Kay Watson presented At Play with this challenge: Where can I find a “fun” restaurant that has a conference room and a private dining room?
“My boss wants to find a restaurant that is `fun’ and has a meeting space as well as a private dining room,” writes Watson, an administrative assistant at Shurgard Storage in Wheaton. Executives are flying in from Seattle, and Watson’s boss wants a place where they can work, eat, and see the city.
“We’ve got presentations and he wanted some place where he could actually do business before and after dinner,” Watson said.
At Play answers: Many restaurants in the area cater to large business groups. Here are a couple of venues we found with the help of Andrew Ariens, a spokesman with the Illinois Restaurant Association.
Harry Caray’s (33 W. Kinzie St., 312-828-0966): This famous tribute to longtime Cubs/Sox commentator Harry Caray has a second floor with three private rooms; each can be used for both meeting and dining. The restaurant also sits in an energetic portion of downtown Chicago, with hangouts like 10pin (330 N. State St., 312-644-0300) and Andy’s Jazz Club (11 E. Hubbard St., 312-642-6805) nearby.
Fulton’s on the River (315 N. LaSalle St., 312-822-0100): Since opening Oct. 10, this 37,000-square-foot seafood restaurant has held four weddings, one bar mitzvah, several power lunches and other corporate events, said Tim Arnold, regional director of operations. Fulton’s has a wine room that’s routinely used for meetings, as well several dining areas, the largest of which holds up to 300 people. And Fulton’s great view of the Chicago River should have execs daydreaming within minutes.
More Top Picks Best Shoes With Arch Support For Women
Gibsons Steakhouse and Hugo’s Frog Bar (1028 N. Rush St., 312-266-8999): One of the more popular steakhouses in the city, Gibsons also has five meeting rooms of various sizes outfitted with flat-screen and projected monitors, said John Hackett, a manager at Gibsons. The steakhouse is also connected to Hugo’s Frog Bar, a social focal point within the Gold Coast.
———-
Looking for some post-holiday family fun? Perhaps some bargain dining options? Write to Ask At Play at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask At Play, baiduhai, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Please include your name plus a way to contact you.