If soaring views of the famed skyline and some breathtaking architecture are what you're in the mood for, then Chicago is the place you should be heading to. Not to mention the food! After all, it's known for some of the most innovative items in the US, from the famous deep dish pizza to the Chicago hot dog. So you couldn't do better than to host a dinner at one of our iconic Chicago venues.
Giggster has a ton of options when it comes to dining in Chicago, from a private dining room in a warm and elegant mansion complete with a roaring fireplace to a more casual modern bodega turned cafe. Looking for a unique space to hold a corporate dinner? You can book out an entire museum near the old town. Start the night with cocktails and live music, and then you can get a chef to craft you the perfect menu, whether that's experimental cuisine like foie gras taco or more traditional fare like lamb shank.
Not only does Giggster have many different venues for a meal in the city, but we also have budget options if you don't want to empty your pockets. A colorful event place can be rented at very little cost and you can ask your friends to do a potluck.
Giggster's range of carefully selected venues is sure to impress even the most cynical so don't waste time and start searching for the perfect venue on our site!
Why Choose Giggster for Dinner Location in Chicago
Looking for a breathtaking rooftop terrace with skyline views or a dining room in an elegant modern steakhouse? Giggster is certain to have the ideal spot for you. Old-world charm, dark walls, and accent lighting are just some of the things on offer in Chicago.
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A rooftop terrace makes for a great place to host a corporate gathering or anniversary party. Not only does it provide spectacular views, it also has enough space for your guests to mingle.
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On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique venue, a board game bar and cafe is just the place to enjoy dishes like pizza and steak frites.
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Meet a friend in an upscale Puerto Rican restaurant in West Town and enjoy dishes straight from the Caribbean and South America like empanadas.
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But if you're looking for more traditional food, you can get a private chef to make you roasted chicken and all its accouterments in a mansion in the historic district.
241 Amazing Dinner Locations in Chicago
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Looking to dine in luxury and glamour? Choose from Giggster's 241 venues to find the perfect dining room, secret speakeasy, or covered patio to suit your vision.
Hassle-Free Booking: Before making any reservations, check out details like the amount of floor space and sitting areas available at any given venue. The easily navigable Giggster site will find you venues at no more than $25/hour.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Emergencies do happen and at times you have to cancel events you've looked forward to. In that case, we provide free cancellation within 24 hours of confirmation, provided that you've booked the venue at least 48 hours prior to the event.
Platform Protections: Giggster also provides optional coverage against things like damages and liabilities so you can start planning and book Mox.E Coworking without stressing about the details.
Pros and Cons of Dinners in Chicago
While Chicago ticks the boxes for nearly everything concerning food and entertainment, every city does have its pros and cons. Thus, before you book that expensive River North tavern or West Loop loft, let's take a look at Chicago in general.
Advantages
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If there's one thing that Chicago is known for, it's the delicious food. If you're looking for great food and cocktails, you can't go wrong with Chicago. And you'll definitely find a chef and wait staff to cater your party.
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Chicago is definitely cheaper than big cities like New York or Los Angeles. You'll find not only good venues at great prices but also good meals.
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The public transport system is decent if not stellar. With buses and trains connecting most places, Chicago is navigable without a car.
Disadvantages
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However, the traffic situation is frustrating. If you're using a car to get around, you have to be prepared to sit in traffic for a long time.
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The weather is notoriously bad. There are very few days of sunny, warm temperatures. Winters are bad and spring is sometimes even worse.
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It's a big city and the best venues tend to get booked up quickly, especially in peak season.
Choosing the Right Type of Location for a Dinner in Chicago
Whether you're looking to book an entire restaurant with separate tables for different groups of people or just want a quiet and intimate breakfast or brunch with friends, Chicago's food scene means this is the place to go. Look through Giggster's 241 venues for the perfect option.
Mansion/House – Private and Cozy. Whether you opt for a historic mansion in the middle of Chicago or a modern loft apartment with high ceilings and tall windows, your guests will be impressed just as much by the ambiance as the menu. Get a professional chef to craft you a family-style or seven-course meal of your favorite items.
Restaurant – A Classic Atmosphere. Restaurants serve as traditional, elegant locations for cocktail parties or formal gatherings for a good reason. Reservations will ensure you have the use of the entire space for the whole night. Your guests will equally enjoy a classic tearoom with white tablecloths or a themed dining room with pink or green velvet chairs.
Bars and Speakeasies – Distinctive Locales. Looking for a modern bar with excellent wine selections or a secret speakeasy with a lookout door, freight elevator, or loading zone? We've got it all for you. You can grab a table at any such bar and enjoy an evening of fun and frolic!
Rooftop Terrace – Night Under the Stars. Dining out in the open isn't always a feasible idea in Chicago's frigid weather so it's best to take advantage of it when you can. The stunning skyline and views of the lake will serve to augment the dishes and put your guests in a good mood.
Trendy Event Spaces – Stylish and Modern. Whether you're on the lookout for a small and intimate lawn or a vintage venue filled with colorful murals and hipster sensibilities, Chicago's cool event venues are great for birthday parties and company gatherings alike!
How to Plan a Dinner in Chicago
Party planning is all about being organized and taking care of the priorities. Having a checklist in place always helps!
Determine the Budget – Coming up with and sticking to the budget is the key to throwing a memorable party. The budget immediately determines the kind of cuisine and venue you want to pick! Going to an upscale party? Get the restaurant to prepare a seven-course tasting menu.
Prepare a Guest List – The number of guests will tell you how much space you need and what kind of service can you provide to all of them. Wanting all your friends around you is a natural inclination, but there's really no point in overcrowding a party. Make your guest list ahead of time instead of sending out invitations willy-nilly later on.
Decide the Menu – The menu should definitely be prepared ahead of time so that you can inform your chef about any possible allergies or preferences. You can go as fancy or casual as you like, serving anything from dim sum and caviar to comfort dishes like fried chicken or al pastor. Don't forget dessert!
Set Up the Party – Finally, once the night of the event arrives, it's just a matter of supervising the set-up. Guests really appreciate small touches like personalized name cards or seasonal flower centerpieces that can be taken care of so easily by you or your team.
Saving Money on a Dinner in Chicago
While Chicago isn't the most expensive place in the US, there's a good chance that you're still spending quite a lot on the venue, food, and drinks. Thus, keep track of your spending and cut down costs where possible.
How much can you spend?
Coming up with a budget with separate amounts allocated to the venue, what you eat and the wine or beer you serve is an important first step. It ensures you don't overspend on any component of the party.
Can you be flexible with the dates?
There are some seasons and times of the year when venues are more in demand and more expensive. You'd do well to avoid those. A Wednesday night event also works out to be cheaper than a Friday!
Will you be needing other amenities?
Most such venues come equipped with chairs and tables and some restaurants and bars might even offer live bands and entertainment. Thus, it might be better to pick that option than a private home or studio.
Chicago Dinners with Giggster
Whether you're looking for the best private chefs to prepare you a meal in a historic mansion or a private room in a teatime restaurant, we've got a place for you on Giggster. Host your friends and family in one of our beautiful locations and watch their eyes light up with joy!
