When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Events at Hunt & Gather Catering
Why Events at Hunt & Gather Catering is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Events at Hunt & Gather Catering offers a remarkable and exclusive fine-dining experience right in the heart of Portland's Pearl District. Known for its interactive and upscale culinary events, this venue combines a modern industrial aesthetic with exceptional cuisine and impeccable service, making it an ideal spot for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. Hosted by Chef Andrew Biggs, a classically French-trained chef, and Laura Harlow-Biggs, a seasoned event planner, the business prides itself on artisan-crafted dishes using responsibly sourced ingredients and a highly trained in-house culinary team. The event space itself is thoughtfully designed with custom walnut dining tables, a sunken cocktail lounge, a stylish side lounge for quiet conversations, and an elevated DJ booth, creating a versatile atmosphere for diverse occasions from wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners to farewell brunches and engagement parties. With floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the vibrant neighborhood and a capacity that can seat up to 130 guests or host 200 standing, the venue is spacious yet cozy, featuring contemporary furnishings and modern amenities such as Fortessa dining ware, Riedel stemware, and advanced sound systems. This turn-key event space aims to make planning effortless by providing all-inclusive services where clients simply book and show up, while the professional staff handles every detail to ensure an impressive, memorable experience for all attendees.
Here's what people think of Events at Hunt & Gather Catering
As of recent, Events at Hunt & Gather Catering holds a 4.6-star rating based on 47 reviews.
Customer reviews for Events at Hunt & Gather Catering highlight the outstanding culinary quality and the professionalism of the staff, contributing to an overall excellent experience. Positive feedback often praises the sublime food that impresses guests with its flavor and presentation, alongside attentive and friendly service that helps events run smoothly. Reviewers also appreciate the stylish and warm ambiance of the venue, noting its modern yet cozy environment that suits celebratory and intimate events alike. Many guests compliment the thoughtful event planning and the attention to detail from the team, which adds to the seamless and enjoyable atmosphere. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention concerns about pricing, highlighting that the cost for food and beverage minimums plus venue fees can be high, especially for weekend events. A few mention limited availability or scheduling challenges during peak times. Despite these critiques, the consistency of gourmet dining and personalized service outweighs the negatives. Overall, the reviews conclude that Events at Hunt & Gather Catering delivers a high-end, memorable event experience with strong emphasis on quality food, elegant setting, and professional execution, making it a sought-after venue for distinctive occasions in Portland’s Pearl District.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steve Merrow
We chose Hunt and Gather for our Wedding Reception and are extremely thrilled with the experience they gave us. It started with a meeting with the HG manager Soizic who was an absolute delight. With her complete understanding of the menu and venue, she was able to cater the entire evening to the vibe, food, and music we were looking for. From a wedding perspective, the venue decor is great so you don't really need to decorate much beyond flowers. It has great space for intimate photos, dancing, and large party dining. The food was incredible. The staff was amazing; it really felt like they were enjoying the whole night rather than just going through the motions. We had an incredible wedding day and our experience at Hunt and Gather was a massive part of that. Highly recommend to anyone, especially wedding receptions!
Linda Tooley
Hunt & Gather provided a wonderful experience for our company reception held in a construction equipment facility. The menu worked well for the attendees and the flow of the event, and the food was spectacular! The bartenders were fun and lively and contributed to the evening, and all serving staff and planning team members were friendly and professional. I highly recommend Hunt & Gather for your catering needs!
Sharon Harker
We were planning to host a large Halloween party at our home for 70+ guests. I asked a friend who works with many catering companies, to give me her top recommendation. Without hesitation, she recommended Hunt & Gather Catering, which is run by the team of Chef Andrew Biggs and Laura Harlow-Biggs. So I messaged them. Laura, who is the event planner, got right back to me, and offered to come to our house to discuss the menu and all the details -- where the food stations would be, where the chefs would prepare the food, what tables and equipment would be needed. She covered everything!!! She was so personable and easy to work with -- I knew I was in capable hands! The menu was fantastic and perfect for our party! Everything was so delicious! Guests raved about the food all night! And the service was outstanding -- a wonderful, attentive staff who were really fun to work with! Hunt & Gather really sets a high bar for wonderful, creative food and excellent service! We are already planning to use them again for our Halloween party this year!
