Venue for Graduation Dinner in Chicago

I'm organizing a celebration dinner for my niece who's graduating from college next year in Chicago. I need to find a Chicago venue for the dinner but my only leads are from Yelp, Open Table, and other impersonal websites. I would love to get a recommendation from a real person, or be able to consult a resource that's more personal. Do you have know of any good Chicago restaurants for a private dinner of about 25 people, or have a relative or friend there who I can consult, or have info on community resources like BPN where I can ask? Thanks!

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Eataly Chicago has a private back room that can be rented.  When I was there, the food was served buffet-style on the counter and it was GOOD.   It is a great space - big, tall ceilings - all windows - that would easily accommodate 25.  

Check it out!  

I just happen to be moving from Chicago to Oakland right now. There are lots of restaurant options just depends on what you are looking for. With that said thrillist Chicago https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago  actually has great recommendations that you can trust. If you need a specific rec, let me know what you are looking for: neighborhood, type of food, price point. 

Ask your niece! She's been living there, so she will know what will fit well and what she'd enjoy. Ask her for a few options and then you can research them. 

We had our wedding at Spiaggia, and they should be able to do the same for you. Great Italian restaurant — www.spiaggiarestaurant.com

My family just moved from Chicago to Berkeley and I would be happy to make a few recommendations for you but what location are you looking for?  price range?  I used to be the Event Coordinator for Lloyd's Chicago in the heart of Chicago's financial district.  They have private rooms that could definitely accommodate 25ppl and they have a "something for everyone" menu.  Might be your cheapest bet if you are looking for private dining in or near the loop.