We rented Bocce courts for our corporate outing and it was such a blast. Everything ran so smooth…read morefrom the set up, to running the games to a speedy clean up. Andy and Peyton were so enthusiastic and really got people excited to play the games. I couldn't recommend this company enough for a corporate outing, backyard party, or any event!

I utilized American Bocce Company for my company's summer outing and had an awesome experience! A…read moresmall marketing agency looking for a competitive (but not too competitive) activity, we thought Bocce was the perfect solution. I reached out and heard back from Alicia immediately. This was a theme throughout our planning process, she was extremely helpful and responsive with all of my questions and needs! Once Alicia knew about our event needs, she found us the perfect venue (Concord 55, which I also highly recommend!). She helped connect me to the venue and provided options for the on-site set-up. Perhaps the best part of American Bocce Co is that, as the event organizer, I had almost no day-of responsibilities. I actually got to enjoy myself and participate while ABC took care of everything. Alicia and crew were professional and had everything set up in a timely manner. We had three courts for our group of 75 and it ended up working out great. Ahead of time, I had sent Alicia our team assignments and she created lanyards for everyone to wear with their team names. So helpful! In addition to setting up the courts, ABC kept the tournament running and had a referee at all courts. They were all very patient with the group, explaining rules and making sure the games ran smoothly. Overall, I highly recommend using American Bocce Co for your company outing! The overall consensus was that everyone had an excellent time. The fast moving games and lively atmosphere made for a really fun evening.

Perfect spot for a quick drink!…read more We didn't linger too long but a really solid hang before a night out. We played some Skee Ball and had a few Espresso Martinis. It's a lovely building and the interior is very elegant. Would go back!

My friend and I recently stayed at the Chicago Athletic Authority, and every few hours, we walked…read morethrough the Game Room. It was over March Madness, so there were always men or women's games on the televisions. Besides being a happening place, there was also decent food. Upon our check-in, we even received complimentary bubbles as a welcome drink in the Game Room. For one of our dinners, we decided to enjoy some Game Room food while I taught my friend how to play chess. We ordered a delicious dish of WSC Cheese Sticks (made with Wisconsin brick cheese and marinara). We then each ordered the Chicken Caesar Wrap, consisting of crispy chicken, romaine lettuce, parmigiano Reggiano, and house chips. We both upgraded our chips to French fries. I thought the food was good (not excellent but not bland like other reviews stated). The best part of the experience is the vibe in the space. There were also protests in the area earlier in the day so many of the non-hotel guests in the Game Room were from that (as we could tell from the signs they had with them). Even if you go to the Game Room website (https://www.gameroomchi.com), you're in for some fun just getting into the website. On their website are upcoming events (like karaoke), details on booking private events, menus, and more. They serve their all day menu from 11 AM to close daily. Their hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 1 AM (kitchen closes at 11 PM), and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. There is also Happy Hour on weekdays from 3 PM to 5 PM, which include $10 wings, Old Style combos, and half off pitchers. While there were more exciting places to be in Chicago, for a hotel guest or someone in the area, this was a fun place to hang out, grab a bite, play some board games, and watch some games on TV. Certainly recommend it!

Such a great space to play a few rounds of Bocce Ball. It's filled with amazing restaurants right…read moreby there. It's a free park to play. Meet some friends and have fun.

So, the Italians have been gone from the old "Little Italy" for a long, long time. Yet, if you…read morelook hard enough, you'll notice little hints that the neighborhood wasn't always this hybrid interface zone between the university and the Med. District. Located in what used to be a vacant lot on the odd numbered side of Taylor Street between Loomis and Laflin are two well-constructed and well-maintained bocce courts that are open to the public. Some Tuesdays you might run into guys called "No Nose" playing with a bunch of other old dudes. Funny, the matches get pretty spirited. The neighborhood still isn't great after dark, but it isn't horrible either. I played on these courts with some out of town friends well after midnight a couple of summers ago. Nobody complains. Usually they'll come out and watch. Stroll over to Conte di Savoia for a coffee and a sandwich afterward. You won't regret it.

As a member of HBC I'm a bit partial, but I will give an accurate review…read more HBC is a hidden gem in a small suburb of Chicago. It was established and built in 1969 by proud Italian people. Bocce is a unique sport that has a rich history going back to old times in Italy. If you have the chance to experience the courts you will find it warm and welcoming. Having a private event at HBC is one decision you won't regret. The food and service is unmatched. I'm proud to be a member of the Highwood Bocce Courts. I look forward to preserving and growing this fine sport.

