Aba is where you go for a crowd-pleasing Mediterranean menu at one of Chicago’s most beautiful restaurants. Feast on CJ Jacobson’s made-for-sharing dishes like hummus served with warm housemade bread before moving on to mezze, kebabs, and standouts like chargrilled lamb chops in the spacious interior decked with large trees. Or spread out on the expansive rooftop patio, decked with potted plants and low-slung sofas—ideal for large groups.

Bambola serves Italian-leaning cuisine with a twist—head chef Marcos Campos crafts a menu inspired by the flavors found all along the Silk Road from Italy to China. All items are made from scratch in the wood-fired kitchen. With ample space for large groups, the dining room with dark wood furnishings and vibrant tiles sets the stage for digging into gnocchi with pistachio pesto, carrots with date syrup glaze and baba ganoush, and other standout dishes.

BLVD Steakhouse is a swanky American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood’s famous Sunset Boulevard. Circular silver booths, glittering chandeliers hanging above the tables, and dark wood furnishings evoke the glamor of Old Hollywood. Celebrity chef Joe Flamm’s menu—think fresh oysters, tuna crudo, impressive wagus, and more—is equally elegant. Enjoy them in one of the restaurant’s cozy booths or spread out on the lush garden patio.

One of the best restaurants in Chicago’s Chinatown, always-lively Daebak Korean BBQ is where you go for a celebration of all things meat. Looped K-pop videos create a festive atmosphere—ideal for group gatherings and everyday celebrations. So do attentive servers cooking signature dishes like thinly sliced brisket and other premium meats over tabletop grills. Pro tip: order the kimchi pancake along with a glass of soju.

At cozy Chicago favorite Frontier, chef Brian Jupiter serves up the ultimate comfort foods with a Louisiana twist and seasonal ingredients. Share oysters or fried gator bites before moving on to group-friendly, meat-centric platters like the “farm and turf” and hearty, family-style sides like barbecued boar mac and cheese. Enjoy it all in a hunting lodge-like setting with cozy wooden furniture and a warming fireplace.

Baker extraordinaire Rich Labriola’s namesake Italian spot is where you go for top-notch homemade pizzas and pastas. Dig into Chicago deep dish and artisanal crust pizzas, plus a variety of shareable Italian plates like toasted ravioli, bruschetta and meatballs rounding out the menu. The cozy, Italian American atmosphere with warm lighting and dark wood furnishing is ideal for large groups.

Pilsen Yards is a destination for its lively, open-air vibe and chef Juan Carlos Gutierrez’s stellar Latin-inspired street food. With a wraparound bar at the center surrounded by comfy booths, you can enjoy everything from tacos and ceviche to hummus and salads. The drink list is curated by beverage director Lance Bowman and includes top-shelf mezcals and other playful drinks to fuel your large celebrations. It’s also home to one of Chicago’s largest patios, making it great for large groups.

Quartino is known for its top-notch homemade pizzas and regional Italian specialties like Neapolitan pizzas, Tuscan soups, and artisan salumi. The generous portion sizes make this a great spot to bring your entire group. The sociable staff is happy to accommodate large groups in the relaxed atmosphere with light wood furnishings and a cheese fridge, but order ahead for parties of 20 or larger. Pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s stellar Italian wines.

Miami import Yardbird Table & Bar is beloved for its crowd-pleasing Southern comfort foods—think juicy fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, collard greens, and cornbread. Pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s bourbon tastings or a seasonal, whiskey-forward cocktail. Enjoy all this and more in the spacious dining room with a central bar.

Bar Goa is a lively cocktail lounge from the acclaimed ROOP team. The menu goes all in on playful Portuguese-Indian mashups like chicken cafreal stew and prawn and chorizo fried rice. Dressed with bright colors and foliage, the tropical-themed dining room transports you to the beach, complete with an electronic music soundtrack and pitchers of mango sangria for the whole crew.