The holidays are rapidly approaching, which means plenty of year-end celebrations, and more need than ever for interesting private dining spaces, whether it be for work parties, family gatherings, special dinners or weddings. Here are some of our favorite spaces right now, running the gamut from intimate to spacious; inventive comfort food to haute cuisine.
Found Kitchen & Social House
Amy Morton’s hospitality and Nicole Pederson’s delectable, seasonally driven cuisine are a formidable combination. There are two private spaces: the larger, speakeasy-reminiscent Salon Privé, and the Library, a book-lined retreat, which is part of the main dining room but can be closed off. The Salon accommodates up to 50 people for a seated event, and about 70 for cocktails; the library holds about 30 for a seated meal. 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8945
Gallery at GreenRiver
Streeterville looks especially lovely when viewed from the 18th floor. Adjacent to NYC restaurateur Danny Meyer’s GreenRiver is the Gallery at GreenRiver, a flexible space that can easily morph from a meeting space to a seated dinner for 320. Two adjoining “galleries” can be separated or conjoined; a charming outdoor patio is adjacent to the South Gallery. All catering is provided by Union Square Events. 259 E. Erie St., 18th Floor, Chicago, 312-337-0100
Imperial Lamian
This River North hotspot — part of the Indonesian Imperial Group — offers authentic Chinese cuisine, including their famous la mian noodles, prepared fresh daily in-house. Expect customized menus and exotic, handcrafted cocktails. The private Imperial Room has space for 30, while the semi-private Ming Room can accommodate up to 40. Combine the two for a completely private space for 70. 6 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, 312-595-9440
Mercat a la Planxa
You and your guests can take a trip to Catalonia without ever leaving the South Loop! Chef José Garces’ tasty tapas, charcuterie, sangrias, paellas and more are festive food, just right for celebration. The private space accommodates up to 68 for a seated meal, or 130 for a cocktail reception; semi-private spaces are available in the dining room. 638 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-542-3454
Private Dining by Sepia
A lovely and stylish space in the West Loop/Randolph corridor, located next door to the Michelin-starred Sepia restaurant. We’re digging the sunburst light fixtures and walnut and pewter bar, not to mention Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s beautiful and seasonal American cuisine. They can accommodate 60 for a sit-down meal, or 120 for a cocktail reception. 123 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, 312-441-1920
The Rookery
This hip Ukrainian Village space with a decided focus on elevated bar food and Midwestern craft breweries and distilleries has two separate areas for private events: the sun-filled Veranda, and a second-floor space with private bar and restrooms. Each room can accommodate up to 40 people. 2109 W. Chicago Ave., 773-772-0406
Salero
Chef Ashlee Aubin continues to kill it with his spectacular, full-flavored Spanish cuisine, but we also love the floor-to-ceiling windows in this second-floor party room overlooking Randolph Street and the West Loop. It accommodates 15 to 50 for a sit-down meal; 25 to 75 for standing cocktails and pintxos (Spanish appetizers). 621 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-446-1000
Terra & Vine
Master Sommelier and restaurateur Alpana Singh’s newest venture — her first in the suburbs — is perfect for private dining, especially if you’re a fan of Chef Andrew Graves’ rustic Italian- and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. There are three rooms that will work separately (Portofino, seats up to 30; Naples, up to 60; and Palermo up to 40), or can be combined into one large space for up to 130 guests. The intimate Bar Terra can also be reserved as private cocktail space. 1701 Maple Ave., Evanston, 847-563-4333
Vermilion
The original River North location (there’s an NYC offshoot as well) appeals with its sophisticated décor and spice-forward Indian-meets-Latin cuisine. Owner Rohini Dey, founder of the James Beard Foundation’s Women in Culinary Leadership Grant Program, is a force of nature. The private dining space, a series of semi-private areas configured with drapery, can accommodate from 10 to 100 people, or rent out the whole restaurant for 350. 10 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, 312-527-4060
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