Top Evanston Gala Venues

• Spaces for 20-150 Guests
• 3 Event Spaces

Mordecai, Wrigleyville’s premiere cocktail bar and restaurant, pays homage to the early 20th-century Cubs pitcher Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown. Featuring three-finger vintage whiskey pours, craft cocktails, and a full menu of inspired American fare, Mordecai is the ideal destination for memorable food and cocktails. Mordecai can host parties ranging from 20 to 150 guests.

• Spaces for 22-300 Guests
• 3 Restaurants

The team behind Chicago's famous Swift & Sons restaurant has created a neighborhood pub concept with an oyster bar and classic American dishes. Swift & Sons Tavern, located directly across from Wrigley Field, is a neighborhood eatery and watering spot that charms families and game-goers alike with po'boys, steak sandwiches, and oysters on the half shell. In one of the city's most cherished neighborhoods, enjoy Chef Chris Pandel's homestyle cooking alongside Swift & Sons' hospitality expertise. Swift & Son's Tavern, your bustling neighborhood restaurant sharing a space serving American fare and classic cocktails to help you unwind after the grind, can be found under the glow of the friendly confines' marquee. The menu consists of dishes that we are familiar with and enjoy. We are a group of people who work well together. Everything we do on one of Chicago's most historic cross streets reflects our affection for the North Side. With sophisticated all-day service, warm, welcoming characters, and food that reminds us of home, we welcome you to our comfortable hangout. Chef Chris Pandel brings effusive kindness, a love of community, and a profound appreciation for quality to the table, rooted in local Midwestern foods and world flavors. Chef Pandel, who previously worked at The Bristol and Balena and was known for his handmade pastas and locally sourced ingredients, now oversees the kitchens at steakhouse sensation Swift & Sons, adjacent seafood eatery and oyster bar Cold Storage, Wrigleyville neighborhood spot and oyster bar Swift & Sons Tavern, and modern Mediterranean restaurant Cira. Chef Chris Pandel has been known for some of Chicago's most famous neighborhood eateries since establishing The Bristol in 2008. Handmade pastas and charcuterie, farm-fresh and locally sourced vegetables, and a nose-to-tail approach to cooking were all featured at The Bristol, which was located in the Bucktown district.

• Spaces for 200-400 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Inspired by vintage ballparks, Lucky Dorr channels a bygone era, celebrating classic baseball-inspired snacks, locally brewed beer and draft cocktails. The extensive beer menu features rotating taps exclusively available at Lucky Dorr. A brick-lined patio and the historic Caretaker’s Way offer an ideal outdoor gathering space for guests to eat, drink and mingle. Lucky Dorr has room to accommodate up to 80 guests, and the outdoor area and Caretaker's Way may be tented for a larger event. Lucky Dorr offers guests the chance to hear the roar of the ballpark, enjoy a favorite concert from 20 feet outside the friendly confines, or celebrate next to an iconic institution. Lucky Dorr offers three levels of food and beverage packages. Beverages include exclusive craft brews and draft cocktails. Their menus are served reception, buffet or family style. Lucky Dorr is the only craft bar and event venue next to Wrigley Field.

• Spaces for 50-400 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Big Star is a bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, late-night honky-tonk located across the street from Wrigley Field. Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Julie Warpinski’s menu, inspired by authentic Mexican street food, is complemented by an extensive house-selected single barrel bourbon program. The taqueria’s soundtrack of classic country and rock & roll is selected and spun by our bar staff. Big Star Wrigleyville can host semi-private functions for 15 - 150 guests on our 2nd floor, and full restaurant buyouts for up to 350 guests. The 2nd floor space overlooks Gallagher Way & Wrigley Field and has retractable windows that give the space an open air feel, weather permitting.

