Top Evanston Holiday Party Venues

• Spaces for 24-90 Guests
• 3 Restaurants

Open since the summer of 1994, The Smoke Daddy was the first of its kind to offer barbeque and free live music seven days a week in Wicker Park. Over the years, The New York Times, National Geographic, Zagat survey, Chicago magazine, and the Chicago Social all rated "The Daddy" as "having Chicago's best barbeque". Our concept is simple: top quality barbeque, cold drinks and music in a lively atmosphere. We smoke all of our meats in house each day and take pride in offering the best ribs and pulled meats in town. Our Wicker Park location offers options for Semi-Private events as well as Buy-Outs that are perfect for your next gathering, whether that's a Birthday Brunch, Rehearsal Dinner, or Company Happy Hour! We have great indoor/outdoor space allowing for great air flow for your event as well. ▪️ Buffet or Family-Style Service ▪️ Available for Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner 7 days a week ▪️ Live Music

• Spaces for 14-300 Guests
• 8 Restaurants
• 4 Bars
• 8 Event Spaces

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors 29 years ago, in May of 1989. The classic American steakhouse is the first and only in the country to be awarded its own USDA Prime Certification. USDA Gibsons Prime Angus Beef is featured along with fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Gibsons offers exceptional private dining spaces that are ideal for events of all types and sizes. Their knowledgeable and creative staff work with clients individually to create completely unique experiences. For private dining and catering events alike, clients will experience an unmatched quality of service and cuisine from the iconic Gibsons Restaurant Group.

• Spaces for 8-221 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 2 Ballrooms
• 4 Meeting Spaces

In the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast, Thompson Chicago is a stylish retreat specializing in personalized service, curated amenities, and residential comforts. The 247-room hotel features bold interior architecture and rich accents by acclaimed designer Tara Bernerd. Thompson Chicago also features authentic Nico Osteria's cuisine for all events. Named for the outspoken leaders of the era-defining Chicago 7, Thompson Chicago Gold Coast's meeting rooms and event venues boasts 12,000 square feet of prime Chicago meeting space for the business leaders and corporations of today and tomorrow. From industry conferences to banquets and sports team video sessions, Thompson Chicago offers spacious meeting rooms, event venues, elegant bi-level penthouse lofts, and intimate private dining rooms featuring natural light, Chicago city and Lake Michigan views, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

• Spaces for 60-275 Guests
• 3 Event Spaces

Hold your next event in one of our 3 larger gallery spaces, or use an art classroom for a unique and creative special event. The Art Center Highland Park is the perfect venue for weddings, birthday parties, fund raisers, benefits, rehearsal dinners, or any type of event where you want a unique and beautiful setting. TACHP also has ample outdoor space for weather appropriate events. Located just off of downtown Highland Park, 1/2 mile from Lake Michigan, and just 3 blocks from the Metra station, you won't find a comparable venue like ours in the area.

• Spaces for 150-250 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Get on your feet, grab a can, and unleash your inner artist. Studio W.I.P. provides the most unique, hands-on experience in the city - and now you can book your group for a private workshop at our space...or yours! Hosted by Studio W.I.P. artists and staff, we will demonstrate multiple aerosol techniques for you and your group. Individual canvases and racks of low-VOC spray paint will be provided so each guest can create and take home their own masterpiece. Our motto is “You Can Art Too,” as we believe everyone has the ability to be creative. Our team will engage and encourage each guest so they can feel comfortable coming as they are and leave feeling inspired. Studio W.I.P. Artists encourage creativity and foster a communal, supportive atmosphere, making our workshops perfect for group events such as: • Corporate outings • Student field trips • Birthday parties • Bachelor/Bachelorette parties • Brand activations • Team building experiences • Anniversaries • Reunions • Anything that’s fun...