Sam Huck
The Director of Events for Hunt and Gather, Katie, is a pleasure to work with. She is creative, professional, extremely knowledgeable, and very easy to get along with. While we ultimately decided to cancel our plans because of COVID, Katie was always on top of it and really supportive of our vision. Also, the food that we had for our a tasting was phenomenal, and Katie and the owners of Hunt and Gather made that tasting a very special night that we will remember. When we get the chance to have an event again, Hunt and Gather will be number one on our list.
Ken Renner (Bend Oregon Realtor)
We love this place - our recent visit was for a holiday party and the food was fantastic! Service was top notch and the venue is very modern, industrial and has a fun vibe.
How to reach Events at Hunt & Gather Catering
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Why Events at Hunt & Gather Catering may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering with your friends?
Gathering your friends for any celebration or casual meetup at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering in Portland’s vibrant Pearl District is an exceptional experience that combines superb food, stylish ambiance, and thoughtful service. This venue is not only known for its delicious, five-star quality meals that guests still rave about long after the event but also for its warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both modern and cozy. Whether you’re planning a lively party or a more intimate get-together, Hunt & Gather offers a unique all-inclusive dining experience with an open-view kitchen providing an interactive and engaging setting. The friendly and professional staff ensure your gathering runs smoothly, attending to every detail so you and your friends can focus entirely on enjoying your time together. The flexible space, which can accommodate both seated dinners and standing receptions for up to 200 people, offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, making it ideal for any social occasion. Rallying here means enjoying not only great company but also delicious food and a stylish venue that elevates your entire event from ordinary to unforgettable.
What activities can you enjoy at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering?
Events at Hunt & Gather Catering offers a variety of activities centered around dining and celebration, designed specifically to make your group meetup memorable and seamless. The venue features a state-of-the-art open kitchen where you and your guests can watch chefs craft exquisite dishes in real time, creating a dynamic, interactive culinary experience. This lends a sense of excitement and connection, transforming a typical meal into a shared adventure in gourmet food. The spacious sunken bar area is ideal for lively conversations and socializing, effortlessly transitioning into a dance floor where friends can let loose and celebrate with music provided by an elevated DJ booth. The lounge area provides a cozy space for quieter moments or intimate chats away from the bustling main floor. Beyond these spaces, guests can enjoy elegant drinks at a marble-top mobile raw bar and customized menus tailored to fit your party’s preferences. The included high-end amenities such as wireless microphones and an HD sound system enhance activities like speeches, toasts, or even karaoke, further enriching the overall event experience.
Why is this venue perfect for a group meetup?
The perfect venue for a group meetup balances ambiance, convenience, and comfort, and Events at Hunt & Gather Catering excels in all these areas. Its design beautifully marries modern industrial aesthetics with warm, inviting touches, using materials like walnut dining tables and leather lounge furniture that exude style without sacrificing coziness. The floor-to-ceiling windows open to the lively Pearl District, letting in natural light and an energetic urban vibe, which helps set a festive mood for your gathering. Importantly, the venue is fully turnkey, meaning all the essential elements for hosting—such as dining ware, stemware, table linens, and professional service—are included, removing logistical stress from your planning. The flexible capacity, with seating for up to 130 or standing room for 200, allows the space to be tailored perfectly to your group size. Additionally, the location in Portland's bustling center is easy for guests to access, with plenty of nearby attractions to explore before or after your event if desired. All these factors make it an unmatched choice for groups seeking to share a remarkable meal and great memories together.
What makes the food at Hunt & Gather Catering stand out for your event?
At the heart of Events at Hunt & Gather Catering’s appeal is its exceptional culinary offering. Clients and guests consistently praise the food for being among the best they have ever tasted, describing it as a five-star dining experience that impresses a wide variety of palates. The menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase sublime, locally inspired flavors prepared with skill and care by experienced chefs. The open kitchen concept allows guests to see their meals prepared fresh, enhancing the sense of quality and transparency. Their catering service is highly praised not just for taste but for presentation and attention to detail, with customized menus suited to the specific event themes and dietary needs of guests. Whether it’s a wedding reception, an engagement party, or a casual celebration with friends, the impeccable food quality helps transform the event into a true culinary event that guests continue to talk about long after the last bite. The staff’s attentiveness in serving and accommodating everyone ensures that your group feels valued and well taken care of throughout your gathering.