I have been here a couple of times now for private events but am not a member. In looking at their…read morewebsite, the space is available for rent to even non-members. Not that I know anything about the game of Bocce ball or good courts from bad ones, I understand that these courts are quite good. They had an international tournament here a few years ago and completely overhauled the courts. On my most recent visit one of the employees (the owner's son actually) explained how the game is played and gave me some background on the courts. Kind of like a cross between croquet and shuffleboard. Full bar with the cheapest drinks in town! We had a buffet meal served at the most recent event that I attended. The food wasn't fancy but sill tasty. I really liked the fry bread that they served. Food was served on plastic plates and with disposable silverware. This might be my new "out of the box" go to event!

Charming little park…read more My friend and I met up here to catch up and soak up some sun.

I've been on a mission for years looking for the Glunz "Red" wines. My dad told me years ago that…read morehe liked them so every time I went in I looked for them and they weren't available. I looked on the website recently and saw that they were finally selling several different ones, finally my vigilance was paying off! I didn't want to pay for shipping so I went to the store today and asked for the Red. That caused some confusion but once I pulled up what I'd seen on the website, that did the trick. I walked out with two bottles that I'm very excited to give my dad for Christmas. Note to my fellow shoppers-not all of the wines are displayed in the shop, if you want a particular wine from the website be sure to note the name.

It was years since we were here. The tastings are 6 dollars for 5 pours. That is refunded if…read moreyou buy something. It's a smaller tasting room but very kind tasting bar people. Their wines were much better than I expected and walked out with 6 bottles. We've had their sangria many times but the reserve cab was quite nice.

It's a nice park. The park is nicely landscaped. It has a long path that winds around, and there's…read moreponds, gazebos, playgrounds, and baseball fields. We went during the annual fair/carnival so parking can be tough.

Nice playground for my 3yo grandson. Huge sandlot for his toys. Very clean and well-maintained…read more Will be a regular part of our week.

Nice relaxing atmosphere. I like this place because it is not to active but yet not to unactive…read more Outside is a little depressing but inside you will feel warm and welcome. Beer and liquor prices are reasonable. Owner will sometimes present unannounced specials. "Kooll" place to watch a sports game.

This is the first bar that welcomes you into the East Side if coming from the 106th st bridge. On…read morethe outside it is kind of depressing but the inside of the bar is nice. It even has a free foosball table as well as a shuffle board table. Yet, one star off for the fact that they were serving the beers out of a cooler so they werent really that cold. Also, no drafts. Another star off for the beers being pricier than other dives. No real specials to mention. Nice new flat screens. Best part is that they have a bocce ball court on the side that it's free to play. Great in the summer.

Fun little winery right across from Warren Dunes. You should see a fun little car out front, with…read moreparking and the entrance behind the building. They ship in grapes for their Cabernet and Pinot Noir, but the other grapes come from Michigan. Their fruit wines are delicious, the Merlot was sadly not my favorite. The semi dry wines we tried had 4 and 5% residual sugars, but still very refreshing and satisfying. The traminette was probably our favorite. The charcuterie boards looked delicious and they have some other snackish items that were very tempting, like a burrata and a butter sampler.

It's a cute place, nice room inside, very cute option and grounds (when it's not too hot), wines…read moreare ok, some better than others. The gal working had no idea where their grapes are from.

Great facility open year around BUT CLOSED FOR SCHOOL…read moreHOLIDAYS! Spa and sauna are super nice. The rec app says there is a Pilates reformer but no classes to sign up. Testing to find out if true.

**UIC Swim Classes: A Budget-Friendly Option for Kids**…read more We enrolled in UIC Swim Classes for our 1.5-year-old and found it to be a solid, budget-friendly option. At $22 per session, the classes offer structured swim lessons at a more affordable rate compared to other local options. There is a chill vibe that works great for a 1st learner, but the level of rigor is lower than Goldfish so we switched there once we got off their wait list. Classes are sold in 5 week packages, and reschedules are not typically allowed. The class structure follows a set sequence of exercises. Instructors are friendly, but engagement is inconsistent. While they guide kids through various activities, the level of encouragement and feedback varies, with some instructors mentally checking out after providing initial directions. The UIC facility itself is quite nice - The water is comfortably warm and there are changing areas. Parking is available but paid for a few dollars. Note that your access is restricted to within 15 minutes of class time, so don't go too early. Though there are fewer opportunities for underwater practice and confidence-building dips, the parent/tot classes are primary about getting your kid comfortable in water. Overall, UIC Swim Classes deliver decent value for the price, though parents seeking a more intensive training that will get kids swimming faster may want to explore Goldfish.