Top Near South Side Graduation Party Venues

Since its establishment, Butterfield Country Club has provided the finest golf, social, and other athletic amenities to its members, their families, and their guests. Originally conceived and built by William Langford during the "golden era" of golf course building in 1920, this classic course has acquired worldwide reputation following a 2010 redesign by Steve Smyers. Butterfield Country Club encourages member-sponsored events and promises to provide the best in food, drinks, and service to guarantee that your wedding reception or banquet is absolutely unforgettable for you and your guests. We are the leading event venue in Chicago's western suburbs. We will create a memorable occasion for you and your guests with elegant service and exquisite cuisine. Our elegant clubhouse and newly refurbished golf course provide the ideal setting for your special occasion. Every element will be adapted to your unique needs, whether you are arranging a wedding, corporate occasion, dinner party, business meeting, or social gathering. Butterfield Country Club has a reputation for having one of the best dining and banquet programs among all the country clubs in the Chicagoland area. The Clubhouse features a number of dining rooms, each with its own atmosphere. Our culinary team uses only the finest ingredients and constantly serves outstanding food, great wines, and a variety of specialty cocktails and craft beers. Our first-class meals, stylish setting, and experienced staff will ensure that your special event, no matter how big or small, is a success. We look forward to assisting you and putting on an occasion that you will never forget.

Lake Shore is a family-oriented private club on the shores of Lake Michigan that was founded in 1908. For more than a century, the Club has been a home away from home for generations of families and friends in Chicago and the North Shore. The Club, which is located on 127 acres in Glencoe, Illinois, is a haven for outdoor sports, leisure, and camaraderie about 25 miles north of Chicago. In addition to formal and informal dining and a bustling social schedule, Lake Shore has a championship 18-hole golf course, a full racquets program, and a waterfront swimming complex. Lake Shore's historic Howard Van Doren Shaw-designed Clubhouse, perched above a bluff, provides panoramic views of the lake and a lovely backdrop for in-season activities and private Member functions. Glencoe was a rural community, Sheridan Road was a dirt road, and the 127 acres where the Club now stands was primarily muddy scrubland known as Beck's Farm when the Club was created. Frederick Law Olmsted, widely regarded as the pioneer of American landscape architecture, and his sons, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and John Charles Olmsted, were engaged in 1909 to assist with the development of the site. In the same year, Howard Van Doren Shaw, another prominent Chicago architect, won a national architectural competition to design and build a clubhouse overlooking Lake Michigan. His vision of architecture that blended seamlessly into the landscape was identical to Olmsted's. The spirit of Lake Shore has remained the same for generations of families, many of whom are descendants or members of the original founding families, despite the fact that the Club's facilities and activities of interest have changed over the past century.

• Spaces for 60-170 Guests
• 3 Restaurants
• 2 Bars
• 1 Hotel

Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant brings an authentic British pub experience to downtown Chicago's Loop, operating from the ground floor of Club Quarters Central Loop hotel at 111 West Adams Street. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., the venue serves classic British fare alongside an extensive bar program, making it a well-positioned host for both daytime business events and late-night celebrations. For private events, the Adams Street location offers more dedicated event space than any other Elephant & Castle location in the United States. Three distinct spaces accommodate groups of varying sizes: the lower-level Buckingham Rooms provide fully private dining with a private bar; the third-floor Clark & Adams suite offers large conference-style rooms with satellite bar service; and the Main Floor can be arranged as a semi-private section or full restaurant buyout. Together they handle groups ranging from intimate gatherings to large receptions, with flexible layout options including banquet, boardroom, cocktail, and theatre configurations. Event packages include buffet menus, plated options, cocktail service, and custom food and beverage arrangements. A/V equipment — projectors, screens, and microphones — is available across the private rooms, and the venue provides a dedicated events team to manage setup and flow from booking through event day.