• Spaces for 20-200 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Two wonderful friends and hospitality veterans spotted an opportunity to bring their beloved bar and comfort food to the up-and-coming Wicker Park neighborhood more than ten years ago. The Fifty/50 debuted to the public on March 20th, 2008, promising pleasant service, amazing food, and a wild bar atmosphere. The Fifty/50, a Wicker Park dining and nightlife pioneer, continues to set the standard for neighborhood restaurants and luxury sports bars nationwide. Since 2008, the Fifty/50 has won numerous honors, including "Best Sports Bar in America" (Yahoo, Thrillist) and "Best Wings in Chicago" (WGN, Chicago Tribune, Metromix). We continue to raise the bar and seek to push the boundaries on chef-driven, scratch-made bar cuisine, thanks to a recent expansion and makeover in late 2016. In Chicago's Wicker Park area, The Fifty/50 is a full-service restaurant and bar. Cocktail parties, business functions, birthdays, and any other type of event where people are letting loose and having a wonderful time are among our specialties. There are three stories, each with its own bar and different feel and attitude. The Sky Box level is a private area with views of the main floor that can accommodate up to 50 people for a cocktail reception or seated meal. The Dugout has plush seats and a private DJ booth, as well as a large downstairs bar and a big party vibe. All of these areas can be rented out for private events at any time of day or night! We have places and locations across the venue that may be divided or combined for large and small events.

• Spaces for 10-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Bar
• 4 Total Spaces

The Talbott’s next chapter is right around the corner with a brand new look, seamlessly blending the classic and the contemporary, an elevated take on Gold Coast style. 178 well-appointed guest rooms & suites feature luxurious amenities that make any stay a memorable experience. Signature restaurant LAUREL serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine and signature cocktails, with daily brunch until 3 p.m. With sweeping city views and beautiful public & private gathering spaces, The Talbott welcomes guests to an inviting atmosphere designed to inspire and immerse in the culture of the city. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and just steps from iconic Michigan Avenue, The Talbott offers an intimate experience & personalized service, featuring 178 spacious guestrooms & suites and 1,800 sq ft of private space. Our three intimate event spaces are perfect for hosting your next board meeting, corporate dinner, or social gathering. NEWLY RENOVATED RESTAURANT LAUREL, the Gold Coast's newest dining experience, is a New American restaurant serving elevated classics inspired by Mediterranean cuisines. Blending European and American styles in an approachable, yet elegant setting, experience a unique vision of hospitality and service with an upscale spirit. Featuring a seasonally guided menu, curated wine list and craft cocktails, discerning diners enjoy a community gathering place in the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood with an inviting outdoor patio and lively dining room. Elegant with a touch of grandeur, experience our rich flavor of Old World origins as it collides with a modern, New American feel. Our restaurant includes lovely outdoor patio space on tree-lined Delaware Street, available for private events as well.

Creativo Loft is an intimate private loft, specializing in small weddings, elopements and private social events. Our building dates back to 1887, and features original rustic hardwood floors, tin ceilings and other vintage features. As a raw space, it can be transformed to really any look, modern, vintage, formal, casual, and anything in between. We are centrally located at the intersection of Chicago Ave. & Milwaukee Ave., less than 2 miles from north Michigan Ave., in the River West / West Town neighborhood, approximately 10 minutes drive from most downtown hotels. We offer several event services in-house, and can assist clients with event planning and vendor referrals. Catering and alcohol is handled by any outside professional full-service catering company of your choice, provided that they meet our venue requirements for the correct licenses, insurance, and service capabilities. Our venue fees include tables, chairs, linens, and standard set-up for your event. Capacity with banquet seating with room for dancing is 74 people. For dining-only (no dancing) we can seat up 84 max. For standing cocktail parties, with highboy tables, the capacity is up to 100 standing guests. On average, events at our venue generally have between 30 - 70 people.

• Spaces for 54-2,028 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 4 Bars
• 4 Total Spaces

Back in the late 1970s, Buster opened a restaurant known for its tasty food and friendly service. A few doors down, Dave opened an outrageous place for entertainment and games where adults were irresistibly drawn for fun. The two young entrepreneurs noticed people rotating between their establishments, and an idea started to form: What if they put both under one roof? FIRST STORE OPENS IN DALLAS, 1982 The two young men headed to "Restaurant Row" in Dallas where they found an empty 40,000 square-foot warehouse. Having been proclaimed certifiably crazy by many in the restaurant industry, Dave and Buster dove headlong into construction. With Dave’s name first because he won a coin toss, they opened the first Dave & Buster’s in December 1982. OVER 150 D&B LOCATIONS Each store has more state of the art games than ever, more mouthwatering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

• Spaces for 16-175 Guests
• 4 Restaurants

Forbidden Root, the first botanical brewery in Chicago, was founded as a passionately personal project by Robert Finkel after leaving the world of high-stakes entrepreneurship. His idea to create a true-brewed root beer quickly grew to encompass the broader idea of botanic beers. On February 18, 2016, our restaurant and brewery opened in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. More than just a brewpub, we offer fresh and seasonal dishes that highlight our craft beers and elevate the overall dining experience. In addition to our passion for beer and food, Forbidden Root is passionate about giving back. We are a benefit corporation, meaning that goals other than shareholder value are built into our operating charter.

