Semi-private for 8 in the city?

Hi! I am looking for a dinner location in the city -- downtown/river north area, for 8 people. My wife and I, with both sets of parents and siblings. We would like to do something where we have our own space, but not necessarily a walled-off separate room -- does that make sense? Maybe curtains...or a half-wall or something like that....I'm open to suggestions.

As far as type of restaurant -- nothing crazy (tru, trotter's, etc), but not a taquiera either. Maybe in the $10-$20 entree level? Also, three people are vegetarians, so it will have to be veggie friendly.

I can provide more info if needed....

thanks!

Maybe san soo gab san(not in your preferred environs, I know) and soju-fueled karaoke after? That's what I'd do with my family anyway. Veggie-friendly...hmmm...there's always panchan.

Frontera Grill has a small private room, just about the size you need - I organized a party there a few years back, and it worked great. Give them a call, and see if it's available.

If they're into seafood, I had a nice meal in the small private room at Catch 35 a few years back.

Reza's on Ontario, up behind the bar (there is a long high-backed booth perfect for 8-12) would work. Very vegetarian friendly and excellent atmosphere and dishes for the price.

thanks for the tip on frontera! I just left a message there...

we have done reza's a few times, so I am looking for something different -- but appreciate the help.

I love Catch 35, but unfortunately, members of the party are strictly vegetarian -- ie, no seafood.

any other ideas welcomed!

It is my understanding that Graham Elliot in the river north area will have a "chef's table" for 8 that is semi-private. I believe it will have a curtain that wraps around a circular table on a raised platform.

FT35

Opera also has nice, semi-private dining alcoves. (Although it is slightly south of "downtown" in the South Loop.)

FT35 - How nice of you to take time out from riding the pine in Oakland to post on LTH. :wink

Opera
1301 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
312-461-0161

opera is a great suggestion, and we've actually done it before....the location just isn't ideal in this case. I'm really looking to stay downtown/river north...

and as far as I can tell, the graham elliot spot isn't open yet -- is it!?

and as far as I can tell, the graham elliot spot isn't open yet -- is it!?

Not yet - June, though ChefGEB didn't say exactly when.

I had read it was the first week in June. Don't know for sure though.
FT35

I would recommend Devon Seafood on Wabash and Chicago. They have three semi-private alcoves that are designed to hold 10, so you'll be all set. Even though they're a seafood place, they can handle pure vegetarian. Pricing is better, IMHO, than Catch 35 as well, and the food is excellent.


Devon Seafood Grill
39 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-440-8660

I wonder if Sayat Nova could accommodate your party. It would suit the vegetarians and fit your location/price requirements. Certainly for smaller parties the tables feel very secluded.

Sayat Nova
157 E Ohio St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 644-9159