Book your next event at Bar Carlo!
Looking for the perfect spot for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? With multiple spaces to mingle, relax, and celebrate, our venue adapts to your vibe.
With multiple spaces to accomodate 10-100 guests. Space to mingle, relax, and celebrate, our venue adapts to your vibe.
Guests can spill out onto our wide sidewalk patio on a warm evening, while others cozy up on plush couches or snack in more private corners. Need extra room? Our covered alley is ready for overflow — whether that’s a kid’s zone, dance floor, piñatas, or even llamas (we don’t judge).
From weddings to birthday bashes, casual meet-ups to full-blown dance parties, Bar Carlo is a photo-ready, relaxed, and effortlessly cool backdrop for your next unforgettable event.
Step inside Bar Carlo
Catering with Bar Carlo!
Special occasions, corporate lunches, and more, order now for your next party.
Who we work with
Josh Coen
PHOTOGRAPHY,
GRAPHIC DESIGN, & EVENT PLANNING
I help bring queer, drag, and community events to life through photography, graphic design, and full event coordination.
Whether it’s photographing your event, designing a bold flyer, creating a book cover, or building a website, I provide thoughtful, professional services tailored to your vision.
Every project is rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and storytelling, so your work or event shines in every detail.
Discount photo & design rates for Bar Carlo event clients
Ashley Ramona Preece
GLASSHAUS GARDENS
FLORAL DESIGN
At Glasshaus Gardens, we create floral designs that feel thoughtful, personal, and rooted in connection. Using ethically sourced blooms from local Pacific Northwest farmers, we design custom arrangements for weddings, events, and gatherings of all kinds.
Our style is elevated but easygoing—welcoming, sustainable, and unmistakably Portland. Let’s bring your vision to life in full bloom. We’ll dream with you, design with intention, and execute with care. Whether it’s your wedding day or a milestone celebration, we’d be honored to be part of it.
Bar Carlo Partner Perk
When you book Glasshaus Gardens alongside Bar Carlo as your event space, you’ll receive 10% off floral stems, plus delivery and mileage fees waived.
Derasha
BALLOON DESIGN
Derasha is the founder and creative director of Flair & Float, a Portland-based ballon décor brand specializing in elevated balloon installations and modes statement designs.
With a refined eye for detail, her work brings a polished, luxury feel to every celebration.
Gabe aka DJ Yuko
Mel Snow Olson
SETTING THE TABLE
EVENT RENTALS AND DESIGN
I have always loved entertaining and setting a beautiful table with special pieces and unique elements. A bit of a dishware addiction, a passion for details, and a desire to share my finds were the inspiration behind Setting the Table.
Our carefully curated collection of vintage and modern specialty china, stoneware, colored goblets, crystal, flatware, cake stands, dessert trays, vases, vessels and more can help you create your own unique table settings for your celebrations.
Anna-Lisa Chacon
IF I MAY HOSPITALITY
EVENT PLANNING & DAY OF COORDINATION
I help bring thoughtful, joy-filled events to life — from birthdays and baby showers to weddings, rehearsal dinners, and celebrations of all kinds. I handle everything from planning and logistics to day-of coordination so you can actually enjoy your event instead of putting out fires in the corner with a clipboard and a fake smile.
Anna's 30th
I recently celebrated my 30th birthday, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! The private event space was absolutely perfect for the occasion. The atmosphere was vibrant and inviting, making it an ideal setting for my celebration.
A special shoutout to Aaron, who did an outstanding job coordinating the event. From the initial planning stages to the day of the party, he was attentive and ensured everything ran smoothly. His presence on the day of the event made a huge difference, as he was there to address any needs and keep everything on track.
The staff was also fantastic, providing top-notch service and ensuring all my guests were well taken care of. I highly recommend this venue for anyone looking to host a private event. Thank you for making my 30th birthday unforgettable!
Nicola + Lou
“We absolutely loved having our 55-person wedding at Bar Carlo.
The owner Mel is at the same time very supportive and very low-key, which made for a smooth planning process and day-of event. The space is gorgeous, and has multiple connected wings, which allowed for the the party to morph seamlessly over the night from barside cocktail hour to outdoor patio ceremony to dinner buffet to dance floor. The space is already a beautifully decorated artwork, and Mel lets you decide how to arrange the space for your event, but you can also bring your own decorations/sound system/llama and she can handle those additions easily. 🙂
The food and drinks were delicious too, and Mel was able to accommodate our entirely vegan and gluten-free menu without hesitation.
Overall we loved the unique-ness, flexibility and good vibes of the space and the people of Bar Carlo, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a cute and fun space for their wedding or other event.”
Matthew & BIPOC Nature Network
As the co-chair of a newly-formed BIPOC Nature Network, I needed a place where our team could not only have the privacy needed to discuss our mission and goals openly and honestly, but also a place that felt warm, inviting, and understood the nuance of feeling welcomed. Mel, her staff, and Bar Carlo as a place that I hold in high regard for making people feel at home immediately came to mind. We shared a family meal around a cozy table and connected among our core group first, then invited 30-40 people as allies and community supporters to a cocktail party following dinner. The timing, the care, and the attention to detail were dearly appreciated. A huge dose of gratitude for Mel and the staff at Bar Carlo.
