Dinner with clients

Looking for suggestions for a dinner with clients during mid-week. Price is not a major factor, but probably not Avenues or Tru type places just to not have it be too much of a production. Location needs to be in River North or Loop area, maybe extending to West Loop. Looking for a place that something a little "different" from a steakhouse. Also, doesn't have to be whisper quiet, but not too loud (shouldn't have to shout). No particular cuisine preferences except probably not sushi (which I love but don't know that all will). Thinking of something along the lines of Naha, but looking for alternatives.

Recommendations greatly appreciated.

Funny, Naha was the first place I thought of.

How about Italian? Coco Pazzo is in River North, and in the Loop you've got Trattoria No. 10 and Vivere.

Or seafood? Fulton's on the River and Shaw's are both in River North, and Catch 35 is just the other side of the river. Shaw's can be a bit loud but you shouldn't have to shout there.

If they enjoy wine, Bin 36 is a nice place too.

West Loop opens up the possibility of Blackbird and, if you're cabbing it, one sixtyblue. Blackbird can be a bit loud, but again, you shouldn't have to shout; one sixtyblue not so loud. While all the places mentioned here have very good food, IMHO at these last two it's so good it will blow everyone away.

I have a client dinner Thursday night, a party of 20, for creative types, corporate executives, finance and operations folks, all from different parts of the country. I decided the best bet for us is Osteria Via Stato on State and Ohio. The food is very good, and Italian is always correct for this type of mixed group. Further, it is a good combination of appetizers, salads, and pastas brought out family style, with a choice (the way I designed the menu) from among five different entrees. With wine and dessert, tax and tip, I think it will come to $100 a person.

Osteria via Stato is now Pizzeria via Stato.

I'd go to Quartino instead.

gleam wrote:Osteria via Stato is now Pizzeria via Stato.

I'd go to Quartino instead.

I thought only the bar area was Pizzeria via Stato, and the restaurant remained the same.

gleam wrote:Osteria via Stato is now Pizzeria via Stato.

I'd go to Quartino instead.

As much as I like Quartino, it can get awfully loud. I've had a couple of successful business dinners (small ones) at Custom House, and I would recommend it highly, particularly for someone who wants to move up (but not too far) from a steakhouse.

http://www.customhouse.cc/

aschie30 wrote:

gleam wrote:Osteria via Stato is now Pizzeria via Stato.

I'd go to Quartino instead.

I thought only the bar area was Pizzeria via Stato, and the restaurant remained the same.

Absolutely right, my mistake. Nevermind!

May I recommend Crofton on Wells? It's lovely, understated and consistently good.
If you're looking for more flair, you could try Tizi Melloul just down the block.

Paul SL wrote:May I recommend Crofton on Wells?

I had a very bad service experience at Crofton on Wells and I wouldn't recommend it.

Would you consider North Pond? I know it's not exactly in the location you asked about - neither is Custom House, in Printer's Row, although I agree that's a good choice too - but it's just a short cab ride away. Between the delicious cuisine of Bruce Sherman and the setting tucked away in Lincoln Park with the city skyline at the opposite end of the pond, it's really a wonderful place, and clients would enjoy it.

I've never been for lunch, but my dinner experiences at Crofton on Wells have given me nothing but stellar service.

Other than Crofton, I'd second the Coco Pazzo and Bin 36 recs.

Sepia?

I regularly entertain clients at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. There’s a nice variety of relatively high-end dishes, executed consistently in my experiences, so that nobody feels locked into ordering either steak or fish. White table cloths and first class service make it particularly appropriate for client entertainment.

Also, my wife likes it when I entertain there because at least she gets Lettuce points on nights when I’m out having a bone in strip without her.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 379-5637

A brief follow up. Ending up going to Blackbird. As for the "client dinner" aspect of it, it worked out quite well. The room has a nice energy without being too loud. Not quite right perhaps for a client dinner where you need to have a serious discussion, but very good when you're having more of a night out, which we were.

On a food note, everyone was generally very happy with their meals. My only issue was my appetizer. I had the "baby octopus confit with braised chestnuts, empire apples, pea tendrils, and sassafras caramel." The textures and flavors were great except I thought it altogether too sweet. I understand that I ordered a dish with the word "caramel" in it, but still much too sweet for my tastes. Pork belly entree was very tasty.