Anniversary Party for 40-50

A friend of mine requested ideas for their parent's anniversary party that would be around 40-50 guests. I did some searching and saw that Club Lucky, Sabatino's and a few others were listed. I wanted to throw it out there again to the wisdom of the board to see if there have been any updates or any other ideas.

Here's what they gave me - About 40-50 guests. Most food choices would work but prefer "old school" and "hearty" choices. They prefer the city (downtown or near neighborhoods - West Loop, South Loop, Wicker Park/Bucktown/Ukr.Village, etc.). They would like to keep the meals around the $25-30 per person range. A private room works for them but they don't require it.

I think Club Lucky fits that bill but does anyone else have any other ideas? Thanks in advance...

Although it's not downtown, GNR Nominee Myron & Phil's would be a perfect choice. Old school setting, serving hearty steaks and fish. They have a back room (actually, it's just kind of sectioned off) that would be the perfect size for your party.

Myron and Phil's
3900 West Devon
Lincolnwood, IL
847-677-6663

Club Lago. They do parties of this size. No private room, but it's definitely "old school."

We did my son's christening at LaVilla. Very old school. Very reasonable. The food was very good, fresh, and homemade.

La Villa Restaurant and Banquets
3636 North Pulaski Road
Chicago, Illinois 60641
773.283.7980

If downtown location is critical, Maggiano's on Clark has a private room the right size.

If it were between Sabatino`s and Club Lucky, I would choose Sabatino`s for food and Club Lucky for a cooler ambience ( with Bucktown over Old Irving/Albany Park as far as
nicer locale as well ).

Sabatino`s menu is more extensive, offers both old school appetizers and entrees but it also offers more "beyond the standard" apps/entrees as their menu is larger. If you are on a budget with your party and you like chicken, I will counterpoint, that Club Lucky`s chicken vesuvio is one of the best in town and it is not that expensive of an entree. Both places offer great red sauce pastas like lasagna, ravioli, cavatelli etc. and are reasonably priced so you should be ok there.

I would suggest that you go to Sabatino`s overall but if you are on a budget, you might call both places to see which gives you a better quote with the offerings that you could get. I think that Sabatino`s will be slightly more expensive but not enough to make a difference.

Steve wrote:I would suggest that you go to Sabatino`s overall but if you are on a budget, you might call both places to see which gives you a better quote with the offerings that you could get. I think that Sabatino`s will be slightly more expensive but not enough to make a difference.

We checked out Sabatino's for a party last year, and we found the pricing very reasonable. They have a banquet room upstairs, with a bar, and it's not fancy pants, but nice enough.

Reza's (highly prefer the 432 W. Ontario location) is not American traditional, but it satisfies a wide range of palates (grilled steak and chicken kebabs with fresh veggies over buttered rice, who can argue with that), and the bread, soup, and appetizers are excellent. Good ambience and plenty of room for 40-50 at your pricepoints. Also, fantastic mixed drinks.

tyrus wrote:Most food choices would work but prefer "old school" and "hearty" choices.

If you want "old school" and "hearty," then Sabatino's sounds tough to beat.

I just recommended The Gage to someone else who was looking for a pub-type atmosphere. They have a very nice downstairs room which accommodates up to 65 seated, the food is hearty, but not "old school," and I'm not sure about the pricing for a group. Just another suggestion.

Santander, it sounds like you have some experience with Reza's for private parties. It's on our short list for our wedding reception, so if you have any further thoughts about them, I'd love to hear them.

Also, anyone who has any suggestions for restaurants with space for 150 people that is fairly inexpensive (in the $30-$40/plate range, or less) would really be appreciated. In terms of geographical area, we want something in the area of Lake Forest to the north, Rt. 53 to the west, and into downtown for the south. It would be great if it was a place where we could have the ceremony and reception in the same place. We will probably have a late spring or early fall wedding, so any outside locations would be great, as long as there's an indoor option!

