Top Chicago Opening Party Restaurants

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• 

  Gajin

  950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

  • Spaces for 70-100 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant is Chicago’s first okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima and Osaka styles of the savory Japanese pancake. A self-described gaijin, or “outsider” in Japanese, Virant playfully embraces this perspective and honors traditional preparations and techniques, as well as his well-known passion for pickling and preserving. Designed to deliver a lively and interactive culinary experience, the 60-seat space is anchored by a custom 12-foot griddle and chef’s counter and offers individual Hiroshima teppan griddles for table service. The dessert menu features kakigori, a shaved ice dessert, along with mochi donuts and other Japanese-inspired treats. The bar program showcases highballs and a focused selection of beer – including a Moody Tongue-Gaijin collaboration house lager, sake, Japanese whisky, and wine. We can’t wait to see you at Gaijin!

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  Vie

  Western Springs, IL, USA

  • Spaces for 65-100 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  Restaurant Vie, the flagship restaurant of Chef Paul Virant, pays homage to his heritage of cooking seasonally, sourcing locally, and applying ancient ways of preservation to produce a unique dining experience that makes a long-lasting effect on guests. The constantly changing prix fixe menu of modern Midwestern cuisine provides visitors with a unique opportunity to taste seasonal flavors and ingredients year-round, regardless of the season. At Vie, everything is created in-house, from the fresh breads to the charcuterie to the pickles and preserves, and everything is delicious. Residents and visitors alike will appreciate the warm and polished service provided in a charming, modern setting unlike any other in the neighborhood. The hotel boasts a timeless bar, an intimate lounge space, two magnificent dining rooms, and a pastoral terrace with lighting. Vie opened its doors in 2004 as the first restaurant in Western Springs to sell alcoholic beverages since the repeal of Prohibition. Vie, which is just a few feet from from the Western Springs Metra station, attracts food-conscious customers from all around Chicago and the surrounding area. We look forward to seeing you, whether it's your first or twentieth time here at the hotel.

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  Haymarket Pub & Brewery

  737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA

  • Spaces for 350-400 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant
  • 1 Bar
  • 1 Brewery

  Haymarket Pub & Brewery is a brewpub and event venue located at 737 W Randolph St in Chicago's Randolph Street corridor. The name pays tribute to Chicago's Haymarket Square — site of the 1886 Haymarket Affair, a labor demonstration that helped establish the eight-hour workday and inspired May Day observances around the world. That history informs the brewery's identity as a place for working people of all kinds, a welcoming spot to gather after a long day. The venue's private event space, The Haymarket Tavern, accommodates semi-private gatherings of up to 40 guests in a reserved section of the back bar and dining room, or full buyouts for groups of 100 or more — with complete venue buyouts available for up to 350 guests. The space comes equipped with two pool tables, two dart boards, seven flat-screen TVs, a 100-inch HD projector screen, and a full sound system. Haymarket's kitchen offers buffet packages, à la carte banquet options, and beverage packages, with food and beverage minimums that vary by date and season.

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  Outside Voices

  3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA

  • Spaces for 50-100 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  Outside Voices, from the same people who brought you Scofflaw, Slippery Slope, The Heavy Feather, and The Moonlighter, is an eclectic Logan Square wine bar. Outside Voices is a welcoming indoor space with elegant woodwork by Threefold, modern elements, and Nate Otto's humorous paintings. A big private terrace adjoins the facility, which will open in the spring. A dynamic and complimentary charcuterie and snack program complements an ever-changing carousel of entertaining, low-intervention wines. Outside Voices is located on Armitage between Scofflaw and The Moonlighter. The bar, which is run by beverage manager Davis Sayer, avoids the pretension that frequently comes with wine. It hits you within 15 seconds of approaching the bar to examine the menu. Rather than putting the onus on the drinker to choose a style, the daily-changing menu of whites, reds, rosés, and orange wines, as well as bubbles, concentrates on the distinct flavors and textures found in each of the 20 or so wines available. If you say you're in the mood for a white, bartenders will use a similar strategy, calling out key descriptors from one or two wines—crisp, tastes like lemon peel—if you say you're in the mood for a white.

