Top Uptown Engagement Party Venues

• Spaces for 20-200 Guests
• 3 Restaurants

Formento’s has three amazing private event spaces. Two of these spaces can accommodate parties of 20 to 200 guests in an intimate loft overlooking Restaurant Row. Located on our second floor, these spacious rooms boast their own private bar, restrooms and sound system. The third space is a semi-private backroom located on the first floor, and has the quintessential Italian charm. Our private dining rooms are the perfect gathering place for any occasion and offer a beautiful atmosphere with fantastic food and great service.

• Spaces for 24-150 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients.

• Spaces for 100-200 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Event Space

With an industrial aesthetic, eclectic style and raw finishes, RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar invites locals and guests to enjoy the indoor/outdoor bar and open roof deck overlooking the scenic downtown Chicago River view. Our versatile space can accommodate groups of all sizes and is perfect for wedding rehearsal dinners, birthdays, small wedding receptions, small corporate gatherings, proposals, anniversaries, graduation parties, or a night out on the town. Open year round, RAISED features incredible views, award winning cocktails and an unparalleled surroundings to celebrate every occasion.

• Spaces for 70-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

MAD Social is a neighborhood kitchen & gathering place in the heart of the West Loop. The elevated yet approachable venue space features a rustic, industrial chic interior, which provides the perfect backdrop for eclectic shareable plates & creative cocktails. MAD Social is available for full buy out, and their event menus and packages are customizable. Adolfo Garcia oversaw the design of MAD Social and has kept it true to its warehouse roots, while bringing a French industrial chic feel to the space. An intimate and refined place, MAD Social has 65 seats in the dining room, 12 at the bar and will offer outdoor seating in the patio space during warmer months. In keeping with the industrial past of the West Loop neighborhood, Garcia used “1900’s warehouse” as a design inspiration. He utilized the natural elements in the space, like the original timber ceilings and hardwood flooring. Leftover wood from the buildout was reclaimed and re-used. Guests will see it incorporated throughout MAD Social's dining room from the table tops to focal point art pieces, including a jigsaw-esque design on the front of the bar and an oversized wooden mosaic piece on the east wall.

• 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 150-200 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 32-150 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is a wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous, in all its forms. The menu, ambiance and design all represent bold choices, big flavors and stunning showmanship. Experience a carefully curated theater of shared plates, ingeniously innovative cuisine, thoughtfully created cocktails, theatrical presentations, and attentive yet unfussy service. Bazaar Meat takes guests on a sensory adventure born of José’s Spanish roots, both traditional and avant-garde, in a bold, playful atmosphere where anything is possible. Named as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018, and “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of José Andrés Group. Andrés has earned numerous awards including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of 12 distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

• Spaces for 32-1,000 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor

Located in Chicago's highly acclaimed Millennium Park, Park Grill is the city's ultimate room with a view. We are the choice for remarkable gatherings, in an atmosphere that is unlike anywhere else. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant serves your guests cityscape views of Millennium Park and the world-renowned Michigan Avenue that are breathtaking. The guest list is up to you. Atmosphere, great service, and spectacular dining is guaranteed.

• 1 Restaurant

The world-famous Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. With Circassian wood paneling imported from Russia and Austrian chandeliers, the 17,000 square foot dining room is both elegant and comfortable. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theatre district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show.

• Spaces for 18-350 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 3 Event Spaces
• 2 Meeting Spaces

Elevate your company’s meetings and events with One North Wacker’s sophisticated boardroom, flexible innovation hub, enhanced multi-purpose room and pre-function lounge. Featuring a full suite of world-class amenities including artisanal barista-crafted coffee services and concierge hospitality lounge, paired with a centralized location in the heart of Chicago's premier dining, shopping, and museum district, One North Wacker’s timelessly elegant workplace will engage and inspire your team at every turn.

