I am planning a small birthday party for a friend (around 20-25 guests) and would like to know if there are any recommendations for a venue, a bar or a restaurant, that will not cost an arm and a leg for some beers and snacks. It will have to be a place that accepts reservations for this type of group (large enough to be an inconvenience, not large enough to take over the entire place).
Would greatly appreciate all tips from your own past celebrations!!
I would suggest The Rossi bar. It is small enough yet big enough to be perfect for that group of people and they commonly reserve for parties. Even can do little apero plates as well.
EDIT: Also, you don't have to pay to make a reservation.
I personally am morally opposed to Lady Hamilton's as the owner tends to have a very racist policy on who they let in. I've known people who weren't white who were denied entry and when asked why the response from the bouncer was that he could only let in a certain number of 'colored people'.
Most restaurants have private rooms that you can rent for the occasion. Just check with any restaurant you like and most of them will probably be able to accomodate you.
Depending on where you are I think some gemindes also have rooms for parties that you can rent out - depends if you want it to be in a bar or take over the whole place... Not sure how much these cost but I know my Swiss neighbours have done this for parties
I had a birthday party at Forum ( www.forumzh.ch ) a few weeks ago for around 15 people. Lots of excellent tapas, great service, everyone had enough drinks and cost around 500 CHF in the end. It's a very nice room and you can reserve a set of couches. Also, check if they have a DJ booked on the same night. It can get quite loud otherwise. They made a point not to book a DJ on that night after I asked them.