Booking costs of drinks reception venues average $40 per person. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data:
| From $35 | to $50 | per person |
| From $1000 | to $3000 | minimum spend per event |
| From $75 | to $250 | hire fee per hour |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:
Bootleg at Everything Bar
in West Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Very cool, private space. Excellent food and drink.’
Private Party Room at Claddagh Ring Pub
in Ravenswood - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘There was no cost to booking the party room and the staff and drinks was amazing.’
Second Floor at The Dandy Crown
in West Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The whole process went smoothly and everyone was so wonderful to work with. Cam, our bartender, was a delight!’
You'll find drinks reception venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Chicago, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):
| Small | up to 40 guests | prices average $1500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 55 and 90 guests | prices average $1500 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 105 guests | prices average $3000 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 0.7 mi from central Chicago, available to book on Tagvenue:
Based on Tagvenue data (as of September 2026), users looking for drinks reception venues most commonly go for these venue types:
| Restaurant | prices average $3000 minimum spend per event | typically between 35 and 110 guests |
| Bar | prices average $2000 minimum spend per event | typically between 90 and 200 guests |
| Dining Room | prices average $750 minimum spend per event | typically between 40 and 100 guests |
| Event Space | prices average $3500 minimum spend per event | typically between 40 and 75 guests |
| Cocktail Bar | prices average $1100 minimum spend per event | typically between 30 and 70 guests |
Smaller drinks reception venues usually fit up to 40 guests standing. Here are some great options in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:
First Floor at The Dandy Crown, rated 4.9/5 - event space for 40 guests
Our user said: ‘The food was delicious, and the event space was perfect both inside and outside.’
The Island at Three Dots and a Dash - lounge for 16 guests
Venue said: Features: A curved banquette wraps around round tables for seated groups, with additional stools providing extra seating. Ideal for: Small groups planning drinks, casual celebrations or seated social gatherings.
Entire Space at Sushi by Bou Sushi Suite Lincoln Park - restaurant for 20 guests
Venue said: The venue can accommodate up to 6 guests and is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms. However, it is not suitable for children, as there is no kids' menu.
Cheap drinks reception venues in Chicago start from $250 hire fee per day or $30 per person. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
The Event Space at Uptown Taproom, from $250 hire fee per day
(up to 50 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Our party at Uptown Taproom worked out great! Very affordable, friendly staff, and our guests loved the food.’
Irish Bar at O'Neil's on Wells, from $30 per person
(up to 120 guests standing)
Venue said: O'Neil's on Wells is 'The Loop's' neighborhood bar and a Chicago staple. We are carrying on the proud tradition of Alcock's Inn, and have been in operation for 40 years.
Back Dining at Kitsch'n on Roscoe, from $300 hire fee per event
(up to 64 guests standing)
Venue said: The back dining area features colorful chairs, tables and poster on the walls. The space has a lot of natural light thanks to the window door leading to the outdoor area.
Page last updated in September 2026
To provide you with relevant information, our pages are refreshed using an algorithm that aggregates real-time data, including bookings, reviews, and venue updates.