Top Near South Side Cocktail Party Venues

• 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

• 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 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!

• 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 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 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.

• 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 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.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Chicago's first Spanish tapas restaurant, serves authentic Spanish cuisine in a warm, hip setting enhanced by lively music. Guests can dine inside or outside on the all-season patio while enjoying award-winning sangria, tapas (the famous small dishes of Spain), pintxos (one-bite appetizers from Northern Spain) and paella (a traditional Valencian rice dish). Offering savory and colorful combinations of vegetables, cheeses, meats and seafood, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! also features Flamenco Dinner Shows, cooking classes, wine tastings and catering for private parties of all sizes. At Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! we can accommodate groups of 10 to 300 in our private and semi-private rooms, serving a custom menu of tapas, paella and more. We also offer carryout and off-premise catering including aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.

• 1 Cocktail Party Album
• Spaces for 120-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Guests can appreciate our spacious atmosphere, which is encircled by glass paneled French windows that open out onto the Lincoln Park Conservatory, which is located in the center of Chicago's Lincoln Park. Bring a favorite bistro chair up to a table topped with crisp butcher paper. Listen to the crackle of a freshly sliced baguette. Take in the aromas of Onion Soup Au Gratin, Steak Frites, and Chicken Grand-Mére, among other dishes. Choose wine from our ancient rolling wine cart with care. Take a taste of Chocolate Mousse or Profiteroles to satisfy your sweet cravings. Private Parties Just outside the Belden-Stratford, Mon Ami Gabi is a pleasant and welcoming café with a cozy ambience and limited outside dining. We can now accommodate groups of up to 50 people in our private dining rooms, or up to 150 people if the entire restaurant is purchased. Weddings Our French bistro is the ideal location for tying the knot. We provide the ideal location for cocktail parties and seated dinners, with an intimate dining room, stunning outdoor patio, and access to the Belden-Stratford lobby. Off Site Catering Mon Ami Gabi is happy to cater off-site events for groups of all sizes. Passed appetizers such as Mini Lobster Rolls are available, as well as sandwiches and typical French entrées. Tell us more about your special occasion and leave the specifics to Mon Ami Gabi. Please fill out the form found on our website or email monamichgoparties@leye.com to inquire about a private party or potential catering order.

• 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.

• Spaces for 40-5,500 Guests
• 6 Museums
• 5 Landmarks
• 7 Total Spaces

Our rooms tell the stories of civilizations. Imagine what they could say about your event. Guests at the Field Museum will discover artifacts from civilizations past, explore almost every corner of the globe, learn about new scientific discoveries, and walk away inspired! No where else can guests dine under the largest dinosaur ever discovered! As you enter Stanley Field Hall, you are standing on 300 million year old fossilized limestone. As you look up—the museum’s skylights and solar roof panels contribute to museum conservation efforts to save energy. In nearby Rice Hall, travel to Africa and stand toe-to-paw with the man-eating lions of Tsavo. Header image courtesy of Kent Drake. Profile image courtesy of © Field Museum, 2019.

• Spaces for 140-1,750 Guests
• 11 Museums
• 11 Landmarks
• 11 Total Spaces

Since its opening in 1930, Shedd Aquarium has ranked among the world’s leading aquariums, and it’s the No. 1 cultural attraction and “must-sea” destination in Chicago. Discover another side of Shedd—as the incomparable locale for your next evening event. Encounter unbelievable animals from aquatic environments around the world, plus eye-popping architecture, at popular cultural destination in Chicago. The city’s iconic skyline and Lake Michigan’s blue expanse create a stunning backdrop for any private event. We can provide you with a spacious, gracious setting for a dinner and a cool coastline or breezy terrace for a cocktail reception. A celebration at Shedd Aquarium means superb service, top-of-the-line facilities, and beautiful surroundings. The Azure’s Sales and Catering team at Shedd Aquarium has the passion to help clients bring their events and imagination to life within incredible spaces. We bring years of culinary experience, focusing on in-house catering and special event designs. From stunning views of the Chicago skyline to world-class cuisine, guests are surrounded by the beauty and wonder of aquatic life. Get ready to host in new and refreshed exhibits and spaces in the coming years.

• Spaces for 12-10,000 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 2 Hotels
• 9 Total Spaces

Step into the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, where great things happen seamlessly. Our convenient location makes exploring Chicago attractions easier than ever once you’ve wrapped up business in the city. We are connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center and our downtown Chicago hotel offers the ideal destination for you to work, relax and explore. Not only is Soldier Field, host to concerts, runs, and football games, a 10-minute walk via a connecting bridge, but The Museum Campus is located steps away from our lakefront. We’re located conveniently close to some of Chicago’s best attractions, such as: 0.5 miles from the Cermak/McCormick Place Green Line CTA stop 0.6 miles from Soldier Field 1.8 miles from Northerly Island 1.2 miles from Shedd Aquarium 1.6 miles from Adler Planetarium 2.3 miles from U.S. Cellular Field 5 miles from Museum of Science and Industry 15 miles from Horseshoe Casino Hyatt Regency McCormick Place also offers over 63,000 sq. ft. of flexible and customizable event space with access to over 50,000 square feet of event space at McCormick Place Convention Center. Our venue is ideal for a wide range of events like board meetings, midsize conferences, large galas, weddings and more. Our experienced staff are trained to deliver premium service from start to finish. Let’s start the planning process!

