Hi- I love your website and I thought you might be a helpful resource for my newest problem. I’m trying to plan a fun bachelorette party, and my biggest problem is finding a venue for our meal. Dinner is already a problem because many places won’t do separate checks for a group, and we need a place with the right “bachelorette party vibe.” Any suggestions? I’d appreciate any suggestions! Thanks so much.
- Lindsey

Hey Lindsey! So, the bachelorette party vibe is an easy one for us, but you had us stumped with the “separate checks for a group” thing. So, we did some digging around and found a couple of places that meet both your criteria for having fun, but also keeping arguments over the check to a minimum.

But first, we wanted to add in a few tips for making sure this all goes smoothly and does not devolve into a cat-fight with the guests or the restaurant. We would reccommend asking the guests in advance to bring cash if possible. According to this Tribune article, restaurants are a bit more forgiving if they don’t have to run 10 different credit cards and pay for 10 credit card fees, as opposed to one or two. Also, make sure to let the server or management know up front that you would like separate bills and make it clear what goes on whose tab when you are ordering. You may think you’re pulling a sneak attack move by waiting until the end of the meal, but trust us, this is not cool, as it slows down the server, which is not courteous to him or the other patrons. As PLRGs, we are always splitting checks, so if all of us make sure to practice proper bill-spliting etiquette, there will no longer be menus in Chicago that read “no itemizing checks.”

Now, on to the party. Here are our top picks:

What would a drag show be without disco balls?

If you’re going for the quintessential bachelorette party theme (drag queens, items shaped like penises and fruity martinis) then Kit Kat Lounge, with it’s modern/girly vibe, is the place to be. They have the b-party down to a science here, with dinner packages, already put together for you and your party. Packages range from $35-$55 person, and include everything from apps to entrees to desserts and martinis all with names like the Mae West (southern fried chicken) and the Ginger Rogers (alaskan halibut). So, you can collect money in advance and make paying the check at the end of the meal a breeze. You’ll be entertained by drag performers during your dinner (who will give even you lovely ladies a run for your money, we swear!) or you can book reservation for the special Sinzation male revue dinner show. It’s like a one stop shop for bachelorette party planning!

The Crescent Room at Tizi Melloul.

If you’re looking for something a little different that will really wow the guests, Tizi Melloul, downtown will score you major points. You’d do fine there with just a regular old reservation, but it’s worth it to call ahead and try to book the Crescent Room (seats 15-25ppl)- it’s super fancy, with low seating, inspired by traditional Moroccan decor. Whether you book the dining room or the crescent room, you can order from various “family style” menus ranging from $35-$50 per person, which include items like hummus, mussels, salmon skewers and even chocolate fondue with marshmallows for dessert! Bar packages can be added, starting at just $15/hour for beer and wine, as well as entertainment options such as belly dancers and tarot card readers for an additional charge. Once again, this package pricing makes it really simple to divide up what is owed, since everyone owes the same amount!

The dining room at Mercadito.

The next two spots would really depend on your guests taste in food. Coast Sushi in Bucktown is able to accommodate big groups, will split checks and it’s BYOB, so you can coordinate wine/alcohol purchasing before hand,eliminating the awkwardness when the bill comes. Their menu prices range from $5-$20, so there is something for every budget. Mercadito in River North is also a great spot for large groups, and actually requires that you order off of a prix fixe menu for groups of seven or more. The menu options range in price from $30-$45 per person and includes top notch Mexican cuisine like mango guacamole and rosemary marinated steak tacos.

Do any of you PLRGs out there have any other suggestions for Lindsey?

Originally published March 19, 2010.