Chicago Party Venue | Host Private Events at Tommy’s

Planning a birthday, graduation, retirement party, work event, fantasy draft, or just an overdue get-together? If you’re searching for a Chicago party venue that feels relaxed, affordable, and actually fun, Tommy’s on Higgins might be exactly what you’re looking for.

We’re not a banquet hall. We’re not a stuffy event space. We’re a real Chicago neighborhood bar with a private back room that knows how to throw a good time.

Here’s how to host the perfect private event at Tommy’s on Higgins.

Why Tommy’s Is a Smart Choice for Private Events in Chicago

If you’ve read our post on Top 5 Reasons Locals Love Tommy’s on Higgins, you already know we take pride in food, service, and keeping things affordable. When it comes to bar rental and private events in Chicago, that same mindset carries over.

When you reserve the back room, you get:

1. Exclusive access to our back space: Your group has its own dedicated area. No fighting for tables. No squeezing into corners.

2. Access to one 80” TV and three 42” TVs: Perfect for streaming a Bears game, playing a slideshow, running trivia, or showing your fantasy football draft board.

3. Two brand-new electric dart boards: Friendly competition is strongly encouraged. Trash talk optional.

4. A brand-new pool table: Great for keeping the energy up without everyone being glued to their phones.

5. Golden Tee golf game: Because nothing settles bragging rights like a digital long drive contest.

6. Exclusive drink and food packages: We offer custom food and drink deals based on your group size. Affordable, flexible, and designed to keep things simple.

7. Dedicated tables and seating reserved just for your party: Whether you’re hosting 15 people or pushing toward 100, the space adapts to your group.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Party You’re Throwing

Tommy’s works for more than just birthdays. We’ve hosted:

• Fantasy football drafts

• Bachelor and bachelorette pre-parties

• Retirement celebrations

• Company outings

• Graduation parties

• Game-day watch parties

• Holiday gatherings

And more!

The flexibility of the space is what makes it one of the most practical Chicago bar rental options around Norwood Park and the Northwest Side.

If you want something more laid-back than a formal banquet hall but more organized than “let’s just show up somewhere,” this is the sweet spot.

Step 2: Lock in the Details Early

Here’s the important booking info to keep things smooth:

📌 Advance Notice: Reservations must be requested at least 24 hours in advance.

📌 Guest Count: We accommodate groups of up to 100 people.

📌 Pricing & Packages: Food and drink specials for large groups are available. Just ask when you call.

We keep it simple. Call the bar directly, talk through your headcount, and we’ll walk you through your options.

No complicated contracts. No hidden nonsense.

Step 3: Customize Your Food and Drink Setup

One of the biggest advantages of hosting a private event at Tommy’s is the value.

Instead of everyone ordering separately and running up tabs, you can coordinate exclusive drink and food packages designed for your group size.

Think:

• Beer buckets

• Wing trays

• Burger trays

• Rib specials

• Pizza spreads

• Appetizer samplers

If you’ve read our dive bar breakdown in Best Dive Bars in Chicago – Why Tommy’s Tops the List, you know affordability is something locals consistently mention in reviews. That same value applies to private events.

You get real food, real portions, and real drink specials without downtown pricing.

Step 4: Make It Interactive

The best private events are not just standing around with drinks. They have something happening.

With darts, pool, Golden Tee, and multiple TVs, your group can:

• Run a dart tournament bracket

• Set up a pool competition

• Stream a live sporting event

• Play music videos or a custom playlist

• Show a slideshow for a birthday or retirement

The layout makes it easy for people to move around, mingle, and still feel connected to the party.

Why Tommy’s Works So Well for Chicago Sports Parties

Chicago runs on sports. If you’re planning a watch party, the back room setup is ideal.

• One 80-inch screen as the focal point

• Three additional 42-inch TVs

• Plenty of seating

• Food packages to keep everyone fed

• Drinks flowing without chaos

Whether it’s the Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, or a big college matchup, you won’t miss a play.

How Tommy’s Compares to Other Chicago Party Venues

A lot of Chicago private event spaces fall into two categories:

1. Excessive banquet-style venues

2. Trendy cocktail bars with unreasonably high minimum spend requirements

Tommy’s sits in a different lane.

• Neighborhood atmosphere

• Straightforward pricing

• Flexible packages

• Casual but organized

• Easy access from Norwood Park and surrounding neighborhoods

It feels like your own private bar without the corporate vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hosting a Private Event at Tommy’s

How far in advance do I need to book a private event? Reservations must be requested at least 24 hours in advance, though earlier is always better for larger groups.

How many guests can the back room accommodate? We can host groups of up to 100 people.

Are food and drink packages required? Packages are available and highly recommended for large groups, but details can be customized when you call.

Ready to Book Your Party?

If you’re looking for a Chicago party venue, bar rental, or space for private events in Norwood Park, Tommy’s on Higgins offers something simple and rare - a place where your group can relax, compete, eat well, and actually enjoy the night.

Call the bar directly to check availability, discuss headcount, and build your food and drink package. You can see our contact information and other information here on our website.

We’ll handle the rest. You just bring the people.