THERE IS NOTHING like the electricity of summertime in Chicago. Around every corner, the Windy City is bustling with events and activities and filled with smiling people who act as if they’ve never seen the sun. And after this past winter, it’s no wonder why.
One of the most beloved summer attractions is also one of nature’s finest. “Lake Michigan serves as a conveniently close oasis from the chaos of everyday city life,” explains Eugene Mori, general manager of Castaways at North Avenue Beach. “The view of the sunrise in the morning, the excitement of the beachgoers in the afternoon and the still water in the evening makes [Castaways] a can’t-beat spot at any time.” And it’s not just for tourists, either. The lake can be the perfect setting for your next group meal, especially when you consider these charter boats and beachside restaurants that allow you to take it all in together.
Steps from the sand, this eatery (now in its third year) offers private dining and event space for up to 500 people, with packages catered by Levy Restaurants that start at just $20 a person. “We try to keep the atmosphere pretty laid-back most of the time, but with the live DJ on the weekends, it can get pretty busy around here,” explains General Manager Mike Youngquist. To ensure your group’s privacy, Oak Street Beach Food + Drink can offer a private entrance and bar area. The lakeside bar can also be sectioned off for more casual events in which you might just want to don a bathing suit and jump in the water. Once your guests work up an appetite, private chef ’s tables can offer everything from burgers to sushi.
Offering the largest fleet of boats in Chicago, Shoreline Charters has long been known as the place to go for some of the most unique meeting and special event venues on the water. Two of their boats-the Celebration and Evening Star-feature ample space for groups of 70 to 200 people and include enclosed decks and open spaces where the crowd can enjoy the amazing skyline. Catering options run the gamut, from Harry Caray’s Catering and Events’ London broil with mushroom bordelaise to Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants’ homemade cannolis with pistachio. Lastly, every Shoreline Charter can be customized to suit the individual needs of the event planner. “We offer a variety of enhancements such as dockside photos, live music, dancing, DJs, karaoke, casino gaming tables, lawn games and beer and/or wine tastings,” explains Patti Maher, sales manager.
For some groups, a sleek and fancy luxury liner does the trick. For smaller groups looking for a more casual alternative, there is Island Party Boat. “Unlike tour boats, your group can alter the route and destination to your specific interests,” explains co-owner Mark Stern. “We even allow swimming off our vessels, and our water slide is a lot of fun.” Featuring the 40-foot Polynesian that fits up to 12 people and the brand-new tikithemed Big Kahuna for up to 36 guests, the options from Island Party Boat each provide a three-hour adventure on the water. Costs for rentals start at $264 an hour, not including food or drink. But if catered food is what you are looking for, nearby Weather Mark Tavern, also co-owned by Stern, can provide a wide array of customized dining packages including favorites such as grilled steak, shrimp and chicken skewers and unique pigs in a blanket consisting of grilled venison and wild boar.
Along the shores of North Avenue Beach, Castaways offers groups of 40 to 500 people a stunning piece of prime real estate to hold any event. Private luxury cabanas custom-made for up to 10 people are available on the weekends, giving guests not only an excellent view of the lakefront but also the chance to enjoy Castaways’ wide array of live music offerings. Themed private dining options include the Fiesta en la Playa package, which offers chicken fajitas and a carne asada taco bar, and the Taste of Chicago package, which includes culinary favorites from well-known neighborhoods such as China Town, Pilsen and Wrigleyville. “Unofficially, we typically enjoy 100 days of summer here in Chicago,” says Mori. “With so little time available to enjoy the outdoors in Chicago, there is never a shortage of fun when the sun is out.”