• Spaces for 200-275 Guests
• 1 Event Space

ROW 24 is a family-run event space, located in the historic Motor Row district in Chicago’s South Loop area. We were captivated by the newest arts and entertainment neighborhood, and we know you will as well. Our venue’s historic sophistication provides a perfect backdrop for unforgettable events. From a corporate lunch meeting to a fairytale wedding, ROW 24 is eager to work with you to create a memorable experience. Two of the original founders of ROW 24, Chris Fountain and Dana Louder, are entrepreneurs with many years of experience in the wedding and entertainment industries. Chris managed a live music venue in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, while Dana’s business, Pin Me Up, a bridal beauty agency, has won the Best of Weddings award from The Knot for the last four years. At ROW 24, Chris and Dana work with their family, who collectively have over 20 years of experience in hospitality. The family has come together to cultivate a business that is more than just another event space. By offering a truly collaborative experience and a highly customizable venue, ROW 24 is a distinct wedding and special event location.

• Spaces for 50-63,500 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark
• 10 Total Spaces

Soldier Field is the premier destination for events in Chicago, hosting a wide range of events including corporate events, social events, meetings, expos, sporting events, and concerts,. With sweeping views of the downtown skyline and beautiful Lake Michigan, Soldier Field is the perfect venue to “wow” your guests. The talented event team at Soldier Field will take care of every detail to ensure that your event is spectacular! Now is the time to book your next exciting event at Chicago's most prestigious event venue.

• Spaces for 20-200 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark
• 4 Total Spaces

Glessner House invites you to host your corporate lunch, dinner, or cocktail event; your lecture, program, meeting, or photo shoot in our exquisite mansion located near McCormick Place in the heart of the Prairie Avenue Historic District of Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. (Please note we no longer host weddings). Featuring a private outdoor courtyard, this intimate venue offers a distinct alternative to hotels and banquet halls. Café-style lighting illuminates the courtyard, while a modern Bose sound system provides an intimate environment for any occasion. Once home to prized horses, our updated coach house serves as a beautiful interior event space and is fully accessible. Located directly north of the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, Glessner House is both easily accessed by public transportation and is within walking distance of three major hotels. A nearby parking lot is also available as needed. Prairie Avenue once boasted over 90 mansions built by the movers and shakers of Chicago. One of only seven remaining, Glessner House stands tall at the corner of 18th Street and Prairie Avenue, a treasure for all time. Our Mission: To spark excitement in architecture, history, and design through a dynamic exploration of Glessner House, its family, and its preservation.

• Spaces for 30-160 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Event Space

Located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, two Michelin starred Moody Tongue Brewing Company may be found within walking distance of McCormick Place, numerous area hotels and a growing hospitality community. The Private Dining & Events Program at Moody Tongue showcases chef-driven beers, elevated service and a focused food menu from eleven-time Michelin-starred recipient Executive Chef Jared Wentworth. The brewery's mid-century modern aesthetic and refined industrial design set the tone for a distinctive dining and event experience, while a professional onsite event team ensures attention to every detail. Coordinating these details leading to a successful event can be stressful, and the event team at Moody Tongue brings focus, care and hospitality to you throughout the process. Our goal is to help create a unique and memorable event, tailored to your needs. Whether you would like to entertain a select group of clients or host a reception or private dining experience, we offer a number of possibilities within the brewery’s three venues. All three venues offer flexibility, style and comfort which may be curated for a variety of engagements. Moody Tongue's award-winning beer and Chef Jared Wentworth's elevated dining offerings provide an undeniable backdrop to distinguish your next event. For additional information or to reserve a space for a private event, please reach out us via the link below or send us an e-mail at contact@moodytongue.com. -- "THE DINING ROOM" offers our most intimate experience. Leather booths and chairs, large blackened oak table tops and sophisticated tablewares combine to elevate the perception of a brewery dining experience. Brewmaster Jared Rouben's dream of marrying fine dining with exceptional beer pairings may now be experienced in private engagements with our 6 to 15 course tasting menus. Plated and family-style dining options are also available for seated dinners while an extensive banquet menu provides excellent options for reception style events. The Dining Room can accommodate 28 guests seated or 50 guests for a standing cocktail reception. "THE BAR" provides a comfortable backdrop for larger events. A vibrant fireplace lounge and library of historic brewing books anchors the room beneath the original industrial skylight. The central black marble bar focuses guests attention inward towards 18 gleaming draft towers. The room is open and flexible, without feeling too expansive. Dining options may be catered to either seated plated and family-style meals or standing reception-style affairs. Semi-private reservations are available in this venue upon request as well. The Bar can accommodate 50 guests seated or 100 for a standing cocktail reception. "THE BREWERY FLOOR" is available for our largest engagements. Located immediately within Moody Tongue’s brewing facility and beneath an expansive skylight and original bowstring truss roof, the brewery has dedicated over 2,500 square feet to private reservations. Flanked by exposed brick walls and racks of whiskey and wine barrels, this venue enjoys a private entrance, coat check and dedicated restrooms. The Brewery Floor can accommodate 120 guests seated or 160 for a standing cocktail reception.

• Spaces for 20-500 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 3 Event Spaces

VU Rooftop provides a variety of unique options within its 13,000 square feet to meet all of your event requirements. Choose from VU's nooks, rooms, and event spaces, which include private bars, al fresco areas with fire pits, a boardroom, the club bar, the solarium, and terraces with jaw-dropping views of the lake, downtown, and the west. In this modern designed space, enjoy an ingredient and locally-driven beverage program, top-notch noshing, and unparalleled views of the lake and downtown. Our space, which is the size of a full city block, can hold up to 500 people. The venue is designed to transform to the needs of our guests. VU has the ability to properly celebrate and gather for any occasion, from variable set-up to moveable walls. VU's event spaces come with different levels of furnishings. Rentals vary based on the need for space, the number of guests, and the type of event happening. If a rental is required, your event coordinator will send over an estimate of the rental cost, which will be added to your final event order.