Marchesa Est. Prior to 1930

535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

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Marchesa
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Marchesa offers French and classic Continental cuisine by Executive Chef Didier Durand and still and sparkling wines that pair perfectly.
From simple dishes like roast chicken with glace de volaille and pasta Pomodoro, to life’s delicacies, like Perigord truffles and the finest Champagne, let our imaginative team create an exquisite menu for you. We’ll be happy to work within your budget, too, to provide the biggest splash for your event dollar. Our staff of seasoned event planners will be on hand to coordinate all the small details that make the biggest impact on guests.
The Lowdown
Type
Art Gallery
Banquet Hall / Event Facility
Bar / Club / Lounge
Historic Building
Restaurant / Private Dining
Views
Street
Style
Classic
Contemporary
Elegant
Glamorous
Sophisticated
BEST type of CELEBRATIONS
Anniversary / Engagement Party
Baby Shower
Bachelor / Bachelorette Party
Birthday Party
Bridal Shower
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Product Launch
Dinner Party
Holiday Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Reunion
Social Event
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception

Venue Setting

Dear Friend of Fine Food and Wine:
Thank you for inquiring about entertaining at Marchesa! We offer French and classic Continental cuisine by Executive Chef Didier Durand and still and sparkling wines that pair perfectly. We can prepare everything from cassoulet and coq au vin to risotto with black truffles and veal saltimbocca! All your favorite European dishes are available for luncheons, cocktail parties and simple or lavish dinners. We are pleased to offer the following opulent environments and special services to complement our delicious food and wine and make your next corporate or social event a smash.
 
The Main Dining Salon:
Inspired by the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice, the Main Dining Room is an art-filled room punctuated by brass chandeliers, marble sculpture and luxurious furniture. Artwork by Miro, Picasso and Juan Gris competes for space with grisaille wallpaper, a shagreen-topped bar and a massive head of Michelangelo’s David. Malachite fabric barstools surround a stunning bar, filled with colorful art glass and rare spirits. Two cheetah-clad Ming chairs are silent sentries flanking a marble-accented fireplace topped with a magnificently gilded mirror. Holding court in the Main Dining Room is a portrait of the restaurant’s namesake, the Marchesa Luisa Casati, a dazzling Jazz Age socialite known for her legendary parties and entertaining style. For a truly spectacular event, the Main Dining Room can be rented.

The Savarin Room
Named after noted French epicure, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, this intimate enclave offers a dramatic view of the beautiful Marchesa show kitchen. Complete with seating for as many as 12 and as few as 4, the Savarin Room boasts a chinoiserie cabinet filled with exotic elixirs, a malachite ceiling and gorgeous brass chandeliers. Luxuriously upholstered seats ring a table set with vintage table linens and marble chargers. Guests can select from a variety of heirloom table accouterments like crystal knife holders and individual salt cellars. A 49” television, hidden behind an oil painting, can be used for a variety of viewing purposes, from a movie night with friends to catching the latest highlights of Chicago’s storied sports teams!

The Apartment
The second floor private dining room resembles a luxe Parisian apartment, complete with antiques, silk drapes, oil paintings, vintage furniture and a petit lattice-wrapped courtyard. The hand-stenciled walls, high ceilings and generous windows allow much sunlight to flow through the room. The baby grand piano can be used for live music, as a DJ table or as a perfect perch for a lavish arrangement of cheese & charcuterie. The Apartment accommodates up to 50 for a bridal lunch or corporate dinner and up to 75 for cocktails. This inviting space, that feels like an upscale home, has a private entrance.

The Cave
Our boho travel-chic wine cave is a lavish and inviting haven for pampering up to 50 of your closest business colleagues or friends. This unique space, complete with its own bar and barrel-vaulted ceilings, is designed for a variety of events -- from an upscale jamón serrano and cava tasting to a convivial rehearsal dinner, gala office holiday party or important corporate meeting. The extravagant decor is accented with resin tusks, silk velvet Venetian sofas, exotic lanterns and travel rugs. An under-the-sidewalk crayère, named the Taittinger Vault, replicates the rough-hewn limestone caves found below the best grand marques Champagne houses. Two 75” televisions are hidden by a damask curtain, ready for foreign films, family videos and epic sporting event viewing. 

