As attendee drinking preferences evolve, the standard meeting playbook around alcohol is also changing.
A recent Gallup poll shows that American alcohol consumption is at an all-time low, highlighting a significant cultural shift driven largely by Gen Z and young adults. For meeting and event professionals, this isn’t just a fleeting trend — it’s a fundamental change in the meetings landscape.
Integrating sophisticated non-alcoholic options into events is a natural extension of the industry’s growing emphasis on health, wellness, and inclusivity. While Dry January is a popular time to include N/A options, the most successful events incorporate sober-friendly elements all year round, ensuring every guest feels valued regardless of what’s in their glass.
Fortunately, Chicago has plenty of sober-friendly options for attendees. From N/A bottle shops to fully sober meeting spaces, the city offers endless ways to maintain a high-energy, fun environment, minus the booze. Here’s how to plan a zero-proof, high-impact event in Chicago
Chicago restaurants and caterers with N/A options
OVG Hospitality at McCormick Place
Meetings at McCormick Place will have no shortage of non-alcoholic options for attendees. Planners can choose from an assortment of zero-proof options from top brands like Revolution and White Claw, alongside a robust selection of mocktails. Guests will love fun options like the N/A espresso martini, mosc-no mule, and more.
Tip: The mocktail menu is also available at Wintrust Arena, located on the McCormick Place campus.
Paramount Events
Paramount Events is known for its commitment to local sustainable cuisine, an ethos that extends to its zero-proof offerings. The mocktail menu at Paramount’s popular Avondale restaurant Eden features refreshing options made with spirit-free alternatives and seasonal ingredients. The ‘Light Years’ mocktail includes seasonal shrub and herbs from the on-site greenhouse.
More Chicago bars and restaurants with great mocktail options:
- Bokeh in Albany Park: This cozy craft cocktail spot offers a rotating array of seasonal zero-proof drink options.
- The Duck Inn in Bridgeport: Pair signature dishes like rotisserie duck with alcohol-free “ducktails.”
- Nobody’s Darling in Andersonville: This acclaimed LGBTQ-owned lounge serves both low- and no-alcoholic cocktail options.
- Fatpour Tapworks in South Loop: Choose from a selection of mocktail options and non-alcoholic beers.
- Bronzeville Winery in Bronzeville: The drink menu at this artsy space includes thoughtfully crafted mocktails.
- Cantina Rosa in Hyde Park: This Mexican-inspired cocktail lounge serves spirit-free options like a horchata fizz and an N/A margarita.
- Daisies in Logan Square: This sustainably minded restaurant offers a cocktail menu with “low & no” options, featuring low ABV and unique spirit-free options.
Sober spaces in Chicago
Whether you’re looking for an after-hours event space or want to provide a list of N/A spots for attendees, these 100% sober spaces offer a variety of experiences, events, and atmospheres.
Solar Intentions
In Edgewater, Solar Intentions is an astrology-themed bottle shop and hangout that exclusively stocks zero-proof options for the sober and sober-curious crowd. The LGBTQ-owned space is known for its welcoming atmosphere and funky drink selection. Check their calendar for artisan markets, movie nights, and more.
In Good Spirits
In Good Spirits offers an extensive selection of N/A beers, wine, spirits, and more — but it’s so much more than just a bottle shop. The community-minded space is all about connection and inclusivity, which comes to life in popular events like sober supper clubs, book swaps, mocktail workshops, and more.
Prāzbar Non-Alcoholic Wine Bar
Chicago’s first non-alcoholic wine bar and bottle shop, Prazbar is a faith-based space in the West Town neighborhood. Browse their extensive selections of zero-proof wines and champagnes, or join their monthly subscription club. The bar also regularly hosts events like wine tastings, wine and worship meetups, and live R&B performances.
Eli Tea Bar
In Andersonville, this tea cafe and sober bar serves loose-leaf teas, bubble teas, chai, kombucha, and more. In the evenings, catch open mics, book clubs, craft nights, trivia, and more.
Loaves and Witches
Open late on weekends, this sober coffee shop and cafe in Edgewater prides itself on being queer, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. The packed events calendar features knitting clubs, tarot readings, open mics, readings, and more.
Explore more: These unique Chicago team-building activities offer fun for every attendee – no alcohol required.
Non-alcoholic brands based in Chicago
Make sure your event is fully stocked with plenty of interesting N/A options, including some locally made brands. Check out these Chicago-based beverages offering zero-proof spirits and N/A beers.
Ritual Zero Proof
Elevate your mocktail menu with Ritual. Founded in Chicago, this popular non-alcoholic drink brand offers alternatives to classic spirits, including rum, whiskey, gin, and more.
Visitor Beer
This zero-proof beer brand based out of Chicago is crisp, clean, and lightly hopped. Choose between the lager and extra IPA options for an always-refreshing N/A offering.
Years
Enjoy non-alcoholic pilsners, classic pale ales, and Belgian wit styles from this Chicago-based brewery. Their brews are made with fresh Lake Michigan water and designed to taste just like real beers.
