The Resy Guide to Outstanding Private Dining Options in Chicago

Set just off the main Randolph Street restaurant row across Ogden, Maxwells is perfect for a large group of friends (up to 12) on the main floor, or a larger private party in one of the rooms upstairs, which can accommodate up to 175 for a seated soiree (and gives you access to a private outdoor space). Chef Chris Jung and co-owner Erling Wu-Bower have created a seasonally-changing menu inspired by their culinary influences during their formative years growing up in Chicago and Queens, New York, with influences from Asia, Italy, the Midwest, and beyond. Think: Suzuki tartare with lemongrass and nasturtium; rich French onion dip with truffle oil; Japanese sweet potato with Thai green curry; or a half grilled chicken with collard greens and ginger-scallion salsa verde. Inquire online

James Beard Award-winning chef/owner Zach Engel and partner Andrés Clavero bring together cross-cultural Middle Eastern flavors at this Lincoln Park favorite. Whether that’s brisket hummus with braised carrots; labneh with hyssop and sumac; falafel with mango and Persian pickled turnips; Iraqi kubbeh halab; mushroom tagine; or smoked turkey pastrami with sweet potato, the flavors of the area shine. The wine list is equally Levantine, with wines from Israel, Palestine, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, and beyond. Galit’s cozy private room can host up to 24 people. Inquire by email for more information. 

Who doesn’t love a pizza party — especially with some of Chicago’s most-acclaimed pizza? At Bungalow by Middle Brow, you can gather a large group together for pizza (tavern style on Tuesdays, though do note it can get very busy), bread plates (they are obsessive about their flour), and XXL salads with gorgeous locally-sourced ingredients. Add in Middle Brow’s own beer and wine, and you’ve got yourself a super local dinner party. For parties of 15 or more, fill out the form on their website.

Whoever said going out for a fantastic French dinner had to be pricey clearly hasn’t visited Bar Parisette. Here, owner/sommelier Matt Susman and chef/partner Madalyn Durrant have crafted a menu featuring French bistro favorites paired with an excellent (and sometimes funky) all-French wine list. Share a bunch of oysters; chicken liver mousse and cheeses with baguettes; carrot salad with lentils and olives; steak frites; and pan-roasted trout with white beans and fennel. Think of this as your favorite neighborhood wine bar–equally perfect spot for a cozy dinner for two or a soiree for up to 60 in private or semi-private spaces. Inquire via email for more. 

At this family-owned, Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated upscale Mexican restaurant and agave bar (actually, make that three agave bars, including one on the rooftop) in the heart of the West Loop, you can bring everyone together for one big party. Here you’ll share guacamole and queso fundido, various ceviches, tacos, enchiladas, and more. The restaurant can host semi-private gatherings for up to 13, where you can taste through their “agave bible,” and find one of Chicago’s most-extensive collections of mezcal, tequila, sotol, bacanora, and raicilla. Inquire by email for more. 

It doesn’t get much more festive than an old-school Midwestern steak dinner of prime rib eye, creamed spinach, and potatoes au gratin — nor does it get much more old-school than this elegant South Loop institution inside a former firehouse. If you’re hosting a larger event, opt for one of two parlor rooms, both of which feature reclaimed wood floors and walnut walls and seat up to 64 or 48, respectively. If you’re going for something more intimate, the Mayor’s Room perched on the second floor seats up to 18 and features a warming built-in fireplace, vintage exposed-brick walls, and large windows. For more info: privatedine@chicagofirehouse.com

Celebrate the season with a dynamic Chinese-inspired feast dreamed up by iconic chef Stephanie Izard. The 18-seat Jade Room is fittingly ornate, with whimsical accents and a goat or two for good measure. Separated from the adjacent bar by dramatic French doors adorned with gilded dragons, the Jade Room can be made completely private from the main dining room. Fill your bellies and souls with hand-pulled noodles, housemade dumplings, wontons, and spring rolls, passed family-style among your nearest and dearest. More info here.

