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Students Making Fettuccine Pasta

Host a Cooking Event Your Guests Will Never Forget

Engaging, hands-on, and hassle-free - our private cooking events are perfect for team building or celebrating any occasion in style.

EVENTS

From Team Building to Toast-Worthy Celebrations

With nearly 30 years of experience, professional chefs, and seamless planning, The Chopping Block is Chicago’s go-to destination
for interactive, unforgettable events that outshine the ordinary - we know how to do it right.
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Corporate Events
private-events
Social Events
cocktail-classes Wine & Cocktail Events
 
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Virtual Events

Warm, Versatile Kitchens in Lincoln Square - Designed for Memorable Parties

  • Cozy, approachable kitchens with top-of-the-line kitchen equipment, ingredients and tools
  • Open layouts built for hands-on interaction, hospitality and shared moments around food
  • Multiple spaces that accommodate intimate gatherings to larger experiences for both corporate and social groups
3x4-texture-red-cabbage Eggplant Kitchen 1
Eggplant Kitchen 1
private event fun

Your One-Stop Partner for Events that Impress and Run Smoothly

Planning an event shouldn’t feel like a second job. From the first point of contact to the final bite, our team handles the details so you don’t have to. Whether it’s choosing the perfect menu, accommodating dietary restrictions, or managing the flow of the evening, we make it easy to deliver an experience your team will rave about.

Each Private Cooking Event Includes:

  • At least 1.5 hours of hands-on cooking instruction from our professional chefs
  • A delicious, multi-course meal enjoyed together
  • Exclusive use of a private kitchen and event space
  • Warm, knowledgeable staff to guide your group start to finish
  • Menu and experience customization available to fit your group’s needs
  • 10% retail discount for all guests on the day of the event

Pricing

$1,700 minimum - based on menu and beverage choices; food and drink minimums vary by group size, day, and time.

Duration

Events last 2.5 hours total, including 1.5 hours of hands-on cooking and plenty of time to enjoy your meal

Group Size

Ideal for intimate gatherings or large teams, with flexible options for as few as 6 and up to 50 guests.

Beverages

Choose from packages featuring curated wines, local and imported beers, and full bar service to complement your menu.

Turn Your Event into a Shared Experience People Will Talk About

At The Chopping Block, cooking isn’t just about food - it’s about connection. Your team will laugh, learn, and grow as they collaborate in a hands-on, high-energy environment that breaks down barriers and builds trust. Whether your goal is to motivate your staff or celebrate a family milestone, we create meaningful experiences people truly remember.

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Book an Event That’s Anything But Ordinary

Celebrate with incredible food, hands-on cooking, and shared laughs. Let’s create a memorable experience your guests will savor!

Testimonials from our Cooking Events

Our corporate team building event had the absolute BEST time preparing and then consuming an amazing lunch beautifully directed and choreographed by the very talented chefs of The Chopping Block. The group flew up from Panama to work and experience Chicago and the Spanish themed luncheon could not have been a better opening act for our entire program. The facility and the set up is first rate and the prep for this group had all six teams up and ready to start dicing and chopping within 15 minutes of arrival. The chefs were there to guide, support and keep all of the teams on track. Four courses were consumed with delightful smiles and some tasty vino. I highly recommend the Chopping Block for your corporate event. Your people will love you for the experience!

Joseph Mara
Prival

I love The Chopping Block for a fun, unique cooking experience. This was my second time here and first time planning an event here for my work team. It was a great success - we all got to participate in different aspects of the meal. The wine and beer package was a great addition, and the meal was excellent. Plenty of fun was had here!

Clara Sohn
LKQ Corp.

What an amazing event! I’ve been in the hospitality business for 25 years, and I’ve never seen or experienced anything like last night. The level of interaction and service combined with the quality of food and beverage was a 10 out of a 10.

Hedy Senz
Carlson

We keep coming back to The Chopping Block because we have a ball every time! We enjoyed last year's holiday event so much that we've expanded our party from 8 people to a group of 23. From a corporate event stand point, there is nothing better. This setting brings people together, gets them working as a team, and in the end you get to enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner together! The staff really does a great job engaging people at all cooking levels and everyone learns something new. A party at The Chopping Block is a true class event!

Jamie Bressner
Konica Minolta Business

We are still talking about our event at The Chopping Block! It was perfect in every way. The chef instructors were really great, in presenting and teaching a group with varied skill levels in the kitchen. The meal was fantastic, and while everything was delicious, the group is still talking about the Alfredo! We are already planning our next event at The Chopping Block.

