Introduction
Networking happens in many places—conference rooms, online forums, even coffee shops—but there’s something special about making new connections over great food and drinks. At HMD Bar & Grill, our happy hours are designed to bring people together, spark conversations, and build lasting relationships in a relaxed, upbeat setting. Whether you’re a startup founder looking to meet potential partners, a freelancer hoping to land your next gig, or simply someone who loves good company, our space sets the stage for your best networking yet.
Beyond the food and drinks, we curate events that foster collaboration: from monthly “Industry Insider” panels to charity mixers that give back to local nonprofits. Our goal is to be more than a backdrop—we’re a partner in your professional journey, offering experiences that resonate long after the last toast.
Why Networking Happy Hours Matter
When business and social circles blend, ideas flow easier and partnerships form organically. A dedicated networking happy hour offers:
• A focused time slot for mingling without the pressure of formal introductions.
• A casual environment that lowers barriers—people chat more freely with a drink in hand.
• Opportunities to connect with fellow professionals who are also open to collaboration.
By choosing a venue that understands the rhythm of networking, you set the tone for genuine, memorable interactions. At HMD Bar & Grill, we’ve seen countless introductions turn into joint ventures, mentorships, and even lifelong friendships.
The HMD Bar & Grill Experience
Walk into HMD Bar & Grill and you’ll feel the energy right away. Here’s what sets our atmosphere apart:
Our Layout Encourages Mingling
We’ve arranged our seating so that groups can huddle around high-tops and move easily between tables. No crowded corners or stiff banquet chairs—just a warm, open floor plan that keeps conversations flowing.
Locally Sourced Touches
Every detail, from our reclaimed-wood bar to the artwork by area painters, reflects our commitment to the community. You’ll taste that ethos in dishes made with produce from neighborhood farms and spirits from nearby distilleries.
Friendly, Expert Hosts
Our team knows regulars by name and newcomers by face. They’ll introduce you to the bartender’s latest cocktail creation or the chef’s seasonal special. Their genuine enthusiasm makes everyone feel at home—perfect for breaking the ice.
Chef’s Interactive Corner
On select evenings, our chef pops out from the kitchen to demo a seasonal appetizer—flambéed mussels in citrus broth or mini grain bowls tossed tableside with foraged greens. Guests can ask questions, snap photos, and even vote on next month’s feature dish.
Menu Highlights to Fuel Conversations
Elevated Small Plates
Our small plates are designed to be shared, sparking conversation with every bite. Each dish carries the chef’s personal touch and can be paired with suggested cocktails or local wines.
• Truffle-Scented Beet Carpaccio: Thinly shaved golden and candy-striped beets, whipped goat cheese, pistachio dust, drizzled with white balsamic gastrique. Chef note: “I love contrasting earthy beets with bright citrus notes—perfect for a light opener.”
• Scallop Crudo with Yuzu Kosho: Dayboat scallops cured in house-made yuzu kosho, garnished with micro shiso and avocado pearls. Pair with our “Cucumber Cooler” cocktail for a refreshing match.
• Charred Octopus Lollipops: Tender octopus tentacles glazed in smoked paprika aioli, skewered for easy sharing. Chef note: “I wanted something playful—like an upscale popsicle for grown-ups.”
Handheld Favorites
Sometimes the best connections are made over a handheld. Our gourmet sliders and tacos are crafted to pack bold flavors into bite-sized formats.
• Korean Fried Chicken Bao: Twice-fried chicken thigh, gochujang slaw, pickled daikon, housed in a steamed bun. Suggested pairing: “Maple Smash” bourbon cocktail.
• Lamb Merguez Sausage Banh Mi Sliders: Spiced lamb sausage, cilantro aioli, cucumber ribbons, and carrot-jalapeño relish on brioche buns.
• Crispy Fish Tacos: Beer-battered cod, charred pineapple salsa, chipotle crema, served in blue corn tortillas.
Seasonal Chef’s Tasting Board
For groups curious about a broader array of flavors, our Chef’s Tasting Board rotates weekly. Expect 6–8 mini-dishes spotlighting the best local harvest and house-made condiments. Recent boards featured sweet pea hummus with lavender oil, charred sunchoke fritters with smoked pepper jam, and micro-greens salad with shaved fennel.
