Top Near South Side Dinner Party Venues

• Spaces for 120-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, The Bellevue is all about the finer things in life. An elevated restaurant and bustling first floor bar and patio offer a menu of timeless classics and fresh takes, this is the place for sophisticated socializing.

Creativo Loft is an intimate private loft, specializing in small weddings, elopements and private social events. Our building dates back to 1887, and features original rustic hardwood floors, tin ceilings and other vintage features. As a raw space, it can be transformed to really any look, modern, vintage, formal, casual, and anything in between. We are centrally located at the intersection of Chicago Ave. & Milwaukee Ave., less than 2 miles from north Michigan Ave., in the River West / West Town neighborhood, approximately 10 minutes drive from most downtown hotels. We offer several event services in-house, and can assist clients with event planning and vendor referrals. Catering and alcohol is handled by any outside professional full-service catering company of your choice, provided that they meet our venue requirements for the correct licenses, insurance, and service capabilities. Our venue fees include tables, chairs, linens, and standard set-up for your event. Capacity with banquet seating with room for dancing is 74 people. For dining-only (no dancing) we can seat up 84 max. For standing cocktail parties, with highboy tables, the capacity is up to 100 standing guests. On average, events at our venue generally have between 30 - 70 people.

• Spaces for 20-750 Guests
• 4 Event Spaces

IT’S THE CORNER OF ORLEANS AND HILL, BUT WE LIKE TO THINK OF IT AS THE INTERSECTION OF WANDER AND WONDER. INSIDE OUR REIMAGINED MID-CENTURY SCHOOLHOUSE, YOU MIGHT DISCOVER AN 18TH-CENTURY CHANDELIER; OR ROAM UNTIL YOU FIND A PERFECT 1930S TILE THAT MIGHT BE A PIECE OF ART, OR A PIECE OF YOUR BACKSPLASH. YOU MIGHT DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVORITE NATURAL WINE, GRAB A SLICE OF INCREDIBLE PIZZA, JOIN A PICKLEBALL GAME, RESURRECT SUNDAY BRUNCH, MAKE NEW FRIENDS, IMPRESS OLD ONES, LEVEL-UP DATE NIGHT — AND IF THAT WORKS OUT, FIND YOUR FUTURE WEDDING VENUE, TOO. HOW DO WE GET ALL THAT INTO ONE DESTINATION? WE HAD A HEAD START: IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING, YEP, WE’RE THAT ARCHITECTURAL ARTIFACTS, HOME TO STUART GRANNEN, CHICAGO’S PATRON SAINT OF SALVAGE AND HIS EVER-EVOLVING COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST INCREDIBLE FINDS. WHEN WE SAY THAT STUART’S LATEST CHAPTER IS LIKE NOTHING YOU’VE EVER SEEN, WE MEAN IT. WE INVITE YOU TO COME IN AND GET LOST (WITH A DELICIOUS DRINK IN HAND); OR GET FOUND, BY JOINING ONE OF OUR EVENTS OR HOSTING ONE OF YOUR OWN. IF YOU LOVE FASCINATING BACKSTORIES, AMAZING FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY AS MUCH AS WE DO, WE CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO KNOW YOU.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Event Spaces

Located in the Brewery District of West Town, Chicago, Bridge 410 is a fusion of industrial and modern. With high ceilings and exposed brick walls in every room, our space is an incredible canvas for your wedding, corporate event, or next unforgettable occasion. Rustic revivalism echoes throughout each room, even sprawling out to our gorgeous backyard, which is offset by the looming artifact of the Paulina Street Bridge. All of our guests have access to the main floor event areas during their rental (backyard is seasonal) and a host of amenities. While each space is distinctly different, they tie together to create a one-of-a-kind, custom experience. The event areas total over 10,000 square feet and includes coveted touches like gated parking, enterprise-strength wi-fi, and furniture. Bridge 410 has become an unparalleled wedding destination. Typical wedding bookings include ceremony on site, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception. We can accommodate up to 150 people for seated dinner receptions and up to 175 people for “cocktail style” receptions. Weddings include access to all of our event spaces and amenities. Amenities include tables, chairs, highboys, and up lights, and access to our suite of yard games. We also love hosting corporate events and social gatherings! We've crafted each detail of the space to compliment receptions, cocktail parties, conferences, and afternoon retreats. Our versatile space will help bring your next event to life and we'd be happy to schedule a tour for you!

