These Chicago Bridal Shower Venues Will Leave Guests in Awe

And we're pretty sure the bride-to-be will be happy with them, too.
Ellen O'Brien - The Knot Contributor.
by
Ellen O'Brien
Ellen O'Brien - The Knot Contributor.
Ellen O'Brien
The Knot Contributor
  • Ellen is a contributor for The Knot, where she covers everything from honeymoons to wedding showers.
  • Formerly a fellow at Washingtonian magazine, Ellen has experience covering local weddings in the DC area.
  • Ellen also contributes to wedding venue round-ups at The Knot, helping compile the best wedding venues in cities across the country.
Updated Dec 06, 2023

Taking on the task of planning the Chicago bridal shower of the century for a bride-to-be? We're here to help. You may want to start by considering the climate of the Windy City. Chicago winters can be chilly, snowy and well, windy, so you'll want to be sure to select an indoor space for the colder months. However, the summer season on the shores of Lake Michigan is truly wonderful, so if you're planning a wedding shower in June, July or August, we recommend heading outdoors or selecting an indoor-outdoor hybrid event space.

Known for its 20th-century history, many of Chicago's event spaces are located in beautiful old buildings that will transport you to another time. Additionally, some spots in this Midwestern city are known for their gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline. Still not sure where to look? Head to The Knot Marketplace for a complete list of fantastic Chicago bridal shower venues and pretty much everything you'll need to throw a memorable event. From banquet halls to private dining rooms, we've got you covered. In the meantime, read on to learn about some of our favorite spots in the Windy City for a wedding shower.

The Bristol in Chicago, Illinois

If you're looking for a rustic-chic venue for your bride-to-be, The Bristol is a perfect spot. This American restaurant is located in the heart of Chicago's Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood and is known for its gorgeous exposed brick walls. The restaurant's chalkboard menus, stunning fireplace and hardwood floors make the space feel welcoming and intimate—the perfect spot for a wedding shower. For private events, this space offers a private second-floor area, accessed through a private staircase. Plus, this restaurant is known for its farm-to-table offerings, delicious cocktails and extensive wine list.

Hummingbird Studios in Chicago, Illinois

Looking for a picturesque spot for a bridal shower? We recommend Hummingbird Studios. This Lincoln Park photography studio is an affordable option for those looking to host a fun and colorful event without a crazy price tag. This space can accommodate up to 50 people. With tons of different seating areas and arrangements, including a central alcove and a cozy space nestled at the bottom of the staircase, your guests will be able to mingle comfortably. Plus, this event space has a tea party rental service, so you can throw the mismatched-china tea party of everyone's childhood (or adult) dreams.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Chicago, Illinois

Add some Spanish influence to a wedding shower—without the pricey plane ticket. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is the perfect option for a bride-to-be who loves tapas, sangria and paella. You'll feel transported to Spain in this event space's exposed brick walls, wooden tables, rustic chandeliers and festive string lights. Whether you choose to host a brunch or an evening shower, this restaurant's diverse menu will leave your guests (and your bride) happy. Plus, this restaurant offers off-site catering for Chicago's First Lady Cruises. Who says you can't throw a fantastic Spanish-inspired wedding shower on the Chicago River?

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The J. Parker in Chicago, Illinois

Celebrate your bride-to-be with a gorgeous view of downtown Chicago. At The J. Parker's rooftop space, you and your guests will have unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the Lincoln Park Zoo. If you have guests coming from outside of Illinois, this space is sure to blow them away—and give them a great experience in the city of Chicago. Worried about inclement weather? This space has you covered. The outdoor space has a fully retractable rooftop—keeping you dry, warm and unaffected by any disastrous weather. As a go-to spot for all types of events, from baby showers to rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions, the staff at this space will take all of the pressure off of hosting a bridal shower. Without the stress of coordination, you'll actually get to enjoy yourself on the bride-to-be's big day.

The VIG Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

While a sports bar may not be the space that comes to mind when you think of traditional bridal showers, this one may make you reconsider. The VIG Chicago has a gorgeous interior space, include exposed wooden beams, beautiful brick walls and industrial-style lighting. This space can accommodate 30 seated guests or 45 standing. Their menu is perfect for those who love classic bar food with a twist. With everything from pork ribs to bao buns, their menu will leave everyone impressed. You'll want to return here to throw all of your future events—next year's birthday party, anyone?

City Winery Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

This West Loop spot is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown. City Winery Chicago offers you the chance to host a gorgeous wine-inspired special event without traveling to Northern California. Hosting a larger wedding shower? This venue may be the perfect choice for you, as it requires you to have a minimum of 30 guests. While this event space is now a live music venue, winery and restaurant, this 1911 building was originally a refrigerated food distribution warehouse, adding some unique history to this modern-day chic industrial space. Plus, this event space offers you the opportunity to design custom wine labels. We can't think of a better shower favor.