How do the amenities enhance your event experience at Hunt & Gather Catering?
The extensive amenities offered by Events at Hunt & Gather Catering significantly enhance every aspect of your group gathering. Included in the rental are high-quality Fortessa dining ware and 100% white cotton napkins, which add elegance and refinement to your dining experience. The venue boasts Riedel stemware for wine and cocktails, which wine experts recognize for enhancing the tasting experience, reflecting a dedication to detail uncommon in many event spaces. The room is outfitted with a 20-foot custom-made walnut chef’s table and stylish walnut dining tables that create a cohesive and upscale atmosphere. Furniture from Design Within Reach and Rejuvenation introduces contemporary comfort and sophistication, ensuring guests can relax or converse comfortably. The marble-top raw bar is a statement piece as well as a functional amenity, perfect for serving curated drinks or fresh oysters. Technological features like an HD sound system, wireless microphones, and an elevated DJ booth support a wide range of event formats, from speeches to dancing. These enhancements provide an effortless blend of luxury, functionality, and style that make every moment inside the venue vibrant and enjoyable.
What about pricing and booking details for a group event?
When planning your group event at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering, transparency about pricing and options is essential. The venue operates with a food and beverage minimum alongside a venue rental rate, both of which depend on the day of the week. On Monday through Thursday, the food and beverage minimum is $3,000 plus a $1,000 venue rate, with additional staffing and service charges. Fridays and Saturdays, which are typically higher demand times, require a $7,000 food and beverage minimum plus the $1,000 venue rate and service fees. This pricing structure reflects the high quality of food, service, and amenities provided, offering an all-inclusive feel that removes hidden costs and surprises. For groups, this means you can plan your budget with confidence while still enjoying premium catering and a top-tier event environment. Booking in advance is recommended due to the popularity of the venue and its limited dates, especially for weekend events. The combination of flexible event timing and clear pricing helps ensure your meetup can be planned to suit your group’s preferences without hassle.
How does the location benefit your event at Hunt & Gather Catering?
The prime location of Events at Hunt & Gather Catering in Portland’s Pearl District greatly benefits any group meetup by providing easy accessibility and an exciting urban backdrop. The Pearl District is known for its vibrant mix of galleries, boutiques, and lively streets, making it a captivating neighborhood for your guests to explore before or after the event. Situated on NW Glisan Street, the venue is well-connected by public transport and offers plenty of parking options nearby, easing logistics for attendees coming from different parts of the city. The bustling neighborhood vibe adds a dynamic energy to your gathering, with large floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to enjoy this vibrant cityscape from inside the stylish venue. If your group wants to extend the celebration, there are many cafes, bars, and cultural spots within walking distance. This accessibility and urban charm make the venue not just a place to eat and socialize but a destination that enhances every aspect of your meetup experience.
How does the staff contribute to a flawless meetup experience?
Events at Hunt & Gather Catering staff are widely praised for their professionalism, attentiveness, and warm hospitality, which collectively contribute to a flawless event experience. From the initial planning stages to the day of the event and beyond, the team works closely with clients to customize menus, manage logistics, and ensure every detail meets your expectations. During the event, servers are proactive and discreet, making sure glasses are refilled, plates are cleared promptly, and any guest needs are anticipated and met with grace. This attentiveness helps create a relaxed atmosphere where hosts can enjoy their event without concern. The experience is consistently described by clients as feeling like a private dining experience with personalized care for each attendee. In addition, the staff’s expertise with handling different event types—from casual parties to formal receptions—ensures that your meetup flows seamlessly, with technical aspects like sound and lighting integrated smoothly. Their commitment to impeccable service elevates your gathering to a truly memorable occasion.
What types of events are ideal to host at Hunt & Gather Catering?
The versatile space at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering is well suited for a wide array of group events, making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional gatherings. It is frequently used for wedding receptions, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding showers, and farewell brunches, demonstrating flexibility in accommodating celebratory occasions of all scales and tones. Beyond weddings, it is popular for cocktail hours, welcome parties, after parties, and corporate events, thanks to its combination of formal dining areas and lively social spaces. The venue’s design supports both seated dinners for groups of up to 130 and standing receptions up to 200, allowing you to tailor the event format to best fit your group’s dynamics. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family gathering or a large reunion with friends, Hunt & Gather’s blend of culinary excellence and stylish setting can be customized to deliver exactly the atmosphere you want. This adaptability and quality make it a reliable choice when you want your group meetup to stand out.
