Top Illinois Cocktail Party Venues

• Spaces for 120-250 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Wineries
• 1 Event Space

Tuscan Hills Winery opened in July 2011 as a family dream turned gathering place in Effingham, Illinois. Owned and operated by Wes and Wanda Pitcher, the winery brings an old-world Tuscan character to central Illinois through stucco walls, warm wood beams, stone fireplaces, and a rose-lined vineyard setting. All wines are handcrafted and bottled on-site. The winery hosts weddings, private parties, showers, reunions, and corporate events across fully wheelchair-accessible indoor and outdoor spaces. The main Tuscan Room seats up to 120 guests indoors, and the combined indoor-outdoor configuration accommodates up to 250. Heated, covered vineyard patios add another 180 seats, lit with iron sconces and bistro string lights for evening events. A rose-and-grapevine gazebo provides a ceremony setting on the grounds.

Rivers has been producing unforgettable events for almost two decades. Visit our restaurant and patio to get a sense of the possibilities. Our venue's color palette and tones are gentle white, charcoal, and grey, providing a blank canvas on which you can build. All of the furnishings, both inside and out, are totally removable, allowing you to customize the room to your liking. Why Rivers could be the perfect setting for your event: - For spring, summer, and fall receptions, the largest covered patio along the Chicago River is just about as perfect a location as you can find! - For year-round parties, a comfortable, modern new interior has been created to allow for ample space that is easily customizable to be uniquely yours. - There are a variety of private dining options for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception. - Easy access to nearby hotels Whether you're sitting outdoors along the river or admiring the view from our dining room and bar, Rivers Restaurant offers the perfect blend of style, service, and delicious food. With a wide variety of fresh fish, seafood, and steaks, our chef-driven cuisine has something for everyone. In our bar, we also serve lighter fare. From 20 to 300 people can be accommodated in our private and semi-private dining rooms. To schedule your next event, please contact us today. For any cocktail party, sit-down dinner, or networking event, our experts can create personalized menus. Let us build something that is tailored to your exact demands, no matter what the occasion. Our skilled staff will collaborate closely with you to ensure the success of your event.

• Spaces for 120-150 Guests
• 1 Event Space

The Boathouse, located on the banks of Lake Ellyn in west suburban Glen Ellyn, is the ideal location for your next corporate or social occasion. The lovely lake's shore is ablaze with natural vegetation that complements the present season, and the big deck off the east side of the Boathouse offers breathtaking views of the lake and its inhabitants. This adaptable room can sit up to 120 people comfortably, or up to 150 people without tables. When hiring the Boathouse, you can also hire the adjacent patio and deck (for an extra price). The Lake Ellyn Boathouse is entirely accessible to those with disabilities; contact for more info on specific accommodations. From the beginning of March to the middle of December, the Boathouse is available for rent seven days a week. The Boathouse can be reserved up to a year ahead of time. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit, please contact the Rental Supervisor at (630) 858-2462. Please allow for a response time of up to one business day. All tours are by appointment only and are typically available Monday through Friday during regular office hours. During your contract hours, you and/or your caterer have access to the facilities and kitchen amenities (refrigerator, freezer, warming oven, ice machine, microwave, and bar refrigerator). Our table and chair inventory, in-house audio system, garbage bags and removal, and facilities staff to manage your event are all included in your rental. Table linens, utensils, and dishware are not provided by the Park District.

• Spaces for 16-350 Guests
• 15 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 12 Meeting Spaces

Hotel Chicago, as the crown jewel of the Marina City complex in River North, is the ideal venue for your next meeting or special occasion. Enjoy over 10,000 square feet of elegant meeting and event space, many of which include floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan. Hotel Chicago, a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is the ideal location for your next meeting or convention. Social Events Whether it’s been dubbed a party, a gala, or a fantastic soirée, your next event will fit perfectly at the Hotel Chicago. In one of our luxurious event venues, you can throw a birthday or anniversary party. On our 36-foot video wall, inspire your group with a film. We can accommodate any type of event with our adaptable meeting rooms, which include over 7,000 square feet of modern ballroom space. Make your guest list now, have a look around, and give us a call when you're ready to celebrate. Weddings In the heart of Chicago, have an utterly spectacular wedding. The Hotel Chicago specializes in making fantasies come true for every bride and groom dreaming of an absolutely spectacular celebration. Our talented event crew will precisely prepare every detail of your wedding, from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and celebration. Our elegant property's over 10,000 square feet of inside space may be turned into your perfect setting, giving you the day of your dreams that you'll never forget. Corporate Events Hotel Chicago, as the crown jewel of the Marina City complex in River North, is the ideal venue for your next meeting or special occasion. Enjoy nearly 10,000 square feet of elegant meeting and event space, many of which have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan. Hotel Chicago, a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is the ideal location for your next meeting or convention.

