casual party ideas

Bar Toma opened in the former Bistro 110 space in November. Specializing in pizzas and house-made gelatos, fresh mozzarella, and espresso, the venue offers Pizza Parties on its awning-covered patio, which has 36 seats. Staffers can arrange for customized menus, a DJ or other forms of entertainment, and audiovisual equipment including microphones and projectors.

Billed as a "bordello meets burger bar," Los Angeles-based restaurant 25 Degrees opened a Chicago location last August. With chandeliers and French toile wallpaper, the River North venue is available for buyout and can host receptions for 120. The full bar specializes in summery cocktails such as spiked milkshakes and alcoholic root beer floats.

The Pedal Pub is—you guessed it—a pedal-powered pub. With 16 seats, the quirky ride’s rental fee includes a driver who takes groups on pub-crawls through neighborhoods such as Ukrainian Village and the West Loop. Guests cannot drink while the vehicle is in motion, but hosts can supply food and beverage to be consumed while it's parked on private property. The Pedal Pub is available April through October, and fees for two-to-three hour outings typically range from $160 to $190 per hour.