When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Sur La Table
Why Sur La Table is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Sur La Table, founded in 1972 at Pike Place Market in Seattle, stands out as an excellent place to meet up with friends who share a passion for cooking and gourmet experiences. Known for its extensive range of high-quality kitchenware—from cookware and cutlery to bakeware, glassware, and small appliances—Sur La Table offers a welcoming environment where food lovers can explore top-notch culinary tools from around the world. Beyond shopping, the brand enhances social engagement by offering hands-on cooking classes in over 80 of its stores nationwide. These classes provide a unique opportunity to learn new cooking techniques while enjoying a fun and interactive atmosphere. Whether making French pastries like croissants or exploring international cuisines, participants often leave with skills and delicious creations to share. The stores themselves are designed to be bright, clean, and inviting, often featuring kitchens intended to foster culinary creativity and community. With its blend of retail excellence and experiential learning, Sur La Table is an ideal meeting place not just for cooking enthusiasts but also for those looking to create memorable social experiences through food.
Here's what people think of Sur La Table
As of recent, Sur La Table holds a 4.3-star rating based on 89 reviews.
Customer reviews of Sur La Table generally praise the quality and variety of kitchen products offered, noting the brand’s commitment to providing premium culinary tools that every kitchen enthusiast would appreciate. Many positive reviews highlight the cooking classes as a standout feature, emphasizing engaging instructors who are knowledgeable, friendly, and able to make the learning process enjoyable. Reviewers frequently mention the hands-on nature of the classes, small group sizes, and the opportunity to prepare and take home delicious dishes like croissants or Italian meals. Another commonly lauded aspect is the thoughtful inclusion of perks such as an espresso greeting and discounts on store purchases during class events, which add to the overall customer experience. On the other hand, some reviews point out that the prices of certain items can be on the higher side, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers. A few customers have noted variability in the quality of individual store experiences or cooking class availability. Despite occasional critiques, the overall consensus is that Sur La Table delivers a fun, educational, and premium experience whether customers are shopping for kitchenware or attending classes. This combination makes it a respected and attractive destination for culinary enthusiasts and social gatherings alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Julia Flanagan
Eric and Sara and team are AMAZING. My daughter is doing their kids Global Cooking camp and is absolutely loving it (as are we, tasting her food)! It's an incredible experience for her in a beautiful venue with compassionate and knowledgeable teachers. Highly recommend!
Myra Casey
I gifted my sister a Sur La Table cooking class for her birthday, and we had an amazing time! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the beautiful, state-of-the-art kitchen and the thoughtful setup of fresh ingredients. Our instructor, Eric W, was outstanding and the staff were very kind. He guided us step by step through the process of making popular Chinese takeout dishes, providing clear instructions and helpful demonstrations along the way. His teaching style was approachable and fun, making the class both exciting and easy to follow. The best part? We got to enjoy the delicious food we made—everything was incredibly flavorful! I was so inspired that I purchased a wok from the culinary store right next to the cooking area so I can recreate the dishes at home. My sister and I had such a great experience that we’re already planning to return for more classes. Highly recommend!
Taya U
Chef Mimi was just simply amazing!! The cooking class with her was so worth it. It lasted about 2 hours and the food was delicious. I loved how attentive she was and shared great cooking lifehacks
Rachel Danzig
Took a pasta making class that was very fun. The instructor seemed new and like perhaps this was her first class. It was a little hard to follow along with her instructions and she didn't fully explain certain steps. The other issue was that they don't let you take food home which leaves an enormous amount of food waste- a real shame. If they let you take leftovers home, I would come back for another class. Otherwise, it's not worth it.
Catherine
I took a cooking class here. It was excellent! Our chef, Eric, was approachable and was an excellent instructor. The food was amazing! The store is well laid out and they have a lot of quality items. Highly recommend!
How to reach Sur La Table
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Why Sur La Table may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Sur La Table with your friends? Imagine a place where you can combine the joy of cooking, learning, and socializing in a vibrant, hands-on environment. Sur La Table, with its impressive 4.3-star rating based on 89 reviews, offers exactly that—a culinary playground designed for both novices and seasoned food lovers to come together. This is not just a retail store; it is a destination where friendships are nurtured over chopping boards, sizzling pans, and shared recipes. Whether you want to bond over making homemade pasta, master the art of sushi rolling, or simply enjoy a memorable food-focused outing, Sur La Table provides the perfect setting. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, equipped with expert chefs who guide groups through immersive cooking classes that encourage interaction and teamwork. Gathering friends here transforms a regular meetup into an exciting culinary adventure, creating shared memories through food and fun. It’s an ideal spot to celebrate special occasions, learn new skills, or just enjoy quality time together centered on a universal love for cooking and eating.
