Celebrating Love at HMD Bar & Grill
There’s something special about gathering your closest friends and family to celebrate the moment you say “yes” to forever. At HMD Bar & Grill, we believe every engagement party should feel uniquely yours—from the first toast to the final bite. Tucked into the heart of the neighborhood, our restaurant blends warm hospitality with vibrant energy. Whether you dream of an intimate cocktail reception or a lively dinner under twinkling lights, we’ll help you craft a joyful evening that honors your story and leaves your guests talking well past the last slice of cake.
Why HMD Bar & Grill is the Perfect Engagement Party Venue
Personalized Hospitality
From our initial planning chat to the big day itself, our event team treats your party like their own. You’ll work with a dedicated coordinator who listens to your vision—music favorites, dietary needs, seating layouts—and then makes it happen. No detail is too small: we’ll iron table linens, arrange fresh blooms, or tweak a cocktail recipe so it matches your wedding palette.
HMD Bar & Grill – Diner’s Choice Winner
Flexible Event Spaces
Maybe you picture warm wood tables and exposed brick for 30 guests, or a sleek, modern setup for 80 people celebrating under an open skylight. Our venue adapts easily. The main dining room can host a semi-private affair, while our patio transforms into an al fresco lounge. We also have a cozy back room just right for intimate toasts or a photo-op nook. Special lighting packages, adjustable acoustics, and custom floor plans ensure every guest feels comfortable.
Engagement Party Themes That Wow
Choosing a theme sets the tone for your engagement party and makes planning all the more fun. At HMD Bar & Grill, we offer five tried-and-true concepts that blend décor, menu, and ambiance in perfect harmony:
• Rustic Charm Evening: reclaimed wood and mason jars meet hearty share plates
• Tropical Sunset Fiesta: vibrant florals and zesty bites transport you to the coast
• Glamour & Gold Soirée: metallic accents and indulgent hors d’oeuvres sparkle under dimmed lights
• Vintage Garden Party: pastel blooms, lace linens, and tea-sandwich platters
• Modern Minimalist Affair: sleek lines paired with refined flavors and curated art
Theme Spotlight: Rustic Charm Evening
Decor Highlights
Imagine long farm tables dressed in burlap runners, clusters of wildflowers in mismatched vases, and soft Edison bulbs overhead. This look feels both cozy and curated—perfect if you love a down-to-earth vibe. Our team can source fresh greenery, wooden signage, and hand-woven textiles to bring that countryside warmth right into our city setting.
Food & Drink Pairings
Rustic Charm calls for comfort food with a gourmet twist. Start with a sharable charcuterie board featuring local cheeses, house-cured meats, pickles, and artisanal breads. Follow up with a family-style serving of smoked brisket sliders paired with apple slaw. For drinks, our bourbon flight—three small pours of sweet mash, peated, and rye—complements the savory barbecue notes. We can even craft a signature “He Said, He Said” cocktail: a honey-lemon spritz with a hint of rosemary.
Curated Menu Highlights
Every engagement party deserves a menu that feels as celebratory as the occasion. Below is a sample tasting flight designed to let your guests explore a range of tastes—from bright and fresh to rich and indulgent. Our ingredients are sourced from local farms and purveyors, so each bite supports the community you love.
Rustic-Themed Tasting Flight
• Starter: Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta with Basil Oil – Sparkling Rosé
• Small Plate: Pulled Pork Sliders with Peach-Chipotle BBQ Sauce – Bourbon Flight: Sweet Mash, Rye
• Shareable Side: Truffle Parmesan Fries – Handcrafted IPA
• Decadent Bite: Mini Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Tartlets – Single-Estate Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Planning Made Easy: Event Packages & Add-Ons
Signature Packages
• Essentials Package (Up to 30 guests)
– Private semi-enclosed dining area
– Three-course family-style menu
– Standard décor (linens, tableware, centerpiece vases)
– Two signature cocktails and draft beer bar
• Celebration Package (Up to 60 guests)
– Full restaurant buyout or patio reservation
– Four-course plated menu with choice of entrée
– Premium décor upgrade (custom linens, themed accents)
– Open bar with house spirits and wine selection
– On-site event coordinator and day-of assistant
• Luxe Soirée Package (Up to 100 guests)
– Exclusive full-venue rental
– Chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing
– Custom décor design (floral installations, mood lighting)
– Premium open bar featuring top-shelf spirits and champagne tower
– Live musician or DJ curated to your taste
Add-On Experiences
• Photo Booth or Polaroid Station with personalized props
• Custom Dessert Cart featuring mini cakes, macarons, and milkshakes
• Live Acoustic Musician or DJ set
• Wine Tasting Experience led by a sommelier
• Interactive Cocktail Workshop for crafting your signature drink
• Specialty Floral Arrangements or Green Wall Backdrop
Chef’s Corner: Curating Culinary Masterpieces
“Our philosophy is simple: celebrate local ingredients, bold flavors, and thoughtful presentation,” says Executive Chef Miguel Torres. “Every engagement menu should tell a story—of where you come from, what you love, and where you’re headed.”
Chef Miguel’s Favorites for Engagement Menus:
• Seared Scallop & Corn Chowder Shooter with Crispy Pancetta – a nod to coastal harvests.
• Wild Mushroom & Truffle Arancini served with tangy citrus aioli – earthy comfort in a bite-sized package.
• Lemon-Thyme Lamb Lollipops with Minted Yogurt Drizzle – elegant, savory balance.
• Garden-Fresh Radish & Pea Shoot Tartine – for a bright, spring-inspired starter.
