Chicagoans: which bars are good for groups?

January 18, 2013 6:26 AM

My Chicago nonprofit is putting together a series of social events for our amazingly wonderful volunteers, including some bar nights. Our usual venue for such revelry recently reconfigured its space and is less group-friendly now, so we are on the hunt for great new places. Where should we explore?

All suggestions are welcome, but we're especially interested in places that:

- Can accommodate a group of about 40 in some kind of designated space (separate room, etc.)
- Are near public transportation (bus is OK, El is even better)
- Have food as an option, but not a requirement
- Will let us reserve space for free or cheap

We're based in River North, but are neighborhood-agnostic.

Thank you! :)

posted by picopebbles to food & drink (8 answers total)

Black Rock has a big back area and they host private parties.

I am a huge fan of Haymarket. It's the best beer bar in town, and they also do private events, though I suspect Haymarket will be a bit pricier than Black Rock. If you have people coming from suburban areas, though, this might be better, as Haymarket is walking distance to the Metra (Ogilvy and Union).
posted by deathpanels at 6:36 AM on January 18 [2 favorites]

The Kerryman and English both have spacious second floors that could accommodate that many. O'Callaghan's is a sleepy little gem, in my opinion, and has a second and third floor. These are all in River North.
posted by Terminal Verbosity at 8:21 AM on January 18

Sheffield's off the Belmont red/brown line stop fits the first three criteria, I don't know about the last. Only caveat is to avoid when Cubs are at home.
posted by gueneverey at 9:10 AM on January 18

Just to add a caveat to the Sheffield's caveat: also when the Blackhawks are at home.
posted by like_a_friend at 10:34 AM on January 18

I've reserved the upstairs at Deliah's in Lincoln Park several times for gatherings. Depending on your group, it might not be the vibe you're looking for, but for an inclusive package, $5-10 per person per hour is hard to beat.
posted by ndg at 10:56 AM on January 18

Have no idea about cost at either, but I have been to events in the upstairs rooms at Fizz on N. Lincoln and Belmont, and Revolution Brewing on Milwaukee.

And let me second Haymarket, because I love them.

You could also try Reza's on Ontario in the Loop; they have a lovely second floor, the food is delicious, and the cost is very reasonable.
posted by deliciae at 11:16 AM on January 18

I was totally coming in to suggest Black Rock. We used to have monthly meet ups there.

Piece has a small area that is separate from the restaurant that they rent out. I have no idea what the cost would be.

Hopleaf has an upstairs room, but again, I'm not certain what the cost would be.
posted by bibliogrrl at 3:55 PM on January 18

Fantastic. Thank you so much, everyone! :)
posted by picopebbles at 1:30 PM on January 23