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Two robots in front of a large dining room. — The X Pot is an upscale and refined hot pot experience that appeals to groups.

The Best Restaurants for Group Dining in Chicago

Take the stress out of dining with a large party

by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff Updated Nov 1, 2022, 11:13am CDT

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The X Pot is an upscale and refined hot pot experience that appeals to groups.

| Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff Updated Nov 1, 2022, 11:13am CDT

The approaching holiday season means it’s time to start planning for big family gatherings, office parties, and general celebrations to spread some good cheer. Figuring out a date that works for everyone is a hassle enough without worrying about a place that can handle a sizable crowd. Luckily Chicago has plenty of great options for a festive dinner based around sharing duck and giant steaks or a bash big enough to require booking a private space. These 20 spots for group dining will deliver a memorable meal.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may still pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Sun Wah BBQ

The Cheng family, founders of this James Beard-recognized Hong Kong barbecue and Cantonese restaurant, designed the space with group gatherings in mind. As such, the larger round tables can seat up to 12 guests and long tables can be put together for up to 16 guests. Big appetites will come in handy as the favorites here — such as roasted pig and Peking-style spare ribs, as well as the signature Beijing duck dinner with all the fixings — are quite sizable. Advanced reservations are recommended and there’s a three credit card maximum per group.

5039 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Visit Website

A plate of baos filled with duck skin and garnishes. — Sun Wah BBQ’s Peking duck feast is perfect for groups.

Also featured in:

Irazu

Bucktown’s beloved Costa Rican restaurant provides a warm and hospitable environment for groups. Call ahead to reserve a table and get ready for empanadas, meat and shrimp plates, and sandwiches including the pepito — steak or chicken, sautéed onions, cheese, beans, and Lizano sauce. The creamy oatmeal milkshake is a favorite way to cap off a meal, and diners are encouraged to bring their own alcohol.

1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

A variety of dishes spread out on a table. — Savor the flavors of Costa Rica at Irazu.

Also featured in:

Frontier

Comfort food goes hog wild at this Noble Square restaurant and bar. Chef Brian Jupiter’s whole animal service is a must for larger parties and includes a selection of wild boar, alligator, farm-raised pig, and goat. A medley of crowd-pleasing sides accompanies the proteins, along with the option to add desserts and pitchers of cocktails.

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Visit Website

A whole pig displayed on a table. — Frontier offers a variety of exotic meats.

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Alegrias Seafood

Mexican seafood served in large quantities reels in diners at this bustling West Town spot. Start with complimentary ceviche tostada while perusing the menu. The numerous choices include Nayarit-style prawns, langoustines, mussels, crab legs, and combination platters meant to be shared among several people. The generous BYOB policy is also ideal for groups.

1024 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

A variety of Mexican seafood on a platter. — Bring a big appetite to Alegrias.

Also featured in:

Quartino Ristorante

A perfect place for a boisterous group, Quartino won’t bat an eye at a reservation for a party of 20, through there are three private party spaces that can be combined for larger gatherings. Everything on the menu is meant to be shared, from the plates of housemade salumi to the sangria and Aperol spritzes served by the liter. The prices are affordable, meaning there won’t be any arguing about how to split the check.

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Quartino (@quartinochicago)

Also featured in:

Labriola Chicago

This Mag Mile restaurant attracts both big groups and dinner dates for a sprawling selection of Italian fare — all of which can (and should) be shared. Once the table gets through essentials such as spaghetti and meatballs and cacio e pepe, the housemade pizza take center stage. Four types are available — Neapolitan, Chicago thin crust, deep dish, and skinny deep dish — so ordering several is highly recommended.

535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

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Also featured in:

Yardbird

Share a whole fried chicken served with honey hot sauce, spiced watermelon, a sharp cheddar cheese waffle, and maple syrup at the new comfort food restaurant, which serves plenty of other big proteins such as porchetta and a 32-ounce porterhouse. The River North space has plenty of room upstairs for private parties, including a bourbon room that houses Yardbird’s extensive collection of bottles.

Open in Google Maps

530 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yardbird (@yardbirdrestaurants)

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Aba

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Mediterranean-inspired spot is always a popular attraction, especially when it’s patio season. Chef CJ Jacobson’s menu is built for sharing, featuring an assortment of hummus, spreads, and mezze. Large parties can collaborate with the restaurant to create a sumptuous feast of passed appetizers, kebabs, and more.

302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

A plate of beef cheeks. — An alluring patio and delicious Mediterranean bites beckon Chicagoans into Aba.

Also featured in:

Carnivale

Latin-inspired cocktails and cuisine are the draws at this cavernous and colorful establishment that has a knack for entertaining large groups. You can book reservations for up to eight through Tock or reserve one of the restaurant’s 10 private event spaces. And then, of course, there are the shareable dishes — try the seafood paella or the Argentinian-style grilled meats platter filled with skirt steak, chicken, morcilla, short rib, chorizo, sirloin, and bone marrow.

