Best place to host a corporate happy hour?

I've been put in charge of finding a place in the loop that can accommodate a group of 20 people, preferably a private room, with a $100 budget per person inclusive of food (not sure if we should do heavy appetizers or a meal) and alcoholic beverages. This will be a group of investment bankers from different firms so we're really looking to impress these guys as well as have a great event where everyone can mingle and network. I want to try and stay around the financial district, although I know the pickings are slim here. Any ideas? Appreciate the help!

I think the Florentine might work for you, right area and they accommodate private groups.

Alrighty, new requests from the bossman have come in:

Somewhere in River North, we want to do a special drink menu and appetizers for 20 people. Preferably a private area with some sort of activity to do so that things don't get too cliquey or stagnant.

lk wrote:Alrighty, new requests from the bossman have come in:

Somewhere in River North, we want to do a special drink menu and appetizers for 20 people. Preferably a private area with some sort of activity to do so that things don't get too cliquey or stagnant.

Sable? Bub City?

=R=

Mastro's?

I'm checking these all out as we speak, thanks folks!

I have held events at Untitled. It is a cool venue and you could have an event around craft cocktails, etc..

Untitled looks nice and within our budget... I'll have to give them a call! A friend of mine suggested Public House but I'm on the fence... thoughts?

Untitled is a good choice. You may also want to consider GT Fish & Oyster, they can accommodate up to 40 for a private event.

Sable, Gilt.

The cellar at the Boarding House, GT Fish and Oyster, any of the popular steakhouses (Mastro's, Burkes) would all probably work. I know Flemings has a nice upstairs room that may be able to accomodate that size of group. You could also try Japonais (a little further west) or Tavernita.

lk wrote: Preferably a private area with some sort of activity to do so that things don't get too cliquey or stagnant.

This wrinkle is most interesting and challenging. You may want to bring your own activity; I don't know how many places will have this kind of option.

If you want to keep things light-ish and not too sit-downy, consider Tavernita/Barcito. Had some pinxtos that were incredibly good: substantial, nicely complex finger food.

My husband attended a corporate event at The Tasting Room and said it went well. He didn't have raves for the food but thought it was a nice space. Their activity was a group wine tasting.

http://www.thetastingroomchicago.com/main.html

I also like the Sable suggestion because they have smaller plates/heavy appetizers-type food and good cocktails.

Here's another idea, though I cannot personally vouch for it, though I've wanted to try this place, and I think it could be somewhat unique for your group:

http://mercatchicago.com/

It's tapas and other Spanish food, and they have a private space.

Edit: Oops- just saw the preference for River North....

Bin 36 could be a good option, although drinks would obviously emphasize wine over cocktails (there is also a full bar and they'll pour what you want). This is the closest I can think of to an "activity" in that I suspect they could arrange some sort of wine tasting/education program if desired. They also have a small market if people want to escape the group by shopping/exploring.

Bin 36
http://www.bin36.com
339 North Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60654
312-755-WINE (9463)

You might check out 10Pin Bowling Alley at Marina City. There is something to "do" and the food is not too bad...

I was in similar situation when I was asked to arrange corporate party for 100 at our office. It was bit easier since the count was huge. We contacted sculptware for party rentals and asked them for recommending caterers and everything went well. Since there are only 20 people I don’t think they would take order but you can try contacting them if they are of any help for you.

South Branch is a possibility. You can look out on the river, and your $100 a person could probably go a long way.

Food is upscale ok....not a foodie place really....but the ambiance is good, lots of energy, lots of pretty girls walking around acting snotty. love it.

you can get a private area...that is kind of still within the restaurant looking out....

oh, and it is right in the financial district

Since the OP asked in late January this is likely too late, but for others in similar situations:

The recently opened Howells & Hood in the Trib Tower has a 25th-floor event space, which probably has some pretty stellar views (likely even better than over at Sixteen in Trump Tower). Definitely would be impressive for out-of-towners.

Eater has a view in their slideshow, here.