Top Near South Side Gala Venues

• Spaces for 664-1,000 Guests

Punch Bowl Social's scratch kitchen, creative drinks, and immersive gaming like karaoke, bowling, and a retro arcade make us the place to go for the best food and entertainment. Party planners, your ideal event is just around the corner. We have bowling, ping pong, billiards, arcade, dartsee, fantastic meals, and artisan drinks all housed in a 30,000-square-foot glammed out, jazzed up, dirty modern grown-up playground that will thrill your guests and keep the party rockin in the Fulton Market District. It's time for some genuine, unscripted hilarity. It's time for some foodertainment that goes above and beyond. We're all about having fun and interacting with other people, whether we're on our feet or on our knees. Brunch and power ballads, happy hour, late night, private parties, and everything in between are all on the menu. Punch Bowl Social is a location where rock stars are treated like guests and guests are treated like rock stars. Regardless of color, class, creed, gender, orientation, or karaoke ability, all fun hunters and foodies are welcome and invited. Our goal is to promote human connection by emulating the Victorian-era habit of gathering around a punch bowl. It's true real world fun and exploration on a whole new level, with our dirty modern design, handmade beverages, scratch-kitchen food, and unlimited entertainment alternatives. It's time for some serious eating, entertaining, and out-of-this-world fun. We have legendary punches, specialty beverages (with and without alcohol), food fit for foodies, and countless gaming alternatives at Punch Bowl Social. And we're giving it to you in a stunning, design-forward environment that will entice you to stay and play indefinitely.

• Spaces for 35 Guests

Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant located in Chicago's historic Fulton Market District. An extension of Ema (located in River North), Aba incorporates a similar light style of cooking with an emphasis on raw and cooked proteins. Aba offers space for groups of up to 35 for semi-private receptions, as well as our Chef's Table for up to 12 guests. For larger events of up to 600, The Dalcy is the perfect private dining hall.

• Spaces for 80-340 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Historic Chicago dining is more than just a theme at Chicago Chop House; it’s a way of life. Guests stepping into the restaurant’s immaculately restored, century-old Victorian brownstone building brings diners into the city’s past, when meat packers, politicians, and gangsters dined on succulent steaks in luxurious rooms. More than 1,400 historical photos tell the tale of old Chicago throughout three dining rooms surrounded by hunter green walls and lit by glowing sconces. And just like the power players of Chicago’s yesteryears, guests partake on dishes that embody the flavors that made our city one of the best dining experiences. Our all USDA beyond Prime menu of awe-inspiring 24-ounce porterhouses, 26-oz Tomahawks, and 22-ounce prime ribs bathe the senses in prime-aged flavor. Chicago Chop House is also one of the only restaurants in Chicagoland to serve Miyazakigyu A5 filets, unique and succulent beef known for its delicate flavor and tenderness and the last restaurant to butcher most of their meat in-house. Guests can pair their meals with a glass or bottle of wine from our international menu that includes more than 650 selections; a list that has won nine “Awards of Excellence” and “Best of” awards from Wine Spectator, and an Award of Distinction from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Chicago Chop House bestows each and every guest with exceptional quality, flavor, service, and ambiance that few can match and none can surpass.

• Spaces for 200-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Evoke is a spectacular lounge and event space located in Chicago’s booming West Loop. With no detail left behind, Evoke offers everything you need for the perfect event. Evoke is ideal for for corporate off-sites, creative and collaborative workshops, sales meetings and client presentations in a unique and transformative space. Evoke is a unique and transformative space of 6,000 square feet with capabilities to create and execute events for groups of 10 – 300ppl. World class A/V equipment, nightclub quality sound system, f ully programmable light stystem, presentation equipment including LCD screens avalible. Fully furnished turn key event venue with tables and chairs, lush lounge areas and a 30ft hand milled bar Custom food and beverage packages fully liquor licensed & insured Services ranging from corporate meeting catering to fine dining plated meals

• Spaces for 180 Guests

The East Bank Club in Chicago’s River North neighborhood is a beautiful and classy fitness, sports and dining facility. East Bank Club prides itself on its state of the art equipment, an astounding range of amenities, and meeting and exceeding the needs of its members. In addition to being a premiere club, East Bank Club also hosts and caters some of Chicago’s most elegant business and social functions. Whether it’s a small business meeting, casual lunch or a lavish reception, the East Bank Club will exceed your expectations. In addition, East Bank Club will help you put the finishing touches on your even ranging from coat check to entertainment. No matter what amenities you need to make your celebration special, East Bank Club and our staff can help make it an event you'll never forget.

• Spaces for 250 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

At Bar Lupo parties are our business. Our team is here seven days a week to ensure an exceptional level of service from inquiry to execution (and on to your next event). We can accommodate groups from 2 – 250 and we offer both on-site and off-site catering. From an intimate cocktail party to a private executive dinner to a grand gala, let us make your next event an overwhelming success.