• Spaces for 18-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Smoke Daddy is world-class BBQ in the heart of Wicker Park and now, the heart of Wrigleyville. We believe BBQ is a true homegrown American meal. Curated and smoked to be enjoyed together for lip-smacking, slow-cooked, savory goodness. Our Wrigleyville Locations offers options for Private and Semi-Private Spaces that are sure to be perfect for your cocktail party, BBQ Buffeg, or family gathering! ▪️ Buffet or Family-Style Service ▪️ Drink packages available including classic Smoke Daddy cocktails ▪️ Available for Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner 7 days a week ▪️ Live Music ▪️ 32 TVs

Trigger is owned and run by Scott & Julie Tallarida - us! Somehow we created Trigger, a place for creative people and amazing events. 3 years in we've had countless photoshoots, video shoots, weddings, bar mitzvahs, bridal showers, meditation weekends, corporate workshops, yoga parties, and MORE! Basically everything you can imagine has happened in our little corner of Chicago. You can learn all about it in this great article from Voyage Chicago. There's a sign in Trigger that says "Work Hard and Be Nice". That really sums us up. Come on over to Trigger and jump in...the water's warm.

• Spaces for 100-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Magnificent! One word describes every sensation you will feel upon entering our restaurant. Experience magnificent dining in our choice location directly across from Wrigley Field. Located in historic Wrigleyville, Vines on Clark serves up a range of tasty foods from the simple to the divine. Join us out on the patio this season!

A part of 4 Star Restaurant Group, Crosby’s Kitchen is a family-friendly favorite located at the heart of Chicago’s bustling Southport Corridor. Our Midwestern-influenced menu is centered around rotisserie and comfort food, featuring favorites such as Lobster Deviled Eggs, Crab Toast, Iron Skillet Cornbread and of course, Monkey Bread. We are open for lunch and dinner daily and offer brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We look forward to serving you!

Tuco and Blondie is a Mexican-style, fajita-eatin', margarita-drinkin', good time in the heart of Southport. Serving food hot for brunch, lunch and into the night. Sides and sips for sidekicks.

• Spaces for 300 Guests

Events at Chief O'Neill's are always memorable and special. Whether it’s a Company Outing, Birthday, Baptism or a Wedding we have done it all! We have two event spaces and a beautiful Garden that seats up to 250 guests.

• Spaces for 24-250 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor

We have created a completely original menu for this new Roscoe Village restaurant, with a focus on French Mediterranean Cuisine. Chef Michael Woodhall is committed to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, which he enhances with cutting-edge techniques. Our two bars provide expertly paired wines, inventive cocktails and martinis, as well as a careful variety of craft beers and other beverages. Two distinct eating areas give the ideal setting for a night on the town with friends. We encourage you to come and enjoy an intimate supper surrounded by Old World touches with that special someone, or a huge gathering with family and friends in a dynamic, social atmosphere, with us. In this culinary tour of certain places outside of southern France, executive chef Michael Woodhall (Perennial, Gilt Bar, Bavette's) leads guests on an exploration of some regions outside of southern France. New dishes have been added to our menu that are inspired by the tastes and culinary traditions of the Basque area of Spain. For your evening out, two different dining rooms offer a pleasant setting for you to enjoy. We encourage you to come and enjoy an intimate supper surrounded by Old World touches with that special someone, or a huge gathering with family and friends in a dynamic, social atmosphere, with us. The 13 glass pours available from the extended wine list include blanc, rose, rouge, and sparkling varieties from France, Italy, and Spain ($9–13 per glass). Wines by the bottle are also available, with thirty different varieties from the Mediterranean area, ranging in price from $36 to $60. The drink menu also includes inventive handmade cocktails as well as well-considered beer options.

• Spaces for 125 Guests

Frasca is a neighborhood Italian influenced restaurant featuring specialty pizzas, hearty pastas, and an extensive selection of wine. We offer wines by the glass or bottle as well as a variety of beer and cocktails. Our main dining room is open and inviting with comfortable leather banquets, wood tables and large retractable windows, perfect for a cozy winters night, or a beautiful summer evening. Whether you're planning a night out with friends, a family gathering or an intimate evening, Frasca is the perfect place to relax and enjoy amazing food and great wine. The culture and cuisine of the neighborhood frasca began in the Friuli region of Italy. Literally meaning "branch," the frasca was identified by a wreath of branches hanging over a farmhouse door signifying the sale of food and wine within. Often attached to a winery, the frasca provided a pleasant and informal gathering place for family and friends to share a meal, a bottle of wine and warm hospitality.