• Spaces for 120-850 Guests
• 6 Hotels
• 6 Ballrooms
• 1 Outdoor

At The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, we specialize in creating weddings that will dazzle your guests and capture the romantic vision you have dreamed about your entire life. No detail is overlooked during the planning, from professional vendor recommendations and customized menus to suit your personal style, to organized guest room accommodations. Whether you are hosting a grand or intimate gathering, a wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago will be a milestone in your collection of memories together and leave you and your guests with a long-lasting impression. Allow our experienced and attentive staff to craft a stunning event inspired by your vision of the perfect wedding with: + Experienced wedding planners + A grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a 400,000-crystal chandelier + A rooftop bar, Rooftop at Torali, perfect for cocktail parties + Catering and custom wedding menus designed by our creative culinary team + Variety of wedding packages to meet your needs and budget + Honeymoon experiences and recommendations

• Spaces for 20-750 Guests
• 4 Event Spaces

IT’S THE CORNER OF ORLEANS AND HILL, BUT WE LIKE TO THINK OF IT AS THE INTERSECTION OF WANDER AND WONDER. INSIDE OUR REIMAGINED MID-CENTURY SCHOOLHOUSE, YOU MIGHT DISCOVER AN 18TH-CENTURY CHANDELIER; OR ROAM UNTIL YOU FIND A PERFECT 1930S TILE THAT MIGHT BE A PIECE OF ART, OR A PIECE OF YOUR BACKSPLASH. YOU MIGHT DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVORITE NATURAL WINE, GRAB A SLICE OF INCREDIBLE PIZZA, JOIN A PICKLEBALL GAME, RESURRECT SUNDAY BRUNCH, MAKE NEW FRIENDS, IMPRESS OLD ONES, LEVEL-UP DATE NIGHT — AND IF THAT WORKS OUT, FIND YOUR FUTURE WEDDING VENUE, TOO. HOW DO WE GET ALL THAT INTO ONE DESTINATION? WE HAD A HEAD START: IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING, YEP, WE’RE THAT ARCHITECTURAL ARTIFACTS, HOME TO STUART GRANNEN, CHICAGO’S PATRON SAINT OF SALVAGE AND HIS EVER-EVOLVING COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST INCREDIBLE FINDS. WHEN WE SAY THAT STUART’S LATEST CHAPTER IS LIKE NOTHING YOU’VE EVER SEEN, WE MEAN IT. WE INVITE YOU TO COME IN AND GET LOST (WITH A DELICIOUS DRINK IN HAND); OR GET FOUND, BY JOINING ONE OF OUR EVENTS OR HOSTING ONE OF YOUR OWN. IF YOU LOVE FASCINATING BACKSTORIES, AMAZING FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY AS MUCH AS WE DO, WE CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO KNOW YOU.

• Spaces for 20-80 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Located in the Gold Coast, near the Clark/division red line. The building is a historic landmark known as the Fisher Studio Houses, and is a pre-WWII building. The space is Art Moderne style with Edgar Miller paintings on the windows. Space Details: - 1400 square feet - Seating Capacity = 16 - Access to Full Kitchen - Free Coffee - 2.5 Bathrooms - Speaker System - Fireplace Use - Washer/Dryer Use - Red Line is one block away - BYOB allowed - Outside food is allowed The property was built in 1936 and designed by Andrew Rebori. The space has quartz counter tops, and unique white glass subway tiles that offer modernism with antique undertones, plus a spiraled staircase. Features curved walls, with glass block windows. There's also an outdoor courtyard with seating. It is located a few blocks from North Ave beach and Oak Street beach plus the restaurants and shopping of the Gold Coast. There's also a Jewel Osco that's about a five minute walk away. In the mid-1930s, Frank J. Fisher, a Marshall Field’s executive, commissioned the architect Andrew Rebori to design a residential property that would also generate some income. Rebori recruited the muralist and craftsman Edgar Millerto help detail the spaces with stained glass and other finishes. This is an ideal space for small gatherings and professional events. We'd love to host your next anniversary party, corporate party, charity event, pop-up shop, cocktail party, engagement party, baby shower, wedding shower, private party or fashion event. Have something else in mind? Send us a message!

