The Best Restaurants for Group Dining in Chicago

Two robots in front of a large dining room. — The X Pot is an upscale and refined hot pot experience that appeals to groups.

Take the stress out of dining with a large party

View as Map

The X Pot is an upscale and refined hot pot experience that appeals to groups.

| Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Between reservation policies, cumbersome orders, and splitting the bill eight ways, dining with a big group isn’t always easy. Fortunately, plenty of Chicago restaurants are now making the large party experience less stressful and more what it should be — fun. From whole animal roasts to a futuristic and luxurious hot pot destination, here are 20 of the best spots to check out with companions.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may still pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

If you book a reservation through an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

The Cheng family, founders of this James Beard-recognized Hong Kong barbecue and Cantonese restaurant designed the space with group gatherings in mind. As such, most of the larger tables can seat up to 14 guests. Big appetites will come in handy as the favorites here — such as roasted pig and Beijing-style spare ribs, as well as the signature Beijing duck dinner with all the fixins — are quite sizeable.

A plate of baos filled with duck skin and garnishes. — Sun Wah BBQ’s Peking duck feast is perfect for groups.

Inspired by their own large family gatherings, the owners at Chicago’s first Kurdish restaurant wanted to create a space that followed suit. Groups upwards of 30 diners are welcome here — a bonus when the plates are built for sharing. Don’t miss the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors found in dishes including lamb shank and salmon that are pan-seared and seasoned with a variety of Kurdish spices.

Open in Google Maps

Bucktown’s beloved Costa Rican restaurant provides a warm and hospitable environment for groups. Call ahead to reserve a table and get ready for empanadas, meat and shrimp plates, and sandwiches including the pepito — steak or chicken, sautéed onions, cheese, beans, and Lizano sauce. The creamy oatmeal milkshake is a favorite way to cap off a meal, and diners are encouraged to bring their own alcohol.

Open in Google Maps

A variety of dishes spread out on a table. — Savor the flavors of Costa Rica at Irazu.

Comfort food goes hog wild at this Noble Square restaurant and bar. Chef Brian Jupiter’s whole animal service is a must for larger parties and includes a selection of wild boar, alligator, farm-raised pig, and goat. A medley of crowd-pleasing sides accompanies the proteins, along with the option to add desserts and pitchers of cocktails.

A whole pig displayed on a table. — Frontier offers a variety of exotic meats.

Mexican seafood served in large quantities reels in diners at this bustling West Town spot. Start with complimentary ceviche tostada while perusing the menu. The numerous choices include Nayarit-style prawns, langoustines, mussels, crab legs, and combination platters meant to be shared among several people. The generous BYOB policy is also ideal for groups.

Open in Google Maps

This Mag Mile restaurant attracts both big groups and dinner dates in for a sprawling selection of Italian fare — all of which can (and should) be shared. Once the table gets through essentials such as spaghetti and meatballs and cacio e pepe, the housemade pizza take center stage. Three types are available — Neapolitan, Chicago thin crust, and deep dish — so ordering several is highly recommended.

Open in Google Maps

A plate of pasta. — Labriola is a great under-the-radar option on the Mag Mile.

A River North mainstay for Indian cuisine, India House is where locals go to get their fill of tandoori chicken, fish curries, biryani, and Mumbai-style street fare. It’s also well suited for groups, as the food and portion sizes encourage sharing. For the indecisive, the weekend lunch buffet is a great option that lets diners sample an array of dishes.

Open in Google Maps

A variety of dishes and beverages spread out on a table. — India House’s weekend buffet is popular with diners.

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Mediterranean-inspired spot is always a popular attraction, especially when it’s patio season. Chef CJ Jacobson’s menu is built for sharing, featuring an assortment of hummus, spreads, and mezze. Large parties can collaborate with the restaurant to create a sumptuous feast of passed appetizers, kebabs, and more.

Open in Google Maps

A plate of beef cheeks. — An alluring patio and delicious Mediterranean bites beckon Chicagoans into Aba.

Exotic cocktails and Latin-inspired global cuisine are the draws at this cavernous and colorful establishment that has a knack for entertaining large groups. Case in point: Tables seat up to 16, the online system can book parties up to eight, and staff can split checks between six cards. And then, of course, there are the shareable dishes — try the seafood paella or the Argentinian-style grilled meats platter filled with skirt steak, chicken, morcilla, short rib, chorizo, sirloin, and bone marrow.

