When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Celeste
Why Celeste is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Celeste stands out as a welcoming destination where friends can gather for a memorable social experience. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and steady business, it offers an engaging environment perfect for catching up or celebrating special moments. One of the highlights of Celeste is its excellent bartending service, praised for skill and consistency, ensuring guests enjoy well-crafted drinks. This lively venue creates a sense of community, busy and bustling with energy that enhances every visit. Whether you're looking to relax with friends or meet new people, Celeste provides a friendly and dynamic setting that encourages social interaction and fun. Its reputation as a great place to learn and improve bartending skills also adds a unique charm, appealing to both patrons and professionals. Overall, Celeste combines a congenial ambiance with attentive service, making it an ideal spot to meet up with friends and enjoy a spirited outing.
Here's what people think of Celeste
As of recent, Celeste holds a 3.9-star rating based on 1377 reviews.
User reviews of Celeste reveal a generally positive experience, with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 1,377 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the lively and steady atmosphere, highlighting good bartending skills and the busy nature of the establishment that keeps the energy high. Positive feedback often emphasizes the quality of drinks and the opportunity to learn bartending techniques, suggesting the venue supports both customers and staff well. However, some reviews reflect challenges, including dissatisfaction related to management or service aspects that did not meet everyone's expectations. Common negative points mention occasional inconsistencies in customer service and areas where improvements could enhance the overall experience. Despite these critiques, the majority sentiment remains favorable, positioning Celeste as a popular social hub. The combination of positive and negative feedback suggests that while there may be occasional shortcomings, Celeste maintains a strong appeal among its clientele. In conclusion, reviews depict Celeste as a dependable and engaging place to visit, offering good value and a welcoming environment for social gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Joey Figueroa
I cannot recommend Celeste enough as a venue for those looking for a small, intimate, lush, memorable space to hold their dream wedding. From the moment we walked through the door for the initial consultation all the way to the moment we left the reception, we were met with the highest possible level of attention, care, and generosity from every single member of the staff. Kassandra handled our entire event and is truly an angel of a person - she made sure our every need and concern was addressed and was such a calming presence throughout the entire (often stressful) planning process. She made everything so easy, made things that seemed like impossible ideas become simple realities, and was so flexible every step of the way, allowing us to transform the rooftop, cocktail room, and disco reception space each into exactly how we envisioned them to be. Coordinating and corralling 40 people back and forth into three different levels in the span of 6 hours is no easy task, but Kassandra and her staff kept us on schedule and hit every checkpoint of the night with such ease. On its own, Celeste is also just such a beautiful space with a ton of charm and served as the perfect backdrop to our wedding. The food was excellent, the drink package was perfect, and all of the little details were handled with such grace and ease. We will be forever grateful to Kassandra and her staff at Celeste for allowing us to have the perfect wedding!
The Gernands Photography
As a wedding and elopement photographer, I think Celeste is an incredible venue for smaller gatherings! I have photographed several small weddings and receptions here and each time it was a wonderful experience. The staff is friendly and attentive, the venue is clean and always beautifully styled and the food has been delicious as well! I would highly recommend Celeste!
Caytlin Bundenthal
Super fun tri level bar! Each level has a different bar on it eith different drink options and the top two are for dancing. The cocktails were delicious no notes, and if you reserve a table downstairs you can still go up to dance!
Hinal Patel
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Celeste offers a unique speakeasy experience with its three-floor layout. I particularly enjoyed the cozy ambiance of the second floor, perfect for a romantic date night on chilly winter days. We started our evening with a delightful selection of vine and Caesar salad, and to top it off, we indulged in some crispy fried chicken bites.
Ellie Thurber
We had our wedding & reception here this past weekend & had the best time!!! Food: chef's kiss, never met a passed app I didn't like. Vibes: immaculate, we rented out all the floors and each one had a different aesthetic, perfect for the variety of guests we had. Service: 10/10, all day of staff was so helpful & friendly. The event coordinators, Kassandra & Kenzie, made the day so easy, helping with all the little wedding details and everything in between. Fun was had by all. I'm obsessed with Celeste and cannot recommend it enough for a night out or your big day!!!
How to reach Celeste
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Why Celeste may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Celeste with your friends?
Celeste is an excellent choice for gathering with friends or family because it combines authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine with an inviting, lively atmosphere ideal for group meetups. Its reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants on the Upper West Side draws food lovers who appreciate genuine flavors prepared with care. Sharing plates of perfectly cooked pasta and fresh seafood offers a communal dining experience that encourages conversation and bonding. While some patrons mention that the owner has a brusque manner, the attentive service balances this, making diners feel well cared for. The restaurant's ambiance, busy yet cozy, creates the perfect backdrop for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or special occasions with friends who appreciate good food and genuine experiences. Also, its cash-only policy adds a unique, old-school charm that encourages a more relaxed, authentic feel to your dining outing. All these aspects together make Celeste a place where memories can be made around hearty, delicious meals.
What activities can groups enjoy at Celeste?
Celeste primarily offers a vibrant Italian dining experience that naturally lends itself to group activities centered on food and socializing. Dining together is itself the main activity, with menus featuring classic dishes like spaghetti alle vongole and other seafood specialties that encourage sharing and tasting multiple plates. The restaurant is known for fast and efficient service, ensuring groups can enjoy their meals without long waits, which is important when coordinating with friends. Groups can also engage in lively conversation and laughter fueled by the restaurant’s bustling vibe and convivial energy. Although there may not be traditional "activities" like games or live entertainment, the quality and authenticity of the Italian dishes—prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection—make dining here an immersive, sensory pleasure. Visiting Celeste is especially rewarding for those who value rich food culture expressed through shared dining moments with companions.
