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Fun Holiday Party Venues in SD

The holidays are time for celebration, but traditions can be…well, a little too traditional. From sushi to spas to seaside views, the following venues offer a way to break up old traditions and start new ones this holiday season, and are an opportunity to host a company Christmas party that your co-workers will be talking about well into the New Year.

“OUT-OF-THE-BOX” HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTIES

1. Rancho Bernardo Inn
Bask in the California winter weather, wind down the year’s end and escape the craziness to enjoy time with co-workers with a Holiday Garden Spa party at Rancho Bernardo Inn. The newly renovated Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn provides guests with an entirely relaxing and luxurious way to celebrate the holidays. With a total of 10,000 square feet, the Spa Garden areas include 14 treatment rooms, tranquil indoor and outdoor retreats, spa boutique and new spa treatment menu. The sparkling new Aragon swimming pool is surrounded by private cabanas and offers a beautiful backdrop for a holiday event. An added bonus: the Inn also provides an event planning team to assist with planning and to coordinate with the on-site audio/visual team, AND an in-house Floral Department.

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17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 675-8500
www.ranchobernardoinn.com

2. Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
Plan an exciting Hollywood adventure for an office holiday gathering at Cinepolis Luxury Cinema. Rent one (or all) of the theaters for private holiday gatherings, and enjoy gourmet in-seat food and drink service, state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment and luxe leather reclining chairs that offer up to 7 feet of reclining space. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind holiday office party, all eight of the theatre’s auditoriums can be reserved for private screenings and events with 3D and HD capabilities; each auditorium averages around 76 seats. Additionally, the two-story, 32,000 sq. ft. facility with a full kitchen can also be rented out for a private event.

12905 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 798-4045
www.cinepolisusa.com

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GATHERINGS

3. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
The Sheraton San Diego is the largest green hotel in Southern California and has long been recognized for its commitment to ecofriendly practices and sustainability with the official “Green Seal” Award. Located along San Diego Bay, a variety of meting and event spaces with stunning San Diego views are available, indoors or outdoors, that cater to events of all sizes. Zero waste catering and event set-up is also available so groups can celebrate while also reducing their carbon footprint. Book before November 30th and receive complimentary goods, depending on your party’s size; bookings may also be eligible for a tax write off.

1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101
(619) 692-2761
www.sheratonsandiegohotel.com

HIGH-END LOCATIONS WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS

4. La Valencia Hotel
Tis’ the season to reveal a fresh look for the holiday season! La Jolla's famed Pink Lady has just undergone renovations of its events space in celebration of its 85th Anniversary. Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla coastline add a majestic backdrop to the most intimate holiday gathering or extravagant year-end soiree. With over 3,000 sq ftsweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the La Jolla coastline, the Verandah Room & Terrace offers indoor and outdoor space and can accommodate parties from 20 to 250 guests. Additionally, The Galleria features French doors that open to two petite balconies overlooking the La Jolla Coastline. La Valencia also offers a private pool deck overlooking the La Jolla Cove, and each event receives the attention of a catering manager.

1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 551-3715
www.lavalencia.com

3. Flavor Del Mar
With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern California Coastline, Flavor Del Mar plays off of the best California has to offer, both in the cuisine and exquisite atmosphere. Toast the season with crafted cocktails and wine from a handpicked selection by the in-house sommelier, all while taking in a beautiful Pacific Ocean sunset. Flavor Del Mar seats 42 in the Lounge, 74 in the patio dining room and 20 in the private dining room.

1555 Camino Del Mar, 3rd floor, Del Mar, CA
(858) 755-3663
www.flavordelmar.com

4. Grant Grill
The Grant Grill Lounge at The US Grant Hotel provides an inviting backdrop for holiday receptions with tray-passed bites, craft cocktails and live entertainment. Toast the season with a cocktail by Award-winning mixologist Jeff Josenhans, like the holiday favorite the “Smashing Pumpkin as made famous on The Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

326 Broadway, San Diego, CA
(619) 744-2077
www.grantgrill.com

5. Brockton Villa Restaurant
Perched above the world-famous La Jolla Cove, Brockton Villa Restaurant's charming beach cottage dates back to 1894 and maintains a preserved architectural design with exquisite views of
the ocean and Pacific coast sunsets. With an approachable menu of classic American cuisine with a coastal twist, Brockton Villa provides the perfect menu for a party of any kind. Host a holiday beachside brunch where guests can enjoy Brockton’s world famous Coast Toast or varieties of unique egg dishes including steamers, omelets, benedicts, burritos and more, complete with Mimosas made with freshly squeezed orange juice and organic coffee drinks. Brockton Villa boasts an extensive outdoor patio, veranda and cozy indoor dining room, holding up to 100 guests total.

