Top Evanston Cocktail Party Venues

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 225 Guests

Antiquaire started in 2007 as an importer of Exquisite European Antiques, & has evolved into a multi-faceted, cutting-edge eclectic design business. Antiquaire is the only US company to import the entire line of the authentic & iconic Tolix chairs from the South of France. In 2011, Antiquaire started Melissa Edelman Design (MED) - a bespoke kitchen cabinetry designer & manufacturer and General Contractor. MED has the unique ability to use an antique piece such as an old shop counter, and modify it to modern standards as a functional kitchen island complete with soft close drawers. Antiquaire has also partnered with Arte Italica fine Italian dinnerware which is a perfect fit for wedding registries. MED has designed for the Lake Forest Showhouse, Chicago Magazine's Chairs for Charity, DIFFA/Chicago's Dining by Design & even special outdoor events at Ravinia Music Festival. In each instance MED has been able to show off their unique talent for table displays and event design. In 2015, the shop next door to Antiquaire became available, & MED started rehab on the unrenovated store interior located in the historically significant building by Architect John van Bergen. The renovation was at first to be used to showcase MED's kitchen designs. The renovation turned out far better than anyone could have imagined. They found huge old beams under two layers of crumbling ceilings, restored them & allowed them to be exposed for the first time in almost 100 years! They also dug up more than 6 layers of built up flooring to find the original maple hardwood floors. After painstaking restoration, the gorgeous dark stained maple floors are exposed. In combination with the beams, high transom black glossy windows, exposed stainless steel duct work, the MED space is very unique for an event space on the North Shore. It has the lofty feeling of places one may only find in downtown Chicago. The space is warm & charming & very visually appealing. The brand new bathroom boasts a magically floating concrete shelf with an original carved marble sink from Turkey and sparkling new modern nickel finished faucets. A French Trumeau mirror grazes the high ceiling over the sink, & a vintage chandelier adds extra glamour for viewing oneself in the full length antique mirror. Back at Antiquaire, there is a brand new full gourmet kitchen available to use complete with a Wolf 60" gas range & double ovens, a 36" SubZero Refrigerator with drinking water supply, two freezer drawers & ice maker. Don't forget the Wolf coffee & cappuccino machine! The kitchen is stunning with MED's bespoke cabinetry & gold "leafed" back splash, & silver leafed ceiling hiding behind the huge chandelier over the island. You may never want to leave! Come & bring your own event planner, use MED to design, or a combo of both! Choose from a vast array of antiques & accessories to give your event or special day the unique feel you are looking for. Ask to sample our famous homemade cheesecake and macarons.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 50-125 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Outdoor

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. As a committed member of the agricultural community, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is dedicated to cultivating strong relationships with sustainable purveyors to provide their guests with a connection to the land and an honest representation of local flavors and ingredients.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 250 Guests
• 1 Event Space

In the 1860s, Goose Island was inhabited mainly by its namesake birds and a few enterprising squatters. Things have changed quite a bit since then, but at heart the island is still a mixture: old and new, high and low, nature and urbanity. Gallery 1028 is a venue that encapsulates that dichotomy well, epitomizing quality with distinction and class while staying true to its roots. We take this holistic approach in everything we do here, striving to produce events that will echo down the caverns of memory for years to come. We host all sorts of events at Gallery 1028, but never lose sight of the fact that each event is unique, that each event is hugely important. Whether it is your wedding day, a corporate retreat, or anything else, we will ensure that you and your guests experience nothing but the best.