702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661

Visit Website

A plate of steak. — Carnivale is a lively and colorful Latin restaurant.

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BLVD Steakhouse

For glammed-up group dining, it’s all about this luxe modern American steakhouse in the West Loop. Whether it’s a special occasion or a girls' night out, it’s best to come dressed to the nines. Large parties can book the private Champagne room or gallery upstairs, where they’ll be treated to seafood towers, caviar service, and dry-aged steaks from culinary director Joe Flamm who took the kitchen reins earlier in 2022.

Open in Google Maps

817 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Also featured in:

Beatnik on the River

One of the most scenic spots in the city is also welcoming for groups. Bonhomme Hospitality Group’s boho-chic restaurant next to the Chicago River is decked out with lush greenery, long tables, comfy daybed seating, and other ornate touches. The Mediterranean-tinged menu touts dishes like patatas bravas and caviar, Lebanese-style roasted lamb, and scallops with jamon Iberico. They’re paired with inventive and colorful cocktails.

180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Visit Website

A variety of mezze on a serving board. — Beautiful views accompany the food at Beatnik on the River.

Also featured in:

Bambola

The new Restaurant Row spot inspired by the Silk Road features multiple large-format dishes perfect for groups such as pomegranate tea-brined whole roasted duck served with housemade duck fat steamed buns, and a 50-ounce dry-aged tomahawk steak. The 10,000-square-foot space provides plenty of options for gatherings including a 36-seat table and a private dining room with space for 66 to 100.

Open in Google Maps

1402 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Also featured in:

Cindy's Rooftop

Large items are the M.O. at the Chicago Athletic Association’s rooftop destination. Many of them are available in half or full portions, the latter of which are generally enough for four people. Satisfy bigger parties with shellfish platters or heartier fare such as a roasted pork chop and a porterhouse au Poivre. The restaurant is able to reserve tables for up to 12 in the main dining room. Booking well in advance is recommended, though walk-ins are still welcome.

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Visit Website

A variety of dishes and drinks spread out on a table. — Cindy’s is one of the hottest spots in town.

Also featured in:

The Rosebud

The Taylor Street fixture has doled out Italian classics since the ‘70s. From locals to tourists, many patrons feel like family thanks to the convivial atmosphere and large portions. Come with a posse and share spaghetti and meatballs, brick chicken, meat lasagna, chicken Vesuvio, and more over bottles of Chianti.

1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The X Pot

The X Pot, a newcomer to the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection Shops, is the premier way to experience a traditional Chinese method of dining. The sleek and stylish restaurant and lounge specializes in hot pot but unlike most places, guests can order their own individual pots. The menu is loaded with luxuries like golden wagyu rice with black truffles and wagyu-foie gras bibimbap, and there’s the option of a wagyu-tasting menu. There’s also a futuristic Jetsons-like element to each meal: Robot servers roam the dining room to deliver items to tables.

Open in Google Maps

1147 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605

Visit Website

Wagyu beef presented on a statue of a bull. — The X Pot is a hot pot restaurant unlike any other in Chicago.

Also featured in:

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

Situated inside a former Chicago Fire Department firehouse, this South Loop steakhouse is an elegant place to gather over prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and classic American fare. There are multiple private dining rooms that can host special events, plus a lovely patio. Book online via Resy.

1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chicago Firehouse Restaurant (@chicagofirehouserestaurant)

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Dusek's Tavern

The restaurant within Thalia Hall has a big group table perfect for celebrations. Make it easier to split the check by having everyone order from the four-course let us feed you menu, which features 10 seasonal dishes for $60 along with optional wine pairings. Larger gatherings can book the beer cellar, a basement lounge accessible through a revolving bookcase.

Open in Google Maps

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dusek's Tavern (@dusekschicago)

Also featured in:

Pilsen Yards

The Mexican bar- and music-centric venue, which opened in 2021, sports an inviting heated patio, which is open year-round, and big booths to accommodate groups. Guests can enjoy tacos and an extensive collection of mezcals and tequilas while listening to live DJ sets.

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

A plate of tacos. — Head to the patio at Pilsen Yards for Mexican fare and spirits.

Also featured in:

MingHin Cuisine

Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, this contemporary Cantonese restaurant (with multiple locations) has enough space to seat more than 700 people. A visit here isn’t complete without sampling the Beijing duck, a two-course communal meal comprised of duck skin and meat served with bao and duck stir fry. The all-day dim sum menu is a big hit with groups, too.

2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

A plate of duck served with baos and sauce. — Dim sum and family-style dishes make MingHin Cuisine a favorite for groups.

