Good room for an event?

Hi everyone -- I'm new to the forum but not new to eating or Chicago! Just recently discovered this great website and I've found myself in a situation at work where I need a great room for private dining, maybe with a good view, in the next couple of weeks. Personally, I'd also like it to be at least a good if not great restaurant but I'm working with a boss who likes style over substance, so I'm trying to save my people from being stuck at an event at the dreaded University Club AGAIN. Room's got to accommodate at least 30 people for dinner.

Any ideas out there? Price isn't really much of an object but I can guarantee I can't do Tru. <grin>

Thanks much!

Shannon

The Grotto On State (where I work) has a really nice private space that will accomodate a group that size. It's got floor to ceiling windows that look out at the 3-story tropical garden atrium - a really pretty space. We're a classic Italian Steakhouse in the Gold Coast. you can check out photos of the space and our menu at www.grottoonstate.com.

I know there's been discussion regarding private spaces on the site before, so also try the search feature - i'm sure you'll get plenty of results.

Good luck with your event!

leesh

Hi and welcome!

Here are some previous threads which speak to your request:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1788
http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1293
http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2830

As far as your boss' preference for style over substance--I'd say that's pretty much the antithesis of LTHforum. Restaurants with both style and substance though--any of the KDK restaurants come to mind (Red Light, Marche, Gioco, Opera) as they are well equipped (both physically and mentally ) to handle large parties, have stylish rooms, are upscale in feel, but offer a good value, and prepare good food. The only downside might be that these tried-and-true choices lack the element of surprise that a lesser known restaurant might offer. Most people have probably already been to an event at one of these places.

http://www.redlight-chicago.com

You might try Riva's on Navy Pier.

I remember I had to organize a lunch meeting for about 20 international HR VIP event about 5 years ago when it was new. I went there for lunch to taste the food and I thought it was nice. The view is very nice, espeically on a sunny day, and they can accommodate your group. I guess the view wouldn't be as nice at night, but the location is very convenient.

Riva
700 E. Grand Ave.
312-644-7482

Another possibility would be Fulton's. Very stylish, great river views, private rooms and good steaks and seafood.

Fulton's on the River
315 N. LaSalle St., Chicago
(312) 822-0100
www.fultonsontheriver.com.

Blackbird has a room upstairs thats nice, as does MK, and Landmark has a great room downstairs.

I've attended events in private dining rooms at Everest and Spiaggia, and both have exactly what you are looking for. Cost would certainly be an issue at both, but it doesn't cost anything to call them for information.

I recently attended an event at a private club (think it was called Midwest Club) in the Amoco/Aon building. The food and view would certainly meet your criteria, but I have no idea about prices, or even whether a non-member can schedule an event there...

Mark

I recently attended an event at a private club (think it was called Midwest Club) in the Amoco/Aon building. The food and view would certainly meet your criteria, but I have no idea about prices, or even whether a non-member can schedule an event there...

The club on the 80th floor of the Amoco/Aon building (I work in the building) is called the Mid-America Club.

I recently attended a fundraiser for CAPE (Chicago Arts Partners in Education) at Bin 36. It was an upstairs space overlooking the main room, but still clearly separate from the public space. Very nicely handled by staff there and an attractive ambience.

Matt wrote:

I recently attended an event at a private club (think it was called Midwest Club) in the Amoco/Aon building. The food and view would certainly meet your criteria, but I have no idea about prices, or even whether a non-member can schedule an event there...

The club on the 80th floor of the Amoco/Aon building (I work in the building) is called the Mid-America Club.

I have been to the Mid-America Club several times and it is very nice.

The Chicago Athletic Club (on Michigan) is nice also.

Definitely check out the list of restaurants with PDRs on OpenTable.com. I've used it in the past, and found that it's a great starting point. Here's the direct link:
http://www.opentable.com/info/banquets.aspx?m=3

Folks -- wanted to thank you all for your advice on this -- also wanted you to know that we went with one of the excellent rooms at Carnivale and the party itself was a great success. Fabulous food, solicitous (but not overly so) service and a real convivial atmosphere.

Pricey -- yes. But the evil boss even came up to me and admitted that my choice was perfect. This, alone, was worth it.

Thanks again!

Shannon