Top Near South Side Dinner Party Venues

• Spaces for 80-150 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Private Venue, Custom Cake Maker , Caterer to the Stars! A team of experts in the culinary aspect of the industry formed City Epicurean. Former owner of TipsyCake and Chef from Jewell Events Catering, bring a unique industrial edge to the Chicago Party Scene.

• Spaces for 35-200 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 3 Theaters
• 4 Total Spaces

Welcome to lululemon Lincoln Park! As the first and largest Experiential Store, we are centered on creating connection and fostering relationships, a fundamental core of our brand. Our space is rooted in accessibility and inclusivity, any and all are welcome. Our venue features dual workout studios, expansive locker room facilities, a tranquil meditation lounge, and the renowned lululemon cafe, "The Fuel Space." Your journey to wellbeing through the Chicago community begins here. You can shop, join a weekly class or simply enjoy the company of each other. Our venue is also designed to accommodate a wide range of events. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an intimate gathering with friends, a corporate team-building event, or any other special occasion, we have the amenities to make it truly memorable!

• Spaces for 24-90 Guests
• 3 Restaurants

Open since the summer of 1994, The Smoke Daddy was the first of its kind to offer barbeque and free live music seven days a week in Wicker Park. Over the years, The New York Times, National Geographic, Zagat survey, Chicago magazine, and the Chicago Social all rated "The Daddy" as "having Chicago's best barbeque". Our concept is simple: top quality barbeque, cold drinks and music in a lively atmosphere. We smoke all of our meats in house each day and take pride in offering the best ribs and pulled meats in town. Our Wicker Park location offers options for Semi-Private events as well as Buy-Outs that are perfect for your next gathering, whether that's a Birthday Brunch, Rehearsal Dinner, or Company Happy Hour! We have great indoor/outdoor space allowing for great air flow for your event as well. ▪️ Buffet or Family-Style Service ▪️ Available for Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner 7 days a week ▪️ Live Music

• Spaces for 20-200 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Two wonderful friends and hospitality veterans spotted an opportunity to bring their beloved bar and comfort food to the up-and-coming Wicker Park neighborhood more than ten years ago. The Fifty/50 debuted to the public on March 20th, 2008, promising pleasant service, amazing food, and a wild bar atmosphere. The Fifty/50, a Wicker Park dining and nightlife pioneer, continues to set the standard for neighborhood restaurants and luxury sports bars nationwide. Since 2008, the Fifty/50 has won numerous honors, including "Best Sports Bar in America" (Yahoo, Thrillist) and "Best Wings in Chicago" (WGN, Chicago Tribune, Metromix). We continue to raise the bar and seek to push the boundaries on chef-driven, scratch-made bar cuisine, thanks to a recent expansion and makeover in late 2016. In Chicago's Wicker Park area, The Fifty/50 is a full-service restaurant and bar. Cocktail parties, business functions, birthdays, and any other type of event where people are letting loose and having a wonderful time are among our specialties. There are three stories, each with its own bar and different feel and attitude. The Sky Box level is a private area with views of the main floor that can accommodate up to 50 people for a cocktail reception or seated meal. The Dugout has plush seats and a private DJ booth, as well as a large downstairs bar and a big party vibe. All of these areas can be rented out for private events at any time of day or night! We have places and locations across the venue that may be divided or combined for large and small events.

• Spaces for 120 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Boat
• 1 Waterfront

Our enormous Free Spirit luxury yacht, which can seat up to 120 guests, has been custom-designed for your leisure and comfort, both inside and outside the vessel. Free Spirit is ideal for bigger groups such as business meetings, company trips, networking events, family celebrations, weddings, and other social gatherings. A boat makes any event more memorable, no matter what the occasion is! Spend an evening with your coworkers taking in the spectacular views of Chicago's world-renowned skyline while enjoying cocktails and an exquisite dinner at the Chicago Athletic Association. For a more relaxed affair, consider hosting a brunch cruise with mimosas and bloody marys while cruising along Chicago's picturesque lakefront or along the Chicago River. Wow, talk about combining business and pleasure. Those of you who have spent time in Chicago during the summer months are aware of how much we like our lakefront. In addition, if you've ever taken a Free Spirit Yacht charter trip, you know how much fun they can be. Not to mention that it is decadently soothing.

• Spaces for 16-120 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Bar
• 4 Total Spaces

Sushi-san Lincoln Park features a menu from Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan and serves one of the largest sake by-the-glass lists in the Windy City. The Lincoln Park location offers private event spaces on the lower level, a large dining room lined with banquets, and a dedicated bar area, complete with floor to ceiling glass windows that open up to an intimate patio on Halsted Street. Sushi-san has two other locations located in River North and Willis Tower.

