Top Chicago Opening Party Restaurants
358 results near Chicago, IL
Find a Venue
Choosing your opening party venue will be one of the most important steps in the planning process. So much goes into finding the perfect restaurant in Chicago. You’ll want to consider everything from the aesthetics of the space to any in-house amenities and services. Luckily, PartySlate makes it easy with our Find Venues page. Use the filters to narrow your search — taking into account everything from your guest count to specific catering preferences. Once you’ve set your filters, scroll down to search our curated list. Look for the “featured” tag for PartySlate’s top recommendations. With PartySlate, finding your ideal Chicago restaurant has never been easier.
Results
- featured
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA- Spaces for 40-1,100 Guests
- 3 Restaurants
- 13 Museums
- 14 Total Spaces
Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s major museums, housing an extraordinary collection of objects from across places, cultures, and time. We are also a place of active learning for all—dedicated to investigation, innovation, education, and dialogue—continually aspiring to greater public service and civic engagement. From gardens to galleries, Gilded Age glamour to modern minimalism, the Art Institute of Chicago has several exceptional spaces that can accommodate a variety of special occasions. Whether you’re hosting an elegant seated dinner, the wedding of your dreams, or a theater meeting, the museum has the perfect venue to suit your needs. With the help of our professional planning experts, you can create an event that your guests won’t soon forget.
$12,000 minPricing Details AvailableAvg response time 1-2 days - featured

DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field
1012 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA- Spaces for 50-2,000 Guests
- 3 Restaurants
- 3 Bars
- 3 Total Spaces
DRAFTKINGS SPORTS BAR AT WRIGLEY FIELD Adjacent to historic Wrigley Field, DraftKings Sports Bar is Chicago’s premier destination for sports, dining, and private events. Watch every play on a custom-built 2,000-square-foot HD LED display with state-of-the-art 4-Zone Directional Sound and over 300 seats offering perfect views from every angle. Perfect for group gatherings, bachelor parties, and corporate events, the venue offers flexible spaces, customizable food and beverage packages, and a lively, upscale atmosphere—just steps from the iconic Friendly Confines. DK DENS Located on the second floor, the DK Dens are perfect for happy hours, cocktail parties, business receptions, fantasy draft parties, and bachelor celebrations. Each semi-private den features dedicated audio and two TVs—allowing guests to catch up to eight games at once. With seating for 25 per den or 50 when combined, guests can enjoy a dedicated bar, flexible food stations, and an elevated setting overlooking the action. Features: Two TVs per den | View up to 8 games Seating for 25 per den | 50 when combined Dedicated bar | Flexible food stations SECOND FLOOR MEZZANINE BUYOUT With direct views of the massive 2,000-square-foot HD LED display, the Second Floor Mezzanine delivers the ultimate viewing and social experience. This dynamic space includes access to both DK Dens, stadium-style seating, and four spacious booths—perfect for mingling and hosting groups large or small. Features: Direct HD LED display view Access to DK Dens Seating for 100 | Standing for 175 Dedicated bar | Flexible food stations FULL VENUE BUYOUT For large-scale celebrations, corporate events, or private parties, a full venue buyout offers exclusive access to the entire DraftKings Sportsbook. Treat your guests to an unforgettable experience complete with 300+ seats, custom menus, and the energy of Wrigleyville’s most exciting destination. Features: Exclusive use of venue | Custom F&B packages 300+ seats | 2,000-sq-ft HD LED
Pricing Details Available - featured

TacoRio Cantina
435 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, USA- Spaces for 200-250 Guests
- 1 Restaurant
- 1 Bar
- 1 space at this venue
Located along the Chicago Riverwalk, TacoRio Cantina offers a vibrant waterfront destination for dining, private events, corporate gatherings, and social celebrations. The restaurant combines modern Mexican cuisine, handcrafted margaritas, and lively hospitality with scenic views of the Chicago River and downtown skyline. Its inviting indoor and outdoor spaces create a versatile setting for everything from intimate cocktail receptions and client entertainment to large celebrations and full-venue buyouts. With customizable food and beverage options, a prime downtown location, and an energetic atmosphere, TacoRio Cantina delivers a memorable Chicago experience for entertaining guests, colleagues, clients, and friends. Whether hosting a relaxed happy hour or an elevated private event, guests can enjoy exceptional food, refreshing cocktails, and an unforgettable Riverwalk setting.
