Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide - 2026
Unmatched private dining in Chicago
2025-12-29 10:24:48
From Michelin-star restaurants to neighborhood favorites, you’ll find an amazing private dining experience for any size group in Chicago.
BIG GROUPS
Host a private dinner at Hawksmoor Chicago, an award-winning steakhouse located in River North’s landmark LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse building. The Beefsteak Stakes Room, featuring original brickwork and a spectacular gable ceiling of timber beams, can accommodate 100+ banquet style. Or buy out the entire restaurant for up to 385 seated guests.
The Japanese-inspired menu at Michelin-recommended Maxwells Trading highlights ingredients grown right on the building’s roof. Private dining room Maxwells Upstairs is a minimalist space with an outdoor patio and antique book library that can accommodate 72 seated guests or 100 reception style.
Invite up to 35 people for a semi-private reception at modern, Mediterranean Aba, known for its selection of flavorful mezze plates, kebabs, and spreads. Adjoining rusticchic event hall The Dalcy accommodates up to 600, with a greenery-filled rooftop patio that evokes seaside summers.
Bright and bold Carnivale is designed for celebrations. Seven private spaces plus a patio can accommodate anything from an intimate dinner to a fiesta for 500. Your guests will enjoy creative Latin fusion dishes and fresh-juice cocktails in vibrant surroundings.
Step back into 1950s Hollywood glam at BLVD Steakhouse, inspired by Sunset Boulevard’s Golden Age. Luxurious event spaces include The Atrium, an indoor-outdoor garden patio under an 11-foot pergola that can accommodate 100 people seated or 125 for a standing cocktail party. Add live chef’s stations to your event, such as classic caviar service.
With four Chicago locations and five Michelin Bib Gourmand nods, MingHin Cuisine is a local favorite for contemporary Cantonese and dim sum. Elegant party rooms can accommodate up to 200 guests, and select locations have charming streetside patios for dumplings alfresco.
There are six private dining spaces at expansive gastropub River Roast that can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, but the riverside patio is the real showstopper. Enjoy slow-roasted prime rib or cider-brined pork loin right along the Chicago River, with stunning views of the city.
The family-owned Berghoff Restaurant has been a Chicago icon since 1898. Host your event in the Century Room under historic stained-glass windows and hand-painted murals. Up to 200 guests can gather to enjoy traditional German cuisine and steins of craft beer.
Willis Tower restaurant Kindling honors hearth cooking under the leadership of James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer. Treat diners to marbled steaks and fresh seafood, plus food stations like a carving table. An expansive private terrace can welcome 200 for food and foosball.
La Josie brings Jalisco to Chicago, with Bib Gourmand-recognized tacos on handpressed corn tortillas and plenty of agave spirits. Choose the minimal-meetsglam first floor for up to 150 guests, or the rooftop patio with a retractable canopy and tropical greenery for 50.
SMALL GROUPS
Modern Italian steakhouse Gibsons Italia specializes in global steaks and goldextruded pastas (the key to a perfect sauce cling). Reserve The Rooftop, a stunning deck enclosed in glass for panoramic views of the skyline that seats up to 60 for dinner.
Tender brisket, gouda mac ‘n’ cheese, and sweet banana pudding make for a delicious BBQ feast at Lexington Betty Smokehouse. Or let awardwinning chef Dominique Leach create a custom menu for your group of up to 50.
At wine bar Nia, roasted chicken and lemon-thyme sea bass will transport your guests to the shores of the Mediterranean. Groups as small as 10 people can gather in the wine cellar or on the streetside terrace under shady umbrellas.
Enjoy global flavors at Michelin Bib Gourmand Girl & the Goat, the flagship restaurant of Top Chef season four winner Stephanie Izard. Up to 26 people can enjoy savory goat empanadas in the cozy, candlelit Underground Goat private dining room that exudes a wine cellar ambiance. Or plan for a summertime dinner on the patio strung with cafe lights.
The two stunning private dining rooms at lively American brasserie The Smith sport gleaming tile floors and soaring wood ceilings, each accommodating up to 50 guests. Outside, a sidewalk patio is perfect for breezy nights over negronis and bourbon sours.
James Beard Award-winning chef Erick Williams helms Virtue Restaurant & Bar, a Michelin Bib Gourmand hot spot for heritage Southern eats in Hyde Park. Book the sidewalk patio for smaller groups on warm nights or buy out the entire dining room for up to 80 people.
Welcoming eatery Daisies is a popular Michelin Bib Gourmand destination in Logan Square. Treat your guests to lunchtime sandwiches or handmade gnocchi for dinner in the private dining room that seats up to 38.
The curated menu of seasonal dishes at neighborhood hub Bronzeville Winery highlights local farms and woman/ minority-owned vineyards. Host a private dinner in the art-filled dining room or on the greenery-lined patio. They can even suggest a music lineup.
Choose from six venues at elegant steakhouse The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, housed in a revitalized 1905 fire station.
Downstairs, The Blue Room offers secret speakeasy vibes for an intimate dinner of 16, while The Patio rests under lush shade trees. Upstairs, The Veranda boasts South Loop views and seated dinners for up to 40 guests.
Michelin-starred Sepia specializes in creative seasonal fare featuring local artisan farmers, including homemade pastas and chutneys. A stylish private dining room welcomes up to 60 seated guests, while smaller groups can dine on the sidewalk patio.
Part-modern gastropub, part-1950s-inspired sports bar, The VIG pays homage to mid-century athleticism. A semi-private dining area seats 30 for refined takes on casual eats like lobster deviled eggs and steak sandwiches. It’s the perfect spot for a viewing party.
Sunda New Asian’s private and semi-private spaces can seat groups as small as 24 for platters inspired by culinary traditions across Southeast Asia. Add a sushirolling class or plan a Filipino Kamayan feast — adobo pork belly, lumpia, and more served on banana leaves.
Big and bold, The Whale is a scene-stealing tribute to Vegas’ Rat Pack era of casinos. Large glass windows open onto a sidewalk patio for an indoor-outdoor lounge experience for smaller groups. Sicilian crab cakes and creative cocktails are a sure hit.
Discover Chicago’s Michelin Guide winners.
CHICAGO GIFT IDEAS
Delight attendees with a made-in-Chicago memento.
Individual cheesecakes from Schweet The Original Homemade Chicago Cheesecake are inspired by a family recipe.
Show your company pride with personalized clothing, stickers, and drinkware from TeeMart Decorated Apparel.
Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company sources specialty grade Kenyan beans from sustainable small-scale farms.
Customize colorful cupcakes and sugar cookies from Sugar Bliss with an edible logo.
Monogrammed leather luggage tags and padfolios from Laudi Vidni are both beautiful and practical.
Gift boxes from Packed With Purpose are filled with goodies from purpose-driven companies.
Handcrafted fudge and classic chocolates by Kilwins have been a Midwestern favorite since 1947.
Customize your tin of fresh-popped goodness from Garrett Popcorn Shops with sweet or savory flavors.
Justice of the Pies’ decadent desserts range from traditional Key lime to original salted caramel-peach.
Chicago is the proud home of the James Beard Awards. Check out our local winners.
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