• Spaces for 8-175 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

When everything has to be perfect, there is only one place to go. Eddie Merlot's is the number one option when you want the best food, wine, and service for your special occasion. Eddie Merlot's has built a reputation for providing outstanding USDA prime beef, which is awarded to only 2% of all beef in the United States. Our private dining menus follow the same high level, with a wide range of hors d'oeuvres, entrees, desserts, and accompaniments, all accompanied by the finest wine and beverages. Eddie Merlot's outstanding culinary team is committed to giving you and your guests an unforgettable experience from the time they arrive. Our service crew is held to the same high standard. From helping you feel at ease during the planning phase to making your guests feel at ease while they're with you, we take pleasure in our hospitality. It's an experience that's sure to impress your visitors. A WARM WELCOME - Eddie Merlot's offers many private and semi-private dining places, offering you a range of options to match your needs, with accommodations for 10 to 300 guests. Furthermore, our entire restaurant can be reserved for large business or charitable events. THE FINISHING TOUCH - At Eddie Merlot's, we pay close attention to every detail. As a result, Eddie Merlot's provides one-of-a-kind customized touches that may transform any celebration into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We can also help you find the proper entertainment for your event by coordinating your floral needs, assisting with your visitors' housing needs, and coordinating your floral needs. Eddie Merlot's is more than just a venue; it wants to be a partner in helping you make your private gathering a success. AN EXCELLENT OPTION FOR ANY EVENT - Make Eddie Merlot's a part of your celebration, whatever the event or time of year. Our staff is dedicated to assisting you in making your event genuinely exceptional, whether you're hosting coworkers, clients, family, or friends.

• Spaces for 50-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Outside Voices, from the same people who brought you Scofflaw, Slippery Slope, The Heavy Feather, and The Moonlighter, is an eclectic Logan Square wine bar. Outside Voices is a welcoming indoor space with elegant woodwork by Threefold, modern elements, and Nate Otto's humorous paintings. A big private terrace adjoins the facility, which will open in the spring. A dynamic and complimentary charcuterie and snack program complements an ever-changing carousel of entertaining, low-intervention wines. Outside Voices is located on Armitage between Scofflaw and The Moonlighter. The bar, which is run by beverage manager Davis Sayer, avoids the pretension that frequently comes with wine. It hits you within 15 seconds of approaching the bar to examine the menu. Rather than putting the onus on the drinker to choose a style, the daily-changing menu of whites, reds, rosés, and orange wines, as well as bubbles, concentrates on the distinct flavors and textures found in each of the 20 or so wines available. If you say you're in the mood for a white, bartenders will use a similar strategy, calling out key descriptors from one or two wines—crisp, tastes like lemon peel—if you say you're in the mood for a white.

• Spaces for 70-175 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The Smart Museum is a unique and economical venue for your special occasion, having been named to the Knot's list of 10 best museums for a wedding. The Smart's beautiful Ratner Reception Gallery and outdoor Elden Sculpture Garden, which feature large-scale art and sculptures, provide crisp, contemporary venues appropriate for a wide range of events, including wedding receptions, smaller meetings, and corporate entertaining. You and your guests will have the option to tour the Museum's galleries privately during your event. On request, tours of our special exhibitions and permanent collection can be arranged. Under the guidance of Vinci/Hamp Architects, the Museum's interior was reorganized and restored in 1999, and now has a wide, light-filled greeting hall as well as a succession of smaller galleries. Availability After hours, on weekday and weekend evenings, the Smart Museum's reception gallery and sculpture garden are available for hire. We encourage making bookings well in advance to ensure that you can enjoy your special event at the Smart. Inquire about renting our sculpture garden for larger events. Email Sarah Polachek or call 773.702.5785 for additional information about event options, cost, and availability. The Smart has been guided by an educational mission centered on teaching and research, as well as a dedication to making the arts accessible to the University community and the general public through its collection and special exhibitions, since its inception. The Smart is still an experimental institution dedicated to great ideas now, as it was in the past. Our 40th anniversary was a stimulus for us to reflect on and redefine the Smart's basic processes in 2014–2015, with a special focus on teaching, interpretation, and interaction.