Est. $75/guestPricing Details AvailableAvg response time 2-4 hrs - featured

Gallagher Way
3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA- Spaces for 20-3,000 Guests
- 6 Restaurants
- 1 Hotel
- 9 Total Spaces
Gallagher Way is an entertainment destination, welcoming you to historic Wrigley Field. Yet, we're so much more than your Wrigley Field gameday experience. We’re a hub for people to eat, shop, play and stay. Come experience chef-driven restaurants, farmers markets, movie nights, yoga on the grass, music, ice-skating, winter market and more. Gallagher Way is a multi-venue district that offers beautiful open-air and indoor spaces for hosting any type of event. The 30,000 sq.ft. plaza and customizable green space is a great location for cocktail parties, networking events, weddings, concerts and other outdoor events. The amazing portfolio of chef-driven restaurants surrounding the plaza has all of the building blocks to plan the perfect multi-day event without having to leave the bustling district! An experience for all seasons and a diverse mix of people, all in one place. When you arrive at Gallagher Way, you’re at the heart of it all.
- featured

David Rubenstein Forum
1201 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA- Spaces for 6-1,200 Guests
- 3 Restaurants
- 1 Bar
- 12 Total Spaces
Discover the epitome of elegance and versatility at the David Rubenstein Forum, nestled within the vibrant University of Chicago campus. Our stunning venue is perfect for a variety of events, from corporate meetings to dream weddings. With its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of Hyde Park and state-of-the-art audiovisual support available throughout ten floors, your event experience will be enhanced in every way. Choose from versatile spaces like the expansive 600+ seat University Room or intimate sections designed for memorable receptions. Enjoy exceptional seasonal cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Marco Bahena in our Dining Room or BARDAVID while surrounded by inspiring biophilic design elements such as the serene Bosque Garden and surrounding landscape that invite nature indoors. Whether you're planning a conference, festival, or personal celebration, the David Rubenstein Forum provides an unparalleled backdrop that fosters connection and creativity among all guests.
Est. $159/guestAvg response time 12-24 hrs - featured

Experience 868
868 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA- Spaces for 8-250 Guests
- 3 Restaurants
- 2 Bars
- 5 Total Spaces
Where style meets versatility in the heart of Chicago. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, our venue is designed for unforgettable occasions. We combine timeless architecture with flawless service to ensure every detail of your day is handled with expertise. Explore our distinctive spaces and consider a private Wine Cellar Experience for an elevated rehearsal dinner or a unique cocktail hour. This is where your perfect event becomes a personal, memorable, and effortlessly exceptional reality.
Avg response time 2-4 hrs 
Chop Shop
2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA- Spaces for 50-450 Guests
- 2 Restaurants
- 1 Outdoor
- 1 Event Space
Chop Shop Chicago is a venue with 6,000 square feet of hybrid event space located in the heart of Wicker Park and Bucktown in Chicago. Fully staffed with a personal production team, the space at Chop Shop Chicago hosts an array of offbeat events. Designed by event professionals, for event professionals, this distinctly modern urban event space is fully customizable. Chop Shop Chicago features 20 foot ceilings, exposed brick, modular staging, a modern guest suite, and built-in amenities including a state-of-the-art audio and visual package. Chop Shop Chicago serves to accommodate corporate, social, and entertainment planners in the marketing, art, film, music, sports, performance, fashion, culinary, and philanthropic communities for both private and in-house programmed events.
$500 min
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Chicago
1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA- Spaces for 14-300 Guests
- 8 Restaurants
- 4 Bars
- 8 Event Spaces
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors 29 years ago, in May of 1989. The classic American steakhouse is the first and only in the country to be awarded its own USDA Prime Certification. USDA Gibsons Prime Angus Beef is featured along with fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Gibsons offers exceptional private dining spaces that are ideal for events of all types and sizes. Their knowledgeable and creative staff work with clients individually to create completely unique experiences. For private dining and catering events alike, clients will experience an unmatched quality of service and cuisine from the iconic Gibsons Restaurant Group.
