John Hancock Center
Category: Local Flavor [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Streeterville875 N Michigan Ave Ste 3614
(between Chestnut St & Delaware Pl)
Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-3680
- Nearest Transit:
Chicago (Red)
- Good for Kids: Yes
12 Reviews for John Hancock Center
This is the local's secret to getting a great view of the city of Chicago. Instead of paying $13 to ride an elevator at the Sear's tower (and waiting 1 hour+ for the elevator), you can go up to the 96th floor to the lounge, pay $8 for a beer and a GREAT window seat and hang out as long as you want. Although the prices may be high, it's worth it just for the view.
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Went for drinks at the top bar on a Monday night. About 9-10pm and had to wait about 5 minutes for a seat. Larger groups were seated faster (I was one of two). Views were excellent! There is an observatory but there's an entry fee and no drinks. So - if you don't have kids hit the bar and get your $12 fee plus a drink and some great crowd watching. I was in jeans and a t-shirt and felt totally under dressed (even though it was a Monday!). I'd still go in jeans since I don't think I'd want to be hit on by the European tourists that seemed to take over the place.
This is my favorite skyscraper. If Darth Vader had a skyscraper this would be it. I love the shape, color, and simplicity of this building. It is also has the best observation deck in Chicago. Most do not know that it is a hybrid apartment/office building meant to be completely self contained. The 'Cock' is the third tallest skyscraper in Chicago and the fifth tallest in the USA.
Big John is a CHEAT! I was.. I mean.. I saw this kid playing some of those computer games on the top floor and the computer/Big John totally won every time despite my.. I mean the kid's.. attempts to foil the evil computer.
I happened to go and visit the JHC on a cold ass but clear day. Pretty amazing view (uploading a few pix now). Definitely touristy to the nth degree. Before you even get in the elevator they take a picture of you and then try and sell it to you on the top floor. They also have a mock outdoor window type mabob with some cleaning supplies so that you can take a picture behind the glass and it looks like you're cleaning Big John's windows. Hmm.. that sounded dirty.
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The Sears may be taller, but the Hancock has the better view because it's closer to the lake and to many of Chicago's cooler buildings north of the river.
The Signature room has decent drinks, but you might not get seated exactly where you like. The Observatory has no drinks, and you have to wait in a ridiculous queue, but then you get the run of the place once you're up there. Either way, you're in for a great view, so do stop by.
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it was fine day.. no cloud in the sky.. no noises in the street..
I haven't gone up Empire Building in NYC yet.. cuz I am afraid of heights.. but my uncle.. sigh~ he didn't know..
well.. I was holding my brother's hand from the ground to the signature room at the 95th.. my legs were like Jelly Udon..
WOW~ it's beautiful out there.. could see BLUE Lake Michigan and all the architecturally CHARMING buildings..
Women's restroom!! oh, yeah~ the best Observatory!!
had to close my eyes.. OMG!! the BIG window and the private room door was only 10 steps away.. had to sit down on the toilet.. then, could calm down myself.. wheee~~
some silly reputable tourist women took pictures and giggled.. ki ki ki
did I say it was FINE day? I SURVIVED!!
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A must-see when visiting Chicago. If you're lucky enough to stay overnight, go to the Signature room. It has the BEST view of the Chicago Skyline. All you have to do is buy a drink....which is still cheaper than going to the Observatory deck...and you get a seat!
Big John. One of Chicago's sexist buildings.
The Hancock was designed by the firm that helped solidify Chicago as one of the world's most important architecture city, Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM). This is currently one of the three tallest buildings in the U.S., completed in 1969, in the boom of skyscrapers that came along during the urban renewal era.
Thankfully, the Hancock has a lot of class for a building its size. It soars gracefully above one of the most wealthy urban zip codes in America. Offices, condos, America's highest swimming pool (44th floor), the world's highest residence, several restaurants, and a bar and lounge on the 95th floor all call the JHC home. This place is also known for being the home of Chris Farley when he tragically died in 1997.
This is really it, a real Chicago gem, folks.
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A must see for all tourists. Right on the Magnificent Mile adjacent to Water Tower place and other great shops, you will not be disappointed...
One of the many great sky scrapers in Chicago. This one, especially, has a lot to offer. There's the Signature Room all the way a the top and a great little are of small shops and restaurants all the way at the bottom. And lots of offices and apratments/condos in the middle. All in all, adds a nice "little" touch to the beautiful Chicago skyline.
I used to do Temporary work in the Hancock and I loved it! I was on the 33rd floor and the view was amazing! You can see a lot of Chicago from up there. If you get a chance go up to the top and eat or have drinks in the Signature room! It's can be a great place to go with a date. The drinks and food are expensive but once in a while it might be worth it!
This is a great buidling. The architectural features are amazing. The aesthetics are way up there as well, an accompaniment to the height of the structure. The bottom of the building, which is underground, has features such as the Cheesecake Factory, Aveda, Jamba Juice, and a little Italian place near the corner. It's a cool little place. Now, on the other hand, one of the last floors contains the spot for the Signature Lounge, observatory, and restaraunt. It's a great building and worth an explore.
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