• 3 Cocktail Party Albums
• Spaces for 16-250 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Three Dots and a Dash is the perfect place to celebrate all of life’s wins. our dedicated team can help you plan your victory celebration for all occasions. From big promotions to engagements & weddings to bachelor & bachelorette parties, we have a space to fit your event.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 26-200 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Event Space

Stephanie Izard's Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 as one of the first restaurants on Chicago's iconic Restaurant Row in the West Loop, with the purpose of offering strong, cosmopolitan flavors to our local community (and guests!). Our desire to serve guests like family hasn't changed since then (and neither have our Green Beans), but our seasonal flavors, cocktails, wine, and locally-sourced beer have. Since its debut on December 1, 2010, the "Underground Goat" has hosted a range of unique events ranging from business meetings to engagements and everything in between. Up to 24 people can be seated around one huge table and up to 26 guests can be seated around two tables at the UG. The UG isn't your average private dining room. Your party will be brought downstairs, through the restaurant, and into the Goat's "staff only" areas. You'll find a pleasant, candle-lit space that mirrors the relaxed, rustic vibe of the main dining room once you arrive. It also houses our incredible wine collection and has its own sound and lighting system that can be customized to meet the needs of any occasion. You can start your evening with your favorite beverage: beer, wine, champagne, or a unique cocktail. When dinner begins, your server will lead you and your guests through the upcoming gourmet adventure! Your family-style menu contains 13 dishes developed by Chef Stephanie to highlight the finest of our seasonally changing menu, which will always accommodate any dietary restrictions. We hope you'll make a night of it, and we'd be delighted to welcome you anytime after 4:30pm when the doors open. Please contact us for additional information or to book your next event!

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 300-500 Guests

Chicago's favorite sports bar - celebrating our 30th anniversary this year! Timothy O'Toole's Pub boasts 70+ HD Flatscreens, 48 Beers on Tap and Award Winning Wings and Burgers plus a private party room that can host up to 100 guests.

• 2 Cocktail Party Albums
• Spaces for 6-250 Guests
• 6 Boats

Dazzle your guests with an amazing private yacht party amongst Chicago’s glittering skyscrapers and take in skyline views along our spectacular lakefront. Whether you’re planning a wedding, private corporate event or Chicago dinner cruise, we’ll work with you individually to make your event perfect. If there’s one piece of feedback we hear again and again, it’s that events aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises are the ones people rave about and remember years later. Call us today and let’s get started planning your unforgettable event.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 75-450 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Named “Chicago Hotspot” by US Weekly and “Best in the US” by Nightclub & Bar Magazine, The Underground has not only elevated Chicago nightlife by attracting a rotating guest list of Chicago notables, celebrities, and international DJs, but is also a perfect location for a wide range of events, including company holiday parties, product launches, networking events after McCormick Place trade shows, press events, and conferences for parties between 50-450 guests, reception-style — making it one of the largest and most unique corporate party venues in Chicago. Our venue offers two separate event spaces, The Lounge and The Club. The Club room accommodates up to 300 guests, reception-style. The Lounge accommodates up to 150 guests, reception-style. And, for large scale events, a full venue buyout can accommodate up to 450 guests, reception-style. Our high level of customer service, attention to detail, and delicious party catering allows your guests to feel like VIPs in a sophisticated Chicago venue with a modern vibe. Customized food and beverage packages, music, lighting and overall ambiance can be adjusted according to your specific event. We offer full-service event planning and production for all your event needs! Our event specialists assist with branding, decor, floral, special invitations, hired entertainers, transportation, and other special projects. For more information, please call 773-433-8038, email Events@TheUndergroundChicago.com, or visit our website at www.TheUndergroundChicago.com. Let's start planning your next great event!

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 15-250 Guests
• 5 Museums
• 5 Landmarks

Our state-of-the-art space brings private events to life against the backdrop of the history of American writings, providing a truly unique experience. Private events held in the museum have exclusive access to all exhibits and guests can enjoy food and drink while exploring the museum. Like a good book, your guests won’t want the event to end! With various rooms and seating options, we can accommodate a range of events - seated dinners in our Nation of Writers gallery, cocktail receptions in Readers Hall, intimate corporate breakfast meetings, and more. Attention nonprofit organizations! When you rent a party venue at the American Writers Museum, you can host a memorable and unique celebration for all ages without having to break the bank. Special Venue Pricing*: Save 30% off the venue fee for Sunday to Wednesday events and 20% off for Thursday to Saturday events. *Proof of 501(c)(3) status required

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 34-100 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

