2019 Corporate Holiday Guide

As we ease into fall, Chicago-area party venues are in full holiday spirit, working with event planners and organizations looking to get a jump on booking year-end celebrations.

Chicago's robust hospitality industry offers myriad options for venues, food and beverages that will all add up to your perfect holiday party. Here are more than 20 stellar examples ready to work with you.

DineAmic Restaurant Group

[email protected] / 312-878-7719

~Their Places Or Yours~
With concepts, sizes and locations in River North, the Loop and West Loop, DineAmic Hospitality has options for every Chicago-area host or guest. Restaurants Siena Tavern, Prime & Provisions, Barrio, Bar Siena, Public House and the newly opened Bandit all have private and semi-private event spaces. Its stand-alone event space, Builders BLDG, can accommodate up to 800 guests on two levels just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk. And for hosts in need of a catering company, look no further than DineAmic Catering. "Clients can curate a personalized and inventive menu as well as combine food and beverage from any of our venues—yes, even Chef Fabio Viviani's famous meatballs," says Teri Dasse, associate event director.

Fogo de Chao

[email protected] /312-932-9330

~Grilling It Up~
For an authentic churrasco experience, Fogo de Chao (River North, Rosemont, Naperville), offers fire-roasted cuts carved tableside by Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs. Guests can also explore spreads of seasonal salads and soups, exotic vegetables, imported cheeses, smoked salmon and cured meats, as well as traditional Brazilian side dishes. Rated by Zagat as one of the top restaurants in the U.S., and a recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Fogo de Chao features an international vibe, with multiple languages spoken. Both semi-private and private dining options—including full buyouts—are available. A single-point-of-contact manager at each location helps plan meetings, parties and special events.
 

4 Star Restaurant Group

[email protected] / 312-952-6120

~Nine Neighborhoods~
4 Star Restaurant Group is known for its nine Chicagoland restaurants that serve as neighborhood gathering spots and infuse a modern take on classic American dishes. For groups seeking a downtown location, Remington's—a classic American grill with an elevated and sophisticated ambience—is across the street from Millennium Park. The Windsor is located on the Gold Coast, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Other Four Star offerings include Crosby's Kitchen, DOC Wine Bar (Lombard), Ella Elli, Frasca, Smoke Daddy (Wicker Park and Wrigleyville) and Tuco and Blondie. Private dining rooms as well as full buyouts are available, according to Mallory McSweeney, senior sales manager. "The restaurants are fully and festively decorated for the holiday season, and have private dining menus with something for practically everyone," she says, adding that menus can be adapted to accommodate practically any dietary preference, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.

The Kitchen

[email protected] / 312-836-1300

~History on the River~
Partygoers can sample a taste of Chicago history at The Kitchen, an American bistro on the main floor of the landmark Reid Murdoch building in River North. With expansive views of the Chicago River, Riverwalk and skyline, the restaurant's design merges 1900-era details with modern elements. From cocktail receptions to family-style dinners to fully plated events, "guests describe us as a AG亚洲国际游戏home away from AG亚洲国际游戏home dining experience where they can enjoy great food, drinks and company," says Megan Harris, executive general manager. The culinary team sources local ingredients whenever possible, and the menu changes seasonally. The bar can accommodate casual cocktail parties, private dining is available for groups as large as 40, and a full buyout has capacity for 250 guests.

Museum of Science and Industry

773-753-2583

~Think About January~
With its popular Christmas Around the World exhibit featuring 50 decorated trees, artificial "snow" and holiday music, the Museum of Science and Industry is an in-demand location for holiday parties. But if finding a December date for an end-of-year gathering seems problematic, consider delaying it to January, suggests Christie Springer, event sales manager. "Guests are less scheduled and more relaxed then, and we have more leeway to be creative." In turn, the MSI is offering customized incentives to groups that book January events. "There's no need to spend money on entertainment or décor when booking an event at the Museum, since it's already here," Springer says."Check out our newest exhibit, 'Wired to Wear,' which showcases how wearable technology is transforming our clothes to enhance our lives."

Tortoise Supper Club

[email protected] / 312-720-1208

~Classic Chicago Reimagined~
For a unique venue that's classically Chicago, don't miss the Tortoise Supper Club in River North. In addition to seasonal cocktails, food and décor, you'll find art and artifacts from the Windy City's earlier times. Examples include mahogany from the original Pump Room, ballot boxes from the 1920s, prints of Chicago landscapes circa 1880s, and caricatures of noteworthy individuals from the city's past. Two private rooms are available for groups of five to 250. "One of our private dining rooms, appropriately called the Red Room, has its own library with vintage books, a fireplace and red lacquered walls, making it an especially great setting for a holiday event," says lifelong Chicagoan Keene Addington, who owns Tortoise Supper Club with his wife, Megan.

WhirlyBall

[email protected] / 773-486-7777

~Eat, Drink, Game On!~
For a fun experience that guests will remember for years to come, consider WhirlyBall, a team sport played in bumper cars that combines elements of lacrosse, hockey and basketball. There are three Chicagoland locations (Bucktown, Naperville, Vernon Hills). Bucktown is also the world's largest, with 50,000 square feet, three WhirlyBall courts, a multi-level laser tag arena, 12 bowling lanes, a rooftop terrace with a Chicago skyline view, and free parking. Four all-inclusive food/beverage/activity packages—appropriately named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen—are available with minimums as low as 15 attendees. "It's everything you need to make holiday party planning easy," says Adam Elias, vice president of strategic planning. "We get a lot of repeat business from groups that are still talking about their WhirlyBall event from years past."

WoodWind

[email protected] / 312-283-4270

~Opening Mid-October~
New this holiday season is WoodWind, a (literally) elevated restaurant and bar scheduled to open mid-October in Streeterville. It's the most recent concept from Craveable Hospitality Group, with private dining room options featuring spectacular cityscape views, compliments of its 18th floor location. The vibe is described as casual and comfortable, with plenty of space to accommodate larger groups and experiential events. Chef Matt O'Neill's lunch and dinner menus will be focused on "elegant yet simple dishes." "With customizable menus and a knowledgeable staff, we'll be here to accommodate your next event," says Margaret O'Donnell, vice president of special events.