Group dining/nightlife in Chicago
 

I have a group (of 8) going to Chicago for a convention in February. Everyone in the group is over 35 (but we don't act like it!). I need suggestions for a few restaurants. Moderately priced, close to Gold Coast, or Mag Mile area preferred. We can be a loud group, so we need someplace a little lively with GREAT food. <BR><BR>Also, any suggestions for a good nightclub/bar for dancing?? WE've been to Excalibur, Jilly's, and the bars on Division before. Looking for something new.<BR><BR>Thanks!!!!

good god - i'd be looking for something new after Division St too - nothing but tourists for the last 20 years - Chicago nightlife at it's worst. if you enjoyed excalibur and the like, i'm not sure where else to tell you to go - there's nothing quite in the same league as those places.

Try to House of Blues - I am an Event Planner and have had a couple groups there - it sounds like it would be perfect for your group. You can access all of the info necessary at their website. Good Luck and have fun!

There are a couple of spots that combine the dining/entertainment atmosphere. Check out Butterfield 8 in River North (supperclub), or Nacional 27 (salsa). Both are most likely reviewed on matromix.com.<BR><BR>And make a reservation.<BR><BR>HTH,<BR>Racy

You might try one of the Spanish tapas restaurants where you can share lots of the small appetizer portions with the whole group. Cafe Iberico at 739 N. LaSalle is my favorite (short cab ride from Michigan Avenue or it can be walked) but you could also try Emilio's Tapas at 215 E. Ohio or Cafe Ba Ba Reeba at 2024 N. Halsted (Lincoln Park area)<BR><BR>Or you could try a restaurant in Greektown (not close to the Mag mile or the Gold Coast however), I imagine they are pretty lively on the weekends and can accomodate larger groups.<BR><BR>For Italian you could try Rosebud on Rush at 720 N. Rush St. I prefer the Taylor St. location but the food here is also good. Or you could try Maggiano's at 516 N. Clark which does family style dining for larger parties or Scoozi at 410 W. Huron.<BR><BR>For casual Thai you could try Big Bowl at 159 W. Erie. Or for a little nicer dining, right next door is Wildfire which serves steaks, chicken, etc.<BR><BR>You can find menus for most of these places on their websites.<BR><BR>

I love having dinner at Marche. I'm not familiar enough with Chicago to tell you exactly where it's located but we always stay on Michigan Ave. and it's a short cab ride to this restaurant.<BR><BR>Here's a link to their website:<BR>http://www.marche-chicago.com/<BR><BR>

I second Cafe Iberico! Its probably one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Its loud, boisterous, with interesting and very tasty food and the price cannot be beat! For nightlife, I'd suggest cabbing it over to the Damen/North/Milwaukee intersection. There are a variety of eclectic drinking and music establishments- Cans is interesting, Reaservation Blues gets some great blues bands, The Double Door can't be beat for up and coming bands and Holiday Club is a neat blast from the past. You might want to check out the dining and nightlife section of www.metromix.com. Its got a great search engine along with reviews from patrons. Have fun!