"It's just like Harry Potter," they told me, but I had only seen one Harry Potter movie and read…read morenone of the books. The truth of the statement revealed itself as vaunted ceilings gave this cavernous room an aura of grandeur and the feeling of tradition. There were beings engaged in erudite studies with an inflexible concentration on laptops, notebooks, and in the back were old men going back and forth on the chessboards. It was still and had the eerie silence of a church chapel and sunbeams flowed in from the windows above. What an alien universe and there I was with a large foil tin carrying thirty of the best chicken wings Chicago had to offer. After the religious pilgrimage to Wings Around the World, Reuben H and Aurore L had the good sense to take us all to Reynolds where we wouldn't be bothered and be allowed to worship our wings in peace. For the moment, Reuben went to fetch pop while Aurore went off as well. I was alone and a heretic - a trespasser sneaking in and using up space that I had no right to, but the chess players were very old and had no business being there either. Then it came to me that everyone was allowed in and Reynolds was there for all to share, no identification required! Lined on the walls are large portraits showing various trustees of the University of Chicago. Lists of past Presidents line the wall and the fashion progression from long beards and robes to finely made designer suits and shaved faces led us to mock one portrait - he definitely wanted some of our chicken wings! We cracked open our wings and uncapped our pops only to find that the Cherry Pepsi was expired! While we munched and crunched on our chicken wings, nary a soul turned their heads nor noticed what fine dining we were helping ourselves to. The unbending concentration of the other people in the hall sustained itself except for the old chess players who all got up and went out for a smoke. We ate undisturbed and worked to get rid of the evidence. On our way out a young college student declared that he was going to have to retake high school chemistry. We laughed about it and then I thought that they were right - It really was just like Harry Potter!

The home of WHPK 88.5 FM!…read more Don't be fooled by the irresistable smell of pizza when you walk in. The pizza they have here is crap. But the rest of the building is all gothic and oldskool college cool.

We attended a sangeet (Indian pre-wedding party) at Revel Motor Row and had a wonderful time. This…read moreis a versatile event venue with multiple spaces which can be used for a single event. We were shuttled here from the wedding hotel. The building is cool because it's historic - built in 1936. However, repurposed into an event venue, the interior spaces feel a bit more generic and industrial (typical). The spaces were decorated beautifully for this event. Cocktail hour took place in the Lobby and adjacent Mercer room. There were two bars - one in the Lobby and one in Mercer - and hors d'oeuvres. I don't know how many guests there were, but it was crowded and tight, especially in the Lobby. Dinner (self-serve buffets), dancing, and dessert took place in the Packard room. Again, pretty standard space repurposed for events. Decor, sound, lighting, food, and drink (more bars) were all great. There was even a liquid nitrogen ice cream station. To cool off during the reception (dancing), we went outside to the adjacent Cadillac Courtyard. Restrooms are located in the basement. They were spacious, clean, and even stylish.

Revel Motor Row is a large, spacious event venue in the South Chicagoland area. I've been to this…read morelocation several times for events, parties, and small concerts. The building is historical and the architecture is incredible. There is a patio area and 3 levels to this venue. There is street parking in the area so get there early.

We went to a friend's work event. This place is great for a small event of up to 75- 100 people…read more They have a screen for presentation and nice speakers for music and/or toast. In a very good location, close to downtown and I-55 and plenty of public transportation. Has plenty parking on the street as well.

I never new this place existed ,it's nice. The capacity is…read moreon the smaller quaint size. But with the right vision that included a small gathering. The area I would describe as up and coming accessible by both I 55 and 90/94 Street parking and meters plentiful. I attended a meet and greet . But I can imagine a bridal shower , small reception, or meeting. Just it out

Looking for a fabulous venue to have a wedding, a grand party, or perhaps a music recital? This…read moreawe-inspiring room in this imposing building is owned by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). You've probably walked past it to or from Michigan Avenue shopping (it's just a block and a half west of the "Mag Mile." If like me, you first thought it was some family's mausoleum, you wouldn't be too far off the mark. The building was originally erected in 1926 to honor one of the founders of the ACS by its members. A concise history of the structure and its recent (1987 & 2003) renovations can be read here: http://www.murphyauditorium.com/history.htm. While the most recent restoration is chronicled in the ACS' official bulletin at http://www.facs.org/fellows_info/bulletin/2006/regnier1106.pdf It was following this 2006 restoring that the Fellows of the ACS decided to offer the auditorium for public events. A recent concert of Beethoven's newly discovered piano trio was premiered here in 2009 as covered by the Tribune: http://tinyurl.com/yjeqzdm John Von Rhein sums up his review with a plea for further concerts in this hall. This concert was also broadcast live over WFMT-FM. Even if your event is less groundbreaking than that one, you owe it to yourself to have a look inside. You can do this virtually by viewing their photos at the above site. The rental rate is also at their Web site. The auditorium's event coordinator is Catherine Carey and their phone number is above. Ms Carey's email is ccarey@facs.org

