Beyond Chicago's stunning architecture and vibrant downtown, the city offers a perfect balance of Midwestern hospitality and cosmopolitan sophistication. Visitors from across the globe appreciate the city's walkability, world-class public transportation, and concentration of excellent hotels and dining options.
Chicago also stands as one of America's premier business destinations, hosting everything from major conferences to small corporate gatherings in its world-class hotels.
When searching for good restaurants for big groups in Chicago or intimate venues for important meetings, event planners have endless options to choose from. For companies hosting conferences or bringing in out-of-town employees, Chicago provides a wealth of impressive venues where teams can connect outside the conference room.
Planning a corporate gathering in Chicago? Finding the best restaurants for corporate visitors in Chicago can elevate your entire event. The Windy City combines exceptional dining with memorable experiences—and we're here to help. Let EventUp help you find the perfect spot for your next event. Get started on your search today!
Find Good Restaurants for Big Groups in Chicago
When planning events in Chicago for clients or team members, finding the right space can help set the tone for your entire gathering. Luckily, the Windy City delivers impressive options for high-energy mixers or intimate cocktail evenings alike.
From interactive entertainment spaces to sophisticated restaurants with private party rooms in Chicago, here are eight standout options for your next business event.
3 of Our Favorite Chicago Eatertainment Venues
Why just eat when you can play too? These Chicago spots combine great food and drinks with activities that get people talking and laughing together. Perfect for breaking up conference monotony or helping new team members connect.
Five Iron Golf
Don't worry if your golf game is rusty, Five Iron Golf is about having fun, not staying under par. Using their state-of-the-art Trackman simulators, colleagues will feel like they’re on The Tour no matter how good their swing is. For non-golfers, there’s plenty of other games to enjoy, too. With a full-service blog and casual fare, Five Iron Golf handles groups large and small without headache. There’s even free parking!
HQ Beercade is 14,000 square feet of high-energy fun! Picture 70+ free-play vintage arcade games and pinball machines are at your fingertips—perfect for breaking the ice. And, with two floors, there’s plenty of room to mingle, plus a great selection of thin-crust pizzas, innovative cocktails, and an extensive craft beer list.
WhirlyBall
If your team needs some friendly competition, WhirlyBall delivers! Here, your colleagues will cruise around in bumper cars while using scoops to pass and shoot a whiffle ball at wall-mounted goals. It's chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly addictive. When you need a break, their full-service restaurant serves craft pizzas, gourmet burgers, and shareable plates—making it a great all-in-one destination.
5 Great Restaurants with Private Party Rooms in Chicago
Looking for a good place for business dinner in Chicago? These next five spots offer exceptional cuisine and a unique dining environment. They create the perfect atmosphere for impressing clients or celebrating with colleagues, ensuring conversations can flow naturally without interruption!
Big Star West Town
Big Star West Town delivers authentic Mexican flavor in a vibrant atmosphere. This spacious restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch options. The menu features handmade tacos, burritos, and shareable starters like queso fundido and loaded nachos—perfect for group dining. Plus, Big Star can accommodate groups of any size, and the lively ambiance creates an immediate sense of celebration.
The Violet Hour
When you want to impress your team, just look for the ever-changing mural on Damen Avenue and the single light bulb—that’s your cue you’ve found The Violet Hour! This pre-prohibition style speakeasy offers an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere with candlelit tables, a sprawling marble bar, and some of the best cocktails Chicago has to offer.
BLVD Steakhouse delivers old-Hollywood glamour in Chicago's West Loop, making it a good place for business dinner in Chicago! The stunning two-story space features plush velvet booths, crystal chandeliers, and a dramatic curved staircase. With premium steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list, BLVD is perfect for intimate executive meetings to larger corporate functions.
Bar Avec
Bar Avec offers a stylish rooftop escape to the Mediterranean. This breezy, coastal-inspired space features city views and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that is perfect for your next event. Their tapas-style dining experience is perfect for corporate gatherings, too—the format naturally encourages sharing and conversation!
Gaijin introduces guests to authentic Japanese okonomiyaki—savory pancakes rarely found outside Japan. The sleek, modern space features an open kitchen where chefs prepare these specialties on traditional teppan grills. With distinctive food and beverage pairings, including Japanese whiskeys, sakes, and craft cocktails, Gaijin is sure to impress even the most well-traveled business associates!
Find the Best Restaurants for Corporate Visitors in Chicago on EventUp
When hosting colleagues or clients in Chicago, the right venue can transform a standard business gathering into a truly memorable experience. Whether you're seeking good restaurants for big groups in Chicago or a good place for business dinner in Chicago, these eight venues offer distinctive environments that combine impressive food and drink with spaces designed for corporate hospitality.
The city's central location and world-class amenities make it an ideal destination for bringing teams together. From downtown landmarks to neighborhood gems, these entertainment venues and restaurants with private party rooms in Chicago provide settings for productive conversations and relationship building.
When planning your next corporate event, consider how these venues can help you create an experience that reflects your company's values while showing guests the best of what Chicago has to offer.
