40th Birthday Party Recs Needed

Hi Everyone. I am helping my brother-in-law plan a 40th birthday party for his wife who is turning 40 in September and I am in need of good places to hold the party for about 50 (no children). We want it to be a kind of dressy-casual event... hip and fun but not too over the top and not too crazily expensive. We are looking in these areas: Arlington Heights, Vernon Hills, Palatine, Libertyville and any areas near those places ( I am not very familiar with all the burbs). I know we have looked at Maggiano's, Biaggi's, Marlowe's, and Hackney's...any input on these would be good too.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Dear Fluffernutter (That's what we called them when I was a kid out east)-
I'll be the first to suggest Bob Chinn's to you.

http://www.bobchinns.com/

I've been going to Hackney's since I was a kid. I love it. But a few months ago I tried the Wheeling location ... my experience, not anywhere near up to the quality level of the two Glenview locations. They were messing with the classic onion loaf, and IIRC they were out of the signature dark rye to serve the burger on. It was a single visit, maybe an off night, but a datapoint for you, nonetheless.

This is great, because I too am helping my brother-in-law plan a 40th birthday experience for his wife, my husband's sister. Anyway, she has been to 3-4 birthday parties for other turning 40 friends this year and is looking for something a little different. The previous parties were pretty traditional. One thought was getting a room at the Randolph Street Wine Bar which is I hear is a really nice place, but the cost is a bit steep at $4000+. Hopefully though that would give you some idea of the kind of event they're looking for. I'm not much help as we are fairly recent California transplants living in the Western suburbs. They live in Chicago and her birthday is December 21st. This forum has been a big help in the past so all suggestions are appreciated!

My wife just threw my 40th suprise party at The Maple Tree in Blue Island but I think that's too far for you guys. Perhaps you can check out Ram Brewery on Milwaukee Ave.?

This may not be what you are looking for but a place called Pinstripes just opened in Glenview. Kind of an upscale bowling and bocce ball spot with Italian / American bistro food.

Not a restaurant type of affair, but it could be "hip and fun" for a 40th birthday party.

Pinstripes
1150 Willow Rd.
Northbrook 60062
847-480-2323

My wife threw me a surprise 40th in the upstairs room at Sabatino's last July. Best night of my life (OK, other than when my son was born, and my wedding...).

Also, it was quite reasonible (I eventually learned) for a full-bar and choice of 3 entrees, including their strip steak.


Admittedly, Sabatino's private-room ambience is not for everyone. but, man, did it work for me.

I know its a national chain, but Pappa Deux has always been a fun choice with decent food. Good Seafood and steaks and cajun food. In fact, I'm always a little suprised that its as good as it is. There's one on 780 W. Algonquin in Arlington Heights. They could certainly handle the crowd.

My only experience with the ones you mentioned is a handful of tirps to Hackney's in the loop and I always found it overrated.

Probably too adventurous for such a big group, but I really like Chaihanna for the best Uzbeki food in the Northwest suburbs. Budget-friendly, too. Deserves a little more LTH love. I posted about it previously here:
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.ph ... 1fa3eee65a

Chaihanna
19 E. Dundee Rd.
Buffalo Grove
847.215.5044

I haven't been to them, but they've gotten good notices, the Tramonto/Gand places in Wheeling? As parts of a hotel, I'm sure they're up for groups.