Restaurant for Memorial?

Question

Hi all!

I'm a Chicagoan, but I'm trying to help one of my friends plan a memorial for her mother. She also lives in Chicago so she doesn't know where to start looking.

She's hoping for late March.

2-4p in the afternoon

40+ guests (some of which will have mobility issues)

Budget around $5k

Does anyone know of any nice restaurants or spaces where she could enquire? Any info is helpful!

Thank you! She's the sweetest lady so I want to try to support her as much as I can during her mourning.

UPDATE: for neighborhood location, she says anywhere between the art district and westwood. THANK YOU for all the guidance so far!!

florentine · Answer

for that budget and headcount, check out the patio at the Culver City location of Father's Office. it's got that industrial loft vibe, plenty of room for a 40 person group, and they're used to semi private buyouts. the food's solid too, burgers and beer, but they'll let you do a custom menu if you ask. parking's a bit tight though, so maybe arrange a shuttle or valet for the older guests.

another spot to look at is the back room at the Churchill in Westwood. it's a British pub, dark wood, cozy, and they've got a separate event space that fits your number. they do a pretty good afternoon tea spread which might feel more fitting for a memorial, plus it's right off Wilshire so it's easy to get to. just be aware it gets loud during happy hour, but at 2pm on a Sunday it should be chill.

if she wants something with more of a garden feel, the Getty Center's restaurant is technically a museum space but they host private events all the time. the view alone is worth it, and the tram handles the mobility issue for anyone who can't do stairs. you'd probably hit close to your budget with the room rental, but it's a stunning setting for a memorial.

viola · Answer

Depends on what kind of memorial you're having. Big fancy affair? Small intimate gathering? Budget? Need more info!

nina · Answer

honestly for a memorial that size in that range, maybe skip the formal restaurant route and look at renting a room at a local community center or even a church hall with catering. places like the Ebell of LA in the art district have gorgeous old rooms that feel special but cost way less than restaurant minimums, and you can bring in whoever you want for food. my cousin did something similar for her dad, had a taco guy and everything, came in under budget and people could move around easy.

dorotheanoe · Answer

Adding to the options, the California Club isn't open to the public, but her hotel's concierge might pull strings if she's staying somewhere nice, which could be a stretch. For something more practical, the Culver City location of Samosa House is a hidden gem. It's a large, open Indian spot with a full banquet hall in the back, they handle big groups all the time, and the vegetarian thali setup is easy for people to grab at their own pace. The parking lot is flat and right there, which helps with mobility, and a $5k budget goes a long way there, you could even cover a few extra trays for late arrivals.

Another thought is the Fowler Museum at UCLA. It's not a restaurant, but they have a courtyard and a catering partner, and the Westwood location means it's central for her range. The key is the museum is completely flat inside and out, no stairs at all, and the staff is used to hosting low key events. You'd be paying for the space and a caterer separately, but with 40 people and $5k, you can get a solid spread from a place like Clementine or even a taco cart, which feels more personal anyway. March afternoons there are usually quiet, so it won't feel rushed.

louise · Answer

The Culver City and Westwood suggestions are solid, but for a group that size with mobility concerns, I'd also look at the private dining room at L&E Oyster Bar in Silver Lake. It's on the second floor but there's an elevator, and the staff is really used to handling events like this with care. The space feels warm and intimate without being cramped, and they'll work with you on a set menu around that budget.

Another option that flies under the radar is the back patio at Faith & Flower in the art district. It's got that classic LA indoor-outdoor feel, the acoustics are decent for a larger group, and they're super accommodating about seating for older guests. The food is upscale but not stuffy, and the service tends to be really attentive during afternoon hours when the place isn't packed.

If she wants something with a bit more of a view, the rooftop at the Ace Hotel downtown has a semi private area that fits 40, though it can get breezy in March. The upside is it's flat and accessible, and the vibe is calm in the afternoon before the evening crowd rolls in. Just know the minimums there can push the budget if people drink a lot, so it's worth asking about a food-only package.

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