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Not at all. And the service at Renato's is supplied by students from the Culinary Arts Institute in Journal Square. They're all newbies. More importantly, the food has gone downhill. The place is a ghost town at lunch time. A sure sign of a loser.

The Masonic Hall ? This person is pulling your leg. But, next door Renato's is a great place to have one. Food is good, as well as the service.

The Masonic Hall on Hutton St in the Heights is romantic, very reasonably priced and has a kitchen and dance hall for parties. It's a complete surprise once you enter it. There's also a venue at historic St Paul's in Bergen, behind the Hague Building. Here's a link: http://www.stpaulsjc.org/ The pics on their website don't show how pretty it is inside, it's worth the trip to see it.

You might want to check out LITM at 143 Newark Avenue. I know they have a bunch of party packages: Emily@LITM.com or at 201-500-LITM (5486)

Thanks to all for the ideas, very much appreciated. I'm near Renato's so I will give them a call. Also will note Madame Claude's and Skinners' roof deck for possibilities.

Note about the JC Loew's theater...its $3500 just to rent the space...add catering and decorations...it will add up. Nice venue, and I'm not knocking it...but not on my budget.

You should look into B.G.'s Tavern on Communipaw Ave.

If you are looking for a sit down meal, we had our rehearsal dinner at Madame Claude and it was very reasonable. We had about 25 people. We took up the whole place, so we did it between lunch and dinner, I think at 4pm. Everyone had a great time.

For that size group, I would say many restaurants downtown could accomodate if you just want to do dinner, and for probably less money than you would think. If you want space for dancing too, it's a little trickier but certainly there are options. The roof deck at Skinners Loft comes to mind.

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And horseshoe pits! (Haven't seen anyone using them, yet, though).

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You said you want to keep costs down. These are not in JC but maybe check some of these decent hall rentals in Bayonne out. I have been to most and they do a great job. JC used to have a lot of places..no more. There is the Moose Lodge on West side. Oh Bayonne also has a load of small sports bars that have back rooms. Good luck.

Knights of Columbus

http://www.kofc371.org/hall_rentals.htm


Polish Home

http://www.thepolishhome.us/HallRentalInfo.html


American Legion

http://bayonnepost19.com/


Catolic War Vetrans

http://www.cwv.bayonne.net/Hall_Rental.html


I think there is also a big Elks hall some where.

If it is an outdoor affair during the summer I would try to rent the Pavilion at Liberty State Park. It is affordable, has clean rest rooms, electric outlets are available, and the place is gorgeous.
The dedication of the Pavilions video.
http://vimeo.com/51560096

The op said they were on a limited budget-Liberty SC, Liberty House, Michael Anthony's aren't going to work, especially after they mentioned 'a decent tavern' as working for them.

Lowes Theater, Journal Square:

Address: 54 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone:(201) 798-6055

Went to a wedding and reception there. Stunning architecture, great photos, and caterers were on point. The ceremony actually took place on stage and was great. Easy set up for DJ and band.

Proceeds go to funding this amazing space.

Also, a lot of parking at garage behind theater. Location is just across the street from the PATH for easy travel.

It all depends on your budget. There are many great spaces ie: art gallerias that you can create a beautiful event by renting all the tables, chairs, linens and hire a local caterer.

Content Party Rentals is one example of a place that you can look at to get an idea of the total cost.

If you do not want to do this yourself look at places like http://www.michaelanthonynj.com/ that has a great view with accommodation for small parties in a private space. Althea has some great ideas and the venues are terrific, just not sure what the cost is at the end of the day.

I would lean towards a DYI if your creative and can visualize the space once you fill it. If you care to leave JC I love the upstairs at the Chart House for small parties and they take care of everything the same for Liberty House.


Best of Luck and Congrats!

The new student center of St. Peter's, top floor gives an amazing view of Jersey City and the NY skyline.

There is also Liberty Science center.

Liberty House in Liberty State Park is beautiful.

There is a nice banquet room in the basement of Renato's...at the back of Pizza Masters on Central. It has its own entrance from the parking lot in the back. (so your wedding party isn't walking through the pizza shop)

Anyone out there familiar with any local places that provide space or 'party deals' for a post-wedding reception?

It could be a restaurant or decent tavern, but not too grungy please.

I figure somewhere is the downtown JC area. I live in the heights but don't think there is anything up here.

There will be about 20-25 people planned on attending, but my budget is tight and of concern...any suggestions would be appreciated.