This is my second time renting Room 85 venue and it was a great experience again! I would highly…read morerecommend the venue space 10/10. She's understanding and very consistent. The owner has great communication and she went above and beyond to ensure I had a great turnout for my event.

The venue space is large enough to be accommodating and small enough to be intimate. The layout is…read moreuser-friendly and can be reconfigured without becoming labor intensive. Management is professional and affable. Pricing is flexible and fair. Situated in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, this venue is comparable to upscale locations throughout the city.

Visiting The Rookery was one of those quiet Chicago moments that really sticks with you. From the…read moreoutside it's understated, but once you step into the Light Court, the space opens up with natural light, ironwork, and detail everywhere you look. The Frank Lloyd Wright staircase is subtle but impressive--nothing flashy, just solid design that holds up over time.Tip for first-time visitors: go on a weekday and aim for mid-morning if you can--the light is best, it's calmer, and you'll actually have space to stop and look around. It's not a long visit, but it doesn't need to be. The Rookery is simple, beautiful, and worth slowing down for.

Make no mistake, this space is stunning and definitely something to see. As a recent wedding guest,…read moreI was expecting more. The setup of the building makes for a cramped wedding. We had to stay in the crowded lobby for a long time before the ceremony space was opened. The restrooms are far away from the action, about as far from the party as they could be. The second floor cocktail space was cramped. The two bartenders were soooo slow. Not sure if they were part of the catering staff the Rookery uses or separate. Dinner was exceptional. No one knew the bar moved from the second floor to a space under a first-floor staircase for drinks after dinner. There was no announcement of where desserts were located. A lot of the issues I had with the wedding could have been eliminated had an experienced planner been hired. Too often during the day guests were not sure where to go or what was happening, what was next. It's a beautiful space but my advice to couples would be to hire a planner who is experienced and who has worked several wedding at the Rookery. Also, I was told the space was rented the night before the wedding so the couple couldn't have a rehearsal. Unfortunately, that was obvious and added to the disjointed event. Also, some tourist walked into the back of the ceremony space during the wedding. I would have thought Rookery staff/security would keep tourists out of a private event, but this is one of those things that will become a funny wedding story in a couple of years.

An incredible place to play ping pong, get a bite to eat and enjoy a drink. We walked in without a…read morereservation and got a great spot to play. The server came by just enough to get refills but not disturb us playing. Music was great and not too loud. Chicken tenders were delicious with Indian inspired sauces for dipping.

Great food, ok service. Came here with my sons for Father's Day. I wish I could say I would come…read moreback. But...reservation cost of the table is steep. Also had a sever complain to us about the manager and where we were placed. So we had to go to the bar to order. Experience was good but just don't think I would go back.

Wonderful experience for my daughter's 22nd birthday party! Florentina was extremely professional…read moreand responsive from the very beginning to the end, and she had helpful tips to add along the way that made everything come together! Her place is in a great location, the place itself is gorgeous and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

From the owner: Services Anniversary Parties, Baby Showers, Banquet Hall,…read moreBirthday Parties, Bridal Showers, Celebrations, Cleaning Provided, Corporate Events, Event Space, Event Venue, Meeting Space, Private Brunch, Private Dinner, Reception Hall, Silverware Included, Small Gatherings, Workshop Space Locations Facts 10 Mile Radius

"It's just like Harry Potter," they told me, but I had only seen one Harry Potter movie and read…read morenone of the books. The truth of the statement revealed itself as vaunted ceilings gave this cavernous room an aura of grandeur and the feeling of tradition. There were beings engaged in erudite studies with an inflexible concentration on laptops, notebooks, and in the back were old men going back and forth on the chessboards. It was still and had the eerie silence of a church chapel and sunbeams flowed in from the windows above. What an alien universe and there I was with a large foil tin carrying thirty of the best chicken wings Chicago had to offer. After the religious pilgrimage to Wings Around the World, Reuben H and Aurore L had the good sense to take us all to Reynolds where we wouldn't be bothered and be allowed to worship our wings in peace. For the moment, Reuben went to fetch pop while Aurore went off as well. I was alone and a heretic - a trespasser sneaking in and using up space that I had no right to, but the chess players were very old and had no business being there either. Then it came to me that everyone was allowed in and Reynolds was there for all to share, no identification required! Lined on the walls are large portraits showing various trustees of the University of Chicago. Lists of past Presidents line the wall and the fashion progression from long beards and robes to finely made designer suits and shaved faces led us to mock one portrait - he definitely wanted some of our chicken wings! We cracked open our wings and uncapped our pops only to find that the Cherry Pepsi was expired! While we munched and crunched on our chicken wings, nary a soul turned their heads nor noticed what fine dining we were helping ourselves to. The unbending concentration of the other people in the hall sustained itself except for the old chess players who all got up and went out for a smoke. We ate undisturbed and worked to get rid of the evidence. On our way out a young college student declared that he was going to have to retake high school chemistry. We laughed about it and then I thought that they were right - It really was just like Harry Potter!

