Chicago Restaurant Week 2018

It’s Restaurant Week in Chicago! As a fellow foodie,  I just know that Chicago has a ton of delicious food and drinks. With set menus that offer tastings, Restauarant Week is definitely

More than that, however, it’s a great way to find out your next wedding venue. Enjoy the restaurant’s highlights as you scope out a venue for your big day, whether it’s for the engagement party, the reception, or everything in between.

Here are some of my favorite restaurants that double as beautiful venues that have offerings during Restaurant Week:

Booth One – Used to be called the Pump Room, Booth One has been reinvented to feature new decor, lighting, and a revamped menu. With a dining area and a bar area, emphasized by neutral colors and tones, this place would be a wonderful place for a small, intimate gathering.

Booth One’s renovated bar area

Cafe des Architectes – While the food is devine, Cafe des Architectes doesn’t necessarily host receptions. It is, however, located in Hotel Sofitel, a hotel right of the Magnificent Mile that has a great view of the skyline. Mariana and Matt held their reception in the Sofitel Hotel and they came with gorgeous photos.

Sofitel Hotel

Carnivale – A bright, fun spot in West Loop, Carnivale can host anything from the bachelorette party to the reception. With a rather large space, colorful wall decorations, and a staircase for the perfect dramatic entrance, Carnivale could be a perfect backdrop for a classic or a uniquely extraordinary wedding venue for dancing the night away.

Carnivale 

The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel: While the restaurant itself doesn’t necessarily act as venue, The Lobby is situated right within the Peninsula Hotel, a venue that I’ve frequented many times myself. Enjoy yourself a nice lunch, then walk through the hotel to find the gorgeous spots perfect for formal photos, ceremonies, and receptions. Check out Kathy and Jason’s wedding that was held at the Peninsula Hotel.

The Lobby at Peninsula Hotel

Quartino’s – A classic Italian restaurant with two-stories, Quartino’s is a Chicago favorite located right off Michigan Avenue. While the space not quite large enough for a full reception, Quartino’s can provide the meeting area for the smaller, more intimate wedding-related events, from the engagement party to the welcome dinner to the bachelorette party.

Quartino’s Dining Hall

ZED 451 – With a sophisticated atmosphere and nearly 18,000 square feet to offer, ZED 451 can accommodate up to 500 seated guests for any type of intimate affair. The private dining room comes with a round table bar and modern decor for the loveliest wedding receptions and events. Susan and Conrad held their reception here and the photos are stunning.

Happy eating and venue hunting!

Carnivale

Recently, I was at Carnivale for the shooting of segment for The Smart Bride. I spoke with the events manager, who said they have held many receptions as well as ceremony.

Carnivale would be the perfect location for a couple that wants a city wedding but without the formality of a hotel or museum. I think that staircase would leave for a dramatic entrance for the bride during the ceremony.
While getting married at restaurants has gained popularity in NYC and LA, it really hasn’t caught on here as much. If I was getting married in a restaurant, this would definitely be a top pick of mine!