When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Once Upon a party banquet
Why Once Upon a party banquet is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Once Upon a Party Banquet, located in Chicago, Illinois, provides an exceptional venue space that transforms ordinary events into memorable celebrations. Owned and operated by Ivy Linares, a talented event planner with an eye for creating classy and timeless setups, this venue is designed to feel like a "home" for hosting exquisite parties. Ideal for weddings, quinceañeras, sweet sixteens, baby showers, gender reveals, and adult parties, the banquet hall offers a range of customizable packages that cater to various event sizes and styles. With a capacity for up to 80 guests, it features elegant decor elements such as ceiling drapery, chandeliers or stream lights, uplights, and themed sweets table backdrops that enrich the celebratory atmosphere. Amenities include beautiful tables and chairs, balloon arches, professional sound systems, chafing dishes, coolers, and multiple bathrooms equipped with changing areas, ensuring convenience and comfort for guests. The inclusive packages provide additional touches such as two-tier cakes, assorted treats, centerpieces, personalized floor decals, bartenders, waitstaff, and a four-hour photobooth rental. This venue’s attention to detail and comprehensive services make it a perfect gathering place to meet and celebrate with friends and family, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless and remarkable experience.
Here's what people think of Once Upon a party banquet
As of recent, Once Upon a party banquet holds a 4.3-star rating based on 60 reviews.
Customer reviews of Once Upon a Party Banquet reflect an overall positive experience, with the venue holding a solid 4.3-star rating based on 60 reviews. Many guests praised the venue's elegant and beautiful decor, as well as the personalized approach of the owner, Ivy Linares, who is often noted for her creativity and ability to deliver a classy and unique event setting. Users also highlighted the professionalism of the staff, including bartenders and waitstaff, and appreciated the ample amenities such as well-maintained facilities, effective sound systems, and engaging photo booths which help create a lively and festive atmosphere. Reviewers commonly mentioned satisfaction with the all-inclusive packages that offer convenience by bundling decor and services, allowing hosts to focus on enjoying their event. On the other hand, some negative feedback pointed to occasional issues such as timing for setup and event start, or specific preferences not fully met in decor customization, indicating areas where communication could improve. A few guests expressed the desire for more flexible food and beverage options. Overall, the reviews suggest that Once Upon a Party Banquet is a reputable venue admired for its charm, comprehensive offerings, and attentive service, making it a recommended choice for those seeking to host graceful and memorable parties in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Yesenia Falconer
The only thing I found to be difficult was parking. Street parking for a banquet hall in Chicago was a surprise and struggle. Otherwise the smaller banquet hall was set up beautifully and came with security.
Angela Bernal
Great place! I celebrated my 40th birthday last Sunday, Ivy made everything happen!! She was super helpful. All my guests loved the venue! Thank you. Once upon a Paty!!!
Al Summers
Wow! Highly recommended, I was just there yesterday, and of course, the location is a bit of a drive however the event planner did fu€k!ng amazing 🤯😎🤌🏾👏🏾 details in the entire layout.
Shakila B
I want to express my gratitude to Ivy and the exceptional team at Once Upon A Party Banquet for making my special day a resounding success! ✨ I shared my vision with Ivy, and she not only met but exceeded my expectations. The team's dedication and care for their work are truly admirable. Ivy infuses her designs with love and goes above and beyond to accommodate your budget. It's truly remarkable how she can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary. ✨ If you're hesitating about booking your event, don't wait any longer—head to Once Upon a Party Banquet. The venue is unparalleled, and Ivy's work is truly exceptional. I have no doubt that she is destined for great success, so book her before she becomes a household name! Thank you for turning my Bling Barbie dreams into a reality! 💕✨🫶🏽😘
Sujan Guruacharya
I hosted my son's first ceremony at this venue and that was the best decision. Ivy and her team were absolutely amazing in coping with our requests and policing it with their creative designs. The decorations looked fantastic, atmosphere was alive, food was great. Everything was above expectation. Truly a rare gem of a place to host a party in Chicago.
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Why Once Upon a party banquet may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Once Upon a Party Banquet with your friends?
Choosing the perfect venue to gather with friends or family is crucial for creating unforgettable memories. Once Upon a Party Banquet stands out as an exceptional choice for those looking to celebrate in style, comfort, and with plenty of fun activities to keep everyone entertained. With a solid rating of 4.3 based on 60 reviews, this venue reflects a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. The banquet hall offers a visually appealing and meticulously crafted environment, designed to accommodate various celebrations ranging from birthdays and anniversaries to weddings and sweet sixteens. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering of around 60 guests or a larger party for up to 80, this venue caters to your needs with elegance and flexibility.
The real charm of Once Upon a Party Banquet lies in its all-in-one approach, allowing you to enjoy the company of your friends without worrying about logistics. The space is equipped with stylish white Chiavari chairs, beautifully decorated tables with linens and accent runners, and ambient uplighting that sets the perfect mood for any occasion. The staff pays attention to every detail — from the balloon centerpieces to a photobooth that encourages guests to capture joyous moments throughout the event. This level of detail combined with an inviting atmosphere and professional service makes it a great rally point to reconnect, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
What activities can you enjoy at Once Upon a Party Banquet?
