Once home to the iconic meat-packing district of Chicago, West Loop now boasts some of the country’s hippest restaurants, including the famed Restaurant Row. Former warehouses have been transformed into chic venues with sleek designs and modern amenities. In addition to Greektown, both tourists and locals flock to Fulton Market and many of the boutique hotels that feature renowned restaurants of their own. With so many trendy and eclectic spaces, it’s the perfect neighborhood to host a rehearsal dinner.
Rehearsal dinners allow couples to prepare for what will be one of the most important days of their lives. It also gives everyone an opportunity to connect with loved ones in a more intimate, relaxed setting. These 9 West Loop restaurants in Chicago offer the perfect space for enjoying a beautiful (and delicious) rehearsal dinner before your wedding day. With imaginative designs, world-renowned chefs, and creative cocktails — there’s a good chance you’ll return for post-wedding festivities, like maybe a romantic dinner for two.
*In no particular order…
Intimate Rehearsal Dinner for up to 25 Guests
1. Ace Hotel Chicago
For a Chicago rooftop lounge with a relaxed watering-hole vibe…
- The Waydown space at Ace Hotel Chicago draws its inspiration from Midwestern watering holes, while also boasting dramatic views of the Chicago skyline and a private patio with an outdoor fire pit
- Reviewers love the creative menu by renowned Chef Pat Sheerin and the delectable cocktails by Caitlin Laman — not to mention the relaxed, yet stylish vibe of the rooftop lounge
- A spacious outdoor bar allows guests to enjoy city views without leaving the patio, while all indoor furniture is upholstered with leather from the same company that creates NFL footballs
- Five event spaces are available, with seating up to 150 guests
2. Momotaro
For elevated sushi and Robata in a hip space that fuses vintage with contemporary design…
- The Boardroom at Momotaro combines the elegance of a private dining room with the sophistication of a mid-century modern office — mixing brass, teak wood, and white marble details
- Reviewers love the seamless service, extremely fresh seafood, and artful dessert options
- A spacious wooden table with brass insets spans the length of the room, while aesthetic elements include three giant factory windows and a backdrop inspired by a mid-century company yearbook
- Four event spaces are available, including a full-restaurant buyout with seating for up to 125 guests
Moderate-Sized Rehearsal Dinner for 25 – 50 Guests
3. Eleven Eleven
For a friendly, neighborhood wine bar inspired by local arts and culture…
- The Private Dining Room at Eleven Eleven feels both intimate and elegant with a private bar, sconce lighting, and sumptuous wood paneling
- Reviewers love the eclectic music, VIP-style hospitality, as well as the creative menu and thoughtful wine list
- Eleven Eleven boasts a versatile and unique wine list that features “younger varietals from unfamiliar or esoteric regions”
- This two-level restaurant also offers an intimate Upstairs Lounge and spacious Wine Bar with vaulted skylights and exposed brick
4. City Winery Chicago
For the romance of wine country paired with the convenience of urban amenities…
- With views of the fully-functioning winery, the Private Barrel Room at City Winery Chicago boasts wheel-and-candle chandeliers — along with a backdrop of stacked wine barrels
- Reviewers love the eclectic selection of elevated wines, along with the chic-rustic vibe of this urban winery
- Wine blending sessions are available during private events, along with custom cakes or custom wine labels for commemorative keepsakes
- Five event spaces are available, including the Concert Venue with seating for up to 240 guests
5. The Dawson
For a trendy setting with intimate lighting and custom details…
- The Devil’s Den at The Dawson boasts custom denim walls, large windows, and an elegant fireplace for a sophisticated vibe
- Reviewers love the friendly and attentive service, along with the hip and elevated atmosphere
- Multiple room configurations are available, while a drawable curtain offers the option of increased intimacy
- Five event spaces are available, including a lush Courtyard with seating for up to 120 guests
6. Carnivale
For a vibrant atmosphere inspired by Mexican, South American, and Central American culture and cuisine…
- Salons I, II, III at Carnivale offer a semi-private dining space with eclectic and bold elements — such as colorful drapery and striped drum chandeliers
- Reviewers love the Latin-fusion cuisine and imaginative décor that offers continuous photo ops
- A dedicated sales manager and banquet manager will plan and manage your private event from start-to-finish
- Seven event spaces are available, including the Main Dining Room with seating for up to 340 guests
7. Little Goat Diner
For a fully-equipped, stylish Chicago apartment…
- The Little Goat Kitchen & Terrace, located on the second floor of the Little Goat Diner, includes access to a gorgeous outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the city and a charming indoor-dining area with a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen
- The space is reminiscent of a Chicago city apartment — and comes fully equipped with antique flatware, pastel ceramic dishware, and rustic wood tables and chairs
- A full-restaurant buyout is also available with seating for up to 200 guests
Vibrant Rehearsal Dinner for 50 – 75 Guests
8. The Hoxton Chicago
For a Jazz Age experience with over 50 cocktail concoctions…
- The Lazy Bird at The Hoxton Chicago is a basement cocktail bar, reminiscent of Chicago’s bygone dimly-lit speakeasies, that offers a variety of pre-Prohibition cocktails
- Reviewers love the eclectic and beautiful cocktails, as well as the “upscale but not pretentious vibe”
- The intimate setting features a baby grand piano, elegant bookshelves, and blue-velvet sofas — as well as an Instagram-worthy blue bar area
- Four event spaces are available, including The Apartment for an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a chic Chicago apartment
Dynamic Rehearsal Dinner for More than 75 Guests
9. Bar Siena
For incredible photo ops and rustic-Italian cuisine by world-renowned Top Chef Fabio Viviani…
- The Tree House at Bar Siena dazzles guests with a metal tree sculpture aglow with LED lighting, a private bar, and multiple TVs for personalized presentations
- Reviewers love the creative menu, attentive service, and nearby BomboBar for the signature hole-less Italian donuts
- Sleek booths and private tables offer numerous seating configurations, as well as plenty of space for mingling and side conversations
- Four event spaces are available, including a full-restaurant buyout with seating for up to 200 guests