1. Two blocks south of Starbucks headquarters, Metropolist (2931 First Ave. S, Suite A; 206.623.5118) blends the best of both modern cool and historic charm within its airy multi-use space. A real estate firm by day, party spot by night, the versatile venue boasts 6,000 square feet of combined space across three rooms, along with vaulted ceilings, exposed trusses and even a 25-foot-tall antique crane, a carryover from the building’s origins as a crane production factory.
2. It’s all things wine at the sophisticated Kerloo Cellars (3911 First Ave. S; 206.349.0641) located one block south of the Spokane Street overpass, where event attendees are not only treated to the site’s award-winning wines—which range from a beautiful Syrah to a lush Malbec—but also to a warm, inviting aesthetic defined by barrel-stacked walls, unique wine-barrel-hoop lighting fixtures and a roll-up garage door. Guests also love to linger at the centerpiece black soapstone bar, which is beautifully accented by white oak wood.
3. At the edge of Chinatown/International District in the site of both the former 1950s-era Western Bridge warehouse and an art gallery of the same name, Canvas (3412 Fourth Ave. S; 206.397.4790) has been reborn yet again as a contemporary event space. Replete with glossy cement floors, Douglas fir ceilings and stunning pendant light installations, the venue offers more than 10,000 square feet of mix-and-match space adorned with modern art from the likes of architect (and Experience Music Project mastermind) Frank Gehry and visual artist Mungo Thomson.