big lunch downtown

Two dear friends of mine are finally marrying each other Saturday the 20th at the Cultural Center. They want to have the wedding party go out for lunch that day, probably around noon. It will be a crowd of approximately 30 people, from totally different walks of life, so avoiding foods that are strong, expensive, and weird is crucial. Another priority is keeping the distance from the Cultural Center to as much of a minimum as possible. Any suggestions or hints?

Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington Street
Chicago 60602

Wow Bao! That is what I had for lunch the afternoon before I got married at the Cultural Center. I actually had it delivered to me and my wedding party, but they have seating at the State & Lake location that could accommodate you.

The Gage is also a very short walk to the CC if you're looking for something a little nicer than asian buns and noodle salads.

Welcome, garcho! Tavern At The Park is practically across the street from the Cultural Center. It's a pretty place with a menu that's varied and traditional enough not to offend anyone's sensibilities. They also have private dining areas.
Ranging a couple of blocks away, you'll find Atwood Cafe, in the Burnham Hotel. It's a beautiful room with a wonderful American menu. There's a private mezzanine-level room, too.
Still within that couple-block range is South Water Kitchen in the Hotel Monaco. It's also a very attractive room with Southern-style American cooking.
I don't think you could go wrong with any of these choices. Let us know where you end up.

Part of the issue is how much you're looking to spend and what level of elegance you want. I would bet that either McCormick and Schmick's or Catch 35 could handle a party of that size on a Saturday. Both are easy walking distance from the Cultural Center and moderately priced. If you want to save a buck or two, you can nearly always pick up $100 worth of McCormick and Schmick gift cards at Costco for $79.95. If you want to spend a little more, you might be able to get a private room at the Morton's Steak House that is even closer to the Cultural Center. Also very close (and also with discount gift cards available at Costco) is Rosebud Prime if you'd like some Italian choices. I concur on Atwood Cafe and South Water Kitchen as well.

I don't think you'd go wrong with any of these choices, either .

The Gage is a no-brainer for diversity and proximity, maybe not for price (probably about $40-$50 per person). The Atwood Cafe is similarly priced and may be an equally good choice.

If you're looking for cheaper I suggest you consider Chinatown (5-10 minute cab ride South) or Quartino (about a 5-minute cab ride North).

The Tavern at the Park and Catch 35 are really for high-budget outings and will easily exceed $60/person.

Congrats to your friends! I have planned this EXACT event--cultural center wedding, on a Saturday, midday for 20+ people, including a very mixed crowd and small children--and the Gage was the winner and champion!!

They were fine letting us order off the menu, service was terrific, food there (if you haven't been) is wonderful with a wide range of offerings and they were only too happy to let us have an area to ourselves that was still in the main restaurant--if I recall, it was just past the bar and to the left-separated from the rest of the main floor but still part of that area. They also have a banquet space downstairs but we wanted to be in the main restaurant and they were very accommodating. They have an event coordinator that I worked with--can't remember her name now but they'll connect you to her if you call. The chef, Dirk Flanigan, is fairly well-known in town and I am definitely a fan. Feel free to PM me if you have additional questions.

The Gage Restaurant
http://www.thegagechicago.com
24 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603
T:312.372.4243
Jen

garcho wrote:Two dear friends of mine are finally marrying each other Saturday the 20th at the Cultural Center. They want to have the wedding party go out for lunch that day, probably around noon. It will be a crowd of approximately 30 people, from totally different walks of life, so unfortunately, avoiding foods that are strong, expensive, and weird is crucial. Another priority is keeping the distance from the Cultural Center to as much of a minimum as possible. Any suggestions or hints?

If deep-dish pizza works for you, Pizano's on Madison is a block south, and Giordano's in Prudential Plaza is a block north.

Aria, in the Fairmont, a couple blocks away, specializes in various Asian foods but also has a lot of mainstream American food on the menu.

Millers pub at 134 S Wabash seems to fit your needs well.

Cost would likely end up near 20 per person all in and the cuisine is far from challenging for the more mundane palates in your group.

They would also likely be able to
accommodate your party in a reserved section or single large table.


http://www.millerspub.com

Thank you all so much for being such quick responders, I love the LTHForum!. The bride and groom are still making up their minds so more suggestions are welcome if anyone has the time.