Venue Website:
https://www.lpzoo.org/venue/cafe-brauer/
Venue Reviews: The Knot
Venue Address:
2021 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Venue Cost: $$$
Cafe Brauer originally opened in 1908 and was one of the most popular restaurants in the city for much of it’s early years. Designed by architect Dwight H. Perkins and it’s construction funded by the Brauer family it came to be considered to be among the best of the Prairie School of designs.
By the 1940’s the original restaurant had closed but the main ballroom continued to provide a recreational space for dancing. By the 1960’s however, the building was mainly used for storage but still maintained a small theater on the second floor and cafeteria on the first. It largely remained this way until the 1980’s.
In 1986 the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and a year later a multi million dollar restoration project was started by the Lincoln Park Zoo Society. The restoration returned the main ballroom to an event space and the first floor cafeteria was converted to a family restaurant and ice cream parlor.
Café Brauer receive Chicago Landmark status in 2003 and continues to be used as an event space and maintains a restaurant on the first floor.
Spaces at Cafe Brauer
Café Brauer has three spaces to choose from for your ceremony and reception. Outdoor ceremonies or receptions can be held on either the North or South Loggia. Indoor ceremonies or receptions can take place in the Great Hall.
Capacities:
The Great Hall can accommodate 250 guests for ceremonies or seated dinners with dance floor.
The North and South Loggias can each accommodate 160 guest ceremonies or 200 guest receptions.
Cafe Brauer Wedding pricing
Weddings at Café Brauer start at approximately $3500 for off season dates and $4500 for peak season dates. For detailed pricing you will need contact Lincoln Park Zoo Events directly through their website.
