credit: http://www.bin36.com

Celebrate the college graduate with wine flights at Bin 36. Have dinner in a casual dinner spot that is still classy. Their menu is contemporary American cuisine with emphasis on wine pairings. Choose from 12 different wine flights and make a toast for each of the four glasses you’ll receive. If you rather just have one glass of wine, you can choose from their extensive list. Planning on bringing more people? They have room for private parties. Did you forget a gift for the graduate? Pick up a bottle of wine at their market.

credit: http://www.popsforchampagne.com

OK, maybe not exactly a place to go for a full-fledged meal, but it’s a great place to raise your champagne glass and toast to all the accomplishments your college graduate has achieved. You can order a selection of cold and hot plates to wash down the bubbly or plates of cheese and charcuterie. They even offer dessert because chocolate is a great complement to champagne. If you’re looking for a bigger champagne celebration they can also host a private event.

credit: http://www.mortons.com

Graduating at the All State Arena or somewhere near in the northwest suburbs? Enjoy what Midwest Suburban Living calls the Best Steak and fresh seafood after the commencement ceremony. Morton’s in Rosemont has been there for 21 years. They just completed a renovation that includes a second-floor addition to Bar 12-21 and the patio. The first floor bar and the new outdoor patio are now open for you to enjoy. If you have a large family that has come out to help you celebrate they offer private dining rooms.

credit: http://www.braxtonseafood.com

If you are graduating from one of the many schools in the western suburbs, head to the Braxton Seafood Grill in Oak Brook to enjoy an upscale dining experience of fresh fish and premium steaks. Don’t skip out on the delicious biscuits they pass out before your dinner is served and make sure to slather it with their honey butter. If you fall in love with the biscuits while there, they even sell the mix at the front door. They offer a few private dining rooms for a larger group too.

credit: http://www.theparthenon.com

If you’re graduating near University of Illinois, Chicago then heading to Greek Town afterwards for dinner is another option. They offer family-style dinners of authentic Greek food. Make sure to enjoy the Sagnaki and watch the cheese flame as the waiters bring it out. You can all yell Oopa! in excitement. If you’re having a My Big Fat Greek Graduation party they have banquet rooms large enough to host your family and friends.