This restaurant, turned event space, was once a distillery/speakeasy during the Prohibition period; and one of the first places to be raided by Elliot Ness and his crew as a way of getting to the infamous Al Capone. Rumor has it that the Room 21 name came from a discovery made during renovations of the space; a door to a secret escape tunnel that was labeled by a metal plate reading, Room 21.
Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner, opened Room 21 in 2007 with an upscale American menu, a nice addition to his fleet of restaurants. Kleiner’s restaurants are known for their vivid designs and Room 21 is no exception. The restaurant has since been closed and will now serve as a permanent event space; lucky us!
When the project for a dinner/cocktail reception for 100 guests landed on our desk, the venue shopping began. The client was envisioning a very cool lounge feel for this event but needed to stay within a certain budget. As soon as we visited Room 21 is was clear that this would serve as an ideal space to meet our client’s needs.
Sure, a lounge atmosphere can be created in any space but what’s great about Room 21 is the décor is built in! Deep, rich reds and browns envelope the interior and create a warm, intimate feel. While the existing banquettes, tables and chairs provide a reprieve for your budget and allow for more attention to be given to accenting décor and branding. Dark, wooden grid-like shelves extending almost all the way from the ceiling to the floor lend themselves to the array of options of candlelight or floral arrangements. The large clear-glass case in the back of the room is a beautiful space to create whatever type of display your event warrants.
Room 21 offers an outdoor space as well. Two sets of glass, window doors open to a courtyard that, in the spring and summer, is filled with vibrant flowers and shrubbery. The high brick, vine-covered wall that encloses the courtyard is the perfect place to implement accent lighting or company branding.
Whether you’re looking for a bit of history, an intimate lounge atmosphere or a colorful courtyard… Room 21 can offer it all. I recommend you check it out!
Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60616.
312.328.1198