When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Sarabande Chicago
Why Sarabande Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sarabande Chicago is a modern and spacious event venue located in the vibrant Avondale neighborhood, offering 13,000 square feet of flexible and stylish space. Perfect for weddings, corporate receptions, business meetings, and private celebrations, this venue blends versatility with high-end amenities to create memorable experiences. Its open design allows for customization according to your vision, accommodating up to 250 seated guests or 350 standing attendees comfortably. Sarabande boasts in-house audiovisual and sound systems, custom furniture, and easy indoor/outdoor flow, making it ideal for various event formats and sizes. The venue operates on a BYOB policy, allowing clients to select their preferred beverage providers, with suggestions offered for convenience. Sarabande's rental includes access from noon on the event day, with up to seven hours on weekends and six hours on weekdays, capped by a midnight hard stop. This blend of contemporary space, flexibility, and supportive policies makes Sarabande Chicago a top choice for gatherings with friends or professional events in a stylish setting.
Here's what people think of Sarabande Chicago
As of recent, Sarabande Chicago holds a 4.8-star rating based on 59 reviews.
Overall, Sarabande Chicago enjoys an impressive 4.8-star rating from 59 reviews, reflecting strong user satisfaction and positive client experiences. Reviewers frequently praise the venue's spacious and modern design, noting how its open and versatile layout allows for creative event setups. The high-quality amenities, professional sound and AV systems, and clean, well-maintained environment earn particular appreciation. Many highlight the accommodating and helpful staff who support smooth event execution without imposing restrictions on vendor or catering choices. Customers also value the BYOB policy, which offers flexibility and cost savings, along with clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. On the negative side, a few attendees mention the limited maximum guest count as a constraint for larger events and note the strict midnight event end time. Some cite parking availability as a minor challenge depending on the event timing. Despite these few drawbacks, the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, confirming Sarabande Chicago as a top-tier venue that blends contemporary style, flexibility, and excellent service for memorable events.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
suzi loznjakovic
We booked Sarabande for our 2025 wedding after touring the space prior to its renovations. At the time, we relied heavily on renderings and the vision shared by the team — and we’re so glad we did. The final results exceeded our expectations in every way. The renovations were absolutely top-notch, bringing to life everything we had ever hoped for in a wedding venue. The space matched our aesthetic perfectly, with elegant and modern touches, and included so many thoughtful, custom upgrades that we hadn’t seen at other venues. Our wedding day itself was flawless. Spencer and the Sarabande team were simply the best to work with — incredibly organized, responsive, and communicative throughout the entire planning process. They made us feel completely supported, and on the day of the event, everything ran seamlessly. From start to finish, their execution was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful venue or a better team to help bring our vision to life. We also want to highlight our DJ (Duke), who was provided through Sarabande’s partner, StyleMatters DJs. He kept the dance floor packed all night with the best music! Highly recommend this venue!
Kamal Talukder
Words cannot describe how wonderful our wedding was at Sarabande. Their staff is kind, respectful, communicative, transparent, professional, and very understanding. We had our fair share of hiccups with our event but the staff was quick to provide help when we needed it and create a very seamless experience. John Simmons was our DJ and totally knocked it out of the park. All of our graphic designs met our specific design aesthetic and was very easy to create with their help. I appreciate how much they are able to provide within their set price for the venue which made our lives so much easier in the planning process. The venue itself is so chic and SEXY that folks were talking about it all night! I would highly recommend this venue!
Sherley Delma
This place is very lovely and perfect for hosting parties. I had a chance to take some photos for NPES and they were actually hosting a Gala. The lighting is perfect. I would say it's very spacious and a perfect size if you are planning to host a party. Elegant feel, and super friendly staff. The Bar is definitely the attention grabber. The environment is nice and chill and when a band performs, the music sounds amazing. If you're looking to host a party, mini concert, art show, or even a fashion show this place is definitely perfect.