• Spaces for 20-80 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Located in the Gold Coast, near the Clark/division red line. The building is a historic landmark known as the Fisher Studio Houses, and is a pre-WWII building. The space is Art Moderne style with Edgar Miller paintings on the windows. Space Details: - 1400 square feet - Seating Capacity = 16 - Access to Full Kitchen - Free Coffee - 2.5 Bathrooms - Speaker System - Fireplace Use - Washer/Dryer Use - Red Line is one block away - BYOB allowed - Outside food is allowed The property was built in 1936 and designed by Andrew Rebori. The space has quartz counter tops, and unique white glass subway tiles that offer modernism with antique undertones, plus a spiraled staircase. Features curved walls, with glass block windows. There's also an outdoor courtyard with seating. It is located a few blocks from North Ave beach and Oak Street beach plus the restaurants and shopping of the Gold Coast. There's also a Jewel Osco that's about a five minute walk away. In the mid-1930s, Frank J. Fisher, a Marshall Field’s executive, commissioned the architect Andrew Rebori to design a residential property that would also generate some income. Rebori recruited the muralist and craftsman Edgar Millerto help detail the spaces with stained glass and other finishes. This is an ideal space for small gatherings and professional events. We'd love to host your next anniversary party, corporate party, charity event, pop-up shop, cocktail party, engagement party, baby shower, wedding shower, private party or fashion event. Have something else in mind? Send us a message!

Situated in West Town on the corner of Fulton and Wood, the Goose Island Taproom serves rotating, innovative beers made in Chicago, for Chicago. The Taproom opened back in 2015 to bring the beers brewed in the building right to the neighborhood. Along with classics like Honkers Ale and 312 Wheat Ale, our brewers put experimental beers on tap regularly.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Offering a creative backdrop in West Town, Chicago, let LOW RES play host to a memorable event that’s authentically you. Located in The Hubbard Street Lofts, we provide an inspired, modern space with unique design details featuring custom artwork and furniture - all with fantastic views of downtown.

• Spaces for 6-1,200 Guests
• 3 Restaurants
• 1 Bar
• 12 Total Spaces

Discover the epitome of elegance and versatility at the David Rubenstein Forum, nestled within the vibrant University of Chicago campus. Our stunning venue is perfect for a variety of events, from corporate meetings to dream weddings. With its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of Hyde Park and state-of-the-art audiovisual support available throughout ten floors, your event experience will be enhanced in every way. Choose from versatile spaces like the expansive 600+ seat University Room or intimate sections designed for memorable receptions. Enjoy exceptional seasonal cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Marco Bahena in our Dining Room or BARDAVID while surrounded by inspiring biophilic design elements such as the serene Bosque Garden and surrounding landscape that invite nature indoors. Whether you're planning a conference, festival, or personal celebration, the David Rubenstein Forum provides an unparalleled backdrop that fosters connection and creativity among all guests.

• Spaces for 30-550 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 4 Event Spaces
• 4 Total Spaces

If you’re looking to host an unforgettable event in Chicago, Salvage One offers a truly one-of-a-kind venue unlike any other. Located in the heart of Chicago, Salvage One is a multi-functional space that serves as an architectural salvage store, vintage furniture showroom, prop rental shop, and highly sought-after event venue. Perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and creative productions, our venue features exposed brick walls, eclectic décor, vintage pieces, and timeless architectural details. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a large-scale event, Salvage One provides a charming, flexible space that can be tailored to your vision. Our experienced team is here to help bring your event to life—whether you need stunning backdrops for photography or film, unique vintage rentals, or a venue that stands apart from the ordinary. Salvage One is a favorite among Chicago event planners for its versatility, character, and unforgettable ambiance.