• Spaces for 250-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

This stunning special event location, located in the gorgeous Lords Park, can accommodate up to 250 guests. The magnificent Pavilion has hardwood flooring, vaulted ceilings, picket doors, wide windows with scenic park views, a covered wrap-around veranda, and outside ceremony grounds with ponds, fountains, and a wooden bridge. Weddings, quinceaneras, bridal and baby showers, birthday/anniversary parties, and so much more are all possible at this site. The Pavilion, a two-story structure built in 1898, is one of the city's most important historical landmarks. It's at 100 Oakwood Boulevard in Lords Park, a 108-acre photographic site in the magnificent historic Lords Park. Groups of up to 250 individuals can use the space; fees vary depending on size and rental terms. The scene of your wedding will be situated against a gorgeous lake with a plethora of trees and flowers. You can exchange vows beside the lake, and move inside for a reception inside the pavilion. The two levels of the historical building are perfect for a night of dancing! The stained glass windows are stunning and create a romantic setting in and of themselves. A wrap-around porch runs the length of the pavilion. On site amenities include: - Dressing rooms for the bride and bridal party - Dressing rooms for the groom and groomsmen - Tables and chairs - Cleanup and setup of the venue - Kitchen (only for prep) - Public parking is available - Large area for dancing! To rent this facility, please call 847-531-7047. You can also send an email to banquets@cityoffelgin.org. We can’t wait to hear from you!

• Spaces for 38 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

At Smyth + The Loyalist, we approach everything we do with warmth, vitality, and craftsmanship, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Our objective is to make your event a thoughtful, personalized experience from start to finish, whether you choose our private dining room or a buyout of Smyth or The Loyalist. Our private dining area, which is located on the lower floor, harmoniously integrates the personalities of the two restaurants to which it caters. With an exposed brick wall and distressed wood beams throughout, the area is reminiscent of a stylish yet homey urban loft. The old leather couch and forest-themed backdrop behind it provide warmth to the space, while the richly grained dark wood tables offer playfulness. With audio/visual capabilities, the tiny area is ideal for both celebrations and business events. The Loyalist Meets Smyth is a unique way to experience a private dinner that we have developed. This innovative family-style dining experience marries The Loyalist's French-inspired meals with Smyth's culinary vision to create an engaging, convivial evening of exceptional bites. The chefs carefully create each menu based on seasonality and frequently include delicacies not found at either restaurant. This one-of-a-kind, family-style experience may accommodate up to twenty people. The ocean's bounty is featured boldly and gently throughout the menu at Smyth, and innovation ebbs and flows from it. Our private dinner experience begins with a half-hour of canapés and beverages, followed by a ten-course seated tasting menu. A buyout of our light and airy main dining area can accommodate larger gatherings. This exclusive event will begin with a cocktail hour of passed canapés, followed by a seated tasting menu at our handcrafted wood tables.

• Spaces for 75-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Francesca's on 95th is an Italian trattoria in Oak Lawn, Illinois, part of the Scott Harris Hospitality family of restaurants. Opened in 2009, the restaurant draws on the rustic, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio — bringing the warmth of an authentic neighborhood trattoria to the South Suburbs. The restaurant hosts private and semi-private events for groups of up to 75 guests, with service styles ranging from family-style and plated dinners to appetizer receptions. In-house catering is available for both on-site and off-site events, and the team works directly with hosts to coordinate menus and room configurations.

• Spaces for 80 Guests

Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse brings an authentic churrascaria experience to the greater Chicago area, operating out of Downers Grove, Illinois. Founded in 2008, the restaurant is built around the Southern Brazilian tradition of rodízio service — skilled gauchos carve USDA Prime meats tableside from large skewers, rotating through the dining room and offering unlimited servings at a set price. The name translates to "Gaucho's Flame," a nod to the open-flame technique at the heart of the cooking style. For private events, Chama Gaúcha Chicago accommodates groups ranging from 20 to 400 guests across its private dining rooms, which can be configured for corporate dinners, rehearsal dinners, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, quinceañeras, and holiday gatherings. The in-house events team handles menu customization and coordinates the full tableside churrasco service for each booking, including the signature gourmet salad bar featuring more than 30 fresh options.

• Spaces for 50-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Sono Wood Fired is a Tuscany-influenced restaurant and event venue at 800 S. Clark Street in Chicago, operated by Good Eats Group. The kitchen centers on a wood-fired oven, producing handcrafted pizzas, starters, salads, and desserts rooted in Italian culinary tradition. The restaurant has earned four Michelin Recommendations and has been a part of the Chicago dining scene since 2010. Good Eats Group, the team behind the concept, brings chef-quality food and full catering and events services to the location, making it a resource for private celebrations and gatherings in the South Loop.