Ari and Tyler
After touring what felt like every venue in the city, walking into Sarabande was an instant yes. The space is beautiful, versatile, and effortlessly chic, the sound system is incredible, and the team was truly outstanding. Sarabande gave us the wedding of our dreams while somehow staying within our budget. It came with more amenities than we ever could have imagined-a lovely bridal suite, photobooth, grand piano, disco ball, an amazing DJ (shoutout to DJ Max!), and the list just goes on. We couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect space for our glowing winter wedding. We just wish we could relive it all again! Photos: The Gernands Photography (Samuel Gernand)
Sarah Nader Photography
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing celebrations at countless venues, and Sarabande is truly something special. The intimate, artful space is a dream to photograph—moody yet warm, with stunning natural light and beautifully curated details that elevate every shot. The staff is incredibly accommodating and ensures that everything flows seamlessly, which makes a huge difference for both couples and vendors. If you’re looking for a venue with character, charm, and an effortlessly cool vibe, Sarabande is an absolute gem. Can’t wait to shoot here again!
How to reach Sarabande Chicago
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Website: None
Why Sarabande Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sarabande Chicago with your friends? Sarabande Chicago is an exceptional venue that offers an inviting, versatile space perfect for gathering with friends or family. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a corporate event, or simply meeting up for a memorable night out, Sarabande provides a modern, polished ambiance that combines style with function. Its open layout gives you and your guests incredible flexibility to customize the experience according to your group’s unique desires, so every meetup feels personal and special. The venue’s beautiful candle treatment adds a warm, cozy glow throughout the space, enhancing the mood without overpowering your chosen décor. Sarabande is also ideally located in Chicago’s vibrant Avondale neighborhood, making it both accessible and convenient. With a high rating of 4.8 based on 59 reviews, it’s clear that others have found this space to be a welcoming and enjoyable place to gather. The spaciousness of Sarabande allows friend groups of practically any size to feel comfortable and unconfined, while details like a large on-site parking lot make getting there hassle-free. For anyone looking for a venue to host a meaningful, fun, and stylish rendezvous, Sarabande Chicago stands out as an excellent choice.
What activities can you enjoy at Sarabande Chicago? Sarabande’s open floor plan is designed to accommodate a wide range of activities that easily cater to groups. The space supports everything from lively cocktail receptions where guests can mingle and dance, to seated dinner parties for a more intimate meal shared with loved ones. The venue can comfortably seat 250 guests for dinner and accommodate up to 350 for cocktail-style gatherings, which means it’s well-suited for both small friend groups and larger family events. Since Sarabande has an open vendor policy, you have the freedom to tailor food, beverage, and entertainment options exactly how you want them, bringing in your favorite caterers, DJs, or entertainers. This flexibility ensures that your event is customized to your group’s tastes and preferences. Whether you want a casual night featuring live music and hand-crafted cocktails, or a formal celebration complete with a curated menu, this venue can host it all. The stylish, well-lit environment, combined with subtle candle ambiance, creates the right balance between trendy and inviting, ideal for spirited meetups or laid-back hangouts.
Why is Sarabande Chicago perfect for hosting group meetups? Hosting your group event at Sarabande Chicago means having access to a venue designed to make your celebration seamless and enjoyable. One of the key advantages is the comprehensive and transparent pricing with no hidden fees, which allows you to budget effectively for your gathering. Parking can often be a challenge in Chicago, but Sarabande provides a 500-space parking lot included with the venue rental, solving a major logistical headache for guests arriving in multiple cars. The space itself is fully handicap accessible, ensuring that everyone in your group can participate comfortably, regardless of mobility limitations. The venue also welcomes additional décor, so you can bring in florals, balloons, or other decorative elements to fully personalize the environment to your occasion. Plus, the straightforward booking process—with the option to hold a date for two weeks following a tour—makes planning stress-free. These practical features combined with the venue’s stylish charm make it an optimal choice for a group meetup where every guest feels valued and the experience is unforgettable.