• Spaces for 36-200 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

You will have a memorable eating experience at the Italian Village Restaurants no matter what the occasion. Over the course of more than 90 years, we have hosted birthday parties, anniversaries, prom banquets, and a variety of other special occasions for our clients. In The Village, you may enjoy the wonderful ambience of a rustic, "star lighted" Italian street, the intimacy of a tiny wine cellar in La Cantina, or the modern Baroque elegance of Vivere. More information may be obtained by contacting our Event Director at (312) 332-7005 or by email at ivcatering1927@gmail.com. The Town can accommodate up to 36 guests in the middle of the dining area, which is designed to seem like a village from the eighteenth century. Private dining is provided for parties of up to 15 people in a private room or booth.. Parties can be held in The Village seven days a week from lunch until evening, as well as after theatrical performances and before and after sporting events. The Balcony, which overlooks the main dining area, is available for cocktail receptions and sit-down meals for up to 50 people at Vivere Restaurant and Bar. Guests can rent the main floor dining room for supper or buffet service if they are in groups of 60 or more. With cocktail service in the intimate Lounge, the entire space can accommodate seats for 125 people or a buffet gathering of 170 people with cocktail service. From Tuesday through Friday, lunch is provided; supper is offered Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant is available for private events on Sundays and Mondays as well. The atmosphere of La Cantina is reminiscent of a cozy wine cellar. The restaurant can accommodate up to 120 people. With its walls covered in books about food and wine, Enoteca (the Library), as well as Vista, provide semi-private rooms for groups of up to 25 to 35 people. In the evenings from Tuesday through Saturday, La Cantina is available for supper. Sunday and Monday are also available for private parties to be scheduled.

• Spaces for 60-2,000 Guests
• 4 Landmarks
• 1 Outdoor
• 5 Total Spaces

For nearly a century, Chicago's Union Station has been an iconic structure and a marvel of modern transportation. It was conceived by Daniel Burnham and constructed by Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White. It is a beloved element of Chicago history and a valuable asset for the city's future. It is a large building worthy of the city's prominence as a national railroad center. The spectacular event facilities at Chicago Union Station will transport you and your guests to a special era in our city's history, one steeped in historical glamor and bursting with excitement and energy. Organize your event at a one-of-a-kind location. This Beaux-Arts station's meticulously refurbished event halls are ideal for every size and style of occasion, from small corporate meetings to big galas and weddings. The Great Hall In 2019, a $22 million restoration of the Great Hall was finished, returning the area to its original colors and brightening it with a repaired and protected skylight. The North Great Hall or the South Great Hall can be rented. Depending on the date and approval, the entire space may be available. The Burlington Room This unusual chamber, which was once a women's waiting room and beauty parlor, has been closed to the public and utilized as a railroad "paper storage" in recent decades. Fortunately for us, the area was painstakingly rebuilt in 2016 and relaunched as a private event venue known as The Burlington Room. The room's magnificent ceiling, champagne-colored columns, and French block murals have been painstakingly restored to their early 19th century luxury, ready to enchant guests with an old-world grandeur that is unique in Chicago. Founders Room This lovely area was once the Legacy Club, a members-only lounge that was open to the public for a daily or monthly charge. In 2019, it was converted to private event space as part of Union Station's expansion of event spaces. This lovely space, now known as the Founders Room, has towering ceilings, great workmanship, and plenty of natural light, making it ideal for any gathering. Pennsylvania Room On the second floor of the Metropolitan Lounge sits the famous Pennsylvania Room. The Pennsylvania Room is easily accessible from Canal Street and provides polished, sophisticated surroundings to its guests. Events of all sizes are welcome, but we can't help but think that the venue is especially well-suited for early evening cocktail parties and late night after-parties, thanks to its sleek setting and ample seating possibilities. Adams Street Balcony This beautiful balcony, which overlooks the magnificence of Union Station, is the ultimate urban environment. This area is located at the station's Adams Street entrance and provides access to an outdoor patio that is ideal for an indoor/outdoor event, cocktail hour, or reception.

• Spaces for 100-7,000 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Theater
• 2 Event Spaces

When it comes to holding an event at Chicago's Millennium Park, the sky is the limit. Millennium Park, which is conveniently located in the middle of the city and is easily accessible to all major hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs, is the ideal venue for your high-profile events because of its convenient position. The Pritzker Pavilion's stage, Wrigley Square, and the Rooftop Terrace are just a few of the many event locations that can be found throughout the park. You and your guests are urged to take use of the park's full range of offerings, from the event location itself to the artistic, architectural, and cultural delights that can be found around every corner. Make a lasting impression on your clients by hosting an unforgettable event at Millennium Park. Nothing says Chicago quite like Millennium Park, whether you're hosting visitors or clients from across the street or across the world. Entice your clients with an unforgettable celebration on the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline from the Rooftop Terrace, or the convenience of being only steps away from Michigan Avenue on the Chase Promenades. Weddings at Millennium Park are a dream come true because they provide a lifetime of memories of your big day. Private ceremonies, seated receptions for up to 1,000 guests, or a celebration under the stars on our Rooftop Terrace are all possible at the Hotel de Paris. Regardless of your group's size, we can give an unrivaled experience in a variety of settings across the Park.