• 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

• Spaces for 156-749 Guests
• 2 Boats

Escape on the water aboard Odyssey Lake Michigan, or our newest vessel - Odyssey Chicago River. Enjoy upscale dining and entertainment, and sit back and relax as Chicago's famous skyline drifts past your window. Whether you're cruising on the river or lake, Odyssey delivers gracious service, fine dining, quality entertainment and breathtaking views. Odyssey allows you to create unforgettable moments customized to make your dream a reality. With options for parties of 4 or 400, Odyssey is the perfect space for your wedding, work or family event. Copy the link below to request more information! https://www.odysseycruises.com/groups/request-information

• Spaces for 60-140 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Event Space

Private Dining by Sepia serves as the ideal backdrop for the inventive, American cuisine created by James Beard Award nominated Chef Andrew Zimmerman. Available seven days a week for lunch or dinner, it can accommodate up to 60 guests for a seated meal and up to 100 for a standing cocktail reception. Private Dining by Sepia offers a unique venue for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and small weddings. Michelin-starred Sepia restaurant, located next door to the private dining room, may be available for a full buyout on select dates. Accommodating up to 120 for a seated meal, the main dining room offers a warm and intimate setting for a memorable event.

• Spaces for 20-40 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

The jewel in the crown of The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy's is our rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace with panoramic views of Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Lake Michigan, and beyond. With seasonal freshness reflected in both food and drink, the rooftop dons the relaxed ambience of a Great Lakes beach house with a view. Executive Chef Christian Ragano, creator of Glencoe’s much loved Guildhall, and former Chef de Cuisine at NoMi, joins forces with Chef de Cuisine Jeff Arasi, and renowned Spirit Guide and alumni of The Violet Hour, Nandini Khaund, to bring classic comfort and culinary invention via large format style dining over cocktails and apothecaries.

Chef José Andrés reimagines the traditional American coffee shop and café with a touch of the distinctive Spanish flavor that he is known for in his new restaurant, Café by the River. A café in Spain is much more than just a location where one may purchase a cup of coffee. It is a focal point for engaging in conversation, generating new ideas, and, of course, indulging in some gastronomic pleasure. Café by the River brings that mentality into the current day by mixing the tastes and warmth of Spanish cafés with the convenience of an American coffee shop. The café is located on the banks of the river that runs through the city. The café is located on the river walk level of the towering Bank of America Building, which is 55 stories tall. It serves office employees throughout the day, giving them with fuel and a side of Chicago River views. Café by the River provides something for everyone as Chicagoans head back to the workplace. Online ordering is accessible for those who want a quick morning caffeine kick, and the dining area is bright, open, and sprinkled with greenery for those who'd want to linger over lunch with friends. The Café by the River has a comprehensive selection of both coffee and tea. The cuisine options, which include breakfast served all day, sandwiches, salads, and pastries, all have a Spanish feel to them (a breakfast sandwich on Pan de Cristal bread, grilled cheese made with four Spanish cheeses, and the signature xuixo, a crispy fried cream-filled pastry rolled in sugar). Meetings and coffee breaks may be elevated to a higher level than the standard boxed lunches served in conference rooms by utilizing to-go and catering packages. The service at the café is usually courteous and swift, but it is never rushed. This ensures that office employees don't have to go too far away from their desks in order to indulge in a delectable meal or snack. In the course of the day, Café By The River provides the occupants of the Bank of America Tower as well as the inhabitants of Chicago with delectable cuisine and beverages that are refreshing. The area undergoes a complete makeover in the evening, transforming into an impressive venue that is perfect for organizing private gatherings. Our staff is available to collaborate with you in the organization of gatherings of varying sizes and themes.