Around the Bar: Signature Mixology & Craft Beverages
Our bar menu reads like a love letter to mixology. Each cocktail has a story and is handcrafted with premium spirits, fresh-pressed juices, and house-made syrups.
• Maple Smash: Bourbon muddled with thyme, lemon, and Vermont maple syrup. Our head bartender calls it “Sunday brunch in a glass.”
• Electric Violet: Gin, butterfly pea flower tea, violet liqueur, lemon, topped with prosecco. The color shift from blue to purple dazzles every time.
• Spicy Pineapple Mezcalita: Mezcal, fresh pineapple juice, jalapeño tincture, lime, rimmed with chili-lime salt.
• Smoked Rosemary Old-Fashioned: Rye whiskey smoked tableside over rosemary sprigs, sweetened with demerara and orange bitters.
• Coffee & Cacao Negroni: Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth infused overnight with espresso beans and cacao nibs.
• Seasonal Spritz Lab: Groups can “build your own” spritz stations—choose a base spirit, house-made cordial, soda flavor, and garnish for a hands-on experience.
We also feature rotating taps from local craft breweries and a curated wine list focusing on sustainable producers. Ask about our upcoming wine-pairing nights for deeper tasting experiences.
Community Nights & Special Events
Beyond traditional networking, HMD Bar & Grill hosts weekly and monthly themed evenings designed to forge connections within specific industries and interest groups.
• Industry Insider Tuesdays: Each week features a guest speaker from tech, finance, creative arts, or healthcare. The panel discussion is followed by an exclusive Q&A over appetizers.
• Startup Saturdays: Pitch practice sessions in a relaxed setting—founders can deliver two-minute pitches, receive real-time feedback, and then mingle with potential collaborators.
• Ladies Who Launch: A monthly gathering for women entrepreneurs, with rotating mentors and roundtable breakout sessions.
• Nonprofit Network Night: Local charities showcase their missions, recruit volunteers, and connect with supporters over specialty “Give Back” cocktails (a portion of proceeds goes to the featured organization).
• Acoustic Open Mic & Mixer: Half-hour sets by local musicians interspersed with timed networking rounds—perfect for music lovers and industry creatives.
• Community Craft Fairs: Partnering with neighborhood artisans, we transform our back room into a pop-up market on the first Sunday of every month.
Each community night includes event branding on our screens, dedicated menu pairings, and discounted packages for returning groups. Our goal is to make networking feel like a celebration of shared passions.
Elevated Event Hosting Options
At HMD Bar & Grill, we believe every event is unique. In addition to our tiered packages, we offer specialized experiences to elevate your gathering:
• Live Cooking Demonstrations: Host a hands-on session where our chef guides your team through crafting a signature appetizer. Great for team-building or product-launch after-parties.
• Wine & Cheese Pairing Dinners: A sommelier-led exploration of six wines paired with artisanal cheeses and small bites. Ideal for professional associations or executive retreats.
• Pop-Up Shop & Showcase: Transform part of our space into a retail pop-up—perfect for product launches, book signings, or design showcases. We handle shelving, lighting, and foot-traffic flow.
• Mobile Bar & Off-Site Catering: Bring the HMD Bar & Grill experience to your office or venue with our mobile bartending team and premium catering menu. Custom bars for brand activations or outdoor event venues or outdoor festivals available.
• Private Movie Screening & Mixer: Rent out our back room with projection and surround sound for film premieres, demos, or training, complete with themed cocktails and popcorn charcuterie boards.
• Team-Building Mixology Classes: Your group learns to craft three signature cocktails under the guidance of our head mixologist. Includes printed recipe cards and tasting notes.
Standard Networking Package ($25/person)
• Three signature appetizers
• Two craft drinks per guest
• Standard bar setup (beer, wine, soda)
• High-top seating with communal tables
Premium Networking Package ($40/person)
• Five curated small plates
• Three cocktails or glass pours (beer, wine, spirits)
• Dedicated event server and bartender
• Professional AV equipment (projector, mic, speakers)
Custom Private Event (Contact for Pricing)
• Fully personalized menu planning with chef consultation
• Branded signage, décor coordination, and floral accents
• On-site event manager from start to finish
• Social media promotion and professional photo/video coverage
Add-On Options:
• Live cooking or mixology demos
• Branded napkins, menus, or cocktail stirrers
• Live music, DJ setup, or speaker system
• Name-badge printing and registration desk
• Seasonal décor themes (holiday, industry colors, etc.)
