Large Group Business Dinner in Chicago

[jjnLA]

I am hosting a business dinner for 20-25 people and need a place in the Miracle Mile/
East Wacker Drive adjacent neighborhoods. Looking to spend $150 - $200 per person all in. Not interested in chain restaurants like Ruth's Chris, etc. We aren't lawyers or conservative business men, so restaurant need not be formal or of the staid, leather banquette variety....more interested in locally sourced, well regarded, innovative cuisine.

Would very much appreciate any suggestions....thanks!

[danimalarkey]

Considering the size of your group, you might try http://lettuceparties.com/ . I don't necessarily consider LEYE a chain but I'm not sure if any of their restaurants would really meet your needs. Still, I bet they know how to put together a great dinner and they have plenty of restaurants to work with in the downtown (Loop/River North/Magnificent Mile) area.

This isn't near your preferred location but if you want locally sourced, well-regarded and innovative -- and didn't mind a couple of taxis or even renting a bus-sized limo -- Nightwood has a private room: http://nightwoodrestaurant.com/private_events.html . In Bucktown, the Bristol serves up food along similar lines: http://thebristolchicago.com/privatee... .

[jjnLA]

Yes, I have seen the link to lettuceparties.com in other posts....thanks for the recommendation.

[chicgail]

suggestions to get you started - in no particular order:

Naha
Topolobampbo
Perennial Virant
Nellecote
Girl and the Goat
The Publican
Bonsoiree
Telegraph
Sprout
Mercat a la Planxa
Cafe Spiaggia
North Pond
Coco Pazzo

Includes a variety of cuisines. No chains. Some a little more traditional than others. Many not walking distance, but a short cab ride. You don't say when you will be here and that may make a difference since some reservations are harder to get (e.g. Topolobampo or Girl and the Goat) than others.

[jjnLA]

Thank you for the extensive list....the event will be the second week in July.

[ferret]

http://www.hyatt.com/gallery/nomi/men...

Spiaggia would also be an excellent choice and although I'm sure they source locally where they can they it's not their biggest selling point.

Oh, and it's "Magnificent Mile."

[jjnLA]

Thanks for the suggestions....and yes, Magnificent Mile....The Miracle Mile is here in LA!