Top Western Springs Venues

• Spaces for 100-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Every event you have with us is precious to us, and we are honored to be a part of bringing your next event to life as your silent partner in planning. Many people have committed some of their most treasured and meaningful moments to Parkers' Restaurant & Bar over the years. Our crew will make your event unique, whether it's a casual happy hour, an essential business luncheon, a Christmas party, or wedding-related events. The unique relationship between Parkers’ and the American farmer and fisherman means that every ingredient tells a story. We call it gourmet comfort at Parkers'; we provide delectable meals in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. You'll find the most enticing assortment of globally influenced food cooked with ingredients sourced from fresh American sources when you visit us for lunch or dinner. Parkers' is a full-service restaurant and bar that serves lunch, supper, and private gatherings. It is Zagat rated and has won Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence three times. Parkers' is located on Highland Avenue at 31st Street, just south of I-88 in Downers Grove, a western suburb of Chicago, in a renovated New England-style freestanding building. The environment is easygoing and sophisticated, with a mosaic tiled open kitchen adjacent to a big 150-seat dining area. The intimate 50-seat bar and cocktail lounge with a stunning wood vaulted ceiling and nighttime live piano entertainment. We would be delighted to have you join us for your next event. Reach out today to coordinate with us! We look forward to hearing from you.

• Spaces for 130 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Our food shines like a polished brew kettle at Emmett's. Steaks, sandwiches, pastas, seafood, appetizers, and weekly specials are among our skillfully prepared American classics. Because beer enhances the pleasure of a meal, our chefs and brewers collaborate to bring taste to the table. It's happiness you can taste, whether it's finding the ideal beer pairing or incorporating beer into our delectable steak marinades and soups. The Founder's Room, located in lovely downtown Downers Grove, offers private dining space for up to 90 guests. The room can easily be divided into two smaller spaces, each holding up to 40 people. Andy Burns, Emmett's creator and founder, first became interested in the craft beer market while attending Marquette University. Andy worked as a carpenter's assistant in the heart of Milwaukee (Brew City) during the summers. He and his boss, Jim, would unload their work truck and crack open one of Jim's home brews after a long day's labor. Andy was smitten. He studied up and began brewing his own beer at home after visiting a local home brew business. Andy joined the Marine Corps after college and flew reconnaissance drones while his homebrew gear gathered dust. Andy saw the rise of craft beer while training on the west coast. He drank it down, amazed at the variety of beers and breweries along the coast. Craft beer was nearly non-existent back in Chicago, he realized. Andy spoke with craft brewery owners, sat in the front row at brewing seminars, and believed in his mission: to pioneer craft beer in the Chicagoland area. Andy and his team of brewers now produce world-class beer in Chicago's backyard. Locals brew for locals, neighbors help neighbors, and beer and food lovers meet just down the block to celebrate good times. Emmett's is now bottling its beer, so you can enjoy a six-pack of locally brewed beer at home.

• 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.

• Spaces for 200 Guests

It is with great pleasure that the Elmhurst Park District learns that you are considering Wilder Mansion for your special event. We are conveniently located just 18 miles from downtown Chicago, and our fully restored 1868 venue is the ideal location for your gathering or special occasion. Our staff will be happy to assist you with all of your arrangements. As of December 2008, Wilder Mansion has hosted a variety of events including weddings, receptions, corporate functions, meetings and conferences. It has also hosted rehearsal dinners, holiday parties and banquets as well as brunches. The possibilities are endless, and an exclusive list of pre-approved caterers is available to assist you in elevating your event to the next level of sophistication. Start planning your event or scheduling a visit as soon as possible. You can reach us by phone at (630) 993-8186 or by email. Wilder Park was established in 1921 on land that had previously been carefully tended and landscaped by some of Elmhurst's most prominent families before being purchased by the Park District in 1921. Wilder Park's development as a garden spot began in 1868, when Seth Wadhams purchased a treeless farm known as "Burnhams Lot" and built a home he named "White Birch." The park's development as a garden spot began in 1868. Prior to the Elmurst Park District purchasing the estate, the home had also belonged to the King and Wilder families, among others. More information can be found on the Wilder Mansion History page.

• Spaces for 80 Guests

Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse brings an authentic churrascaria experience to the greater Chicago area, operating out of Downers Grove, Illinois. Founded in 2008, the restaurant is built around the Southern Brazilian tradition of rodízio service — skilled gauchos carve USDA Prime meats tableside from large skewers, rotating through the dining room and offering unlimited servings at a set price. The name translates to "Gaucho's Flame," a nod to the open-flame technique at the heart of the cooking style. For private events, Chama Gaúcha Chicago accommodates groups ranging from 20 to 400 guests across its private dining rooms, which can be configured for corporate dinners, rehearsal dinners, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, quinceañeras, and holiday gatherings. The in-house events team handles menu customization and coordinates the full tableside churrasco service for each booking, including the signature gourmet salad bar featuring more than 30 fresh options.