Est. $372/guest
The Alston
750 N State St 3rd floor, Chicago, IL 60654, USA- Spaces for 10-700 Guests
- 5 Restaurants
- 5 Bars
- 5 Total Spaces
Set in Chicago’s Gold Coast, The Alston blends Midwestern warmth with a distinctly French influence. At the heart of the experience is Michelin-starred chef Jenner Tomaska, whose cuisine draws from French nouvelle technique and the primal allure of open-fire cooking. Wood-grilled, dry-aged steaks anchor the menu, complemented by classic expressions reimagined with precision. The Alston offers a collection of distinctive spaces, each with its own point of view. The Members Club and Terrace invite a seamless indoor–outdoor flow, where skyline views meet a soft, lounge-like elegance. For more intimate gatherings, Le Cave offers a moody, cellar-inspired setting—anchored by an impressive 500+ bottle wine collection—while The Gilded Room delivers a more luminous, design-forward backdrop for private dining. Full-venue buyouts transform the entire space into an immersive, multi-room experience, ideal for weddings, brand activations, and elevated celebrations
Est. $125/guest
RPM Steak
66 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA- Spaces for 18-300 Guests
- 1 Restaurant
- 4 Event Spaces
RPM Steak offers private dining for any size group, whether a small affair in a private dining room or a large celebration throughout the entire restaurant space. The private dining rooms are located in the stunning upper-level mezzanine, which provides a panoramic view of the restaurant below while still providing an intimate atmosphere. The Parties & Special Events team is available to help guests create their own personalized private dining experience, paying attention to every detail from menu selection and design to wine pairings and floral arrangements.
$1,000 min
TAO Chicago
632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA- Spaces for 11-1,700 Guests
- 8 Restaurants
- 1 Event Space
Host your next Special Event at TAO Chicago in the most dramatic venue in River North. Corporate, Holiday, Birthdays, Bachelorette, and all other celebrations welcome. We can accommodate groups of all sizes from 10 to 1,700. Guests will enter the 7,000 square-foot TAO Chicago Nightclub and event space after passing through a 100-year-old, massive Chinese gate and down a lantern-lit exterior alley. There are two venues within this space separated by an operable wall that allows then to be combines from a two-room to one room venue. The rear club features 40-foot-tall ceilings, original soaring windows, a 20-foot tall Hush mural, a 10-foot tall custom-made Japanese prayer bell from which an oversized disco ball descends, and a series of restored arches from one end of the club to the other. The front club is more intimate and centers around a DJ booth enclosed with a metal cage adorned with mirrors and Asian-inspired filigree. Glowing and mirrored lotus pendants float above the dance floor while two bars service the space. Special Features: - 30-foot wide digital LED wall - Dynamic two level space - 20-foot tall Hush mural with 3D graphics - Professional sound system and event lighting - 3 full-service bars on main floor - Special event amenities: cold spark blasts, aerialists, photo booths, confetti canons, cryo fog, laser lights, and more! - Opera-style semi-private Skyboxes dining rooms with open balcony and soaring views over the dining room. - Exclusive Quan Yin rooms with views of a live koi pond and our Quan Yin statue that comes to life with 3D animation - Full-service Ink Bar and Emperors Lounge with intimate nooks for smaller parties. - Stunning murals by globally renowned artist Hush throughout the venue Host your next Special Event at TAO Chicago in the most dramatic venue in River North. Corporate, Holiday, Birthdays, Bachelorette and all other celebrations welcome.
Est. $115/guestNo minimumAvg response time 6-12 hrs
The Talbott Hotel
20 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, USA- Spaces for 10-100 Guests
- 1 Restaurant
- 1 Bar
- 4 Total Spaces
The Talbott’s next chapter is right around the corner with a brand new look, seamlessly blending the classic and the contemporary, an elevated take on Gold Coast style. 178 well-appointed guest rooms & suites feature luxurious amenities that make any stay a memorable experience. Signature restaurant LAUREL serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine and signature cocktails, with daily brunch until 3 p.m. With sweeping city views and beautiful public & private gathering spaces, The Talbott welcomes guests to an inviting atmosphere designed to inspire and immerse in the culture of the city. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and just steps from iconic Michigan Avenue, The Talbott offers an intimate experience & personalized service, featuring 178 spacious guestrooms & suites and 1,800 sq ft of private space. Our three intimate event spaces are perfect for hosting your next board meeting, corporate dinner, or social gathering. NEWLY RENOVATED RESTAURANT LAUREL, the Gold Coast's newest dining experience, is a New American restaurant serving elevated classics inspired by Mediterranean cuisines. Blending European and American styles in an approachable, yet elegant setting, experience a unique vision of hospitality and service with an upscale spirit. Featuring a seasonally guided menu, curated wine list and craft cocktails, discerning diners enjoy a community gathering place in the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood with an inviting outdoor patio and lively dining room. Elegant with a touch of grandeur, experience our rich flavor of Old World origins as it collides with a modern, New American feel. Our restaurant includes lovely outdoor patio space on tree-lined Delaware Street, available for private events as well.
