The Top 10 Small Event Spaces in Chicago

Whether you’re hosting an intimate wedding, a family gathering, or a small corporate event, you’re going to want to find a venue that suits the size of your guest list. There is nothing worse than feeling dwarfed by the size of the venue, as it can completely throw off the aesthetic of the event. Plus, it will cost a lot more money than a venue that is sized to a smaller gathering. No matter what type of event you’re hosting, this list of the top 10 small event spaces in Chicago will provide you with inspiration, at least, and the perfect event venue at best.

AND CHECK OUT A *BONUS* VENUE AT THE BOTTOM THAT’S WON 9 DIFFERENT AWARDS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS! IT’S UNIQUE, FUN AND PROVIDES A GREAT OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE!

10. Tack Room
Tack Room is a small event space perfectly suited to just about any type of celebration; it was first featured in our Top 10 Baby Shower Venues in Chicago article. The indoor space is paired with a patio to provide a refreshing outdoor component to your event. This venue can accommodate a maximum guest count of 75 for a cocktail-style event, but its seating capacity is limited to 45.

The Tack Room event space is the newest component of an event property called Thalia Hall. This space is mainly used as a cocktail bar, but is also available for event rentals. The building has been standing since the late 1800’s and was originally used as a carriage house and horse stable. Its renovations have restored but not diminished its original architecture.

When you choose the Tack Room space as your event venue, you’ve also chosen your caterer. Since this venue specializes in cocktails, you can be sure that all the adults at your event will be happy with unique concoctions and a full selection of traditional beverages. The event staff will work with you to design a completely customized menu for your food needs, as well.

There is a lot of historic character flowing through this event space: pastoral décor, brick walls, and open ceilings pair beautifully with the large windows to create an airy but intimate space for small events. The connected patio ensures your guests get to appreciate both the classically-refurbished interior and the lovely landscape around the building.

Check out more at their website: https://www.tackroomchicago.com/

9. Little Beans Café
Little Beans Café is a versatile multi-functional space that can function as a meeting place for adults or a play space for young kids. Measuring 6300 square feet in total, Little Beans Café can seat as many as 90 guests. The numerous activity areas create a highly engaging and unique atmosphere for every small event.

Little Beans Café has been operating since 2010. In its first decade of operations, this venue has been host to countless family gatherings and private events. With activities suitable for both children and adults, this is the ideal venue for more casual events.

The café on site at this venue will provide all of the food and drinks you need for your family-friendly events. They have a specialty coffee menu with everyone’s favorites: lattes, mochas, and more. When it comes to food, you have a selection of hummus platters, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, paninis, various desserts, and more. This is not the place for a true sit-down dinner, but that doesn’t make it any less scrumptious.

Little Beans Café is the ultimate family-friendly venue. When you have gatherings for the entire family—little kids to grandparents—you need a space that can welcome everybody. At Little Beans Café, there are play areas for all ages with activities such as ninja training, basketball, and the use of a gym. Of course, there is also a functioning café to sate the supervising and socializing adults.

Check out more at their website: https://www.littlebeanscafe.com/

8. The Long Hall
First showcased in our Top 10 Baby Shower Venues in Chicago article, The Long Hall is a welcoming and unique space perfectly designed for smaller events. The building is 2000 square feet in total, and is split into three different sections distinguished by half walls. A courtyard is also available to add some indoor/outdoor flow to an event. This venue can seat 50 guests at most.

The Long Hall does not have the same history as some other event venues in Chicago, but you will still be surrounded by engaging architecture and contemporary décor. Each member of the staff has years of experiencing planning and executing events, so you can be sure you will be in good hands no matter what you ask of them.

An outside vendor will need to be hired to cater all events held at The Long Hall. Unlike the majority of event venues, there is not a list of preferred vendors that limits your choices; instead, you can work with any company that is capable of bringing your food and drink menu to life.

The Long Hall is an incredibly unique small event venue. Their outdoor courtyard features a lily pond, climbing ivy on the walls, and wrought iron furniture that is both comfortable and excellent for photo backdrops. Indoors, you’ll be surrounded by brick walls, large windows, and high ceilings. There is also a stage available for live music or a DJ of your choosing.

Check out more at their website: https://thelonghallchicago.com/

7. 9Twenty-Eight
9Twenty-Eight is a small event venue perfect for gatherings of all kinds. The floor plan is incredibly flexible in order to create the vision of your dreams. This 700 square foot space can seat up to 50 guests, but if you’re planning a standing event, you can increase your guest count to 70.

9Twenty-Eight opened its doors in 2018. The owner, Brittany Thornton, wanted to create a modern and intimate event space that could be customized to every event style and welcoming for every event planner. This is only the first of the many intimate event spaces she plans to create.