How does Sarabande support special occasions beyond weddings? Although Sarabande is popular as a wedding venue, its versatility extends well beyond formal wedding celebrations. The venue embraces a wide spectrum of events including birthdays, mitzvahs, corporate gatherings, brand activations, and more. This flexibility means your group can host any occasion that matters to you in an environment built to support meaningful connections. The team at Sarabande understands that each event is unique, so they welcome collaboration on event design and logistics to ensure your vision comes to life clearly. From small, intimate ceremonies to large-scale corporate parties, the space adapts to your needs. This commitment to non-wedding events expands the possibilities for your group meetup, making it a destination for regular get-togethers, festive milestones, or creative collaborations. By choosing Sarabande, your group benefits from a modern venue that honors your event’s distinct character while providing excellent service and support throughout your planning journey.
What are the key amenities that enhance the group experience at Sarabande Chicago? Sarabande Chicago offers a variety of amenities that contribute significantly to a successful group event. The full in-house candle treatment blankets the venue with soft, ambient lighting, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for conversation and celebration. The space is designed with an open layout, which fosters social interaction and flexibility, allowing groups to freely move, mingle, and engage. With a significant seating capacity and cocktail reception space, your group can enjoy comfort whether seated or standing. The venue’s location in Avondale enriches the experience with a neighborhood vibe while remaining easily accessible from downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs. In addition, Sarabande has no restrictions on vendor choice, so catering, beverages, and entertainment can be custom-selected without limitation, allowing your group to express its unique character. On-site parking enhances convenience, especially for larger groups arriving by car. Together, these amenities combine to offer a venue environment that effortlessly replaces stress with ease, helping your group focus on connection and enjoyment.
How can groups personalize their event at Sarabande Chicago? Personalization is one of Sarabande’s strongest suits for group meetups. The venue welcomes additional décor beyond its beautiful basic setting, allowing you to enhance the space with floral arrangements, banners, specialty lighting, or thematic decorations that reflect your group’s style. The availability of an open vendor list means you can work with catering companies, entertainment artists, and event service providers that you trust and love, ensuring your event feels familiar and tailored to your group’s preferences. The venue encourages tours, allowing you to see the space in person and collaboratively plan how your event will unfold from seating arrangements to activity zones. You have the option to hold a date after the tour and make your reservation official easily via email, simplifying administrative hurdles. This ability to seamlessly blend Sarabande’s modern elegance with your group’s unique creative vision means your meetup at Sarabande can feel truly one-of-a-kind, reflecting your relationships and occasion in every detail.
What makes the location of Sarabande Chicago ideal for group meetups? Situated in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, Sarabande benefits from a location that balances accessibility and a lively local atmosphere. Avondale, known for its culturally rich and distinctive character, provides a neighborhood setting that feels welcoming and approachable for guests coming from different parts of the city or suburbs. The venue’s street address at 2726 W Roscoe St places it within easy reach of public transportation routes and major roadways, simplifying travel logistics for your group. Nearby amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and shops enhance the pre- or post-event options, giving your group opportunities to extend the meetup or explore the area. The venue is also well-served by a large on-site parking lot, which is a major advantage in a city where parking can often complicate group plans. This blend of convenience, charm, and accessibility makes Sarabande a location where meeting up is not just easy but enjoyable for your entire group.
In sum, Sarabande Chicago is an excellent venue choice for anyone seeking to host a group meetup marked by style, flexibility, and thoughtful amenities. Its open and inviting space, combined with key features like ample parking, handicap accessibility, and vendor freedom, empowers groups to create personalized and memorable gatherings. Whether celebrating milestones, branding events, or casual social nights, Sarabande’s modern elegance and neighborhood charm come together to establish an ideal setting for connection and fun. Choosing Sarabande promises a hassle-free, enjoyable experience where you and your friends or family can rally together in a space that feels just right for making memories.