Rivers has been producing unforgettable events for almost two decades. Visit our restaurant and patio to get a sense of the possibilities. Our venue's color palette and tones are gentle white, charcoal, and grey, providing a blank canvas on which you can build. All of the furnishings, both inside and out, are totally removable, allowing you to customize the room to your liking. Why Rivers could be the perfect setting for your event: - For spring, summer, and fall receptions, the largest covered patio along the Chicago River is just about as perfect a location as you can find! - For year-round parties, a comfortable, modern new interior has been created to allow for ample space that is easily customizable to be uniquely yours. - There are a variety of private dining options for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception. - Easy access to nearby hotels Whether you're sitting outdoors along the river or admiring the view from our dining room and bar, Rivers Restaurant offers the perfect blend of style, service, and delicious food. With a wide variety of fresh fish, seafood, and steaks, our chef-driven cuisine has something for everyone. In our bar, we also serve lighter fare. From 20 to 300 people can be accommodated in our private and semi-private dining rooms. To schedule your next event, please contact us today. For any cocktail party, sit-down dinner, or networking event, our experts can create personalized menus. Let us build something that is tailored to your exact demands, no matter what the occasion. Our skilled staff will collaborate closely with you to ensure the success of your event.

Franco's Ristorante is the perfect place to host your next private event. Book Franco's for birthdays, anniversary parties, bridal showers, engagement parties, Christenings and holiday parties.

• Spaces for 300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

The Joffrey Ballet is a world-class ballet company based in Chicago. This one-of-a-kind venue offers a collection of masterpieces not only for dancing education, but also for magnificent wedding festivities. Weddings at The Joffrey Ballet can be tailored to your personal style and needs, ensuring that all of your exact wedding wishes are fulfilled. Your wedding will be classic and exquisite, whether you choose the Gerald Arpino Back Box Theatre, the Mel Studio, or the Barbara Levy Kipper & David A. Kipper Studio. Your guests will be in awe from the moment they walk into this historic Chicago landmark. The industrial chic architecture and sleek modern lines create the tone for a stylish celebration with family and friends. The entire space is brimming with windows, allowing you and your guests to take in the amazing Chicago night light from any point in the room. At the Joffrey Tower, dine, dance, and salute to the future. For a ceremony and reception, the rental rate ranges from $5,000 to $8,500 and covers 8 hours of event time, minus build up and clean up time. For a ceremony-only wedding, the charge is $3,500. Additional hours are available for a charge of $500 per hour. There is a refundable security deposit of 20% of the rental rates. For Corporate Sponsors: The Joffrey's Corporate Partner Program provides one-of-a-kind chances to engage with the Joffrey and its artists. The Corporate Partner Program offers a range of options to engage with Chicago's legendary dance company and your constituents, whether hosting a private event or networking with other business leaders. Choose a behind-the-scenes tour that is tailored to your company's objectives.

• Spaces for 40 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Petterino's, located only steps away from Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago's Loop and Theatre District, is brought to you by The Good Plate Hospitality. Petterino's can accommodate a small party in a dynamic, stylish setting in the Loop. Guests enter our exclusive, adaptable area through the private entrance and down our meandering grand staircase. We want to give every guest a true VIP experience! Our attractive location comfortably seats 40 seated guests for a midday corporate meeting, rehearsal dinner, wedding shower, special celebration, or cocktail reception. Our Loop location in downtown Chicago is ideal for your guests to explore all that the Windy City has to offer. For the past 20 years, Petterino's has been a treasured downtown Chicago classic, continuing to serve the same energy and tradition that diners have come to expect. It's the ideal neighborhood venue for tourists, business lunches, or before the theater, with timeless flavors, reinterpreted Italian cooking, cozy décor, and kind friendliness. Check out the caricatures of all the notable politicians, celebrities, and powerful Chicagoans who have eaten in the same booths as you. If you have any questions, please contact us and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible. We can’t wait to hear from you! “The menu essentially has something for everyone and all the offerings were delicious. Everyone had positive comments about the food [and] environment… Absolutely worth another visit and I would refer others here to dine. A well-earned five-star review. Keeps up the top-notch service despite the ongoing [COVID] challenges.” -Sharon W.

