business dinner in streeterville

I am putting together a business dinner on a thursday night in september for a party of ~20. We're looking to spend ~$50/person and I've got a vegetarian to feed. Otherwise, people are fairly adventurous in their dining. I've narrowed it down to Viand, Coco Pazzo Cafe, and Bistro 110 from those parameters. Was also considering Bandera for the price point, but they're out because they can't seat us together. I thought I would check here to see if anybody has other recommendations in the neighborhood within walking distance. I haven't eaten at Viand before, and it's been a long time since I've been at coco pazzo cafe or bistro 110.

Any other recs? Thanks in advance!

izz-

Bistro 110 has always been a safe bet in that area for your group size. You could also try the new Francesca's behind the John Hancock Center on Chestnut and Mies Van der Rohe. One other option might be Eve on Wabash.

Bistro 110
110 East Pearson Street
(312) 266-3110

Francesca's on Chestnut
200 East Chestnut Street
(312) 482-8800

Eve
840 North Wabash Avenue
(312) 266-3383‎

I've never had a great meal at Bistro 110; usually I'm disappointed with the food.

I've always been very happy with Coco Pazzo Cafe. You might also try Cafe Spiaggia, if it is close enough and they can fit you.

I've had mixed experiences at Viand and I've eaten there for lunch, for holidays and for dinner. I had my Thanksgiving there two years in a row and it was a fine meal. The last year wasn't as good as the year before but I still enjoyed myself. The thing that's probably going for you is that they do have a semi-private space that will probably work for you - it's off the right of the main floor on another level and is closed off by drapes, if I recall correctly. I've never done an event there before but I can tell you that the service I've had has pretty much always been good, certainly as good as Bistro 110.

You might consider Rosebud on Rush -- not sure about their private space options but it's a pretty nice version of Rosebud. You might also consider Roy's. Their private space would definitely accommodate your party and they have an interesting per person menu -- i think you could do $50 a person.

There is also C-House -- in the Affinia hotel? They also do not have a private space unless you buy out the restaurant (but could accommodate you in the back of house) but the room is really beautiful. They also have a bar/outdoor space on one of their higher floors that has an incredible view and would probably be perfect for 20. Might be a really special thing for you. I thought the food there was really very nice.

Roy's

720 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60654-3820
(312) 787-7599

C-House
166 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 523-0923

Rosebud on Rush
720 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611-2504
(312) 266-6444

You might also check with Sable at the Hotel Palomar ... we've been really enjoying their food and they have a lovely mezzanine seating area for a private party. Pricing would be about right I think ... though if you toss in their awesome cocktails, that might take it over.


I'm surprised Coco Pazza hits the price point - I took a few folks there for lunch and the price was at least that sans drinks ... I was quite surprised at the total cost.

Sable Kitchen & Bar
Location: 505 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Adjacent to Hotel Palomar Chicago

Tel: 312.755.9704
Private Dining: 312.325.7192

Siun wrote:...
I'm surprised Coco Pazza hits the price point - I took a few folks there for lunch and the price was at least that sans drinks ... I was quite surprised at the total cost.
...

Coco Pazzo is different from Coco Pazzo Cafe. The lattter is more casual at a lower price point.

Coco Pazzo
300 W Hubbard
312.836.0900

Coco Pazzo Cafe
636 N St Clair
312.664.2777

http://www.cocopazzochicago.com/

(edited to add "cafe" to the St. Clair address. thanks nxstasy!)

Thanks everybody for your suggestions, lots of places that I hadn't considered or didn't know about. I think I've narrowed it down to Bistro 110 or Francesca's on Chestnut. Pricing would be almost equal for the two. Only major difference, besides the food served, is that at Francesca's, we would have a semi-private dining room (up a small flight of stairs, half-height walls separating from main room), whereas at Bistro 110 we would be seated in the main dining room, split between two tables . Any last minute thoughts?

I think that is a big difference. Pick the place with the semi-private room.