Mirroring the architectural beauty of its campus and nestled among the stately live oaks of Rice University, Cohen House greets you with a feeling of inviting warmth as you approach the building. Crossing through its glass front entrance and viewing straight ahead you see a raised stone floor Terrace bordered by black and gold wrought iron. To the left is the large Main Dining Room with a hardwood parquet floor, high-ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the lush Esther M. Cohen Memorial Gardens and its dramatic centerpiece that is an exact replica of a fountain in Paris. Touring to the right, you find the Lounge, with sofas, heavy armchairs, carved tables and credenzas, oriental carpets, fireplace, and a Steinway grand piano. The overall feeling is one of openness, so as you traverse the Main Dining Room, Terrace and Lounge, you are reassured that even though the rooms are distinctly different areas, you do not feel as if you have left your other guests.
Special catered functions are held in Cohen House in the area described above, on weekday evenings (Monday through Friday), Saturday during the day, and Saturday evening. Receptions, open houses, and cocktail parties are often held for 50 to 350 people with an hors d'oeuvres/cocktail buffet, and seated-served luncheons and dinners for up to 225 people. Cohen House is the general caterer, directed by Ann Swain, with a professional kitchen staff led by Chef Verena Saenz. Fully licensed, the Cohen House will provide most any combination of beverage service desired.