$1,000 minPricing Details AvailableAvg response time 1-2 hrs
Park Hyatt Chicago
800 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA- Spaces for 10-250 Guests
- 1 Restaurant
- 2 Bars
- 9 Total Spaces
Experience understated elegance and award-winning cuisine at Park Hyatt Chicago. Our centrally located hotel offers chic and sophisticated wedding venues in Chicago paired with the talents of our culinary team to ensure an unforgettable gastronomic experience and an evening to remember. Our wedding specialist will help orchestrate your special occasion into a modern day fairytale or an intimate gathering of friends and family. Set in the fashionable heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, our hotel features 5,000 sq. ft. of beautiful event space, sumptuous catering and impeccable service. Park Hyatt Chicago features museum-quality works of art, sophisticated yet inviting decor, award-winning dining, prime Magnificent Mile setting and a personal service team dedicated to ensuring a remarkable stay, making us the preferred hotel in downtown Chicago for discerning travelers. Create memories to last a lifetime in our elegant Grand Salon, sophisticated Art Gallery or NoMI private dining spaces with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the historic Water Tower Square. At Park Hyatt Chicago, you will experience the wedding of your dreams.
Est. $391/guestAvg response time 6-12 hrs
The Kimpton Gray Hotel
122 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA- Spaces for 16-350 Guests
- 3 Restaurants
- 2 Bars
- 9 Total Spaces
The Kimpton Gray Hotel is a premier destination for meetings, weddings, and private events in the heart of downtown Chicago. Designed with both elegance and functionality in mind, this historic yet modern hotel offers an unforgettable setting for gatherings of all kinds. Take any meeting or event to the next level with thoughtfully curated spaces located on the 2nd, 14th, and 15th floors. These venues are nothing short of inspiring, filled with natural light, soaring ceilings, picture windows, and sweeping views of the iconic Chicago skyline. Altogether, the hotel boasts 13,000 square feet of flexible event space, suitable for everything from intimate boardroom sessions to full-scale galas and cocktail receptions. Whether you're hosting a corporate retreat, a product launch, or a milestone celebration, the Kimpton Gray’s experienced and creative event team will work with you every step of the way to tailor each detail to your vision. Customizable room layouts, state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, and elevated catering options ensure a seamless and sophisticated experience for you and your guests. The hotel’s refined aesthetic, marrying classic architecture with contemporary design, provides a stunning backdrop for photographs and memories alike. No matter the occasion, the stylish sophistication of our unique Chicago event space will leave you inspired and eager to plan your next unforgettable event at The Kimpton Gray Hotel.
Est. $205/guestPricing Details Available
Nobu Chicago
155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA- Spaces for 16-250 Guests
- 5 Restaurants
- 3 Bars
- 5 Total Spaces
Nobu Chicago offers our guests renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's signature dishes, sushi, cooked dishes and unparalleled service. The venue features a beautiful restaurant space in addition to the private dining rooms on the mezzanine level, allowing guests to experience the energy of the restaurant while enjoying privacy. At the Rooftop lounge, the guests can indulge in handcrafted cocktails and Nobu-inspired bites while enjoying the sweeping view of the Chicago skyline. Nobu Hotel Chicago offers a ballroom with stunning city views, and can host up to 100 guests for a reception. The Nobu team will create a one of a kind event for you, whether it’s a private celebration or a business occasion. Whether it’s a special celebratory event or a business meeting, we make sure you enjoy memorable experiences around exceptional cuisine.
