Top Joliet Venues

• 1 Restaurant

The world-famous Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. With Circassian wood paneling imported from Russia and Austrian chandeliers, the 17,000 square foot dining room is both elegant and comfortable. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theatre district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show.

• Spaces for 60-150 Guests

Looking for a unique venue to host a corporate event or private party in Chicago? Our industrial-chic loft in downtown Chicago is designed for high-end experiences, featuring a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, flexible dining areas, and an open floor plan perfect for professional or social gatherings. Whether you're planning a team-building cooking class, client appreciation dinner, off-site meeting, or birthday party with a private chef, this space blends modern functionality with warm, rustic charm. It’s ideal for interactive food events, catered dinners, cocktail receptions, or executive retreats. ✨ Key Features: Located in downtown Chicago – easily accessible for guests Spacious open-layout loft with high ceilings and exposed brick Professional-grade chef’s kitchen with prep and cooking stations Multiple seating arrangements for presentations or dining Perfect for corporate events, private parties, and culinary experiences WiFi, AV capabilities, and optional staffing or chef services available Great for product launches, holiday parties, networking events, and more With its distinctive atmosphere and professional amenities, this loft-style venue makes hosting memorable events in Chicago effortless and stylish.

• Spaces for 3,553 Guests

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

• Spaces for 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.

It was originally constructed in 1892 as a Czech meeting hall and is now a historically significant building that has been landmarked. As of the year 2013, it has reopened and been re-imagined as a modern day town hall; a central meeting place with a tavern called Dusek's Board & Beer, two bars called Punch House and Tack Room, and a world-class performance space called Thalia Hall. The location is perfect for hosting large events such as weddings, holiday parties, galas, and other special occasions where you want to spend a memorable evening with your closest friends and family. 16" on Center (16OC) is a hospitality collective that was founded by Bruce Finkelman and Craig Golden in collaboration. The group takes on projects and buildings in neighborhoods where its members can't wait to hang out. Although each restaurant, bar, and venue that is a part of the collective operates as an independent company, 16OC is here to provide the support and services necessary to make each and every one of them stronger. The term "16" on Center comes from the construction industry and refers to a center mark that produces the most durable build. This describes our approach to each project, which is to produce spaces of the highest quality that are intended to be used for a long time. From Evanston to Hyde Park, our venues, bars, and restaurants coax Chicagoans out of their homes and into their respective neighborhoods, giving them the opportunity to participate in the life of those areas.

• Spaces for 80-800 Guests
• 3 Museums
• 3 Landmarks

The Chicago Cultural Center, amongst the ornate decor of marble, polished brass, fine hardwoods, and colorful mosaics holds a rich history of the Windy City. Initially built as the first central public library of Chicago, this building has become one of the most visited attractions in the city. Home to not one, but two spectacular crystal domes, this building will serve as a decadent background to any private event or wedding. Close to numerous hotels, shopping and across the street from Millennium Park, The Chicago Cultural Center is convenient for those traveling near and far.

• Spaces for 32-150 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is a wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous, in all its forms. The menu, ambiance and design all represent bold choices, big flavors and stunning showmanship. Experience a carefully curated theater of shared plates, ingeniously innovative cuisine, thoughtfully created cocktails, theatrical presentations, and attentive yet unfussy service. Bazaar Meat takes guests on a sensory adventure born of José’s Spanish roots, both traditional and avant-garde, in a bold, playful atmosphere where anything is possible. Named as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018, and “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of José Andrés Group. Andrés has earned numerous awards including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of 12 distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

• Spaces for 110-550 Guests
• 5 Hotels
• 5 Ballrooms

The Peninsula Chicago is the five-star hotel that brought traditional Asian service to a city already renowned for the warmth of its hospitality. The hotel's location, service, and luxurious rooms and suites make it one of the finest hotels in North America. The Peninsula Chicago is also home to three award-winning restaurants, each uniquely known for outstanding cuisine and superlative service. The Peninsula Chicago is the premier venue for memorable events with an elegant space for every occasion The Peninsula Chicago serves as an exceptional venue for weddings, meetings, and other special events, and offers over 11,250 sq. ft. of stunning event space. Gorgeous interiors with dramatic views and gracious, attentive service have earned The Peninsula Chicago the prestigious Forbes Five Star and the AAA Five Diamond Award every year since its opening, making it the top venue for meetings and events amongst local and international industry leaders. To ensure a flawless experience, no detail is overlooked from the hotel’s on-site team of expert conference planners to an extensive range of state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. The rich décor and spectacular views high above The Magnificent Mile distinctively set The Peninsula Chicago apart, making unforgettable celebration memories that will last a lifetime.