The home of WHPK 88.5 FM!…read more Don't be fooled by the irresistable smell of pizza when you walk in. The pizza they have here is crap. But the rest of the building is all gothic and oldskool college cool.

Paris312 really came through for me! I was looking for a small, yet beautiful, balloon bouquet that…read morecould be delivered to my apartment to surprise my wife for her birthday. Not only was the process on their website simple and straightforward, they also had an option to shorten the delivery window. The delivery provided updates and happened earlier than expected making for a great birthday morning!

I am SO impressed with Paris312. We order a simple baby gender reveal balloon and they did a great…read morejob with on-time delivery (to the western suburb) and making sure the balloon was secure and protected at the time of delivery. Pricing was a little high but worth it IMO. Everyone loved the reveal and the extra touch of mini balloons and confettis sprinkling the ground as we popped the balloon. We can't wait to use them for future events!

I would love to give a HUGE thank you to Longhall for setting up our Bridal Shower on Sunday July…read more13th, 2025. Everything looked absolutely stunning. We all truly enjoyed ourselves!!!! The space and decor was just top tier!!!!!!! I will definitely recommend their services to everyone. The communication was perfect. The owners were so nice and paid attention to detail. Thank you again!!!!

I LOVED this venue. I used the Long Hall for my bridal shower and it was absolutely perfect. Alina…read morewas very communicative and the prices are very reasonable. They set the space up beautifully with a few decorations and then I was able to use my own to make it perfect. You are able to bring your own food/beverage and they give you access to speakers for music. I highly recommend this venue.

We were recently wed at Bridgeport Art Center's Skyline Loft, which VL manages. Our experience was…read morevery positive! Our sales consultant, Gretchen, albeit a bit abrasive, was super responsive. Once we entered into a contract, the majority of our interface was with Kate who was awesome. The bar service at our event was fabulous - the service was seriously on point! Only constructive feedback we'd provide is around their client management cycle - we wish it was clearer to us sooner that she was our main point of contact - their transition of communication from Gretchen to Jim to Kate was slightly confusing. It also felt like the forms we had to fill out and send back were cumbersome and a repetitive, especially as compared to some of our other vendors, like our production company and photographer, where everything was electronic and super smooth.

I've worked with the Venue Logic team many times over the past several years and are always…read morethrilled to work with them. Kate, Jim and the rest of the team are all pros with a capital P. They know the industry and their spaces inside and out and will bend over backwards to make sure events run as smoothly as possible. Their bar team, led by Marcello, knows how to keep it moving while still pouring the best drinks and not making guests feel rushed. They are among the best you will find at any venue in the city. Essentially, these are the pros you want responsible for the venue and bar service at your wedding/event. We always know we're in good hands when we work in one of their spaces and look forward to it every time.

Where do I even begin? My night was perfect thanks to Row 24. I was looking for a space that fit my…read morevibe and the vision I had for my 30th, and the event space EXCEEDED my expectations. The communication start to end, the bar packages that are available, and the willingness to help when one of my vendors didn't show up. The area is great and has tons of parking (paid and unpaid) nearby, safe for guests to arrive, and they provide security. They were there every step of the way and so kind. If I have any events in the future, this will always be top of my list. Here are some photos of how the space was set up for me. Hopefully this helps someone else.

I love this place, security is great, music lit, food is good and the bathroom is clean!!read more

My husband and I watched an improv show last night. We bought the tickets day of, when we realized…read morewe had no plans for the evening. Buying tickets on their site is so easy! Also, don't forget to add a donation! We got to the theater about 25 minutes before show time, they have a big lobby area with seating as you wait. There's also a small bar, with assorted mixed drinks, beer, cider and wine. The staff there is so nice, they let me try something before I committed to it. The theatre itself is large with different types of seating. I prefer the high top tables in the back row. The show started a bit later than advertised but it was all good. The show was so funny! And of course in true improv style, they had the audience participation by asking for prompts and input. I would 100% go back!

I'm not sure I can even type words without falling into what might be mistaken as hyperbole…read more I had the luck to stumble upon tickets for a one night only show of Dorff, Jagodowski, and Messing. That's Kevin Dorff (writer for Conan), TJ Jagodowski (umm legend for more than Sonic commercials), and Susan Messing (the spitfire that spits the hottest fire (and who I had the good fortune of studying under at the Annoyance)). The show was phenomenal. $20 for 45 minutes of pure, smart, incredible comedy. With the comedy 20 feet away! I saw in the back at a high top with a cider and a mocktail. Drink service comes through halfway through the show or you can order before obviously. A few snacks are available. This is such a cool venue that more people should be talking about.