Top Near South Side Gala Venues

• 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.

The X Pot is an innovative dining concept created and established by Chubby Cattle. The X Pot offers a unique dining experience that bridges Asian and American cultures. Our goal is to offer a dining experience that awakens all your senses: sight, sound, scent, and taste. Our menu offers the most high-quality ingredients including imported seafood and purebred A5 Wagyu beef flown in daily from Japan. Enjoy the age-old tradition of hot pot with fresh delicious ingredients, where every dish is served to perfection. At the X Pot Chicago, we offer a stylish and memorable venue for your group. The X Pot can accommodate up to 250 guests inside the venue, as well as additional seating at our outdoor patio area. Our space allows for any style of affairs with a variety of drink selections, seafood, and quality wagyu options with both hotpot and non-hotpot packages available that can be tailored toward your preference depending on the size and nature of your party.

• Spaces for 200-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

• Spaces for 18-120 Guests
• 5 Hotels
• 5 Ballrooms

Discover downtown Chicago at Aloft Chicago Mag Mile hotel. Centrally located near the Magnificent Mile, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Navy Pier, the Riverfront, your windy city escape awaits at our modern hotel. Built on the former site of the city's Museum of Contemporary Art, Aloft Chicago Mag Mile embraces a bold new philosophy where we encourage you to color outside the lines and march to your own beat. With artfully designed hotel rooms and suites featuring minimalist décor, oversized TVs, free Wi-Fi and premium bath products, and meeting rooms featuring natural light and fully equipped audio visual, this LEED Certified hotel can facilitate everything you need. Take a Virtual Tour: https://visitingmedia.com/tt8/?ttid=aloft-chicago-mag-mile#/360?group=0&tour=0

• Spaces for 285-400 Guests

Prepare to be captivated by the versatility and elegance of BIÂN's 35,000 sq ft space, where every inch can be customized to meet the unique requirements of your private event. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner party, wedding reception, corporate panel, hands-on pasta making experience, or even a concert, BIÂN effortlessly transforms to exceed your expectations. Our indoor and outdoor spaces serve as a canvas for your special occasion, and our team of experienced hospitality professionals will ensure every detail from the food to the overall ambiance will be expertly handled, leaving you free to enjoy a truly memorable experience. Welcome to BIÂN, where the stage is set for extraordinary events.

• Spaces for 50-299 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Kashmir. Located at the end of Randolph Street in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, Kashmir is an escapist nightlife experience, where exclusivity meets abandon. From international hospitality group Bonhomme, Kashmir is an homage to the over the top parties of New York and London clubs in the 80's, set in an intimate room filled with Italian panache and Parisian chic.

• Spaces for 30-400 Guests
• 3 Restaurants

Bambola // Turkish restaurant & cocktail bar exploring the flavors that span from Italy to China in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. From Italy to China, passing through Greece, Iran, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, Bambola offers an aesthetic and culinary expedition for guests that wish to explore the mosaic of flavors, colors, and textures that characterize the acclaimed cuisines along the legendary Silk Road. This multicultural exchange, created by merchants centuries ago, is now brought to life in the kitchen of our restaurant and cocktail bar, exploring the shared cultural heritage between the East and the West, using Istanbul as the historical gateway that connects both territories. Chefs Marcos Campos, Erwin Mallet and Shannah Primiano have traveled along the Silk Road to create a menu inspired by the rich traditions, ancestral techniques, exciting products and flavorsome spices widely exchanged and mastered by Eastern and Western cultures since the 13th century. Led by industry vanguard Brian Sturgulewski, Bambola’s bar celebrates modern beverages inspired by timeless ingredients from the historic Silk Road. Inspired by the amalgamation of cultures along the trade routes, our creative craft cocktails combine local drinking traditions, global spirits, complementary spices and ingredients. Nonalcoholic drinks have also been a mainstay of the beverage program since day one with spirit-free cocktails that share the same flavorful, colorful and fun originality as our spirit-friendly creations. Bambola’s wine list transports you to some of the most exciting regions of the planet through the lens of our favorite iconoclastic & natural winemakers of the moment. We aim to tell these winemakers’ stories while gently urging you to explore regions and styles that fall outside of “typical wine” parameters. We believe that these ancient techniques and wine styles incite the adventurer in all of us. Culture, travel and style are at the heart of everything we do at Bonhomme. Designed by our studio Maison Bonhomme, Bambola is a romantic voyage along the Silk Road as imagined through the travels of a bon vivant and connoisseur where one city, Istanbul — as a historic gateway between East and West, Asia and Europe — is our constant touchstone due to its peerless mix of influences and cultures, textiles and objects, highly decorative details, and a culture of hospitality. Bambola’s rare, imaginative and jaw-droppingly diverse array of artistic elements is a testament to the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations. Bambola is filled with Italy’s finest textiles, furniture by some of the most exciting designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, and Popham Design’s dramatic handmade cement tiles juxtaposed with museum-quality 18th and 19th century antiquities and rare furnishings collected from China, Thailand, Burma, Pakistan and India in collaboration with Doug Van Tress and Chauwarin Tuntisak of The Golden Triangle. Bambola is warmly illuminated with one-ofa- kind chandeliers from the masters of hand-blown glass in Milan and Venice to elevate the standard for restaurant lighting.