• Spaces for 100-200 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

With turn of the century architecture, The International Museum of Surgical Science offers an elegant setting for your next lecture, corporate meeting, beautiful reception, and intimate dinner. Guests enter the International Museum of Surgical Science and are led up a gilded metal staircase to the main floor. Italian marble floors and fireplaces, decorative cut stone and sky-high floor to ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan are just some of the many unique features of the International Museum of Surgical Science. The wood-paneled walls decorated with historic murals and statues are customizable to your preferences for an engaging and intimate special event. The historic mansion that holds the International Museum of Surgical Science truly embodies the Gold Coast splendor of the late 19th Century and will provide for an unforgettable backdrop for every special occasion.

• Spaces for 250-500 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, Walden’s 19,000-square-foot space has been designed with the ultimate event in mind. Light, bright and airy, the modern two-story interior provides a gorgeous blank slate to create the customized event of your dreams. Whether you’re planning a seated dinner for 300 that begins with a cocktail hour at the bar followed by dancing later in the evening or a cocktail reception for 500, Walden provides the perfect setting. The Walden Experience: Our honest and inclusive process promotes design-driven rather than budget-constrained events. Seamless planning and creative production reduce costs and promote collaboration, allowing you to focus on what is most important to you. We accomplish this through full-service event planning, chef-driven cuisine, a modern beverage program, rentals, staffing and other exceptional amenities under one beautiful, environmentally friendly West Town roof. We treat your event like a mosaic, pulling together all the different pieces with the common theme to create a full, unforgettable picture.

• Spaces for 16-175 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Forbidden Root, the first botanical brewery in Chicago, was founded as a passionately personal project by Robert Finkel after leaving the world of high-stakes entrepreneurship. His idea to create a true-brewed root beer quickly grew to encompass the broader idea of botanic beers. On February 18, 2016, our restaurant and brewery opened in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. More than just a brewpub, we offer fresh and seasonal dishes that highlight our craft beers and elevate the overall dining experience. In addition to our passion for beer and food, Forbidden Root is passionate about giving back. We are a benefit corporation, meaning that goals other than shareholder value are built into our operating charter.

• Spaces for 40-1,500 Guests
• 3 Museums
• 3 Landmarks
• 1 Theater

When you choose the Chicago History Museum, you will experience the perfect venue for your event. Whether you're planning a corporate celebration, daytime meeting, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, engagement or anniversary celebration, or your dream wedding, the Chicago History Museum will provide the quintessential Chicago experience with a sophistication and elegance you won't find anywhere else. Overlooking scenic Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast skyline, the Chicago Room at the Chicago History Museum creates an ideal setting for any type of event with spectacular views and traditional Georgian-style elegance. Combine the history of the city of Chicago and the beauty of our venue, and you will have the perfect backdrop for your event at Chicago History Museum.

• Spaces for 700-1,000 Guests
• 1 Venue with Activities

We are more than just birthday parties! Razzmatazz is Chicago's most exciting family entertainment center. Come and join us for bowling,state-of-the-art arcade games, corporate & birthday celebrations bounce houses, full bar and much, much more! Chicago Indoor Sports is Chicagoland’s premier indoor sports facility. 90,000 square feet of action-packed fun for all the family. We have the best fields anywhere in Chicago, a large entertainment and concession area and programs for all ages. We are two places in one!

• Spaces for 180-300 Guests

Candlelite Chicago Lincoln Park is new to the neighborhood but deeply rooted in tradition. Discover our 70-year legacy of tavern-style pizza at our newest location in Lincoln Park. As our second restaurant and first dedicated event space, we're here to light up the local dining and event scene. From classic Margarita pizza to our signature Candlelite White, or even a custom creation built from the ground up - just like your event - we bring the best of Chicago to every celebration. What type of special event are you planning? When you choose Candlelite Chicago Lincoln Park, Chrissy will help make your celebration extra special. Your guests will be wowed when they walk in to celebrate with you. Contact Chrissy@candlelitechicago.com or 773-575-0301 today to set up a private viewing of your next event space for 20-1000 guests. Variety of food and beverage packages available. Flexible floor plans. Event Space, Theaters, Breakout Rooms. A space you have to experience first hand.