Since its establishment, Butterfield Country Club has provided the finest golf, social, and other athletic amenities to its members, their families, and their guests. Originally conceived and built by William Langford during the "golden era" of golf course building in 1920, this classic course has acquired worldwide reputation following a 2010 redesign by Steve Smyers. Butterfield Country Club encourages member-sponsored events and promises to provide the best in food, drinks, and service to guarantee that your wedding reception or banquet is absolutely unforgettable for you and your guests. We are the leading event venue in Chicago's western suburbs. We will create a memorable occasion for you and your guests with elegant service and exquisite cuisine. Our elegant clubhouse and newly refurbished golf course provide the ideal setting for your special occasion. Every element will be adapted to your unique needs, whether you are arranging a wedding, corporate occasion, dinner party, business meeting, or social gathering. Butterfield Country Club has a reputation for having one of the best dining and banquet programs among all the country clubs in the Chicagoland area. The Clubhouse features a number of dining rooms, each with its own atmosphere. Our culinary team uses only the finest ingredients and constantly serves outstanding food, great wines, and a variety of specialty cocktails and craft beers. Our first-class meals, stylish setting, and experienced staff will ensure that your special event, no matter how big or small, is a success. We look forward to assisting you and putting on an occasion that you will never forget.

• Spaces for 56-114 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Jefferson Tap offers a great private event area that can be personalized for any event or occasion, whether it's a conference, a baby shower, or a birthday. Since 2002, we've been tucked away in Chicago's Fulton River District area, making us the ideal setting for a drink with friends, a romantic late-night supper for two, or a full-fledged party with all the trimmings. Enjoy daily specials, weekly specials, a seasonal menu, a dog-friendly terrace, and two full bars to keep your spirits high. The Loft at Jefferson Tap is on the second floor of the building and has a west-facing view of Jefferson Street. The Loft comfortably seats 56 people and has a maximum capacity of 114. There are six televisions in the Loft, as well as a drop-down projector that works with both Mac and PC. The space is equipped with full A/V and a microphone, which makes it ideal for both personal and professional events and can be adapted to fit any floor plan or design. We’re happy to discuss how you can make this space your own for your next event. Jefferson Tap would not be here to host your forthcoming special occasions if it weren't for the support of our friends and family, as well as our regulars who we consider family. We appreciate your patronage, support, and devotion, and we look forward to better days ahead. We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts for your continuing support, and we hope to see you at The Tap!

• Spaces for 200-450 Guests
• 4 Outdoor Spaces
• 1 Barn
• 5 Total Spaces

The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms is a 130-acre private estate in Rockton, Illinois, set amid rolling countryside just south of Beloit and within two hours of both Chicago and Milwaukee. The property has been featured on the Travel Channel and in Midwest Living, and has been recognized among The Knot's "Top 10 Timeless Venues." The estate's centerpiece is The Pavilion, a 10,000-square-foot climate-controlled barn featuring exposed wooden beams, a forty-foot masonry fireplace, and three sides of sliding glass doors that open the space to sweeping countryside views. The Pavilion accommodates up to 400 guests and is served exclusively by Henrici's, a historic Chicago restaurant reimagined to deliver farm-to-fork cuisine for on-site events. Beyond the main hall, Orchard Ridge Farms offers five distinct outdoor ceremony sites — from a manicured pergola and ancient oak forest settings to a tranquil waterfront island — giving couples a range of natural backdrops for their celebration. Overnight accommodations are available on the estate through Copperstone Inn.

• Spaces for 225 Guests

Hudson Farm is a working sixth-generation family farm in Urbana, Illinois, offering weddings and private events against a backdrop of authentic midwestern agricultural history. The farm was established by John P. Hudson in the early 1860s, and the centerpiece dairy barn — built in 1945 by Cecil B. Hudson and his son Ray — now serves as the heart of the event property. The venue accommodates gatherings of 50 to 325 guests across a rustic ceremony barn, a spacious reception shed updated with modern amenities, and a bridal farmhouse for wedding-day preparation. A fully stocked, bartended bar is available on-site, and Hudson Farm welcomes outside vendors — caterers, DJs, photographers, and florists — giving couples flexibility in building their event. Dan and Rachel Hudson manage the property alongside Dan's parents, Cecil and Joyce, maintaining both the working farm and the event business as a family operation. The venue began hosting weddings in 2013 after a family celebration on the property drew widespread interest from the surrounding community.

