Top Near South Side Gala Venues

• 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 3,553 Guests

The landmark Chicago Theatre is likely the city’s most iconic venue, and its famous C-H-I-C-A-G-O marquee lights up State Street every evening. Located in Chicago’s Loop, The Chicago Theatre hosts everything from concerts and comedians to film premiers and special events. Its convenient downtown location is close to hotels, restaurants and parking. Auditorium and lobbies are available to rent for special events, and the venue also has a private 250-seat downstairs theatre. The Chicago Theatre can easily accommodate, fashion and television shows, up-fronts, benefits, concerts, plays, award ceremonies, corporate meetings, dinners on stage, receptions, graduations and weddings. Additionally, the venue offers the “Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour” weekly, which takes guests on a history-filled journey from the inception of this majestic venue in 1921 all the way to its present day incarnation as a premiere entertainment venue.

• Spaces for 50-130 Guests

Punch House, located just beneath Dusek’s Tavern, invites you to circle around a bowl of punch and lose track of time. Punch, borrowed from the Hindi word ‘Panch’ (meaning five) refers to strong, weak, bitter, sour, and sweet -- the five flavors in every batch of punch. Featuring seasonal, rotating punches on tap, wood-paneled walls, and a mesmerizing fish tank, the space invites you to kick-back or dance the night away…whichever you prefer. Features: DJ Booth | Dimmable lights | Customizable music | Booths, barstool & lounge style seating options | Customizable letter boards

• Spaces for 40-75 Guests

In a quaint corner of the property, adjacent to Dusek's Tavern, Tack Room is the former carriage house where Mr. Dusek once kept his horses. Decorative equine details and an industrial feel make the Tack Room a playful and welcoming environment for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and special celebrations. Large windows open to the outdoor patio in the warmer months and a well-loved piano compliments the space. Features include: Seasonally inspired food & beverage program | Dimmable lights | Customizable music | Piano | Indoor/Outdoor space

• Spaces for 75 Guests

Broken English has locations in three of Chicagos most vibrant neighborhoods: The Loop, Old Town, & Lincoln Park. Broken English combines a unique take on Mexican street style tacos, refreshing beverages, eclectic music, and vivid artwork created by local talent. Book a private event, a venue buyout, or reserve an area for your corporate & social parties and group dining needs. Their team will help you design customized party menus with their exquisite in-house catering, choose unique beverage packages with specialty cocktails, and create an elevated entertainment experience for your guests.

• Spaces for 30-100 Guests

The V Collective includes a 2,000 SF Penthouse that has an inviting open living space to be enjoyed at any time of the year. Included in the Penthouse is a bar area, large dining table, conference room, fireplace, and lounge area. The 4,000 SF Sky Lounge includes pergolas, cabanas, grilling station, fireplace, meditation lawn, and perimeter gardens. This space is excellent for cocktail receptions, fundraisers, birthday parties, retirement celebrations, corporate events, as well as small meetings and dinners. The V. Collective Penthouse & Sky Lounge plans on distinguishing itself as the go-to mid-sized venue in the West Loop. Amenities: - In-House Ambient Sound System Wired Inside & Outside - Floor to Ceiling Retractable Windows - Outdoor Grilling Station - Restrooms - Natural Light - Rooftop Gardens - Customizable Floor Plan - Flat Screen Smart TV with HDMI Hook-Up - Cabanas - Conference Room - Bare with Ice Maker & 3 Mini-Fridges

• 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

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 20-300 Guests
• 1 Bar
• 1 Hotel
• 3 Total Spaces

Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Magnificent Mile, L7 Chicago by LOTTE is a modern luxury hotel designed for unforgettable stays, celebrations, and gatherings. Blending contemporary style with Chicago’s energetic spirit, the hotel offers thoughtfully designed spaces, elevated amenities, and a warm, approachable atmosphere. From intimate celebrations and sophisticated weddings to corporate events, social gatherings, and milestone moments, L7 Chicago by LOTTE provides a versatile setting for bringing people together. With stylish event spaces, exceptional hospitality, and a prime downtown location, every gathering is designed to feel effortless, memorable, and distinctly Chicago. Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a larger celebration, L7 Chicago by LOTTE offers a fresh take on the modern Chicago event experience.