• Spaces for 300-600 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Experience a mature, refined and authentic experience in Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhood at Crowne Plaza West Loop. For a lovely, unforgettable event in downtown Chicago, look no further than Crowne Plaza West Loop Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, their elegant wedding and special event venue is perfect for your celebration. Up to 300 guests can sit comfortably in the Grand Ballroom, where they can dine from a gourmet catering menu. Their brilliant chefs can accomodate any dietary needs, including providing certified kosher cuisine. If you need assistance finding a florist or photographer, they provide complimentary wedding and special event consultation services as well. Looking for an impressive venue to stage events and meetings? Plan your next big occasion with Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop. With 8,000 square feet of available space, including 9 meeting rooms, the hotel is a premier West Loop corporate event venue. Their elegant, modern facilities are perfect for 10-person meetings, a cocktail soirée of 600 guests, and everything in between!

• Spaces for 120-450 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Chicago’s elegant, magical, and unique special event venue – Teatro ZinZanni, is located on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, and provides meeting/event space, fine dining, and world-class entertainment options. Perfect for holiday parties, corporate events, fundraisers, weddings, and social events. Upon entering the lobby the party begins as you are directed up to the 14th floor. Once a long-forgotten space, now you step off the elevator and enter an exquisite large reception area three stories high with exposed brick and elegant chandeliers as well as a gorgeous complete cocktail bar. Events can be held here with a seated capacity of 120 people or cocktails rounds for 200 people. This reception area leads to the beautiful Spiegeltent ZaZou which is a 60' tall 100-year-old unique jewel box velvet Belgium mirror tent. This remarkable circular space holds up to 340 people seated and has an elevated area for a band as well as the option to raise the 12' center stage for a dramatic effect. In addition, world-class entertainment from the Teatro ZinZanni show can be included. Elements of the show that can be customized and incorporated into your event are world-renowned acrobats, musicians, divas, illusionists, madmen, and aerialists. The whole venue also has its own state-of-the-art kitchen to produce a fine array of appetizers, plated multi-course meals, and desserts. Food is freshly prepared by the Debbie Sharpe Goddess and the Grocer team. Whole-day, half-day, and evening rental options are available.

• Spaces for 40-500 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 3 Bars
• 4 Total Spaces

With a unique blend of elegance and comfort that just has to be experienced, and views that have to be seen to be believed, Sable at Navy Pier crowns one of Chicago’s signature destinations. Lush accommodations, unique dining experiences, and a rooftop bar unlike any other, guarantee that your visit to the new landmark on Chicago’s landmark will be unmatched, unmistakable and completely unforgettable. Host your dream wedding, throw a world-class party, take in the views, or step outside and soak in the downtown Chicago vibes from the shores of Lake Michigan. Dive head first into Chicago’s newest and most extraordinary hotel experience. Sable’s stylish venues, brilliant chefs, and dedicated, personalized service are truly unmatched. The Great Lakes Ballrooms are 3,456 sq feet and located on the 2nd floor of the hotel with 884 sq feet of pre-function area. These stylish event rooms feature 10 ½’, floor-to-ceiling glass windows with sweeping, unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s Skyline. The Great Lakes Ballrooms can be divided into a maximum of 5 breakout rooms – Michigan, Superior, Huron, Ontario and Erie – in a matter of minutes with air walls. Capacity is ideal for intimate meetings of 6 while still an excellent choice for grand celebrations of 200 - all with the best views of Lake Michigan that Chicago has to offer. Located in the Sable Hotel, Lírica restaurant provides a fresh take on Latin-inspired cuisine and promises to serve up delicious delights for all tastes. Enjoy a modern open kitchen, expansive bar, and outdoor seating with sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Event options range from 10 to 40 guests in our private dining room, or up to 175 guests with both indoor and outdoor options.

• Spaces for 80-800 Guests
• 3 Museums
• 3 Landmarks

The Chicago Cultural Center, amongst the ornate decor of marble, polished brass, fine hardwoods, and colorful mosaics holds a rich history of the Windy City. Initially built as the first central public library of Chicago, this building has become one of the most visited attractions in the city. Home to not one, but two spectacular crystal domes, this building will serve as a decadent background to any private event or wedding. Close to numerous hotels, shopping and across the street from Millennium Park, The Chicago Cultural Center is convenient for those traveling near and far.