If you are looking for a grand, aesthetically pleasing venue for a party or an event, then you…read moreshould consider this place.if you are looking for someplace that has a good location that is lose to the Loop, Streeterville, and River North area. I was kind of thrown off for a moment when I walked in the front door. The company whose party I was attending has a history of choosing outstanding venues for their parties. When you actually walk in the front door of an elegant looking building from the exterior, you are greeting by a rather out of date, worn down entrance to the auditorium. Don't let this fool you because when you have entered the auditorium yourself, expect to to get blown away with how grand it really is!

Was here for an event, and the space is beautiful! For the food, they served a tomato bisque and a…read morefilet. Both were delicious. Great for a formal event. For dessert, they had tiramisu. Highly recommend.

Love the service, food and ambiance. I have been a member for many years and will continue to be.read more

This place deserves it's reputation! I never knew it was possible to be "over-serviced" but the…read morewait-staff was completely attuned to our party and they treated us like royalty. I knocked a glass into the floor and it shattered but they had it cleaned up within, I swear, eight seconds. A lady at another table fell from her chair into the floor during the presentation and the presenter didn't even have to stop. The atmosphere and decor is impeccable. I have been here for a number of events and I love it! It's worth the price of membership!

I believe there is a reason there aren't any reviews for this place as I may be the only Yelper…read morethat's had the fortunate experience of attending an event here. The Casino is without a doubt ooozing with old school class and sophistication. The decor is simultaneously lavish and reserved. The staff is 5-star and the food they provide is delicious. The ladies salon alone, was well worth my visit. If you are in the market, and position, for a social club of this kind, I highly recommend it.

ALL WORK & NO SLEEP…read more I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit IBM for a few meetings here. What impressed me most was the lobby walkway. It was curved and lined with amazing plants. In fact, it was so beautiful I walked past my elevator all the way to the end to enjoy it. I also learned from fellow Yelper Bill M, that the planters along the windows can also stop a speeding car. That kind of design would make Jack Bauer happy! We win! Once I got past the awe of the beautiful lobby, I made my way through security. This place is like an airport with metal detectors and X-Ray bag machines. I had to think to myself, do hotel guests have to go through here too? Because as a frequent traveler it would drive me crazy to go through TSA at my hotel, after dealing with TSA at the airport. I hear the cafeteria is great but I did not get to experience it. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to eat here. I arrived up at IBM and checked in at there receptionists desk. Everything was very typical for office space from this point on. I did like the history wall of IBM. It gave me something to read after I left the men's bathroom. There was also a glass room showcasing the IBM server. That was cool to see. I felt like William Shatner in the movie Airplane 2, "Can we get all these lights to blink at the same time?" (I am not sure if anyone ever saw part 2 of Airplane or if they even remembers a movie line from it.) After humoring myself, I decide to leave IBM and make my way back to the lobby. As I stood in the lobby, I had to walk through the curved tree walkway one more time because I did not know when I would be lucky enough to return. I was happy to get to experience this new building from the inside and hopefully I'll make a return visit one of these days.

Impressive design, creativity, and good use of space…read more I'm just visiting the IBM office here and was impressed (once I got through the security line!). I love the curved walls and bamboo trees in the main lobby area. Beautiful, modern orchid arrangements everywhere. OK, I've never been to the Google campus to compare, but this has the best corporate cafe I've seen. I tried the made-to-order pasta (with rice noodles for gluten free diet) made fresh before my eyes. Then I saw the fresh made wraps and the sushi. Where else can you get this just outside your office door? Great location for car-free transportation. If you do take a cab, make sure the cabbie pays attention and doesn't drive you to the Hyatt hotel (on East Wacker) by mistake!

Had a fantastic experience yesterday at my cousins wedding at this lovely converted industrial…read morespace. Deep in the heart of Westloop, it has a very traditional structure, but with modified upscale elegance for any great group activity event. We had a smaller wedding with a 75 people, but it easily hosted us without issues. There are two stories that you can take advantage of, with the upstairs being an outdoor/indoor hybrid and the lower level having a wide open space for dining and dance.

Awesome wedding venue. It had been raining and the outdoor furniture was wet but the rain stopped…read moreand we were able to enjoy being outside. Absolutely wonderful venue for the wedding. The food was great and plentiful with large servings. The bar was very good two bartenders at our service for the entire occasion. The wedding downstairs was beautiful and intimate. Enjoyed every moment of this wedding and reception.