Small Birthday Party Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

In Chicago, prices of small birthday party venues average $1500 minimum spend per event. 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:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:

• Bar Room at Port and Park Bistro in Lakeview - rated 5/5
  Our user said: ‘The service, food, drinks, and overall ambiance was perfect for our party of 21!’

• Bootleg at Everything Bar in West Town - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘I loved the downstairs speakeasy room with lights, tvs, place to plug in music, and overall vibe.’

• The Parlour at The Albion at The Albion Manor in Lincoln Park - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘The venue was absolutely beautiful and the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating.’

• Chicago Jazz Night: Celebrate with the timeless elegance of a 1920s jazz theme. This can include everything from jazz music playlists to Art Deco-inspired decorations, capturing the spirit of Chicago's rich musical heritage.
• Hollywood Glamour: Roll out the red carpet for a Hollywood-themed party, complete with glamorous decor, a photo booth, and guests dressed as their favorite movie stars.
• Around the World: Take guests on a global journey with an international theme, featuring cuisine, music, and decorations from different countries.
• Retro Throwback: Choose a specific decade, like the groovy '60s or the neon '80s, and encourage guests to dress the part while enjoying era-appropriate music and games.
• Enchanted Garden: Transform your venue into a magical garden with lush greenery, fairy lights, and floral decorations for a whimsical celebration. Outdoor Party Venues would certainly work the best with this one!

Take a look at 170 Greatest Themes to Rock Every Party in 2023 to see even more amazing ideas!

Whether you can bring your own caterer to rented birthday space depends on the individual venue’s policies. Some well-reviewed spaces like Golden Years Cocktail Bar or the Private Party Room at Claddagh Ring Pub do allow external catering, providing more flexibility for your event. To find all venues that permit external catering, simply use Tagvenue’s smart filters and tick the 'External catering allowed' option.

When selecting a caterer for your birthday celebration, consider the following tips:

• Dietary Requirements: Make sure your caterer can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• Taste Test: If possible, arrange a tasting session with the caterer to check the quality of the food.
• Check Reviews and References: Look at past customer reviews or ask for references to gauge the caterer's reliability and quality of service.
• Coordinate with the Venue: Ensure that the caterer is familiar with the venue's facilities and any restrictions they might have.

Parking and transportation options of course vary depending on the area:

• Downtown Chicago (The Loop): In this bustling area, parking can be challenging and often expensive. However, it's well-served by public transport. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates numerous bus routes and the 'L' train with several stops in The Loop, making it easily reachable. The Metra train also serves the downtown area for those coming from suburbs.
• River North and Streeterville: These areas offer limited street parking and several paid parking lots. They can also be accessed by CTA buses and the Red Line train, which is convenient for guests not wishing to drive.
• Wicker Park and Bucktown: These hip neighborhoods have street parking, which can be competitive on weekends. They're well-connected by the Blue Line of the 'L' train and several bus routes, offering a good public transport option.
• Lincoln Park and Lakeview: Street parking is available but can be scarce, especially during events and on weekends. These areas can be reached by CTA buses and the 'L' train (Brown Line in Lincoln Park and Red/Brown Lines in Lakeview), making them suitable for guests using public transport.