Frequently asked questions

What is included in the rental cost?
The room rental cost includes exclusive access to the venue, security, and standard tables and chairs.

Do you offer tastings for weddings?
A complimentary tasting for weddings with Tigerlily Events is offered for the couple and two guests 4-6 months prior to your wedding day.

What if my guests have dietary restrictions?
We are able to accommodate most, if not all, dietary restrictions. Please communicate these needs with your sales manager when you provide your final guest count.

Can we bring in our own food?
You are more than welcome to bring cake and late-night bites from your favorite restaurants and bakeries. We know nothing hits the spot at 10pm quite like tacos or pizza from your favorite local joint. All other food and beverages must be provided by Tigerlily Events or one of the other outstanding approved caterers on our vendor list.

Do you offer onsite parking?
Valet parking is available for events at Café Brauer and Lincoln Park Zoo. Pricing is based on the size of the event, so please reach out to your sales manager for more information. If you opt to forgo valet, parking is available in the Zoo’s parking lot, which is about a 5-minute walk from Café Brauer, for $35 per car. Parking is also free on Stockton Drive, but it is first come, first serve and can be difficult to come by depending on the season.

Can you recommend planners and vendors?
We have a detailed list of approved and preferred vendors. Everyone on this list has worked at Café Brauer and Lincoln Park Zoo countless times. We know them. They know us. They know what works, what doesn’t, and will be able to use their wealth of knowledge to make your event unforgettable. Our approved vendor list can be found here!

What if I want to use a vendor that is not on your approved list?
We highly recommend you reference our approved vendor list when making your selections. They consist of some of the best in the business and know the ins and outs of Café Brauer and Lincoln Park Zoo. In addition, they all carry the insurance necessary to conduct business in our venues. If you still wish to use a vendor not on our list, please consult your sales manager PRIOR to signing your contract with them. This vendor will need to sign a temporary vendor agreement and provide their certificate of insurance meeting venue requirements before you book them.

Do I need a wedding planner?
While we do not require a wedding planner, we cannot recommend it strongly enough. Having a wedding coordinator or planner will make your day infinitely less stressful and more enjoyable for you, your partner, your family, and your friends. Need a recommendation? Just ask!

Are YOU my wedding planner?
One of our fabulous sales managers will work directly with you leading up to the event, however our jurisdiction begins and ends at Lincoln Park Zoo so we strongly encourage hiring an event planner. They will help coordinate anything non-Café Brauer related and will tackle all of the little details that inevitably pop-up before a wedding, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your big day

Do I need a minimum number of guests?
A minimum of 20 guests is required for all private, catered events. For some of our larger venues, such as Café Brauer and the Pepper Family Wildlife Center, we recommend a minimum of 100 guests.

Is my event tax deductible?
With the recent change to tax laws, the rental cost is no longer tax deductible. However, since Lincoln Park Zoo is a non-profit organization, the room rental fee is tax free (standard Chicago and Illinois tax rates apply to food, beverage, and service costs.)

What if my organization is tax exempt?
We are able to honor tax exemptions, but only if issued by the State of Illinois. Simply provide your certificate to your sales manager to have this exemption applied. Please note that this only applies to events hosted by the organization holding the tax exemption and not for social events.