He notes that every dish can be customized—swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or transform a plated course into a family-style shareable. “We’ll even host a pre-party tasting at our chef’s table so you can finalize each dish,” he adds.
Signature Cocktail Collection: Elevate Every Toast
Our mixologists have crafted a collection of engagement-worthy cocktails that delight the senses and tie neatly into your theme. Here are just a few standouts:
• The Blushing Bride: Rosé, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, a splash of soda, garnished with candied rose petals.
• Everlasting: Bourbon, blackberry syrup, fresh thyme, a dash of bitters, smoked rosemary sprig.
• The Vow: Gin, cucumber-mint shrub, lime, tonic water, served in a coupe glass.
• Something Blue: Vodka, blue curaçao, coconut water, lime, topped with edible flower ice cubes.
• Beyond I Do (Mocktail): Seedlip Garden 108, green apple juice, basil-lime foam.
Ask about our portable cocktail carts or interactive stations—your guests can learn to mix, muddle, and shake under the guidance of our lead bartender.
Expanded Event Hosting Options
Beyond standard dinner receptions, HMD Bar & Grill offers formats to suit every couple’s style:
• Morning “Brunch & Bubbles”: Mimosas, bloody Mary bar, avocado-toast boards, lemon ricotta pancakes.
• Afternoon Tea Reception: Assorted finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, jasmine tea.
• Sunset Soirée: Late-day cocktail hour with passed canapés and live acoustic set.
• Chef’s Table Dinner: A multi-course tasting for up to 12 guests in a semi-private kitchen alcove—perfect for your closest family.
• Late-Night Lounge: After-party snacks like gourmet sliders, loaded tots, and espresso martinis.
Each option includes customized staffing levels, equipment, and entertainment coordination.
Community Nights & Collaborative Events
At HMD, we’re more than a venue—we’re part of the neighborhood fabric. Consider weaving one of our ongoing community events into your engagement celebration:
• Farm-to-Table Dinners: Seasonal harvest menus crafted in collaboration with local farmers.
• Charity Tasting Nights: A portion of proceeds supports regional nonprofits—add a community giving moment to your event.
• Brewery Tap Takeovers: Feature a rotating selection of hometown craft beers alongside your cocktail bar.
• Acoustic Open-Mic Evenings: Invite your musically inclined guests for a surprise performance.
• Cooking Workshops: Pre-party team building—learn to make homemade pasta, sushi rolls, or artisanal cocktails with your bridal party.
These collaborative experiences not only entertain but also spotlight the people and partners that make our city thrive.
Seasonal Specials: Celebrate Every Season in Style
Keep your engagement party venue fresh and in tune with Mother Nature. Our rotating seasonal specials ensure your menu and décor are on point year-round.
• Spring Blossom: Cherry-blossom installations, pastel floral arrangements, pea-shoot salad cups, goat-cheese panna cotta with berry coulis, rhubarb-mint spritz.
• Summer Garden: Living herb walls, lantern-lit patio, gazpacho shooters, grilled peach salads, zucchini-blossom fritters, basil-lemon sangria.
• Autumn Harvest: Pumpkin-spice latte martinis, butternut squash ravioli, roasted root vegetable platters, pear-gorgonzola flatbreads, apple cinnamon bourbon punch.
• Winter Wonderland: Evergreens and twinkling lights, truffle-mac & cheese bites, short-rib pot pie, smoked salmon blinis, peppermint espresso martini.
Ask your coordinator about complimentary seasonal décor samples and limited-time menu tastings for each theme.
Testimonials: Stories from the Heart
“Our engagement party at HMD Bar & Grill was nothing short of magical. From the moment we walked in, we felt cared for. The Rustic Charm décor matched our vision perfectly and the bourbon flight was a huge hit.”
— Nina & Marcus
“We opted for the Tropical Sunset Fiesta and every detail was spot on—bright blooms, delicious ceviche cups, and the mango margaritas stole the show. Our guests are still talking about it!”
— Priya & Alejandro
“HMD’s team made planning effortless. The Luxe Soirée package included everything we dreamed of, plus more. Our families danced the night away under string lights. Truly an unforgettable evening.”
— Sarah & Josh
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Q: When should we book our engagement party?
A: We recommend reserving at least three months in advance to secure your preferred date and space. For popular weekend slots or in-high-season, book even earlier.
Q: What’s the minimum and maximum guest count?
A: Our smallest private room accommodates 20 guests, while the full venue can host up to 120 seated or 150 standing guests.
Q: Do you allow outside vendors (cakes, photographers)?
A: Absolutely. We welcome external vendors for cakes, flowers, and photography. All vendors must comply with our insurance and health regulations.
Q: Can we customize the menu for dietary restrictions?
A: Yes—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options are available. Let your coordinator know any special requests, and we’ll craft dishes that everyone can enjoy.
Q: Is there a deposit or cancellation fee?
A: A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your date. Cancellations made at least 30 days in advance receive a 50% refund of remaining payments.
Q: Do you offer tastings before the event?
A: Tastings for up to four people are complimentary with any Celebration or Luxe Soirée package booking. Additional guests can be added for a small fee.
Next Steps: Reserve Your Engagement Celebration
Ready to toast your future together at HMD Bar & Grill? Reach out to our Events Team today:
• Call us at (708) 857-7910
• Email [email protected]
• Visit hmdbarandgrill.com to view available dates and fill out our inquiry form
Let’s schedule a venue tour, chat through your ideas, and begin designing an engagement party that wows. Here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever after—starting right here at HMD Bar & Grill.
