Paid Post: Spring is coming and that often means it’s time to start planning wedding and baby showers, engagement parties, family reunions, rehearsal dinners and receptions, graduation celebrations and corporate lunch and dinner meetings. Downtown Evanston is home to several outstanding and unique locations for events of all occasions.
One of the newest venues in downtown Evanston is The Wisteria Room, a beautiful space crowned with a stained-glass dome. Located on the fourth floor of the recently opened Halim Time and Glass Museum, you can also rent out The Roof Top Garden with views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.
Terra and Vine.
If you’re looking for a hip, creative, playful space, Five & Dime is a must visit and it boasts an amazing roof deck! Located above its sister restaurants, Taco Diablo and Lulu’s, Five & Dime features three event spaces: The Terrace, The Shed and The Bar that can be combined or rented separately for events. Plus, your guests can enjoy pinball, ping-pong, big Jenga and more.
For a clean and modern space offering Italian-Mediterranean fare, Terra & Vine features four distinct private dining rooms that can accommodate groups of 10 to 140 people.
Planning an event with a more rustic feel? Farmhouse Evanston offers a craft tavern atmosphere while remaining “Honest to the Heartland”. The event space accommodates parties from 10 to 65 people in four different party rooms.
The Barn.
Going for the retro vibe or specific decade? Evanston Rocks and 1012 Brass ‘n Bourbon can accommodate any theme and offer delicious craft cocktails and homemade ravioli, their specialty item.
For something a little more upscale and romantic, The Barn is set inside a restored 19th century brick barn and features steaks from local purveyors, as well as other refined dishes ranging from bison bolognese and steak tartare to roasted vegetables provençal. An extensive selection of old and new world wine offerings and creative cocktails round out the modern steakhouse experience; and the entire restaurant can be closed for a private event.
Boltwood offers partial and full restaurant buyouts for special brunch, lunch or dinner celebrations. Whether the party is 10 or 100 people, you can select from delicious and seasonal family style, select menu or appetizer options, complete with drink packages to fit any occasion.
Like beer? Pizza? BBQ? Look no further than Smylie Brothers Brewing Company, complete with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, award winning beer and delicious food. The second-floor mezzanine is perfect for a gathering up to 32 guests, or in warmer months consider the private dining room that has its own private outdoor space. Rent out the whole brewery for a fun, casual event like a fundraiser.
With 20 years’ experience creating flawless events, Pete Miller’s Steak & Seafood provides a classic old-school atmosphere for company events to small family gatherings to grand, no-holds-barred celebrations. You can count on superior service and attention to every detail, so you can simply relax and enjoy the party.
Perhaps one of the coziest spots for a private event can be found at…Found Kitchen and Social House, which accommodates sit down dinners up to 60 guests or a reception style event up to 75 guests. Owner Amy Morton has created a unique dining experience from using found objects in the restaurant’s décor to sourcing from lesser-known local purveyors to always staying mindful of the environment by recycling, composting and supporting area farms and businesses whenever possible.
For a creative party, look no further than Bottle and Bottega Evanston—wine and painting parties are guaranteed to be memorable! Whether you want to create a single painting, multiple paintings, a custom designed mural, or even paint a live male model, they offer a variety of themes and styles. Plus, the team will help you arrange food, wine and decorations for the studio, so you can focus on painting a masterpiece!
Koi Fine Asian Cuisine has two private dining rooms perfect for cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners or business meetings. Whether you have 10 or 250 guests, Koi offers party packages featuring authentic Chinese and fresh Sushi selections, all in a chic and modern setting.
If you want an Italian-themed party, La Macchina Café is the place. Book a rehearsal dinner for 20, a wedding reception for 100 and all types of corporate events.
The Crystall Ballroom.
If you planning your big day, downtown Evanston is a fantastic location for a wedding with fabulous ballrooms at the Crystal Ballroom & Lounge, Hilton Orrington, Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn, and The Margarita European Inn.
Wherever you book your reception, you are just steps away from a beautiful lakefront, Northwestern University’s campus, multiple parks and a variety of historic buildings, all wonderful backdrops for those perfect wedding photos. Plus, you and your guests can enjoy all the dining, entertainment, and leisure activities offered right here in downtown Evanston.
No matter your theme, budget or needs, the perfect party room can be found in downtown Evanston! Cheers!