Venues- Summer Corporate Trips

McKinlock Court at the Art Institute of Chicago recently became available for semi-private events for groups of 30 to 100. Surrounding a replica of a Danish sculpture called "Fountain of the Tritons," the tree-lined space can also be bought out for larger groups with as many as 300 guests. Chefs Tony Mantuano and Devon Quinn incorporate local, seasonal ingredients into menu items.

Bridgeview's Toyota Park, which hosts Chicago Fire Soccer Club matches throughout the summer, has a new Party Platform for groups of 50 to 100. With bag sets, foosball tables, and other outdoor games, the space offers two-hour food and drink packages that start at $20 per head and include appetizers, side dishes, and main courses from Sodexo catering. There are two viewing options for the soccer games: guests can watch from the platform, or from seats closer to the field.

In 2011, graphic designer Jamie Arlin transformed her passion for baking into a full-time job. Her new company, Cake Bite Girl, specializes in bite-size desserts that can be served at meetings or events, or packaged into customized gift sets. The treats come in flavors such as carrot-spice, banana, and cherry vanilla, and are coated in white or dark chocolate and topped with topping like sprinkles, coconut and caramel drizzle. For a summery option, try the "Sundae Bite," which comes topped with cherries. For catering, the average cost $1.75 per cake bite with additional fees for extra toppings, delivery, and setup.

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.