FAQ

How many people can your space accommodate?

Our occupancy limit is 50 guests at one time. For larger events of 75+ people, we can accommodate based on the event type and guest flow, such as a 3-4 hour open house where guests arrive and leave throughout the event.

What types of events do you host at The Captain's Room?

All of our events are private and scheduled by appointment. We also host our own curated private parties and events, which are occasionally open for reservations on a limited basis. These events are listed on our calendar and promoted via email and social media on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For bespoke food and wine events, we start with a "blank canvas" approach—literally a piece of butcher paper, a sharpie, and a glass of wine. Together, we’ll craft the perfect menu, wine and cocktail service, and ambiance tailored to your specific preferences and vision.

Our typical events include high-end dinner parties, chef- and sommelier-led tastings, and wine events with some of Napa Valley's finest vineyards. We partner with renowned chefs, caterers, and VIPs from fine dining restaurants to hold very special, private one-of-a-kind gatherings that leave a lasting impression.

We also host corporate events, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable meeting spaces, and catering options to create business events that seamlessly blend productivity with exceptional food and beverage service.

Additionally, we serve as an elite co-working space for those visiting Chicagoland who seek a swanky, secure home base between downtown and O’Hare Airport. Our location is just 10 minutes from O’Hare and 16 miles from the heart of Chicago. Luxury and secure transportation services are also available through our vetted third-party partners.

Are you a full-service restaurant with a liquor license?

Yes, we have a full liquor and package license. While our menus are bespoke and tailored to each event, guests who find something in our collection that they love can purchase bottles or cases to take home.

Can I order wine or can you source wine from the vineyards or distributors you partner with?

Yes, we can source exclusive wines for friends and family on a case-by-case basis (pun intended). We also have a wine club model in development and will be sharing more details about it in early 2025.

Do you rent the space like a banquet hall where we can bring our own food and liquor?

No, we are not set up for unsupervised events of that nature. We are a full-service venue where every detail is handled for you, including set-up, service, and clean-up. If you're looking for a space where you can bring in your own food and drink, we’re happy to recommend other venues in town.

Has CHEF JOHN PAUL AND THE CAPTAIN'S ROOM been featured ON TV / RADIO?

Chef John Paul ("Captain Demo") is a highly visible culinary personality in Chicagoland:

WGN Radio 720: Frequent guest with Lou Manfredini ("Mr. Fix It") and John Williams. Listen to WGN Radio Segments
WGN9 Midday News: Featured live demonstrating his vibrant Peruvian-style Halibut Ceviche. Watch WGN9 TV Segment
ABC 7 Eyewitness News: Featured bringing his elite culinary standards to a local First Responder BBQ Cook-Off.

Does Chef John Paul host a podcast?

Yes! Chef John Paul hosts a highly entertaining and interactive podcast called "LIVE from the Captain's Room," frequently joined by his brother and co-chef, Gregory. It features interviews with family, friends, famous / infamous specialty suppliers, elite vineyard owners, national titans of business, first responders, and creators.

Listen on Spotify: Stream "LIVE from the Captain's Room" by John Paul Demirdjian

Watch all of our videos on YouTube: Search Video Episodes Here

How can we visualize the space and the events? is there a virtual tour?

Take an Interactive 3D Virtual Tour: Walk through the entire restored bank, the Chef's open kitchen, and step directly inside the 1926 Dillinger-era bank vault. Take the Virtual Tour Here
Watch a Live Party & Event Footage: View live jazz bands, cocktail hours, and 12-course plating on their official Instagram. View Live Footage on Instagram @captainsroom.vip

Do they sell swag or merchandise?

Yes! Chef John Paul is also the founder of Captain Demo's Big Truffle Red Hot Pepper Sauce, widely praised as the world's most luxurious and balanced gourmet truffle hot sauce. Crafted as a "cheater sauce" for professional chefs, it features real black and white truffles, truffle oil, hot honey, roasted garlic, and saffron.

