5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Tortoise Supper Club
A Swanky, Jazz Era Experience to Remember
We rented out Tortoise for our ~100 person wedding reception and we couldn't have pictured it anywhere else!! Kelli and the whole staff went above and beyond for us and our families - they didn't miss a thing. The service was impeccable (so detail oriented), everyone was raving about the food, and the space felt so so special (from a fellow Chicagoan).
I had my intimate, 25 guest, wedding at Tortoise Supper Club and it was the most perfect venue. I researched almost every restaurant/venue in Chicago and Tortoise had the best ambiance, food, service and pricing that I could find. The location was also perfect to do a first look and photos by the riverwalk before and close to many hotels for guests to stay. We had the ceremony in the red room, cocktail hour in the lounge, and dinner back in the red room. Everything was flawless, not one single thing went wrong or could have been improved from the venue. The rooms were set up exactly as I had requested. The staff were all so kind and accommodating and made sure everything was on schedule and according to plan. From the moment we arrived we were met with warmth. The drinks were fantastic, food was fantastic, especially the filet mignon for dinner. We hired the restaurant's resident pianist and caricature artist for cocktail hour and they were both fantastic and the venue made it so easy to add these on. The pianist played me into and out of the ceremony and they nailed the timing and songs I wanted. The vendors that I brought in for florals and cake had no problems with anything. I am so impressed by how perfectly everything was executed. I worked with Kelli at Tortoise to plan the day and she was very patient and helpful answering my questions, assisting with planning, and making sure everything was communicated accurately to the team onsite. I would absolutely recommend Tortoise Supper Club for any wedding or event, big or small.
About this vendor
Kelli Varnava
EVENTS DIRECTOR
AWARD WINNER
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Offering an authentic Chicago supper club experience, Tortoise Supper Club in Chicago, IL is a restaurant and wedding venue that hearkens back to days gone by. Its jazz-era ambience easily enhances any celebration! The team of professionals here would be delighted to host your special occasion.
Tortoise Supper Club is a Chicago family owned and operated establishment with only one location. Welcoming rehearsal dinners and other events leading up to the big day as well, Tortoise Supper Club is a hidden gem eager to be shared with you and your guests! The venue is tucked amongst the city’s beautiful skyscrapers and incorporates touches of Chicago throughout its interiors. These details showcase the charms of the city and pay homage to the past, which help to create a memorable backdrop for weddings and events. They take the utmost pride in pouring their heart and soul into the level of hospitality they provide to their guests, as well as their cuisine and beverage program.
The Main Dining Room can accommodate up to 130 guests for a seated gathering and up to 150 people for mingling style events. In addition, they can host groups as large as 220 for a seated dinner and 300 mingling. A number of other spaces are available for guest counts of additional sizes.
Their ambiance provides that of a swanky, old-Hollywood, jazz era supper club complete with white tablecloth service. There are secret stories and subtle touches of Chicago history within its walls, including caricatures in the Lounge featuring famous Chicago rogues and scoundrels, a swanky/jazzy Chicago themed mural in the Main Dining Room hand-painted by NY artist, Pauline de Rossi de Sales, the original mahogany wood accents in the foyer sourced directly from the beloved, Pump Room, as well as a 1919 Steinway Concert piano, gifted to the owner's grandmother on her 10th Birthday and featured during their live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The team behind Tortoise Supper Club is dedicated to hospitality and offers a thoughtfully curated beverage and culinary program. Tortoise is known for their famous prime rib, steaks, including their mouthwatering beef wellington, and the freshest seafood, all the while, everything within the kitchen and bar is made in-house with the freshest ingredients! The food crafted by their expert chefs is made from scratch, helping to ensure their high standards are met. They love to celebrate Chicago and all that it stands for, and it's important to them that they are providing a true, Chicago style experience for their guests. At this venue, the team is also dedicated to making your event stand out from the rest. Additional add-on entertainment is available to assist in personalizing your event, tailoring it to your every desire.
Tortoise Supper Club is a venue surely to leave a lasting impression on your guests for not only an evening, but for a lifetime!
Meet the team
Kelli Varnava
Events Director
Bringing your vision to life while surpassing your expectations; it's what Kelli is all about. Whether planning a celebration for your upcoming rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, engagement celebration, post-wedding brunch or your main event, she is eager to customize any event, so you can sit back, relax and savor the true, authentic, Chicago supper club experience.
Kelli's TSC Favorites:
Savory: Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip, Chilean Sea Bass, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach
Sweet: A tie between the Tortoise Pie & Peanut Butter Pie!
Fun Fact:
Kelli became a Mrs. herself in Fall of 22'!
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Tortoise Supper Club
Kelli Varnava
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Events Director
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