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The Green at Grant Park - CLOSED
Categories: Active Life Parks Restaurants Event Planning & Services Parks, Restaurants, Event Planning & Services [Edit]
352 E Monroe St(between Columbus Dr & United States Highway 41)
Chicago, IL 60603
Neighborhood: The Loop
(312) 540-9013
- Nearest Transit:
-
Madison/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Adams/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Randolph/wabash (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Garage
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for The Green at Grant Park
Review Highlights
52 reviews in English
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Review from anthony p.
Cleveland, OH
3/12/2011 2 photos
One of the most memorable miniature golf experiences ever. Definitely not the easiest, but damn fun. Me and two buddies were on holiday in Chicago when we found out about this place. Two of us are avid golfers, while the other is just a hacker. We decided to try it following an afternoon jaunt at a bar. Well, the hacker narrowly lost (yeah, I won). And he beat our buddy, the best golfer, by about 15.
This greens are like putting from hell. I mean.. I like competition, but some of it was ridiculous. They are devilishly quick and quirky. But after pounding some brews, it got real comical watching the golf balls seem like they had a mind of their own, and we all started to really enjoy it. Scores 10 plus are not out of the ordinary. So, when you do have a 2 or 3, you feel a sense of pride not normally felt in miniature golf. And if you do get a hole in one, you're on baller status (I got the only one of our group in two trips there).
With the skyline peaking through the trees, the scenery adds to the whole package. I don't remember the exact prices, but it wasn't that bad. And I was kind of surprised it wasn't more crowded given it's location. This place is perfect for a late afternoon round during the summer. -
Review from Jon P.
Chicago, IL
12/15/2011
It feels silly to review an establishment after its closed down, but I was so shocked by this place's high rating that I felt the need to help bring it down a notch. Ya, ya, I'm kicking it when it's down, but hey, I'm a jerk.
I live about a block away from The Green and always knew it was there. It always seemed like a low-key, relaxing place. One day during the summer a few years ago, a girlfriend and I decided it would be nice to do something outside and what's better than playing mini golf? Now, I knew it wasn't normal mini golf because you could clearly see that from outside the fence, however it was so far from mini golf that it ceased to be fun at all. Long story short, we picked up our clubs and balls and went at it. From the first hole, I realized that this wasn't going to be any fun. It was so far from fun that it was actually stressful. The artificial greens were incredibly fast, and they were surrounded by wood chip-filled landscaping. As a result, most people's balls were in the wood chips more often than the greens. For a round of mini golf, no one should have had as many drops as we had. After several 10+ stroke rounds, my girlfriend was completely uninterested and I couldn't blame her. We basically skipped the last few holes and got out of there.
The idea of a hardcore mini golf course itself isn't offensive to me (though completely unappealing), it was the placement of this hardcore mini golf course. Smack dab in the middle of Millennium/Grant Park, a fun, traditional mini golf course would have made a killing. What kind of clientele was this place trying to attract? Whoever it was, they obviously never came. Sorry for not being sorry, The Green. We'll see what's done with the space next. Hopefully it isn't wasted! -
Review from Seamus F.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2011
It appears seriously closed, on a Sunday with Taste of Chicago across the block, the canopy was shredded, no outdoor tables, greens on the putt putt course half ripped up, and all outdoor fixtures MIA.
Pity, it was, thanks to inept marketing, a really nice, never crowded outdoor patio to enjoy a drink during the summer, or a low stakes round of miniature golf.
Went 10 times over 3 or 4 years, and service could be spotty, prices were bit high, but location was terrific. Sorry to see that it seems to be done. -
Review from Carla F.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2010 ROTD 11/9/2010
Don't come here expecting your usual mini-golf course. There aren't any tunnels to hit your ball through, windmills, or any pretty little streams to pass over. This course is serious. There aren't any pars above 2 or 3--- and once you play one or two holes here you will probably agree that's a little ridiculous and unrealistic for most. Don't take it too seriously though and laugh when you hit a 15, or at your golfing partner when they do. ;-) Oh, and there's more than one hole at 14---hit it into the one with the flag, not the gopher hole that's close to the fence!
