Top Elgin Venues

• 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 100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

We gladly foster the Francesca's idea of delicious, simple cooking delivered in a casually sophisticated dining ambiance to our parties. Our semi-private and private dining rooms are perfect for work or social gatherings. Francesca's Restaurant Group, founded in 1992 by restaurateur Scott Harris, has developed from a small, inviting Italian restaurant on Chicago's North Clark Street to a restaurant group with six concepts in 23 locations across two states. Francesca's Restaurants is a neighborhood Trattoria that serves traditional Italian fare in a refined setting. The multi-unit restaurant business retains its dedication to the original restaurant's founding idea of Italian hospitality—where simple food made with quality ingredients and careful service makes a meal—across all formats. Chef Scott Harris never anticipated that his ambition of starting a trattoria-style Italian restaurant on North Clark Street in 1992 would blossom into a successful collection of 23 restaurants across eight themes and two states. Scott Harris Hospitality's 12 Francesca's Restaurants, 4 Fat Rosie's Taco and Tequila Bars, 2 Davanti Enoteca locations, as well as individual locations Disotto, Joe's Imports, Vasili's, Fiore, and Zade's Lounge, are now led by the Chicago native. Harris' philosophy is built on the foundations of true hospitality, where simple cooking, great ingredients, and careful service–always with a dash of fun–combine to create a dinner unforgettable. Chef Jaysen Euler has worked in professional kitchens since he was 14 years old, when he began as a dishwasher at a neighborhood bar and restaurant in Ohio. Euler has worked his way up to Culinary Director at Francesca's Restaurant Group, touching every facet of what a professional kitchen has to offer — dish pit, prep, sauté, veg, and beyond (FRG).

Roosevelt University, a private institution founded in 1945 on the principles of inclusion and social justice, has more than 4,000 students in five colleges. With campuses in the Chicago Loop, Schaumburg, Peoria, and Lake County. Roosevelt offers 75 undergraduate and 15 graduate and doctoral programs across five colleges and online, including arts and sciences, business, performing arts, education, culinary, health sciences and pharmacy. Roosevelt University prepares students to become socially conscious citizens who are leaders in their professions and their communities. With the integration of Robert Morris University Illinois, the expanded University will be nationally recognized as a catalyst for students from all walks of life to receive transformational learning experiences.

• Spaces for 16-75 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Harbor is located in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Gourmet versions of traditional meals, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, are served at Chef Anthony Bernal's restaurant, which pays respect to the Great Lakes region. Drinks include regional tasty beers, delectable and balanced cocktails, as well as a diverse variety of wines from all over the world, including those from the United States. The interior of the resturaunt, created by Barker/Nestor in collaboration with Ingrassia Design, represents the sensibilities of the surrounding neighborhood while also paying homage to the region's illustrious history. The dining tables, which were custom made by Timberwolf Slabs of Crystal Lake, Illinois, included a 17-foot single slab live edge walnut table. There are several eating choices available to guests, including raw bar dining, dining by the fireplace dining, relaxing at a banquette dining, and watching Chefs make their meal while seated at the dining counter.

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 18-120 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue is an American restaurant with globally-influenced cuisine, situated on the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue within The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida. The restaurant draws its name and spirit from Sophie Gimbel, a pioneering American fashion designer who led couture at Saks for over four decades — and whose philosophy of precision and elegance shapes the venue's approach to food and hospitality. The space features a dining room, a bar with views into the kitchen, and an outdoor terrace bar and lounge offering both covered and open-air seating. For private functions, the venue accommodates up to 50 seated guests or 120 for a standing reception. A dedicated private dining room seats 18 and is well suited to intimate dinners, business meetings, and social gatherings. Chef Jaryd Hearn develops seasonal menus built around locally-sourced ingredients, complemented by craft cocktails and curated wines.

