It’s your year to entertain friends and family for the holidays? Forget trying to cook a meal fit for a dozen. Instead, head out to these group-friendly spots, where the host won’t turn up his nose at your entourage, and large tables are yours for the taking.
For throngs of toasty tasters
Cozy couches, fireplaces and helpful servers make The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars (1415 W. Randolph St. 312-942-1313) a place for seasonal gatherings. Windows at one end of the second-floor space provide glimmering views of the skyline. Take advantage of your sizeable crew by trying out full bottles of wine.
Crowd pleaser: Try the Spanish queso flight, a combo of manchego, Iberico and cabralas cheeses ($15).
For swarms of total Squares
Start a mini-Lincoln Square tour with eats at oh-so-cute Square Kitchen (4600 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-751-1500). Don’t be deceived by the small space when you enter; a partially walled-off room on the restaurant’s other side has plenty of options for your crew. Or, get as rowdy as you want while seated at the enormous tables at Chicago Brauhaus (4732 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-784-4444).
Crowd pleaser: Fill up on Square food like the mac and cheese ($3.50).
For leagues of Latin-lovers
Located on an otherwise nightspot-scarce stretch of Ashland Avenue (though nearby shop RR#1’s great for holiday gifting), cavernous Hacienda Tecalitlan (820 N. Ashland Ave. 312-243-6667) boasts both the smells and spaciousness of a Mexican villa. Stucco arches, a fountain and a courtyard-like dining room create a south of the border enclave in the middle of West Town. Menu items include typical fare such as enchiladas suizas and mole dishes. For an added bonus, swing by with your friends and family on Friday and Saturday nights for live music and dancing.
Crowd pleaser: Get steamed up with a succulent meat or veggie fajita plate ($12.95).
For slews of small-platers
Get there early enough, and group tables at two-story 1492 Tapas Bar (42 E. Superior St. 312-867-1492) are yours for the taking. The small-plate craze may be getting out of hand in Chicago, but that doesn’t make sharing Spanish dishes any less fun. Besides, tapas are the original small plates. Got a frugal group? Go on Mondays, when house wine pitchers are just $6, or try Wednesdays for $4 margaritas.
Crowd pleaser: Go basic but tasty with a pitcher of sangria ($17).
For the ranks of ale raisers
Delicious thin-crust pizzas and house-brewed beers make Piece (1927 W. North Ave. 773-772-4422) a cheap date for you and a dozen of your closest friends. Long tables provide plenty of space, and the constant buzz means you can dodge conversation if you’re tired of your guests. For real holiday memories, visit on Saturday, when you and your loved ones can try outsinging one another at live-band karaoke.
Crowd pleaser: Not feeling saucy? Try the white pizza with olive oil, garlic and mozzarella ($10.50-$16.50).
For schools of fish-fans
Show out-of-towners Chicago knows sushi at Bob San (1805 W. Division St. 773-235-8888), where tables can be grouped to accommodate large parties; just call ahead. This spot’s showy enough to impress–see the waterfall sculpture–but relaxed enough to feel comfortable with a big group. Service can be spotty, though, so maybe leave crotchety Aunt Mabel home.
Crowd pleaser: Go outside the bento box with an app of pan-fried scallops ($8.95).