Grab a cold drink before you start and take it with you along the course. Don't get too tipsy though, there are some slopes that could send you rolling into the rough.
The Green at Grant Park is the perfect setting for a date or even for a group outing. It's ideal for a summer night when the sun is starting to go down. They have tiki torches and white Christmas lights---great touch.
The website says it's perfect for any age, but unless you have the patience of a saint, don't bring the kiddos. It's a little too difficult and I imagine it would be frustrating for all involved.
I absolutely loved this place and can't wait to go back and next time maybe grab a bite to eat and sit on their lovely patio! -
Review from Kyle H.
6/1/2010
This ain't your typical Putt-Putt, Mini-Golf with windmills and Abraham Lincolns...The Green at Grant Park is a little gem of an 18-hole course tucked into a forgotten area that will kick your ass here to Augusta!
A perfect place to start a date, go at dusk for the mood lighting when the tiki torches fire up, and the Christmas lights go on. The help is casual but the course is not. Okay, so it is kinda relaxed, but when you get caught in the sandtrap three times on a Par 3 and hit a 15 like I did, don't say I didn't warn you!
Pay for your golf at the bar, and since there are plenty of places to set your beers down throughout the course, grab a cold one too! As it grew dark the balls got harder to see (that's what she said), and we even lost one down a Gopher Hole on 14. What is this, Caddyshack?!
Good for dates, groups, friends, I'm going to say leave the kids at the Bean with grandma and enjoy this adult-friendly activity on your own!Listed in: Tourist for a Day
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Review from Reva M.
Chicago, IL
6/21/2011
Pretty sure this place closed down... their phone # is disconnected and website hasn't been updated since last year. Wish they would have just taken the site down so it was clear!
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Review from Tom B.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2010
My wife and I stopped in there for lunch today after going to the Gold Coast Art Fair.
We had a few drinks which were properly stiff and then we both had eggs benedict. The dishes were good with the eggs done just runny enough and excellent potatos on the side. Service was friendly and attentive enough. Prices are fair and less than I'd expected.
We had a good time chatting with two loquacious old gals who were getting tipsy at the next table. They were South Siders who'd moved to that new neighborhood north of Grant Park (after getting rid of their useless old men I took it) and they were having a ball.
The upscale pee-wee golf without tunnels, castles and windmills is an odd notion. "Serious" pee-wee golf? -
Review from Brett D.
7/22/2009
Loved my time here for a friends fabulous and fun birthday gathering. Green at Grant was a winner of a locale for a most festive soiree in a positively charming space. Who knew this tucked away hideout even existed? Hmmm, well, not me.
Glad the veil has been lifted... from now on no more missing out on tasty food bites that are downright delicious and a righteous bar staff standing at the ready with fabulous libations like fruity sangria, crisp, cold beer and of course, effervescent champagne! Even the wrought iron candlelit tables provide just the right amount of twinkle when stars hidden behind Chicago's ambient light can not.
The Green folks have thought of everything, yes, even a mini golf course for those wanting to try their hand on the putt putt links!
I'm not sure what the ambiance is like on any other given night when our motley mixed bag crew hasn't descended upon the patio space to liven things up and turn the party factor on high. What we do know is The Green at Grant is a positively killer venue to throw your own stellar al fresco event. Fabulous motley crew not included. -
Review from Jelena Z.
7/4/2009
So I'm really not that good at miniature golf.
But I am quite good at drinking and dining alfresco!
Recently stopped by the Green for Carol J's birthday party. I wasn't sure what to expect with the Green's close proximity to Taste of Chicago, but I was digging the free tastes of live music wafting over from the stage without having to sacrifice my personal space.
We were served delicious shredded chicken sliders topped with coleslaw, crab cakes, and both red and white sangria. The staff worked tirelessly to satisfy a group of especially thirsty and hungry Yelpers.
Maybe I'll go back and embarrass myself and play a few rounds of mini golf... the course looks serious! -
Review from Carol K.
7/16/2009
Who knew that such a place existed in Grant Park? I have driven by here countless times but never noticed The Green before.