• Spaces for 250 Guests

22Thirty9 is a 2,200-square-foot private event loft situated above Pressure Point Recording Studio, part of the Bassline Music Complex on historic Record Row in Chicago's South Loop. The space is acoustically tuned and fully wired for presentations, live performances, and recorded entertainment, reflecting the building's deep roots in Chicago's music culture. The loft features floor-to-ceiling atrium windows, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings alongside a full-service bar and lounge area. Built-in A/V systems, in-house A/V specialists, and an experienced hospitality team are available for events. The venue sits steps from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena, with convenient access to major roadways throughout the city.

• Spaces for 16-75 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Harbor is located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Gourmet versions of traditional meals, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, are served at Chef Anthony Bernal's restaurant, which pays respect to the Great Lakes region. Drinks include regional tasty beers, delectable and balanced cocktails, as well as a diverse variety of wines from all over the world, including those from the United States. The interior of the resturaunt, created by Barker/Nestor in collaboration with Ingrassia Design, represents the sensibilities of the surrounding neighborhood while also paying homage to the region's illustrious history. The dining tables, which were custom made by Timberwolf Slabs of Crystal Lake, Illinois, included a 17-foot single slab live edge walnut table. There are several eating choices available to guests, including raw bar dining, dining by the fireplace dining, relaxing at a banquette dining, and watching Chefs make their meal while seated at the dining counter.

Relax in this South Loop martini lounge while sipping on a martini. M Lounge hosts live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (currently on hiatus due to COVID) that may be enjoyed while sipping on a variety of speciality martinis and exquisite liquors. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, live performances ranging from jazz to blues to R&B are held, and on Friday and Saturday, various DJs spin their records. There is something for everyone in this intimate urban oasis. No matter what genre of music you enjoy, you will feel right at home here—whether you're settling into one of the comfortable couches or low-slung chairs, or taking a seat at the 28-foot long walnut bar. Whether you're searching for a reservation for 6 people or a reservation for 30, M Lounge is the top destination for celebrations in the South Loop. Two VIP spaces are available for your consideration at M Lounge. Our VIP alcove can accommodate up to ten persons in comfort. There is a $250 minimum bar requirement, and a 20 percent tip will be applied to your final bill as part of the service. Our Stage VIP section can accommodate parties of up to about 30 people and can accommodate groups of 12-25 individuals. The minimum bar need ranges from $250 to $600, depending on the number of attendees and the amount of space required. In addition, a 20 percent gratuity will be added.

• Spaces for 30 Guests

The Wabansion is a vibrant, sunlit event space nestled in the heart of West Town, Chicago. With 1,000 square feet of open-layout charm, bold original artwork, and a fully equipped kitchen, it is the perfect canvas for intimate celebrations, milestone gatherings, and creative corporate events. Whether you are hosting an elegant dinner party, a lively birthday celebration, a bridal or baby shower, a team offsite, or a styled editorial shoot, The Wabansion brings warmth and character to every occasion. The ground-floor, street-level access makes load-in effortless, and free street parking keeps logistics simple for you and your guests. Accommodating up to 30 guests, The Wabansion is ideal for those who want a distinctive, art-filled setting that feels personal rather than generic. Complimentary folding tables and chairs are included, and an optional basement game room is available for added entertainment. The space is available daily from 9 AM to 11 PM. Located on Wabansia Avenue with easy access from the Kennedy Expressway and CTA Blue Line, The Wabansion is perfectly positioned for guests coming from anywhere in the Chicagoland area.

• Spaces for 50-450 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Event Space

Chop Shop Chicago is a venue with 6,000 square feet of hybrid event space located in the heart of Wicker Park and Bucktown in Chicago. Fully staffed with a personal production team, the space at Chop Shop Chicago hosts an array of offbeat events. Designed by event professionals, for event professionals, this distinctly modern urban event space is fully customizable. Chop Shop Chicago features 20 foot ceilings, exposed brick, modular staging, a modern guest suite, and built-in amenities including a state-of-the-art audio and visual package. Chop Shop Chicago serves to accommodate corporate, social, and entertainment planners in the marketing, art, film, music, sports, performance, fashion, culinary, and philanthropic communities for both private and in-house programmed events.

• Spaces for 25-120 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Event Space

Sophisticated and eclectic, SOPHY® Hotel embodies the crafts and passions of art, science, literature, and music that are the inspiration of today’s Hyde Park. At the turn of every corner is an eclectic collection of art that celebrates community and the artists and artisans that create it. Our stunning restaurant, Mesler with our intimate Private Dining Room provides an inspiring setting for 50-75 guests. Begin the celebration with cocktails in our outdoor Sanctuary or in the bar and lounge area followed by vows and a reception in Mesler and our Private Dining Room. Our Opus Suite allows the curious visitor to delight in discoveries at every turn. This spacious suite offers a large living space, a private king bedroom, and a dining area ideal for an intimate gathering of your closest family and friends. 1411 East 53rd Street. 773.289.1003. sophyhotel.com.