It was originally constructed in 1892 as a Czech meeting hall and is now a historically significant building that has been landmarked. As of the year 2013, it has reopened and been re-imagined as a modern day town hall; a central meeting place with a tavern called Dusek's Board & Beer, two bars called Punch House and Tack Room, and a world-class performance space called Thalia Hall. The location is perfect for hosting large events such as weddings, holiday parties, galas, and other special occasions where you want to spend a memorable evening with your closest friends and family. 16" on Center (16OC) is a hospitality collective that was founded by Bruce Finkelman and Craig Golden in collaboration. The group takes on projects and buildings in neighborhoods where its members can't wait to hang out. Although each restaurant, bar, and venue that is a part of the collective operates as an independent company, 16OC is here to provide the support and services necessary to make each and every one of them stronger. The term "16" on Center comes from the construction industry and refers to a center mark that produces the most durable build. This describes our approach to each project, which is to produce spaces of the highest quality that are intended to be used for a long time. From Evanston to Hyde Park, our venues, bars, and restaurants coax Chicagoans out of their homes and into their respective neighborhoods, giving them the opportunity to participate in the life of those areas.

Get a taste of Italy in the heart of Chicago! Pazzo's 311 serves up authentic, delectable Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment. Pazzo's 311, located in the center of Chicago's West Loop, offers the opportunity to organize your next event at a unique venue in a prime Chicago location. You and your friends will think you've been whisked away to Italy for the evening! Pazzo's 311 has a unique venue space that will ensure a memorable event! Partially situated in an exotic office lobby, complete with palm palms and waterfalls, Pazzo's 311 has a unique venue space that will ensure an amazing event! Pazzo's 311 specializes in creating unique and unforgettable events, having hosted hundreds of weddings. Pazzo's is the perfect place to host your next gathering! We can help you plan a sophisticated workplace celebration, whether it's a dinner party for 40 or a full-blown soirée for 400. Hundreds of newlyweds have enjoyed the same award-winning facilities, staff, and service that you can enjoy for your corporate events and private gatherings.

• Spaces for 20-350 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Located in the historic Old Post Office lobby, From Here On Food Hall & Market curates a hospitality experience in many forms. From Here On is a modern and trendy food hall with a vibrant atmosphere, carefully curated artisanal vendors, and various delectable cuisines to satisfy every palate. Our travel-themed bar, Snorkelbox, specializes in handcrafted cocktails made in equal measure. Enjoy delicious food and cocktails in one unique downtown location. With our diverse selection of gourmet food options, your attendees will embark on a gastronomic journey, savoring unique flavors from around Chicago. From mouthwatering sliders to Durango-style Mexican food, our food hall offers something for every taste bud. It doesn't stop at the food and beverage! Our versatile event spaces can accommodate gatherings of all sizes, whether you're hosting an intimate happy hour or a larger celebration. From full buyouts of the popular Snorkelbox Bar to our spacious outdoor patio, we have the perfect spaces for any event. Our team handles all logistics, allowing you to focus on what truly matters - creating lasting memories with your guests. We take pride in delivering exceptional service and ensuring that every aspect of your event exceeds expectations. From Here On Food Hall & Market concept was created by the hospitality collective, 16” on Center, known for Chicago mainstays such as Revival Food Hall, Thalia Hall, and MONEYGUN. 16” on Center’s history of creating long-lasting neighborhood places promises an inviting community gathering place for tenants and neighbors alike.

• Spaces for 200 Guests

The Rookery is the most historically significant building in Chicago. It represents an era that has been lost in this new world of technology while staying up to date on technological advancements. Go back in time and have your event in a completely different era from the present. Revel in the old architecture, the spiral staircase and everything the Rookery has to offer. Labeled a Chicago landmark in 1972, The Rookery is perfect for a unique and interesting event. Time travel happens here and you know you want to take part in it. Able to accommodate any kind of event- bring your guests to this renowned site and celebrate amongst history.

