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Best Places For Graduation Parties In Chicago

By Sara Lugardo

Graduation is a huge milestone in a person's life and a great excuse for celebrating with friends and family. A graduation party is an opportunity to share your accomplishment with your loved ones. Whether the intention is to have a big blowout bash as a sendoff or a small get-together in celebration, graduation parties can be a fun time for all and can include some great gifts. Take advantage of some of the great venues Chicago has to offer for a graduation party that will be memorable for you and your guests.

Publican Quality Meats
(Credit: publicanqualitymeats.com)

The Publican
837 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9555
www.thepublicanrestaurant.com

The Publican is a great mix between rustic and contemporary in its design. The American cuisine offers everything from heirloom pork to fresh seafood. There are a number of party packages to choose from when holding a graduation party, whether it's a small 36 guests for a seated dinner or all the way up to fill the 150 capacity. The Chef's Prep Table feature offers guests a chance to be part of the meal process while the 100 different types of ale gives guests a large variety to choose from. The moderate $30 price is a jumping-off point, depending on the size of your party and intended menu.

The Bedford
1612 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-8800
www.bedfordchicago.com

The Bedford is conveniently located in the Wicker Park area of Chicago and has a number of different private party options for a graduation party. The Den event room seats 28 guests and 45 for a standing reception, The Parlor seats 40 guests and 60 for a standing reception and The Vault has a more lounge-like feel for up to 50 guests. However, The Bedford Closeout is often the option chosen for graduation parties because it entails closing out the entire venue for your graduation party. It allows up to 235 people and you work with the staff to make an entirely customized menu. Each party is unique and can be worked with any price point.

Benny's Chop House
(Credit: bennyschophouse.com)

Benny's Chop House
444 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 626-2444
www.bennyschophouse.com

The venue offers customized menus with high-quality foods, including champagne and top shelf liquor. It offers private or semi-private party packages suitable for a graduation. The private West Dining Room can accommodate up to 50 seated guests and between 60 to 100 for a standing reception. The venue boasts a look of sophistication and elegance and a huge selection of hors d'oeuvres. The private party option starts at $3,000 but fluctuates depending on the date and party size.

Hub 51
51 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 828-0051
www.hub51chicago.com

Hub 51 has a lounge-like feel with contemporary and modern accents. The lower level is dubbed Sub 51 and features plush seating and a great venue for cocktail reception graduation parties. There is a minimum of $1,500 but price can vary depending on the date, menu and size of the party. The capacity of Sub 51 is 110 standing and 72 seated.

BLACKBIRD
(Credit: blackbirdrestaurant.com)

Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 715-0708
www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

This bright and chic venue is perfect for a modern and grown-up look to impress all those attending your graduation party. Party packages are offered to suit even the smallest of gatherings all the way up to a grandiose banquet-style party. Sarah Humphreys is the Director of Private Events for Blackbird. She and her team will work with you to make a fully customized party and menu to fit any price point. Make a definite statement with this ultra sleek downtown venue for a graduation party with style.

Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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