Dinner by the Pier?

[dee24]

Hello - are there any good restaurants by the Navy Pier for a large group of around 20 (business dinner)? We will probably do the typical tourist visit on a Tuesday night and then stop for dinner afterwards so wondering if there's anyplace nearby (maybe within walking distance if possible). I see Riva is at the Pier but not sure how nice it is. Thank you!!

[dee24]

Thanks for the suggestions! Since we want to stay near the Pier, I'm checking out Riva and Copperblue. Judging by comments, it apears Copperblue is the better restaurant as far as food and service, but Riva is just more convenient since its right there on the Pier and has a nice view.

[patrick24]

I second the Copper Blue rec. I attended a business function of about 30 ppl. there about a year ago, and they closed the restaurant for us for no additional fee, iirc. I spoke to the owner and he told me that he often does small private functions during the week because the bulk of their business occurs during the weekends. The food was 4 star quality, the room is beautiful & serene, and service was top-notch. We were very happy with the event on all points. I haven't been to Riva for a few years but i remember being unimpressed by its almost instiutional feel with regards to food & service, I think the place gets by on name & location/view only. I've had pretty good food at DeLaCosta, but the service was snotty and awful and I don't know that the clubby vibe is what you're looking for. Quartino is a fun place with good food, but a little bit of a hike from Navy Pier (20 minute walk if you're not going to cab.)

[missado]

De La Costa is very close to Navy Pier (465 E Illinois) and the website states that their wine room can accommodate up to 18 seated guests. You can call and ask if they can fit a large group in any of their other spaces. http://delacostachicago.com/index2.php

Otherwise Coco Pazzo Cafe is a bit more of a walk but they can definitely fit a large group (up to 25 people). http://www.cocopazzocafe.com/

[Pete Oldtown]

Since everyone seems to be talking about it recently, Quartino is a rather lengthy walk from Navy Pier, but in this weather a pleasant one, and I noticed when I was there that they have a banquet room upstairs. Small dishes that they could arrange for a large group, so there is something for everyone.

http://www.quartinochicago.com/

[dee24]

Thanks. Cooperblue is closed today so I'll call tomorrow, although as you said, I don't know if they can accommodate a group of 20 or more (we usally get a private room)

Any comments good or bad about Riva?

[lbs]

I've been to Riva twice for business dinners (about 10 or so people). I thought that the food was great (not OMG this is the best thing ever but still good) and the view was pretty spectular.

[nsxtasy]

Copperblue is very nice and right next to Navy Pier, but it's not that big (seats ~50 total) and I don't know about their ability to handle a group that large. You could call them and ask. www.copperbluechicago.com