Q&A

Opened in December 1963 as Maxim's de Paris Chicago, The Astor Club was conceived by Nancy Florsheim Goldberg as the city's answer to the legendary Maxim's on Paris's Rue Royale. The building itself — designed by Bertrand Goldberg, the same audacious architect behind Marina City — rose above the Gold Coast as a tower of modern glamour.

Inside, it swiftly became Chicago's most storied address. The dining room rivaled the great restaurants of Europe; the Bagatelle Room ran backgammon until three in the morning; and downstairs, the city's first discotheque drew café society from across the country. The guest list read like a cultural hall of fame — Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, and The Rolling Stones all passed through. In August 1966, The Beatles held a press conference in this room, where John Lennon issued his famous apology to the world.

Maxim's closed in 1982. The space sat dormant for decades before being lovingly restored and reopened as The Astor Club — a private supper club carrying forward the spirit of old Chicago glamour. We are honored to host the first wedding to take place at this iconic location, in a room that has witnessed so much of our favorite city's history.