Xcelerate Impact Report & Women's History Month Mixer
We’ve hosted two events at Bar Carlo now, and the service never disappoints.
Their team goes above and beyond every time—helping us set up the space in a way that works best for our group and making sure everything is ready to go before the first guest arrives.
The ambiance is always bright and welcoming, and the staff is incredibly kind and accommodating. Our guests felt right at home and loved the custom buffet and drink menu—so much so that many went back for seconds (and thirds!). The food was a hit, and no one had to wait in long lines, which kept the energy flowing and the conversations going.
One of the things we appreciate most is the way the Bar Carlo team lets the event unfold naturally. Even after things officially wrapped, our guests were able to linger, chat, and enjoy the space a little longer—which made the evening feel extra special.
We’re so grateful to the Bar Carlo team for helping us create another meaningful and memorable event.
Testimonials
Sada
“I would host another event at your space in a heartbeat!
My 40th birthday party there was so memorable.
Your team was awesome especially given the epic snow storm!
PHOTO: @fontainerittelmann
Jennifer
Bar Carlo is an excellent choice for hosting events and gatherings.
Melinda has created a space that not only serves delicious food and drinks but also brings people together in a meaningful way.
Thank you for providing such a wonderful venue for our event!
Phoebe
“We loved working with Mel and the team at Bar Carlo for our wedding reception.
The planning went smoothly and all the pricing was clearly communicated.
The food, drinks, and ambiance on the night-of were outstanding and we loved the lay-out of the space.
10/10 would do again!”
PHOTO: https://brianamorrison.com
Alexa & Manny
The (staff) were so kind when I needed a moment, helpful when I needed a hand, and their joy was infectious. We really appreciated being so promptly greeted with drinks when we walked into... everything, haha!
What an amazing setting you have created for some of life's most beautiful moments.
And don't even get me started on the food! Everybody and their mother raved to us about how delicious the taco bar was. I already can't wait for another plate.
Linda Austin
“The buffet you catered for my birthday roast was perfect—we got a lot of compliments on the delicious tacos and sides from our attendees!
We at PWNW also truly appreciated the care you took with us: that you came in person do so the setup and provided everything we needed!”
PHOTO: Chelsea Petrakis
Lisa
“Everyone had so much fun at our event.
The cocktails were beautiful and everything was delicious.
We had plenty of room to enjoy our projects and have a little fiesta. (You were correct that we would need all of the tables).
We love the space that you have created (Yay Foster) and hope to host another event with you in the future!
Gracias 🙏 “
Ani + Addy
Bar Carlo was the perfect location for our intimate wedding reception close to home.
We felt comfortable being able to have our event in a neighborhood that means a lot to us. The food and beverage service was incredible and everyone was more than satisfied.
This is an establishment I'll always encourage patronage of.
Mini Mimi Clothing Exchange
Bar Carlo was incredible to work with for our clothing exchange event.
From the start, owner Mel was supportive of the idea and worked with us to make our vision come to life. Events coordinator Josh was so communicative and supportive throughout the entire process, with help advertising and figuring out logistics. On the day of the event, the entire Bar Carlo staff rocked it!
We were able to rearrange the space to suit our needs and our nearly 50 customers got their delicious food and drinks quickly once they arrived. Everything went SO SMOOTHLY and people were incredibly excited about the event.
We would definitely work with Bar Carlo again in the future!!
NARPM - Annual Holiday Party
So grateful for the team at Bar Carlo for hosting our holiday event so seamlessly. Taking the time to run the program before the event and having a full team on-site to handle our after-hours event. The food was great, but our favorite part was the space. Our group of 50 fit perfectly for an informal networking event. On a side note, your brunch is FIRE!
Foster Area Business Association
Having a place to host an event in the neighborhood that is both accommodating and feels like home is important. Mel and the Bar Carlo crew create just exactly that atmosphere to gather in and be invested in the lives of the people we surround ourselves with. Through a simple process of creating an event with Mel and figuring out the logistics, it could not be easier to feel taken care of and provided for so that I can be at ease to enjoy my event without worry.
The food and beverages are also kickass. So they have that going for them, too!
Bar Carlo event catering comes with a big recommendation from a former kitchen pirate turned business association leader.
Chris Correnti
Foster Area Business Association president"
Portland in Color
To close out a four-week professional development series for BIPOC artists, we held our closing celebration event at Bar Carlo.
From our initial communication with Josh to the event itself, Mel and her team were very accommodating with all of our questions and helped us create an inclusive space for all our dietary restrictions, complete with a delicious array of NA beverages.
Part of our event included free headshots, and there were so many photo-ready options for backdrops.
We couldn't have asked for a better space and experience, and could really feel the intention put into Bar Carlo.
We will definitely be back for another collab!
Jen
Creative Crecimiento
Photo: Eduardo Olmos @irivision