The Arbella, flagship of the Winthrop Fleet, sailed from England to Salem in 1630, and gave birth to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During the voyage, the passengers and crew managed to consume the 10,000 gallons of wine that had been stowed on board as part of the ship’s provisions. In the spirit of the age of exploration, we strive to follow the ship’s occupants sense of adventure, leaving home to start something new and the search for freedom and choice to lead lives of individual distinction. We have taken this approach with our menu, giving you the opportunity to journey to many locales throughout the world of cocktails. We sincerely hope that amongst our offerings you will find something that satisfies your thirst, but may also, for a brief moment, spark your wanderlust.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 250-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Summer House Santa Monica is Chicago's go-to spot for private dining events such as birthday dinners, bridal and baby showers, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and more. Summer House's knowledgeable Private Parties staff works with guests to plan every element of their special celebration. Summer House also provides full-service catering for off-site events of various types, including First Lady Cruises in Chicago. Please fill out the form on our site or contact our staff to inquire about private dining or off-premise catering. Summer House, which is now even bigger and better, offers a light and airy setting. Guests will be transported to a California-style paradise by the substantially expanded facility. Comfortable booths, full bar seating throughout the restaurant, and two main dining rooms are included in the whole restaurant buyout. Wedding receptions, corporate meetings, and large-form parties looking for a West Coast hideaway would love this area. In our All-Seasons Courtyard, you can host your next little gathering. A retractable roof, brick-lined walls, and lit string lights characterize this hidden gem. Work with our staff to develop your vision and customize the area with a private bar, gift table, buffet, and other amenities. This semi-private table, located in the main dining area of our new "Beach House," provides an appealing backdrop and lots of vistas to take in. When celebrating important anniversaries, hosting productive meetings, and more, use this room for personal parties and small group outings. When you're at The Beach House, it's always golden hour! When you visit our newest space in the building, expect to be greeted by our famous "YES" sign and vivid vegetation. The Beach House features a private bar area, comfy booth seating, high-top tables, and plenty of space for your gathering.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album

We import antique and vintage furniture and accessories primarily from France, but also from Italy, Spain, England, Greece, and Turkey. We also have a wonderful Gustavian Swedish collection. Other services that we provide include custom importing, custom ordering, and professional design consultation. We can find just about anything you are looking for and import it for you. Also, our professional design service can help you to determine and place the special item in your home.

• Spaces for 90-800 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Whether you're planning a wedding, milestone celebration, corporate gathering, or nonprofit event, Palmhouse offers a flexible, thoughtfully designed venue that adapts to your vision. Hosting both your ceremony and reception? Our two connected event spaces allow you to transition seamlessly from "I do" to cocktails, dinner, and dancing--without interrupting the flow of your celebration. A full drapery partition provides privacy between spaces while your guests enjoy the evening. Already saying your vows elsewhere? Palmhouse transforms beautifully into a reception venue, giving you plenty of room for cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, entertainment, and unique interactive experiences. Beyond weddings, Palmhouse is an ideal setting for birthdays, mitzvahs, bridal and baby showers, fundraisers, holiday parties, corporate meetings, wellness retreats, and more. With two full-service bars, private suites, and an open, customizable floor plan, the space can be tailored to fit events of all styles and sizes. No two events are alike, and we believe your venue should reflect that. Our team will work with you to create a layout and experience that feels seamless, intentional, and uniquely yours!

