3 of my favorite venues in San Francisco
Outside of the Penthouse at The Battery
San Francisco is a city known for its innovative spirit and breathtaking views. As an independent contractor specializing in event management, I’ve had the pleasure of sourcing and working with some of the finest event venues in the Bay Area. Whether you’re planning a corporate tech conference, product launch, or intimate gathering, the right venue can transform your event into an unforgettable experience. In this post, I’ll share my top picks for event venues in San Francisco and what makes each one stand out for different types of occasions.
The Workshop is the private event space located above the main floor of The Progress. If you haven’t heard of The Progress, it is the sister restaurant of critically acclaimed State Bird Provisions and it has earned its own Michelin star.
My experience: I managed a client dinner for 25 people and the staff were wonderful to work with. We set up the room so we had room for pre-dinner cocktails and mingling, and we were able to rent a monitor for our presentation. I received so many compliments on the space and the food, and that the venue was a huge draw.
Pro tip: We arranged for seasonal desserts and signed copies of the State Bird Provisions cookbook for each guest to take home.
Neighborhood: Fillmore District
Max Capacity: 40 seated, 50 for a reception
Food and beverage minimum: $4500
Onsite AV: yes
Hotel Zelos is at a central location in the city and offers space for up to 150 people. If you are planning a small team meeting or other event, this is a great spot at a central location with reasonable pricing compared to other hotels I have considered. They also run meeting and events specials, so keep an eye out to save some money on your next booking.
My experience: I have stayed as a guest at Hotel Zelos and often went to their hotel bar, Dirty Habit for a drink with coworkers when I lived in the city.
Neighborhood: SoMa
Max Capacity: multiple configurations, up to 150
Food and beverage minimum: Varies
Onsite AV: Yes
The Battery is an exclusive members-only club and hotel located just outside of the Financial District in San Francisco. It boasts various event spaces throughout the property and can hold up to 120 people standing in its largest spaces. I am not sure if the policies have changed, but in the past a Battery member had to “sponsor” the event in order to host an event. This may have changed post-pandemic, but I am not entirely sure.
My experience: I managed an event at The Battery on the Penthouse level for approximately 120 people. We lucked out with a gorgeous evening and the food, drinks, and flowers were top-notch.
Neighborhood: Jackson Square
Max Capacity: multiple options, up to 120 standing
Food and beverage minimum: Varies depending on the space. (If you are considering The Battery, you should have a healthy budget.)
Onsite AV: Yes
Choosing the right venue is more than just a logistical decision—it sets the tone for the entire event. San Francisco offers an incredible variety of spaces, from trendy venues to unique outdoor settings, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every occasion. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large-scale corporate event, my top venue picks provide both flexibility and flair. If you’re looking for personalized venue recommendations or full event management services, please reach out—I’d love to help bring your next event to life.