• Spaces for 30-275 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Event Spaces

Centrally located downtown, Avli on The Park is complete with a seasonal rooftop, private banquet room, and multiple semi-private event spaces. The venue has an attached parking garage as well, making it very accessible to guests the day-of your event. With private, semi-private, and full-buyout packages, we offer the option to host a variety of events from corporate happy hours, team dinners, bridal & baby showers, bachelorette parties, and more. For groups of 18 or less, please visit our Avli on The Park Reservation Page to book: www.exploretock.com/avlionthepark Avli venues are creative, reinvented Greek restaurants in Chicago where tradition meets new contemporary elegance. We welcome you in to host an event where you’ll enjoy our inspired dishes, lively beverage program, and an ambiance that reflects life in Greece.

• 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 45-412 Guests
• 3 Bars
• 1 Rooftop
• 5 Total Spaces

Experience the ideal hub for professionals eager to elevate their meetings and collaborations. At 1 East Wacker, one of Chicago's tallest downtown skyscrapers, 1 Events is just steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium Park, right in the heart of Chicago. Our state-of-the-art conference rooms and stunning event hall feature cutting-edge technology, modern interiors, and customizable layouts to improve your productivity, spark creativity, foster innovation, and allow you to celebrate in style.

Whether you’re planning an executive meeting for 15 or a convention for 1,400, our eye-catching hotel can accommodate your agenda with remarkable style and unwavering dependability. Our facilities comprise 65,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art space, confirming our reputation as Chicago’s preferred meeting and event venue. Swissotel Chicago's penthouse ballroom, Eleve, named as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Best New Event Spaces in 2019, features express elevators from the lobby that allow for fast and easy transport to the 42nd floor. As the elevator doors open, guests are welcomed to the modernized and spacious ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers and breathtaking views. Élevé features a contemporary look with elegant décor, high-end finishes and custom millwork, and is anchored by a showpiece chandelier extending the entire length of the ballroom.

• 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.

Three floors. Five Rooms. Any type of party. Our private or semi-private spaces are where birthdays turn into long, loud dinners. A place to eat like a King (because we have one of those) and drink like you’ve got nowhere to be in the morning. A space to pour another glass, cut into a gigantic porterhouse, and celebrate something or nothing at all. And we’ve got five of them. From 16-seat private dining rooms to whopping 500 guest events we have versatile spaces to make your next event memorable. Think dry-aged steaks, incredible food, world-renowned drinks, friendly service, and a come-as-you-are mentality. Quiet celebrations or a big, boisterous bash; anything goes.

• Spaces for 26-190 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Theater

Beatnik On The River takes guests on a journey, drawing inspiration from the Beat Generation of 1950s and ’60s and the bohemian hipsters who followed in their path. At the Loop’s Beatnik On The River, the globetrotting dishes and cocktails, and boho-chic interior are further enhanced with breathtaking views of the South Branch of the Chicago River located next to it, adding to the transporting experience. Mirroring the restaurant’s design aesthetic, Chef Marcos Campos’s cuisine takes a worldly approach, harmoniously melding flavors and ingredients from Asia, Mexico, the Middle East, South America and beyond. Like the food, cocktails change seasonally and tap into the exotic with ingredients ranging from Ceylon cinnamon to Szechuan-chipotle honey. The sounds of Beatnik On The River follow suit, with influences arriving from all corners of the globe. Reggae, Afrobeat and Middle Eastern Classic Rock weave easily with Brazilian Soul and ’60s French Pop.

• Spaces for 25-550 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

AceBounce is an immense subterranean playground with an electric atmosphere surpassing any other Chicago venue. Parties & ping pong collide around 16 tables, walled in stunning design, with Games Gurus at hand to organize and entertain your guests with hilarious, innovative games. Unlike most activity based venues, AceBounce delivers a completely uncompromised food & beverage offering, with acclaimed menus from celebrated chef, Rick Gresh and award winning mixologist, Peter Vestinos – all coming together to create an unprecedented party experience.

• 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!