Menu & Event Planning
From simple dishes like roast chicken with glace de volaille and pasta Pomodoro, to life’s delicacies, like Perigord truffles and the finest Champagne, let our imaginative team create an exquisite menu for you. We’ll be happy to work within your budget, too, to provide the biggest splash for your event dollar. Our staff of seasoned event planners will be on hand to coordinate all the small details that make the biggest impact on guests. We look forward to speaking with you directly. Please feel free to phone us at 312.527.9535 or send an e-mail to info@marchesachicago.com to arrange a tour. No effort will be spared to make this event spectacular in every way! 
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price Range

Does this include catering fees?

Yes

Estimated Price Per Head

from $100 to $250

Additional Charges

SPECIAL SERVICES

All Private Dining Events at MARCHESA 
Include Polite, Professional Staff and Gratis Use of the Following Items...
Fine China, Flatware, Glassware and Linens, 
Abundant Votive Candles and Background Music on All Floors
We Would Be Happy To Assist You With The Following...
Floral Arrangements
The Private Dining Staff of MARCHESA Would Be Pleased to Recommend Florists for This Event 
Or If You Prefer to Bring Flowers in, We Have a Collection of Vases That Can be Utilized.
Audio Visual Arrangements
The Cave Includes Two 75” Televisions Hidden by a Damask Curtain and The Savarin Room Houses a 49” Television Behind an Oil Painting. For Speaking Events, There is a Microphone, PA System, Projector and Screen Available for Use. The Private Dining Staff of MARCHESA Would Be Pleased to Arrange For 
Rental of Any Other Audio-Visual Equipment.
Music
Please Let Us Know If You Would Like Us to Arrange for a Pianist, Jazz Trio or DJ 
for Your Upcoming Event.
Specialty Cakes, Candy Buffets, Ice Sculptures, Magicians and So Much More!
For That Certain Event, Let Us Help You Coordinate a Special Cake, Dessert Bar, Entertainer or  
Ice Sculpture To “Wow” Your Guests!
Photographers and Videographers
The MARCHESA Private Dining Staff Works with Some of Chicago's Best Photographers and Videographers. We Would Be Pleased to Recommend One for Your Upcoming Special Event.
Specialty Linens
Our In-House Linens Are White. Please Let Us Know If You Would Like to Order Special Tablecloths, Napkins or Chair Covers. We Have Several In-House Options to Choose From, Too.
Guest Amenity Bags
Want Help Providing a Special Thank You to Your Guests? Our Private Dining Staff Can Arrange for Gift Bags Containing a Memento of Your Special Event. Inquire for More Details.
Coat Check
Coat Check Service Will be Provided for Your Event. Please Let Us Know If You Would Like to Sponsor This Service. During the Months of October – February, Coat Check Is $1.00 Per Guaranteed Guest.
Valet Parking Services
Valet Parking Services Are Available for Your Event. Should You Wish to Host This Service, 
Arrangements Can Be Made with Our Private Dining Office.
 