• Spaces for 17-60 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 2 Bars
• 1 Outdoor

Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant on Wabash Avenue brings the warmth of a classic British pub to the heart of downtown Chicago, just steps from the Chicago Theatre and within easy reach of the Riverwalk and Millennium Park. The exposed brick walls, ornate woodwork, and framed Britannia-inspired artwork set a convivial tone that works as naturally for a corporate lunch as it does for a birthday celebration or a group watching the match. The venue offers two dedicated event spaces. The Bass Room, located on the lower level, is a fully private banquet room with its own satellite bar, full A/V capabilities including screens, projectors, and microphones, and flexible setup options — banquet, cocktail, U-shape, or theatre — for up to 35 seated or 55 standing guests. For smaller casual gatherings, the semi-private Bar Area accommodates up to 17 seated or 30 standing, with access to the outdoor patio. Full restaurant buyouts are also available for larger social and corporate events. Menus range from buffet packages designed for group sharing to custom platters, plated dinners, and bar packages.

Chef Trevor Teich is a Chicago native who has worked at some of the country's top restaurants, including L2O (which has three Michelin stars), NoMi (which has one star), Acadia (which has two stars), as well as Twist by Pierre Gagnaire in Las Vegas, where he is currently the executive chef (Gagnaire was voted best chef in the world in 2015 by Le Chef List of The Best Chefs in the World). CLAUDIA is his latest culinary venture, and it brings his culinary perspective to Chicago. An thrilling multi-course supper that develops like a well-paced tale, complete with unexpected twists and shocks, will be served. We are able to meet any dietary requirements. We also have vegan and vegetarian alternatives, and we ask that you kindly contact us at info@claudiarestaurant.com before scheduling your experience so that we can guarantee that we can plan appropriately. A thrilling 8-10-course supper that develops like a well-paced tale full of fascinating turns and surprises, CLAUDIA is a culinary adventure. Expect to spend around 3 hours on this adventure. It is a unique 10-15 course tasting menu experience that includes a front row seat in our kitchen, while still remaining small and intimate in size. Please allow 4 hours for your visit at The Chef's Table. In the Bar, you may enjoy fanciful drinks and Chef Trevor Teich's a la carte food, which includes modern and classic French-inspired meals. Claudia's well-balanced beverage program and wine list add to the overall feel of the warm and friendly venue. The deposit required to secure your reservation will be added to your final bill.

• Spaces for 100 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Whether you’re planning a private party, nuptials, wedding shower, or dog’s first birthday, there are all sorts of checklists needed to make your way from great idea to great event. That’s where we come in—our people and spaces live to see your ideas shine. So think big or let loose. Go fanciful or go fun. Plan every little point or let us sweat the small stuff. Whatever you can dream, we can deliver. And because we know dynamic space is just as important as headspace, we offer the entire hotel to your shindig when you host an event or private party. Make Virgin Hotels your private event space or wedding venue in downtown Chicago.

• Spaces for 50-700 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Take advantage of a private event area with a view of the Chicago River and the city skyline as a background. The setting is ideal for groups of any size, whether for business or pleasure. Easy proximity to major hotels, conference centers, and the Magnificent Mile – as well as valet parking and easy-to-access parking Wireless Internet access is provided at no charge and is safe and confidential. There is no doubt about it: the sights are spectacular. THE ADVANTAGE OF LIVING IN CHICAGO Both large and small groups might benefit from having their own space. Full and partial venue buyouts for groups of 400 or more people are available. Views of the Chicago River and Skyline are breathtaking. The hotel is conveniently located in the center of Chicago. Parking and public transit are both easily accessible. Complimentary WiFi that is private and secure SPACE FOR SAFE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES There's plenty of room for comfortable, socially isolated sitting. Enjoy a productive working dinner or lunch meeting in one of our private rooms or on our expansive, heated patio with views of the city. TECHNOLOGY FOR IN-HOUSE AND REMOTE MEETINGS We have the room and equipment to support virtual meetings with colleagues all over the world, and we offer secured, private Wi-Fi available only for those attending a Private Event. Organize an all-day conference or retreat that includes catered breaks throughout the day.

