River North's District Bar is scheduled to open March 26. The 500-capacity restaurant-bar hybrid is filled with dark wood, leather, and 45 flat-screen TVs. Available for full buyouts, it also offers five smaller areas for rentals.
Behind the hostess stand at the entrance to the venue, a wall of bookcases swings open to reveal a private event space with its own bar, a separate restroom, and a wall of two-way glass. The private room can seat 75 or hold 100. Four semiprivate spaces include the main dining room, which can seat 82 guests or host 125 for cocktails. A central bar accommodates 150 and leads to two private viewing rooms—each with a flat-screen TV, a leather couch, and standing room for 12.
Passed-appetizer packages go for $25 to $50 per person, and provide choices such as mini corndogs, lamb lollipops, and King crab and avocado eggrolls. For heartier fare, hosts can opt for warm platters of items such as truffle mac and cheese or pot roast; each platter feeds 15 guests, and costs $200 to $300.