Putt-putt golf? Yep. Cute little tables scattered about? Yep. Friendly bar staff? For sure. And food? You betcha!
Parking is easy (but pricey) in the underground lots of Grant Park but I'm doubtful you'd find street parking anywhere around here.
I may have just found my new favorite spot in Grant Park to sip a drink- watch what's going on around me (always something going on in the park) and relax.
Afterall . .isn't that what Summer in Chicago is all about?? -
Review from Rhonda G.
7/4/2009
Hidden gems are called such because well...they're hidden. Thanks to Carol J this place is no longer hidden from me.
Attentive staff, good drinks, good food, great company! In my book that is the recipe for a perfect summer evening.
If you're lucky, there will be a tribute band playing music in the park and you can pretend they were hired just for your party (i'm totally doing this with my out of town friends so they can see how cool I am).
Definitely deserving of a return trip back! -
Review from Vineet S.
8/11/2010
One of the best places to have a get together after office hours.Went there with my office mates. Don't except miniature golf to be easy.It is serious stuff and course is difficult.It was fun playing on a difficult course.The decor gets more beautiful in late evening with lamps turned close to golf course.The whole ambience is very nice and it is a perfect setting to spend evening.
We ordered couple of things right from Chicken Quesadillas,Chicken Wings,Portballa Nachos and Chips Salsa & Guacomole.The food was extremely good. -
Review from Andre W.
7/4/2009
Great place for a nice outing here in summertime Chicago. Kudos to Carol selecting a great place for her birthday celebration.
Two selections of sangria as I went with the red and it was great (6 glasses great). The servers were very good at keeping it coming. They had a bar area outside which was nice. Miniature golf was available for anyone wanting to play.
Love the location of this place, right off of LSD and the great lake. Such a great place to enjoy crisp, nighttime summer air with friends and drinks -
Review from Rob L.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2009
Trapped in the expansiveness of Grant Park yet desiring to run away for a drink or three? Down town and would like to "Calgon" yourself away to a locale that will seem miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Loop? Perhaps dropping by the Green might turn your frown upside down.
Wet thy whistle, quit the rumblin' in the stomach and maybe expose your athletic skills and take down a friend or two at a little miniature golf. This little hidden cove is a beacon of light if you choose to run away from all the flocks of families, throngs of tourists and the chaos that can consume the good ol' GP. Coming here for Carol J's big birthday blowout bonanza I was slightly frightened, worried and anxious. Anxious because this woman knows how to throw down with the best of them and still top them. Worried, because I had no idea where the hidey ho this place was and frightened I would never find it. Luckily, with some expert directions and even better expert sights I found this little sanctuary.
Greeted with friendly servers and the hostess with the mostess my worries were easily placed aside and my half empty attitude was topped off with some sparkling. Treated to some massively tasty treats of mini sandwiches, delectable salads and savory sides my soul transcended to a happy place. Getting my butt whooped at 9 holes of feisty fury that is Karen T's putting game brought me back down to reality.
The place is fun, unpretentious, relaxed and full of some good times, backed up with fair prices, friendly staff and the best of all, a breath of fresh air from what you might run in to in the Park. I may not be a fan of downtown, but I will certainly stake a seat and claim a table here if I get a chance when I have to venture downtown. -
Review from MaryAnne M.
Chicago, IL
7/3/2009
OMG, are we still downtown? The Green at Grant Park is an oasis in the heart of the city.
I had been here for a charity event a few years ago and was here again for the lovely Carol J's bday soiree. Amazing location, nice staff.
Scrumptious spread: White & red sangria, mini chicken sliders, and crab cakes.
Will re-review once I try the mini-golf. -
Review from David R.
8/31/2009
Ten bucks is steep. However, it is nice to have miniature golf in the actual city instead of having to trek twenty-five miles to some suburb. And the course is nice, although if you like windmills and dinosaurs and whatnot, this is not for you. It's just tee, fairway, green--but with plenty of slope to trip you up. There aren't any bumpers or barriers of any kind, just a sort of "rough" surrounding the putting surface, and then the mulch if you are really unlucky (or bad).
