Only-in-Chicago unique venues

Chicago is known for its amazing architecture, innovative restaurants, and diverse cultural offerings. At these only-in-Chicago venues, your attendees can enjoy a little of all the aspects that make our city great. So, go ahead and book that historic Motor Row landmark or waterfront theater space with breathtaking Lake Michigan views. You’ll be ensuring an unforgettable experience your attendees won’t find anywhere else.

Revel Motor Row

Revel Motor Row is located in a renovated historic building in Chicago’s Motor Row District, close to McCormick Place. Founded in the early 1900s, Motor Row got its name from the car companies that built some of their first-ever auto showrooms there. Many of the ornate buildings were designed by notable architects of the time, including Philip Maher, who designed Revel Motor Row’s landmark structure. Revel Motor Row offers 50,000 square feet of event space that’s made up of more than 20 versatile rooms. Highlights include a 4,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard that links to the adjacent 3,000-square-foot former Cadillac showroom, called The Garage at Motor Row. Revel Motor Row can accommodate 2,600 for a full venue reception.

Theater on the Lake

Fun fact about the Theater on the Lake: it’s building dates back to 1920 and was designed by Prairie School architect Dwight H. Perkins, who also designed Lincoln Park Zoo’s Café Brauer and the nearby North Pond restaurant. Acclaimed Chicago chef Cleetus Friedman helms Theater on the Lake’s Lakefront Restaurant. The 125-seat farm-centric restaurant can host private dinners, and features the seasonal 80-seat Skyline Patio with panoramic Lake Michigan and skyline views. The now year-round Theater on the Lake includes a 330-seat main theatre, along with a flexible event space that can accommodate up to 1,500 guests.

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare

This unique crescent-shaped theatre design is made up of individual mobile towers (comparable in size to a city bus turned on its end) that can be configured into a variety of shapes and sizes, accommodating audiences ranging from 150 – 850 people. The Yard joins Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s other two venues: a 500-seat, courtyard-style theatre, and the 200-seat Theater Upstairs. Plan a private party or champagne reception prior to the show in one of Chicago Shakespeare’s lobbies or in the English-style Pub.

The Hotel at Midtown

The newly expanded Midtown Athletic Club, which includes The Hotel at Midtown, is the largest health and fitness club in the U.S. The 55-room boutique hotel, located on the fourth and fifth floors of Midtown Athletic Club, features two suites (including the V-Starr Suite designed by tennis superstar Venus Williams), three meeting spaces, and a private rooftop deck with city views. The hotel’s Chromium restaurant is headed by Executive Chef Amanda Barnes (an alum of Chicago’s acclaimed HotChocolate), and includes a 20-seat private dining room, along with outdoor dining by the pool. A special perk for hotel guests is complimentary access to Midtown Athletic Club’s extensive exercise offerings, including nearly 180 fitness classes.

American Writers Museum

The American Writers Museum, the first and only one of its kind in the nation, shares the personal stories and literary works of some of America’s best-loved writers, ranging from Mark Twain to Dr. Seuss. Multiple galleries actively engage and spur the imaginations of visitors. The hometown-focused Wintrust Chicago Gallery pays homage to the writers and influencers who shaped the city’s dynamic literary tradition, showcasing Chicago icons like poet Gwendolyn Brooks and newspaper columnist Mike Royko. The Readers Hall is a unique event space that can accommodate up to 250 for cocktails or corporate meetings.