Also featured in:

Pearl's Place

South Side soul food icon Pearl’s Place makes it easy to enjoy a meal with companions by offering a Southern-style buffet. Devour fried chicken, mac and cheese, rib tips, biscuits, and more. The restaurant is also a full-service caterer so can provide the food for a group at home.

3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

Visit Website

A bowl of shrimp and grits. — Pearl’s Place delivers Southern comfort.

Also featured in:

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Sun Wah BBQ

5039 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

The Cheng family, founders of this James Beard-recognized Hong Kong barbecue and Cantonese restaurant, designed the space with group gatherings in mind. As such, the larger round tables can seat up to 12 guests and long tables can be put together for up to 16 guests. Big appetites will come in handy as the favorites here — such as roasted pig and Peking-style spare ribs, as well as the signature Beijing duck dinner with all the fixings — are quite sizable. Advanced reservations are recommended and there’s a three credit card maximum per group.

5039 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Visit Website

A plate of baos filled with duck skin and garnishes. — Sun Wah BBQ’s Peking duck feast is perfect for groups.

Irazu

1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Bucktown’s beloved Costa Rican restaurant provides a warm and hospitable environment for groups. Call ahead to reserve a table and get ready for empanadas, meat and shrimp plates, and sandwiches including the pepito — steak or chicken, sautéed onions, cheese, beans, and Lizano sauce. The creamy oatmeal milkshake is a favorite way to cap off a meal, and diners are encouraged to bring their own alcohol.

1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

A variety of dishes spread out on a table. — Savor the flavors of Costa Rica at Irazu.

Frontier

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Comfort food goes hog wild at this Noble Square restaurant and bar. Chef Brian Jupiter’s whole animal service is a must for larger parties and includes a selection of wild boar, alligator, farm-raised pig, and goat. A medley of crowd-pleasing sides accompanies the proteins, along with the option to add desserts and pitchers of cocktails.

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Visit Website

A whole pig displayed on a table. — Frontier offers a variety of exotic meats.

Alegrias Seafood

1024 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Mexican seafood served in large quantities reels in diners at this bustling West Town spot. Start with complimentary ceviche tostada while perusing the menu. The numerous choices include Nayarit-style prawns, langoustines, mussels, crab legs, and combination platters meant to be shared among several people. The generous BYOB policy is also ideal for groups.

1024 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

A variety of Mexican seafood on a platter. — Bring a big appetite to Alegrias.

Quartino Ristorante

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

A perfect place for a boisterous group, Quartino won’t bat an eye at a reservation for a party of 20, through there are three private party spaces that can be combined for larger gatherings. Everything on the menu is meant to be shared, from the plates of housemade salumi to the sangria and Aperol spritzes served by the liter. The prices are affordable, meaning there won’t be any arguing about how to split the check.

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Quartino (@quartinochicago)

Labriola Chicago

535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

This Mag Mile restaurant attracts both big groups and dinner dates for a sprawling selection of Italian fare — all of which can (and should) be shared. Once the table gets through essentials such as spaghetti and meatballs and cacio e pepe, the housemade pizza take center stage. Four types are available — Neapolitan, Chicago thin crust, deep dish, and skinny deep dish — so ordering several is highly recommended.

535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Yardbird

530 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Share a whole fried chicken served with honey hot sauce, spiced watermelon, a sharp cheddar cheese waffle, and maple syrup at the new comfort food restaurant, which serves plenty of other big proteins such as porchetta and a 32-ounce porterhouse. The River North space has plenty of room upstairs for private parties, including a bourbon room that houses Yardbird’s extensive collection of bottles.

Open in Google Maps

530 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yardbird (@yardbirdrestaurants)

Aba

302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Mediterranean-inspired spot is always a popular attraction, especially when it’s patio season. Chef CJ Jacobson’s menu is built for sharing, featuring an assortment of hummus, spreads, and mezze. Large parties can collaborate with the restaurant to create a sumptuous feast of passed appetizers, kebabs, and more.

302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

A plate of beef cheeks. — An alluring patio and delicious Mediterranean bites beckon Chicagoans into Aba.

Carnivale

702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661

Latin-inspired cocktails and cuisine are the draws at this cavernous and colorful establishment that has a knack for entertaining large groups. You can book reservations for up to eight through Tock or reserve one of the restaurant’s 10 private event spaces. And then, of course, there are the shareable dishes — try the seafood paella or the Argentinian-style grilled meats platter filled with skirt steak, chicken, morcilla, short rib, chorizo, sirloin, and bone marrow.

702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661

Visit Website

A plate of steak. — Carnivale is a lively and colorful Latin restaurant.