Once Upon a Party Banquet offers a variety of activities that keep your group engaged and entertained throughout the event. One highlight is the photobooth, which is available for four hours as part of many packages. This feature not only provides endless fun but also ensures that your group leaves with personalized photo souvenirs to remember the celebration. The décor itself enhances the celebratory mood with balloon arches, backdrops, and themed setups that can be customized to suit the tone of your event.
The venue also embraces a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) policy, which means you can bring your preferred drinks and have a fully stocked bar managed by professional bartenders. This adds an interactive element to the gathering, encouraging socializing and fun, whether you're toasting a birthday or raising a glass to a reunion. Alongside, two waitstaff members are available to ensure smooth service, minimizing any interruption to your enjoyment.
Tables are elegantly set with charger plates and linen napkins, allowing the dining experience to feel upscale and special. Whether you choose to cater or bring your own food, the venue's layout, including chafing dishes and coolers, supports flexible food service options. Combined with features like a two-tier cake and dozens of treats included in certain packages, these amenities make the banquet hall perfect for an extended, hassle-free party atmosphere where everyone can relax and focus on celebrating together.
Why is Once Upon a Party Banquet perfect for group meetups?
Once Upon a Party Banquet is ideal for group meetups because it offers a spacious, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment tailored for socializing. The venue accommodates up to 80 guests, providing enough room for both small and moderately large groups while ensuring no one feels cramped. This balance is important for fostering relaxed interactions and allowing guests to move around freely to mingle, dance, or enjoy the entertainment.
The venue's layout includes critical conveniences such as two bathrooms equipped with changing areas, making it family-friendly and accessible for guests of all ages. The attention to practical details like ample seating, air conditioning, and quality sound systems ensures that the environment remains comfortable and lively. It also supports a seamless flow for events, from seated meals to dancing or games.
Packages offered often include table linens and runners in a variety of colors, which allows groups to personalize their meetup according to their theme or style preference. The venue’s event planners work meticulously to implement these personal touches, elevating the overall experience and making each party feel unique and special. Being able to rely on professional planning support relieves hosts from stress and helps keep the focus on fun and connection.
How does Once Upon a Party Banquet enhance your party atmosphere?
The atmosphere at Once Upon a Party Banquet is carefully curated to transform your event into a magical celebration. The venue uses tasteful uplighting that can be adjusted to match your party’s color scheme, turning basic walls and ceilings into vibrant, colorful backdrops. This lighting setup, combined with elegant white Chiavari chairs and beautiful table linens, creates an environment that feels both festive and sophisticated.
Additional décor options like balloon centerpieces and custom backdrops lend the space an extra layer of visual charm that guests notice and appreciate. The provision of floor decals and accent tables offers hosts creative ways to add personal branding or special messages, deepening the party’s impact. The venue’s sound system helps keep the energy alive, whether you are playing curated playlists, hiring a DJ, or hosting speeches.
Because the space is designed for joyous gatherings, attendees tend to feel more relaxed and engaged, which enhances social interactions and group dynamics. This type of environment encourages people to share stories, dance, and enjoy each other’s company in a setting that feels inviting yet refined, ensuring that your party is remembered for all the right reasons.
What makes the service and amenities at Once Upon a Party Banquet stand out?
The service at Once Upon a Party Banquet is frequently praised by guests for its professionalism and attention to detail. Two waitstaff are provided as part of the all-inclusive package, ensuring that guests receive prompt help and that the event runs smoothly. The bartenders handle your drink service professionally, making it easy to enjoy your beverages without worrying about logistics or cleanup.
Another standout feature is the comprehensive nature of the packages available. Starting prices cover the venue rental for seven hours, décor setup (including lighting and centerpieces), linens, table settings, and even a photobooth for four hours. These extensive inclusions mean that hosts don’t have to source multiple vendors or make complicated arrangements, simplifying the event planning process significantly.
Guests also appreciate the BYOB option, which adds flexibility and cost control, letting you bring your favorite liquors and customize your drink menu as desired. This combination of high-end service with customizable, budget-friendly options creates a uniquely attractive offering. The presence of chafing dishes, coolers, and a fully equipped layout means the venue can support various food and drink configurations, from plated dinners to buffet-style gatherings.
Why is Once Upon a Party Banquet highly recommended for social celebrations?
With a 4.3 rating based on 60 customer reviews, Once Upon a Party Banquet consistently earns praise for delivering on expectations and providing an exceptional venue experience. Guests highlight the stunning décor and the expert event planner’s role in creating flawless event layouts. Many reviews speak to the venue’s clean, welcoming atmosphere and the staff’s friendliness and professionalism.
The thoughtful amenities, combined with the flexibility to tailor packages to your event’s unique needs, further contribute to its popularity. Whether for weddings, quinceañeras, sweet sixteens, anniversaries, or casual party reunions, this banquet hall adapts seamlessly to each event’s requirements. The location may be a slight drive for some, but reviewers agree that the quality of service, décor, and overall experience justify the trip.
For anyone looking to host a party that combines style, comfort, engaging activities, and attentive service under one roof, Once Upon a Party Banquet stands as a dependable and compelling option in Chicago's event venue scene.