There is a lot of severe sloping both around the holes and on the greens and fairways themselves, sometimes even at the tee area. That makes it really difficult just to lag. On some of the holes involving a lot of lateral break, I would hit a tee shot on a very good line but miss by 1-3 inches and still end up rolling off the entire surface. We're talking about shots which on a flat surface would end up six inches past the hole.
Anyway, it can be frustrating or challenging, depending on how you look at it. The day that I was here, I had the course to myself because they had just opened at 11am, and it had rained all morning. The course was soaked, making it difficult to read the speed of the surface, so I took a few practice shots on the first tee. And there was a TON of debris on the course.
Allowing myself a mulligan on two of the really diabolical tee shots, I shot a 48 on the 42-par course. Not bad considering that most of the holes were at least a 3-putt if you didn't hit the approach shot within a couple of inches.Listed in: Chicagoland Mini Golf
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
7/15/2008
How nice it is to sip drinks amidst park-like greenery and filtered late afternoon sunlight.
We had two drinks, were not rushed at all, and I suspect we could have stayed longer even though we were not ordering food or more drinks.
There is more than ample seating; way more than any outdoor cafe I know of anywhere in Chicago. And, the seating is set far back from the street. It is very quiet here.
Oh, yeah...the miniature golf: Great concept. Golf is $10 for adults, and kids cost a handful less
So there you have it: a private mini-park with a liquor license and miniature golf, in downtown Chicago (just east of Millenium Park across Columbus)
Gotta love this town. -
Review from Ato Z.
Chicago, IL
7/4/2009
I work not too far from here, glad to have been shown this place. Large patio, good food (I had the crab cakes) and drink, good service, and what won me over--putting greens! (it isn't really mini golf, because there are no gadgets and gizmos or windmills and whatnot).
I couldn't get people to putt with me through more than 1 hole, though, so I must go back and play the full set! Who is with me? -
Review from Christina P.
Chicago, IL
9/10/2009
How have I not known about The Green this entire summer?! This place is amazing - a quaint mini golf course tucked quietly away in the madness that is Grant Park.
It offers a great restaurant/bar area to grab some brews and food and the perfect sized small golf course. The service was spectacular - our waitress was so attentive and made sure drinks were filled ... both on and off the greens!
I'm pretty much an embarassment at golf and this course is no different. Don't expect the cheesy windmills or little bridges you might see at other min-golf courses - this place is street legal difficult!
All in all The Green is the ideal place to take visitors from out of town for an alternative activity, the perfect date place or great for groups to gather and hit some balls! Can't wait to return!Listed in: Date Night, Out of Towners, Do it outside!, Loop Lunchin', Activity Time!
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Review from Jackie P.
Chicago, IL
10/4/2009
What an amazing little spot in the middle of the city. This has to be one of my favorite spots for dining in the Loop during the summer.
The food is tasty and on the light side which is perfect for lunch. I really like their crispy chicken cesar wrap and the fries. My coworkers love the tator tots. We've always had wonderful service and on one rocky day they made sure the service was kicked up a notch. Can't complain about that.
I've never participated in the mini golf but that's only because I'm not a fan of mini golf. I really just don't have the patience for any kind of golf. However, several times I've had a strong urge to grab a beach towel and a book and layout on the green. Hmmm, I wonder if Carol would mind?Listed in: Girls, they wanna have lunch -…
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Review from Bernadette S.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2010
Now I remember why it took me two years to return to this place after my first visit. This golf course is impossibly hard to the point that it almost stops being fun unless you resolve to sucking. The "greens" are so worn down that they do not create any friction against the ball. Any ever so slightly too hard stroke will send the ball flying off the edge of the course. It's a bit pricey too - $12 per adult. The bar is convenient but again pricey, and not well stocked for mixed drinks.
Overall, good for a little date night with a competitive edge, but not going to become a regular spot. -
Review from Lauren D.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2009
I had no idea this place existed even though I've walked through the area several times! Definitely worth checking out, even if you're not up for getting eaten alive by mosquitoes on the putting green. (Bug spray recommended.)
Food is casual but good, service is friendly and fast. A great place to come hang out especially if the weather is nice, and the view of the fountain is quite lovely. Fun to golf with a group of people too. -
Review from Julia W.
