Yard party in the City in the Garden without a garden?

March 26, 2009 10:21 AM

Where to have a yard style party in Chicago?

My friend wants to have her birthday party in a yard with a barbecue and all the alcoholic fun that goes with it. The problem is that nobody we know has a yard big enough for it. I've checked out the Chicago Park District and the Cook County Forest Preserve. There are either limits on alcohol or the areas close too early. I'm trying to spiral out to the suburbs but after a point it gets too expensive to take cabs from and to the city.

The budget for any kind of rental is probably a couple hundred. Maybe a little more. If the party could start later in the day that would be cool and the later it could run the better.

posted by @homer to Human Relations (4 answers total)

Doesn't meet your late-night request, but why not do a block party? Pick whoever lives on the least-trafficky street. Get a permit from the city of Chicago (free, google for "chicago block party permit" for the application). The city'll close the street down until 10pm. Grill in the street, play yard games, etc, then disperse to the bars. Sounds like an awesome birthday to me.
posted by amelioration at 10:46 AM on March 26, 2009 [1 favorite]

The first place thought of that has a backyard-type space is Phyllis' Musical Inn on Division. They have a side courtyard with a basketball hoop and a bunch of picnic tables. Dunno about the BBQ, though -- although it's right by the BBQ restaurant Smoke Daddy, so perhaps you could ask them about bringing food? Or maybe they'd let you grill there.

Not sure, as I've not tried renting out their space, but they're a no-frills kind of bar so maybe they'd be amenable?
posted by penchant at 10:46 AM on March 26, 2009

The forest preserve requires a permit if you want a guaranteed spot (meaning: a pavillion and picnic tables). If that isn't important and you want to roll the dice--just go and find a spot (that does not have a pavillion because it is likely reserved) and have a blast. Labaugh Woods, Forest Glen or Edgebrook generally have some space that you can squeeze into. The woods "close" at dusk so that's pretty late in the summer. Finally, think about the lakefront park space or some of the big parks in Chicago (Humboldt, Independence, Gompers, Peterson, etc.). The rule at the parks is if you are laid back and respectful the staff should leave you alone.

Good luck.
posted by zerobyproxy at 7:44 PM on March 26, 2009

Best answer: There are grills in the backyards of Cody's and The Montrose Saloon. You prolly wouldn't have to rent the place (but you'd also wouldn't have it to yourself); you'd have to pay for drinks, and of course, it's BYOM (bring yr own meat). Also sweet: Cody's has outdoors dart boards and bags (and really fucking weird art)!
posted by pfafflin at 10:50 AM on March 27, 2009