When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The House of Glunz

Why The House of Glunz is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Founded in 1888 by Louis Glunz Sr., The House of Glunz stands as Chicago's oldest continuously family-owned wine shop and one of the oldest in the United States. Located in the Old Town neighborhood, this establishment offers a unique blend of history, tradition, and expertly curated wines and spirits. Over its long history, The House of Glunz has evolved from a wine wholesaler and beer distributor to an acclaimed wine shop with a charming tasting room that pays homage to its German heritage and Chicago's past. The shop’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, characterized by old-world charm complemented by modern touches. It's an exceptional place to meet friends, whether you want to explore an extensive selection of fine wines, rare spirits, or enjoy tastings every Saturday afternoon in a setting full of historical artifacts and original hand-carved furniture. The shop is also linked to the Glunz Family Winery & Cellars and the Glunz Bavarian Haus, expanding its reach in wine and beer culture. Proprietors Barbara Glunz-Donovan and Christopher Donovan maintain the family tradition, personally selecting and curating a thoughtful collection that satisfies both casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs seeking rare vintages. With knowledgeable staff and a storied ambiance, The House of Glunz serves not just as a retail destination, but as a cultural and social hub for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Here's what people think of The House of Glunz
As of recent, The House of Glunz holds a 4.6-star rating based on 67 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently highlight The House of Glunz’s rich historical ambiance and the knowledgeable, personable service provided by the staff. Visitors appreciate the authentic old-world feel of the store and its tasting room, often noting the unique German atmosphere coupled with an extensive selection of wines, beers, and spirits. Positive reviews mention the well-balanced food portions when dining on site, the innovative daily specials crafted by a talented chef, and the welcoming patio that offers pleasant people watching alongside beverage enjoyment. The family-operated nature of the business also garners praise, with many reviewers praising the expertise and passion shared by Barbara Glunz-Donovan, Christopher Donovan, and their knowledgeable team. Negative feedback is minimal but occasionally references limited seating availability in the tasting room or a desire for broader food menus. Some visitors note that the shop’s historic charm might feel a bit niche or less accessible for those unfamiliar with wine culture. In conclusion, the reviews portray The House of Glunz as a beloved Chicago institution where heritage, quality, and community combine to create an exceptional wine shopping and tasting experience appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jorg4e
Papi winkle and Tang! 2025 summer drink of Chicago! LFG!!! Shout out to barstools for turning me on to this! Top notch combination!
Drew Wilmington
Staff was great and hospitable Appetizers were good but the chicken Caesar wrap needs an improvement
Elizabeth Poirrier
My favorite place ever. Never disappoints ever!! Drinks are fabulous!! Customer service amazing! And you’ll be best friends with everyone here!! Love y’all❤️❤️
Michael R
I bought 10 bottles of a rare spirit from them through their website and had a fantastic experience: the communication was good and the item received was packed extremely well, all 10 bottles arrived safely and the quality of service, product, shipping and customer service is exceptional. Highly recommended!
C B
House of Glunz was near our AirBnB and we found ourselves there Sun evening. Jacob (sp?) was our server, and he was awesome! He made our night, and it was our best dining experience of our trip. The food was enjoyable; beer selection was fantastic... and the service was top shelf. Highly recommend.
How to reach The House of Glunz
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Why The House of Glunz may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The House of Glunz with your friends?
Choosing the perfect spot to gather with friends or family can elevate any social occasion, and The House of Glunz stands out as an exceptional venue in Chicago for this purpose. With a stellar rating of 4.6 from 67 reviews, it clearly resonates with guests who appreciate quality, ambiance, and camaraderie. The House of Glunz carries a deep sense of history, culture, and authenticity, offering an inviting space steeped in Old World charm while serving refined European-style fare and beverages. Whether you and your friends are casual wine enthusiasts or serious connoisseurs, this venue provides an impressive array of wines, spirits, and cocktails, all selected to delight diverse palates. The atmosphere is perfect for fostering conversation and creating lasting memories, with its unique setting that evokes a bygone era of elegance and warmth. Additionally, the venue’s flexibility in hosting groups—from intimate tastings to larger private events—makes it a superb choice for various types of meetups, guaranteeing an experience that blends sophistication with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
What activities can you enjoy together at The House of Glunz?
The House of Glunz offers a range of activities that make it more than just a place to eat and drink—you get a full experience tailored for groups. First, wine tasting events and seminars are a major draw here. Whether you are new to wine or an expert, the tastings are designed to educate and excite, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through selections that highlight the best of Old World and New World wine traditions. These tastings encourage interaction and discovery, making them perfect for groups eager to share insights and preferences.
For those preferring a more casual or culinary-focused gathering, The Glunz Tavern, part of the same establishment, serves up a carefully crafted menu that complements their drink selections beautifully. Their classic tavern offerings are infused with influences from French, German, Alsatian, and Austrian heritage, providing unique twists on traditional dishes. This culinary aspect ensures group members with varied tastes will find something delightful, turning your meetups into satisfying shared meals.
The venue also hosts private events and receptions, with spaces suited for different group sizes—from cozy gatherings of six in the Old World Tasting Room to larger parties of up to fifty in the Glunz Tavern. Custom menus and drink pairings can be arranged in advance, creating a bespoke experience that feels special and personal. Finally, special events like dinner nights and tasting celebrations further enhance the calendar, offering groups reasons to return time and time again for new and engaging social experiences.
