Top 10 Cozy Small Event Venues in Chicago

May 27, 2024 Praggya Joshi

One of the common challenges event planners face when organizing small events is venue selection. For these events, the venue should feel intimate yet allow for easy movement. If you find yourself in or around the Windy City, you're in luck! There are many small event venues in Chicago that can create this ambiance, making social gatherings or celebratory events feel more personal and community-like. 

In this blog we have curated a list of venues that offer all the necessary amenities and tech essentials and are situated in central locations. They are perfect for organizing a range of small to medium-scale corporate events.

1. Morgan Arts Complex
Located in the chic West Loop neighborhood of downtown Chicago, the Morgan Arts Complex is an ideal venue that can seamlessly accommodate up to 500 guests. It’s perfect for hosting small corporate events as well as gatherings. The Morgan Arts Complex beautifully blends vintage and modern aesthetics, making it one of the most picturesque small event venues. Event planners love the sky-high ceilings adorned with original artwork and modern technology, including sound and lighting systems. If you're looking for an affordable venue that will captivate attendees with its ambiance, check out the Morgan Arts Complex. 

Address: 3622 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60609, USA

2. Mae District
Expert event planners have been choosing the Mae District in Chicago for decades. It’s a prime location for small and medium-scale events, such as executive meetings, professional development workshops, training sessions, annual conferences, product launches, and company receptions. Nestled among historic red stone brick buildings, Mae District offers ample open spaces for attendees to network and enjoy. The venue, which dates back to the late 1800s, provides a rich legacy admired by attendees. Amenities include A/V equipment, breakout rooms, Wi-Fi, coat checks, street and valet parking, and accessibility for people with special needs. The venue has a seating capacity of 250 and a standing capacity of 500. 

Address: 19 E 21st St, Chicago, IL 60616

3. House of Blues Chicago
House of Blues Chicago is a unique venue known for live events like concerts, but it’s also ideal for private corporate events. It can easily accommodate up to 1,800 people and has an in-house team of specialists to assist with planning, from booking keynote speakers to organizing menus and personalized decor. The venue features state-of-the-art lighting and sound, a VIP lounge, Wi-Fi, and multi-story halls. Its sophisticated Foundation Room creates VIP experiences for executives and socialites. The event professionals also offer experiential branding and enhancements like video mapping and interactive entertainment options. 

Address: 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

4. The Ivy Room
No list of small event venues in Chicago is complete without mentioning The Ivy Room. Located in the heart of River North, this venue is perfect for a range of events, including fundraising, networking events, post-event follow-ups, and annual galas. It features uninterrupted sightlines, flexible floor plans, and a talented on-site events team. The spacious ballroom is ideal for VIP gatherings, while the Dining Room at Tree Studios caters to smaller events such as board dinners, workshops, and breakout sessions for up to 30 guests. Amenities include A/V capabilities, lighting, outdoor and private spaces, and onsite catering. 

Address: 12 E Ohio St #100, Chicago, IL 60611

5. Greenhouse Loft
For those looking to organize a small corporate event or intimate celebratory session in a refreshing space, Greenhouse Loft is perfect. With over 3,600 square feet of customizable space, it’s ideal for team-building events, sales meetings, fundraisers, exhibits, board meetings, and employee engagement sessions. The onsite event managers assist planners at every step, ensuring a smooth setup and execution. The LEED Platinum building promotes sustainability with low-waste and green meetings. Amenities include LCD projectors, in-house sound systems, adjustable spotlights, and built-in drapery. The venue can accommodate up to 200 attendees. 

Address: 2545 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

6. R29
R29 is a small event venue in Chicago that surprises with its breadth of services. Situated on the 29th floor of The Franklin in the business district, R29 is a flexible venue for private meetings, workshops, semi-private gatherings, and employee engagement sessions. Its versatile floor plans and ambient lighting give R29 an exclusive look. Seating options include sleek leather barstools, furnished lounges, firelit banquets, and cozy cabanas with West Loop views. The venue has a seating capacity of 80-100 in its opulent L44 Sky Lobby and a standing capacity of 225. Amenities include paid parking and AV capability, with customizable decor and lighting. 

Address: 227 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60606

7. Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago Theological Seminary offers everything an event planner could need. Located in the University of Chicago neighborhood, it boasts modern facilities, open architecture, easy vendor load-in/out, ample parking, and a catering-grade kitchen. It’s perfect for training classes, workshops, seminars, and conferences. The venue includes conference rooms, breakout rooms, classrooms, dining rooms, and Clark and Skyline Chapels. It is fully handicap-compliant and packed with the latest technology, including Wi-Fi, A/V equipment, laptops, microphones, projectors, and LCD screens. The maximum capacity is 225 guests, with a seating capacity of 160. 

Address: 1407 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

8. 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
For awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck is the answer. This venue is perfect for high-profile social events, medium or small-scale gatherings, corporate functions, networking events, cocktail parties, and product launches. The ADA-compliant facility has five flexible event spaces, accommodating 10-500 guests. The seating capacity is 200, with a standing capacity of 595. Amenities include full catering, A/V equipment, and additional decor. A unique feature is TILT, Chicago’s highest thrill ride, offering a thrilling view of the city's skyline. 

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

9. The Arbory Chicago
A recent addition to Chicago's small event venues, The Arbory Chicago has quickly become a favorite. Brimming with industrial charm and modern ambiance, the venue was once a manufacturing plant and now features sophisticated decor, elegant brick walls, and large industrial skylights. Custom amenities and production capabilities make it easy for planners to host any kind of small or private event. The venue offers full-service package options, including food and beverage, decor, and brand integration, with complete planning assistance from in-house production specialists. It has a standing capacity of 300 and a seating capacity of 190. 

Address: 2219 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, USA

10. Room 43
Room 43 is a fully customizable venue for small events, spanning 9,000 square feet. It’s regularly used for company celebrations, conferences, annual galas, and training classes. Inspired by natural elements, the venue combines the historic vibes of North Kenwood with wood floors and exposed brick walls. Purpose-built for event planners, it has separate levels for different environments, cash bars, bartenders, and multiple exits for each floor. The venue is ADA/ACA accessible and offers a full bar and on-site catering. Room 43 has two bi-level suites: the first with a capacity of 187 on the upper level and 112 on the lower level, and the second with a capacity of 80 on the upper level and 65 on the lower level. 

Address: 1039-1043 East 43rd Street, Chicago, IL

Host a Memorable Small Event in the Best Venue
All the small event venues in Chicago listed above prioritize the comfort and convenience of attendees. They offer readily available facilities and easy accessibility. Many also feature in-house planning and production teams to help tailor the experience for your guests. Consider these venues to host the perfect private event. 

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