Top Oak Lawn Venues

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 60 Guests

Francesca's Fiore is an Italian restaurant in Forest Park, Illinois, specializing in wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas made daily, and desserts crafted in the on-site Fiore kitchen. The restaurant grew out of the culinary vision chef Scott Harris brought to his first trattoria in 1992, and the same philosophy guides every plate: thoughtful ingredients, honest cooking, and close attention to detail. The space reflects a casually sophisticated trattoria character suited to private gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and celebratory meals. Private events and catering are coordinated through Scott Harris Hospitality, which manages the full portfolio of the group's restaurant concepts.

• 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.

• Spaces for 100 Guests
• 1 Landmark
• 1 Historic Space
• 1 Mansion

Pleasant Home is considered one of the nation's earliest and most distinguished examples of Prairie School architecture, and it is operated as a living museum by the Pleasant Home Foundation. It is open to the public year-round and offers a year-round schedule of educational programs, community events and festivals, and cultural performances. The mansion, created by famed architect George W. Maher in 1897 for investment banker and philanthropist John W. Farson and his wife Mamie Ashworth Farson, is located on the grounds of the University of Chicago. Pleasant Home's architecture deviated from the usual Queen Anne and colonial revival designs that characterize the majority of the residences in Oak Park. Farson's home is distinguished by its simple massing, its large front porch, the smooth surfaces of Roman bricks and stone, and the employment of ornamental themes to harmonize the interior decorating and furnishings, all of which contribute to its status as a premier Prairie Schoolhouse. Featuring rich bespoke woodwork throughout the property, amazing art glass windows, a giant fireplace, complex woodcarvings, and tile work, the 30-room architectural marvel is a showcase of 19th-century workmanship and talent. Pleasant Home was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and it has been there ever since. It was included on the Illinois Historic Structures Survey the next year, in the same year. Pleasant Home was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 1996, and the Village of Oak Park designated it as one of the original Oak Park Landmarks in 1997. Oak Park's vast array of architectural and cultural treasures is the focus of The Pleasant Home Foundation's efforts to restore, preserve, and operate the home as a beloved local civic institution as well as a destination for visitors from around the world who come to enjoy Oak Park's vast array of architectural and cultural treasures.

• Spaces for 160 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom

Carleton of Oak Park events are known for their elegance, quality, and ambiance. Our event coordinators are glad to assist you in arranging your celebration, and we provide a personal touch to make each event special. We have a range of private spaces available as well as a varied banquet menu that is excellent for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and other family events. We offer a banquet hall with about 6,000 square feet of exquisite space. The Carleton is the preferred choice for social gatherings and weddings in Chicago and the western suburbs because of its gorgeous boutique hotel and perfect location. Weddings are our specialty, and we add a personal touch to each event to make it one-of-a-kind. We will attend to every minute detail to make your wedding absolutely unforgettable, and with our hotel's expert personnel, amazing service, and exceptional food, your wedding will be the talk of the town. We have the best in classic elegance and current style, whether your tastes are traditional or modern. You can use the Plaza Bar and Library as a pre-function area when you rent the Carleton's Ballroom for your big day. From the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner to the reception and post-wedding brunch, the Carleton is the ideal location for all of your wedding celebrations. To schedule a personal tour, please contact our Sales and Catering Office. The Carleton offers unique cuisine, stylish atmosphere, and a skilled staff for small private gatherings to major festivities. The Carleton offers over 6,000 square feet of banquet and event space, making it a great place for social gatherings, business meetings, and corporate retreats.

• Spaces for 50-400 Guests
• 4 Museums
• 1 Outdoor
• 4 Total Spaces

As one of the largest botanical conservatories in the nation this is a lush hideaway to escape to- or celebrate in. 10 acres of outdoor gardens sit here just waiting for you to take advantage of this lush wonderland. The fast paced streets of Chicago as well as your responsibilities melt away here, in this lovely escape that transports you away from city life. Have your next event here and work with their events people to create a getaway celebration unlike any other. Transport your guests somewhere else and dine and dance among nature that wows! It's exactly what you were looking for- now all you have to do it add your vision. Your next event will be unforgettable at the Garfield Conservatory.

