New Venues from August & September 2021

21c Museum Hotel

21c Museum Hotel does more than just display a local artist in the lobby. This hotel is true to its name, creating a unique atmosphere which is generated by taking their art seriously. Their team describes the space as an “art museum with sleeping rooms”. Formerly the James Hotel, 21c Museum Hotel has put together an incredibly well-curated and evocative exhibit that rivals MCA or the Art Institute with eye-catching works. The museum is open 24-7, and completely free.

“21c and its founders are committed to expanding access to contemporary art as a catalyst for urban revitalization and civic connection.”

The event spaces available at the hotel are unlike anything in Chicago. If you want your guests to be able to embrace the true nature of the hotel, you can incorporate guided tours with your event. Art rotates amongst their hotels throughout the country a few times a year.

The daring works currently on display are not to be missed, and creating a thought-provoking experience in the most interesting spaces your clients will see. There are a variety of event spaces ranging from conference rooms, to their main gallery that can all be set for anything from weddings to corporate meetings.

Avec (River North)

Avec River North is the second Chicago location, boasting an open-air rooftop bar which makes it larger than the original West Loop hot spot. Featuring Mediterranean-inspired shared plates, Avec is part of One Off Hospitality, who as a restaurant group, has won nine James Beard Awards. It also has an expansive open kitchen that is visible to diners, including the wood-burning oven. Executive Chef Paul Kahan’s leads the family-style, Mediterranean fare with specialities like the chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates, ‘deluxe’ focaccia with taleggio and truffle oil, and other rustic wood-fired goodness. The wine list focuses on “hearty peasant wines” from small producers in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina(Oakbrook)

Be prepared for some of the best food you will have in your life. Fox Restaurant’s vegan-friendly concept True Food Kitchen remains one of the best spots in downtown Chicago for a unique blend of intriguing, yet healthy dishes. So there were strong expectations in place for their latest concept in Oak Brook. It can be declared that this suburb got blessed with one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Midwest. Blanco Cocina + Cantina shows us how the Southwest does it. When we tried it for ourselves, we went in with high expectations, and were somehow even more impressed. First of all, everything tastes SO fresh. Juan our server, told us they have a woman in-house who creates all of their tortillas fresh daily. He also recommended their cheese crisp appetizers, which may be the best thing on the menu. Their ingredients are a phenomenal blend of veggies and meat where the star of every dish is simply flavor. Blanco Cocina + Cantina’s cocktails are polished with sweet, spicy or floral embellishments that rival any high-end cocktail bar. All of this tastiness comes in a brightly decorated space with an exciting ambiance, high-end service and perhaps most impressive of all – approachable price points.

Cobblestone Restaurant (Lincoln Square/Ravenswood)

What happens when a Czech brain surgeon decides to take over a local restaurant? A refreshed dining concept that has some of the most delicious food you’ve had in a while. This menus has the right blend of upscale and familiar. For example, on the brunch menu, the eggs benedict features potato pancakes in place of the traditional English muffins, and the Schnitzel & Waffles makes for a tasty take on the common chicken & waffles. In classic, European style, this well-rounded menu features a variety of options that are rich and full of flavor. This neighborhood gem on the north side of Chicago features two outdoor spaces and a cozy interior that makes it ideal for social events like birthday dinners and brunch showers, or that corporate group that likes a true, local Chicago experience.

Diver at the Park (Wrigelyville)

You don’t have to be a Cubs fan to love this new hot spot in Wrigleyville. Diver at the Park is an ode to female athletes, featuring a beach resort feel. A private rooftop, along with a beautiful outdoor patio on the main level provide planners with great outdoor options. The built-in party ambiance of the large, enclosed patio is created by the beautiful decor already in place – all you have to do is bring the people. Delicious food include vegetarian options that are actually good – even a meat lover may grab a second of their roasted veggie tacos!

Upcoming Openings, Renovations & Reopenings

Alla Vita by BOKA Group opened Mid-September

Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop
Opening Fall 2021 at 225 W. Jackson as a dual-branded hotel concept

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire reopened September 15, 2021

Park Hyatt Chicago has a $60M renovation underway for its hotel rooms

Storyville Chicago Opened August 26, 2021

Underground reopened Friday, July 29, 2021

The X Pot will be coming to Roosevelt Collections, Fall 2021