We've got the ingredients to make your next event a success with our award-winning hand-crafted beverages and seasonal cuisine. From the initial phases of planning through day-of coordination and post-event follow-up, our events team is ready to help. From wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners to business happy hours and holiday parties, a Revolution event is a one-of-a-kind Chicago experience that your guests will remember. Please scroll down for more information on our spaces. The Brewers' Lounge, located on the second story of our original brewpub at 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., first opened its doors in 2011. In the approximately 2,500 square feet of event area, hand carved mahogany and exposed brick create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The walls and light fixtures are adorned with upcycled bourbon barrel scraps. Huge windows flood the space with light and provide a view of Logan Square's lively neighborhood. There's plenty of room for entertainment or presentations with built-in A/V and a stage. The Tap Room, located at 3340 N. Kedzie Ave in the Avondale area, first opened its doors in 2012. Natural light floods in through windows lining the top of the space, which have high 30 foot ceilings. Our brewery's inner workings, including our state-of-the-art canning line, are visible through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. A stunning backdrop for your next big event is a rack of barrels loaded with beer. The growth of the American beer scene has been nothing short of spectacular. We are pleased with what we have accomplished in such a short period of time to become an industry leader and pioneer. Beer lovers' shifting preferences have demanded larger flavors, more diversity, and better beer. At Revolution Brewing, we deliver just that. Every year, we produce hundreds of different beer styles across our brewery and brewpub. The list goes on and on: IPAs, porters, pilsners, Belgian-style ales, pale ales, barrel-aged beers, and so on. It's been a labor of passion for us to open our brewery. Everything we do reflects this, from the intricate features of our mahogany bar in the restaurant to the immense magnificence of our eight 800 barrel fermenters at the brewery to our commitment to quality in each beer we put in a can or keg. Revolution is a firm believer in the importance of hard work. We work hard to make amazing, easy-to-find brews for regular folks. We enjoy what we do, and we hope you enjoy our beers as well.

• Spaces for 65 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Pull up a stool. In Chicago's Logan Square district, Scofflaw is a gin-focused cocktail bar. Scofflaw brings together a varied range of drinkers for wonderfully prepared cocktails, artisan beer, and small plates that go far beyond "bar food." You'll be treated to polite service and a familiar pleasant feel whether you're eating dinner and cocktails in the Victorian-style salon, grabbing a barstool for a shot and a beer, or brunching on the patio—not to mention fresh baked cookies at midnight. Danny Shapiro deserves us eternal appreciation for creating the city's best Serious Cocktail Bar and Logan Square's nicest local. If you take a seat on one of Scofflaw's Victorian-style settees, the server will greet you with a friendly remark. Then she'll serve you a life-changing gin drink, like the Forest Floor, which is prepared with Letherbee gin and gently mixed with fir tree scent. If you can, stay by the fireplace until midnight, when the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies appear and you begin researching local real estate to make this one-of-a-kind gem your permanent neighborhood bar. To be honest, referring to Scofflaw as a gin joint is akin to referring to Martin Scorsese as a cameraman. It's just been two years, but it's already a master class on how to run a first-quality bar without being pretentious. Partner Danny Shapiro's perfect and inexpensive cocktails ($8! ), some of which are created with Scofflaw's own Old Tom Gin, are Exhibit A. Then there's the Guapichosa, a mythical off-menu beast of a sandwich. And the fresh-from-the-oven free chocolate-chip cookies at midnight. The red light above the door, which the hostess uses to alert passing cabs when you're ready to leave, is the best of all. You don't want her to activate it.

• Spaces for 50-70 Guests

The placement of Boqueria in the center of the West Loop's Fulton Market District provides three unique spaces for groups and parties to gather. Large events may also be held at the facility, which can be hired out in its entirety. The cocktail area, which is sandwiched between floor-to-ceiling windows and the bustling bar, is the ideal setting for festivities directly beneath the glow of the Fulton Market sign at night. The main dining area puts your guests in close proximity to the excitement at the bar while still giving them with a private spot to relax. The open-kitchen dining room combines the open kitchen and dining space together to provide a more intimate atmosphere where guests may receive a front-row seat to the activities of the cooks in their kitchen. If you would like more information about renting event space at our Fulton Market District tapas bar and restaurant, please send us an email with the specifics of your event and we will respond as soon as we can. We look forward to seeing you soon!