Picture Perfect

Billed as a modern-day taqueria, Cine is slated to open this month in the 1925 building that once housed the Hinsdale Theater. The 160-seat venue has a private dining room that holds 50; its bar area can seat 25. The bar menu offers tacos, ceviche, and tortas; the cocktail list specializes in margaritas and Mezcal cocktails.

The River West space that briefly housed BLT Brasserie is now event space The 500 Room. Managed by Paulette Wolf Events and Entertainment, the space is available for holiday parties. With tables and chairs, bar furniture, a sound system, and a full-service kitchen, the venue can host dinners for 350 in its main dining room or cocktail receptions for 500. A large private dining room can seat 100 or hold 175 for cocktails. There are also indoor and outdoor bars. The venue does not yet have a list of preferred suppliers, so any caterer is welcome to work in the space.

Covo Gyro Market opened in Wicker Park in September. From the Greek family behind Prasino, the spot specializes in made-to-order gyro sandwiches. Guests can opt for warm, house-made pita topped with lamb, beef, chicken, or pork and toppings such as homemade Greek yogurt sauce. Outfitted with reclaimed barn wood, the 60-seat venue is available for casual holiday bashes.

Arch Apothecary, a sunny retail space with the slogan "Live Pretty," opened in Old Town in September. Best suited for groups of female employees, the space can host small events for 20. Guests can get professional makeup applications or services such as eyebrow shaping or eyelash tinting. Hosts can bring in catering, and staffers can play personalized playlists, though DJs are not allowed. The store also stocks products such as decorative candles and scented soaps, which hosts can present as takeaway gifts.

Katherine Anne Confections, a local chocolatier, opened a storefront café in its Logan Square space in September. In the cozy, 14-seat area, guests can drink French-press coffee and rich sipping chocolate at tables and countertops made from reclaimed wood. Artwork from local artists lines the walls. The venue can host private chocolate and cocktail tastings or chocolate truffle-making classes for groups of 20 to 40. Handmade marshmallows, truffles, and caramels are available for purchase and can be packaged up as takeaway gifts.

LM Bistro opened in River North's Hotel Felix in late August. With dark orange accents, tufted leather booths, and specials scrawled on chalkboards, the French restaurant has two communal dining tables that can seat seat eight to 12. In the private dining room, 24 guests can sit at one long table or at rounds. Owners Stephan and Nicole Outrequin Quassier both have a background in events: Stephan was the director of banquet operations at the Drake Hotel, while Nicole was the director of catering there and at other places. Event menus include breakfast spreads and snack bars for meeting breaks filled with rosemary popcorn and spice-roasted nuts. Wintry dinner options include coq au vin, boeuf Bourguignon, and brown butter crepes with melted leeks and roasted hazelnuts.

From the owners of Gilt Bar and Maude's Liquor Bar, Bavette's Bar & Boeuf came to River North in August. With exposed brick walls, tufted leather seating, and taxidermy decking the walls, the cozy European-style steak house can host private events for six. Menu items include fresh oysters, steak frites, and roasted chicken.

Fresco 21, a Mediterranean restaurant, opened adjacent to the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare in July. Using farm-fresh produce and grains, organic ingredients, and a wood-flame rotisserie and stove, chef Cameron Grant prepares items such as Greek fire-roasted chicken, house fettuccine with beef tenderloin and sausage ragu, and wild mushroom pizza with triple-cream brie. He can also provide whole-animal service for groups. The Prado Room (pictured) can host dinners for 90 or standing receptions for 175, while the Field room can host dinners for 70 or cocktails for 100. The TJ room seats 20.

Blowtique, another spot for group services, opened in the Gold Coast in June. Decked with crystal chandeliers and patterned wallpaper, the space specializes in blow-outs and updos for women. It hosts private events for 75, and 12 guests a time can get hair services.

The National Hellenic Museum has a 3,600-square-foot rooftop terrace with three gardens, panoramic views of the city skyline, and a reception capacity of 250. It can host seated dinners for 170, and hosts can bring in heaters during the wintertime. Inside, the John P. Calamos Sr. Great Hall can hold standing receptions for 700 or seated dinners for 300 (or 250 with a dance floor). With lighting and technology suited for presentations, screenings, lectures, and receptions, the Dr. Mary Dochios Kamberos Special Events Hall can host seated events for 70 or standing receptions for 200. The conference room, which holds 12, and the larger education center, which can host standing events for 150, are also available for private events.