• 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 30-80 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Francesca's Amici is an Italian trattoria set in vibrant downtown Elmhurst, Illinois, drawing on the flavors of Rome and the surrounding regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. Since opening in July 1999, the restaurant has built a following around its rustic, casually sophisticated atmosphere — where the warmth of Italian hospitality and the chatter of guests around the table set the tone for every meal and gathering. For private events, Francesca's Amici accommodates groups ranging from 10 to 180 guests across two dedicated event spaces. Room 1 seats up to 30 guests in a more intimate setting, while the North Room handles larger parties of up to 80 seated. Both spaces offer family-style, plated, and appetizer reception service options, with in-house catering and private event menus available for each.

• Spaces for 750 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

FitzGerald's is an incredible private event venue. With rich history, vintage charm, and scalability from 25 – 750 people, we offer a unique alternative with character and flexibility. Our collective decades of experience in event production come in handy as we support you through the planning process. From before the invitations to after the thank you cards, we got you. FitzGerald’s has been a place for gathering since it was built in the early 1900’s. Up to 1925, the frame building at 6615 W. Roosevelt was a roadhouse used as a hunting lodge and sporting team headquarters. As more buildings rose along Roosevelt Road, the property was home to several nightclubs, the best-known being The Hunt Club, which flourished through the 1950’s and early 60’s–acts included Turk Murphy, Bob Scobey and Lil Armstrong. After the Hunt Club closed, the space became the Deer Lodge, complete with pool tables and a fortune teller. The FitzGerald family bought the building in 1980, and since that time FitzGerald’s has gained a national reputation for excellent live music in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Along the way, the family purchased the buildings on either side of the club; the corner building now houses FitzGerald's Sidebar, a neighborhood cocktail lounge as well as a private event space. On March 5th 2020, Chicago entertainment veteran Will Duncan (Thalia Hall, Dusek’s/Punch House, MONEYGUN/Saint Lou’s) acquired the buildings and business from the FitzGerald’s family as they transitioned to retirement. The ownership transition achieved an uninterrupted experience for the many regular patrons, without closing for even one day. Will is keeping the name, preserving the legacy, and bringing fresh energy to this old roadhouse at 6611-6619 Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn.

• 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 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 16-30 Guests
• 2 Event Spaces

A welcoming atmosphere, a beautiful table setting, a unique menu featuring world-class wines, and a dedicated team giving pleasant, proactive service. That is the mark of outstanding private dining, and you can expect it at The Capital Grille. Whether it's a little gathering, a spectacular banquet, or a crucial business meeting, your event will be as straightforward as it is memorable. WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER YOU A personal event planner. Menus that can be customized. Advice on wine pairings. Most restaurants offer complimentary valet parking. A full range of media technology is available. And there's a lot more we'd love to go over with you. The warmth of mahogany, the comfort of leather, and the gleam of brass accents may be found in every private dining room. All of them provide an intimate setting that makes special occasions, well, special. Almost any sort and size of personal or commercial event can be accommodated in our elegantly designed private rooms. THE WINE ROOM This area, which is surrounded by an elegant backdrop of dark mahogany and wine cellars, is the ideal location for any occasion. It features cutting-edge audio and visual technologies, making it a great location for a business gathering. Up to 30 people can be accommodated. THE BOARD ROOM The ideal, intimate environment in downtown Chicago for catering to customers or unwinding in elegance and full seclusion with family and friends. Up to ten people can be accommodated. THE STATE ROOM This charming space is ideal for small business meetings or quiet festivities. Our servers will be entirely respectful of your privacy while also meeting all of your requirements. Up to 16 people can be accommodated.

• 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 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.

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 500 Guests

Hawthorne Race Course has served as Chicago's hometown track since 1891, making it the oldest sporting venue in Illinois. The fourth-generation family-owned facility sits in Stickney, just outside Chicago, and holds a distinction no other track in the country can claim: it is the only race course that hosts both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing under the same roof. The main venue accommodates group events alongside live racing on Thursdays and Sundays, offering guests the backdrop of an active track with multiple large-screen viewing areas and food and beverage service throughout. For groups, the combination of live racing atmosphere and on-site dining creates an experience that goes well beyond a typical event space. A network of off-track betting bars and multiple sportsbook locations round out the broader Hawthorne footprint across Chicagoland, but the Stickney track remains the heart of the operation — a working venue with more than 130 years of racing history still running.