Business cocktail reception near McCormick Place

Hello all-

I was referred here by a Chicago based friend after one of my bosses asked me to put together a cocktail reception during a conference next month. The conference (ICAAC) holds pretty much 100% of the hotel space near the convention, and chances of us getting event space this late are slim to none. So I figured it was time to research restaurants that would be able to accommodate us. Problem is, I'm in San Diego!

We're looking to do a basic cocktail hour reception for 30-40 people, probably 7-9pm on a Saturday; conference is at McCormick Place so close to there would be best since the attendees will be staying in the area. Classy but not super expensive is what I'm looking for, someplace that can offer good appetizer/drink selections for $3500 or less would be ideal. A friend recommended checking out RL; any other ideas out there?

Thanks!

welcome mpogue!

If you can make use of any shuttles that go from your conference facility or McCormick Place to get you over to Michigan Avenue, I would definitely recommend making use of them since the area right around McCormick doesn't offer much.

If you are able to get slightly out of that area, the Gage would be a good option--they have a private room downstairs and possibly space upstairs that could accomodate a group that size. Good upscale gastropub food and excellent wine/beer/drink options. Very nice folks to work with as well. I've organized a couple of meetings/receptions there that went very well.

The restaurant is across the street from Millenium Park which is a pretty popular destination for folks coming from out of town so that could be a bonus as well...

The Gage
24 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603-3301
(312) 372-4243
www.thegagechicago.com

I agree with boudrealicious. I wasn't even going to comment on this as near McCormick isn't really feasible. Your guests will have to take transportation. RL is pretty far away and probably over budget.
The Gage is a great spot, Sweetwater www.sweetwatertavernandgrille.com , I attended a cocktail party at the Trump, and it was spectacular, the view amazing www.trumpchicagohotel.com ,another place on Michigan Ave is www.tavernatthepark.com , actually Potter's at the Palmer House does a good job with group parties, although no view www.potterschicago.com.

The Gage was going to be my suggestion as well.

My contribution can be the direct link to their private packages pdf... I've seen prices before but they don't have it listed on the website anymore.

http://thegagechicago.com/images/private_event.pdf

Another option is Tapas Valencia in the South Loop - not walkable but you could probably arrange for a shuttle. I prefer the atmosphere and food to the Gage's offerings:

http://www.mesonsabika.com/valencia/

However, if your primary objective is to enjoy the city then the Gage is a good choice, as is Tavern at the Park. If you just want a nearby place with good food, then try Valencia.

Another nearby option is Tapas Valencia in the South Loop - not walkable but you could probably arrange for a shuttle. I prefer the atmosphere and food to the Gage's offerings:

http://www.mesonsabika.com/valencia/

However, if your primary objective is to enjoy the city then the Gage is a good choice, as is Tavern at the Park. If you just want a nearby place with good food, then try Valencia.

There isn't much within walking distance of McCormick Place, but the conference hotels are scattered around the downtown area. Most of the places people are suggesting may in fact be quite close to the hotels.

Buddy Guy's Legends is close to McCormick and has an upstairs private party room. They have prices listed on their website here - http://www.buddyguy.com/Private-Events/

It's not super classy, but afterwards you can go downstairs and listen to some good blues.

Mercat a la Planxa is on South Michigan, about 1/2 a mile from the Gage. They have a private dining area for 16 people, but if you are looking for a cocktail hour, the space (less the dining table) might be ideal for you. It is a tapas restaurant, so perfect for cocktail foods and they have a great bar with sangrias and interesting absinthe cocktails.

http://www.mercatchicago.com/

From experience. Drink at a slow rate at these things. Suffice it to say that the NAV MAN has been the talk of the office for reasons other then new business developement.

I'm going to ICAAC myself - 95% of the attendees will be staying at one of the downtown conference hotels, not the Hyatt at McCormick just because of capacity issues (listed here - http://www.icaac.org/index.php/registra ... nformation)

ICAAC is running shuttles from McCormick to the conference hotels - the easiest way to handle logistics for any event is to be able to tell your cocktail guests to get on a specific shuttle & then get off at one of the hotel stops near your cocktails location.

For example, take shuttle 3, get off at the Embassy Suites stop on State Street & then cross the road to Quartino. They have a private room & would be an okay option, though there are others.

The Gage would not be a good option since none of the shuttle stops are anywhere close & you'll have problems getting people there.

Since shuttle 3 serves the greatest number of hotels & will be close to people's dinner appointments I'd suggest looking for options near these hotels.

Westin Chicago River North On Dearborn at Kinzie
Courtyard Chicago Downtown River North On Dearborn at Hubbard
Embassy Suites Downtown Chicago Curbside on State
Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile On Ohio at Rush
Four Points Sheraton Downtown On Ohio at Rush

Thank you so much, all of you!

Athena, good point on the shuttles, although I think that most of our attendees will be people who either have cars or prefer taxis.

Time to start making some phone calls!