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  Caffe Oliva

  550 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

  • 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.

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  FitzGerald’s Nightclub

  6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402, USA

  • 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.

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  Bottom Lounge

  1375 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

  • 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.

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  Hampton Social Burr Ridge

  Burr Ridge, IL, USA

  • Spaces for 15-100 Guests
  • 4 Restaurants

  Life is better at The Hampton Social. At our coastal-inspired restaurant hotspot, enjoy a playful, modern escape worth celebrating. The Hampton Social is the perfect spot to sip a drink and relax, inspired by long summer days spent on the beach. The perfect social atmosphere is created by our "Rosé All Day" lifestyle, coastal-inspired cuisine, and hand-crafted beverages. The Hampton Social - Burr Ridge is the ideal spot for a drink and a good time during the summer. The Burr Ridge Village Center is located in the middle of the village, with easy access from Burr Ridge Parkway. The Hampton Social features a vibrant bar, main dining room, and huge private dining spaces, as well as our distinctive "Rosé All Day" Lounge. We're known for our exciting dining experiences that include outstanding coastal-inspired food, beverages, and live music in a beautifully designed setting. ROOM MONTAUK This semi-private area is nestled away from the crowd to give your gathering a more intimate atmosphere. This room has floor-to-ceiling windows that are entirely open. It perfectly evokes the feel of The Hamptons with lighthouse murals and a foliage wall. A private bartender, activity stations, and two 55" TVs for display complete the fully adjustable setup. THE LIVING ROOM Our semi-private area features couches, hammocks, and a neon sign that reads "Rosé All Day." This location is ideal for happy hours, birthday celebrations, and business events. AREA FOR COCKTAILS This cocktail room is versatile, with various possibilities for space and size, and is ideal for small or large-scale events. It's lovely, it's entertaining, and it's highly adaptable to fulfill all of your requirements.

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  Ranalli's

  1925 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

  • Spaces for 215-400 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  For groups of 15 to 385 people, Ranalli's offers private and semi-private spaces for events. A large sidewalk patio and a private rear room with a full bar are just a few of the amenities available for your occasion. Are you looking for a private area to host a larger gathering? Inquire about purchasing the entire venue! BACK ROOM The private Back Room can seat up to 50 people seated or 65 people standing for a cocktail-style gathering. A full private bar, high top banquette seating, flexible low top seating options, 8 TVs, private A/V options, private toilets, and a full wall of windows looking out onto our courtyard are all available in this space. KING'S TABLE The King's Table has seating for up to 12 people or cocktail space for up to 15. It has two tap handles with your choice of draft beers and five TVs. For gatherings of up to 25, adjacent table space along the windows can be added on. MAIN BAR Our Main Bar has a full private bar, a mix of scattered bar height tables and low seating, 12 TVs, and private facilities that can accommodate up to 125 guests for a cocktail-style gathering. PATIO Our outside terrace can seat groups of 12 to 170 people. It's the ideal outdoor location to host your next celebration, with heaters, shade umbrellas, flower boxes, lights, and a pergola! For the best of all worlds, inquire about adding a few reserved outdoor tables in conjunction with an interior space.

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  Midwest Coast Brewing Company

  2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

  • Spaces for 100-140 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

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

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  Sparrow

  12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA

  • Spaces for 20-35 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  The refinement of the Gold Coast district is reflected in this Art Deco apartment complex and its lobby bar. After 75 years, we've brushed it off and reopened it to the public as The Sparrow, the original establishment. Originally intended as a nightcap or late-night rendezvous spot for residents, the bartenders here have been privy to private conversations, thereby becoming the building's concierge. Yes, a sparrow is a sociable, attractive, and intelligent bird. But a real persona of the tenants who nested above, outgoing yet quiet, entrenched in their vocation and art, always considering the next move, despite not moving much. We accept everyone and don't feel the need to show off. Logistics: - All visitors must be at least 21 years old. - The location is wheelchair accessible. - There is no available outside space. - Parking is available on the street. - Decorations are permitted if negotiated at the time of booking. - A fully stocked bar Buyouts and smaller pieces with a minimum party size of 10 are available. - A contract, a 25% payment, and a pre-authorized credit card are required for buyouts and section reservations. - Deposits are not refundable unless the event is less than 30 days away. We have the right to refuse refunds after 30 days. - The final payment is payable at the conclusion of the event. - There is no food, plates, or silverware accessible on-site. - For the spread, we can supply tables. - When mentioned during the booking process, guests are welcome to bring their own food or catering. - Cakes and other related goods have limited storage space.