• Spaces for 10-250 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 2 Bars
• 9 Total Spaces

Experience understated elegance and award-winning cuisine at Park Hyatt Chicago. Our centrally located hotel offers chic and sophisticated wedding venues in Chicago paired with the talents of our culinary team to ensure an unforgettable gastronomic experience and an evening to remember. Our wedding specialist will help orchestrate your special occasion into a modern day fairytale or an intimate gathering of friends and family. Set in the fashionable heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, our hotel features 5,000 sq. ft. of beautiful event space, sumptuous catering and impeccable service. Park Hyatt Chicago features museum-quality works of art, sophisticated yet inviting decor, award-winning dining, prime Magnificent Mile setting and a personal service team dedicated to ensuring a remarkable stay, making us the preferred hotel in downtown Chicago for discerning travelers. Create memories to last a lifetime in our elegant Grand Salon, sophisticated Art Gallery or NoMI private dining spaces with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the historic Water Tower Square. At Park Hyatt Chicago, you will experience the wedding of your dreams.

• Spaces for 11-1,700 Guests
• 8 Restaurants
• 1 Event Space

Host your next Special Event at TAO Chicago in the most dramatic venue in River North. Corporate, Holiday, Birthdays, Bachelorette, and all other celebrations welcome. We can accommodate groups of all sizes from 10 to 1,700. Guests will enter the 7,000 square-foot TAO Chicago Nightclub and event space after passing through a 100-year-old, massive Chinese gate and down a lantern-lit exterior alley. There are two venues within this space separated by an operable wall that allows then to be combines from a two-room to one room venue. The rear club features 40-foot-tall ceilings, original soaring windows, a 20-foot tall Hush mural, a 10-foot tall custom-made Japanese prayer bell from which an oversized disco ball descends, and a series of restored arches from one end of the club to the other. The front club is more intimate and centers around a DJ booth enclosed with a metal cage adorned with mirrors and Asian-inspired filigree. Glowing and mirrored lotus pendants float above the dance floor while two bars service the space. Special Features: - 30-foot wide digital LED wall - Dynamic two level space - 20-foot tall Hush mural with 3D graphics - Professional sound system and event lighting - 3 full-service bars on main floor - Special event amenities: cold spark blasts, aerialists, photo booths, confetti canons, cryo fog, laser lights, and more! - Opera-style semi-private Skyboxes dining rooms with open balcony and soaring views over the dining room. - Exclusive Quan Yin rooms with views of a live koi pond and our Quan Yin statue that comes to life with 3D animation - Full-service Ink Bar and Emperors Lounge with intimate nooks for smaller parties. - Stunning murals by globally renowned artist Hush throughout the venue Host your next Special Event at TAO Chicago in the most dramatic venue in River North. Corporate, Holiday, Birthdays, Bachelorette and all other celebrations welcome.

• Spaces for 45-400 Guests
• 2 Wineries
• 2 Event Spaces

Chicago Winery is a unique wedding venue in the heart of the city, surrounded by the vibrant arts scene of River North and the glamour of historic Chicago. Chicago Winery hosts full-service winery weddings for up to 200 guests. The warm, modern space blends urban character with rich colors and opulent accents. Carefully chosen architectural elements give the space it’s glam character that melds beautifully with modern design and accents. Our all-inclusive packages come with wines made on-site, and chef-driven cuisine from homegrown Midwesterner Executive Chef Andrew Graves — past credentials include Alinea, The Promontory, and Tribeca Grill — who puts the emphasis on seasonal ingredients and fresh flavors. All Chicago Winery weddings include: - Full-day exclusive access to our flexible indoor and outdoor private event spaces for up to 200 guests, including a four-season rooftop terrace with skyline views. - A dedicated event manager to assist with all elements of the planning process and day-of coordination, including creation of timeline, menu and enhancement selection, liaising and coordinating with vendors, and everything in between. - Access to our private Wedding Suite with sparkling wine and an antipasti spread for 2 hours before your event. - Cocktail hour, dinner and dessert menus from Chef Andrew Graves, a local Chicagoan and Alinea group alum. - Group couples’ food and wine tasting event led by Chef Andrew Graves in our private event space where couples sample their way through all of our wedding menu options. - Premium open bar for the duration of your event featuring Chicago Winery wines, local craft beers and spirits. - Use of our custom tables, chairs, barstools, bars, china, glassware, flatware, linen napkins, printed menus, and small tabletop decor at no additional cost. Contact us today for availability and to set up an in-person or virtual tour. Follow us on social media for exciting updates and announcements @chicagowinery.