Carla Zenzola
Vi Living

From the beginning, the staff was incredibly easy to work with. Even when dealing with multiple food allergies in the group, I was able to work with them to concoct the perfect menu. The hors d'oeuvres were displayed beautifully and were ready for guests to enjoy as they entered the venue. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and provided the guests with kitchen tips and facts that were very informative. The guests had a great time making their entrées and the flow of the kitchen set up made it seamless for our large group. The guests were able to interact and work together to create a spectacular meal while having a great time. My client was very pleased with how the night went and everyone left very happy (and full)!

Alex Toomoka
Access Destination Services

We are an extremely competitive bunch, and my team thoroughly enjoyed the night. My problem now will be how to top it next year. In fact, we were recently at dinner and members of the winning team (myself included) were still razzing the losing team. So, almost three months later, we're still getting value from the night. You have a great thing going at The Chopping Block!

Sid Cowherd
Performance Food Service

Experiences that Engage, Excite, and Entertain

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Put your team to the test in a fast-paced cooking challenge where creativity, collaboration, and flavor take the spotlight.

16x9-work-group-cockail-class Wine & Cocktail Parties

Sip, shake, and savor with guided wine tastings or hands-on cocktail classes - perfect for relaxed, flavorful celebrations.

16x9 Grilling Boot Camp Grilling Broccolini Grilling Events

Fire up fun with our outdoor grilling events - perfect for seasonal celebrations packed with flavor, flames, and fresh air.

Add a Unique Twist to Your Next Celebration

wine-glass Add-On Wine & Spirit Education
Enhance your event with a 30-minute wine or cocktail session - fun, interactive, and perfect for kicking things off in style.
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Eggplant Kitchen 1
Meetings & Kitchen Rentals
Host your next meeting in our inviting kitchens, complete with AV, food, drinks, and a refreshing break from the boardroom.
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Gifts for Guests
Send guests home with a customized gift bag - tools, apron, wine, or a gift card to keep the cooking inspiration going.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an event?

An Event Coordinator will be your point of contact from the initial stages of planning to the day of your event. Your Event Coordinator will walk you through the process of planning your event and guide you through each decision. 

Who will lead my event?

Our chef instructors are professional chefs who have been trained to be engaging and inspiring teachers and leaders. All have a culinary degree and at least five years of professional cooking experience. They will be present during your entire event, guiding, teaching and cooking alongside your guests. Our chefs focus on ensuring that all of our guests are made to feel completely at ease in our kitchens and that they leave inspired with new knowledge that they can really use at home.

How many groups will there be?

The size of your groups will be determined by your selected menu, the number of guests in your party, and your goals and expectations for the event. On average, team sizes range from 6 to 10 people. If you prefer to pre-select your groups, we can facilitate that.

How do I choose a menu?

Our culinary team has created a list of menus and event themes that include tried and true recipes and are guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate. You may choose from our featured menus, or you may work with your Event Coordinator to personalize your own at an additional cost.

What if someone in my group has a dietary restriction?

We can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher and allergy specifications. Simply let your Event Coordinator know, and we will ensure that each and every guest is taken care of. Please note our kitchens are not a gluten or nut-free environment.

Are alcoholic beverages served?

We offer a fantastic, food-friendly and affordable wine list to ensure that your meal may be enjoyed to the fullest. We also offer a quality selection of local and imported beer and will provide you with a full bar and/or specialty cocktail as well.

Can I add wine or mixology education and tasting to my event?

Yes! Kickstart your cooking event with a 30-minute wine tasting or mixology lesson led by our sommelier or spirits expert to set the tone for a fabulous party, or work with our beverage experts to incorporate wine pairings throughout the evening with your selected menu.

What is included in our event?

Your private event includes a full meal unless otherwise specified, recipes of the selected menu, your own private kitchen, chef instructor and assistant(s), aprons for use during the event, alcoholic beverages if selected, and the support of our entire event team from start to finish.

What if we want to stay past our allotted time slot?

We time our parties so that your event is not rushed, yet ends at the agreed upon timeframe. If your group wishes to stay longer and we are able to accommodate that request, additional event fees such as kitchen rental and prorated bar packages will be charged. Please note an event extension is subject to kitchen availability.

Can I purchase party favors for my guests?

We are a gourmet retail store with an exceptional variety of cookware, ingredients, tools and wine, so we strongly encourage you to give your guests a memento of the event. Custom gift bags are available for any budget. Gift cards are also available in any denomination so your guests can shop on their own after your event. We can also customize aprons and other accessories with corporate logos and names.

Should I tip the staff?

All events include a 22% service fee. We do not accept cash or credit card tips or gratuities for any events or classes. 

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Ready to Cook Up Your Best Event Yet?

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