• 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.

Authentic Latin American food and handcrafted margaritas have been served in a colorful and dynamic setting since we first opened our doors in 2007. We are a family-owned and run business, and our primary goal is to establish genuine connections with our customers. A combination of robust, unique tastes from Mexico as well as Central and South America are combined with recipes that have been passed down through centuries to create OUR CUISINE. Everything from ceviche to our version of nachos to fresh seafood and char-grilled meats may be found on the menu. Using fresh ingredients that change regularly, our chef offers a range of specialities for our guests. OUR BEVERAGE PROGRAM INCLUDES a comprehensive margarita selection, all of which are shaken and delivered tableside, as well as a range of inventive cocktails, as well as a small wine and beer list that changes seasonally and a full bar. With lush flora, brilliant colors, and shimmering string lights, there's no other location like our patio in the Chicago region to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Stop in for a bite to eat and plan to stay the night. It's time to start thinking about your spring and summer activities! Featuring two dining rooms and a bustling open bar, our layout is flexible enough to accommodate groups of any size. You may celebrate with your coworkers, family, or friends at Maya. The venue is the ideal setting for any occasion or function. We also provide catering for pick-up or delivery to destinations outside of our facility.

• Spaces for 280 Guests
• 1 Country Club

Cog Hill's crew looks forward to hosting your special occasion. Thousands of activities have taken place at our club since it first opened in 1927. We're really proud of our meals and the service we deliver to our customers. We are convinced that our employees make the difference. We recognize the trust and responsibility placed in us to manage your unique event. Your decision on where to hold your event is crucial. We guarantee that our team will remain focused on you and your requirements. We want and need your help to make this a memorable event for everyone. Cog Hill offers three dining rooms and a big "old world" clubhouse. Each chamber can work independently or can be joined together to form a larger space. The 30-foot ceiling in the Main Dining Room features large wood beams, leaded glass windows, and a burning stone fireplace. Wedding receptions and other outdoor activities can be held on the adjacent terrace. We're really proud of our meals and the service we deliver to our customers. We are certain that it is our people that create the difference. We recognize the trust and responsibility placed in us to manage your unique event. We hope the following information will assist you in making an informed decision about where to have your reception. Since our inception in 1927, we have performed thousands of weddings - one at a time! We maintain a laser-like concentration on you. There are no cookie-cutter weddings here — just one wedding, one couple, one menu, and one set of timetables! We want and need your help to make this a memorable event for everyone. Our "old world" clubhouse, with its huge timbers, 30-foot ceiling, leaded windows, and stone fireplace, serves as your stage. Up to 280 people can be accommodated. From the first meeting to the last dance, we try to make each wedding a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable event.

• Spaces for 275-410 Guests
• 1 Country Club

The Nineteenth Century Landmark Building is a great place to hold your next event. From weddings, galas, benefits, and cocktail receptions to corporate events, conferences, and meetings, the gorgeous historic structure offers a variety of alternatives for large and small gatherings. Two dining rooms and a lounge are available on our freshly refurbished and customized first level. The big south dining room, ideal for small to medium-sized events, provides the ideal setting for elegant parties and ceremonies, as well as corporate events, award banquets, and graduation parties. The north dining room, which is smaller, is ideal for small dinners and meetings. The stylish and comfortable furniture in our sophisticated lounge is ideal for cocktail parties, showers, and small gatherings. Our newly remodeled ballroom, which can accommodate over 275 guests, is ideal for weddings, banquets, receptions, fundraisers, ceremonies, and special events. Our large stage is ideal for bands and orchestras performing live music and events. Since its erection in 1928, the majestic Oak Park Landmark building of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association has served our communities. It was designed by architect James L. Fyfe, and it is listed as a "Contributing Resource within the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District" in a recent Village of Oak Park document. Our mission has been to promote study and charity since 1891. We encourage social responsibility by giving philanthropic work, financial support to community not-for-profit groups, and college scholarships to Oak Park-River Forest high school graduates as part of our commitment to our 21st-century community. Through vibrant, multicultural programs that include music, art, literature, science, and the social sciences, we foster lifelong learning.

