Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
Berkeley Wedding Location1919 Fourth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone: 510/845-7777
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
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Description
For over a century Spenger’s has been serving up fresh fish and friendliness to Bay Area residents and visitors. John (Johan) Spenger opened his original fresh seafood grotto in 1890. Since then, his descendants have maintained the thriving business through multiple and increasingly popular incarnations. These days, it’s a member of the McCormick and Schmick family of restaurants, and is better than ever with a lighter look and a more diverse menu.
However, those of you who were fond of the "old" Spenger’s will be relieved to see that certain things remain the same. Thanks to a savvy management company that knew a good thing when they saw one, much of the eatery’s well-loved spirit has been preserved. The restaurant still retains the friendly nautical feel that made it a favorite with decades of diners, and attracted seafood-loving stars from Errol Flynn and Ernest Hemingway to Robin Williams, Huey Lewis, and Tom Hanks. In the Diamond Bar guests can still admire the familiar stuffed marlins, ship’s bells and diving suits, and ogle the famous 34.2 carat diamond that Frank Spenger, Sr. used to carry around in his handkerchief. The fish market, which first opened in 1932, has reopened after a restoration that included replicating the old-fashioned floor tiles and other design features that were part of its original charm.
As to the changes—for one, the adjacent neighborhood has gone upscale. Once quiet Fourth Street has blossomed, drawing locals and tourists in droves to its cafés and shops. Mirroring these recent developments, the Spenger’s property, too, has a brighter, more refined appearance. Banquet rooms that had primarily been home to civic groups and associations, now host all kinds of private and corporate parties. Two of the main event spaces, the Atlantic and Pacific Rooms, evoke the restaurant’s seafaring provenance, but with updated polish. Their gleaming porthole windows, antique memorabilia and massive ship’s-wheel chandeliers now convey the warmth, patina, and comfortable atmosphere of teak-and-brass yachting circles. These two spacious chambers can be joined for larger events, and both rooms look ship-shape dressed in crisp white linens. They’re also havens of quiet and calm, even when the rest of the restaurant is a storm of activity. A separate entranceway, lined with life preservers, classic prints of ships and other maritime treasures, leads guests directly to the private salons, bypassing the hubbub.
Tucked in among the warren of other dining compartments and halls that make up the restaurant, the McCormick and Schmick Rooms offer additional options for special events. Ideal for rehearsal dinners, board meetings, and smaller receptions, these two rooms feature tasteful combinations of lustrous woods, old brick, and aquatic trophies and keepsakes. For extra-large parties, the wide range of banquet facilities can be creatively mixed and matched to accommodate the festivities.
As for the food, well, that’s how Spenger’s won its reputation. From swordfish, salmon and mollusks to sweet jumbo prawns, the bill of fare continues to include the freshest, finest treasures of the briny deep. These days the expanded menu blends cherished traditional choices with dishes designed to please trendier palates. So what do the folks who flock to the restaurant today think about all the changes? They’re likely to tell you that this Berkeley landmark really is better than ever.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: Max. Seated Outdoors: |
Max. Seated Indoors: 250 Max. Seated Outdoors: Max. Standing Indoors: 400 Max. Standing Outdoors: |
Max. Seated: 250 |
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CEREMONY CAPACITY: Ceremonies don’t take place at this venue. |
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Fees & Deposits
A $250–500 deposit is required to reserve your date; the estimated balance is due 3 working days prior to the event. Any remaining balance is due on the day of the event. Luncheons run $18–22/person, and dinners $22–40/person; tax, alcohol and an 18% service charge are additional. A $100 room rental fee is extra.
Availability
Year-round, daily, 9am–1am.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedSites UsesWedding ReceptionsSpecial Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: providedKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: yes Bride's Dressing Area: no Meeting Equipment: CBA, extra charge Parking: large lot, partial validation Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: pay phone Outdoor Night Lighting: access only Outdoor Cooking Facilities: n/a Cleanup: provided View: no Other: event coordination |
MusicIndoorsWheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsNo ViewRestrictionsAlcohol: providedSmoking: outside only Music: amplified OK Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: not required |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
510/845-7777
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
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