Mon Ami Gabi Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois

Host an intimate bridal shower in picturesque Lincoln Park. Mon Ami Gabi, an adorable French bistro, is a great spot for a wedding shower brunch. The restaurant also offers a delicious lunch and dinner menu for private parties. A non-traditional wedding shower dinner party? We support it. Located inside the Belden-Stratford, a 20th-century historic building, this bistro boasts stunning views of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Plus, the restaurant's interior has big French windows and a classic European tiled floor—making you feel a world away from Illinois. If you have a bride-to-be who is always dreaming of Paris, this is a fantastic choice for a wedding shower.

On Tour Brewing in Chicago, Illinois

Whether or not you're a beer fan, the experience, atmosphere and service at On Tour Brewing between West Town and West Loop will turn all of your guests into brewery fans. This event space is perfect for special occasions that need to be customized—with a bring your own food (BYOF) option, you're able to select your preferred caterers. Plus, you'll be able to sample the brewery's crafted beers. With on-tap options like a hazy IPA and a German Pilsner, you'll be sure to find something you like. Plus, the brewery offers hard ciders, hard kombucha and wine for all of the non-beer drinkers in your life. There's truly something for everyone.

Orso's Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois

This restaurant was made for social events. With a beautiful outdoor garden, patio bar and wood-paneled walls, Orso's Restaurant will transport you to old-world Italy. This family-owned restaurant's service is top-notch, ensuring that you and your guests get the full-service treatment. With multiple menu options, including a brunch package, dinner option and pizza gathering package, you're sure to find the right fit for your bride-to-be's wedding shower. A bridal shower that includes authentic Italian pizza in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood? We can't think of anything better.

Big Star Catering + Food Truck in Chicago, Illinois

If you're searching for a more casual event space for a bridal shower, Big Star in Wrigleyville is a great spot. Located directly across from Wrigley Field, this restaurant offers tacos and whiskey—a fantastic combination for any social event. The industrial-style space includes floor-to-ceiling windows with views of downtown Chicago and historic Wrigleyville. Pro tip: Head to this event space during the warmer months. If you decide to host a wedding shower during the summer season, you may be able to create an indoor-outdoor space, as the restaurant's gorgeous windows are retractable.

The Kitchen in Chicago, Illinois

Far from being the restaurant for boring corporate meetings, this River North spot is a great pick for a wedding shower. Located inside the city's historic Reid Murdoch Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Kitchen has stunning views of the Chicago River. Watch the boats sail by as you munch on the restaurant's seasonal plates. The space's high ceilings, complete with reclaimed woods and hip chandeliers, is full of natural light. Plus, the restaurant offers a family-style brunch service for special events, which may be the perfect option for a bridal shower. Everyone gets to sample everything? That's a win.

Ella Elli in Chicago, Illinois

This cozy and intimate setting is perfect for a slower-paced wedding shower. The plush cushioned couches and tall booths make for a speakeasy-like vibe inside of this phenomenal Chicago restaurant, Ella Elli. This restaurant's brunch option is priced at $27 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) and includes a deluxe bakery board, with fresh croissants and housemade bagels. We love the brunch's inclusion of toast bites (avocado toast and salmon toast), as well as the seasonal quiches. Whether you're an expert foodie or just a lover of good food, this is a fantastic choice for a cool, yet delicious, bridal shower.

RPM Seafood in Chicago, Illinois

To give your shower guests a beautiful vantage point of the Windy City, RPM Seafood features panoramic river views and a variety of flexible event spaces. Of course, RPM's food is highly regarded and you can work with the chefs to come up with a custom menu for your event. Whether you're hosting an event for 200 guests or just a dozen, RPM can make your shower truly unforgettable.

Cafe Bionda in Chicago, Illinois

If you want your guests to feel like they've traveled to Italy, Cafe Bionda should defintely make your Chicago bridal shower venue short list. The warm and cozy setting, paired with the truly delicious food will create the perfect ambiance for your celebration.

Publican Quality Meats in Chicago, Illinois

Planning a bridal shower after dark? For a non-traditional wedding shower in the evening, consider Publican Quality Meats. A butcher shop and cafe by day, turned event space at night, this Fulton Market spot is an ideal space for a unique wedding shower. This space can accommodate up to 40 people for a family-style dinner service. They also have an outdoor patio space. Custom menus with a fun logo? Check. Valet parking available? Check. Premium sound system? Check. This cafe-butcher shop-event space truly has everything you would be looking to have for a memorable wedding shower.

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