1235 Coast Blvd La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-7393
www.brocktonvilla.com

SIPS & SMALL PLATES—A COCKTAIL HOLIDAY PARTY

6. Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Located on Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla, Roppongi’s signature New Asian cuisine is a unique, sharable menu for this holiday season. The relaxed, upscale and intimate setting in one of San Diego’s finest neighborhoods offers Asian tapas like Pan Seared Scallops on Potato Pancakes and Mongolian Shredded Duck Quesadilla and sushi specialties like Big Eye Tuna on Sweet Corn Tempura and Albacore Jalapeno roll. Roppongi has numerous areas for small and large private dining – from the outdoor fire pit hosting up to 44 to 100 people to the covered and heated outdoor patio that can seat up to 60 guests and the private Buddha Room, which can be reserved for up to 32 people.

875 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
www.roppongiusa.com

7. Sip at Flavor Del Mar
Wine and dine your way to a happy holiday at SIP at Flavor Del Mar, which boasts an exceptionally diverse wine program carefully designed by Jerome Astolfi, and specialty cheeses and house-cured charcuteries. SIP at Flavor Del Mar also serves a rotating mix of local craft beers and specialty cocktails featuring boutique spirits, created by Flavor Del Mar’s mixologist Gabrielle Clift. Sip at Flavor Del Mar seats 27 inside and 8 on the patio, with a cozy, intimate feel, it is perfect for full buyouts for holiday gatherings.

1555 Camino Del Mar, 3rd floor, Del Mar, CA
(858) 755-3663
www.flavordelmar.com

8. Saltbox Dining & Drinking
Saltbox Dining & Drinking is San Diego’s newest "gastro-lounge" located inside the newly acquired Hotel Palomar San Diego. Offering a an approachable and inspired menu of “social” plates, the restaurant is the perfect place for hosting a casual, yet chic holiday gathering for groups of all sizes. Standout appetizers include Lobster Corn Dogs and Warm Ham & Cheese Bites that can be enjoyed standing, while seated guests may enjoy Bay Scallop Ceviche, Oxtail Jam with Ciabatta Toast and Pan Seared Scallops. The space offers a high design aesthetic, with a focus on sleek sophisticated comfort and plenty of seating for large groups, including the bar and lounge, dining room and rooftop pool & lounge options. The bar and lounge can
accommodate 42 seated, 110 standing; upstairs dining room 112 seated, 250 standing; and the expansive outdoor pool lounge holds 367.

1047 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, California
(619) 515-3003
www.saltboxrestaurant.com

9. Beaumont’s Eatery
Located in the heart of La Jolla's admired Bird Rock seaside community, Beaumont's Eatery is a central meeting spot for locals to gather for award-winning food, drinks and top-rate entertainment, so, what better place for hosting a holiday party! Boasting a fresh and modern décor throughout the indoor dining room, outdoor covered patio and swanky bar area, the
restaurant creates a comfortable setting for up to 128. Beaumont’s menu is inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients and sophisticated Southern California flare, with specialties including “tastings” such as mini Korean Street Tacos with Duck Confit and Ahi Tuna Tartar with Wonton Crisps. Handcrafted cocktails and extensive wine and craft beer lists are also available.
Beaumont’s offers private entertaining opportunities for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5662 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-0474
www.beaumontseatery.com

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS—BRING THE PARTY TO YOU!

10. RA Sushi Holiday Catering
Start a new and lighter tradition this holiday season with a RA Sushi. For a more private holiday experience, take one of our the RA Sushi Chefs and staff home to prepare and serve food on site, or take away your own holiday feast with To Go Platters. RA Sushi recently launched a new
catering menu that features sushi platters that start at $50 and range in size from 52 to 119 pieces -- making them ideal to pick up for your next holiday shindig. The platters come in five options for the "House", "Office" or the "Block". Those ordering the “House” platter can choose between the Basic ($60) option with eight Nigiri pieces and 44 sushi pieces and the Vegetarian Combo ($50) with 54 sushi pieces. “Office” platter options include the Maki Maki ($70) with 81 pieces of sushi and the Tsukiji Combo ($100) with 32 Nigiri pieces and 52 sushi pieces. The “Block” option consists of the Harajuku Combo ($120), with eight Nigiri pieces and 111 sushi pieces. The platters offer a wide variety of rolls like the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon
Roll, Cucumber Roll and more.

474 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 321-0021
www.rasushi.com

, San Diego Culinary Travel Examiner

Amanda Roberts-Jones is a wine and food writer who contributes to Gourmet Retailer Magazine and Practical Winery and Vineyard Magazine. Raised in Northern California just a short drive from Napa Valley, she now splits her time between San Diego and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Amanda is constantly in...

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