• Spaces for 75-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Allow our team of event planners to guide you through the unique interior and outdoor spaces and internationally-inspired menus to help bring your celebration to life. A private salon seats 10 to 12 guests, with additional seating on the private outdoor terrace. Allow our team of event planners to guide you through our unique interior and outdoor spaces, as well as our internationally-inspired menus, in order to help bring your celebration to a successful conclusion. A private salon with seating for 10 to 12 guests is available, with additional seating available on the private terrace. The salon, as well as the entire bar, are available for purchase. We can provide you with pricing and additional information upon request. The Peninsula Chicago has received more than 16 years' worth of Five Star and Five Diamond awards under the direction of Maria Zec, Regional Vice President and the first female General Manager of The Peninsula Hotels. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Ltd Board of Directors has recognized the contributions of certain company leaders by naming restaurants and bars in their honor. In recognition of Zec's dedication to providing memorable experiences for hotel guests and patrons, Z Bar was named in her honor. Maria, who is originally from northwest Indiana, considers Chicago to be her hometown, but she is also an avid traveler who has visited many countries around the world. Zec's traveling companions are her husband Bob and, on occasion, her two pugs, Duchess and Tulip, who are both devoted to her. From its perch on the edge of Chicago's Michigan Avenue, this is a jet-haven, setter's where inventive cocktails, menus, and music take center stage. TOCK is now accepting reservations for a limited number of seats on the bus.

• Spaces for 70-550 Guests
• 4 Restaurants
• 4 Outdoor Spaces
• 4 Total Spaces

Caffè Oliva at Ohio Street Beach is a lakefront restaurant and event venue situated directly on Chicago's Ohio Street Beach at 550 E Grand Avenue. Open seasonally from May through October, the venue offers a beachside setting with views of Lake Michigan alongside a downtown skyline backdrop, making it well-suited for corporate events, family reunions, birthday celebrations, and casual group gatherings. The venue accommodates a range of group sizes across several distinct outdoor spaces: a beachfront area that handles up to 350 guests reception-style, a covered deck with seating for up to 150, and individual cabanas for smaller groups of up to 25. A full venue buyout extends capacity to 550 standing or 400 seated guests, providing exclusive use of the entire beachfront, deck, and all cabanas. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails, with custom menu options available for private events. Beach amenities including volleyball, cornhole, and live acoustic entertainment can be incorporated into events.

• Spaces for 100-150 Guests
• 1 Boat

We are a modest business run by a Chicago native with a long family history in the maritime industry. The "Summer of George" was created with the intention of being a party boat. The 100-foot, two-story yacht is available for guests to experience. Cocktail tables and bench seating are set up on the open-air rooftop terrace. It's ideal for relaxing and taking in the scenery, as well as dancing the night away. The climate-controlled lower deck allows passengers to sail in comfort regardless of the weather. On both sides, enormous mahogany-trimmed windows provide 360-degree vistas for sightseeing. This level also houses the restrooms and the main bar. There are a variety of floor plans to choose from. The boat is in River City Marina, 900 South Wells Street, and beneath Bertrand Goldberg's famous "River City" structure. On the South Branch of the Chicago River, it's about 6 blocks south of the "Willis Tower," also known as the "Sears Tower." Our goal at Chicago Lakefront Cruises is to provide the finest level of service to our customers. Being on board our yacht is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we'll make sure it's one you and your guests will never forget! We are dedicated to ensuring that our customers are satisfied! The journey begins on the Chicago River's South Branch. The boat then travels up the Main Branch of the Chicago River and out to Lake Michigan. Navy Pier, The John Hancock Building, Buckingham Fountain, and the Adler Planetarium are just a few of the sights that you and your guests will see! The "Summer of George" is a vessel that has been certified by the United States Coast Guard. All passengers will have access to life rafts and life jackets. The vessel is piloted by licensed 100-ton captains and is inspected annually by the USCG. CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are held by the entire crew.

