Hotel bar and lounge event space in River North
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations for 48 hours after booking, unless the booking is within 48 hours of the event.
Broken Shaker, the Freehand Chicago lobby cocktail bar in River North, Chicago, hosts private parties, birthdays and corporate events for 13 to 140 guests. Planners pick it for an award-winning cocktail bar with room to grow, from a small cafe group to a combined bar and lounge reception.
Groups can book four areas. The Broken Shaker Cafe holds 35 standing or 20 seated, the bar holds 40 standing or 25 seated, and the lounge holds 105 standing or 80 seated. The bar and lounge combine into the largest event space, for 140 standing or 125 seated. The hotel offers both private and semi-private options.
Food and drink are handled in-house: handcrafted cocktails made with house infusions and syrups, zero-proof drinks, and street-food style bites such as a Chicago-style hot dog and cheese mushroom tacos. A late-2025 redesign gave the room a dim, speakeasy feel with a black bar, yellow velvets and greenery. An in-house sound system, mics and a DJ console are on hand for a happy hour or party, and DJ equipment can be rented.
Events are planned with an event coordinator, who is the main contact from the first inquiry to the night itself. Outside food can be allowed for private events for a fee. Events end by 2 AM. Self-parking is half a block east, and the Grand stop on the CTA Red Line is two blocks away.
Groups of 13 or more can book the Broken Shaker bar, its lounge, both together, or the lobby cafe at Freehand Chicago. An event coordinator works with each group from inquiry to the event, and food and drinks come from the in-house kitchen and bar. Events end by 2 AM.
4 spaces, smallest first. Prices are starting rates before taxes and fees.
Up to 35 · Semi-private
35max
Semi-private
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19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Up to 40 · Semi-private
40max
Semi-private
Up to 105 · Semi-private
105max
Semi-private
Up to 140 · Private
140max
Private
Audio Setup
Cocktail Lounge
Craft Cocktails
Dj
Live Music
Mixology
Open Late
Zero-proof
Good for: birthday, company party, happy hour