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  Elephant & Castle Pub And Restaurant Wabash

  185 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

  • Spaces for 17-60 Guests
  • 2 Restaurants
  • 2 Bars
  • 1 Outdoor

  Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant on Wabash Avenue brings the warmth of a classic British pub to the heart of downtown Chicago, just steps from the Chicago Theatre and within easy reach of the Riverwalk and Millennium Park. The exposed brick walls, ornate woodwork, and framed Britannia-inspired artwork set a convivial tone that works as naturally for a corporate lunch as it does for a birthday celebration or a group watching the match. The venue offers two dedicated event spaces. The Bass Room, located on the lower level, is a fully private banquet room with its own satellite bar, full A/V capabilities including screens, projectors, and microphones, and flexible setup options — banquet, cocktail, U-shape, or theatre — for up to 35 seated or 55 standing guests. For smaller casual gatherings, the semi-private Bar Area accommodates up to 17 seated or 30 standing, with access to the outdoor patio. Full restaurant buyouts are also available for larger social and corporate events. Menus range from buffet packages designed for group sharing to custom platters, plated dinners, and bar packages.

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  The Drake Oak Brook

  2301 York Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA

  • Spaces for 13-660 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant
  • 6 Hotels
  • 6 Total Spaces

  The surrounding of beautiful architecture mixes well with the classic furnishing at The Drake Oak Brook. The lavish environment at The Drake Oak Brook is also accompanied with exquisite food/catering. The surrounding of beautiful architecture mixes well with the classic furnishing. When you book your next event at The Drake Oak Brook, you will work with our incredibly experienced staff that are available to help plan your next business meeting, Bar or Bat mitzvah, or convention. Multiple event spaces and ballrooms make it easy for The Drake Oak Brook to accommodate parties of all sizes. All of the indoor spaces have huge windows to allow natural sunlight to light up the room. If you're looking to host a more lively event at The Drake Oak Brook, there is a dance floor at the hotel that can be lit up with personalization, uplighting, projection lighting, or a logo. The Drake Oak Brook also has outdoor private event spaces that are available depending on the season for all types of private events. Choose The Drake Oak Brook for your next private event, and you will be impressed by the convenient location, beautiful surroundings, and incredible service you receive.

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  Francesca's on 95th

  6248 95th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA

  • Spaces for 75-100 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  Francesca's on 95th is an Italian trattoria in Oak Lawn, Illinois, part of the Scott Harris Hospitality family of restaurants. Opened in 2009, the restaurant draws on the rustic, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio — bringing the warmth of an authentic neighborhood trattoria to the South Suburbs. The restaurant hosts private and semi-private events for groups of up to 75 guests, with service styles ranging from family-style and plated dinners to appetizer receptions. In-house catering is available for both on-site and off-site events, and the team works directly with hosts to coordinate menus and room configurations.

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  Vistro

  Hinsdale, IL, USA

  • Spaces for 30-90 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  Vistro Prime is a local steakhouse located in the heart of downtown Hinsdale, Illinois. On the menu you will find conventional steakhouse dishes as well as Vistro staples, all served in a friendly, casually classy setting. Classic cocktails, as well as a well curated variety of wines and beers, are the highlights of the bar program at the hotel. After closing our doors in March 2021, Vistro will return as Vistro Prime, a local steakhouse by Chef Paul Virant that will be located right here in downtown Hinsdale! The menu includes classic steakhouse fare such as steaks, chops, and seafood, as well as the unique Vistro dishes that you've come to know and love over the years. Classic cocktails, as well as a well curated variety of wines and beers, are the highlights of the bar program at the hotel. We are looking forward to having you as a guest! Thank you for thinking of Vistro Prime for your special event. We would be honored to host you and your guests and are excited to customize a memorable experience for you!

