Best bars in Chicago

Best bars in Chicago

Discover the finest bars for your corporate events in Chicago. Compare venues, privatise a bar area and organise your team drinks or cocktail reception with expert support.

Over $500M of event spend optimised with Naboo

Our top bars in Chicago

Looking for the best bar for your corporate event in Chicago? Whether you're organising a drinks reception, a team celebration or a cocktail evening, Chicago offers excellent bars with private areas and tailored packages.

About bars in Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city known for its diverse bar scene, making it an ideal destination for corporate drinks receptions and team celebrations. From rooftop cocktail bars to classic hotel lounges, the nightlife in neighborhoods like River North and the Loop offers a mix of modern and historic venues perfect for any corporate event. The city's rich cultural heritage ensures a unique backdrop for cocktail evenings, with options ranging from sophisticated speakeasies to lively craft beer bars.

Accessibility is a strong suit for corporate groups in Chicago, with O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport providing convenient access for out-of-town attendees. The city's public transportation system, including the 'L' trains and buses, makes it easy to navigate to various event locations, ensuring a seamless experience for your guests.

4 types of bars in Chicago

Outdoor dining terrace with a long table set for a corporate dinner

rooftop cocktail bars

Chicago's skyline provides a stunning backdrop for rooftop cocktail bars, making them a popular choice for corporate events. Venues like the Rooftop at the Wit and Cindy's offer expansive views, accommodating groups from intimate gatherings to larger receptions. These bars often feature craft cocktails and light bites, creating an upscale atmosphere perfect for networking and team celebrations.
Professionals networking at a corporate event cocktail reception in a modern event space.

speakeasy & craft cocktail bars

For a unique experience, consider the speakeasy-style bars scattered throughout Chicago. Locations like The Aviary and The Violet Hour provide an intimate setting with expertly crafted cocktails. These venues typically have a capacity for smaller groups, making them ideal for exclusive corporate events where guests can enjoy a personalized experience and creative drinks.
Glasses of craft beer on tasting paddles at a brewery, ideal for a team building activity.

privatisable event bars

Many bars in Chicago offer private event spaces, perfect for hosting corporate drinks receptions. Venues like The Aviary and Bar Siena can accommodate larger groups and provide tailored event packages. These privatisable spaces allow for a more controlled environment, making it easier to focus on networking and celebrating team achievements.
Modern London waterfront event venue with a sophisticated bar, lounge seating, and panoramic city views.

hotel bars

Chicago's hotel bars are another excellent option for corporate events, combining convenience with a sophisticated atmosphere. Venues such as the Signature Lounge at the 96th and the LondonHouse Rooftop Bar offer upscale settings for enjoying cocktails after a day of meetings. These bars often cater to corporate groups with tailored packages, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
Professionals networking at a corporate event cocktail reception in a modern event space.

Activities & experiences around Chicago

When planning corporate drinks in Chicago, consider pairing your event with local experiences. Explore the city's vibrant arts scene by visiting the Art Institute of Chicago or catch a live jazz performance in one of the famous jazz bars like The Green Mill. For team-building activities, consider a cooking class or a brewery tour to engage your team in a fun, interactive environment.

  • Indianapolis – Just a few hours away, this city offers a variety of unique bars and venues for corporate events.
  • Detroit – Known for its revitalized bar scene, Detroit is another option for corporate gatherings.
Professionals networking at a corporate event cocktail reception in a modern event space.

Why host your corporate drinks in Chicago?

Chicago is an exceptional choice for corporate bar events due to its dynamic atmosphere and diverse venue options.

  • Reason 1: A rich cultural history that enhances the event experience.
  • Reason 2: A wide variety of bar types to suit any corporate occasion.
  • Reason 3: Easy accessibility for both local and out-of-town attendees.
  • Reason 4: A thriving nightlife that keeps guests entertained after hours.
  • Reason 5: Unique venues that can be customized to fit your corporate branding and message.
Six uniformed staff with flags welcome guests at a grand historic chateau, an ideal corporate event venue.

How much does a corporate drinks event in Chicago cost?

The cost of hosting a corporate drinks event in Chicago can vary widely. On average, a cocktail reception can range from $50 to $150 per person, depending on the venue and package options. Full bar privatization often requires a minimum spend starting at $2,000, while open bar packages typically range from $30 to $80 per person. For the best rates and options, consider using Naboo to compare real quotes from various venues.

A white passenger airplane soars through a bright blue sky, perfect for corporate incentive trips.

How to get to Chicago

Chicago is easily accessible via two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, both of which cater to domestic and international flights. The city is well-connected by Amtrak train services and has a robust highway system for those driving in. Once in the city, local transport options like the 'L' train and buses make it easy to reach your chosen venue.

Why organise your corporate drinks in Chicago with Naboo?

A carefully curated bar selection

Naboo offers a selection of the best bars in Chicago, tailored to meet your corporate needs.

Dedicated expert support

Our team of experts is available to assist you in planning your event from start to finish.

Everything in one place

Naboo consolidates all venue options and information, making the booking process seamless.

Transparent pricing

We provide clear pricing to help you budget effectively for your corporate drinks event.
A large team celebrates in a multi-level corporate event venue, perfect for company offsites.

2026 Guide

Discover the trends and exclusive venues for your corporate events this year

FAQ: Bars & corporate drinks in Chicago

Chicago offers a wide range of bars suitable for corporate events, including rooftop cocktail bars, speakeasy-style lounges, and privatisable hotel bars, catering to different group sizes and preferences.

To privatise a bar in Chicago, you typically need to contact the venue directly to inquire about availability, minimum spend requirements, and package options for your event.

Budgeting for a corporate drinks event in Chicago can range from $50 to $150 per person for a cocktail reception, depending on the venue and services provided.

It is advisable to book a bar in Chicago at least 4-6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred venue and date, especially during peak seasons.

Naboo simplifies the process of finding the right bar by providing a comprehensive list of venues, comparing quotes, and offering expert support throughout your planning.

Latest bar & nightlife inspiration for your next event

A minimalist white globe with a dotted map of Asia and Europe, set against a black background.

Ready to modernize your corporate events?

Naboo raises $70M Series B

Naboo raises $70M from Lightspeed to build the world's AI-powered corporate events platform.

Naboo raises $70M Series B