Seasonal Specials & Holiday Highlights
Keep the momentum flowing year-round with HMD Bar & Grill’s rotating offerings that celebrate nature’s bounty and festive traditions.
Spring Bloom Series
• Cocktail: Elderflower Spritz with mint foam
• Dish: Grilled artichoke hearts with Meyer lemon aioli
• Special Event: “Garden-to-Glass” workshop—guests harvest herbs from our rooftop planters to build cocktails.
Summer Rooftop Sizzlers
• Cocktail: Watermelon-Basil Mojito
• Dish: Lime-cured tuna tostadas with chili threads
• Special Event: Sunset “Boat & Barrel” beer flight featuring local microbrews.
Autumn Harvest Fest
• Cocktail: Cider-Bourbon Smash garnished with candied apple
• Dish: Wild mushroom and sage arancini with rosemary honey dip
• Special Event: “Artisan Pasta Night” where guests roll ravioli and learn sauces.
Winter Wonderland Mixers
• Cocktail: Peppered Pear Martini with fresh winter pear slices
• Dish: Braised short rib poutine with truffle oil
• Special Event: Annual “Holiday Cookie Exchange & Charity Auction.”
Holiday Pop-Up Experiences
• Valentine’s Day Networking Dinner: Seated three-course prix fixe with wine pairings and “Love & Launch” speed mentoring for couples in business.
• St. Patrick’s Day Charity Parade After-Party: Irish beers on tap, soda bread sliders, live traditional music, proceeds benefit a local youth foundation.
• Halloween Masquerade Mixer: Costume contest, “Dark & Stormy” punch cauldron, and a curated playlist from guest DJs.
Seasonal specials not only elevate your event but also give guests fresh topics for conversation—along with Instagram-worthy photos that spread the word about your networking success.
Easy Booking and Venue Details
Planning your next networking happy hour is simple:
1. Reach Out
• Fill out our online inquiry form or call our events team at (708) 857-7910.
• We’ll schedule a venue tour, discuss dates, capacity, menu inspiration, and any interactive demos you’d like to include.
2. Customize Your Package
• Choose from our pre-set tiers or design a custom package with specialized add-ons—like mixology classes or popup markets.
• Confirm menu selections, drink preferences, and any AV, décor, or seating arrangements.
3. Secure Your Date
• A 25% deposit locks in your reservation and selected extras.
• Final headcount and remaining balance are due one week prior to the event.
Venue Specifications
• Capacity: 150 standing guests, 100 seated comfortably; private room for up to 40
• Hours: Happy hour events available weekdays from 4 PM–7 PM; special weekend or evening bookings by request
• Accessibility: ADA-compliant entrances, restrooms, and seating
• Parking: On-site lot, valet service, and nearby public garages
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed internet for presentations, live streaming, or hybrid events
Partial buyouts and fully private events are available—ask about our buyout minimums, blackout dates, and exclusive holiday party packages when you book.
FAQs
• Q: Can we bring our own decorations or branded materials?
A: Absolutely. We welcome banners, tabletop signage, and branded giveaways. Just coordinate with our event manager for setup times.
• Q: Is there a minimum number of guests?
A: For weekday happy hours, we require a minimum of 20 guests. Weekend and evening buyouts may have higher minimums. Specifics will be in your proposal.
• Q: How are dietary restrictions handled?
A: We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets. Please provide details at least five days before your event.
• Q: Can we include a cooking or mixology demo at our event?
A: Yes—our live demo add-on is perfect for interactive team-building or guest engagement.
• Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Cancellations more than 14 days in advance receive a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations within 7–14 days incur a 50% forfeiture. Less than 7 days’ notice results in full deposit loss.
• Q: Are minors allowed?
A: Minors are welcome when accompanied by an adult at family-friendly networking events. For 21+ only gatherings, we verify age at the door.
• Q: How do drink tickets work?
A: You can purchase drink tickets in advance—each ticket is redeemable for a select beer, wine, or cocktail. Unused tickets are non-refundable but may be used on future visits within 30 days.
Ready to host a networking happy hour that people will talk about long after the last cheers? Contact HMD Bar & Grill today and let us help you build connections—one drink, one appetizer, and one great conversation at a time.