• Spaces for 62-250 Guests
• 3 Restaurants
• 1 Outdoor
• 3 Total Spaces

Designed for lively celebrations along the lakefront, this distinctive venue pairs island-inspired style with some of Chicago’s most recognizable views. Groups can gather across the Main Dining Room, window-lined Fins Porch, and seasonal outdoor patio for everything from networking receptions to weddings and private parties. Margaritaville Chicago offers flexible entertaining spaces, dedicated bar areas, and an energetic atmosphere in the heart of Navy Pier.

• Spaces for 300-500 Guests

Chicago's favorite sports bar - celebrating our 30th anniversary this year! Timothy O'Toole's Pub boasts 70+ HD Flatscreens, 48 Beers on Tap and Award Winning Wings and Burgers plus a private party room that can host up to 100 guests.

Italian food is known for its warmth, family spirit and ability to please everyone- who doesn't like pasta and pizza? So you can't go wrong with Italian from Osteria Via Stato for your next private event. If you're planning a rehearsal dinner, intimate dinner party, milestone birthday celebration, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or any other type of special celebration, Osteria Via Stato can help bring all of your ideas to life. Osteria Via Stato is located in the heart of the River North neighborhood of Chicago and provides authentic italian dishes that will wow you. Using fresh italian ingredients from midwest farmers, Osteria Via Stato will transport you and your guests from the fast-paced Chicago streets to the Italian countryside instantly. Bring the comfort and happiness, that is evident in the food and atmosphere, here to your guest. Watch their smiling faces as you wine and dine at Osteria Via Stato - there's nothing quite like it.

• Spaces for 48-120 Guests
• 4 Hotels
• 4 Ballrooms
• 1 Outdoor

At the intersection of Art & Science is Hotel EMC2. Their two event spaces include Emmy Noether and Symmetry. Noether, a German mathematician and professor in the early 1900’s, laid the groundwork for Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Symmetry, the guiding principle behind Noether’s Theorem, provides direction for conservation theory in physics, math, the arts, and nature.

• Spaces for 40-100 Guests
• 3 Restaurants

Make your special event one to remember by hosting it at Riva Restaurant on Navy Pier. Whether your party is casual, or calls for a truly extravagant meal, Riva offers menu options that are perfect for any type of special event or celebration. All of Rive Navy Pier's menu items are prepared to order using only fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant can accommodate groups of 15 to 100 people. Riva is a popular choice for both social and corporate events. From private corporate gatherings, benefits, and convention dinners to showers, birthdays, and anniversaries, your event at Riva will be unforgettable.

• Spaces for 150 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Bar Cargo is a roman-style pizza bar that brings an authentic taste of Italy to the heart of River North. The pizzas are created using a unique custom blend of imported flours, shipped overseas from Rome on cargo containers, which have been incorporated into the fun, industrial design of the restaurant. Bar Cargo hosts special events that guests won't soon forget. Whether you're planning a small gathering for your closest friends or looking to entertain a large group, Bar Cargo will provide you with an amazing dining experience, and will customize their services to fit your needs. Bar Cargo offers pizza from World Pizza Champion Massimo Moresi with great craft cocktails and beers in a fun and casual enviornment. Bar Cargo is the perfect spot to host special occasions from birthdays to corporate happy hours and everything in between. The venue is available for full or partial buy outs from 12 to over 150 guests. Bar Cargo boasts an outdoor beer garden as well, perfect for a summer soiree.

• Spaces for 34-100 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

The Arbella, flagship of the Winthrop Fleet, sailed from England to Salem in 1630, and gave birth to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During the voyage, the passengers and crew managed to consume the 10,000 gallons of wine that had been stowed on board as part of the ship’s provisions. In the spirit of the age of exploration, we strive to follow the ship’s occupants sense of adventure, leaving home to start something new and the search for freedom and choice to lead lives of individual distinction. We have taken this approach with our menu, giving you the opportunity to journey to many locales throughout the world of cocktails. We sincerely hope that amongst our offerings you will find something that satisfies your thirst, but may also, for a brief moment, spark your wanderlust.

