Milestone birthday celebration

Question

Hello! I was a long-time (20 years) resident of Chicago's north side and know the city well, but haven't been back often in the past 9 years so cool places can change. I am coming into town for a long weekend and decided I will host my own birthday party there-- what better place? I'd like to invite around 10 friends to celebrate, someplace with a ideally a shared bar and a dance floor. One of the downtown hotels might be a good option, or a River North/Mag Mile restaurant that has live music or a DJ (but it's a Wednesday night, 10/22). Or I can hire a DJ and do everything as a private party, but I'm looking for some starter ideas. Again, only about ~10 people, maybe more if spouses join. Thank you for any ideas and bringing me up to speed!

Answer

Chicago offers a wealth of options for hosting a milestone birthday, especially if you’re looking for a combination of a shared bar, dance floor, and the possibility of live music or a DJ. Since you’re planning for a midweek evening and a relatively small group of about 10 people, you have flexibility to either book a semi-private space or a smaller venue that can feel intimate yet lively.

Hotel-Based Venues:

Many downtown hotels offer rooftop or lounge spaces that can be reserved for private parties. These often include a bar and some space for dancing or a DJ setup. Advantages include built-in service staff, high-end ambiance, and central location for your guests. Consider:

The Godfrey Hotel Rooftop: Trendy rooftop lounge with city views. Can accommodate small private parties with a DJ.
W Chicago – City Center: Stylish lounge areas that can host private events, with bar service and optional DJ.
Virgin Hotels Chicago – Commons Club: Large bar and lounge area with live music and DJ capabilities. Intimate corners for small groups but lively atmosphere overall.

River North / Magnificent Mile Restaurants with Music Options:

Some restaurants have private dining areas or semi-private spaces suitable for a birthday party, often with the option to bring in your own DJ or utilize live music nights. Options include:

RPM Steak or RPM Italian: Upscale dining with private spaces and a sleek modern bar. Perfect for small groups looking for a high-end meal before dancing.
Howl at the Moon: Dueling piano bar with lively atmosphere. Can accommodate small parties and encourages dancing and sing-alongs.
The Dearborn: Classic downtown bar with a warm vibe, good cocktails, and space for a DJ or small live music setup.

Alternative Private Party Ideas:

If you prefer to have complete control, you could rent a small private event space in River North or the Loop and hire a DJ. Many loft-style venues cater to groups your size, providing bar service, tables, and dance floor space. This approach allows you to customize the music and atmosphere entirely for your celebration.

Venue spaces like City View Loft or Studio 13: Flexible layouts, modern aesthetics, and ideal for small group dance parties with a DJ.
Private rooms at upscale bars like Three Dots and a Dash or The Violet Hour: More intimate, themed spaces with the option to bring in your own entertainment.

Tips:

Since it’s a Wednesday, some venues might have limited staff or entertainment, so confirm availability and DJ setup options in advance.
Book early, even for a midweek night, as popular spots in River North can fill quickly for private events.
Consider a combination of pre-dinner drinks, a seated meal, and then moving to a lounge area for music and dancing to make the night feel more dynamic.

Overall, your birthday can be both intimate and celebratory with the right mix of venue, music, and ambiance. Whether you go hotel-based or restaurant-based with a DJ, Chicago has plenty of options to create a memorable milestone birthday.