I've been to two different events here at the Ritz. The venue itself is beautiful, food is good,…read more but SOME staff need to learn basic customer service and manners. The first event I attended a server was upset that there were so many guests (some dressed in ball gowns) that she started complaining that she can't do her job. OUT LOUD while serving guests their food. The second event I've attended, our server who is very sweet, simply forgot four plates for the main course at our table. We waited very patiently but she was busy. We waived one server, she said that they will make their way around. We waited more and our server didn't come back with the plates. I'd like to mention that all the food for the main course was on the table. I just stood by the door to only ask for plates since we've been waiting. The first server brushed me off and didn't let me finish my sentence and said "ask your waitress okay?" , another guest at my table asked a different server and she went to the kitchen just to come back empty handed to look at the table that's missing plates when it's clear that they're missing. I told her we're missing four plates and she's says "I KNOW", used a calm down gesture and shook her head at me. They took so long with plates that one of the guests at the table just ended up using the saucer plate to start eating. As I said earlier, SOME staff need improvement. I wish the servers had name tags.

I attended a fundraising event for The Harbour at Chateau Ritz in Niles. Nestled among the strip…read moremalls and chain restaurants, the Chateau Ritz sits back off the street and has a lot of parking. The theme of the evening was a casino night. The decor of Chateau Ritz is glam, over the top, a little outdated, but totally appropriate for a fundraising event. The room was spacious with plenty of space for the tables, auction tables, casino tables, stage, etc. The hot hors d'oeuvres were served hot, basic but good tasting, there was an attractive array of desserts, staff was efficient in clearing plates, replenishing the buffet and helping with AV needs. The bartenders were great. The bathrooms were clean, and stocked. The guests were having a great time and the setting of Chateau Ritz helped to enhance that. We did notice when we arrived for the event that there were a few people hanging around the parking lot (not guests). When we left for the evening, a person was walking through the lot, talking to people (talking to himself?) and moving between the cars.

Sadly was here for a funeral luncheon. Food was delicious. Room was set up nicely. Service was…read moregreat. If you need a catered event or a banquet event definitely give them a try. Good polish food.

Service was terrible, we were served a family style portion and staff never returned to table to…read morereplenish food. They instead went to serve a party in the next room. The food roast beef and green beans were good but the pasta sauce tasted like ketchup. Also a language barrier.

Our 50 year high school reunion was held here and I wanted to share that the service was excellent…read more I was so busy talking that I wasn't interested in eating at first but when I started eating I ate everything on my plate. Just delicious. I would recommend the Fountain Blue to all who are looking for a beautiful venue. The staff worked very hard to make our night memorable. Thank you all.

We loved this venue from first walking in to leaving at the end of our wedding. The decor is…read moregorgeous. More over, working with John was a pleasure. He was readily available for any questions and went above and beyond to help realize the vision of our special day. We cannot recommend Fountain Blue enough.

I first worked with Jeannette when planning my daughter's 18th birthday party. We put down a…read moredeposit then Covid hit and we had to cancel. Fast forward 4 years later, she's about to graduate college and we are trying again. Jeannette has been wonderful to work with, offering her professional expertise, while accommodating our specific requests. The venue is beautiful! The perfect size for our family/friends who are invited, plus it's close to home, has ample parking, and a nice menu with several options. (We're going with family style to enjoy a relaxing meal with our guests.) My daughter is thrilled!

Good food, service & great view! We're there for a Xmas Party w the Niles Senior Center.read more

I normally don't write reviews, but I feel it's important to share my family's experience. My…read morecousin was supposed to have her wedding at Astoria banquet but her fiancé tragically passed away just a week before the ceremony. It's hard to even put into words how devastating this has been for her and our whole family. We reached out to the venue to explain the situation and request some kind of refund or partial credit, given the circumstances -- this wasn't a normal cancellation. Unfortunately, the hall chose not to show any flexibility or compassion. I understand that businesses have policies, but this was an extraordinary and heartbreaking situation. What hurts most is the lack of empathy. A little understanding or humanity in a moment like this goes a long way. I hope in the future, this hall considers showing more compassion toward their clients during truly tragic circumstances. I would not suggest !

Astoria refuses to return a bride partial refund due to the groom dying 7 days before the wedding…read moreNov1. no compassion or sympathy straight greed.

We had our wedding here and it was just stunning. Deborah and her team were amazing to work with…read more Helped us anytime we needed it while planning a wedding from out of state. Gorgeous day as well - everything turned out beautiful. And they recommended the best vendors.