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Confirmation, Deposit and Cancellation Clause
To Secure the Space on a Definite Basis, A Deposit of 50% of the Estimated Charges is Required.
In the Event the Lunch or Dinner is Canceled, the Deposit Is Fully Refundable 30 Days or More Before the Event,
If the Event is Canceled Less Than 20 Days Before the Event, The Deposit can be Applied to Another Date or Refunded in Gift Certificates. 
Less Than 10 Days Prior to the Event, The Deposit is Not Refundable.
Food and Beverage Minimum
To Allow Private Use of Certain Areas of the MARCHESA Facility, 
There are Food and Beverage Minimums that Vary by the Day of the Week and the Month of the Year. 
Your Private Dining Representative will be Able to Discuss These.
Room Rental Charge
There is a Charge for Reserving Certain Areas of the MARCHESA Facility. 
Depending on the Scope of the Event, the Room Charge May Be Reduced or Eliminated.
Staffing Charge
MARCHESA will Provide Polite, Professional Staff for this Event Based on the Guaranteed Guest Count. In Addition, One (1) Manager Per Floor will be on Hand for the Event.
Sales Tax & Service Charge
The Sales Tax for Food and Beverage in The City of Chicago Is 11.50%. The Service Charge Is 22.5%.
All Prices in This Menu Packet are Without Sales Tax and Service Charge. 
Guaranteed Guest Count
The Guaranteed Guest Count Is Due 72 Business Hours in Advance of The Function.
The Host Is Responsible for This Count, Unless the Actual Guest Count Is Higher, in Which Case the Higher Figure Applies. In Some Cases, a Minimum Guaranteed Guest Count Will Be Needed.
Payment
The Balance of the Account Can Be Paid with a Valid Credit Card. 
A Discount is Available for Cash and Check Payments, Please Inquire. 
Pricing
The Quoted Prices Reflect the Current Economic Conditions and are Subject to Change.
 
The Private Dining Staff of MARCHESA Looks Forward to Hosting Your High-Profile Event and Welcomes the Opportunity to Further Customize Your Proposal. 
Needless to Say,
No Effort Will Be Spared to Make This Event Outstanding in Every Respect!
 
Thank You for Considering Us! 
Merci Mille! Grazie Mille! Muchas Gracias!

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Capacity

Seated
100
Buffet
75
Standing
125
Celebrations Hosted Here Since
Prior to 1930
Curfew
1 AM
Venue Spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Music
Indoors Only
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Accommodations
Marchesa proprietors, Kathryn Sullivan Alvera & Jason Clark, have converted the third floor of Marchesa to a luxurious haven, called the Owner's Flat, which can be rented in conjunction with private events. Complete with sleeping accommodations for 8 to 10 guests, the Owner's Flat can be used for a variety of events.

Fully updated, with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms, the space is the perfect place for a pre-event glam squad visitor hospitality suite. The bright and colorful flat encompasses the third floor of the historic Marchesa building. Modern art & sculpture grace the suite, along with a floral mural perfect as a photo backdrop. A new kitchen, living room and dining room complete the space and allow time for a quiet coffee before the day's events or a late night rendezvous with friends.

Contact Kathryn or Jason at 312.527.9535 to tour the space. They both look forward to the pleasure of your company soon!
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Other
Yes
Amenities
  • A/V Equipment
  • Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
  • Street Parking
  • Valet Parking
  • Wifi
  • Dining Chairs
  • Dining Tables
  • Onsite Restrooms
Celebration Locations
The Apartment:
Luxe Parisian home vibe, with silk drapes, hand stenciled walls, oil paintings, baby grand piano and petit lattice-ringed terrace
- View: Treetop view of Wells Street
- Max Capacity: 75 Guests
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
The Champagne Cave:
Intimate subterranean wine lair, with a boho chic travel vibe, velvet couches, resin tusks and silk carpets. Private bar, Taittinger Champagne vault, hidden media wall.
- View: Barrel-vaulted ceilings, art installations, African sculpture
- Max Capacity: 50
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
The Savarin Room:
Marchesa's private kitchen table with view of nightly culinary action. Cheetah print Chiavari chairs, malachite ceiling, Chinoiserie cabinet. Hidden television, curtained wall to reveal kitchen.
- View: The Marchesa kitchen
- Max Capacity: 12
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing
The Main Dining Room:
Inspired by the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice, the Marchesa Main Dining Room is filled with masterworks by Picasso, Juan Gris and Miro. Brass chandeliers, malachite curtains and a marble fireplace ring the colorful space, perfect for day and evening events.
- View: The front of the building is punctuated by large windows, which offer a front row seat to River North's busy Wells Street.
- Max Capacity: 125
- Price: Join the party and sign in to view pricing

THIS VENUE DOES NOT HAVE ANY REPORTS AT THIS TIME.

Check back again soon!