Happy Friday! As I continue with this Friday roundup series, I always try to look back on the questions I get from you guys… and I realized I’ve never addressed this VERY frequently asked question. What are the best Chicago restaurants for group dinners?!
I honestly think I put off putting together this list because group dinners depend on so many different factors. Is it a business dinner? Or a birthday dinner? Is everyone on a budget or is everyone willing to drop some cash? It totally depends, right?! So, in an attempt to make this list useful for all of you, this list has lots of price points, cuisines, and different levels of both fancy and casual. Here we go!
The Best Chicago Restaurants for Group Dinners
Angry Crab
I had to list Angry Crab as number one because we had the BEST group dinner at their Wicker Park location. You can make a reservation for big groups, plus everything is more fun when everyone is wearing a bib at dinner! We ordered huge bags of seafood (yes bags!), got our hands dirty, and brought/consumed way too much wine (hey BYOB). Hiiiiighly recommend this spot!
Beatnik
If you’re looking for something trendy and instagram-worthy, Beatnick is for you. The decor features huge plants, vintage rugs, intricate chandeliers… I mean, this place is beautiful. Plus, the menu has great shareable items, and the cocktails are delicious!
Parlor Pizza
Oh, you just want to get some pizza with your friends? I understand that! Parlor Pizza has locations in Wicker Park and the West Loop, and both are super spacious with great ‘za.
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
I’m always surprised when people tell me they’ve never heard of 90 Miles, because it is SO GOOD. Make sure you order the empanadas – and bring some wine because it’s BYOB!
Duck Duck Goat
You know what makes group dinners better? A LAZY SUSAN! Duck Duck Goat‘s fun menu and ambiance make it perfect for a group dinner – especially if you’re going with people who like to share!
Tuco and Blondie
An affordable place to get tacos and margs with your friends is usually good enough – but throw in the fact that they take reservations and they have a colorful instagramable wall near the front door? I think it’s pretty clear why Tuco and Blondie made it on this list
Aba
The best excuse to try out the latest hotspot? A group dinner, duh! I haven’t been to Aba yet, but I hear it’s gorgeous and delicious. Yes please!
Sunda
I actually had my 30th birthday party in Sunda‘s private room… and not gonna lie, it was awesome. Their food is always SO good and they can accommodate all different sized parties, even if you don’t want to commit to a private space. Order the Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad – TRUST ME!
Somerset
As soon as I sat down on Somerset‘s patio, I loved it – but they also have a gorgeous interior that would be perfect for groups, no matter what the season. Just be careful, their Gold Coast Martini’s are so smooth and SO STRONG.
Bar Siena
We just went here for brunch last weekend, and Bar Siena accommodated a group of 13, plus a toddler and a baby! Not every restaurant on Randolph Street can handle that!
Cindy’s
I hesitated including this because it can get very crowded, but if you can get a reservation at one of their long tables, Cindy’s is a great place for groups. Especially if you have out-of-towners with you! I went with a big group for brunch a while back and the shareable platters of food + the views are hard to beat.
Quartino
Affordable Italian food in River North. I mean… need I say more?! Sure, Quartino isn’t my favorite Italian restaurant in the whole city, but the food is always delicious, the prices are hard to beat in that area, and they are wonderful with groups.
Eden
Unfortunately, I haven’t been to Eden yet – but a quick image search will tell you that it’s absolutely STUNNING. It’s definitely not a cheap meal, but if you’re looking to indulge (or impress your crew) add this one to your list.
Ema
Oh Ema. How I love thee! While this is a great date night spot, I think it’s more fun to go with a group so you can order a few different kinds of hummus, kebabs, mezzes, and more! Make sure you order the Toasted Almond and Garlic Hummus though. It’s insane.
Green Street Smoked Meats
While I know Green Street Smoked Meats isn’t really my jam, I can certainly recognize how great it is for other people! If you have lots of meat lovers in your group, look no further!
Did I miss any of your favorites?
The Kitchen, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, and Homeslice/Happy Camper almost made this list, too. Which restaurants would you add to this roundup?
PS. You might also like Best Date Night Spots, Best Patios, Best Rooftops, and a Weekend Guide to Chicago in the Summer!
*Photos in the collage are from @BeatnikChicago, @EmaChicago, @TucoandBlondie, and @DuckDuckGoatChi.
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