• Spaces for 150-200 Guests
• 1 Theater

Chopin Theatre is a 6,000 square foot space spread across two eclectically designed floors located in Chicago's most artistic neighborhood, Wicker Park/Bucktown. Fully equipped, customizable and affordable, consider Chopin Theatre for your social, corporate, art, film music, performance, fashion, culinary or philanthropic needs. Why go to Paris when you can create Paris here! “enchantingly funky Chopin Theatre in the Wicker Park neighborhood..” – New York Times “..and you’re at the Chopin Theatre to begin with – one of the cooler, brick-walled, atmospherically attractive performance spaces in Chicago.” – Chicago Tribune “ Different companies peel in and out of spaces like the Chopin each remaking it how they see fit, tearing down the world and building it up again..” - Performink Chicago Editors Pick: Chicago Venues that Matter the Most - "Great theaters need great karma... With kindly, theater-loving owners and great Polish beer at the bar; the Chopin is a composer of merit" - Chicago Tribune

• Spaces for 20-1,000 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Outdoor
• 8 Total Spaces

For your next event, you want a venue as unique as you. Whether you are planning your next social or corporate celebration, fundraiser, conference, or private party, the iO Theater is the perfect venue for an unforgettable event. Our premier event space, The Clybourn offers clients 3,000 sq ft of modern rustic space with windows. Featuring private bars, in-house AV, dimmable lighting, our customizable floor plans (with the option of utilizing our in-house furniture including banquet rounds, high-tops and chairs) we provide a turn-key experience for your special event. You can also take advantage of our four state-of-the-art conference-ready theaters and sound systems, our five breakout spaces, and our in-house kitchen and bar, At iO Theater we take care of everything – a malleable event venue, dinner and drinks, and an evening of laughter from the best improvisers in Chicago, you just bring your team. The iO Theater is the perfect backdrop for your next event including: Corporate Events Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Birthdays Holiday Parties Recitals and productions Conferences Team Outings Since 1981, The iO Theater has been the foundational institution dedicated to the development of long-form improvisational theater; we have trained thousands of students and helped launch the careers of countless comedians and actors like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike Meyers, and Jason Sudeikis (just to name a few). Now, iO's creative spaces can become a background for your events, big or small!

• Spaces for 30-312 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Roots Handmade Pizza is Quad Cities born, Chicago raised. We're serving up authentic Quad Cities Style Pizza in the city, mouth-watering appetizers, fresh salads, decadent dessert and more. Plus, we've got the largest selection of all-Midwest beer in Chicago! With four locations in Chicago, there's a venue for every type of occasion. Celebrate in either West Town, Lincoln Square, Old Town or South Loop in one of our private dining areas, or book the entire place to yourself - our Event Coordinators will work with you to meet your event needs! Roots is prepared to host every kind of event - From kids birthday parties, to corporate events and weddings. We also offer off-site event Sc corporate catering. We will gladly bring the party your way. Lighting, custom menus, and ambiance can be adjusted according to your specific event needs. We are also able to make special accomodations for your events whether it's additional A/V, wireless microphones, or event planning and production support.

• Spaces for 190-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Located in a 100-year-old lumber manufacturing plant in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, our space is the perfect blend of vintage industrial and modern sophistication — outfitted with fully integrated digital capabilities to host your wedding, social, or corporate event. During the week, The Arbory transforms into a blank slate for ample production work and photoshoots or a dynamic setting for corporate breakout sessions and creative brainstorming. On weekends, The Arbory’s custom lighting and furniture amenities create a customizable venue to bring your wedding vision to life. With in-house video production and tech capabilities, we can seamlessly allow for one or two way live streaming options, projection, and full light control with blackout shades on our six oversize skylights. The Arbory includes dimmable Italian café lights, uplighting options, two lounges, as well as custom oak tables and two types of upgraded wood chairs. Our private green room/wedding suite allows for a private moment before and after the ceremony and has been thoughtfully designed with photography in mind. We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate your next event with The Arbory in our brand new venue!

The Fulton West is Chicago's newest loft-style venue featuring a blank space to let your event dreams run wild! The newly renovated 3,500 square foot space is perfect for groups of 10-70 and accessible from the ground floor. The space is complete with 2 restrooms and a small outdoor patio to enjoy the Chicago weather. The Fulton West is now available for micro-weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, bachelor/bachelorette outings, photoshoots, meetings, art installations, bar & bat mitzvahs, and more!