Question 1

When is The U & The Grand U open?

Accepted Answer

The venues are available for events every day from 10am-midnight. Contact us directly for rental rates after midnight. 
 
Tours are facilitated by appointments only.

Question 2

What’s the capacity for both  The U & The Grand U?

Accepted Answer

While the Venue is approved for up to 99 guests under Illinois fire code, events hosted at The U Bar are capped at 50 guests maximum per rental. This ensures the intimate lounge atmosphere and service experience we are known for. This venue is designed for cocktail style events; cocktail tables with a few barstools and oversize lounge furniture.

The Grand U - MAX legal capacity for an event is 220 people standing and 150 -175 seated.

Question 3

Do I need to hire an event planner or Coordinator?

Accepted Answer

No an event planner/coordinator is not required, but you are more than welcome to hire one.. We pride ourselves on providing an elegant space that will enhance any event and we are always here to help.

Question 4

Can I bring in outside catering?

Accepted Answer

At Events At The U, we have an open-vendor policy. You are able to bring in any vendor that you would like, including the caterer of your choice, with no restrictions.

Question 5

Are there any restrictions on decorations?

Accepted Answer

No confetti/glitter/open flames; no balloon spray, no adhesives on walls/ceilings; damage/cleanup deducted from deposit.

Question 6

What is your alcohol policy?

Accepted Answer

All alcohol must be provided and served from The U Bar. No outside alcohol permitted. Translation: no sneaky flasks, no ‘little bottles’ tucked in your purse, and yes — we know why you’re asking for extra cups of ice. We’ve seen it all and love a bargain too, but we love our liquor license (and making money) even more.  Seriously, if you are caught with outside alcohol you will forfeit your security deposit.

Our licensed bartender is there to serve your guests is included in your rate. Tips are not included and very much appreciated.

Question 7

How do I book my event?

Accepted Answer

Bookings can be done in person at the building, or over the phone, or online. For payment plan options, please make your reservation at the building or over the phone with one of our representatives.

Question 8

Do you host children parties?

Accepted Answer

Events At The U is an adult only venue. You must 21 to enter the venue due to the gaming on the lower floor.

The Grand U -  welcomes children as a guests to attend any event hosted for adults 21 yrs and older.

However, we do not host parties for children.

Question 9

Do I need to bring a DJ?

Accepted Answer

The Venue provides a professional, in-house sound system. for a House Fee of $100 per event. DJs must bring their own mixers/controllers. Venue staff will supervise setup and connection. Client assumes full responsibility for damages, misuse, or improper connections. Unauthorized tampering with the system may result in immediate event shutdown and forfeiture of deposits.

If you choose to book The Venue’s in-house DJ, the House Sound Fee is waived.  Our house Dj rate is $50/hr for parties & $100/hr for weddings & receptions.

Question 10

Can I come take a tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We would love the opportunity to show you the venue and discuss the details of your event. Tours are by appointment only.

Question 11

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

All sales are final. Once you are booked there is no refund of money upon cancellation or rescheduling. If you need to cancel and if your event is more than 90 days away and paid in full, we can issue you a building credit. Building credits must be activated within 90 days from the day that you made your initial booking. This applies regardless of when your initial event date was scheduled or how far out you cancelled. Your building credit is only valid for 90 days from the date that you made the original booking.

Question 12

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer payment plans and we are happy to work with you. An initial deposit is due at the time of booking and you have the option to pay in full or to set up a monthly payment plan. For specific information, please contact the building directly. If you are booking within 3 months of your event, full payment is due at the time of booking.

Question 13

What's included with each reservation?

Accepted Answer

Both venues  provides a professional, in-house sound system for an additional $100: wireless microphone, and projector,  Wifi, bartending services, a small food warming cabinet, 5 oversized leather lounge chairs, a projector, DJ booth, (7) high top tables and barstools.

The Grand U includes,  prep kitchen with microwave, sink, large food warming cabinet, and refrigerator, a private patio smoking area , 2 dressing rooms, bartending services, Entertainment Package: high quality surround system, party lights, fog machine, a wireless microphone, and a wireless projector.

If you choose to book The Venue’s in-house DJ, the $100 House Sound Fee is waived.

Question 14

Do you provide any furniture?

Accepted Answer

The venue does come with 4 large size cushion chairs and 2 small tables. We also have the following items for rent: 6’ banquet tables, 65 chiavari chairs, 30” round bar tables, black bar stools.

Question 15

Do you have a catering kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Both venues  provides a prep space that features a sink, refrigerator (microwave at The Grand U) and counter space. We also provide ice the use of a warming cabinet for food as needed, but we  are not equipped with a stove or oven and do not allow any cooking of any kind on premises. Caterers should be prepared to bring the food in hot containers to keep it warm or to place in our food warming cabinets for your event.

Question 16

Can we bring in food from home or do a potluck?

Accepted Answer

The U Bar -  Outside food is only allowed with a $300 bar tab minimum. If you bring in food, you’re also supporting the bar.

The Grand U - You and your guests are welcome to bring in your own food including homemade items if you would like.  Just remember: our prep kitchen is for plating, not cooking. We do not provide any serving utensils.

Question 17

Are animals allowed?

Accepted Answer

With the exception of service animals, we do not allow animals.

Question 18

Do you allow candles?

Accepted Answer

Open flames are not allowed anywhere in the building. We do allow floating candles.

Question 19

Am I responsible for clean up?

Accepted Answer

The U will clean the space before and after your event; sweeping, mopping, detailing the bathroom, and taking care of any necessary repairs. In order to get your full security deposit back, you (or your caterer) must complete the following break down procedures immediately following your event:
 
All items brought in and used the day of our event must be removed from the premises by the end of your rental time. You are not permitted to leave anything on site after the contracted end time.
 
The U tables and chairs must be cleaned and cleared of tableclothes and chair covers.
The space will be delivered clean and at the end of your event we expect it to be given back in a neat debris free condition.  Broom swept, trash contained and thrown away is all that is necessary.
If you purchased one of our party packages, you will just need to take your food and trash and we will take of the rest.

Question 20

Can I come in early to decorate?

Accepted Answer

You are welcomed to have your decorator setup, your caterer drop off food or have your DJ arrive at least one hour before your event starts. Any more time will need to paid. We charge $100/hr for additional prep time. 
Need to drop off cakes, décor, or supplies outside of your rental time? No problem —  $75  and it’s safe with us.

Question 21

Will venue staff set up my décor if i drop it off?

Accepted Answer

For your personal decor, we think it’s best that you have someone who is close to you and has been involved with your creative process come in and set up your personal items during your time block.

Question 22

Are there any items not permitted at the premises?

Accepted Answer

No confetti, rice, fireworks, propane, or grilling allowed. No weapons of any kind. No drugs.

Question 23

Do you have a projector?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a projector that is connected to our subwoof speakers that provides quality sound. See price list for rental cost.

Question 24

Is smoking allowed?

Accepted Answer

This is a smoke-free space indoors. Cannabis/marijuana is prohibited everywhere on the property (indoors, outdoors, and parking lot). Illinois law says no, and so we have to no as well.

Tobacco is allowed only in the designated area outdoor patio. (cigars, cigarettes, vape, hookahs are all welcome.)

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