• Spaces for 20-350 Guests
• 6 Restaurants

Whether it’s a cocktail party, lunch meeting, seated dinner or buffet, Sunda has multiple options for party room rental for your group size and event format. Corporate or social events, hosted in our semi-private or private event spaces, are guaranteed to impress when you choose “River North’s preeminent pan-Asian restaurant” (Dining Chicago). Our full-service event experts will handle it all for you so you can relax and enjoy the event as well! This can include everything from menu creation to full event production (menu cards, entertainment, decor, custom napkins − just to name a few). So you can impress your guests at every opportunity at the “#1 Celebrity Spot in Chicago” (Chicago Tribune)! Located within Chicago’s bustling River North neighborhood, Sunda pairs New Asian fare with Midwestern hospitality for an award-winning concept. Offering contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes from Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and more, the Michelin-recommended concept from Rockit Ranch Productions has received numerous accolades, including Best New Restaurant and Chicago’s Sexiest Restaurant. Showcasing exceptional cuisine from Executive Chef Jess DeGuzman, mod décor from renowned designer Tony Chi, a chic, yet approachable ambiance and seating for more than 200 guests, Sunda has rapidly become a mainstay on the Chicago dining scene. Private Events:

• Spaces for 75 Guests

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

• Spaces for 160-180 Guests

An industrial/chic multi-use venue with a unique glass a-frame ceiling that centers the space and floods the room with natural light and brings a modern twist to its history as a former millwork shop. In combination with the exposed brick and timber, the Joinery's simplistic yet rustic charm sets a stunning backdrop for events of all types. Its open and spacious floor plan allows for uses such as: weddings, corporate gatherings, photography, film production, day-light studio, gallery/performance space and more. Our name conveys the spirit of what every wedding embodies—a joining together of two people celebrated by their closest friends and family. The Joinery’s intimate size, natural light, multiple staging areas and outdoor space provide a flexible backdrop to create a wedding as original as the two of you.

• Spaces for 50-3,563 Guests
• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Theater
• 3 Event Spaces

The Lyric Opera House is a majestic setting for entertaining on any scale. The theatre, spacious back of house, lobby, grand foyer and four private dining rooms are available to rent for public ticketed and private events. The Lyric Opera House is a world class concert venue and has featured artists including David Byrne, Bryan Ferry, Seal, Andrew Bird and Wilco. The 3,563-seat theater is the second-largest opera auditorium in North America and holds the largest stage in downtown Chicago. Excellent sightlines, premium acoustics, and intricate architectural detailing make for a fantastic and unique venue. Host your wedding or private event in one of the world's most beautiful buildings. The Lyric Opera House is one of Chicago's historic landmarks and among the world's most beautiful buildings. Built in 1929 and fully restored in 1996, the Lyric Opera House is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs and a majestic setting for entertaining on any scale. The theater, spacious back of house, lobby and grand foyer, and four private dining rooms are available to rent for public ticketed and private events.

• Spaces for 160-1,000 Guests
• 3 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 3 Total Spaces

The Congress Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Chicago is just minutes away from some of the city's most prime attractions. The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center was originally designed and constructed in 1893 to accommodate visitors from around the globe attending the World’s Columbian Exposition. The legendary Congress Plaza Hotel has been home to many of the world’s greatest notables such as our nation’s presidents, foreign dignitaries, opera, stage, and movie celebrities. Every year our property is visited by hundreds of guests attending conventions, meetings, and events in our beautiful city. Our property is conveniently located in the heart of the downtown area here in Chicago just minutes away from some of the premier attractions that our city has to offer including, The Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, Orchestra Hall, Willis Tower, and The Shedd Aquarium. The Congress Plaza Hotel is located directly across from Grant Park, known as one of Chicago’s prime attractions for great outdoor jazz and blues music throughout the summer. Our property features 871 guest rooms, including 36 deluxe suites, many of which overlook the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is the perfect place to experience Chicago at just about any time of the year!

Welcome to Loft606 Chicago. This gorgeous sun filled loft is unique as they come. Former factory converted to a luxury home equipped with a 26' timber beamed ceiling, skylights running throughout, massive gourmet kitchen, state of the art appliances, and sleeping space for 16. A one of a kind property that creates an indescribable environment for personal & business connections while also providing private space when desired. Events are priced based on occupancy. The space Welcome to Loft606 Chicago. This gorgeous sun filled loft is unique as they come equipped with a 26' timber beamed ceiling and skylights running throughout the main room, a massive gourmet kitchen with state of the art appliances, and sleeping space for 16 guests. Loft606 Chicago is a perfect spot for weddings, pop-up events, art openings, reunions, dinner parties, birthday parties, classes, photo shoots, holidays, Bar Mitzvahs, and so much more. Loft606 Chicago strictly abides by all community restrictions and does not allow anything that will be disruptive to our neighbors or the community. Events are priced individually and based on occupancy. Loft606 Chicago is huge and designed for bigger groups. As a result, we have weekend minimum rates based on the time of year. Please include the answers to these questions in your response so that we may provide the most accurate and prompt quote for your stay: The price for your stay at Loft606 Chicago will be affected by occupancy, the scope of the event, time of year and other factors