• Spaces for 450-500 Guests
• 1 Event Space

Alpine Banquets is the ideal location for photographing those memorable moments. A gorgeous garden gazebo, as well as lush landscaping complemented by flowers and plants, provide scenic and excellent backdrops for your lasting memories. For an additional fee, ceremonies can be held in the gazebo area. Chair rentals can be rented or brought in for an extra fee. For a little price, ceremonies can also be held indoors. For more information, please contact us. Many individuals have hosted their festivities in the Ballroom, which is a wonderfully designed and attractive banquet venue. Elegant chandeliers, gleaming mirrors, a big hardwood dance floor, a high ceiling, rich brass, wood trims, and granite bars, as well as tables dressed and skirted as desired, all help you make the best option. Of course, Alpine Banquets has a separate bridal suite for each room, allowing you to have the solitude you desire during the day or evening of your celebration. Choose our warm and elegant Swiss Room with an outdoor gazebo view for smaller, more private occasions. Chandeliers, mirrors, a hardwood dance floor, and wood accents create a rich yet still inviting atmosphere. The Ballroom and the Swiss Room can be combined to hold a great event for up to 450 people. Throughout the wedding planning process, you will have the assistance of a wedding coordinator. They can help you with their knowledge and experience. Additionally, a wedding coordinator is always present at your event to ensure that everything is correctly set up and runs well. Alpine Banquets is noted for its superb cuisine, which includes a variety of plated and family-style selections. Our Chef can also create unique menus. On Sunday through Friday, outside catering is permitted.

Viaggo's in Chicago's West Loop area provides you and your guests personalized packages suited to your party size and dining preferences, whether you're planning a small gathering or a massive festa. Make a reservation for your group dining event or inquire about our catering services. We provide an attractive and delightful eating experience that draws people back time after time. Salads, soups, and sumptuous desserts round out our extensive menu of regional Italian pastas, meats, and fishes. Executive Chef Nicolas Biscaglio's signature adaptations of classic Italian meals are served alongside popular staples like Rigatoni with Braised Pork Gravy and Eggplant Parmesan. To provide a pleasantly memorable experience, we only use the best quality products! Our goal as a hospitality-driven establishment is to make every guest feel like family the moment they come through the door. At Viaggio, we welcome you to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself! Get to know the Chef... Chef Nicolas Biscaglio, who grew up in a large Italian household, recalls his early interest in the culinary arts. Nick learned a lot of his cooking skills while spending evenings in the kitchen with his grandmother in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Nick's passion in Italian cuisine was started by his grandmother, but he continued to deepen his knowledge and expertise on his own. He studied at Chicago's Cooking and Hospitality Institute. Nick worked as a line and lead chef for numerous restaurants in the Elmwood Park and Melrose Park communities while attending CHIC, where he learned the fundamentals of the culinary industry. Nick continued to advance in the restaurant industry after graduating in 2001, directing the kitchen at a number of prestigious restaurants for more than two decades. We are ecstatic to have Nicolas as our chef de cuisine at Viaggio in Chicago's West Loop. His upbeat attitude and innovative nature are credited with his accomplishment as a Chef. Nick continues to instill these qualities in his employees and excite customers with the foods he produces at Viaggio on a regular basis.

Every day, we put forth the effort to serve ideas and our community with passion, vigor, and muscle. We are committed to ensuring that the Chicago-born spirit of creativity continues to pulse and thrive around the world. For the simple reason that there is always a solution, always a means to go forward. Great Central Brewing Company was founded in 2015 by two friends who are passionate about beer, like bringing their ideas to life, and want to make a positive contribution to the craft beer world. It was named after the Great Central Train Station, which was once the hub of our country's economy. We hope you like the beer! Trains circulated through Chicago like veins and arteries, linking people, places, and plans. Chicago was a city of veins and arteries. Makers from all over the world gathered to the Great Central Marketplace to trade their wares and ideas with one another. That is why we are known as Great Central Brewing Company; we want to pay tribute to this "great central" legacy via everything we make as a team. We create excellent, time-tested beers. We are not influenced by fashion and believe in what is always wonderful. This time-honored technique of brewing, in our opinion, promotes a traditional Chicago attitude: work hard, be kind to one another, and occasionally enjoy a drink with your neighbors.

