Chicago is known for a lot of great things, including award-winning architecture, an attractive lakefront and world-class museums. It has also become a capital of cuisine. Around every corner, visitors can find a fantastic restaurant, an iconic eatery and sometimes even a celebrity chef.
Meetings Focus MidAmerica whittled down 10 of Chicago’s top culinary experiences for groups. Check them out next time you are in the Windy City.
1. Fulton’s on the River
Nothing epitomizes the Windy City like a day on the Chicago River. Thankfully, groups can take advantage of the river from the comfort of a fine dining restaurant: Fulton’s on the River (312.822.0100).
"Fulton’s offers several rooms for private groups," says Rose Horcher, vice president of client services for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. "Just off one of the rooms is a beautiful terrace and gangway to the Chicago River. Groups can enjoy the view and have dessert or appetizers out there. Before or after dinner, they can take a chartered boat tour of the city. It is so easy because they pick you up right at the restaurant."
Fulton’s specializes in steaks and seafood. Make sure to try the fried calamari and horseradish encrusted filet.
"The portions are huge," Horcher says. "And the wine list is phenomenal. They really understand how to cater to the private dining experience."
2. Chicago Tasting Tour
Chicago has long been known for hot dogs, pizza and beef. Chicago Is (312.565.1550), a full-service DMC, decided to combine all three foods into one group event, the Chicago Tasting Tour.
"We can accommodate about 50 people on a motorcoach, and we start off by getting pizza at Lou Malnati’s in the River North neighborhood," says Michael O’Connor, president of Chicago Is. "After that, we go to the Billy Goat Tavern, which was made famous by the ‘cheeseburger, cheeseburger’ skit on SNL. We end the tour with a visit to The Weiner’s Circle in Lincoln Park, which is a Chicago hot dog institution. Groups love the tour because it is something different."
In addition to sampling great Chicago-style food, O’Connor says the guide shares information on the history of the area.
"For example, we pass by churches in Lincoln Park and even the Biograph Theater where John Dillinger was shot," he says. "It is a true Chicago experience."
3. The Chopping Block
For groups that want to eat Chicago-style food and learn how to make it, planners can check out The Chopping Block (312.644.6360). The spot is popular with groups for culinary team-building experiences and large-scale chef’s table functions.
"We can do any type of private, custom event," says Lisa Duryea, sales manager for The Chopping Block. "You can have a hands-on event for up to 110 people where everyone is cooking or a chef’s table cocktail reception for up to 250 guests."
One of the most popular activities is cooking a meal that represents various Chicago neighborhoods.
"We will make something Greek for Greektown, something Chinese for Chinatown, something German for Germantown, and something Irish for Chicagoans from the Southside," Duryea says. "Groups love that event because it really brings Chicago to them."
The Chopping Block has two locations: Merchandise Mart (downtown) and Lincoln Park.
4. Second City Dine-Around
Chicago is home to the famous Second City Comedy Club, and a unique way to augment the experience is to schedule a dine-around right before the show. Chicago Travel Consultants (773.880.5878), a local DMC, offers dine-arounds in Old Town (where Second City is located).
"Old Town is more casual than downtown and you can walk everywhere," says Brittany Murray, account coordinator for Chicago Travel Consultants. "We will start at a place like 33 Club, then go to Adobo Grill and then Topo Gigio, all of which have space for groups. From there, groups can walk over to Second City."
5. Spiaggia
Spiaggia (312.280.2750) is a Chicago institution. Located on North Michigan Avenue across from the John Hancock Center, the restaurant has served everyone from locals to foreign dignitaries. At its helm is Tony Mantuano, a recent Top Chef Masters contestant and favorite chef of many, including President Barack Obama.
"Tony is constantly up for James Beard Awards," says Tim Veeser, senior sales manager for Spiaggia. "Just last year he was nominated as one of the top five best chefs in the country."
Groups can take advantage of Mantuano’s cooking in one of the restaurant’s five private dining rooms.
"Each room can seat between 20 to 80 people," Veeser says. "If you rent the entire private space, you can fit about 220 people in there."
Spiaggia is known for its fresh ingredients.
"Our chefs shop at local markets and even fly in our mozzarella from Italy," Veeser notes. "Make sure to try the spaghetti. Delicioso!"
6. Mastro’s Steakhouse
Chicago is known for its steakhouses, and while there seems to be one on nearly every corner, a new restaurant has caused quite a stir as of late. Mastro’s Steakhouse (312.521.5100), located on North Dearborn in downtown Chicago, opened in October to rave reviews.
"Mastro’s is in a great location, it offers great views of the city and they have great service," Murray says. "The restaurant is almost entirely devoted to private dining, which is nice for groups."
Groups of up to 500 can buy out the restaurant, and there are also smaller meeting rooms for gatherings of up to 150.
Make sure to try the New York strip and ahi tuna sashimi.
7. The Peninsula’s Chocolate Buffet
"If you are a chocoholic like me, you’ve gotta try The Peninsula Hotel’s Chocolate Buffet (312.337.2888)," says O’Connor of Chicago Is. "It is open to the public and you can go to the hotel after dinner, but we can also set it up as a private event."
According to O’Connor, Chicago Is can reserve a ballroom in the famed hotel (even if the main meeting isn’t happening on property) for a private chocolate tasting.
"This is a Chicago experience because there are only a few Peninsula Hotels in the world," he says. "Going there is just a treat; it isn’t something you normally do and scheduling a fancy chocolate buffet will give your guests a taste of what the Peninsula life is like."
8. ZED 451
Located on Clark Street in River North is the swanky Zed 451 (312.266.6691), an ideal spot for a wine and cheese-pairing event.
"The interior is absolutely beautiful," says Murray of Chicago Travel Consultants. "They have several private event spaces and for the wine and cheese pairing, the sommelier comes around and talks to guests about the wines and cheeses. It is very casual, reception-style. Guests don’t feel like they are in a wine class."
The restaurant has four private event spaces that can accommodate up to 125 people. For an extra special treat, check out the rooftop deck, which offers nice views of the city. But even if it’s cold outside, ZED 451 is worth a visit, according to Murray.
"The whole decor is very earthy; there are fireplaces throughout and wood seats—actual wood, tree-trunk wood. The rooftop is incredible and groups really like this spot."
9. The Signature Room
The view from the top of the John Hancock Center is second only to flying in a private jet over the city. For an event that features sparkling views of Chicago architecture and yummy food to boot, try The Signature Room at the 95th (312.787.9596).
"The space has four private rooms. We’ve had great success up there with groups," says O’Connor of Chicago Is. "They can fit up to 300 people for an event, but usually we bring in around 100 to 200 for a private gathering."
The food is "surprisingly good," O’Connor says, but the main attraction is the view.
"It is simply the best view of the skyline, period," he says. "Anytime you see a Chicago postcard or television show of the city, the Hancock Center is always shown. It is fun to have an event in such an iconic building."
10. Gino’s East
Groups in the mood for a casual dining experience can head over to Gino’s East (312.266.3337). After opening in 1966 on E. Superior in Chicago’s downtown, the spot took off in popularity thanks to its irresistible deep-dish pizza. Now, there are several Gino’s locations all over the city.
"Gino’s is so well-known; everyone wants to go there," says Murray of Chicago Travel Consultants. "Groups love it although it is not upscale. They like to use it as a lunch spot."
The original restaurant offers private event space for up to 300 guests. Be sure to carve your name on the wood walls after you finish eating—a Gino’s tradition.
Chicago-based freelance writer Katie Morell is constantly impressed by the wide variety (and quality) of restaurants in her newly adopted city.