• Spaces for 30-312 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Roots Handmade Pizza is Quad Cities born, Chicago raised. We're serving up authentic Quad Cities Style Pizza in the city, mouth-watering appetizers, fresh salads, decadent dessert and more. Plus, we've got the largest selection of all-Midwest beer in Chicago! With four locations in Chicago, there's a venue for every type of occasion. Celebrate in either West Town, Lincoln Square, Old Town or South Loop in one of our private dining areas, or book the entire place to yourself - our Event Coordinators will work with you to meet your event needs! Roots is prepared to host every kind of event - From kids birthday parties, to corporate events and weddings. We also offer off-site event Sc corporate catering. We will gladly bring the party your way. Lighting, custom menus, and ambiance can be adjusted according to your specific event needs. We are also able to make special accomodations for your events whether it's additional A/V, wireless microphones, or event planning and production support.

• Spaces for 30-550 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 4 Event Spaces
• 4 Total Spaces

If you’re looking to host an unforgettable event in Chicago, Salvage One offers a truly one-of-a-kind venue unlike any other. Located in the heart of Chicago, Salvage One is a multi-functional space that serves as an architectural salvage store, vintage furniture showroom, prop rental shop, and highly sought-after event venue. Perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and creative productions, our venue features exposed brick walls, eclectic décor, vintage pieces, and timeless architectural details. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a large-scale event, Salvage One provides a charming, flexible space that can be tailored to your vision. Our experienced team is here to help bring your event to life—whether you need stunning backdrops for photography or film, unique vintage rentals, or a venue that stands apart from the ordinary. Salvage One is a favorite among Chicago event planners for its versatility, character, and unforgettable ambiance.

• Spaces for 84-250 Guests
• 4 Event Spaces

With its grand staircase, intricate architectural details, and spacious halls, The Newberry Library is a unique, historic and world-renowned research library offering distinctive gathering spaces for special occasions. The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources. Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Holding your event at the Newberry will support our mission of inspiring research, teaching, and learning in the humanities. Nestled just steps from the Magnificent Mile, and across the street from the city’s oldest public park, Washington Square Park, the Newberry Library offers indoor event spaces with various capacities for intimate presentations, performances, formal ceremonies, fundraisers, galas, high-end corporate entertaining, all-day conferences, workshops and trainings, dramatic cocktail receptions, elegant dinner celebrations, and multimedia presentations. Rooms may be combined for greater capacity and for varying program components. The fully restored Lobby is a showstopper. Featuring a Romanesque entryway, distinctive chandeliers, 20-foot ceiling and broad marble staircase (great for photos and a grand entrance) it lends itself beautifully to cocktail receptions and dinner parties. Our largest event space, Ruggles Hall, can accommodate up to 160 guests in a warm and cozy library atmosphere created by its mahogany paneled walls and broad windows overlooking Washington Square Park. For more intimate gatherings, the newly created Rettinger Hall and Baskes Boardroom feature beautiful marble floors and specialty recessed lighting, and are lovely complements to the Newberry’s unique aesthetic.

• Spaces for 6-80 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

Janet Mandell is an innovative designer rental service and every fashion insider's best kept secret. This location in the heart of downtown Chicago is the gorgeous and expansive flagship store. Women flock here to rent the latest runway looks or vintage pieces for their special events. And now, you can host your next holiday or corporate party in our stunning 7500 square foot showroom with a full built in kitchen. Book a cocktail party or seated dinner and dine alongside stunning archive pieces. Or book our FULL JANET MANDELL EXPERIENCE. You and your guests will get to play dress up in our one of a kind gowns, shoes and jewelry styled by our expert stylists. Get treated to hair & makeup refreshers in our glam room. Perfect for a fabulous bridal, bachelorette, corporate or birthday party.