmail.com. Shelley Santrach has taken a former adult daycare center and transformed it into a coffee shop by day and event center at night. They can seat 100 for private events such as groom’s dinners, and have hosted music events, craft shows and office holiday parties. Next door to Jimmy’s Billiards, Central Mix has a liquor license and serves beer, wine and cocktails, thanks to Columbia Heights’ new, relaxed liquor law. Pop-up chefs Soleil Ramirez and the Gentleman Forager offer unique meals. “We try to support people who are trying to do some fun things,” Sandtrach said. “We pull from the mix.”
Heights Event Center, 820 40th Ave NE, 763-222-7788. The owner of the Heights Event Center was out of the country when we tried to contact them. Located in the former Columbia Heights Library, its website, https://heights-event-center.business.site, indicates the building can handle parties of 100-120.
Murzyn Hall, 530 Mill Street, 763-706-3730, MurzynHall@columbiaheightsmn.gov. City-owned Murzyn Hall gets a lot of use: Weddings, quinceañeras, baptisms, birthday parties, banquets, class reunions and Tibetan New Year’s celebrations. Best availability is on weekends, because the city uses it during weekdays, although it has occasionally hosted an afternoon funeral. Generally, it’s booked solid on weekends from April to October. The hall has a lot to offer, including seating for 300, free onsite parking and a cash bar staffed by the Columbia Heights Lions. You can bring in your own food, cooked offsite – a boon to people who want to serve culturally-appropriate meals. The rental fee recently increased to $3,000. The fee includes use of the hall, kitchen and the LaBelle Lounge. Columbia Heights residents, or people who run a business in the Heights, receive a 25% discount. Permits run noon to 1 a.m.
St. Anthony Village
Silverwood Park, 2500 Co. Rd. E, 763-559-6700, SilverwoodEvents@ThreeRivers
Parks.org. Silverwood’s Great Hall rents for $1,700 Monday-Thursday and $2,800 Friday-Sunday – except November to March, when the rate drops to $1,900 on Friday and Sunday. The large patio gives you outdoor options; indoor capacity is 240. Three Rivers Park system has a list of preferred vendors.
SAV Community Center, 3301 Silver Lake Rd, 612-706-1166. If you’re looking for deeply affordable event space, try the St. Anthony Village Community Center. The multi-purpose room is used “for all kinds of parties and receptions,” said Mike Bowman, facility and adult programming coordinator. The room can accommodate 50 to 75 people and rents for $30 per hour if you’re a St. Anthony resident. (It’s $60 per hour for non-residents.) The Multi-Purpose room has an attached kitchen, which you can use at no charge. Bowman also schedules the Commons at St. Anthony High School. The newly built facility can seat 200 to 250 and rents at the same rates. The kitchen at the high school rents for $30 per hour. (You have to fill out “certain forms” before you’re allowed to use it, however.) A building supervisor or custodian must be on hand during events at either space; charges for their services run $15-35 per hour. The Central Park shelter is also available for groups. It can hold 30 to 40 inside, and another 50 to 75 outside, and rents by the hour. In all cases, you’re welcome to bring in food or hire a caterer. “When you’re looking around, don’t forget about us!” said Bowman.
Coming soon
Hollywood Theater, 2815 Johnson Street NE. During a “hard hat tour” in September, owner Andrew Volna said the long-awaited renovation of the Hollywood would be complete by the end of the year. At that time, the auditorium floor had been leveled, the roof strengthened and repaired and the mechanicals updated. With the heavy work done, decorating could start. Volna said the venue would be able to hold 300 (400 at a standing event). The old projection booth would provide a place for running the house lights and other equipment. Volna expects to handle corporate events and mini trade and craft shows as well as weddings and large parties.
Below: Dr. Kari Boudreau shows her chiropractic practice rooms at Ambiente which can be reefed like sails on a boat to provide meeting space. Andrew Volna during the hard hat tour of the Hollywood in September. He expects the venue to be completed by year-end. The Sinclair on Grand, which hosted some of the festivities during the Edison Centennial in late September/early October. (Photos by Cynthia Sowden)