Drinks and Desserts in NW or West burbs?

Hi All,

I'm Kim and I've been lurking here for over a year and a half, never posted. My account says I registered today, but that's because I could not recall my old user name for the life of me.

I've been tasked with planning a Bachelorette party for this weekend, and am at a loss. The bride is not a "party" girl and does not want the typical drunken, embarassing soiree that so many of these events turn into.

What she does want:
A nice meal, but nothing exotic
A few good drinks (mixed, she's not a big wine drinker)
A place to dance
A memorable dessert

We've suggested several city places to her (Chocloate at the Pen, Hot Chocolate), but she's leaning towards keeping the party in the burbs.

I've thought that downtown Naperville might fit the bill, but seeing that she grew up in Wheaton, that's just the same old thing to her.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Kim

Does the dancing have to be in the same place at the restaurant? I would think that would limit the choices considerably.

If you want to stay in the western burbs, Greek Islands (Lombard) and Reza's (Oak Brook) could both fit the bill. Nice atmosphere, plenty of parking, options for meat eaters/non meat eaters, full bar, moderate prices, used to working with groups, etc. But they don't have dancing....

If you let us know more about what geographic areas everyone is coming from and what cuisines would be OK for your group (as well as the dancing question), that might help get more suggestions.

http://www.rezasrestaurant.com/

http://www.greekislands.net/about/about.html

Have fun!!

grits wrote:
If you let us know more about what geographic areas everyone is coming from and what cuisines would be OK for your group (as well as the dancing question), that might help get more suggestions.

Thanks, Grits.

No, the dancing does NOT have to be at the same location. We are willing to move about.

Most of the group resides in the suburbs between Schaumburg and Naperville. So, we are looking at a pretty big area.

As for cuisine, I can't speak for all the invitees, but I know the bride loves Mexican, Italian and modern American cuisine.

Thanks again!
Kim

I'm striking out on Mexican or Italian in west/NW suburbs. I think there is a Tuscany across from Oak Brook mall but IIRC that is pretty pricy.

Here's a post that talks a little about Emilio's, including the one in Hillside.

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p= ... 3382f9b02a

http://www.emiliostapas.com/hillside.htm

Of course there is always Meson Sabika in Naperville.
http://www.mesonsabika.com/

If you want to drive to the NW outskirts of the city for Italian, you could try Sabatino's.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=3719

Finally, Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook mall is a nice "girlfriends" restaurant. A good friend of mine loves that restaurant and we go there whenever she is in town and we always enjoy it. It's very cute inside, the food is good, and it would appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

http://www.monamigabi.com/

I've thought that downtown Naperville might fit the bill, but seeing that she grew up in Wheaton, that's just the same old thing to her.

How long has it been since she's been in downtown Wheaton? If it's been a few years, you could check out La Rioja (of Emilio's Tapas heritage, in the same space). If I came back and found bands and not movies playing at the old Wheaton Theater and a bar at Front and Hale (Muldoons), I'd be pretty surprised.

And then maybe you could stop into the Popcorn Shop.

I reviewed this place in downtown Wheaton a few weeks ago, nice room, nice bar, nice view of downtown and I believe they have a roof top bar and dining. There was an Irish Pub directly across the street. Wheaton has changed quite a bit as well as Naperville, a number of good places in each town.

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=12759&highlight=

Kim3,

My sister recently had her bachelorette party in d'town Naperville. They started with a 'hands-on' cooking class and dinner at Sur La Table. Then they went next door to Hugo's for dessert.

I didn't ask for details, but I quite enjoyed the gifts my fiance bought me from the discounts they give after participating in the classes at SLT.

Flip

Grits, Thaks for the suggestions. I've been to Meson Sabika's sister operation in Bloomingdale, Tapas Valencia and loved it. I've also been to Sabatino's (my in-laws are regulars there) and agree it's worth the trip, but probably a little bit overpriced for the group I'm going out with.

Flip, I love the Sur La Table suggestion! Unfortuantely there are no classes on Saturday nights. However, you've given me a GREAT gift idea for my foodie mother-in-law's birthday!

Kim

I know you don't necessarily want Naperville but they do now have a Jilly's Bar that might be fun. Live music (don't think they dance) on the weekend.

For drinks in Schaumburg, I'd go to Entourage. I'd say the average drink is about $10-$12 so it's a bit more than your local bar but for the occasion it may be worth it.

On the weekends, there's ususally a DJ or live music with dancing. Drinks are upscale and good. They specialize in Martinis and have a few vodka's on tap. Though they have most all of the liquor brands and types you'll need.

You can also get some special drinks in hand-painted glass to take home for a keepsake.

I'm not much for the menu, but it looks like that it may not make a difference. I'm sure their desserts would be quite tasty as well.

John