9 Restaurants with Unique Special Event Space

If you're planning an event, be it a birthday party, office gathering or wedding, you know it can become very, very complicated. From food to favors, it feels like there are thousands of little decisions to make, along with a few big decisions - like where to even host your party or reception. That one decision can make or break your event. Fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants on Chicago's North Shore that will help take care of everything, leaving you with an evening your guests won't soon forget.

Avli Restaurant

566 Chestnut St., Winnetka

Go Greek with one of four private or semi-private dining rooms at Avli. Small groups will love the private wine room, while the restaurant’s largest room can accommodate up to 100 people. For medium-size events, try the front dining room, which comes with an 8-foot projection system, or the outdoor patio.

The restaurant can customize a menu for you, but sample menus include items like grilled artichoke hearts; arugula, pear and walnut salad; and braised lamb shoulder with oven-roasted potatoes.

 Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

583 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling

If you love a good glass of wine, let this winery and restaurant host your next event with one of a variety of private party packages. With package options under for categories — Wine & Appetizer Packages, Lunch Packages, Dinner Party Package, Chef’s Signature Dinners — you’re sure to impress all of your guests no matter the time or the reason for celebration.

The Curragh Irish Pub & Restaurant

1800 Tower Road, Glenview; 8266 Lincoln Ave., Skokie  

Treat your guests to traditional Irish fare at one of two locations. At The Glen Town Center location, groups of 10-150 people can use either a private room (small groups) or a semi-private area (large groups). Call 847-999-1100 for the most up-to-date information.

In Skokie, indoor and outdoor spaces are available for parties of 10-100. Plus, the outdoor area is enclosed and heated, so your guests can still party on the patio even if temperatures drop.

Found Kitchen and Social House

1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston

As this restaurant writes on their website, “Get Lost at Found!” Three unique spaces are available for your next gathering. The Salon Prive is reminiscent of old salons, complete with vintage doors (but also a “state of the art” audio/visual system). The Library is filled with vintage knick-knacks and books, while the Lounge can be illuminated by candlelight at night. Plus, on the first Monday of every month, the space is available for nonprofit events at cost.

Guildhall Restaurant

694 Vernon Ave., Glencoe

For an elegant event, head to Guildhall. The restaurant’s semi-private dining room seats up to 34, while the pub room can host up to 18 individuals at “raised tavern-style tables.” You can even rent out the entire venue for a wedding (there will be room for dancing!). And with signature Guildhall menus or the option to customize your own, you know you’ll love the food, which is prepared here with European influences.

Hearth Restaurant

The Homestead Inn, 1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston

This restaurant features five event spaces for every type of occasion, from weddings and graduation parties to wine tastings and corporate events. The Lounge is a cozy space that features a fireplace and a seasonal bar menu. The Main Dining Room also provides fireside dining with enough space for a musician or gift table. For smaller groups, the Terrace offers a more intimate dining experience, as does the Library. Lastly, the Outdoor Patio will allow you to enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars.

Pinstripes

1150 Willow Road, Northbrook

Pinstripes provides high-quality Italian/American food and wine with a side of bowling and bocce. With eight event spaces, including an enclosed four-season patio with a fire pit or the entire venue, Pinstripes will offer a relaxed, fun evening for your next corporate event, wedding, birthday party or other social gathering.

Peckish Pig

623 Howard St., Evanston

This Evanston restaurants offers three event spaces — The Pen, The Patio (seasonal) and the Entire Restaurant — for 25-300 guests. The restaurant says it can accommodate a variety of budgets and needs and offers menus, bar packages and party trays, a widescreen TV, microphone and speakers, and more.

Whiskey Thief Tavern

616 Davis St., Evanston

Whiskey Thief Tavern offers one of the most unique spaces on the North Shore. The Barrel Room is filled with a variety of couches and chairs, plus a fireplace and wall of bookshelves. Or, opt for high-top tables at the front of the restaurant. And the options don’t stop there. Customize happy hour for your guests with wings, Crab Deviled Eggs, Poutine and/or Fried Calamari, among other food selections. Or, if you prefer a sit down dinner, you’ll have three options at three different price points. You can even treat your guests to a mixology class.