Light snacks and cocktails in the Loop

I am looking for a location in the Loop that would be a fun place for about 50-75 people to meet for an informal reunion. This would be on a Thursday evening from about 5 to 8. We are going to look at Llyodd's on Wacker and the "W" on Adams at lunch today.

Would like to have a cash bar and do not want to pay for a private room. Any restaurants/bars that could accommodate this group?

hmm...i have to say -- I think that getting any restaurant to accommodate that many people without a private room charge is really unlikely. I mean...that's a pretty big commitment for a restaurant to make without some sort of guarantee to them for a minimal payment. And as a person who has planned several events here in the city, I'm not even sure where I would send you to look.

But...you never know. It might be smart to call someone at Lettuce Entertain You and see if they might have a spot in town to accommodate you.

I can tell you that Lloyd's is nothing at all special and I think overpriced for what you get.

s

Beverator wrote:I am looking for a location in the Loop that would be a fun place for about 50-75 people to meet for an informal reunion. This would be on a Thursday evening from about 5 to 8. We are going to look at Llyodd's on Wacker and the "W" on Adams at lunch today.

Would like to have a cash bar and do not want to pay for a private room. Any restaurants/bars that could accommodate this group?

How about the Midtown...its owned by the Bar Louie Group, it in the former location of Mondays at Clark and LaSalle. They dumped a ton of money into the place and the food is good too

either poag mahone's or the berghoff bar

Townhouse is a swank place that is somewhat more appearances than taste (depending on the group, maybe that's just as important). There are trendoid items like tempura crab cakes and kobe burgers, a bar, and a big room with a sweeping glass wall. After work, it's a hang out for good-looking young professionals (which, of course, is why I was there).

Townhouse Restaurant and Wine Bar
111 S. Wacker Drive
312.948.8240

These are great suggestions and looks like we can hit most of them today in a quick zip around at lunch. Keep 'em coming!

You may want to try the McCormick and Schmicks on Wacker Drive. I vaguely recall they might have a free event space if the space isn't already spoken for and you meet some minimum requirements. Good luck

Thanks for all the help. We've decided to go with Pazzo's Cucina at 311 S. Wacker. There is a good deal for a 2 hour open bar in a room with its own bar and ample space. We have not decided on munchies yet, but there is a wide variety to choose from.

The atrium there is very pretty but there is a $1000 to $2000 charge for the space, depending on the day. It would be great for something more formal.

Beverator wrote:Thanks for all the help. We've decided to go with Pazzo's Cucina at 311 S. Wacker. There is a good deal for a 2 hour open bar in a room with its own bar and ample space. We have not decided on munchies yet, but there is a wide variety to choose from.

i stopped by one of the other pazzo's locations today (the one in the NBC tower, at 455 n city front) and its now called Amira Mediterranean Cuisine. Seems to be the same owner just a change in concept. Another Pazzos location is already called Pazzos Mediterranean.... I wonder if they're changing over to mediterranean from italian in all locations? hm dedumm...

they still did have the wood fired pizza that i always get at their little take out cafe... so that's a good sign!

BTW, Pazzo's is a widespread chain that one finds in office buildings around the country, from Westchester IL to downtown LA. I have had many business lunches in Pazzo's, never at my suggestion. They largely represent everything that's bad about Amer-Ital business lunch dining. (Chicken breast strips in glop over farfalle, anyone?) However, the Loop Pazzo suddenly became pretty good, and sometimes very good, particularly the pasta and specials, recently. The kitchen seems to have autonomy, which can only be good.

The worst such Olive Garden on an expense account place is Morton's Bertolini's chain. The dinner I had at the Ceasar's outpost was seasoned with cynicism and nothing else. Really bad, which is impressive given what a good job the company does with steakhouse fare.