• Spaces for 79 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum host events that are unrivaled in the city. Private dinners, cocktail parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and bridge lift brunches are all possible at the Bridgehouse Museum, and they’re sure to be a success with this amazing backdrop. The museum commemorates the Chicago River and gives your guests a rare opportunity to see the inner workings of one of Chicago's most famous movable bridges, located inside the southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue bridge. The inside of the Bridgehouse Museum is a distinctive and rustic environment with five levels, exposed brick walls, and steel beams. It’s a beautiful, adaptable space that makes events of all shapes and sizes exceptional. It is suitable for intimate celebrations, both private and corporate, with around 1,200 sq. ft. of area and a capacity of 79 people. Renters have the option of working with their own caterer or one of our recommended caterers. Because of the building's unique layout, seated engagements are usually limited to 25 people or less when using the patio space. Indoor seated engagements are feasible, although tables must be spread out over the museum's five modest floors. Each rental also includes access to our riverwalk plaza, which offers breathtaking views of downtown Chicago that are only seen from this one-of-a-kind location. The five-story bridge house is filled with history, bridge details, and colorful anecdotes about the many people who were inspired by the Chicago River's potential. Every summer, tens of thousands of people visit the Bridgehouse Museum, which serves as the cultural centerpiece of the new Chicago Riverwalk.

• Spaces for 16-350 Guests
• 15 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 12 Meeting Spaces

Hotel Chicago, as the crown jewel of the Marina City complex in River North, is the ideal venue for your next meeting or special occasion. Enjoy over 10,000 square feet of elegant meeting and event space, many of which include floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan. Hotel Chicago, a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is the ideal location for your next meeting or convention. Social Events Whether it’s been dubbed a party, a gala, or a fantastic soirée, your next event will fit perfectly at the Hotel Chicago. In one of our luxurious event venues, you can throw a birthday or anniversary party. On our 36-foot video wall, inspire your group with a film. We can accommodate any type of event with our adaptable meeting rooms, which include over 7,000 square feet of modern ballroom space. Make your guest list now, have a look around, and give us a call when you're ready to celebrate. Weddings In the heart of Chicago, have an utterly spectacular wedding. The Hotel Chicago specializes in making fantasies come true for every bride and groom dreaming of an absolutely spectacular celebration. Our talented event crew will precisely prepare every detail of your wedding, from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and celebration. Our elegant property's over 10,000 square feet of inside space may be turned into your perfect setting, giving you the day of your dreams that you'll never forget. Corporate Events Hotel Chicago, as the crown jewel of the Marina City complex in River North, is the ideal venue for your next meeting or special occasion. Enjoy nearly 10,000 square feet of elegant meeting and event space, many of which have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan. Hotel Chicago, a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is the ideal location for your next meeting or convention.

• Spaces for 35 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

It is a wine bar that is a member of the Francesca's Restaurant Group. Davanti Enoteca serves a range of rustic Italian food, including classics such as pasta and chicken, as well as more modern favorites such as burgers and pizza. The restaurant also has a large brunch menu that includes items such as French toast, frittatas, eggs benedict, bloody Mary's, and other dishes. In addition to offering a spacious event area, Davanti Enoteca also offers outstanding cuisine as well as a welcoming ambiance for any rehearsal dinner or conference. Additionally, there are family-style menus for brunch, lunch, and supper that are reasonably priced while yet providing delectable eating alternatives for everyone that walks through the door. Davanti Enoteca is a bustling wine bar and restaurant that serves shared modern variations on rustic Italian food in a convivial setting. We ask that you please assist us in maintaining a safe atmosphere by wearing your face mask at all times while in the restaurant, with the exception of while you are sitting at your table. It is important that you do not visit the restaurant if you are presently sick, if you have displayed signs of Covid-19 in the previous 14 days, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Covid-19 in the last 14 days. Thank you so much for your assistance. We're delighted to see you again!