Private Parties
We book private parties year-round. The following is an explanation of our private dining rooms, services and pricing for our private parties. A copy of our private party contract is available at the end of this page.

Rooms
The Palace Restaurant offers two dining rooms and three patios for private party reservation. Depending on the size of your party, a single room, a combination of rooms or the entire restaurant may be reserved. Room or restaurant closures for private events are subject to room charges and seasonally adjusted Minimum Food & Beverage requirements. We do not reserve the Quiet Lady Tavern except as part of a full restaurant buy-out for a private event. The maximum seating capacity for the entire restaurant is 207 during summer months and 107 during winter months. By clicking on the Room name below you will be directed to photos and descriptions of each room.

The Grand Room	seats up to 65 guests
The Grand Room Patio	seats up to 50 guests
The Depot Room	seats up to 42 guests
The Depot Room Patio	seats up to 30 guests
The Tavern Patio	seats up to 20 guests
The Entire Restaurant	seats up to 207 guests in summer & 107 guests in winter

Private Party Menus
The Palace has developed special menus and pricing for our private events which are listed here:
Private Party Appetizer Selections (PDF file)
Private Party Menu & Bar Selections (PDF file)
Private Party Dessert and Bar Selections (PDF file)

Planning your event

Please first read through these informational materials which will answer many questions you might have. Afterwards, if you believe The Palace would be ideally suited for your special event, please call us to check availability for your specific date. If your date is available, you will then begin working with one of our dining room managers to plan your event or private party.

Answers to Common Questions

Can The Palace help me plan my event?

Absolutely. That is what we are here for. Some events, such as business luncheons can be arranged quite easily in as little as a single meeting or even over the phone. If you are planning a much larger and involved event such as a rehearsal dinner or wedding, you may find that you are in need of additional items such as floral arrangements, cakes and decorations. We can provide contact names for you, or in many instances, provide the service directly. When we provide the service additional fees shall apply.

Is there a contract that I will sign?

Yes, and a copy of the contract is available on our website for your review or we can mail or fax you a copy or provide one to you in person.

How do I select the menu for my party?

The Palace has created a variety of menu and beverage options for special events, ranging from simple, single-course lunch menus to elaborate multi-course dinner options with paired wines. All of the options provide multiple entree choices for your guests. We will provide copies of the menu options and answer any questions you might have. We are happy to accommodate guests with special dietary needs or restrictions. Also, should you require a special menu or a modification of one of our menu options, we will be pleased to personally create a menu tailored to your event.

Is it possible to taste the menu and drink selections before making a final decision?

Most of our menu options are also on our regular lunch, dinner or tavern menus so we suggest coming for lunch or dinner (depending on whether you are planning a daytime or evening function) and ordering the dishes you are considering for your party. Once you have selected a menu, if you would like to consider serving something other than our house wines we would be pleased to arrange a wine tasting to sample some of our other wines. Your manager will inform you of the additional cost.

How do I know which room to reserve for my party?

If you can't visit the restaurant in person, visit our website which has photos of the entire restaurant along with room capacities and descriptions. We are here to answer any additional questions you might have to help you select the appropriate room.

What if the number of guests in my party changes?

As soon as you begin working with us to plan your party we will ask for an estimate of the number of adults and children you expect. That number, along with your menu option will be written into the contract. A FINAL HEAD COUNT and A FINAL ENTREE SELECTION is required in accordance with the contact before the date of the event.

What if we book the patio and it rains?

The patio is open seasonally only. Durango receives afternoon showers in July and August quite frequently and less frequently during other summer months. If you choose to book the patio and on the day of the event it looks like rain we will use our best efforts to move you inside. However, if another party has already booked the inside rooms or we have a number of reservations we may not be able to accommodate you inside. Our Grand and Depot patios are partially covered and in the event of rain when there is no inside availability we would still plan on seating the party outside. We do not have outside heaters in the event of a drop in temperature and advise you to advise your guests to bring an extra layer for evening outdoor parties.

If we book a room for an evening event do we have the room for the entire evening?

When you contact us we will provide you with a chart showing the varies room charges by room and time period.

How far in advance should I book my party?

We suggest calling and checking availability as soon as you have some dates in mind for your event.

Are there additional fees or minimums required?

In addition to room charges we require that parties spend a minimum food and beverage dollar amount. Additional fees for add-on amenities or services may apply, which will be incorporated into your contract if they are requested.

Does The Palace require a deposit?

Yes. The required deposit is 25% of your contract final bill estimate that is due upon execution of the contract. We do not guarantee the reservation until we have received the deposit.

Is there a cancellation fee?

Party cancelled 45 days or more before the event: 100% refund of deposit.

Party cancelled 45 days to 31 days before the event: 75% refund of deposit.

Party cancelled 30 days to 8 days before the event: 50% refund of deposit.

Party cancelled 7 days or less before the event: 0% refund of the deposit.

Days are measured in 24 hour increments counting backwards from the start time of your event.

What if I want items such as flowers or a cake delivered to the restaurant?

We are happy to receive deliveries the day of your event during our regular hours but request advance notification from you so we know to expect the delivery and make storage arrangements. It is not permitted to bring outside alcohol into the restaurant.

Can The Palace provide flowers, party favors or other decorations?

If you would prefer that we order floral arrangements, party favors or decorations for your private party, generally, it is not a problem to do so, but we do charge surcharges to do so. Please discuss this option with your manager.

Can I request special items such as linen table cloths or have The Palace make a cake for my event?

The Palace has a warm, turn of the century atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed. There is lovely exposed wood, including our indoor tables and chairs which we do not cover with linen tablecloths. However, if you would like to create a more formal atmosphere, we suggest linen tablecloths. Linens are an additional fee which will be added into your contract.

We are happy to receive cakes for your event from outside bakeries, however a per person plate charge will apply. We also may be able to provide a cake for your event. If you are interested in having The Palace make your cake, please discuss this option with your manager.

Can we have music?

Allowing live or recorded music at a private party is at the discretion of management and dependent on the musician or d.j's license to play copyrighted music. The Palace provides recorded music throughout the restaurant, but If you wish to have live music, please note that The Palace Restaurant does not have a license to sponsor the performance of copyrighted music at the restaurant. Performers who play music at the restaurant must either limit their performances to just works in the public domain or possess a license that entitles them to perform copyrighted music. If a client arranges for the performer with management's approval, client shall be responsible to ensure that the performer complies with the limitation described above.

Can I arrive early to decorate?

You will have to discuss this with your manager. Generally, it is not a problem to come in a few minutes early, but we do need to know in advance the extent of the decorations and how much time you will need. We may also be able to provide that service for you. Please discuss with you manager.

Can the restaurant set up special tables such as for a cake, gifts, guest sign in or a head table?

Yes, and you can discuss this with your manager.

Do you provide valet parking?

No, but generally there is plenty of parking within a block or two of the restaurant.

Is smoking permitted?

Colorado law prohibits smoking within 15 feet of restaurant premises.

OUR PRIVATE PARTY CONTRACT (PDF Format)