Everything you need to know about reserving a bar or restaurant in NYC for a group

Part 2

Last week, we broke down the different types of reservation options when booking a bar or restaurant for a group in NYC. We discussed everything from minimum spends to prepaid packages, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.

We introduced the five options when reserving bars and restaurants on Party Place: 

1. Minimum Spend with a Credit Card Hold: The host secures the reservation with a credit card, which will only be charged if the minimum spend isn’t met.
2. Minimum Spend with a Refundable Deposit: The host pays a deposit upfront, which is refunded if the group meets the agreed-upon minimum spend.
3. Minimum Spend Prepaid by the Host: The host pays the minimum spend in advance, ensuring the reservation is secured and any additional spending is settled afterward.
4. Prepaid Drink and/or Food Package: The host pays in advance for a set selection of food and/or drinks, covering all guests for a specified period.
5. Classic Flat Fee Reservation Prepaid by the Host: The host pays a flat fee upfront, covering the cost of reserving the space for the event.

Below is a quick overview of each along with a real-life example to show how it works.

Minimum Spend with a Credit Card Hold 

This reservation type ensures that you meet the minimum spend requirement while allowing your guests to pay individually for their purchases.

How It Works:

Let’s say you make a reservation that requires a minimum spend with a credit card hold. You choose a $1,000 minimum spend over a 2-hour period.

For example, if you invite 40 guests, each would need to spend an average of $25 to meet the $1,000 minimum. During the checkout process on Party Place, you’ll be asked to provide a credit card, but it won’t be charged immediately.

On the day of the event, your guests will pay for their drinks and food as they normally would at the bar. Collectively, your group needs to spend at least $1,000 within the 2-hour window.

Spending Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: If your guests only spend $800 during the 2-hour window, your credit card will be charged the remaining $200 to meet the minimum.
• Scenario 2: If your guests spend $1,000 or more, your credit card won’t be charged anything extra.

Party Place venue offering this: The Cactus Shop

Minimum Spend with a Refundable deposit

This reservation type ensures that the minimum spend requirement is met while allowing your guests to pay individually, and it provides a straightforward process for deposit refunds based on total spending.

How It Works:

Suppose you make a reservation that requires a minimum spend with a refundable deposit. You choose a $1,000 minimum spend over a 2-hour period.

For example, if you invite 40 guests, each would need to spend an average of $25 to reach the $1,000 minimum. During the checkout process on Party Place, you’ll be asked to provide a credit card.

Once the venue confirms your booking, you’ll prepay 25% of the minimum spend as a deposit, which amounts to $250. Three days before the event, the remaining 75% will be placed on hold on your credit card.

On the day of the event, your guests will pay for their food and drinks as they normally would at the bar. Collectively, your group needs to spend at least $1,000 within the 2-hour window.

Spending Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: If your guests only spend $800 during the 2-hour window, your deposit will cover the remaining $200, and the leftover $50 will be refunded to you.
• Scenario 2: If your guests spend $1,000 or more, your entire deposit will be fully refunded.

Party Place venue offering this: Baba Cool

Minimum Spend that is Prepaid By the Host

This reservation type ensures that the minimum spend requirement is prepaid and applied toward your event, making it easier to manage expenses and ensuring a smooth experience for your guests.

How It Works:

Imagine you make a reservation that requires the minimum spend to be prepaid by the host. You choose a $1,000 minimum spend over a 2-hour period.

During checkout, you’ll prepay the $1,000 minimum (plus any applicable tax and gratuity). On the day of the event, all spending by your guests will be deducted from this prepayment until the $1,000 minimum is reached.

Any spending beyond the $1,000 minimum will need to be settled separately by either you or your guests as it occurs.

Spending Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: If your guests only spend $800 during the 2-hour window, the remaining $200 from your prepayment will not be refunded.
• Scenario 2: If your guests spend $1,000 or more, your prepayment will cover the minimum, and any amount beyond $1,000 must be paid separately.

Party Place venue offering this: Rocco's Sports and Recreation

Drink and/or Food Package Prepaid By the Host

This reservation type ensures that party guests have access to a specified selection of drinks and/or food and that the cost of the selected package is covered in advance.

How It Works:

Let’s say you make a reservation that requires selecting a drink and/or food package. You choose a package priced at $50 per guest (including tax and gratuity) for 10 guests, totaling $500.

During checkout on Party Place, you’ll be asked to provide a credit card. Once the venue confirms your booking, you’ll prepay 25% of the total cost as a deposit, which amounts to $125. Three days before the event, your credit card will be charged the remaining $375 balance.

On the day of the event, your guests will enjoy the specified selection of food and/or beverages for the agreed-upon time. Depending on the venue’s policies, your guests may also be able to order and pay for additional items beyond the package directly at the venue.

Spending Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: If more guests arrive than the number you originally paid for, your credit card will be charged for the additional guests.
• Scenario 2: If fewer guests arrive than the number you paid for, no refund will be issued for the difference.

Party Place venue offering this: Blue Haven South

Classic Flat Fee Reservation Prepaid By the Host

This reservation type ensures that party guests have access to a specified space without any financial stipulations or minimum spend requirements.

How It Works:

Suppose you make a reservation that offers a Classic Flat Fee Reservation. You choose a package that costs $250 per hour for a private room in the venue, booking it for 2 hours, totaling $500.

During checkout on Party Place, you’ll be asked to provide a credit card. Once the venue confirms your booking, you’ll prepay 25% of the total amount as a deposit, which comes to $125. Three days before the event, your credit card will be charged the remaining balance of $375.

On the day of the event, your guests will have exclusive access to the private space for the duration of your event. Depending on the venue’s policies, your guests can also purchase food and/or beverages a la carte.

Party Place venue offering this: Bandits Dive and Diner

--

Next week we'll start to highlight the top booked venues on Party Place and why you should book your next get-together!