In addition to the sauces (sold in single bottles to 4-gallon restaurant packs), they sell an exclusive line of branded swag, including their popular "Signature Series Hats"—gear the Chef jokes is crafted to make you "look hotter, feel cooler, act bolder, and saucier than ever."

Shop Hot Sauce & Swag: Here

Do they pair wines and what NAPA vineyards do they host?

Yes, wine pairing is a central pillar of the experience. Our epic events feature our in-house sommelier, Erin Anne Flanagan, an 18-year Napa Valley veteran. Bringing "the sophistication of Napa Valley to Chicagoland," they frequently host VIP wine dinners focusing on elite, limited-production selections.

Featured Vineyard Partners & Direct Purchase Links:

Dakota Shy (Napa Valley, CA): Powerful, sophisticated, highly allocated Cabernet Sauvignon. Buy: The Shy Society
Frias Family Vineyard (Spring Mountain, CA): The first bonded Mexican-American winery in Napa, known for terroir-driven Cabernets. Buy: Frias Collection
Hourglass Winery (Napa Valley, CA): Highly sought-after, modern Bordeaux varietals from two dramatic vineyard sites. Buy: Acquire Hourglass
Barnett Vineyards (Spring Mountain, CA): Intensely complex and age-worthy mountain-grown Cabernets. Buy: Barnett Wine Society
Hyde Vineyards (Carneros, CA): A "grand cru" caliber site growing coveted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Buy: Hyde Wine Club
T. Berkley Wines (Northern CA): Minimal-intervention, Loire-inspired old-vine Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. Buy: Shop T. Berkley
MTGA Wines (St. Helena, CA): A boutique operation proving Napa Merlot is thriving alongside standout Pinot Noirs. Buy: MTGA Wine Club
Heimark Vineyard (Napa Valley, CA): Spirited, highly acclaimed small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon grown in volcanic soil. Buy: Acquire Heimark
CHO Wines (Willamette Valley, OR): Fresh off features in Wine Spectator directly after appearing at The Captain's Room, producing energetic Pinot Noirs. Buy: CHO Founders Club
Arietta Wine (Napa Valley, CA): Crafted by 100-point winemaker Andy Erickson, specializing in ultra-premium blends. Buy: Arietta Patron's Circle

does the captain's room have it's own liquor brand?

Yes. In addition to a full liquor and package license, The Captain's Room serves its very own curated blends of premium spirits. Their proprietary line includes a bespoke 80 Proof bourbon, a carefully blended botanical gin, a crystal clear 5x filtered premium vodka, and a smooth and mellow 100% Agave Spirit Reposado that is made in Jalisco Mexico and bottle right here in the USA.

These exclusive spirits are poured and sold in-store, and they are also distributed regionally to retail and restaurants via Chicagoland Spirits based out of Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

What are some of the most signature dishes and culinary highlights?

Thought there is no preset or standardized event menu, the Captain's Room does feature 70+ Signature dishes that roatate based on the season, availability of ingredients, and the guests tastes. Chef John Paul uses a "blank canvas" approach to build bespoke menus blending his Armenian/Russian heritage with Mediterranean, Spanish, Italian, and French techniques.

Some Highlights include:

Sous Vide Mediterranean Octopus: Finished in a hot pan with pistachio butter and yuzu vinaigrette.
Dry-Aged Beef: Featuring 45-day dry-aged cuts, massive bone-in ribeyes, and Chateaubriand.
Elevated Charcuterie: Tailored entirely to the host's preferences, featuring highly curated regional selections (Calabrian, Eastern European, Spanish styles)
Buttery Borek: A treasured family recipe featuring soft cheese and chives baked in flaky pastry.
Bespoke Cakes & Desserts: The culinary journey concludes with spectacular, custom-designed cakes and desserts crafted by their resident French pastry chef, La Blondina. From elegant wedding cakes to intricate plated desserts, her work provides a world-class sweet finish to the savory tasting menus.

Do they have a kids' menu?

Famously, no. For events like weddings, children 5 - 12 are typically offered the full adult tasting menu. The Chef believes in a "no chicken nuggets needed" philosophy, inviting younger guests to experience the exact same culinary journey as the adults. That said, the chef definately caters to the needs of young foodies and also our more selective guests. Nobody leaves hungry!