What activities make Sur La Table perfect for a group meetup? One of the biggest draws for groups is the wide variety of hands-on cooking classes available at Sur La Table locations. These classes allow everyone to immerse themselves fully in the cooking process—from prepping ingredients to learning professional techniques—under the guidance of expert instructors. Each participant has a dedicated workstation equipped with tools and fresh ingredients, ensuring an engaging, no-hassle experience. The menus vary widely, covering cuisines and themes from Italian pasta making to French pastry, sushi crafting to vegan delights, allowing groups to tailor the experience to their tastes and interests. Not only do you learn new cooking skills, but you also get to share the fruits of your labor at the end of the class, offering a social dining element where friends can relax, chat, and enjoy the meal together. Beyond classes, Sur La Table stores also offer exclusive product demos and tastings, perfect for groups wanting to explore new kitchen gadgets or gourmet foods in a fun, interactive way.
Why is Sur La Table an ideal venue for celebrating special occasions? Sur La Table transforms traditional celebrations by making the cooking process part of the party. Birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, or casual get-togethers become extraordinary when guests participate in crafting their own gourmet dishes. The interactive nature of the cooking classes fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among attendees, making celebrations more memorable and personalized. Guests feel involved and appreciated—they’re not just passive observers but active creators of an experience tailored to their preferences. The store’s curated selection of premium kitchenware and unique culinary gifts also adds an elegant touch to the occasion, giving hosts the chance to pick up thoughtful souvenirs or prizes for party favors. With attentive staff and customizable class offerings, groups can request tailored experiences that fit both the occasion and the size of their party, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable celebration for all.
What makes Sur La Table’s shopping experience stand out for groups? Shopping at Sur La Table is not your average retail trip; it’s an interactive exploration guided by knowledgeable brand specialists who are passionate about cooking and kitchen gadgets. These experts provide personalized advice and cooking tips that make choosing cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and dinnerware both fun and educational. For friends who enjoy swapping cooking techniques or those looking to upgrade their kitchen together, it becomes a treasure hunt for high-quality, innovative kitchen tools that inspire creativity. Sur La Table also features “Try it before you buy it” opportunities, allowing shoppers to test out products and make informed decisions as a group. Plus, with seasonal promotions, exclusive in-store deals, and rewards programs, shopping with friends here is both rewarding and economical. The collective experience of discovering and sharing favorite products enhances social bonds and gets everyone excited about future cooking projects at home.
How does Sur La Table foster a community around cooking? Beyond individual experiences, Sur La Table actively cultivates a sense of community through its events and educational offerings. The store organizes special cooking demos, themed food events, and seasonal celebrations that encourage groups to gather, learn, and enjoy good food together. These events provide great opportunities for people to connect with others who share culinary passions—perfect for friend groups or family meetups looking to expand their social circles. Sur La Table’s classes emphasize hands-on participation and collaboration, making it easy for guests to engage with one another in a relaxed, fun setting. The staff’s enthusiasm and expertise create a welcoming environment where novices feel comfortable learning and experts can deepen their skills. This community-focused approach turns cooking into a shared adventure, making Sur La Table an inviting hub for continuous learning, friendship, and culinary creativity.
What other perks enhance the group experience at Sur La Table? Beyond classes and shopping, Sur La Table offers several additional perks that make it an excellent choice for group outings. The stores provide spacious layouts, allowing groups to move comfortably and interact without feeling cramped. Class sizes are designed to maintain intimacy and encourage interaction, ensuring everyone gets personal attention from instructors. Attendees receive printed recipes and expert advice to take home, which extends the experience beyond the store and encourages ongoing group cooking sessions. The ambiance in Sur La Table locations is sophisticated yet casual, blending the charm of a boutique kitchen store with the energy of a dynamic cooking school. By combining education, fun, and quality products, Sur La Table appeals to a broad range of interests and skill levels, making it easy to adapt group meetups to any schedule or culinary curiosity.
In summary, Sur La Table stands out as a destination that perfectly balances education, entertainment, and social engagement, making it an exceptional venue to rally with friends or family. Its acclaimed cooking classes, expert staff, interactive shopping environment, and community-building events create a unique experience that turns ordinary meetups into memorable culinary celebrations. Whether you’re looking to learn new cooking skills, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy a social activity centered on food, Sur La Table offers endless opportunities to connect, create, and savor delicious moments together. The combination of expert guidance, hands-on activities, and premium kitchen products ensures that every visit leaves your group inspired and united by the shared joy of cooking. If you want a place where food, friendship, and fun come together seamlessly, Sur La Table is the ideal choice.