If you’ve ever driven down 6th Avenue in Sunset Park and seen a street sign that says "Subhi Widdi Way," you’ve basically found the heart of a Brooklyn dynasty. Honestly, Widdi Catering Hall on 6th Avenue isn't just another wedding venue with some sparkly lights and okay-ish chicken. It is a neighborhood institution. You've probably seen it—the big building at 5602 6th Ave that looks like a slice of old-school Brooklyn history sitting right in the middle of a constantly changing borough.
People go there for the weddings, sure. But it’s also where the Arab community of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park has basically grown up. It's the kind of place where a "small" party usually means 300 people and the food never, ever runs out.
Why Widdi Catering Hall on 6th Avenue Brooklyn NY is Still a Local Legend
The hall was founded back in the early 1980s by Subhi Widdi. He was a Palestinian immigrant who landed in New York in 1960 with maybe thirty bucks in his pocket. Think about that. $30. He started out selling watches on street corners and eventually built an empire that includes supermarkets and this massive catering hall.
The building itself has a weirdly cool history. Before it was a place for hennas and Sweet 16s, it was actually a fading movie theater. Subhi saw the potential in the old bones of the theater and converted it into a banquet space that officially opened its doors around 1985.
It’s got that specific Brooklyn vibe. You know the one. Crimson curtains, heavy linen drapes, and blue candles that smell like rose petals. It doesn't try to be a sleek, minimalist Manhattan loft. It's unapologetically ornate.
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The Atmosphere: More Than Just a Pretty Room
Walking into Widdi’s feels sort of like stepping into a time capsule, but in a good way. The lighting is dramatic. The main hall is huge. One of the best things about it is how they manage to make a massive room feel intimate for different cultures. On a Friday night, you might have a traditional Arab wedding with a zaffe (that loud, amazing drum procession). By Saturday, it could be a Hispanic family celebrating a quinceañera with a full-blown choreographed dance.
What to Expect Inside
- The Decor: It’s a sea of red and white. Very classic.
- The Staff: Mostly family-run. You’ll often see Subhi’s sons, Fadee or Frank, running the show.
- The Food: They are famous for Middle Eastern cuisine, but they do everything.
- The Layout: Multiple levels and private rooms, though the main ballroom is the real showstopper.
One thing that people often complain about? Parking. Look, it’s Sunset Park. Parking is basically a contact sport. If you’re heading there for an event, just take an Uber or give yourself an extra thirty minutes to circle the block.
A Community Hub That Refuses to Quit
What most people get wrong about Widdi Catering Hall is thinking it’s only for one group of people. Honestly, it’s one of the most diverse spots in Brooklyn. Fadee Widdi once mentioned in an interview that his father loved seeing the community united, regardless of where they came from or what dialect they spoke.
They’ve hosted everything:
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- Political Rallies: Local council members and organizers use it because it holds a lot of people.
- Charity Dinners: Groups like Charity Week USA have held massive annual dinners here.
- Community Funerals: When someone prominent passes away, Widdi’s is often the only place big enough to hold the mourners.
Subhi Widdi passed away in 2012 at the age of 80, but the legacy is very much alive. The street co-naming in 2014 wasn't just for show; it was because the guy used to let people hold events for free if they were struggling. He’d forget about debts and help neighbors get back to their homelands. You don't see that kind of business model much anymore.
Planning an Event at Widdi? Here’s the Real Talk
If you’re actually looking to book the place, you need to know a few things. First, they are busy. Like, "booked every weekend for the next year" busy.
The service is generally praised for being attentive, but keep in mind this is a family operation. It’s personalized. It’s not a corporate hotel where everything is sanitized and soul-less. You’re going to get a lot of "restaurant-quality" food—think heaps of rice, perfectly seasoned meats, and trays of baklava that seem to regenerate themselves.
Some areas of the hall show their age. You might spot a worn rug or a tile that’s seen better days, but most people don't care because the energy in the room is so high. It’s a "people first" kind of venue.
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The Reality of 6th Avenue in 2026
Brooklyn is changing fast. A lot of the old catering halls are being torn down for luxury condos (RIP Grand Prospect Hall). But Widdi Catering Hall on 6th Avenue Brooklyn NY seems to be holding its ground. It’s survived the pandemic, it’s survived the gentrification of Sunset Park, and it remains a cornerstone for the immigrant families who built this neighborhood.
The Widdi family has expanded into the grocery business—you might know the Foodtown in Park Slope or Bushwick owned by Shady Widdi—but the hall is the emotional anchor.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Book Early: If you want a Saturday in June, you should have called six months ago.
- Dietary Requests: They are experts at Halal and Kosher-style catering, so don't be afraid to ask for specific cultural menus.
- Check the Calendar: They often host public community events or traditional music nights. It’s a great way to experience the hall without needing a wedding invite.
- Public Transit: The N or R trains to 59th Street are your best bet. Walking from the subway is way easier than finding a spot for a minivan on a Saturday night.
Widdi’s is a reminder that Brooklyn isn't just about artisanal coffee and $18 avocado toast. It’s about families like the Widdis who came here with nothing and built a space where everyone else could celebrate their own milestones. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s exactly what a neighborhood gathering place should be.
If you’re looking for a venue that has actual soul and a history that matters to the people living around it, this is the spot. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes—you’re probably going to be dancing.