Celebrate Your Engagement at Ten Cat Tavern — Lakeview’s Most Charming Free Party Venue
Planning an engagement party in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and looking for a space that feels warm, intimate, and filled with character? Ten Cat Tavern offers the perfect setting to celebrate your love — without the stress, price tags, or rigid rules that usually come with hosting a big event. Our tavern is known for its eclectic charm, cozy rooms, beautiful beer garden, and decades-long reputation as a Lakeview classic since 1991.
Whether you’re hosting a casual engagement gathering, a surprise celebration, or a full-on engagement bash for all your friends, Ten Cat Tavern gives you a free private back room, flexible planning, a welcoming atmosphere, and a neighborhood vibe your guests will absolutely love.
Why Couples Choose Ten Cat Tavern for Engagement Parties
❤️ Free Private Back Room — No Fees, No Minimums
It’s your engagement… you shouldn’t have to pay a bar just to celebrate it.
Unlike most venues in Chicago, Ten Cat Tavern offers its charming back room 100% free — no room rental, no deposits, no food packages, and no bar minimums.
If you’re looking for a Lakeview engagement party venue that lets you celebrate without draining your budget before the wedding planning even begins, this is the place.
🍾 Perfect Atmosphere for Celebrating With Friends & Family
Ten Cat Tavern doesn’t feel like a banquet hall or a restaurant. It feels like a cozy house party inside a lived-in, character-filled space, which is exactly why engagement parties shine here.
Our back room has the warmth of an old Chicago home — because it is one. With vintage wood, eclectic decor, and a layout that keeps conversations flowing, your guests will feel a mix of comfort and excitement from the moment they walk in.
And because the tavern itself has multiple rooms, your group can spread out, mingle, and enjoy the night in a naturally social setting.
🌿 Direct Access to Our Ivy-Lined Beer Garden
Few engagement venues in Lakeview offer a bonus like this:
Your private back room opens into a beautiful beer garden lined with ivy, cozy seating, and ambient lighting.
It’s the perfect spot for:
Engagement photos
Champagne toasts
Group pictures
A quiet moment with your partner
Guests who want fresh air without leaving the party
While the beer garden remains open to the public, our team is happy to reserve a block of tables for your celebration so your guests feel right at home.
🍻 Great Drinks, Local Craft Beer & Easy Service
Ten Cat Tavern is known for its thoughtful drink menu, featuring:
Chicago craft favorites like Maplewood Son of Juice, Revolution Brewing’s Anti-Hero & Cold Time, and Dovetail
Eight rotating Chicago beers on draft
Classics like Miller Lite, Modelo, Guinness, Old Style, Stella, Blue Moon, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light
$10 Chicago Handshakes during special events
$4 Old Style & PBR specials depending on the night
Our bartenders keep the service fast, friendly, and fun — which means your engagement celebration never slows down.
🥪 Bring Your Own Food — Any Style You Want
Your engagement party should reflect you.
That’s why we let you bring in any food you’d like:
Catering
Pizza
Charcuterie
Homemade dishes
Desserts & celebration cakes
No restrictions. No service fees. No required packages.
Just enjoy your night and feed your people however you want.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
If you're a dog-loving couple, good news:
Ten Cat Tavern is proudly dog-friendly.
Your best friend (four-legged version) is welcome to join the celebration and pose for engagement photos in the beer garden or back room.
The Ideal Engagement Party Spot for Every Couple
Whether you want your engagement party to be chill, lively, quirky, or elegant, Ten Cat Tavern adapts to your vibe. Our layout makes it easy to mix and match:
Private back room for your core group
Beer garden for photo ops and outdoor energy
Pool tables & games for guests who love a little friendly competition
Front tavern for those who enjoy classic Chicago bar ambiance
Your celebration feels spacious, yet personal — a perfect match for couples who want a memorable night without a stuffy environment.
A Neighborhood Classic Since 1991
Ten Cat Tavern has a long, beloved history in Lakeview. Over the years, countless couples have met here, toasted milestones here, and brought their celebrations into our back room. Engagement parties especially fit the space — intimate, meaningful gatherings held in a place with soul.
Your guests will feel like they’ve walked into one of Chicago’s best hidden gems.
What People Say About Hosting Events at Ten Cat Tavern
Guests and hosts consistently rave about how easy — and special — it is to plan an event here:
“We hosted a party in the back room and it was beyond perfect. Loved being able to bring food, decorate, and make it our own. Staff was amazing and the night was unforgettable.”
“The vibe is unbeatable. It feels like your own private house party inside a bar. Everyone loved it.”
How to Book Your Free Engagement Party Space
Booking is simple — and spots fill quickly, especially on weekends.
1. Pick a Date
Whether you're planning a Friday night celebration or a casual Sunday gathering, choose your ideal day.
2. Reach Out to Reserve
Call or email us to book the back room:
📞 773-217-0421
📧 TenCatEvents@gmail.com
We’ll confirm availability and walk you through any details.
3. Bring Your Food, Decorations & People
We take care of the drinks — you take care of the fun.
4. Celebrate Without Stress
No fees. No minimums. No surprises.
Just a warm, memorable engagement party your guests will talk about for years.
Celebrate Love. Celebrate Your Story. Celebrate at Ten Cat Tavern.
If you're looking for an engagement party bar in Lakeview with charm, character, affordability, and a free private room, Ten Cat Tavern is the perfect choice.
Book today — your celebration deserves a place with heart.