BLVD Steakhouse

817 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

For glammed-up group dining, it’s all about this luxe modern American steakhouse in the West Loop. Whether it’s a special occasion or a girls' night out, it’s best to come dressed to the nines. Large parties can book the private Champagne room or gallery upstairs, where they’ll be treated to seafood towers, caviar service, and dry-aged steaks from culinary director Joe Flamm who took the kitchen reins earlier in 2022.

Open in Google Maps

817 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Beatnik on the River

180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

One of the most scenic spots in the city is also welcoming for groups. Bonhomme Hospitality Group’s boho-chic restaurant next to the Chicago River is decked out with lush greenery, long tables, comfy daybed seating, and other ornate touches. The Mediterranean-tinged menu touts dishes like patatas bravas and caviar, Lebanese-style roasted lamb, and scallops with jamon Iberico. They’re paired with inventive and colorful cocktails.

180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Visit Website

A variety of mezze on a serving board. — Beautiful views accompany the food at Beatnik on the River.

Bambola

1402 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

The new Restaurant Row spot inspired by the Silk Road features multiple large-format dishes perfect for groups such as pomegranate tea-brined whole roasted duck served with housemade duck fat steamed buns, and a 50-ounce dry-aged tomahawk steak. The 10,000-square-foot space provides plenty of options for gatherings including a 36-seat table and a private dining room with space for 66 to 100.

Open in Google Maps

1402 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Cindy's Rooftop

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Large items are the M.O. at the Chicago Athletic Association’s rooftop destination. Many of them are available in half or full portions, the latter of which are generally enough for four people. Satisfy bigger parties with shellfish platters or heartier fare such as a roasted pork chop and a porterhouse au Poivre. The restaurant is able to reserve tables for up to 12 in the main dining room. Booking well in advance is recommended, though walk-ins are still welcome.

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Visit Website

A variety of dishes and drinks spread out on a table. — Cindy’s is one of the hottest spots in town.

The Rosebud

1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

The Taylor Street fixture has doled out Italian classics since the ‘70s. From locals to tourists, many patrons feel like family thanks to the convivial atmosphere and large portions. Come with a posse and share spaghetti and meatballs, brick chicken, meat lasagna, chicken Vesuvio, and more over bottles of Chianti.

1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

The X Pot

1147 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605

The X Pot, a newcomer to the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection Shops, is the premier way to experience a traditional Chinese method of dining. The sleek and stylish restaurant and lounge specializes in hot pot but unlike most places, guests can order their own individual pots. The menu is loaded with luxuries like golden wagyu rice with black truffles and wagyu-foie gras bibimbap, and there’s the option of a wagyu-tasting menu. There’s also a futuristic Jetsons-like element to each meal: Robot servers roam the dining room to deliver items to tables.

Open in Google Maps

1147 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605

Visit Website

Wagyu beef presented on a statue of a bull. — The X Pot is a hot pot restaurant unlike any other in Chicago.

Related Maps

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Situated inside a former Chicago Fire Department firehouse, this South Loop steakhouse is an elegant place to gather over prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and classic American fare. There are multiple private dining rooms that can host special events, plus a lovely patio. Book online via Resy.

1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chicago Firehouse Restaurant (@chicagofirehouserestaurant)

Dusek's Tavern

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

The restaurant within Thalia Hall has a big group table perfect for celebrations. Make it easier to split the check by having everyone order from the four-course let us feed you menu, which features 10 seasonal dishes for $60 along with optional wine pairings. Larger gatherings can book the beer cellar, a basement lounge accessible through a revolving bookcase.

Open in Google Maps

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dusek's Tavern (@dusekschicago)

Pilsen Yards

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

The Mexican bar- and music-centric venue, which opened in 2021, sports an inviting heated patio, which is open year-round, and big booths to accommodate groups. Guests can enjoy tacos and an extensive collection of mezcals and tequilas while listening to live DJ sets.

1163 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

A plate of tacos. — Head to the patio at Pilsen Yards for Mexican fare and spirits.

MingHin Cuisine

2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, this contemporary Cantonese restaurant (with multiple locations) has enough space to seat more than 700 people. A visit here isn’t complete without sampling the Beijing duck, a two-course communal meal comprised of duck skin and meat served with bao and duck stir fry. The all-day dim sum menu is a big hit with groups, too.

2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

A plate of duck served with baos and sauce. — Dim sum and family-style dishes make MingHin Cuisine a favorite for groups.

Pearl's Place

3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

South Side soul food icon Pearl’s Place makes it easy to enjoy a meal with companions by offering a Southern-style buffet. Devour fried chicken, mac and cheese, rib tips, biscuits, and more. The restaurant is also a full-service caterer so can provide the food for a group at home.

3901 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

Visit Website

A bowl of shrimp and grits. — Pearl’s Place delivers Southern comfort.

Related Maps