Rockit Ranch Production’s venues aren’t hidden gems, they’re well known Chicago nightlife royalty. Even if you’ve been to all five powerhouses, have you considered their event potential? Each offers unique entertaining opportunities and provides unexpected spaces for expected law firm events. To elaborate on this point, I’ve matched five common law firm events with each venue.
Rockit Burger Bar – Pairing this Wrigley venue with a Cubs game is a no brainer, but Rockit Burger Bar offers twists to this classic combo. Make it a day game, and instead of asking clients to stay late, start early with some morning mingling by hosting a pre-game brunch. The private upper-deck space includes bags, Wii games and a bar where your bartender will serve mimosas and “top your own” Bloody Marys. Brunch favorites like breakfast burritos and sausage-and-egg flatbread pizzas are sure to be a hit with clients.
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| Group dining at Dragon Ranch |
The Underground – Think beyond the trendy after parties this venue is known for and throw an above-the-rest holiday party. The Underground is perfect for firms looking for a fun, trendy place to celebrate. The venue caters to those who want to dress up as well as those who want to keep it casual. Make it a top secret theme to play up the bomb-shelter motif. Buyouts are available seven days a week for groups of 50 to 250. Passed hors d’oeuvres and culinary stations are customized for each event. For those weary of party crashers, the Underground’s doorman curtails the issue, making the event all the more VIP.
Rockit Bar & Grill – The original. The classic. Rockit still reigns as one of the most popular destinations for young professionals since its opening in 2004. The River North location, energetic atmosphere and “better-than-bar-food” bar food make it a prime destination for summer associate happy hours. Associates can enjoy Rocktinis and Rocktails while munching on jumbo grapes rolled in goat cheese and pistachios and paper cones filled with sweet potato and truffle fries. The decor, designed by Oprah’s Nate Berkus, gives this watering hole an upscale feel. The Front Lounge along the Hubbard street windows, the Side Lounge flanking the bar and the West Lounge balcony are natural places for groups of 25 to 50. And that’s just the beginning, as the versatile space boasts two levels, two pool tables, 24 hanging televisions and a DJ booth. The entire venue can accommodate groups of up to 500 guests.
Sunda – Sunda’s versatile space makes it ideal for a variety of client receptions and lunch/dinner combinations. For a mid-sized group of up to 28, entertain clients with cocktails in the chic Front Lounge, followed by a seated meal in the semi-private Veranda room. Menu items and wines are chosen in advance, which takes the pressure off hosting attorneys and encourages guests to try a number of courses. For larger groups, rent out the second-floor party rooms and treat guests to a private bar and seated or buffet-style event for 15 to 130 guests. Specialty cocktails like the Blushing Geisha are good conversation starters as well as aesthetically pleasing. Banquet menu items, with the exception of passed appetizers, are served family-style, allowing allows guests to try a variety of different dishes and engage with their fellow tablemates. In addition to great food and service, Sunda is well known for its celebrity sightings. Concierge Preferred named Sunda one of the four best places to see celebrities in Chicago, while the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye consistently names Sunda among the top places to see athletes and movie stars.
(The NEW!) Dragon Ranch Moonshine and BBQ – Looking for fresh ideas when it comes to the routine client lunch? Conveniently located in River North just across the river, Dragon Ranch caters to both the River North crowd and the loop lunch crowd. The stylish communal tables give the restaurant a welcoming, casual vibe, while the fast service and bench below your seat for your work bag are all business. While informal meetings over lunch or a whiskey flight at dinner are soon to become client favorites, Dragon Ranch also offers group buyouts and family-style menus. Upscale BBQ provides a great alternative to the mainstream steakhouses for those looking for unpretentious, crowd-pleasing choices like corn bread and barbecued chicken in a hip setting...with a one-of-a-kind Bento Box Whiskey Tasting right at your table.
There are many successful restaurant groups in the city, but Rockit Ranch Productions stands out as undeniably unique to Chicago. For more ideas on customizing your events at any of these venues, contact Rockit Ranch Products at events@rockitranch.com.
Rachel Repke is the Chicago business development and communications manager for Jones Day. Rachel would like to thank the LMA Midwest Chapter for giving her a more legitimate platform for sharing her thoughts on restaurants and event venues, rather than the highly unofficial “Foodie Update” she sends quarterly to a few people in her office.