Pittsburgh – ‘The friendly city’

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I love this city, and cherish all the wonderful memories I have as a child growing up here. Memories of playing ‘red light-green light’ on cobblestone streets, shopping at Kaufmann’s with mom during the Holidays, and the city bursting with pride after the Super bowl wins of the 70’s. (Today, we’re celebrating our amazing Pittsburgh Penguins and their back-to-back championship! Congratulations Pens!) Pittsburgh is an amazing place. The people here are the friendliest of any city in the world.  Just ask anyone downtown ‘how to get anywhere?’, and soon you’ll be making a new friend. We all bleed black and gold, and it’s not a choice – it’s a birthright. I’m so glad that I returned to Pittsburgh after my years in Texas, as Dorothy said in the movie ‘there’s no place like home’– and Pittsburgh is my home.

Pittsburgh is a place to celebrate!

When I returned to Pittsburgh from Texas I spent 6 years working at the local casinos. First working as a high-limit dealer at Mountaineer Casino & Resort, and then as a Pit manager at the Meadows Casino. I left the casinos in 2012, with a vision to start my own business. In December 2012, I launched Elite Casino Events. My dream was to focus on ‘the fun part’ of playing the casino games – as appose to the not-so-fun part of people losing money. To my delight, the concept exploded! Elite Casino Events has been providing first-class casino theme entertainment for corporate, private and charity events ever since. Our company brings the all the excitement and fun of Vegas right to your door; including for-fun casino games, such as craps, blackjack, roulette, poker as well as live entertainers, photo booths, themed décor and much more!

Finding that special place

Since we opened in 2012, we’ve hosted hundreds of casino events in every community of Pittsburgh from a downtown skyscraper to a backyard bar-b-que! This city has a unique spirit that is built by camaraderie; and the for-fun casino games is synonymous with that feeling. That is why Elite Casino Events is the perfect-fit for the city of Pittsburgh, and why we’ve had 5 years of what Antonio Brown would refer to as ‘Business is Boomin!’ Through the years we’ve been lucky enough to visit some incredible, one-of-a-kind places while co-hosting parties. There are literally hundreds of venues to choose from in Pittsburgh, the following 5 have special elements that set them apart from the rest.

Here’s the top 5 favorites + 25 more amazing venues! 

Industrious

#1) Industrious is the perfect place for a ‘James Bond -007 party theme.’ Located at One PPG Place, Floor 31, Industrious has a gorgeous 360 view of Pittsburgh. The rental space is modern, chic, and just right for a small office, or private party of up to 75 people. The rate is very affordable. Clients are able to bring in any caterer, or their own home-cooking – choose whatever works best! Contact Anna Bixler, for rental rates and availability. Anna’s fabulous, and she’s great at producing picture-perfect parties! This venue makes it easy, and affordable to host a magnificent party with a breathtaking view!

Ten Penny

#2)Ten Penny & Penn Society, (or both) if you’re thinking about having a swanky Speakeasy party, then you might have found the sweet spot! Ten Penny is a trendy local bar/restaurant at 960 Penn Ave in downtown Pittsburgh. It has an industrial vibe that lends itself to the roaring 1920s Era – but the true gem of this location is the actual ‘Speakeasy’ that is below Ten Penny, appropriately named ‘The Penn Society.’

Penn Society
You can host an event at one, or both venues depending on attendance needs. The combined venues can hold about 300, and Penn Society is just right for about 50 to 80 guests. Penn Society requires a private membership of $100 – $250 to join – depending on the level you choose – but that membership rate can be redeemed towards food & beverage.  Both Ten Penny and The Penn Society, are part of AMPD Group entertainment which hosts unique and specialty venues throughout the city of Pittsburgh. Sarah Masterson is the event planner for both venues, contact her for availability and rates. I’m certain that Sarah can help you host a 1920’s party that is just a little notorious and a barrel of fun!
Hyeholde Restaurant
#3) Hyeholde Restaurant might be the best-kept secret in Pittsburgh – tucked away in Moon Township. It’s a castle, and love story all rolled into one. The story states that Mr. William Kryskill told his lovely bride Clara, that he’d build her a castle on the crest of the cornfield where they stood in 1931. Together, they worked every summer by hand for nearly 7 years to build their dream residence, and restaurant. They served the Hyeholde’s first meal in 1938 in the ‘West Room.’ The venue has been remodeled with additions through the years, but still retains that old-world charm. The property is surrounded by lovely gardens and trees, and the chefs utilize the organic gardens for the daily menus. Hyeholde Restaurant is sophisticated and elegant. The menu offers delicious 5-star gourmet meals, and the service is impeccable. Hyeholde Restaurant is perfect for an intimate, private or corporate party of under 100 guests. Contact Matthew Haushalter for availability and rates.
#4) PPG Arena – Stapled by our city’s sports energy is the PPG Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. We’ve co-hosted some amazing parties here; both corporate events and charity fundraisers. PPG Arena can accommodate just about any size party from 20 people to upwards of thousands. The arena offers great amenities’ such as onsite parking, 5-star catering via ARAMARK, private rooms, unique spaces and themed clubs to accommodate any size or party theme. They also offer group tours for your party, and clients can even hire ‘Iceburg’ to crash your party and entertain your guests! I highly recommend this venue for corporate events or larger fundraisers.  The team at PPG Arena is helpful, professional and dedicated to your needs. Please contact Maxwell Benner or Elizabeth Ackman for availability and rates.
PPG Arena
Pub in the Park

#5) The Pub in the Park is just right for anyone who wants to host a small party for their loved one. The Pub in the Park can hold about 120 guests at capacity, and they offer some great choices for food and entertainment. Nestled in Swissvale, just east of Pittsburgh, it’s a great location to host a surprise birthday party! We recently co-hosted an event there for a milestone birthday party and ‘The Pub’ offers a warm and loving atmosphere where friends and family can enjoy each other. The venue is charming enough to make any party unforgettable. Contact Billy Murray, (Yes, his name is just like the comedian/actor and he is just as funny too!), at The Pub in the Park. They always go the extra mile for their guests – and they embody everything that is Pittsburgh – the friendly city.