Where to Find BYOB in Chicago For Your Dinner Or Event

Bring your own bottle (BYOB) venues are a great way to save a little money when going out with friends. Not to mention BYOB means you can be sure you get to drink exactly what you like! But how do venues with BYOB in Chicago work? There are a few rules to be aware of, like maximum bottle sizes and the possibility of not being able to bring a cooler. BYOB venues also include more than just restaurants and bars in Chicago!

Let Peerspace guide you through finding just the right BYOB Chicago venue for your upcoming special event. Our website helps people celebrate events in style with event venues you can book plus ideas for party planning. So let us give you a hand!

Is BYOB allowed in Chicago?

Chicago is a very BYOB-friendly city! There are thousands of restaurants here that let you bring a bottle instead of buying what they have on hand. BYOB is great for both the public and the restaurants. People can bring exactly what they like instead of hoping a restaurant will have something to their liking.

Plus, a bottle from the liquor store is going to be significantly cheaper versus the price a restaurant charges. Restaurants also get to save money since they don’t need to have a liquor license to have BYOB policies!

Want to host your event in a completely private and grand setting? Then you need to check out our guide on where to rent a mansion in Chicago.

BYOB-friendly venues in Chicago

What kind of venues are out there for a BYOB event? Restaurants and bars are the obvious choice. But you can easily host a birthday party or wedding reception where you want to bring the alcohol at a loft, rooftop event venue, or studio that is BYOB-friendly. 

Art studios that allow you to bring a few drinks are increasingly common these days. Beer yoga classes have to be held in a similar space like a brewery or yoga studio with BYOB-friendly policies. Many art galleries and museums that allow private venue rentals also have BYOB policies if you don’t want to work through their caterers.

That said, you may be expected to book an actual bartender or other professional to serve drinks. Be sure to inquire with the venue before committing to the booking, even if they advertise the space as BYOB-friendly!

What should I expect at a BYOB Chicago restaurant?

Restaurants with BYOB policies often charge a corkage fee that’s anywhere from $5 to $100. This covers the cost of glasses and services associated with alcohol use. The restaurant also gets to make a little money even if guests aren’t buying alcohol. 

If the venue charges a corkage fee then they should have a liquor license since they are technically handling the bottles at your request. That said, some venues charge a corkage fee anyway as a way to make a few bucks from guests despite not having a liquor license. 

What venues are BYOB-friendly in Chicago?

Looking for BYOB Chicago venues? It turns out the Windy City has thousands to choose from but here are a few of our favorites!

BYOB restaurants

Lovers of Chinese BBQ should check out Sun Wah BBQ, a Hong Kong-style eatery with a BYOB policy. Steamed buns, sweet and sour pork, bone broth soup, and other Cantonese classics are what’s on offer here! Sun Wah does allow BYOB in the form of wines and champagne with a $15 corkage fee on each bottle (750ml max size). 

Did you know that Chicago is home to multiple Michelin-star restaurants? The Michelin Guide is a favorite of fine diners throughout the world for reviewing restaurants offering top-quality meals in a luxurious space. El Ideas is a BYOB Chicago venue featured in the Michelin guide with seasonal New American-style cuisine prepared artistically!

Sustainability and locally sourced fresh ingredients are the basis for Chilam Balam, a Mexican restaurant with BYOB-friendly policies in Chicago! The name is a Mayan term that loosely translates to “Book of the Jaguar Priest” and reflects on the importance of sustainability. Chilam Balam’s menu consists of shareable plates with enough food to go around. Since they do not serve alcohol you’re welcome to bring a single 750 ml bottle or pack of beer per party of two. Given the space limitations, Chilam Balam asks that you don’t bring a cooler inside of the restaurant.

Schwa is an ultra-casual restaurant that aims to remove the barriers between staff and guests! The chefs are also the servers and the menu items are designed with artistry in mind. You’ll be engaging as much with the staff as with each other during the meal, who are all casually dressed and enjoying the loud music as much as you are. Their BYOB-friendly policies include providing wine glasses and staff that are willing to do shots with you!

Crisp Chicago is a BYOB restaurant that’s guaranteed to have something for everyone on their menu! Crispy fried chicken is their specialty but buddha bowls will satisfy the plant-based eaters in your party! Sauce flavors include buff mild, sassy, and suicide hot! The restaurant is a little small on the inside but you can always enjoy beer and wings with friends at one of their larger picnic tables!

BYOB creative spaces

Looking for a BYOB-friendly creative space in Chicago? Check out Indigo and Violet Studio for your next artistic event! It is a wonderful place to host an art party where you want to include a few drinks, such as a paint and sip class or a DIY charm bracelet course as part of a bachelorette party! Both their private event rentals and their public workshops are BYOB so you’re free to weave Indigo and Violet into any kind of event planning!

Check out these creative sip-and-paint party ideas to add an interactive element to your next BYOB event!

Book a private BYOB venue in Chicago with Peerspace

As nice as public restaurants, bars, and studios can be, a venue booked through Peerspace offers several advantages.

You don’t need to coordinate with the venue

Restaurants with BYOB policies are great – most of the time. But all BYOB establishments in Chicago have to follow very strict rules to maintain the practice. If a restaurant does not have a liquor license then they can’t so much as touch your bottle of wine, beer, or sake. That sounds okay in theory until you want your bottle kept chilled or warmed up. Or you need a stubborn cork removed. The restaurant staff won’t be able to accommodate you at all.

 By booking a BYOB venue with Peerspace, not only can you do it all yourself; the venue may even have wine chillers and other amenities with BYOB events in mind! Browse the included amenities with each listing to ensure it is up to your standards.

You don’t have to share bar service with anyone!

Another benefit of booking your own BYOB Chicago venue through Peerspace is that you’ll have staff on hand who are dedicated to your special event. That might mean you’re celebrating a wedding, want some drinks for a private bachelorette party, or want a birthday party to remember. Regardless, you can include staff to serve drinks that won’t be asking you to wait while they serve strangers, like what happens at a public venue!

One example is this comedy club and theater in Rogers Park, Chicago! For an additional fee, you can have bar service available for your special event that’s fully focused on serving you and your guests. 

A private Peerspace venue means you also won’t be sharing the space with the public. Everyone attending is someone on your guest list and you can make as much noise as you want!

Peerspace BYOB Chicago venues are fully customizable

When you book a BYOB venue through Peerspace you can take charge of the entire venue! From the decorations to the bartender, each element is yours to control. Bookings through Peerspace are typically 2-4 hours minimum, unlike many restaurants and bars that may require you to reserve the entire day for an event.

Many of our venues like this West Loop modern speakeasy allow you to bring your own bartender. You can have someone well versed in Prohibition-style cocktails, say, or bring a sommelier if you intend on hosting a wine-tasting party! 

Finding BYOB in Chicago: conclusion

As you can see, bringing your own beverage to an event venue in Chicago has never been easier! When you find a space that looks good, don’t forget to inquire about any restrictions, like maximum bottle sizes or whether you need an expert bartender on hand to serve drinks.

For a wedding reception or other private party, think about booking a BYOB Chicago venue through Peerspace instead! As the nation’s leading online marketplace for event venues near you, we have spaces with all kinds of amenities ready to help you celebrate in style!

Find unique event venues in Chicago for your BYOB gathering on Peerspace