Why is The House of Glunz ideal for group meetups?
The appeal of The House of Glunz for group meetups lies not only in its offerings but in its ambiance and thoughtful accommodations for guests. The venue exudes an Old World elegance with antique carved oak furnishings, stained glass windows, and nineteenth-century artifacts, which together foster a warm, inviting environment. This distinct aesthetic elevates the meet-and-greet experience beyond the ordinary, making guests feel part of a unique and cultured setting that sparks lively conversation.
The flexibility in seating and private room options allows groups to find exactly the right space for their comfort and needs. The Old World Tasting Room offers an intimate setting for closer connections and deeper discussions, while the larger Glunz Tavern accommodates festive, energetic gatherings with its original tavern vibe restored to early 20th-century glory. This restoration ties the modern meetups to a rich family history, creating a sense of legacy and continuity that enriches the social experience.
Moreover, attentive service combined with a broad selection of hand-crafted cocktails, curated wines, and whiskeys makes it easy for groups to customize their gatherings according to taste and mood. Whether it's a relaxed afternoon wine tasting, an evening of cocktails and hearty meals, or a weekend brunch gathering, The House of Glunz’s comprehensive approach ensures every member of your group feels considered and catered to, making it a standout choice for memorable social engagement.
What food and drink selections make The House of Glunz special for gatherings?
A defining feature of The House of Glunz is its exceptional food and drink menu, carefully designed to create harmonious pairings that enhance the group experience. The Glunz Tavern’s menu respects the heritage of Louis Glunz Sr.—who originally operated a family-style tavern beginning in 1888—and presents classic tavern favorites elevated with high-quality ingredients. The European influence shines through dishes inspired by French, German, Alsatian, and Austrian culinary traditions, offering guests a taste journey that evokes comfort and sophistication.
Food options range from simple but expertly prepared snacks to more elaborate plates that can complement the tasting of fine wines, whiskeys, and craft cocktails. This versatility means your group can enjoy anything from casual nibbling during a tasting seminar to a full sit-down dinner celebrating the flavors of Europe’s culinary heartlands. The kitchen's ability to craft custom menus for private events further personalizes the experience, ensuring that groups can tailor their meals to dietary preferences or thematic celebrations.
On the beverage side, The House of Glunz excels at delivering a world-class tasting experience. Its wine selection covers an extensive range of choices, highlighting rare finds and familiar favorites across different regions and types. The spirit collection, especially its whiskey offerings, is curated with the same care, appealing to both novice drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts. Handcrafted cocktails blend tradition with innovation, making every toast with friends a pleasure. This rich fusion of food and drink elevates gatherings to something truly special, memorable for all attendees.
How does the history and atmosphere of The House of Glunz enhance group meetups?
The House of Glunz’s history deeply enriches the atmosphere, lending an authenticity and charm that are rarely found in modern venues. Established in 1888 by Louis Glunz Sr., the tavern once was a lively neighborhood hub that closed during Prohibition and sat vacant for decades before being lovingly restored by his granddaughter and great-grandson. This revival marries the nostalgia of a bygone era with contemporary hospitality, providing guests with an immersive experience steeped in family tradition and cultural pride.
Walking into The House of Glunz and The Glunz Tavern is like stepping back into the late 19th or early 20th century, where the ambiance is accentuated by antique furnishings, stained glass, hand-wrought iron fixtures from Rothenburg, Germany, oil paintings, and early family photographs. For groups, this setting offers a stroll through history that sparks conversation and invites storytelling, making meetups feel intimate and special beyond the usual social setting.
This historic ambiance resonates with both locals and visitors who appreciate venues with character and story. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection—not just to each other, but to a wider community and cultural heritage. Sharing a drink or meal in such a setting turns a simple gathering into an event where friends and family create meaningful memories in a place that honors the spirit of warmth, hospitality, and tradition.
What practical features support a successful group meetup at The House of Glunz?
Beyond ambiance and offerings, The House of Glunz is equipped with practical features that ensure smooth and successful meetups. The venue accommodates private events for groups from six to fifty attendees, with options to reserve the Old World Tasting Room for smaller gatherings or the Glunz Tavern for larger functions. This flexibility means groups of varying sizes can find a comfortable space dedicated to their occasion, allowing privacy and personalized service.
Reservations are recommended, especially for parties of six or more, ensuring groups can secure their desired date and seating arrangements without hassle. The venue operates with convenient hours, including later evenings and weekend brunch services, making it adaptable to diverse schedules and preferences. This makes planning meetups easy whether your group is looking for an after-work spot, a weekend brunch destination, or a place for a private celebration.
Additionally, thoughtful amenities such as a full-service kitchen and a knowledgeable hospitality team elevate the experience. Customized menus, paired with expert wine and cocktail recommendations, are readily available to fit any group's taste or special requirements. The attention to detail and guest comfort guarantees that everyone in your group feels welcomed and valued, reinforcing The House of Glunz’s reputation as a top choice for social gatherings in Chicago.
In sum, The House of Glunz offers an extraordinary venue for friends and family to rally, combining history, exquisite food and drinks, tailored experiences, and an inviting atmosphere. Its broad appeal and attention to detail make it not just a place to meet, but a destination where meaningful social connections flourish.