Budget-ish dinner for 60 people downtown/West Loop?

I have been racking my brain trying to think of places for my rehearsal dinner, but I have pretty specific needs. I've looked through a lot of the postings here about rehearsal dinners or eating out with big groups, but haven't found quite what I'm looking for. We will have about 60 people and want to stay in the Greektown, West Loop area. Right downtown in the Loop would be okay, too. BUT... a lot of our out of town guests may not be too excited about Greek food, so that's out. PLUS... our budget is probably about $25 per person. We would be up for any kind of spot that isn't too adventurous (and this, unfortunately means what counts as adventurous to a typical meat and potatoes kind of person, i.e., most ethnic food), casual would be fine. Any help would be MUCH appreciated!

Maybe Wishbone?

Does the food have to be good?

If not, Wishbone can probably meet the needs, but the food is just okay at best (they used to be good but once Oprah plugged them I just don't think they had to care anymore given their proximity to Harpo Studios).

That said, you can try Petterino's in the Loop, although I don't know what they can do but it is classic American Food & they do make their own chocolate pudding ( I don't even like chocolate and I eat it ;D).

If you are willing to go just a smidge south of Greektown I think Tufano's could work. Other people adore it and I've done an event there (family style) where there was plenty of food for that price earlier this year.

If you are willing to go a bit further south then I would strongly suggest Moon Palace for a nice setting and accessible Chinese-American.

PM me if you want more.

Thanks for the ideas. Wishbone could work, but of course it would be better if the food is good Tufano's might be a great choice.

A friend had their rehearsal dinner at de cero in the west loop and had a great time, I think. Obviously quite casual, and it can be very (very) loud, but a fun option.

There are also a lot of Italian places that have bigger spaces and could probably accommodate and wouldn't be too adventurous. Vivo for more hip/contemporary (though definitely not my top choice for Italian in the neighborhood). La Luce would be a fun, sort of old-school Chicago spot for out of towners and they have a big party area.

There's a beautiful and quiet room (carpeted and upholstered) at Prairie Fire that holds 65-70. From past experience, I think they could meet your budgetary requirements but since I don't know the specifics, I'm not entirely sure. The best plan would be to call them and ask.

Prairie Fire
215 N Clinton Street
Chicago, IL 60661
312 382-8300

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Disclaimer: I have a miniscule financial interest in this restaurant

ronnie_suburban wrote:There's a beautiful and quiet room (carpeted and upholstered) at Prairie Fire that holds 65-70. From past experience, I think they could meet your budgetary requirements but since I don't know the specifics, I'm not entirely sure. The best plan would be to call them and ask.

Prairie Fire
215 N Clinton Street
Chicago, IL 60661
312 382-8300

=R=

Disclaimer: I have a miniscule financial interest in this restaurant

This is our go-to spot Laura. They are fantastic. The room is great. If they can do it it's the best all around IMO.

I'm going this saturday to The Parthenon in greek town for a rehersal dinner. I will let you know how it is.

Thanks everyone! I would love to do Prairie Fire if they could fit our budget. I will check into it. De Cero would be a fun choice. It's really more of a welcome dinner for out of town guests, so a little loud would be okay. Do you remember about how many people were at dinner? Is there a private room for groups?

Carnivale also comes to mind.

Pucca wrote:Carnivale also comes to mind.

This place has been a favorite of mine as well and I've posted about it many times. My only concern with it would be that chef Mark Mendez left at the end of August (he's still working toward opening his own place) and I haven't been in since he left. I have no reason to doubt that the food isn't as good as ever but I cannot say that with certainty, since I haven't been in. One meal there would probably answer the question, though and they certainly have the space!

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Carnivale
702 W Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60661
312 850-5005

I'm not sure how many people they had at de cero. I had a little party there for 20 once in the side room (not really a separate party space but separate from the main room, which is a lot louder) and had a good time.

Carnivale is also a very logical option with tons of private space.

Sawtooth at the end of Randolph would also be a great, great option as they have private dining space (on another floor -- double plus), would fit with the budget, has a festive feel, and is still really accessible cuisine wise.