• Spaces for 12-180 Guests
• 6 Restaurants

Terra & Vine features various spaces that can perfectly accommodate your guest for any event. Offering casual and rustic Mediterranean fare, with an Italian emphasis, Terra & Vine is perfect for hosting a rehearsal dinner, birthday, corporate outing, or any other social event for up to 180 people. Private events are available for breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner and cocktail receptions for groups of all sizes. Your meetings and special events will be truly momentous occasions when you reserve one of our beautifully appointed private and semiprivate rooms. Our dedicated Special Events team will gladly assist you with any additional special needs including floral arrangements, entertainment, specialty cakes and more to ensure your event is truly inspired and memorable.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Thanks for "finding" us! Found is a kitchen, a social house and a restaurant with a mission. Its rustic new American dishes change with the market and season and are served in a relaxed, creative atmosphere inspired by 1920’s Bohemian Paris and icons of the Beat Generation. Here at found we offer a variety of event spaces perfect for your next gathering! Our “Salon Prive” is a private space inspired by the great salons of yester-year; featuring vintage doors for complete privacy and a state of the art audio visual system. “The Library” is a warm, intimate space filled with vintage “finds” and books, custom sliding doors and dark wood features. Our “Lounge” is at the heart of Found and perfectly embodies the vibe of “Gertrude Stein’s salon of 1920 Paris meets Jack Kerouac in owner Amy Morton’s living room’. Our lounge is smart, relaxed and enhanced with a flood of candlelight during evening events. If you are interested in more space we do offer the option of a full venue buy out as well so please just ask. Since its inception in November 2012, Found has flourished as a gathering place for the community to eat, drink, and think in a welcoming and genuine environment. At the Evanston eatery, Amy's vision of a kitchen and social house comes to life in a relaxed, creative atmosphere inspired by 1920's Bohemian Paris and icons of the Beat Generation. Just as wonderful as the vibe is the food, created by Chef Nicole Pederson. Her "flexitarian menu" highlights simple, striking dishes with fresh, local ingredients and changes often to reflect what is in season. Made up mostly of shared plates, Found's menu offers a taste for everyone, including the ever-popular lamb meatballs, seasonal flatbreads, knife-and-fork sandwiches, and much more. Even in the cocktails, Found takes the phrase "locally-found" quite literally, with recipes featuring neighboring labels such as North Shore Distillery and F.E.W. Spirits, whose distillery is less than a mile down the road!

• Spaces for 325-550 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Located just 30 minutes from the heart of Chicago, there are many activities to do in Evanston and in the neighboring areas of the North Shore area. The full service hotel offers many amenities, including free WiFi, dining options, and comfortable rooms. With stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Orrington/Evanston Hotel is a desirable location for a wedding, corporate dinner, or fundraiser. If you are interested in planning an event here, they offer many packages that can be customized or adjusted to meet your requests. They have over 70 years of experience hosting and planning events and weddings.

• Spaces for 200 Guests

Built in 1894, The Dawes House is a stunning historical mansion perfect for hosting guests for any event. Events held here becomes a truly memorable and unique experience. The house makes a wonderful venue for holiday parties, intimate gatherings, weddings, non-profit events, and more. The three-and-a- half story mansion has twenty-five rooms, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and eleven fireplaces. With so many different spaces with their own unique style, there is no limit to the type of atmosphere you're looking to create for your special event.

• Spaces for 30-350 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 3 Event Spaces

The Crystal Ballroom & Lounge boasts over 6,000 sq. ft. in event space in the elegant setting of the North Shore's newest and most luxurious building. Completely restored in 2014 to its original glory from the roaring 1920's, the venue offers an opulent two-story ballroom, an adjoining lounge, and ample pre-function cocktail space. The Crystal Ballroom & Lounge is the perfect place for those seeking that extravagant city feel for their event without the extravagant cost. We are located in the heart of vibrant downtown Evanston and have our own luxury mini coach with a private driver for those who would like to tour the area or choose a special lakefront spot for their event photo’s. You can also take comfort in knowing that your special day is in the hands of the most professional, creative, and experienced catering and event coordination staff available. We pride ourselves on our extraordinary cuisine, personalized service, and our exceptional attention to detail.

• Spaces for 150-350 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Landmarks
• 2 Total Spaces

Host your special event at The Woman’s Club of Evanston! The stately, historic Clubhouse, built in 1912, exudes warmth and timeless elegance. With two levels, there are lovely spaces for each part of your event. Easy parking and hotels are a few minutes walk away. Select a caterer from our list, and customize your event. You may purchase your own alcoholic beverages with no corkage fees. All beverages must be served by licensed bartenders. The Clubhouse provides: dinnerware, tables & chairs, audiovisual equipment, and pianos.