Ideas for a group of 10 in town for the NRA Show in May?

[matikin9]

Hi, I'm gathering ideas for dining options for a large group, likely up to 10 people. We went to the NRA show the past 2 years as well, but dinner planning was non-existent. I'd rather avoid the fiasco of just picking a random restaurant that is able to accommodate a walk-in party of that size, especially given all the delicious food I know Chicago has to offer.

I don't have any criteria at the moment besides good food/drinks, and able to accommodate a large party. Any suggestions?

[Siun]

My list would Include Sable and Mercat a la Planxa - make reservations now!

[matikin9]

Heh, I thought Sable sounded familiar... turns out that's where we ended up last year for one of our dinners! :) Even as a huge walk-in group, we were able to get a large table after a bit of waiting by the bar.

Mercat a la Planxa looks nice too, I'll look into getting reservations there. Any idea how packed they would be if we just showed up?

Additional suggestions would still be appreciated - can't have too many options!

[ms. mika]

It depends on what you want- there are hundreds and hundreds of restaurants but our most popular ones, you'll definitely want reservations.
You could try Tavernita, which is a new Spanish small plates place, GT Fish and Oyster- seafood small plates, Sunda- asian/sushi etc.- all of these places you'd need a reservation- but depending on your price range and what area you want to be in- there are lots of other choices as well.

[manomin]

Good thing you are planning relatively ahead. Last year we did not have a plan for Sat. night and it was near impossible to find something/anything with no res. Going to avoid that this year!