Morton's The Steakhouse first opened its doors on State Street in 1978 and now welcomes guests to more than 65 worldwide locations. Morton's prides itself on quality and consistency and features USDA prime-aged steaks, fresh seafood, hand-picked produce, delicious appetizers and decadent desserts. Morton's private dining rooms can be transformed to meet your needs for business or social occasions. From birthdays to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, from breakfast meetings to client dinners, from wedding receptions to milestone anniversaries....the possibilities are endless. Morton's on-site sales and event manager can customize every detail of your event to ensure it's exactly what you envision. This location featured three private dining rooms, featuring elegant decor that is sophisticated, stylish, and tasteful, creating a refined and inviting ambiance to set the perfect tone for your group. Each room can accommodate up to 20 guests or rooms can be combined to accommodate 60+ guests.

Maharlika 360, nestled in Chicago’s northwestern neighborhood, is a holistic business venue combining ancient practices with modern wellness. Inspired by the serenity of eastern philosophies, we create a sacred space for individuals to honor themselves. Through workshops, pop-up shops, and vendor markets, we promote business growth and networking while nurturing the soul.

• Spaces for 14-190 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor

Southern Italian cuisine coupled with neighborhood charm can be found at Coda di Volpe. The first collaboration between hospitality veterans Billy Lawless (Gage Hospitality Group), Ryan O’Donnell (Gemini) and Executive Chef Chris Thompson, Coda di Volpe (Italian translation of "tail of the fox") is named after the white grape variety that is indigenous to Italy's Campania region. Chef Thompson, a California transplant, brings his passion for the lesser-explored regions of Southern Italy to a dynamic menu comprised of seasonally-evolving handmade pasta dishes and house-cured meats. Using the restaurant's Stefano Ferrara wood-fire oven, Thompson crafts traditional VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas served with authentic pizza shears to uphold the integrity and history of each pizza. Decadent desserts from Executive Pastry Chef Marjorie Easley complete Volpe's menu. Coda di Volpe's ambiance and versatile seating options make this Southport Corridor gem a perfect destination for intimate date nights, group gatherings, leisurely brunches, and everything in between. The long, cozy dining room is matched by a wrap-around bar where guests can sip on craft cocktails or a glass of wine from the award-winning wine list (one glass and the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator). Alfresco seating on the patio is available, weather permitting, along Henderson Street.

Ravinia stands today as its most musically diverse, presenting over 140 different events throughout the summer. These concerts run the gamut from Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend to the annual summer residency of the nation's finest orchestra, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The 36-acre park is nestled in a gently wooded area that makes it an enchanting place to experience music. Guests can bring their own picnics or eat at one of the park restaurants. Children up to age 15, high school and college students are admitted free to the lawn for classical performances.

• Spaces for 20-30 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

With craft beer, artisan food, and old-school bowling, Southport Lanes is iconic Chicago. Come bowl a round yourself, or rent our party space for an evening everyone will remember. Southport’s vintage vibe is certain to give unique charm to your special event. Whether you’re looking to bowl or work the angles in a billiards game, you’re sure to be entertained. Our tasty food choices, drink packages, and party experience will put your mind at ease on the eve of your event.

• Spaces for 275-800 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Total Spaces

Rockwell on the River is located in an old manufacturing complex in the Avondale neighborhood in Chicago. This unique industrial building will feature over 16,000 square feet of the main event space totaling over 22,000 square feet including the outdoor and staging areas. The architectural details include high lofted double bow truss ceilings, skylights, exposed brick, timber construction, Black Locust end-grain flooring, Italian Masonry in the courtyard and riverfront, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the North branch of the Chicago River. The river frontage will bring the indoors out with over 3,000 square feet of cocktail-worthy space. The amenities at Rockwell on the River include a 1,300 square foot catering kitchen, distinctive bars, tables and chairs, artfully designed washrooms, a convenient loading dock, and many details making the space exceptional. The location of this venue is also impressive: the Rockwell series of buildings will feature exciting developments including a distillery, a brewery, and a restaurant – all connected by a common cobblestone courtyard.

The Vic Theatre is a unique, full-service event facility. When you rent our space for your event, our production equipment, furniture and beverage facilities are included, and production staff and security services are part of the overall package. In an effort to help you plan and execute a safe and successful event, please refer to the following policies in your planning stages. We are happy to assist you in any way we can.