Restaurants with Private Rooms for Rent in Chicago

Restaurants are a trusty classic among event venues. They’re a popular choice for a variety of different occasions, from business lunches to wedding receptions and anything in between! Part of the charm is probably the obvious: food. When you book a space at a restaurant, you don’t have to worry about the time-consuming preparations. You can sit back, relax and know that everything is taken care of. This, in turn, gives you more time to spend with your guests.

If you’re looking for the perfect restaurant in Chicago, you’re in for a treat! With its incredible diversity, the city boasts a plethora of fabulous eateries serving global cuisines. Browse our listings to discover some of the best spots in town and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience.

How do I choose the perfect Chicago restaurant for my event?

With so much choice, it can be difficult to make a decision. To help you with the task, we’ve prepared a short checklist of things to consider when booking the ideal restaurant for your event.

• Set your budget. Figure out how much money you’re ready to spend to secure the event space and pay for the catering. Once you have the numbers, use Tagvenue to filter Chicago restaurants by price and easily find places that match your budget.

• Pick the date and time. Will your event take place on the weekend or during the week? In the evening or during the day? If you can, try to be flexible – this will give you an advantage over other people who are also trying to book a space for their event. 

• Estimate the number of guests. Make a list of everyone you want to invite and, ideally, ask them to RSVP. Knowing how many guests to expect is the key to booking the perfect-sized space. There’s no point in renting a room with more capacity than you actually need.

• Figure out the seating layout. Once you know how many people are coming, it’s also worth spending some time to figure out the seating arrangements. For example, do you prefer multiple round tables, one long table or a U-shaped layout? 

• Agree on a convenient location. While picking a specific Chicago area, consider things such as the neighborhood’s vibe, access via public transport, parking spaces, etc.

• Set the right mood. Think about the mood you’d like to create. Depending on the type of your event, you may want to choose a space that’s more elegant or super quirky. Consider details such as design, decor and lighting.

• Choose the menu. Last but definitely not least, the food! Decide what type of cuisine you’d like to serve. It can be a three-course meal or an open buffet – up to you! Just remember to ask your guests whether they have any dietary restrictions.

What types of events can I host at a restaurant?

The simple answer is: pretty much any type of event can be hosted at a restaurant! All you have to do is find a space whose ambiance matches the mood of your event, and you’re good to go. Better yet, choose a restaurant that offers a private dining room for a truly unique experience and maximum intimacy. Let’s take a brief look at the different types of events that can be hosted at a restaurant:

Wedding reception

Restaurants with private rooms are a great choice for elegant wedding receptions. Before choosing the space for such an important occasion, check the reviews written by other customers. It’s a quick and easy way to verify whether your chosen restaurant is experienced in catering to similar events.

Business lunch

If you’re looking for a spot to host a business lunch, a nice restaurant is definitely one of the most likely candidates. Choosing a restaurant with a private room is an even better option, as it separates you from other customers and gives you the privacy to comfortably discuss business matters.

Engagement party

Restaurants with private rooms are also a classic choice for engagement parties. It’s an opportunity to gather the friends and family of the couple around a communal table, enjoy great food and get to know one another a little bit better before the big day.

Bridal shower

Much like engagement parties, bridal showers are also traditionally hosted at a restaurant. You just can’t go wrong with a nice dinner party! It’s a great option if you want to do something special, but keep the celebration low-key at the same time.

Baby shower

If you’re planning a baby shower, then one of Chicago’s restaurants is the perfect choice. Renting a private dining room will give you the space to enjoy a nice meal, whether in the form of a sit-down dinner or a buffet, chat with your guests and open the gifts if you feel like it.

Private party

Restaurants are also perfect for all kinds of private parties, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Any important milestone calls for a celebration, and doing so at a restaurant is a fantastic way to make the occasion even more special.

Holiday party

Whether you’re hosting a corporate holiday party or simply want to do something special for your friends and family, renting a space at a restaurant is a fantastic way to commence the festivities!

Thanksgiving dinner

The most important dinner of the year requires the top space. Just think how amazing it will be to sit at a table and enjoy a delicious feast without having to spend hours in the kitchen! This way, you’ll be able to focus on the true purpose of the celebration – connecting with the people gathered around the table.

Company outing

Few people want to have an office party at the actual office. If you really want to bond with your colleagues, it’s much better to get out of the mundane surroundings and spend some time away from the typical work environment. That’s where a good old restaurant comes to the rescue again! You can have a vote about the type of cuisine you’d prefer, pick a few potential candidates and decide together.

Photo shoot

With elegant or quirky interiors, restaurants can also work great for lifestyle photo shoots! Booking a private room at one of Chicago’s fabulous eateries will give you the comfort of privacy, so that you can work on your project away from prying eyes and without distractions.

Restaurants with Private Rooms in Chicago FAQ

How much does it cost to rent a private room at a Chicago restaurant?

Everything depends on the standard of your chosen restaurant. However, it’s possible to find restaurants with private rooms that offer quite affordable prices, ranging from around $20 to $40 per person. If you opt for a high-end place, the price can go up to even $1000 per person. Many Chicago restaurants operate on the basis of a food and beverage minimum. Sometimes, it will be combined with a fixed rental fee. F&B minimum in Chicago can fall anywhere between $1120 and $14950 per session, depending on the scale of your event. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What are the best restaurants with private rooms in Chicago?

Discover some of our top picks:

• Nia Restaurant – Located in the heart of West Loop’s famous Restaurant Row, Nia Restaurant boasts a private dining room with burgundy curtains and upholstery. Its atmospheric, elegant interior is ready to accommodate a wide range of events, from corporate parties to wedding receptions.
• The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant – This South Loop-based restaurant is the perfect spot for parties of all shapes and sizes. With its elegant decor and historic vibe, this Chicago restaurant will make your event one to remember.
• Pops for Champagne – If you are craving champagne specifically, don't miss out on Pops for Champagne, one of the few dedicated champagne bars across all US! The restaurant’s elegantly decorated private spaces create a unique ambiance for a variety of events. Situated in River North.

Which parts of Chicago have the best restaurants with private rooms?

Chicago is a paradise for foodies – there are fantastic restaurants all over the city! West Loop is fabled for its Restaurant Row (Randolph Street), which has everything you could dream of, from high-end eateries to casual dining spots. Other West Side neighborhoods worth considering include diverse Albany Park, boasting culinary experiences from all over the world, artsy Logan Square with its Michelin-starred restaurants and cool pizza places or Pilsen, filled with Latino-inspired eateries. Many buzzing restaurants line up the streets of neighborhoods such as River North, The Loop or Lincoln Park.

Why should I book a private room at a restaurant for my event?

Restaurants with private rooms are the perfect fit for a wide variety of events, from business lunches to private parties. The main benefit of choosing a restaurant for your special occasion is definitely the food and drinks. There’s no need to worry about buying the right ingredients, spending hours in the kitchen or serving the meal to your guests. All of that is taken care of, which saves you some time and stress, and enables you to truly focus on enjoying the event. Depending on the occasion, you can find a restaurant whose vibe will put you and your guests in the perfect mood. Such a change of environment is a simple way to make the event all the more memorable.