Catering for events at 9Twenty-Eight is split into two components. They do not allow any outside alcoholic beverages, so if you plan to provide a bartending service to your guests, you’ll have to source it all through the venue. They will also provide licensed bartenders for the event. There is no culinary team on staff at this event venue, so you will have to hire an outside caterer for that responsibility.

With floor-to-ceiling windows taking up the entire store front, this space will be flooded with natural light all day long. With classic red brick walls and a warm hardwood floor, this small event venue is suited to any style of décor. There is a 360 photo booth available for rentals as well to help guests remember the event in style.

Check out more on their website: https://9twentyeight.com/

6. Colvin House
Colvin House is a stunning small event venue that was previously featured in our Top 10 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Chicago article. With a maximum guest capacity of 100, it is a perfect space for intimate weddings, family gatherings, and small corporate events. The first floor of the mansion, the outdoor courtyard, and 4000 sq. ft of grass and gardens will be accessible during your event.

Colvin House has been standing since 1909. Its century-old architecture is still incredibly unique and perfectly exemplifies the designer’s innovation during that time period. You won’t need much décor to get this space event ready: the original marble fireplace, two-story windows, and maple staircase add tons of character.

There are two options for catering events held at Colvin House. There is a culinary team on staff to provide an in-house meal and bar service, but the event team can also provide you with a list of their seven preferred catering vendors if you’d prefer more options.

Colvin House is full of dazzling and unique amenities to suit every type of event. A romantic 4-foot chandelier and Juliet balcony make this space perfect for smaller weddings, but all events will be able to enjoy the lush gardens and fenced grounds, basement speakeasy lounge space, a view of Lake Michigan, and the wonderful proximity to the beach and public park.

Check out more at their website: https://colvinhouseevents.com/

5. Homestead on the Roof
Homestead on the Roof is a cozy restaurant located on the top of Roots Handmade Pizza. It is only open to the public during the summer months, but it functions as an event venue year-round. This rooftop venue can seat up to 85 guests in its restaurant space, and you’ll have a view of their 1000 sq. ft rooftop garden as well. In the summer, the garden is accessible to event guests as well.

Homestead on the Roof has made a big splash in the Chicago community since its opening day. It has been mentioned by many noteworthy media outlets as one of the best rooftop dining experiences in Chicago, and is also honoured by Open Table as a top 100 outdoor dining space in the entirety of the United States.

All of the catering at Homestead on the Roof is provided by the venue. They have a garden on site that will produce many of the ingredients for their meals, and they are dedicated to their farm-to-table philosophy. They can provide a full meal and bar service for every type of event and every serving style that you could ask for. All of the desserts will be provided by West Town Bakery & Diner.

With two natural brick buildings encasing this rooftop event space on two sides, ground-level and hanging plants, and walls of climbing ivy, Homestead on the Roof is a perfectly natural and intimate event space for every kind of function. The interior component features rustic tables, birch wallpaper, and tons of natural light. The greenery and a decorative fireplace complete the exterior space.

Check out more on their website: http://www.homesteadontheroof.com/

4. Tanta Chicago
Tanta Chicago’s second story is dedicated to private events. Their indoor dining area measures 950 square feet and can accommodate a maximum of 45 seated guests. During the warmer months, you can extend your event space to their enclosed terrace, allowing you to invite up to 90 guests for a cocktail-style event.

Tanta Chicago opened in 2013. Gastón Acurio, a highly-skilled chef, wanted to bring the traditions and scrumptious cuisine from Peru to the international stage. Tanta Chicago is a restaurant of his design and is managed by executive chef Jesús Delgado.

When you rent the private dining space at Tanta Chicago for an event, you won’t have to worry about finding a caterer. The restaurant staff will provide all of the food and drinks you need for your event and will be happy to customize the menu to your liking. This restaurant specializes in Peruvian cuisine and is a wonderful place to astound your taste buds.

Whether you’re seeking a well-rounded cultural experience, divine cuisine, or a taste of the outdoors during your event, Tanta Chicago is the place to find it. The restaurant has an event manager available to help plan your celebration and manage the day-of responsibilities. You’ll have access to their AV equipment, the indoor private dining space, and even their rooftop terrace if weather permits.

Check out more on their website: https://www.tantachicago.com/

3. Prime & Provisions
Prime & Provisions has a number of private spaces available for small events. If you’d prefer an indoor experience, the Prime Nook is perfect for 12 seated guests or 35 for a cocktail-style event. The Lasalle Nook can seat 16 and has space for 25 standing individuals. If you have a larger guest list and don’t mind some time spent in the outdoors, their Outdoor Lounge & Terrace is the ideal space for events with 42 seated or 75 standing guests.