Est. $232/guestPricing Details AvailableAvg response time 12-24 hrs
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila West Loop
912 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA- Spaces for 75-150 Guests
- 1 Restaurant
"REDEFINING THE TAQUERIA" Founded in South Beach in 2014 by Menin Hospitality’s Keith Menin and Jared Galbut, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is South Florida’s iconic brand offering an array of Mexican street food along with a unique night-life experience serving up award-winning tequila and cocktails. The Mexican-inspired concept features an extensive menu showcasing authentic Mexican favorites along with unconventional and innovative interpretations. Since its inception, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has been nationally recognized and revered as one of the region’s hottest culinary and night-life destinations. Known to be the first to introduce fast-casual Mexican fare to South Beach, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has received several accolades from top media outlets such as GQ Magazine, InStyle Magazine and HuffPost, among others. The brand currently has a total of six locations, including two ‘taqueria-only’ concepts in Aventura (2021) and Miami’s iconic FTX Arena (2020), along with four full-service ‘taqueria y tequila’ concepts in South Beach (2015), Fort Lauderdale (2020), West Palm Beach (2022), and Coconut Grove (2022). Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is currently undergoing an expansion and gearing up to welcome several new outposts nationwide including Chicago, Nashville and additional locations in South Florida.
Est. $65/guestPricing Details AvailableAvg response time 4-6 hrs
The Bellevue Chicago
1031 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA- Spaces for 120-150 Guests
- 1 Restaurant
Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, The Bellevue is all about the finer things in life. An elevated restaurant and bustling first floor bar and patio offer a menu of timeless classics and fresh takes, this is the place for sophisticated socializing.

Sushi San Lincoln Park
1950 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA- Spaces for 16-120 Guests
- 2 Restaurants
- 1 Bar
- 4 Total Spaces
Sushi-san Lincoln Park features a menu from Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan and serves one of the largest sake by-the-glass lists in the Windy City. The Lincoln Park location offers private event spaces on the lower level, a large dining room lined with banquets, and a dedicated bar area, complete with floor to ceiling glass windows that open up to an intimate patio on Halsted Street. Sushi-san has two other locations located in River North and Willis Tower.
Est. $60/guest$750 minPricing Details AvailableAvg response time 1-2 days
Bar La Rue
820 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA- Spaces for 75-200 Guests
- 2 Restaurants
- 1 Bar
- 3 Total Spaces
Bar La Rue brings Parisian-inspired charm and contemporary style to Chicago’s lively Fulton Market neighborhood. The French-American restaurant and cocktail bar features elegant interiors, plush booth seating, an expansive indoor-outdoor bar, and a greenery-adorned pergola designed for year-round gatherings. Ideal for corporate celebrations, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, cocktail receptions, and private dining experiences, the venue accommodates up to 200 guests for exclusive events. Its semi-private Trellis Bar provides an additional option for smaller gatherings. With creative French-American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and thoughtfully designed surroundings, Bar La Rue creates a distinctive setting for celebrations in Chicago.

Travelle at The Langham
330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA- Spaces for 18 Guests
- 1 Restaurant
- 3 Event Spaces
Whether for family and friends gatherings or business functions, sometimes the occasion calls for something a little more special. Indulge in a wide selection of culinary creations, spirits and beverages to accompany your private event at Travelle. Situated on the second floor of the luxurious Langham hotel in an iconic skyscraper designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe that once housed IBM regional headquarters, Travelle at The Langham is located along the Chicago River in the heart of downtown Chicago. A play on the word travel, Travelle at The Langham is a casually elegant restaurant, lounge and bar featuring Chef Jeff Vucko’s Seasonal American cuisine. Dishes feature ingredients sourced from around the country, utilizing Chef Vucko’s connection with some of the finest farms, ranches and orchards in the nation. Alongside a carefully curated 1600-bottle wine list, Travelle at The Langham boasts a beverage program that highlights skillfully-crafted classic cocktails. Influenced by the romance of the digital age, architect/designer David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group creates a modern environment that conveys history, sophistication and nostalgia into the 124-seat restaurant and 81-seat bar and lounge that overlook the Chicago skyline and river.
$1,000 minAvg response time 1-2 hrs