Chef José Andrés reimagines the traditional American coffee shop and café with a touch of the distinctive Spanish flavor that he is known for in his new restaurant, Café by the River. A café in Spain is much more than just a location where one may purchase a cup of coffee. It is a focal point for engaging in conversation, generating new ideas, and, of course, indulging in some gastronomic pleasure. Café by the River brings that mentality into the current day by mixing the tastes and warmth of Spanish cafés with the convenience of an American coffee shop. The café is located on the banks of the river that runs through the city. The café is located on the river walk level of the towering Bank of America Building, which is 55 stories tall. It serves office employees throughout the day, giving them with fuel and a side of Chicago River views. Café by the River provides something for everyone as Chicagoans head back to the workplace. Online ordering is accessible for those who want a quick morning caffeine kick, and the dining area is bright, open, and sprinkled with greenery for those who'd want to linger over lunch with friends. The Café by the River has a comprehensive selection of both coffee and tea. The cuisine options, which include breakfast served all day, sandwiches, salads, and pastries, all have a Spanish feel to them (a breakfast sandwich on Pan de Cristal bread, grilled cheese made with four Spanish cheeses, and the signature xuixo, a crispy fried cream-filled pastry rolled in sugar). Meetings and coffee breaks may be elevated to a higher level than the standard boxed lunches served in conference rooms by utilizing to-go and catering packages. The service at the café is usually courteous and swift, but it is never rushed. This ensures that office employees don't have to go too far away from their desks in order to indulge in a delectable meal or snack. In the course of the day, Café By The River provides the occupants of the Bank of America Tower as well as the inhabitants of Chicago with delectable cuisine and beverages that are refreshing. The area undergoes a complete makeover in the evening, transforming into an impressive venue that is perfect for organizing private gatherings. Our staff is available to collaborate with you in the organization of gatherings of varying sizes and themes.

• 1 Restaurant

City Hall Chicago boasts 10,000-square-feet of flexible event space, with a separate grand entrance on Kinzie Street. The column-free hall, with its soaring 40-foot-high ceilings, 37-foot stone bar and industrial-elegant architectural detailing, is a striking venue for large-scale events, meetings and receptions. City Hall Chicago offers a fully equipped bridal suite and green room, which overlook the space from the second floor.

• Spaces for 75-250 Guests
• 1 Event Space
• 1 Meeting Space

Memorable Experiences Begin Here: ALTAR Community in the Heart of Chicago Nestled in vibrant Logan Square, ALTAR’s meticulously designed space combines urban sophistication with mindful tranquility. Whether hosting wellness retreats, corporate gatherings, or cultural celebrations, ALTAR provides an inspired setting for meaningful connections At ALTAR, we believe in the power of intentional spaces to nurture authentic connections and foster personal growth. Our venue transcends the traditional event space concept, offering a sanctuary where the chaos of Chicago’s city life dissolves into mindful presence. The soaring ceilings, natural light, and thoughtful design elements create an atmosphere of serenity and possibility. This is more than a venue—it's a catalyst for transformation. Whether you're hosting a wellness workshop, spiritual ceremony, or conscious business gathering, ALTAR's environment naturally encourages deeper engagement and meaningful interaction. Our space honors the sacred nature of coming together, allowing your event's purpose to resonate more profoundly with each participant. We're a sophisticated and sacred space for connection, collaboration, and inspiration. Our space is intentionally flexible and infinitely customizable as a welcoming environment where you feel transported out of the day-to-day and immediately more present, connected, and at home.

• Spaces for 150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

In the heart of Wicker Park, The Violet Hour serves handmade drinks. The James Beard Award-winning bar program provides a seasonally rotating cocktail list as well as an extensive collection of approachable and sought-after spirits, all of which are rooted in pre-prohibition era libations. The Violet Hour's outer facade displays an ever-changing mural with a discrete single entryway, while the three interior salons shine under clusters of candlelit tables and a spacious marble bar, making it an iconic destination for cocktail connoisseurs. Gather the team for a virtual cocktail class led by our award-winning bartending crew. We'll break down each component and offer our best-kept secrets on how to prepare the ideal drink while highlighting the history and origins of a few featured cocktails. We'll provide everyone with a complete cocktail kit, as well as a private Zoom link for your party. Let The Violet Hour's James Beard Award-winning mixologists conjure up the perfect libation for you, from trademark and bottled drinks to mixology demonstrations. Drinks created specifically for your event and delivered to your door. Fresh juice, premium spirits, house syrups, and bitters are used in the cocktails. The Violet Hour is widely regarded as the birthplace of Chicago's craft cocktail movement, as well as a breeding ground for some of the world's best bartenders. Private and semi-private groups can hold cocktail-style gatherings in our curtain draped, candlelight salons, which feature cocktails from our award-winning selection. The inside is decorated in a pre-prohibition manner with three distinct salons and a marble bar that runs the length of the room. Cornflower-blue walls, white crown molding, crystal chandeliers, and hardwood floors give the area an elegant speakeasy ambiance, making it a one-of-a-kind event venue.