• Spaces for 20-300 Guests
• 5 Hotels
• 5 Ballrooms
• 1 Meeting Space

W Chicago Lakeshore has all of the space and technology you need to energize your attendees while allowing them to meet, greet and connect with panoramic views of the city. The diagonally-slanted windows create a frame for a spectacular view of Chicago - allowing you to take in the changing panorama of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the glittering night skyline. Whether it's a quiet Chicago meeting for two or the social event of the season, we have the space and the service to wow your attendees. MEETING FEATURES *Spacious and technically up to date meeting areas that are perfect for any type of event *Whatever/Whenever service on property that is ready to bring whatever you want whenever you want it! *Panoramic views of the city, with diagonally-slanted windows that create a frame for a spectacular view of Chicago *Newly renovated guest rooms that will ensure comfort *Access to the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest program and to Starwood Preferred Planner which provides reward and recognition for meeting planners

• Spaces for 150-300 Guests

Located in the heart of Chicago's Mag Mile, step into a world of refined elegance at The 101 Chicago. Our exclusive event spaces, spanning three distinct restaurants and private dining rooms, include a ground floor bar and covered patio, rooftop with skyline views, private dining room and lounge on the 20th floor and corporate meeting rooms on the 19th floor. These unique and beautifully designed spaces, as well as our exquisite culinary program and exceptional service, set the stage for unforgettable events. Consider The 101 for your next bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, rooftop bachelorette party, farewell brunch, corporate luncheon, holiday party, business meeting, team gathering or celebration, we have the perfect space to accommodate you and your guests.

• Spaces for 12-250 Guests
• 9 Restaurants
• 1 Bar
• 9 Event Spaces

Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar is a bustling downtown Chicago establishment noted for its distinctive Italian small-plates menu, vintage decor and attentive, personable staff. The menu features Italy’s regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan style pizza, house-made pasta and seasonal dishes. Quartino offers several distinct private dining rooms, which are available for birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, special events or business meetings.Quartino PDR offers family style or buffet receptions that are available for brunch, lunch and dinner.

• Spaces for 100-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Bar
• 1 space at this venue

Welcome to The Emily Hotel - a boutique hotel experience in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market inspired by the belief that art changes the way we look at the world. With comfortable, modernist rooms and design forward spaces featuring a curated collection of art from near and far, The Emily is a place for locals and visitors alike to collaborate, celebrate and feel inspired. We’re home to 8,000 sq ft of unique event space and a collection of culinary and experiential destinations including Fora, Sushi by Bou and Rooftop Cinema Club. Meet us at The Emily.

• Spaces for 10-250 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 6 Hotels
• 6 Total Spaces

Courtyard by Marriott Chicago at Medical District / UIC offers event spaces for your next celebration in Chicago, Illinois. Proudly located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood and greeted by the Illinois Medical District, the newly renovated Courtyard Chicago at Medical District / UIC offers unparallelled access to all of Chicago’s prominent destinations. Whether hosting a museum expedition, seeking thrills and 360 views from Chicago’s tallest towers, or cheering on the Chicago Bulls & Blackhawks, the city awaits from our doorsteps. Hosting events for 10 to 200, our lower-level Ballroom offers complete privacy with 2,160 sq. ft. of unobstructed views and flexible seating, while 4 main-floor spaces provide ambient natural light for exceptional breakout space. The new state-of-the-art lobby at Courtyard provides greater flexibility and choices for our guests. At the center of it all is The Bistro, your destination for a great breakfast, drinks, and dinner during the evening. You will also enjoy inviting, flexible spaces where you can work or relax including our signature media pods and free Wi-Fi throughout. In addition, our well-equipped fitness center and outdoor terrace will help you stay refreshed and energized. Onsite bus and valet parking compliment your stay, accompanied by our own complimentary shuttle service 7-days a week. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, your stay at Courtyard is sure to be more comfortable, more productive, and more enjoyable than ever before! Fully immerse yourselves in the Chicago experience from the Courtyard Chicago at Medical District / UIC.

• Spaces for 30-208 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Eleven Eleven is a restaurant and bar cultivated by creative individuals that draw inspiration from the local music, art, and fashion scenes to engage all of your senses at once. They believe that life is short and we should fully embrace every moment. They aim to deliver a fun, thoughtful food experience in a dynamic yet comfortable setting. Imagine warm, neighborhood hospitality and an eclectic, funky playlist. They are inspired by the community and while food and beverages are the foundation of what they do, their goal is to leave a lasting impression on each guest who walks in their doors. Eleven Eleven wishes you were there.

• Spaces for 20-1,800 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Outdoor
• 5 Total Spaces

Ramova is a captivating venue reimagined from a 1929 movie palace and offers a unique and versatile event experience. This historic gem seamlessly blends modern amenities with stunning architectural details, creating a space that's both sophisticated and unforgettable. Ramova offers three distinct private event spaces to suit your event vision. The Theatre is a dramatic space that provides a one-of-a-kind setting with ample room to accommodate all your guests. You could also host your event in the bright and airy Loft. This charming space features hardwood floors and a modern ambiance, perfect for a more intimate celebration. There's also the Taproom and Grill, where you can celebrate your reception with a touch of casual elegance. This vibrant space offers a delicious selection of craft beers brewed on-site alongside a delectable menu. The dedicated team at Ramova is passionate about making your event a truly special occasion. We offer a variety of services to ensure your celebrations, whatever they may be are seamless.