We hosted a wedding reception at the Grove this month. A beautiful outdoor venue for a party--we…read morehad about 75 guests seated at tables in the pavilion, and made good use of the green space. Children had fun running amok in the field rather than having to sit in a banquet room. Guests who were sensitive to noise from the DJ music were able to sit on benches outside the pavilion and enjoy the event. A couple relatives hadn't attended any wedding receptions in 20 years, but were able to come to this outdoor one. Also a great option for immunocompromised folks who can't safely go to indoor receptions. The coordination with the caterer, etc., was great, and everything ran smoothly. The parking was conveniently located, yet out of sight from the pavilion. Highly recommended!

I learnt about the Winnetka Community House when we went to the North Shore Art League for the…read morefirst time to attend the opening reception of their new exhibit -- "Summer Open".  The art league is located on the second floor of the Winnetka Community House.  The Community House was completed in 1911, and it has been expanded several times since.  That's why it was interesting for us to enter a historic building that's over 100 years old, but discovered a modern extension where the art gallery is after climbing a flight of old-fashioned stairs. Apparently, the center hosts many performing arts programs that include dance, theater, music and more.  When we were viewing artwork of the exhibit, a friendly elderly actor of the center greeted us while taking a break on a comfy couch.  We could hear music rehearsal in the theatre when we passed by. They also have education programs, youth sports programs, a full-service fitness center, classes and lectures -- all kinds of activities that help enrich lives of residents of not just Winnetka, but of the broader North Shore. When I read their Yelp reviews, I learnt that the center is even a popular weddings and events venue!  It is truly a versatile community house! As a privately supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Community House is not funded through tax dollars.  It's good to know that donations are 100% tax deductible.

If you have high expectations for your wedding venue, this is not the place. I left feeling very…read moreunderwhelmed with both the space and the service. We had a tour scheduled with Sahra, but it was moved to a different time, which seemed like it may have been to accommodate another group. When we arrived, the front desk gentleman was very kind, but we ended up waiting about 20 minutes while Sahra continued speaking with the previous tour group. She clearly saw us waiting but didn't acknowledge us or apologized when she eventually came over. Once the tour finally started, it felt very rushed. The entire walkthrough lasted maybe 15-20 minutes, and there wasn't much opportunity to ask questions before she quickly moved on to the next area. At the end, I asked if she could send photos of the space set up for weddings so we could better visualize it decorated. Her response was, "I won't remember, just email me--I had three tours today." We were the third tour, which made the comment feel dismissive. What stood out even more was that the previous group had asked about placing a hold on the space and did not receive that same response. Overall, the experience felt unprofessional and unwelcoming. After touring around 20 venues, this was by far the most disappointing experience. As for the space itself, it felt very small and somewhat outdated. The bridal and groomsmen suites were essentially small conference rooms. In my opinion, the venue may be better suited for smaller events like a bridal or baby shower rather than a full wedding. Unfortunately, due to both the service and the space, I would not recommend spending your time touring here.

We were guests at an event here and in the past I have had reviews removed as I had not been the…read moreperson who actually booked. So, I hope this gets posted. Just for ease, the banquet hall is located on the east side of River Road. Very easy and close to I-294. Close to the airport if that helps. It was a luncheon served family style which I personally like as one is able to select their own food and as much or little as they want. They served a beef dish, chicken dish, and pierogi for main dish selections. Tasty, ample and no complaints. The hall was roomy and clean and the servers were very pleasant. I did not go up to the second floor but it looked like there were smaller event rooms up there. Plenty of on site parking and valet was not needed. I am not sure if that service is even offered.

Went for Mother's Day brunch today and it was a mess! No order at the front door to get in, the…read morefood was cold most of the time and the server was not attentive nor did she know how to add. She over charged me by $100, my sister by $131 and my brother by $142. We called her out on it and she proceeded to argue with us saying she was right. We had to do the math in front of her four different times because each time she would go back to change the bill it was wrong still. I was so fed up and couldn't find a manager. I asked for the tip to be removed or reduced because of it and I was told no. Then on top of it they charge you a 5% fee to use credit card. It's not posted anywhere not do they inform you when making a reservation. Over all it was a waste of time a horrible experience. Not sure if they thought we were stupid because we were the only other non Polish/ukraine family there but never ever again. PLEASE AVOID AT ALL COST.