What should you know before booking Events at Hunt & Gather Catering?
Before finalizing your booking at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering, it’s important to understand the logistics, costs, and offerings to ensure your expectations align with what the venue provides. The venue rate ranges depending on day and duration, with clear minimums for food and beverage spending that reflect the premium quality of their catering and event services. You should plan ahead regarding your guest list, as the venue accommodates a maximum of 130 seated guests or 200 standing, which is vital for matching your event size to the space. Customizing your menu and event details with their experienced team will enhance your overall experience, so initiating early communication is highly advisable. The venue provides numerous included amenities to reduce the need for outside rentals, but you should confirm specifics regarding décor or AV equipment if you have special requests. Finally, confirming the event’s timing and any accessibility or parking needs with the staff will help avoid surprises on your event day, making your gathering smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.
What makes the ambiance at Hunt & Gather Catering unique?
The ambiance at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering strikes a rare balance between industrial modernity and warm comfort, creating a welcoming yet stylish environment for group meetups. The architectural features such as floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and provide invigorating views of the bustling Pearl District. This openness contrasts beautifully with the deep walnut tables and plush leather lounge furniture, which invite guests to relax and linger. The sunken bar area fosters social interaction with a casual yet chic vibe that shifts into an energetic dance floor when mood and music call for it. Thoughtfully designed lighting and votive candles add warmth during evening events, making the space feel intimate without losing its spaciousness. The elevated DJ booth and premium sound system complement the space’s versatility, supporting moods that range from subdued cocktail hours to lively celebrations. Given all of this, the ambiance is an essential part of why the venue is so highly rated and beloved by groups looking for a venue that feels both exclusive and approachable.
Who typically books Events at Hunt & Gather Catering?
Events at Hunt & Gather Catering attracts a diverse range of clients, but it is especially popular among those seeking an elegant yet casual venue in a prime urban location for their special occasions. Many are couples planning wedding-related events such as receptions, rehearsal dinners, or showers, appreciating the venue’s capacity, top-tier catering, and customizable spaces. Additionally, professionals and business groups choose the venue for corporate gatherings or celebratory events due to its flexibility and full-service offerings. Friends and families looking for a memorable place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions also frequently book Hunt & Gather, drawn by its warm atmosphere and premium amenities. The venue’s stellar reputation and high average rating reflect its broad appeal and consistent success in meeting diverse client needs. This broad customer base underscores its reliability and desirability for groups aiming to create unforgettable memories in a single location.
How can you make the most of your event at Hunt & Gather Catering?
To maximize your group event at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering, planning ahead and taking full advantage of the venue’s offerings is key. Work closely with the catering and event team to design a menu that reflects your group’s tastes and dietary requirements, which elevates the entire dining experience. Leveraging the open kitchen for an interactive culinary feature can be a highlight that sparks conversation and engagement among guests. Consider the flow of your event, utilizing the sunken bar for socializing early on, then transitioning to the dance floor when the party livens up, and retreating to the lounge area for more intimate chats. Incorporate the DJ booth and sound system for music tailored to your group’s preferences, balancing lively beats and quieter moments. Don’t overlook the aesthetic details like customizable menus, votive candles, and elegant stemware, as these small touches contribute significantly to the atmosphere. Finally, plan to arrive early with your guests to enjoy the ambiance of the Pearl District neighborhood, which can complement and extend the celebration beyond the venue walls.
What steps should you take to book your meetup at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering?
Booking your meetup at Events at Hunt & Gather Catering involves a few straightforward steps to ensure your event runs without a hitch. First, contact the venue well in advance to check availability, especially if you are planning a weekend or peak season event, as demand is high. Provide initial details about your group size, event type, and preferred dates so the venue team can provide accurate pricing and availability information. Once availability is confirmed, discuss the food and beverage minimums, venue rental rates, and any additional staffing or service charges to finalize your budget. Collaborate with the event staff to customize your menu, schedule the timeline, and select any special amenities or setups needed. Make sure to get a written contract outlining all agreed details to avoid misunderstandings. Lastly, maintain communication with the venue closer to the event date to manage guest count updates, special requests, or last-minute adjustments. Following these steps will help create a smooth and enjoyable event experience for you and your friends.