• Spaces for 75-120 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Mesler, a full-service Chicago restaurant, bar, and lounge is artfully composed with a contemporary library and an intimate Private Dining Room offering an inspiring setting for 50-75 guests. Begin the celebration with cocktails in our outdoor Sanctuary or in the bar and lounge area followed by vows and a reception in Mesler and our Private Dining Room. Designed to stimulate thoughtful conversation, the private dining room is ideal for petite weddings, brunches, showers, rehearsal dinners or engagement parties.

• Spaces for 50-300 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, CSK Chicago is an up & coming event venue, owned and operated by Big Onion Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Chicago staples like Woodie’s Flat, Fatpour Tap Works and Hopsmith Tavern. CSK Chicago features three unique spaces, each boasting a modern yet warm and cozy ambiance, accentuating the mix of natural and eclectic elements, including vintage city maps and a pink neon sign. Each space has a customizable layout, allowing you to host events of any kind and truly make it your own. The light-soaked modern-meets-rustic interior of CSK Chicago leads to an open-concept garden oasis, featuring Edison bulb lighting and ivy-covered brick walls, adorned with vintage mirrors. At Big Onion Hospitality, our mission is to make each and every guest feel like they are walking into our own personal home. Our team of professionals works hand in hand with you to ensure this is accomplished with your event. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a tour with our Private Events Manager!

• Spaces for 150-250 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Get on your feet, grab a can, and unleash your inner artist. Studio W.I.P. provides the most unique, hands-on experience in the city - and now you can book your group for a private workshop at our space...or yours! Hosted by Studio W.I.P. artists and staff, we will demonstrate multiple aerosol techniques for you and your group. Individual canvases and racks of low-VOC spray paint will be provided so each guest can create and take home their own masterpiece. Our motto is “You Can Art Too,” as we believe everyone has the ability to be creative. Our team will engage and encourage each guest so they can feel comfortable coming as they are and leave feeling inspired. Studio W.I.P. Artists encourage creativity and foster a communal, supportive atmosphere, making our workshops perfect for group events such as: • Corporate outings • Student field trips • Birthday parties • Bachelor/Bachelorette parties • Brand activations • Team building experiences • Anniversaries • Reunions • Anything that’s fun...

• Spaces for 200-300 Guests

Bookclub is a multi-floor venue experience featuring Club Soda, a Hard Seltzer Bar on the ground floor and a beautiful stage downstairs. Events happening in the basement are broadcast to a 10ft LED screen in Club Soda on what we call the Digital Balcony.

• Spaces for 280-345 Guests

Epic history meets a clever, contemporary attitude. Reawakened through a dynamic mix of historic architecture coupled with savvy design, The Blackstone Hotel sets the stage for an unforgettable wedding experience. Newly remodeled and impeccably restored, this legendary hotel features a seamless mix of traditional architecture and modern design featuring a creative curation of art and excitement.

• Spaces for 160-1,000 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 3 Total Spaces

The Congress Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Chicago is just minutes away from some of the city's most prime attractions. The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center was originally designed and constructed in 1893 to accommodate visitors from around the globe attending the World’s Columbian Exposition. The legendary Congress Plaza Hotel has been home to many of the world’s greatest notables such as our nation’s presidents, foreign dignitaries, opera, stage, and movie celebrities. Every year our property is visited by hundreds of guests attending conventions, meetings, and events in our beautiful city. Our property is conveniently located in the heart of the downtown area here in Chicago just minutes away from some of the premier attractions that our city has to offer including, The Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, Orchestra Hall, Willis Tower, and The Shedd Aquarium. The Congress Plaza Hotel is located directly across from Grant Park, known as one of Chicago’s prime attractions for great outdoor jazz and blues music throughout the summer. Our property features 871 guest rooms, including 36 deluxe suites, many of which overlook the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is the perfect place to experience Chicago at just about any time of the year!

• Spaces for 125-5,000 Guests
• 3 Event Spaces

Radius Chicago is a multi-use event space spanning 55,000 square feet, capable of accommodating a range of gatherings, from 400 to 4,000 attendees. Constructed within a converted steel factory, Radius breaks down into a variety of dynamic areas: The Main Hall, Cermak Hall, Arch Bar Pre-Function, and VIP Mezzanine. Located mere minutes from Downtown Chicago and boasting a staff of industry professionals with over twenty years experience, Radius is the perfect place to host your corporate event, private concert, product launch, location shoot, wedding, bar mitzvah, social gathering or any exclusive dinner affair. Radius is equipped with a matrix of private green rooms designed to accommodate your speakers, artists, and production needs. Our inhouse events team are trained to help you manage every detail so that your guests can enjoy the consummate on-site experience.