8/5/2006
I've been cursing myself for not buying Lollapalooza tickets and missing out on some awesome bands, but I think I found a decent substitute. Last night, my husband and I played a round of mini-golf at The Green at Grant Park while listening to Ryan Adams and Iron & Wine play just across the street on Lolla's Bud Light stage. We sat at the outdoor cafe enjoying one of the most beautiful nights of the summer, had a dinner of simple but tasty sandwiches and fries, chatted up the super-friendly Irish waitstaff and ordered two bottles of wine so we could sit and listen to Sleater-Kinney's and Death Cab For Cutie's full sets. Nice.
Without the experience of getting to hear some awesome live music, The Green would probably get 4 stars (although the poor sport in me wants to give it 3--that friggin' mini-golf course was hard! And it didn't feature any blue-water fountains or ridiculous moving obstacles!). I would still give it another try on a regular day, but The Green is highly recommended during Lolla weekend, especially if you're lame like me and didn't buy tickets. :) -
Review from Janet E.
7/16/2009
I really wanted to give this place a great review. I'd give the mini golf course 4 stars. I'd give the wait service of this place 2 stars.
We initially had trouble finding the location of the Green simply because there were no signs at their entrance. I have actually walked by this course many many times and never noticed it was a mini golf place. I guess the owners didnt feel the need to spend a little money on a sign?
After we had arrived, our group of 10 wanted to grab a table. The staff was cleaning up a large table and we asked if we could sit there. They gave us a blank stare. So we found a smaller table and situated there. We sat down and our waitress was pretty attentive in the beginning....but became pretty apathetic 30 minutes later. We waited 10 minutes to order a beer.... thats how much she cared. My friend got tired of waiting and headed to the bar to order his drink. When our waitress saw this, she told my friend that if he wanted a drink he should just tell her and she'd get it for him. Yeah right!
The course was rather busy on a Thursday around 5:30pm. We ended up starting at the back 9 instead of the front 9. It was the most challenging mini golf course I've been to! Even the most experienced golfers in our group had trouble nailing the hole. I had originally thought maybe the last holes were the hardest, but even while playing backwards I didnt notice the holes getting easier.
The lay out of the course was beautiful. The trees covering the course added to the beauty. The afternoon sprinkle made it fun. But the afternoon down pour really dampened things. We ended up ending our 18 hole play at the sixth hole. Bummer. I would go back again though to play, but not to eat or drink. -
Review from Kate M.
6/24/2009
5 Stars for the mini golf. 2 Stars for the restaurant.
The mini golf is terrific. I'm a huge fan (and surprisingly good) at mini golf and this course is a serious course. It's challenging which some might not like, but I love it! Of course of the 5 of us that went our last time out I won, so the other 4 might not love it as much. :) My hole in one really made my night. The location is great too. It's tucked away on the south side of Millennium park and you really have to be looking for it to notice it. The golf areas are very pretty. In my opinion the seating area could use a little work, but overall nice to look at.
The restaurant on the other hand; not so great. The service was pretty good, not great, but not bad really. The food was ok, just again, not great. Left me wanting more both taste and size-wise. I don't drink but the pitcher of sangria shared by the table I heard was pretty good, although mostly full of ice.
Prices for food and drinks were crazy high for what was served. But mini golf price wasn't too bad; normally $10 for adults some night 2 golfers for the price of 1. -
Review from Ellen S.
Chicago, IL
11/3/2009
This mini golf course is terrible! It's very expensive (close to $10/person last time I was there), and the course is tiny. Though the course is kinda built into the side of a hill, the holes themselves are relatively level which means there isn't a whole lot in the way of a challenge. I'm ok with no frills, but we're talking anti-frills. At least give me a baby windmill or something. At least the course on Diversey has a rushing river to overcome on one hole.
The only reason I gave this course a bonus star is because you are allowed to bring drinks onto the course with you. However, the drinks are also super overpriced. There's just no way to win with this joint.Listed in: Date Night
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Review from Rhonda F.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2009
A little bit of paradise right in the middle of the city!
