Private Dining & Events Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Event in Downtown Seattle
Q: Where is Alder & Ash located, and is there parking nearby?
A: Alder & Ash is situated in the heart of downtown Seattle at 629 Pike Street, right at the corner of 7th Avenue and Pike Street. We are steps away from the Seattle Convention Center Arch and legendary downtown theaters. Valet parking is available at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, local parking garages offer hourly parking, and we are highly accessible via major public transit routes. For directions and transit options, visit our Hours & Location page.
Q: What are your hours of operation for private events?
A: We host private events seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, afternoon receptions, and dinner. Depending on your event's needs, we can accommodate early morning corporate meetings or late-night celebratory toasts. Explore our standard dining schedules on our Hours & Location page.
Q: Is Alder & Ash accessible for guests with disability or mobility needs?
A: Yes. Alder & Ash is fully ADA-accessible. Our street-level main entrance, private dining spaces (including The Alder Room and The Ash Room), lounge area, and restrooms are all located on a single, easy-to-navigate main level with no stairs required.
Q: What hotel or lodging options are nearby for out-of-town event guests?
A: Being situated at 7th Avenue and Pike Street puts us in the center of downtown Seattle’s primary hotel district. We are directly adjacent to and within easy walking distance of premier lodging options, including the Sheraton Grand Seattle, Hyatt Regency, and the Grand Hyatt.
Q: What are nearby public transit options?
A: We are exceptionally well-connected. Our venue sits two blocks from the Westlake Light Rail Station, giving guests a direct link to Sea-Tac Airport. Multiple King County Metro bus lines stop along 3rd and 4th Avenues, and the Seattle Streetcar (South Lake Union line) is just a short walk away.
Q: What is your proximity to the Seattle Convention Center for corporate breakout dining?
A: We are exceptionally close—located right at 7th and Pike, just steps from the main entrances of both the Convention Center Arch and the Summit buildings. This makes Alder & Ash the premier venue for corporate lunches, convention happy hours, VIP client dinners, and off-site breakout sessions. See our Corporate Event Dining page to plan your business gathering.
Our Private Event Spaces & Capacities
Q: What are your private and semi-private dining room capacities?
A: We offer stylish, flexible spaces designed to mirror the refined beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Our capacity limits are tailored to fit different event styles:
The Alder Room: Semi-private dining space | 28 guests seated | 40 guests standing
The Ash Room: Intimate semi-private dining space | 12 guests seated
Bar & Lounge: Lively open reception space | 50 guests seated | 75 guests standing
Full Restaurant Buyout: Exclusive venue access | 86 guests seated | 175 guests standing
Explore our room photos and layouts on our Event Spaces page.
Q: What is the difference between booking a private dining room and a full buyout?
A: A private dining room booking reserves a dedicated semi-private space within the restaurant—such as The Alder Room (up to 28 seated / 40 standing) or The Ash Room (up to 12 seated)—allowing your group to enjoy an intimate atmosphere while absorbing the ambient energy of the main restaurant. A Full Restaurant Buyout grants your group exclusive, private access to our entire venue, including the main dining room, lounge, and craft bar, accommodating up to 86 guests for a seated dinner or 175 guests for a standing reception.
Q: Can we bring in our own decorations, flowers, or branding displays?
A: Absolutely. We welcome personalized touches such as floral arrangements, custom tabletop decor, signage, and corporate branding displays. To ensure a seamless setup, we ask that all decor plans be reviewed and approved with your event manager in advance.
Q: Do you host wedding-related events like rehearsal dinners and post-wedding brunches?
A: Yes! Our contemporary spaces provide a stunning backdrop for bridal showers, welcome receptions, post-wedding send-off brunches, and intimate wedding receptions. Discover how we can customize your special weekend on our Wedding Festivities & Celebrations page.
Event Menus, Dining & Venue Logistics
Q: What type of cuisine is served for private events?
A: Our culinary team crafts customized banquet and event menus featuring elevated New American cuisine. Dishes highlight fresh local ingredients and regional purveyors, complemented by signature craft cocktails and Pacific Northwest wines. Preview our current offerings on our Menus page.
Q: Do you allow outside catering?
To maintain our culinary standards and food safety protocols, all food and beverage must be provided directly by Alder & Ash. The only exception is custom specialty cakes or desserts from licensed commercial bakeries (subject to a per-guest cake fee).
Q: Do you offer custom menus?
A: Yes. We offer customizable multi-course plated dinners, family-style feasts, passed hors d’oeuvres, and food stations. Our team can work with you to tailor menu selections or beverage pairings for your occasion.
Q: Do you offer tastings?
A: Menu tastings are available upon request for full restaurant buyouts and large-scale wedding receptions once a contract and deposit are secured. Tastings must be scheduled at least 30 days prior to your event date.
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies for large groups?
A: Absolutely. Our culinary team handles all restriction requests such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, nut-free, and kosher-style dietary needs with care. We request that all dietary restrictions be shared with your event coordinator at least 7 business days prior to your gathering.
Q: Is there a food and beverage minimum to book a private space at Alder & Ash?
A: Yes. We utilize a food and beverage minimum based on the specific room selected, day of the week, and time of day (breakfast, lunch, happy hour, or dinner). Minimums can vary greatly depending on your event. Submit an inquiry today for a tailored quote.
AV, Decor & Planning Policies
Q: Do you have any AV capabilities?
We offer commercial high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the venue. For audiovisual requirements such as wireless microphones, projection screens, monitors, or dedicated audio feeds, we partner with premier local AV vendors to arrange rentals and technical support. Please ask your event coordinator about our current list of AV equipment available for your event.
Q: Do you have preferred vendors?
Yes. We maintain a curated list of trusted local vendors for floral design, AV support, specialized decor, event photography, and transportation. You are also welcome to bring your own insured vendors.
Q: Do you allow decorations? What restrictions are there?
We encourage personalized touches like floral arrangements, tabletop centerpieces, balloons, freestanding signage, and corporate branding materials.
Decor Restrictions: To protect our natural wood finishes, decor and interior fixtures, confetti, glitter, wall tape/adhesives, and open, uncontained flames are strictly prohibited. All candle flames must be fully enclosed in glass hurricane holders.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits submitted to hold event dates are non-refundable. Cancellations made more than 30 business days prior to the event date forfeit the initial deposit only. Cancellations occurring within shorter timeframes are subject to a percentage of the estimated total cost, as outlined in your customized private event contract.