• Spaces for 200-749 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Boats
• 2 Waterfront

Odyssey Cruises Chicago — now operating as City Cruises, part of the City Experiences family — brings private events and celebrations onto the water in the heart of downtown Chicago. Departing from two locations, the company operates two distinctive Odyssey vessels: the Odyssey Chicago River and the Odyssey Lake Michigan. The Odyssey Chicago River is a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled single-deck dining vessel that accommodates up to 200 guests. It cruises the main branch of the Chicago River, passing landmarks such as Marina City, the Merchandise Mart, and Willis Tower — all while guests dine and celebrate from a panoramic floating vantage point. The Odyssey Lake Michigan is a multi-deck yacht berthed at Navy Pier that hosts up to 749 guests across three climate-controlled dining decks and an open-air rooftop lounge. The vessel is suited for large weddings, galas, and corporate events where guests move between indoor dining and outdoor deck views of the Chicago skyline and lakefront. All-inclusive event packages include chef-prepared cuisine, DJ entertainment, an in-house event coordinator, and customizable menus across brunch, lunch, and dinner sailings.

• 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.

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 20-236 Guests
• 1 Boat

From sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises, everything is better when done on the sea. The Spirit of Chicago is ready to take you on a tour of the city. With a lunch, dinner, or specialty cruise, you may eat, drink, and dance while taking in the beautiful skyline. Your taste buds will be delighted by the Spirit menu, which features a range of culturally-inspired meals made with fresh, organic ingredients. Spirit is a great place for every occasion, from romantic meals for two to business events. Let's have a party! There is nothing like it on the land: On the top deck, there is a rooftop lounge. Three internal decks with panoramic windows, each with its own climate control system. Menus featuring vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives have been included. Live DJs, large dance floors, and full-service bars are all available. Admiral Richard M. Navy Pier is known as "the People's Pier," and it is Chicago's lakefront jewel, inviting everybody and providing dynamic, diversified experiences via partnerships and activities that stimulate exploration and amazement. Guests have flocked to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of unrivaled activities and experiences since it reopened in 1995, bringing in more than 180 million visitors since then. In 2021, Navy Pier will continue to transform into an accessible, year-round focal point for Chicago's many arts and cultural treasures, while also expanding its offerings.

• 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 550-1,000 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Our motel is located near Advocate Christ Medical Center and Chicago Ridge Mall, at the crossroads of Route 50 and Highway 20. We're a mile from the Oak Lawn Metro station, which connects directly to Chicago, and 15 minutes from Chicago Midway Airport. Our exercise facility, indoor pool, and free parking are just a few of the perks. Our hotel, which is close to the airport, includes a wedding planner and a honeymoon suite in all of its packages. Menus can also be altered. For your ceremony and reception, we provide lighting, design, and seating options. From simple ceremonies to huge ballroom feasts, plan your perfect wedding with the help of your personal wedding specialist. We offer fully customized wedding packages, cuisine, and accommodations for your guests. SouthSide Social Neighborhood Kitchen & Tap serves award-winning cuisine every day, as well as daily Happy Hour discounts. Stop by the Bean in our lobby for Starbucks® coffee, espresso, and artisan cocktails. South Siders have gathered with their friends and neighbors to catch up for generations at parks such as Mt. Greenwood Park, Kennedy Park, Lawn Manor, and Circle Park. All of these people come together at SouthSide Social to unwind, watch the game, appreciate our Chef's creative interpretations on classic South Side meals, sample locally brewed beers, sip superb wine, and enjoy expertly created cocktails in an upmarket yet casual setting. Book ten or more rooms over the internet at the same time to stay together. We've put together a list of resources to help you prepare your event, including checklists, RFP forms, and draft communication plans, among other things. Make your own attendee webpage or have the hotel make one for you. Your event dates, the 7-letter hotel code, and your group's special pricing code are all included in your room block booking confirmation email.