A plate of steak. — Carnivale is a lively and colorful Latin restaurant.

For glammed up group dining, it’s all about this luxe modern American steakhouse in the West Loop. Whether it’s a special occasion or a girls night out, it’s best to come dressed to the nines. Large parties can book the private Champagne room or gallery upstairs, where they’ll be treated to seafood towers, caviar service, and dry-aged steaks.

One of the most scenic spots in the city is also welcoming for groups. Bonhomme Hospitality Group’s boho-chic restaurant next to the Chicago River is decked out with lush greenery, long tables, comfy daybed seating, and other ornate touches. The Mediterranean-tinged menu touts dishes like patatas bravas and caviar, Lebanese-style roasted lamb, and scallops with jamon iberico. They’re paired with inventive and colorful cocktails.

Open in Google Maps

Large items are the M.O. at the Chicago Athletic Association’s rooftop destination. Many of them are available in half or full portions, the latter of which are generally enough for four people. Satisfy bigger parties with shellfish platters or heartier fare such as a roasted pork chop and a porterhouse au poivre. The restaurant is able to reserve tables for up to 12 in the main dining room, and everyone can pay separately when the check arrives. Just make sure to book well in advance as the place is always a hot ticket.

A variety of dishes and drinks spread out on a table. — Cindy’s is one of the hottest spots in town.

The Taylor Street fixture has doled out Italian classics since the ‘70s. From locals to tourists, many patrons feel like family thanks to the convivial atmosphere and large portions. Come with a posse and share spaghetti and meatballs, brick chicken, meat lasagna, chicken Vesuvio, and more over bottles of Chianti.

Open in Google Maps

A pan of pasta in red sauce. — The Rosebud is an Italian institution in Chicago.

The X Pot, a newcomer to the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection Shops, is the premier way to experience a traditional Chinese method of dining. The sleek and stylish restaurant and lounge specializes in hot pot but unlike most places, guests can order their own individual pots. The menu is loaded with luxuries like golden wagyu rice with black truffles and wagyu-foie gras bibimbap, and there’s the option of a wagyu tasting menu. There’s also a futuristic Jetsons-like element to each meal: Robot servers roam the dining room to deliver items to tables.

Open in Google Maps

Wagyu beef presented on a statue of a bull. — The X Pot is a hot pot restaurant unlike any other in Chicago.

Situated inside a former Chicago Fire Department firehouse, this South Loop steakhouse is an elegant place to gather over prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and classic American fare. There are multiple private dining rooms that can host special events, plus a lovely patio.

Tapas, small snacks or appetizers served in Spain, are perfect for groups. At Tapas Valencia, diners can try a host of hot and cold bites that range from bacon-wrapped roasted dates to Spanish omelets. The pans of paella — filled with saffron rice, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, clams, and more — are also great for sharing.

Open in Google Maps

Pilsen favorite Monnie Burke’s transformed into a Mexican bar- and music-centric venue in 2021. The revamped space sports upgrades like an inviting heated patio, which is open year-round, and big booths to accommodate groups. Guests can enjoy tacos and an extensive collection of mezcals and tequilas while listening to live DJ sets.

A plate of tacos. — Head to the patio at Pilsen Yards for Mexican fare and spirits.

K-pop and grilled meats star at this Korean barbecue joint in Chinatown. Bring some friends, gather around the gas grill, and order brisket, marinated short ribs, pork belly, and more. A spread of tasty banchan — small side dishes — complements the cuts of meat. Novices need not worry; the staff will help do the table side cooking. Daebak also has a Lincoln Park location.

Plates of raw meat, side dishes, and beverages on a table. — Feast on sizzling grilled meats and a variety of Korean side dishes at Daebak.

Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, this contemporary Cantonese restaurant (with multiple locations) has enough space to seat more than 700 people. A visit here isn’t complete without sampling the Beijing duck, a two-course communal meal comprised of duck skin and meat served with baos and duck stir fry. The all-day dim sum menu is a big hit with groups, too.

A plate of duck served with baos and sauce. — Dim sum and family-style dishes make MingHin Cuisine a favorite for groups.

South Side soul food icon Pearl’s Place makes it easy to enjoy a meal with companions by offering a Southern-style buffet. Devour fried chicken, mac and cheese, rib tips, biscuits, and more without worrying about others.