• Spaces for 100-140 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

From corporate functions to rehearsal dinners or casual get togethers, Midwest Coast Brewing has you covered.

• 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.

Chef Sarah Grueneberg's restaurant, Monteverde, is located in Chicago's West Loop district and serves Italian cuisine that combines the traditions of Italian culture and cooking with inspirations from her travels around the world and her family's ancestry. Using global ingredients and cooking methods that are not typically found in the Italian kitchen, Monteverde offers a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine, highlighting some dishes that are deeply rooted in tradition while also introducing adventurous new flavors to the table through the use of traditional and innovative techniques. All of our ingredients are sourced from the greatest sources in the Midwest as well as Italy, and they all adhere to Grueneberg's passion for "following the food," which means ensuring that each component is raised to the highest possible standards. The Pastificio, located in the heart of the restaurant, is where our crew prepares fresh, hand-made pastas throughout the day in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures for our guests to enjoy. Monteverde is a place where flour is king.

• Spaces for 210-330 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Loft

Bottom Lounge, an 18,000-square-foot music venue and restaurant in Chicago's buzzing West Loop district, offers a variety of customizable event venues for every occasion. Bottom Lounge can accommodate a variety of events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions. In addition to having an in-house event planner as well as a fully-stocked bar, we are prepared to offer unique packages that will help you bring your specific idea to reality. Whether it's in the upper warehouse-loft area, on the rooftop terrace, or in the main music room, our diverse venues will create a lasting impression on your guests and colleagues. If you are looking for a convenient site that is easily accessible by vehicle or public transit, we can accommodate your needs. We also have comprehensive staging, lighting, and video capabilities. Allow our experts to assist you in planning birthday parties, wedding receptions, and family gatherings, as well as organising the ideal corporate party, wrap party, reunion, or live performance for you and your guests.

• Spaces for 320 Guests

Carriage Greens Country Club has been welcoming celebrations to its 114-acre grounds in Darien, Illinois since 1968. Family-owned and operated by the Broderick family, the club has hosted more than 1,500 weddings over its 38-plus years in the banquet business — bringing private-club amenities and service to events at an accessible price point. The venue's two ballrooms, the Grand Ballroom and the Exclusive Ballroom, accommodate gatherings from 50 to 350 guests and connect to oversized outdoor decks overlooking an 18-hole championship golf course. Both rooms have been newly redecorated and each event includes the use of two bridal suites. All-inclusive packages cover the room, linens, bar service, plated or family-style dinner, and gratuity, with no surprise costs at the end of the evening. The 114-acre property also provides a scenic backdrop for photography throughout the grounds.

• Spaces for 38 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

At Smyth + The Loyalist, we approach everything we do with warmth, vitality, and craftsmanship, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Our objective is to make your event a thoughtful, personalized experience from start to finish, whether you choose our private dining room or a buyout of Smyth or The Loyalist. Our private dining area, which is located on the lower floor, harmoniously integrates the personalities of the two restaurants to which it caters. With an exposed brick wall and distressed wood beams throughout, the area is reminiscent of a stylish yet homey urban loft. The old leather couch and forest-themed backdrop behind it provide warmth to the space, while the richly grained dark wood tables offer playfulness. With audio/visual capabilities, the tiny area is ideal for both celebrations and business events. The Loyalist Meets Smyth is a unique way to experience a private dinner that we have developed. This innovative family-style dining experience marries The Loyalist's French-inspired meals with Smyth's culinary vision to create an engaging, convivial evening of exceptional bites. The chefs carefully create each menu based on seasonality and frequently include delicacies not found at either restaurant. This one-of-a-kind, family-style experience may accommodate up to twenty people. The ocean's bounty is featured boldly and gently throughout the menu at Smyth, and innovation ebbs and flows from it. Our private dinner experience begins with a half-hour of canapés and beverages, followed by a ten-course seated tasting menu. A buyout of our light and airy main dining area can accommodate larger gatherings. This exclusive event will begin with a cocktail hour of passed canapés, followed by a seated tasting menu at our handcrafted wood tables.