Relax in this South Loop martini lounge while sipping on a martini. M Lounge hosts live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (currently on hiatus due to COVID) that may be enjoyed while sipping on a variety of speciality martinis and exquisite liquors. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, live performances ranging from jazz to blues to R&B are held, and on Friday and Saturday, various DJs spin their records. There is something for everyone in this intimate urban oasis. No matter what genre of music you enjoy, you will feel right at home here—whether you're settling into one of the comfortable couches or low-slung chairs, or taking a seat at the 28-foot long walnut bar. Whether you're searching for a reservation for 6 people or a reservation for 30, M Lounge is the top destination for celebrations in the South Loop. Two VIP spaces are available for your consideration at M Lounge. Our VIP alcove can accommodate up to ten persons in comfort. There is a $250 minimum bar requirement, and a 20 percent tip will be applied to your final bill as part of the service. Our Stage VIP section can accommodate parties of up to about 30 people and can accommodate groups of 12-25 individuals. The minimum bar need ranges from $250 to $600, depending on the number of attendees and the amount of space required. In addition, a 20 percent gratuity will be added.

• Spaces for 200-250 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Waterfront

Illinois Beach Hotel sits within Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois — the only hotel in the state located directly on Lake Michigan and the last remaining undeveloped stretch of the lake's shoreline in Illinois. Positioned roughly 50 miles north of Chicago, the property offers guests and event attendees direct access to a sandy beachfront setting that is otherwise inaccessible in the region. The hotel's primary event space, the Grand Ballroom, accommodates up to 200 guests and is suited for weddings, quinceañeras, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate gatherings, graduation parties, anniversaries, reunions, and holiday events. Wedding packages include bar setup, tables, linens, stemware, flatware, china, banquet chairs, complimentary WiFi, and complimentary parking. In-house catering options and bar packages are available for all events. On-site guest rooms — many with lakefront views — allow event guests to stay on property, and Nolan's Restaurant provides dining for overnight guests and event attendees alike.

• Spaces for 55-400 Guests
• 8 Museums
• 2 Landmarks
• 8 Total Spaces

The Harold Washington Library has nine event spaces for you to transform into your perfect space. With capacities ranging from 500 to 20 people, one of these spaces is waiting to accommodate you and your guests. Dance in the Winter Garden, Harold Washington's architectural centerpiece or dine next to the floor to ceiling windows in South Hall. Your options are many, but there is only one perfect fit for you. Their event professionals wants to bring your ideas to life; whether that be for your son's bar mitzvah, your wedding or your companies holiday party. Wow your guests by having your next event in this historical and elegant venue.

• Spaces for 250 Guests

22Thirty9 is a 2,200-square-foot private event loft situated above Pressure Point Recording Studio, part of the Bassline Music Complex on historic Record Row in Chicago's South Loop. The space is acoustically tuned and fully wired for presentations, live performances, and recorded entertainment, reflecting the building's deep roots in Chicago's music culture. The loft features floor-to-ceiling atrium windows, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings alongside a full-service bar and lounge area. Built-in A/V systems, in-house A/V specialists, and an experienced hospitality team are available for events. The venue sits steps from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena, with convenient access to major roadways throughout the city.

• Spaces for 120 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Boat
• 1 Waterfront

Our enormous Free Spirit luxury yacht, which can seat up to 120 guests, has been custom-designed for your leisure and comfort, both inside and outside the vessel. Free Spirit is ideal for bigger groups such as business meetings, company trips, networking events, family celebrations, weddings, and other social gatherings. A boat makes any event more memorable, no matter what the occasion is! Spend an evening with your coworkers taking in the spectacular views of Chicago's world-renowned skyline while enjoying cocktails and an exquisite dinner at the Chicago Athletic Association. For a more relaxed affair, consider hosting a brunch cruise with mimosas and bloody marys while cruising along Chicago's picturesque lakefront or along the Chicago River. Wow, talk about combining business and pleasure. Those of you who have spent time in Chicago during the summer months are aware of how much we like our lakefront. In addition, if you've ever taken a Free Spirit Yacht charter trip, you know how much fun they can be. Not to mention that it is decadently soothing.