Prime & Provisions opened its doors in May of 2015. This venue is a member of the DineAmic Group and is run by executive chef Joseph Rizza.

Prime & Provisions handles all of the catering needs for events. Their culinary team is incredibly talented and can customize a menu to your preferences. A rich list of alcoholic beverages and the ability to provide multi-course plated meals, food stations, or cocktail-style appetizers ensures every event will be treated to a delectable culinary experience.

In addition to the wonderful flexibility of the private event spaces at this venue, Prime & Provisions has a lot to offer. Their contemporary-industrial architecture and décor creates a unique and engaging environment for every event. High-output heaters ensure the terrace is comfortable year-round, and indoors, you’ll enjoy their delicate chandeliers, cushy leather furniture, and classic patterned floor.

Check out more on their website: https://www.primeandprovisions.com/

2. Nomad Chicago
Nomad Chicago is a wonderful event space perfectly suited to small gatherings. They have a conference room that can surround 6 seated guests in comfort and privacy, but you are also welcome to book the main space with seating room for as many as 50 guests.

Nomad Chicago was founded by Lara Moynihan. She sought the opportunity to create employment opportunities within her community, and Nomad Chicago was the answer. This space functions as a stylish event venue, a café offering organic foods and beverages, and a retail shop filled with goods from artisans from all over the world. It is currently operated by Lara and her friend Erika Nolan.

Although there is a café within this venue, true catering will need to be provided by an outside vendor for a traditional food and drink menu. Event guests are welcome to purchase from the café menu as well. There is space for cocktail-style serving and buffet-style meals at this venue.

Nomad Chicago is one of the most inspiring and contemporary event venues in all of Chicago. As soon as you walk through the doors, you are surrounded by modern décor, engaging artwork, and a bright and airy space. It is suited to every type of small event and is sure to leave a lasting impact on your guests: we are quite certain everyone will be back to try something new from the menu or shop for hand-crafted gifts.

See more here on their website: https://www.nomad-chicago.com/

1. The Reveler
In total, The Reveler comprises 7000 square feet of public restaurant and bar space and private event space. In addition to the main dining room and bar room, there are three private event rooms available for booking individually. The Wine Room can seat 50 guests, the Brick Room has space for 60, and the R&D Room is the largest with a seating capacity of 100 guests: you can have your pick to suit you guest list perfectly.

The Reveler is a bar and restaurant inspired by the history of William Selig and the films he created. It is a newer establishment that opened in 2018, but it has made quite a name for itself already. The owners wanted to create a space where all types of people could congregate to revel in great food, music, and sporting events: they pulled it off with superb skill.

All of the food and beverages you need for your event will be provided by the venue. As a true-to-form sports bar, you can expect classics like pizza, nachos, burgers, salads, and all of your American favorites. Their beverage list includes milkshakes (that can be spiked), frozen speciality drinks, and more than 60 beverages on tap.

Each private space at The Reveler is characterized by dark wood, large windows, and black accents. The original tin ceilings add a touch of industrial history that complements the darker tone of the restaurant beautifully. If you’re looking for some extra entertainment during your event, you can make use of their three dart boards, pool table, flat screens, and patio.

See more details on their website: https://revelerchicago.com/

*BONUS EVENT VENUE* – The Two Brothers Roundhouse
Obviously we’re a little biased, but if you look at our track record, we’ve got the awards to back it up! We’ve won 9 brewery awards, been awarded “Best Of Weddings” badge from The Knot in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and won the “Couples Choice Award” from Wedding Wire almost every year from 2012 – 2020!

Venues don’t win that many awards by luck or chance. That’s the consistent quality and reputation Two Brothers has for hosting weddings!

The Two Brothers Roundhouse property encompasses 70,000 square feet home to multiple buildings, gathering areas, and gorgeous landscape. The diversity of our location ensures that your guest list ranging in size from 50 to over 300 can all feel perfectly at home in the space. This includes majestic outdoor areas to host a ceremony or reception.

Our venue has one of the most interesting stories of all. Built in 1856, the roundhouse served as the storage and maintenance facility for the Chicago and Aurora’s Railroad locomotives. This historic building is the oldest roundhouse in the entire country. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that will surround you in history, there is no better location in Chicago’s suburbs.

As an all-inclusive location, Two Brothers Roundhouse has an exceptionally trained catering staff and bartending service available to design a menu and bar package according to the individual needs of every couple.

See why we’re quickly becoming the top choice for wedding venues in the greater Chicago area. We have more details on our wedding venue banquets page here.

Email us any time at Banquets@TwoBrothersBrewing.com or call us (630) 509-0215