The Federal Bar

The Federal Bar’s historic atmosphere is a wow factor that will take you back to timeless Hollywood glamour. Space: I was able to minimal decor because this beautiful place speaks for its-damn-self. We accommodated 120 comfortably plus a photo booth, the space would be tight for 150. The restaurant has a partition that separates the back part of the restaurant from the ceremony space, it gives a place for the bridal party to relax. However, the partition has an opening to walk through that doesn’t close, so when guests arrive and have to use the restroom, they walk right through where the bridal party is chilling. There is no room for the bride to get ready. The outside patio no drinks allowed outside due to it being owned by the city. Location: It’s only a couple miles from the Pike, so we did our first look in the beautiful park with the bay in the background. The location lets guests spend Friday in downtown and a few of my guests went to the Aquarium of the Pacific the Sunday after the wedding! Lots to do/accommodations are close. NO free parking here, so budget paying for valet for your guests (who will have to get validation during your event). Event Coordinator: We worked with Tess, who was professional, accommodating and answered every question I had in a timely manner. This restaurant doesn’t do weddings often, but Tess was responsive and willing to work with us. I did get some push back on things, but stand your ground and Tess will find a happy compromise. My Month-of coordinator to help lead conversations. Food: The food and drink packages are priced competitively, but much higher quality than other venues. The price to rent the entire restaurant is steal! My husband says the tasting here was the highlight of wedding planning. Great portions and able to sample everything we wanted, plus buy drinks from the bar! (Get the vegetarian option!! Rich, cheesy pasta <3). My guests RAVED about the food! I heard no issues about the staff or delivery. The pricing of the food also allowed for us to serve sliders and fries right before ending the evening. The Day-Of: The restaurant ended up closing all day for my event, so my vendors were able to get in a little earlier. I had a 1920s themed wedding, so when I arrived I saw the staff dressed the part for the night! It was a small, extra mile kind of gesture from the restaurant that totally blew me away and brought a huge smile to my face! Cocktail hour was hosted downstairs with the original vault from the 1930s, we got some awesome pictures! Our entrance was grand for us! We walked across the entire restaurant, through happy guests and ended at our third level sweetheart table. Being high up, we could see every table and conversation, it let us soak in the moment. They moved these two large U shaped couches to the edge of the dance floor, it was perfect for older guests to sit and be in the middle of the action. My guests received free entrance to the dance club downstairs (where cocktail hour was), and a handful of us continued to party! FYI it’s 90s/early 00’s hip-hop/rap). I was not presented with any issues with the venue during the night, but that could be due to my coordinator. Absolutely worth every penny spent. I would gladly work with Tess and her team again. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend you get married here. The classic elegance and sophistication this place oozes does not compare to other venues, and will be forever remembered by you and your guests.