Private Dining & Events on Paint Creek in Downtown Rochester, MI
Ernie's on the Creek is a modern Greek and Mediterranean restaurant set along Paint Creek in downtown Rochester, Michigan, and one of the area's most versatile private event venues. We offer five options for hosting groups: a semi-private dining room, large party reservations, a creekside patio buyout, daytime events, and a full restaurant buyout.
Our private events program is an extension of the same hospitality you'd find any night of the week. Shareable, Greek-inspired cooking. Warm, attentive service. A setting that feels like an escape without leaving town. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner for a dozen, a rehearsal dinner on the patio, a shower or luncheon during the day, or a full-restaurant celebration, our team builds the experience around your occasion, not the other way around.
Private Event Options: At a Glance
Private Dining Room
Best for birthdays, business dinners, and small family celebrations.
Large Party Reservations
Best for birthdays, family gatherings, and smaller corporate dinners.
Patio Buyout
Best for rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, and larger celebrations.
Daytime Events
(11 AM to 3 PM)
Best for showers, corporate luncheons, celebrations of life, and networking.
Daytime Events
(11 AM to 3 PM)
Best for showers, corporate luncheons, celebrations of life, and networking.
Full Restaurant Buyout
Best for weddings, corporate functions, and holiday parties.
Five Ways to Host at Ernie's on the Creek
From intimate dinners to full-venue celebrations, each option is designed around a different kind of gathering. Here's what to expect from each space.
The Private Dining Room
Our semi-private room, tucked within the restaurant, is ideal for milestone birthdays, business dinners, and small family celebrations. Guests order à la carte from our regular menu, so everyone can enjoy the Ernie's experience their way.
Large Party Reservations
Hosted in our main dining room with guests ordering à la carte, large party reservations are a comfortable fit for birthdays, family gatherings, and smaller corporate dinners on weeknights. Larger parties on Friday and Saturday evenings are hosted as a patio or full restaurant buyout.
Creekside Patio Buyout
Our signature space along Paint Creek is yours for the evening. The patio is a natural choice for rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, and larger celebrations where the creekside setting is part of the experience.
Daytime Events: 11am - 3pm
Our most flexible option, and our favorite time to host larger groups. Daytime events take place before regular dinner service and are perfect for bridal and baby showers, corporate luncheons, celebrations of life, and networking events. Bright, creekside, and relaxed.
Full Restaurant Buyout
The entire restaurant, including the creekside patio, main dining room, and bar, is reserved exclusively for you. A full buyout is ideal for weddings, large corporate functions, holiday parties, and high-end private celebrations.
Occasions We Host
Ernie's on the Creek welcomes a wide range of private events in downtown Rochester, including:
-
Celebrations: Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and holiday parties.
-
Weddings & Showers: Rehearsal dinners, weddings, bridal showers, and baby showers.
-
Corporate Events: Business dinners, corporate luncheons, networking events, and company functions.
-
Gatherings of Remembrance: Celebrations of life in a warm, relaxed setting.
Why Host Your
Event at Ernie's
-
A creekside setting: Our patio and dining spaces sit along Paint Creek, giving your event a scenic backdrop in the heart of downtown Rochester.
-
Modern Greek & Mediterranean cuisine: Shareable, Greek-inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails that give guests something to talk about.
-
Flexible spaces for every size: Options for groups of varying sizes, from a semi-private room to the entire restaurant.
-
Hospitality built around you: Our team plans each event around your occasion, guest count, and vision.
How to Book Your Private Event
-
Choose your option
Review the event options above to find the best fit for your guest count, date, and time of day.
-
Submit an inquiry
Complete the form below with your preferred date, estimated guest count, type of event, and the space you're interested in.
-
Plan the details with our team
We'll follow up to confirm availability and help shape the experience around your occasion.
Use the form below for private event inquiries, including the private dining room, large parties, patio buyouts, daytime events, and full restaurant buyouts. For standard dinner reservations, please use the Reservations link at the top of this page.
Private Dining & Event FAQs
How many guests can Ernie's on the Creek accommodate for a private event?
Guest capacity varies by season, date, and event details. Please inquire for availability and a personalized proposal.
Is there a food and beverage minimum for private events?
Food and beverage minimums vary by season, date, and event details. Please inquire for availability and a personalized proposal.
Can I book a large group on a Friday or Saturday night?
Guest capacity varies by season, date, and event details. Please inquire for availability and a personalized proposal.
Does Ernie's on the Creek host weddings and rehearsal dinners?
Yes. Our full restaurant buyout accommodates weddings, and our creekside patio is a popular choice for rehearsal dinners.
Can I host a daytime event such as a shower or luncheon?
Yes. Daytime events run from 11 AM to 3 PM. They're ideal for bridal and baby showers, corporate luncheons, celebrations of life, and networking events.
Do guests order from the regular menu?
For the private dining room and large party reservations, guests order à la carte from our regular menu. For buyouts and daytime events, our team will discuss menu options with you during planning.
Where is Ernie's on the Creek located?
Ernie's on the Creek is located at 543 N Main St, Rochester, MI 48307, along Paint Creek in downtown Rochester.
How do I book a private event at Ernie's?
Submit the private event inquiry form on this page and our team will follow up. You can also email hello@erniesonthecreek.com. For standard dinner reservations, use the Reservations link at the top of the page.