Throwback Italian-American classics in a lively space resembling a mid-century supper club? Sign us up. This longtime neighborhood favorite features a handful of private dining options — all of which will be festively decorated to the nines as is customary each year. The fully private, ‘50s-style Club Room seats up to 35 and is adorned with an antique Martini shaker collection, oversized tables and warm lighting. We especially love the lounge, which fits 70 and features the original bar, tin ceiling, and aluminum and glass light fixtures. Wherever you settle, expect a casual, welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and wallet-friendly prices, not to mention superb, ample Martinis — which are, unscientifically, the best holiday party icebreakers. Learn more here.

If you’d prefer getting in the spirit with a sultry cocktail hour, consider this elegant, high-ceilinged bar with globally inspired cocktails and speakeasy vibes. Arbella features several options for private events depending on size and style of your event: a full bar takeover can accommodate up to 150 seated and standing while enjoying soaring ceilings and Void Acoustics sound system. The B-Side room fits a mix of 60 seated and standing and is likewise fully equipped for a live band or DJ setup. Learn more and get in touch with the restaurant here.

Chef Rick Bayless’s stalwart sibling restaurants provide ample private-dining experiences starring regional Mexican fare. The newest space, La Vista at Frontera, seats up to 50 and overlooks the buzzing River North neighborhood with a side of tasty street snacks, tacos, seafood, and a well-stocked tequila and mezcal bar. The serene, open-kitchen Library Room at Topolobampo seats up to 30 with a five-course tasting menu set amid Bayless’s collection of rare cookbooks. The livelier, subterranean Morales Room at Frontera seats 40 and features coursed tasting menus or a 10-dish street food menu set amid contemporary Mexican art by the namesake Mexican artist Rodolfo Morales. Learn more.

Transport your party to stylish, global locales at one of several private or semi-private spaces at this luxe, intricately decorated restaurant with sweeping vistas of the Chicago River. The Jewelry Store, an entire 1913 Nashville jewelry shop reassembled piece-by-piece in the middle of the restaurant, seats 16 or 20 standing at a restored 16-foot French draper’s table.  The two Mezzanine spaces — River and North, up to 55 or 35, respectively for either seated or cocktail events, amid lush foliage, colorful tiles and rugs and plush banquettes. You’ll pass around Mediterranean-leaning shared plates from chef/partner Marcos Campos, including mezze spreads with hummus and octopus and smoked baba ganoush with pomegranate and Lebanese-style roasted lamb shoulder feast with dill tzatziki, cucumber salad, tahini hummus, and grilled pita. More info here.

Perched high above Michigan Ave at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s Rooftop is suited for special occasions with its gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. Private-dining options include the semi-private Lakeview couches; the private Library — which holds up to 45 with amber-hued furnishings; and full buyouts. All experiences come with sophisticated seasonal fare from chef Kaleena Bliss like various raw bar (oysters, chilled king crab), burrata with roasted beets and maple vinaigrette, green curry prawns, braised short rib, and loaded baked potatoes — plus stellar inventive cocktails. Find more information here.

Looking for a modern steakhouse with a tie to Chicago’s deep meatpacking history? Consider Swift & Sons, aptly located in the heart of the bustling Fulton Market district. Private and semi-private options abound, depending on group size and occasion. The downstairs Tavern Table with counter-style seating around a marble bar suits casual groups of up to 10. Upstairs, two private dining rooms with soaring ceilings seat up to 36 (or 40 for cocktails), or can be reserved together for up to 72 people. Booking the rooms together also means access to a private lounge and restroom. Additionally, The Wellington Room provides a stately background for receptions for up to 60 guests. With luxe food and drink options like cold seafood towers, A5 wagyu tartare, black truffle risotto, and bone-in dry-aged rib eye, you’ll be in for a very chic and very Chicago gathering. Call the restaurant on +1 312-733-9420  or visit their website for more information.

Perched high above the dining room, the private Overpass room — a reference to Union Station next door — holds up to 16 around a large, dark wood table while peeking through an oversized window down onto the dining room. The intimate space evokes a well-designed living room, with earth tones and comfy seating. Guests can choose between a formal sit-down meal, family style, or a more casual buffet. The Italian menu features shareable dishes like margherita and spicy soppressata pizzas, hearty bowls of bolognese and cacio e pepe pasta, and large-format Caesar and chopped wedge salads. Get more info: info@canalstreetchicago.com.