• Spaces for 10-90 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Seven Lions features classic cuisine and cocktails with a modern twist and an approachable wine list with uniquely-grown varietals. Located in a landmark building at 130 S. on Chicago's magnificent Michigan Avenue, the American clubhouse concept is steps away from the iconic Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. Seven Lions features three distinct private dining rooms as well as a patio: The Blue Room: Located on the main floor, is the most intimate room and seats ten. The Den: Located on the first floor and seats 20-35 guests. The Symphony Room: Located downstairs and aptly named after the building’s previous tenants’ musical practice space, serves as a banquet hall for up to 100 seated guests and offers a separate bar. Seven Lions Patio: An expansive al fresco space along bustling Michigan Avenue open during the warmer months and seats 70-80. Seven Lions is open 11 a.m. – close Monday through Friday (with dinner service starting at 4 p.m.) and 10 a.m. – close Saturday and Sunday, beginning with brunch. For reservations, click here.

• Spaces for 60-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

The Marq offers an ever-evolving, globally inspired menu of seasonal fare. We provide our guests a delicious, upscale, and easily approachable experience paired with our handcrafted cocktails, moderately craft focused beer list and dynamic wine list. Located in the heart of The Chicago Loop and steps away from CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Goodman Theatre, The Chicago Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, The Art Institute of Chicago and of course Sears Tower (Willis Tower).

• Spaces for 12-90 Guests
• 5 Restaurants

Located in the JW Marriott Chicago in the city’s bustling Loop financial district, The Florentine offers an elegant yet accessible interpretation of seasonal Italian cuisine. The Florentine offers private and semi-private dining space, which can be reserved for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Our versatile spaces provide the perfect venue for every occasion – business dinners, cocktail receptions, and post wedding brunches alike. Our large Private Dining Room can accommodate up to 60 guests for a seated dinner, and 90 for a reception. The space can be reserved as one large room, or two separate spaces for smaller events. The room features two 42” Plasma TVs, as well as access to our surround sound system, which can be connected to a personal iPhone. In our main dining area, semi-private spaces accommodating 12-50 guests can be reserved for an intimate dinner, or a larger cocktail reception. The Florentine Bar can also be reserved for cocktail receptions up to 130 guests.

• Spaces for 40-450 Guests
• 5 Hotels
• 5 Ballrooms

Inspire creativity here in the heart of downtown Chicago with a meeting or event at our hotel. Whether you are looking to host a toast or get down to business, the dynamic, recently renovated meeting rooms and spaces at W Chicago - City Center provide perfect setting for your needs.

• Spaces for 50-1,119 Guests
• 7 Hotels
• 7 Ballrooms
• 1 Convention Center

This iconic Chicago hotel, The Palmer House Hilton has undergone a $170 million renovation, positioning itself for the next era of downtown Chicago accommodations. The Palmer House Hilton has multiple event spaces that are sure to wow your guests, no matter what kind of event you're hosting. The famed golden Empire Room is renowned for hosting the most famous entertainers, such as Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong. There is also the Grand Ballroom at The Palmer House Hilton, and all three ballrooms can accommodate up to 1,653 people. All this grandeur makes The Palmer House Hilton perfect for a luxurious wedding. The Palmer House Hilton offers many wedding venue amenities, bridal services, packages, and more. There are also smaller meeting spaces available at The Palmer House Hilton. There are a total of 78 breakout rooms, perfect for a corporate event or meeting venue.

• Spaces for 56-800 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 2 Ballrooms
• 8 Total Spaces

Originally designed in 1914 by renowned architect Daniel Burnham, our landmark hotel hosts Chicago's premier wedding and reception venues. JW Marriott Chicago offers classic elegance, with delicious catering options and the upscale amenities you expect from the Loop's only luxury hotel.

• 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.

• Spaces for 25-700 Guests
• 4 Hotels
• 4 Ballrooms
• 6 Total Spaces

Located on Michigan Avenue, just steps from Millennium Park, the Chicago Athletic Association offers a historic yet contemporary setting for weddings, meetings, and events. With 17,000 sq. ft. of iconic spaces, including grand ballrooms, vintage basketball courts, Topgolf Swing Suites, and bocce courts, we provide unforgettable backdrops for every occasion. Whether you envision a stained-glass ballroom wedding or a dynamic corporate gathering, our dedicated events team ensures flawless execution. Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss crafts menus from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while 240 guest rooms, including 24 suites, offer convenience and charm under one roof. Step into history and celebrate in style.