Also, anyone who has any suggestions for restaurants with space for 150 people that is fairly inexpensive (in the $30-$40/plate range, or less) would really be appreciated. In terms of geographical area, we want something in the area of Lake Forest to the north, Rt. 53 to the west, and into downtown for the south. It would be great if it was a place where we could have the ceremony and reception in the same place.

Even though it may seem like your budget precludes catering, you may want to consider Redfield Estate at the Grove. Their rental rates are very reasonable, they provide tables and chairs so there is no need to rent (you still have to rent plates, glassware, linens, etc.), and you can buy your own liquor. We have catered there before and they have a beautiful space with outdoor areas for the ceremony (with indoor options, in case of weather).

HI,

Sabatino's may be beyond your friend's price range. Their banquet meal service allows your guests a choice of entree the day of the event. No need to sort out the chicken, fish, meat and veggie issue in advance. This is their banquet menu from earlier this year, which means costs are advisory:



The main course selections are made at the event. Dessert is tortonni, an Italian ice cream. If you bring in a cake there is no extra charge for cutting and serving.

Cost: per fixed meal + 9.25% tax + 18% gratuity,

Two hour open bar: 33.95 + 3.15 +6.11 = $43.21 pp

Three hour open bar: $37. + 3.43 + 6.66 = $47.09

Again, these are March, 2008 prices.

Regards,

tyrus wrote:A friend of mine requested ideas for their parent's anniversary party that would be around 40-50 guests. I did some searching and saw that Club Lucky, Sabatino's and a few others were listed. I wanted to throw it out there again to the wisdom of the board to see if there have been any updates or any other ideas.

Here's what they gave me - About 40-50 guests. Most food choices would work but prefer "old school" and "hearty" choices. They prefer the city (downtown or near neighborhoods - West Loop, South Loop, Wicker Park/Bucktown/Ukr.Village, etc.). They would like to keep the meals around the $25-30 per person range. A private room works for them but they don't require it.

I think Club Lucky fits that bill but does anyone else have any other ideas? Thanks in advance...

When my folks had their 50th they held it at ...

Tom's Steak House‎
1901 W North Ave
Melrose Park, IL 60160
(708) 345-2766

Certainly old school and hearty. Not sure if they will meet your price requirement though.

The restaurant proper is nice and the banquet room was a little brighter.

figmolly wrote:

Also, anyone who has any suggestions for restaurants with space for 150 people that is fairly inexpensive (in the $30-$40/plate range, or less) would really be appreciated. In terms of geographical area, we want something in the area of Lake Forest to the north, Rt. 53 to the west, and into downtown for the south. It would be great if it was a place where we could have the ceremony and reception in the same place.

Even though it may seem like your budget precludes catering, you may want to consider Redfield Estate at the Grove. Their rental rates are very reasonable, they provide tables and chairs so there is no need to rent (you still have to rent plates, glassware, linens, etc.), and you can buy your own liquor. We have catered there before and they have a beautiful space with outdoor areas for the ceremony (with indoor options, in case of weather).

Trust me, I've looked (and drooled) at the Redfield Estate- it's gorgeous, it's historic and unique and it's right down the street from my house.....the bad news: according to their website, they can only hold 100 people. At least that's indoors; doesn't say what their capacity is outdoors. We would like to have an outdoor wedding, but Mother Nature might have something else in mind, and they don't allow tents.

Right now our guest list is at 131, that's with us being very selective about who we're inviting and before my future mother-in-law as gotten her hands on it

I may still call them and sound pitiful, but I don't think it's going to work.

according to their website, they can only hold 100 people. At least that's indoors; doesn't say what their capacity is outdoors.

Yeah, 100 would be a full house inside. They have more than enough room outside to accomodate a group of 130, but then you have to worry about weather. I didn't realize they don't allow tents - our bride risked it, but she had the option of seating everyone inside if needed. We ended up passing hors d'oeuvres, having the bar and three tables outside. It was great for a group of 80.

Well, if you decide to go with it, keep us in mind for catering. We're not on their list yet since we did our first event there this summer, but they'll be putting us on soon I hope.