Seeking graduation dinner rec. for 13

My boyfriend is finally set to graduate with his Bachelor's degree after 8 years of hard (?) work and I am in charge of finding the perfect spot for a celebration dinner.

We live in Wheaton, the graduation ceremony is on Sunday afternoon in Tinley Park of all places, so I guess that opens up a huge variety of possibilties. I'm totally at a loss, I don't want to tell his parents we should just go to Wildfire or one of those over the top chains, but I'm almost at that point right now (I do love me some Wildfire chopped salad, though!!)

Here are the requirements:

- I'm thinking a steak house/"American" food. Boyfriend doesn't like Italian, so that's out. The family dislikes seafood so that's out too.
- Money isn't an object, as his mom said they've waited 8 years for this so they've been saving up long enough!
- Must have the ability to accomodate a LOUD group of 10-13 people on a Sunday late afternoon/early evening. His family is big (7 brothers and sisters) and they're all nuts.
- Must be somewhere relatively close to the highway... hopefully closer to Wheaton/Yorktown/Oakbrook area for driving purposes.
- Must have a good selection of beers and wines. Dad usually sticks to his Miller Lite, but mom and I are more adventurous.

I'm really torn between just calling Wildfire and making a reservation OR leaving it up to you great people to come up with some suggestions I may not think of myself!! Many thanks!!!

OH! I almost forgot to mention... ages!

The guests in question are 10, 13, 15, 18, 19, 21, 3 23 y.o.'s, 25, a set of late 40's parents, and possibly the grandparents.

I guess that might effect some suggestions.

For a diverse group like that, and roughly between Wheaton and Tinley Park, have you thought about GNR Chucks?

Chuck's Southern Comfort Cafe
South suburban Burbank's best restaurant by a country mile, a Frontera alum dishing up high-class comfort food.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=4009

5557 W 79th St
Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 229-8700

What about Harry Caray's over by the new Westin in Yorktown? It's set back far enough so you don't really feel like your eating in a mall environment and although I've not been there yet, I've heard from many that they've really enjoyed it. I think it would be perfect for this type of celebration and group and you'll be avoiding the lack of personalization that sometimes comes as a result of the LEYE franchises.

http://www.harrycarays.com/restaurants_lombard.html

Congrats to your boyfriend!!

Just thought of another (maybe better) option. Redstone on Butterfield right where Butterfield & 22nd fork. It's very cozy, can accommodate large crowds, would probably have a better menu to satisfy the various age groups, great service & food, many fireplaces, full bar. What more can I say??

http://www.redstonegrill.com/

Wineaux-- thanks for the suggestions! I actually had thought of both of those places. I'm thinking Harry Caray's is probably out because, well.... they're all Sox fans.

But I'll look into Redstone for sure! I've been in there briefly to pick someone up and it looked awesome.

NR-- I think Burbank may be a little far for those that want to have a few drinks... but I'll keep it in mind!

Thanks again! Keep 'em coming!

For groups like this - the Family Style dinner at Maggiano's or Wildfire can be a good choice. Plenty of food of decent quality and take the confusion and sticker shock out of the check.

lk...You didn't say what time exactly you would be hoping to dine, but when my DS graduated from high school we had a heck of a time finding a place for a post-ceremony celebration. Graduation was on a Sunday afternoon and we figured that we'd be able to arrive at the restaurant by 3:00. Given that we were up around Evanston, we assumed we'd have tons of options. Unfortunately, being a Sunday most places don't open until 5:00 and we did end up at a Wildfire. It actually worked out great and they treated us very well. Given the range of ages in your group, that might just hit the spot.

Hello, I too am having a heck of a time finding a place for a holiday group lunch, but in downtown Chicago. I never realized that so many places are only open for dinner in the loop. Why is that when the loop closes at 4pm?

In my search when I have found a fine restaurant that serves lunch, I've run into this--at Custom House they would not take my reservation because although they are open for lunch, they will only serve a party of ten--not 13. I understand standards of service but they must be flushed with money to turn an entire party away for three people.

Presently I have reservations at Tru for 13 people. A few are foodies but the majority of this business crowd are down to earch, big eaters and I'm concerned that after the beautiful presentation they'll be left looking for something to eat. Suppose that's the Jewish/Italian mother in me. Eat! Eat!

Any suggestions are welcome.

Went here last year for a party, worked out because everyone can choose what they want.

Fogo De Chao
661 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610

Phone: 312-932-9330 / Fax: 312-932-9388

We ended up going to Redstone, which was a good choice... started off with barbecued pork egg rolls, margherita flatbread, wings, and a crab cake. I had a cesar salad with anchovies and barbecued salmon with a side of portobello mushrooms. My boyfriend and his parents all got steaks. Not sure what all the kids ended up getting. Dessert was a cookie sundae and rasberry fondue. The meal, for 11, with drinks and gratuity ended up costing about $600.

I thought the food was pretty average, the bf was pleased with his horseradish crusted porterhouse.... and although I didn't foot the bill the main problem I had with Redstone is that our server, when taking all of the orders, asked everyone if they wanted soup or salad. The smaller kids didn't know that it was an extra charge, but because of the way the server asked it she made it sound to them like it was included in the price of the meal. That tacked on an extra $60 or so to the tab, which I was personally annoyed with. She also kept trying to push the more expensive steaks on everyone ("Well, this steak is 3 ounces smaller and $20 more but the cut of meat is just PHENOMENAL, you should try it!")

Ugh.

All in all, it was a good experience! I may be back sometime but only for a special occasion.

So glad that Redstone worked out well for you.

That really bothers me when the wait staff 'offers' items that you presume are included and then get an unpleasant surprise when the bill comes.

We ate lunch at Sri Ganesh in Lombard and the waiter walked around to each table with a pitcher of a mango drink asking if anyone would like to try it. Most patrons did accept and then were all charged for it. He did the same with some type of rice dish, even though most had ordered the buffet, they were charged extra for the rice. These extra charges almost doubled our bill! As much as I've enjoyed numerous meals here, I've not returned because of his actions. It is annoying to go out to eat and feel like you're being set up for a sales pitch!