Each space has its own Book Event button. To get started, click the button for the space that best fits your group.

Please note that we require a signed agreement and a 25% deposit. All event bookings are reviewed and approved by our team to ensure the best fit for both your group and the venue.

We do not take reservations of any kind. 

For regular dining, guests are welcome to add their name to the wait-list at the host stand for first-available seating.

For social gatherings, corporate events, celebrations, and hosted group experiences, we offer event bookings that include a dedicated, semi-private area within the venue.

All event bookings include a dedicated, semi-private space for your group. While your area is set aside for your event, Tiny Tapp & Café remains open to the public as part of the Chicago Riverwalk.

Private events are offered in 2-hour and 3-hour booking options.

Guests are welcome to arrive early or stay afterward to enjoy Tiny Tapp & Café; however, the dedicated event area is private only during your scheduled booking time. Our staff will be working in the space both before and after your event to complete setup and reset for ongoing service. At the conclusion of your event, our team will begin breaking down and rearranging tables and furnishings, and we appreciate your group’s flexibility in allowing staff to work without interruption.

Please note that dedicated event servers and event service are available only during your scheduled booking time. Outside of that window, guests are welcome to order food and beverages directly from the bar.

Event bookings may be scheduled for up to 3 hours.

• Kitchen closes at 9:30 PM

• Café closes at 10:00 PM

• Bar closes at 10:30 PM

Due to City of Chicago regulations, the Chicago Riverwalk closes promptly at 11:00 PM. City security actively clears the Riverwalk at that time, and all guests are required to exit the area.

We’ll help you plan your timing so your event wraps up smoothly and comfortably.

Food and beverage pricing is based on your final confirmed guest count.

Each event space has a set capacity, so we ask that any increases be shared in advance. If additional guests arrive and capacity allows, they are welcome to join and will be included in the final charges.

Yes. Each event space has a food & beverage minimum based on the space and your guest count.

All food and beverage selections apply toward this minimum. You can view our current offerings here.

Please note that merchandise, retail items, and non-event purchases do not apply toward the food & beverage minimum.

If your total food and beverage spend does not reach the minimum, the remaining balance will be charged at the conclusion of the event.
We’re always happy to help you plan menus and add-ons in advance so your selections align comfortably with the minimum.

We offer flexible, buffet-style packages designed for easy sharing:

• Pick 4 Package — four selections from our event menu

• Pick 6 Package — six selections for a more elevated experience

In addition to the core packages, optional add-ons are available to further customize your menu and enhance your group's experience.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice.

Outside catering is not permitted. In limited cases, non-refrigerated desserts may be accommodated—please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

We offer two bar options for private events: Curated Beverage Package and Bar-on-Consumption.

• Our Curated Beverage Package: hosted, per-person option designed for smooth, well-paced service and simple planning.

• Our Bar on Consumption option allows your guests to order from our full cocktail menu, with charges based on actual consumption during your reserved event time.

Both options work seamlessly alongside our food offerings and event flow.

You can view detailed bar options here.

Please note that we do not offer cash bars or split checks for events.

All live music and amplified performances at Tiny Tapp & Café are planned in advance and approved by the City of Chicago as part of our seasonal programming. For this reason, we’re unable to accommodate additional live performers, DJs, or amplified entertainment for private events. 

Because our sound system is shared throughout the venue, we’re also unable to support external audio equipment or personal playlist connections.

Thursdays are reserved for our live music series, which draws large crowds to the Riverwalk. To ensure a smooth experience for all guests, we do not host event bookings on those evenings.

Tiny Tapp & Café is an open-air venue, and we closely monitor weather conditions leading up to every event.

Your safety and comfort are always our priority. If weather conditions are deemed unsafe, Tiny Tapp & Café will make the final decision regarding event cancellations or adjustments and will communicate directly with you as early as possible.

The Riverside Lounge is partially covered. Other event areas, such as the Terrace Spaces and Deck, are largely open-air. Portions of these spaces may sit beneath an architectural overhang or near the wall backdrop, but full weather coverage is not provided beyond umbrellas.

The Chicago Riverwalk is a public space. While your event area is dedicated to your group, the surrounding environment remains active and open to the public.

There is no dedicated on-site parking on the Chicago Riverwalk. We recommend nearby garages along Upper Wacker Drive and surrounding streets, as well as rideshare services. Parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz can help you find convenient parking options.

Tiny Tapp & Café is located on the Chicago Riverwalk between Clark Street and Dearborn Street, below Upper Wacker Drive. Because of this, GPS directions can sometimes be misleading.
Guests have found it helpful to navigate to the corner of Upper Wacker Drive and Clark Street, then access the Riverwalk via the nearby stairs or ramp and walk east toward Dearborn.

ADA-accessible ramps to the Chicago Riverwalk are available at several nearby access points. The closest ramp to Tiny Tapp & Café is located on the west side of Clark Street, connecting Upper Wacker Drive to the Riverwalk.

For the most up-to-date accessibility information, see here.

If you or your guests have questions about navigating the Riverwalk, our team is happy to help.

Events must be conducted in a way that does not interfere with Tiny Tapp operations, staff, or other guests. All staff instructions must be followed at all times. The Client or a designated event host must be present for the duration of the event and is responsible for guest conduct.

Tiny Tapp reserves the right to require corrective action or remove guests if behavior materially disrupts operations or compromises safety. Event fees are non-refundable in these cases.

All decorations, signage, or displays must be approved in advance. Items may not be attached to venue fixtures using nails, staples, tape, adhesives, or similar materials. Glitter and confetti are not permitted.

The Client is financially responsible for any damage caused by the Client or guests. Repair, replacement, or extraordinary cleaning costs may be charged to the payment method on file. A cleaning or removal fee may also be assessed if excessive decorations are used or materials are left behind.

Our self-booking system provides complete seasonal availability and lets you finalize your event without back-and-forth communication.

If your inquiry requires materials or review outside the standard booking flow, please submit it using the link below for the events team to review.

Inquire Here