Why is Celeste perfect for group meetups?
Celeste’s affordability, quality, and authentic experience make it highly suited for group gatherings. Its intimate setting means that despite a busy environment, groups can still feel connected and cozy as they enjoy each other’s company. The menu offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes and dietary preferences within a group, from classic pastas to fresh clams, creating a customizable experience for everyone. The staff are attentive and understand the dynamics of serving groups, facilitating a smooth and enjoyable visit. The restaurant's location on a popular New York City neighborhood’s Upper West Side ensures it’s easily accessible, making it a convenient choice for any group planning to rally. Finally, the no-credit-card policy fosters a relaxed, cash-based interaction with the restaurant, encouraging a less formal and more spontaneous social environment for meetups among friends or family. For these reasons, Celeste brings together delicious food, warm ambiance, and practical convenience in a way that is ideal for social dining.
What should groups know about the service and atmosphere at Celeste?
Groups considering Celeste should be aware that while the food quality is highly praised, the service style can be somewhat brusque, especially from management. However, many diners appreciate the attentive care from servers who help make group experiences enjoyable and efficient. The restaurant is often busy, which adds to the energetic and authentic vibe, but it means groups should be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere rather than quiet or overly polished surroundings. The cash-only policy might also require some advanced planning, so groups should come prepared to pay in cash to avoid inconvenience. Despite these minor considerations, the overall friendly and informal atmosphere encourages groups to relax, enjoy their meals, and focus on the company and the food itself.
How does Celeste cater to various group sizes and preferences?
Celeste can accommodate a range of group sizes, making it suitable for small family gatherings, friend reunions, or moderate-sized meetups. The restaurant's layout supports conversational dining, with tables arranged to foster easy communication among diners. Its menu variety means dietary preferences and restrictions can usually be managed, with classic Italian dishes adaptable to vegetarian or seafood-focused choices. Because the food is authentic and high quality, groups get the feeling of sharing a genuine taste of Italy, which enhances the communal experience. While the environment is casual rather than formal, it suits groups looking for a relaxed place that focuses on honest, flavorful food without pretense. This balance allows Celeste to fit comfortably into many different social contexts, from casual nights out to modest celebratory dinners.
What makes the food experience at Celeste stand out for groups?
The standout feature for groups at Celeste is the consistently authentic Italian culinary experience, with dishes like perfectly cooked pasta and fresh clams earning praise from loyal customers. The restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods means that each dish is a celebration of Italian flavors. For groups, this translates to a menu where sharing multiple dishes enhances the dining experience, offering variety and satisfaction for everyone. The quick service ensures meals arrive promptly, enabling groups to spend more time enjoying each other’s company rather than waiting. This food quality coupled with efficient service highlights why many recommend Celeste highly among local Italian eateries. Overall, the food at Celeste is a magnet for groups that value both flavor and a sense of cultural authenticity in their dining outings.
What practical details should groups consider before visiting Celeste?
Groups planning to visit Celeste should keep in mind its cash-only policy, which, while lending character, means electronic payments are not accepted. This requires preparation to bring sufficient cash, especially for larger groups. As a popular spot, reservations or arriving early may help avoid long waits during busy times. The restaurant’s modest size means super large groups may need to split up or call ahead to organize seating arrangements. The somewhat brusque demeanor of management might be off-putting to some, but friendly and attentive servers help smooth the overall experience. Parking in the Upper West Side can be limited, so groups may want to consider public transit or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles. These practical considerations will help make any group visit to Celeste as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Why is the location of Celeste advantageous for meetups?
Celeste is located in New York City’s vibrant Upper West Side, a neighborhood known for its blend of residential charm and lively dining options. This location makes it easily accessible for city dwellers and convenient for visitors who want to combine dining with exploring local attractions. The neighborhood atmosphere is perfect for groups who may want to extend their outing with a stroll, coffee, or dessert nearby after their meal. Its proximity to public transportation hubs makes arriving and leaving straightforward, avoiding the stress often associated with city dining. Being in a well-known culinary area underlines Celeste’s appeal as not just a meal stop but a notable dining experience, adding extra value to group gatherings by situating them in a desirable part of the city.
How do reviews reflect group experiences at Celeste?
Reviews reveal that many diners enjoy Celeste’s authentic Italian cuisine and lively atmosphere, making it a recommended spot for those who appreciate great food in a casual setting. Although some mention the owner’s unwelcoming style, it rarely overshadows the overall positive experience focused on food and friendly waitstaff. Several reviewers highlight the efficient service and quality of dishes as reasons to return, which speaks well for group outings where smoothness and food satisfaction are priorities. Mixed feedback about the ambiance suggests that groups should expect a down-to-earth, unpretentious vibe rather than fine dining polish. Nevertheless, the 3.9-star rating from over 1,300 reviews indicates that Celeste is a solid choice for groups wanting a genuine Italian meal and a convivial environment.
What makes Celeste a memorable place for social dining?
Celeste’s commitment to authenticity, combined with its energetic and slightly old-fashioned vibe, makes dining here a memorable social experience. Eating here is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to share stories and laughter over rustic Italian dishes made with care. The restaurant’s bustling energy and the tangible appreciation for quality food create a special atmosphere that encourages groups to relax, be themselves, and savor each moment together. Its uniqueness lies in balancing rough edges—like the cash-only payment and gruff management—with warmth and rich flavors that guests come back for. This blend of authenticity and conviviality makes Celeste a place where friends and family can gather not only to eat but to create lasting memories around a shared table.