Lisa Shames 2021-12-11 06:22:40
From hip Logan Square and colorful Chinatown to dynamic Lincoln Park, Chicago’s neighborhood restaurants offer diverse private dining options. WEST LOOP Once Chicago’s industrial meatpacking district, the West Loop is now packed full of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants, including chic Mediterranean- and California-inspired Aba. Its private event hall, The Dalcy, features a rustic-elegant setting and a plant-filled rooftop patio, with food ranging from hot and cold mezze to grilled kebabs for up to 300 seated guests. CHINATOWN South of the Loop lies Chicago’s bustling Chinatown, home to charming restaurants, markets, shops, and ornate landmarks. Located in Chinatown Square, Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized MingHin Cuisine has earned plenty of loyal fans for its dim sum, hot pots, and extensive seafood selection, all of which up to 200 seated guests can experience in their private dining rooms. HYDE PARK Home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, the picturesque University of Chicago campus, and the Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park is a cultural gem. Michelin Bib Gourmand-recipient Virtue Restaurant & Bar has become a beloved landmark here, thanks to chef Erick Williams’ soulful Southern creations and welcoming ambiance. Available for private events with up to 70 seated guests. BRIDGEPORT Chef Kevin Hickey has worked at glitzy restaurants around the world. But at The Duck Inn he’s created the laidback dining venue of his dreams in Bridgeport, the neighborhood where he was born. Housed in a pre-Prohibition era tavern, the restaurant offers events for a maximum of 75 seated guests, including in its lush garden. WRIGLEYVILLE Big Star, from a James Beard Award-winning restaurant group, lets down its hair with tacos, whiskey, and beer in an atmosphere that encourages guests to get in on the fun too. Its Wrigleyville location ups the festive factor with the Chicago Cubs baseball stadium just across the street. The second-floor, semi-private event spaces offer views of historic Wrigley Field for up to 100 seated guests. PILSEN Pilsen offers vibrant street art, historic architecture, hip galleries, and family-owned restaurants, many of which reflect the surrounding Mexican community. Michelin Bib Gourmand winner HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen fits right in with its charming decor, husband-and-wife owners, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Host private dinners for 30 seated guests at their next-door cafe, Cà Phê Dá-Dang Good Wings. LOGAN SQUARE Andros Taverna is known for its sophisticated Mediterranean food that’s inspired by cosmopolitan Greek taverns. The hip-yet-playful interior design is perfect for its location in Logan Square, one of the city’s buzziest neighborhoods, filled with quirky coffee shops and popular bars. Up to 115 seated guests can be accommodated for a private event, with up to 45 on the patio. LINCOLN PARK Long before Chicagoans became hip to Spanish cuisine, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! was educating diners on the deliciousness of jamon, paella, and patatas bravas. Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, close to the trendy boutiques and historic homes that the area is known, this beloved Spanish restaurant accommodates up to 160 seated guests in its six private and semi-private rooms. UPTOWN Back in the Roaring ‘20s, Uptown was Chicago’s nightlife hot spot with lively venues such as the Aragon Ballroom and Green Mill, both of which still draw in music lovers today. Nearby is Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, considered by many to serve the best Ethiopian cuisine in the city. Demera can accommodate private group dinners. SOUTH LOOP At the South Loop’s Moody Tongue, a culinary-trained brewmaster has partnered with an award-winning chef for delicious results, earning two Michelin stars for The Dining Room. Thoughtful, flavor-forward beers are paired with equally creative dishes at this brewery featuring a mid-century modern aesthetic that’s walking distance from McCormick Place. Three venues are available for seated private events of up to 160 people, including the casual Brewery Floor and The Bar. From Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place to the Prairie Avenue Historic District, the South Loop offers plenty of things to see and do. In the heart of McCormick Square is Il Culaccino, which features traditional and modern Italian favorites ranging from baked clams to house-made gnocchi. Private parties can opt for the intimate year-round patio or main dining area, accommodating up to 250 seated guests. CHICAGO GIFT IDEAS Bring a piece of Chicago home with these unique souvenirs. BASKETWORKS Award-winning, women-owned Basketworks has been creating built-to-order gift baskets filled with unique items since 1997. CREPES Á LATTE Connect even when you’re apart with Crepes á Latte’s Better Together boxes, which can be customized to match your brand message. LAUDI VIDNI Individual spelled backwards, Laudi Vidni specializes in exquisite custom-made bags in a variety of shapes and styles. PACKED WITH PURPOSE Specializing in thoughtfully curated gift boxes that will impress and inspire, Packed With Purpose aims to transform lives. BROWN SUGAR BAKERY Local favorite Brown Sugar Bakery creates gourmet desserts and handmade chocolates that will make anyone’s day a little sweeter. THE SILVER ROOM A Chicago institution for more than 20 years, Black-owned boutique The Silver Room features local jewelry, artwork, and home goods. GARRETT POPCORN SHOPS It’s impossible to resist the salty-sweet taste of the handcrafted popcorn from Chicago’s iconic Garrett Popcorn Shops. Check out Chicago’s Michelin guide winners.
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