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  Mia Francesca

  3311 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

  • Spaces for 26-80 Guests
  • 3 Restaurants

  Mia Francesca is an Italian trattoria in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood, where the concept was born in 1992 when chef Scott Harris opened the original location with a vision for bold, rustic cooking rooted in the cuisine of Rome and the surrounding regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The restaurant was among the first in Chicago to offer a casually sophisticated trattoria atmosphere — simple, flavorful food served with genuine warmth at fair prices. The setting reflects that philosophy throughout: a convivial dining room that has long been a Lake View staple, alongside a collection of private and semi-private spaces suited to gatherings of different sizes. The Coach House, tucked behind the main restaurant, seats up to 30 guests in a more intimate setting. Upstairs, the Milan Ovest and Milan Est rooms can host parties of 50 and 26 respectively, with the option to combine them for larger groups. Events accommodate service in family-style, plated, or appetizer reception formats — well suited to rehearsal dinners, milestone celebrations, and corporate gatherings alike.

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  Francesca's Vicinato - Palos Park

  12960 South La Grange Road, Palos Park, IL 60464, USA

  • Spaces for 40-100 Guests
  • 2 Restaurants

  Francesca's Vicinato brings the flavors of an authentic Italian trattoria to Palos Park, drawing from the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The restaurant sits near the Orland Park Shopping District and carries the warm hospitality and casually sophisticated atmosphere that defines the Francesca's family of restaurants. For private events and celebrations, the restaurant accommodates groups from 10 to 200 guests across two dedicated event spaces — the Allegro and the Barolo — each available in private or semi-private configurations. Service styles include family style, plated dinners, and appetizer receptions, with in-house catering menus tailored for occasions ranging from shower luncheons and rehearsal dinners to wedding dinners and corporate gatherings.

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  Francesca's on Chestnut

  200 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

  • 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).

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  The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile

  166 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

  • Spaces for 70-120 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant
  • 1 Bar
  • 4 Total Spaces

  The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile offers flexible event spaces for your next celebration in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue along the iconic Magnificent Mile, this centrally located hotel provides a convenient setting for hosting guests while enjoying easy access to the city's renowned dining, shopping, and attractions. Whether planning a business meeting, networking reception, milestone celebration, or weekend gathering, The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile combines a prime downtown location with comfortable accommodations to create a seamless event experience in one of Chicago's most sought-after neighborhoods.

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  Coopers Hawk

  Burr Ridge, IL, USA

  • Spaces for 45 Guests
  • 1 Restaurant

  Cooper's Hawk can help you make your event one to remember. Guests will be greeted with the warmth and elegance of the wine industry in our private event venues. Our one-of-a-kind restaurant is ideal for showcasing wine and culinary pairings like no other. Our unique style of hospitality: anticipatory, knowledgeable, and kind, only adds to the magnificent surroundings and memorable cuisine options. We think that food and wine have the power to create lifelong bonds, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling life. We cordially invite you to join us for an evening of wonderful moments centered on cuisine, wine, and camaraderie. Cheers! We know that outstanding wines start in the vineyard at Cooper's Hawk. Our winemaker and his crew scour the globe for the greatest grapes, and when they find them – whether in Chile, France, California, or Washington – they collaborate with the grower to begin producing our wine. To develop the greatest wine possible, our winemaker nurtures each wine according to its specific demands. Our collection has won hundreds of national and international prizes as a result of this philosophy. CASUAL DINING IN THE MODERN STYLE Cooper's Hawk has developed a modern, informal eating experience in an engaging upmarket environment, complete with friendly hospitality. Our culinary team has created a modern American menu filled with international flavors. Each dish is prepared fresh in our scratch kitchen using peak-of-season ingredients and labeled with a bin number to help you find the ideal wine match for your dish. ARTISANAL MARKET & NAPA-STYLE TASTING ROOM Our Tasting Rooms celebrate Napa Valley's rich culture by allowing visitors to broaden their palates and deepen their wine journey. Guests may enjoy the Cooper's Hawk lifestyle at home with high-end decanters, wine accessories, and gifts, as well as our own gourmet food line.

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