Whether it’s teambuilding or a team tasting in the cards, this town is full of options. Here’s where to go ...
When Branding Is Key
Open since July 2007, the 8,700-square-foot bar and restaurant Martini Park is a Âbranding-friendly space, with features like an amber stone bar and two limestone waterfalls that can be uplit in custom colors. Also on hand are seven flat-screen TVs and several private booths. Cover bands perform nightly, and entertainment can be tailored for groups.
Before the Big Game
Four blocks from the Bulls’ home court at the United Center is WestEnd, an upscale neighborhood bar that opened in October and focuses on—you guessed it—sports. The 5,000-square-foot space boasts 33 high-definition flat-screen TVs, a 30-stool bar, and a menu that goes beyond wings to fancy burgers and pizzas. A semiprivate raised room for 70 is on site, as is a private room for 40.For Tasty Teambuilding
One of Magnificent Mile’s latest spots for oenophiles is Eno, a street-level nook in the Intercontinental Hotel. The 1,200-square-foot space opened in December 2006, serving 600 wines alongside chocolates and cheeses. Red leather walls and floors accent the venue, and teambuilding activities include sommelier-led lessons, blind tastings, or wine-crafting contests. A semiprivate room for 10 is available, and full buyouts can host 65.
When Feeling Nostalgic
Long considered the best business-lunch spot in the Loop, the Berghoff closed in 2006 after 107 years in business. Then, in September 2006, the owner’s daughter, Carolyn Berghoff, opened the slightly refurbished 17 West at the Berghoff in the restaurant’s original location. Serving the same German entrées, 17 West is an event haven, with four private rooms that can accommodate 16 to 200 guests.
For a Sprawling Space
The 26,000-square-foot French-Moroccan eatery and event space Alhambra ÂPalace Restaurant opened in the burgeoning West Loop in late April 2007. Alhambra has seven rooms, including a 6,000-square-foot banquet hall. Belly dancing, salsa, flamenco, and live jazz occur nightly in the 450-seat Alhambra Room.
For a Wine Tasting
In January 2007, Juicy Wine Co. landed, bringing its clean, minimalist look to the River West neighborhood. The bilevel space features upstairs and downstairs lounges (which hold 75 and 150, respectively), a DJ booth, and a stand-and-sip bar. Guests can sample small-batch producers from around the world, as well as a menu of cheeses and olives.
When Branding Is Key
Open since July 2007, the 8,700-square-foot bar and restaurant Martini Park is a Âbranding-friendly space, with features like an amber stone bar and two limestone waterfalls that can be uplit in custom colors. Also on hand are seven flat-screen TVs and several private booths. Cover bands perform nightly, and entertainment can be tailored for groups.
Before the Big Game
Four blocks from the Bulls’ home court at the United Center is WestEnd, an upscale neighborhood bar that opened in October and focuses on—you guessed it—sports. The 5,000-square-foot space boasts 33 high-definition flat-screen TVs, a 30-stool bar, and a menu that goes beyond wings to fancy burgers and pizzas. A semiprivate raised room for 70 is on site, as is a private room for 40.For Tasty Teambuilding
One of Magnificent Mile’s latest spots for oenophiles is Eno, a street-level nook in the Intercontinental Hotel. The 1,200-square-foot space opened in December 2006, serving 600 wines alongside chocolates and cheeses. Red leather walls and floors accent the venue, and teambuilding activities include sommelier-led lessons, blind tastings, or wine-crafting contests. A semiprivate room for 10 is available, and full buyouts can host 65.
When Feeling Nostalgic
Long considered the best business-lunch spot in the Loop, the Berghoff closed in 2006 after 107 years in business. Then, in September 2006, the owner’s daughter, Carolyn Berghoff, opened the slightly refurbished 17 West at the Berghoff in the restaurant’s original location. Serving the same German entrées, 17 West is an event haven, with four private rooms that can accommodate 16 to 200 guests.
For a Sprawling Space
The 26,000-square-foot French-Moroccan eatery and event space Alhambra ÂPalace Restaurant opened in the burgeoning West Loop in late April 2007. Alhambra has seven rooms, including a 6,000-square-foot banquet hall. Belly dancing, salsa, flamenco, and live jazz occur nightly in the 450-seat Alhambra Room.
For a Wine Tasting
In January 2007, Juicy Wine Co. landed, bringing its clean, minimalist look to the River West neighborhood. The bilevel space features upstairs and downstairs lounges (which hold 75 and 150, respectively), a DJ booth, and a stand-and-sip bar. Guests can sample small-batch producers from around the world, as well as a menu of cheeses and olives.
Martini Park
Photo: Andreas Larsson
The Century Room at 17 West at the Berghoff
Photo: Ally Gruener
The 10-seat wine room at Eno
Photo:
The Alhambra Room at Alhambra Palace
Photo: Courtesy of Alhambra Palace Restaurant
The bar at Martini Park
Photo: Andreas Larsson
The downstairs tasting bar at Juicy Wine Co.
Photo: Brian Willette/Willette Photography
A semiprivate lounge area at West End
Photo: Barry Brecheisen