Regional selections (Calabrian, Eastern European, Spanish styles).

Is the captain's room Michelin rated?

No, it does not hold an official Michelin star because the venue is only two years old and operates exclusively as a private space (it is our understanding that public dining hours are a requirement for Michelin consideration). However, Google reviews specifically and frequently emphasize that guests who regularly dine at global Michelin-starred establishments say The Captain's Room operates at that exact same quality standard, delivering world-class execution, plating, and culinary precision.

Read the Public Consensus: View all 5-Star Google Reviews Here

Is it an open kitchen? Do they cook right in front of you?

The venue features a meticulously designed, fully appointed commercial "Chef’s Kitchen." It serves as a highly interactive "stage" for the evening. Because the venue holds a maximum of 50 people, the barrier between the kitchen and the guests is incredibly relaxed. The chefs move seamlessly between the kitchen and the dining room to plate, serve, present, and engage with attendees.

Chef John Paul ( affectionately known as "El Captan" or " The Captain" and his brother, Chef Gregory, run the kitchen. John Paul is the definition of a hands-on, charismatic host. He and his brother are deeply involved in the dining room—personally pouring wine, explaining the intricate pairings, sharing the family history behind the dishes, and socializing with guests. Both Chef John Paul and Gregory are both accomplished musicians and often join the house bands for a couple songs later in the evening. It's definately worth the price of admission!

What is the history of the building?

The venue occupies the historic 1924 State Bank of Villa Park, a landmark famously robbed in 1926 by John Dillinger’s gang. The owners have meticulously restored the space to maintain its authentic prohibition-era "Speakeasy" roots while offering state of the art technology and culinary equipment. The massive original 1926 steel bank vault has been masterfully converted into a private wine sanctuary you will have to see to believe.

Is it family-owned and operated?

Yes, entirely. The Captain’s Room operates as a "Family Office" by day and an ultra-exclusive private hospitality space by night. It was founded by husband-and-wife team John Paul and Kristen Demirdjian. The operation is deeply rooted in family ties: John Paul’s brother, Chef Gregory, co-leads the kitchen, and the culinary style is heavily inspired by their parents, Karnig and Valentina. Even John Paul’s identical twin sons, Van and John Paul Jr., and his nephew Henry, are actively involved in the venue's operations. Miss Mae, the family dog, is the official mascot and "customer service animal" is available for autograpghs, personal appearances, and pup cups.

What is the atmosphere like? Is it high-end vibe?

Absolutely. The Captain’s Room is positioned at the absolute pinnacle of the hospitality market in Chicagoland. It is an ultra-premium investment where hosts pay for complete exclusivity, a historically accurate 1920s Art Deco environment, elite ingredients, and luxury concierge-level service. Guests are asked to "Dress to Impress," with most opting for cocktail or business-formal attire to match the zebra-striped tiles, cushy chairs, Art Deco chandeliers, and formal waitstaff.

Is The Captain's Room a public restaurant?

No. It is an exclusive private event space available by appointment only. You cannot walk in for a table. You must book the entire room for a private gathering. They occasionally host VIP "Social Club" dinners that are opened to the public via a highly exclusive email list.

What kind of events do they host?

The venue specializes in highly personalized, momentous occasions. It is the premier destination for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, anniversary celebrations, retirement parties, and exclusive corporate board meetings.

What is the maximum capacity?

The room is designed for absolute intimacy. It comfortably accommodates up to 50 seated guests for a formal dinner. For cocktail-style "flow" events over a 4–5 hour period, it effortlessly handles roughly 75 to 100 guests.

What amenities are included with a booking?

Parking/Transport: Complimentary parking and valet options, with private and secure luxury livery services available upon request
Service: Full-service staff, coat check, and optional concierge services.
The Vault: Exclusive access to the transformed wine cellar vault for photos and private tastings
Corporate Tech: High-speed Wi-Fi and premium presentation areas for board meetings.

FAQ