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Post by doug on Feb 19, 2008 9:54:08 GMT -5
Okay, we REALLY need to find another meeting location within the next several days...that gives us time to update Meetup with the new location and gives plenty of warning to the Meetup members so they dont show up at Mercury Cafe, which is still advertised as our March meeting spot!
I'm trying to find places via the internet from way out here in the suburbs, but the people that live in or near the city have to keep an eye out for places they may pass every day that could work. The only real criteria that I personally can think of:
- Must be a quiet environment that still allows discussion to take place. - Must be able to seat 30 people minimum - Must be able to reserve the space - Food and/or at least beverages are available for purchase or able to BYO
PLEASE keep an eye out!
Thanks, Doug
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Post by doug on Feb 19, 2008 15:18:24 GMT -5
Okay, both Cece and I have been looking at the same place for a possible meeting site...Goose Island Brewery on Clybourn. Lots of advantages but is pricey!
- Plenty of free parking in the shopping center across the street, and close to the Red Line. - Food and drink available - We'd have a private room...would fit 30 people - Able to hook up A/V equipment if necessary.
Now for the down side: - It's a $300 food/beverage minimum. If people only get $220 in food/beverage, we still need to fork over the extra $80. - This doesn't even guarantee us the room. The only way to absolutely guarantee the room is to purchase a party package that includes food and drink for everyone...these start at $16.95 a person. Also, if we say 20 people will be there and 14 show up, we are still responsible for paying for 20 people...yikes! - The person who makes the reservation is ultimately responsible for the tab...that could really suck for that person.
This is just a suggestion...so lets see what else we can find that is cheaper and/or free!
Doug
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shaun
Junior Contributor
Posts: 73
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Post by shaun on Feb 19, 2008 18:55:30 GMT -5
Unfortunately, I have no clue about Chicago spots to meet at since im out in the South Suburbs.
I looked online but everything seems fairly pricey.
One idea I was thinking about was Rock Bottom Brewery.
I left a message for the director of catering and hopefully I will receive a call from them tomorrow.
They have the State Room which holds up to 40 people, AV compatible, food/drink.
I still need to get more information though and I'm guessing it will be somewhat just like Goose Island Brewery that Doug and Cece have found.
I am good with whatever we decide paying the money once a month is fine by me but it also is tough on the one who books it if we don't have enough people there.
I will let you know all the details tomorrow from Rock Bottom.
Shaun
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Post by Robert on Feb 19, 2008 23:17:00 GMT -5
What about a 24-hour restaurant? I don't really care about these high-priced yuppie places. I found a directory on the Internet: www.abstractpublishing.com/nitelife/northchicago-24food.htmlthe only place I know is in Des Plaines, the Omega Restaurant on Golf Road is pretty good, but the people who live in the city would have a hard time getting there. Robert
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soniapac
New Contributor/over 10
Posts: 10
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Post by soniapac on Feb 20, 2008 0:11:09 GMT -5
There's the Daily Grill on Lincoln Ave. It's in Lincoln Square. Actually there's a lot of places in that area. You can probably find info via metromix. Also PJ Clarkes. They have several locations. One in Streeterville and one in Lincoln Park. I know the one in Streeterville has an upstairs room. Lots of choices as far as food and drinks are not a problem. Also good price range. There's a parking lot right across the street and it's easily reached by public transportation. Also for those coming in from the burbs, it's an easy drive from the Kennedy. They have a website.
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shaun
Junior Contributor
Posts: 73
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Post by shaun on Feb 21, 2008 2:53:40 GMT -5
So I heard back from Rock Bottom and it seems to be more expensive than Goose Island Brewery Sorry guys, Shaun
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Post by Colleen on Feb 21, 2008 18:48:29 GMT -5
Hi guys, Leona's has a location in Wicker Park about a block away from the Mercury Cafe: they have two seperate party rooms- one second floor, one third floor- but I will have to call back tomorrow to get reservation info as the catering department closes at five. Their food is really good and the menu is VERY vegetarian/vegan freindly, they serve great beer, and their prices are pretty reasonable, so I think this might be a great option. The fact that it's so close to our last meeting location is a bonus. I'll post more details tomorrow
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Post by Robert on Feb 21, 2008 22:52:36 GMT -5
Leona's is a pretty good place. There a chain of restaurants. There is one in downtown Des Plaines where I live. Prices are reasonable. A lot of drinks to choose from.
Robert
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Post by Colleen on Feb 22, 2008 17:21:14 GMT -5
Ok, so a $250 deposit is required to book a room, and a final head count and menu selection is required 5 days before the event. We would have the space for 3 hours, the deposit is applied to the final bill, and final payment is due at the end of the event.
They have a 30 person minimum on weekends, and the more flexible menu (two entree options) to allow us to accommodate our vegetarian members would cost us $26.95 per person.
This sounds a bit steeper than the Goose Island Brewery, so let me know what you guys think. We will have to make a decision rather quickly if we choose Leona's, and we obviously won't be able to feed anyone who RSVP's in the 5 days prior to the meeting, which kind of sucks.
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Post by ramadama on Feb 22, 2008 17:53:35 GMT -5
That still seems a bit steep as a per person. With trying to save for a wedding I won't alway's have the luxury to spend almost $30.00 on dinner.
Are there any other 24 hour diner's around?
Kris
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Post by Colleen on Feb 22, 2008 19:35:13 GMT -5
Good news! I just got off the phone with Patrick, the manager at the Gin Mill in Lincoln Park, and he said that letting us use their back room on a Sunday evening is no problem!
No expensive catering packages required, we can just eat and drink whatever we feel like and cover our tab.
It's at 2462 N Lincoln Ave, pretty close actually to the site of the Red Lion. Let me know how you guys feel about this location, and I can set it up!
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Post by Robert on Feb 22, 2008 20:15:40 GMT -5
Sounds pretty good. We can check it out for a meeting, if we like it, then we can come back.
Robert
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Cece
Contributor
Posts: 147
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Post by Cece on Feb 22, 2008 23:40:18 GMT -5
Sounds good to me Colleen!
Yay! You Rock!
--Cece
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shaun
Junior Contributor
Posts: 73
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Post by shaun on Feb 23, 2008 4:37:00 GMT -5
Nice job Colleen!!! I'm cool with this! Shaun
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Post by doug on Feb 25, 2008 9:01:22 GMT -5
You got email, Colleen Please post in here and on Meetup once we have the place reserved. Awesome job! Doug
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Post by Colleen on Feb 26, 2008 18:00:32 GMT -5
Ok, so the manager apparently isn't back in until tomorrow (wednesday) so I will call AGAIN tomorrow to make sure the room is still available, and then I will change the meetup page and email everyone in the group. Cheers
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