I just had lunch at this adorable little place. The atmosphere was sophisticated & casual, the salad I ordered was fresh & tasty and the wait staff was pleasant & friendly.
It seemed they were having a few kinks but the new manager, Carol, will whip everything into shape in no time! I'm ready to go again & again all summer... -
Review from Mihir S.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2009
FIVE stars for location, location, location!
The staff was friendly but the service was mediocre. We never got any silverware or napkins even thought we asked several times. No salt and pepper on the tables and when I asked to get my food wrapped up, they had no containers.
The menu reads well but the food is meh. I got a steak sandwich that was supposed to have arugula and garlic aioli but all I got was sad and soggy green peppers. Of course the tater tots were great. We ordered a Margarita pitcher and we finished it between the two of us and we were still sober...go figure. -
Review from Scott H.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2008
Great place for a date. We went in the summer and got a few beers and played mini golf. Though I wish the mini golf was more traditional, meaning that there were side borders to the greens. It was kind of a natural green on an unnatural surface. Regardless, we had a good time. We didn't eat here, but prolly would have had it been a tad bit warmer.
S&J summer08 -
Review from Hilja C.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2008
I've been wanting to check this place out and finally did last night. Mini golf and alcohol go hand in hand in my opinion. My friend and I sat down and ate first and the food was good. I had a turkey burger and tater tots. My friend had the burger with fries, she wasn't too fond of the fries though. She said they tasted like they've been sitting under a heat lamp for awhile. I ordered a glass of Sangria which was just okay. I didn't taste much alcohol but the fruit was tasty. For the rest of the night we stuck with pitchers of beer.
I have a few complaints about the golf. There wasn't enough lighting and we were playing around 9:00pm so it was pretty dark. They didn't have score cards available, I'm not sure if they just ran out or what. but we were provided with just a piece of paper and a pencil. And my last complaint is that they don't have mini tables or anything to place your drinks when putting. We had to keep using random rocks to put our pitcher and glasses down.
Other than my little complaints we had a good time. It was fun and I wouldn't mind going again before it gets cold. -
Review from Steve M.
7/10/2008
The Green. 1 star for your excellent location. 1 star for the fact that you can have adult beverages while playing mini-golf. 1 star for not being too crowded on one of the most beautiful summer Wednesday afternoons I have experienced. 1 star for having particularly orangey tasting Leinekugel Summer Shandy. Man that beer tasted fresh and good!
The service was good, but only after we waited for probably 10 minutes after being seated. I flagged a manager, who then spoke harshly to his subordinate manager, who then told a waitress to come over, who was slightly bitchy about being forced to come over, who was then eventually replaced by our rightful server who was a delight.
Prices are a little higher than I expected. $28 for 4 drinks isn't exactly robbery, but still attention grabbing. I'm giving up 4 stars anyway though. Location location location. -
Review from Varsha L.
8/3/2008
Went to this place after bike riding to Grant Park...
Lolla was going on, the place is cute with outdoor seating and I think it has a one golf hole? we didn't golf so not sure, our service was not that great...
The food was really good!
Veggie panini is delicious! it had this spicy fried green breaded tomato and the fries are soooooooooooooooooooooooo delicious! Thin shoestring fries! OMG so good!
The drinks sounded good but we didn't have any since we had to bike it back... -
Review from Naomi L.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2008
Why the heck are there only three reviews for this place?
Food Fabulous espeecially for bar food Grab a mouth watering selection of apps..... view gorgeous! service excellent!
Didn't play mini golf but assume it was fantastic and fun for all the folks that were putting away.
I gues the reason this isn't reviewed is because it is right in Millenium Park.... -
Review from Sally H.
Chicago, IL
6/20/2009
Ok so hello, where can you play mini golf in the city while eating and drinking? I stumbled across this place after my walk in the scorching weather. It was literally like an oasis. I needed water and cool air.
They have a few holes to play and shade shade shade. Prices are high but what do you expect.
I was glad this was here, being there's not much else around and I was about to pass out from dehydration. Awesome location, can't say much about the food but you're here for the view and to play MINI GOLF in downtown! -
Review from Laura L.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2008
We stumbled upon this place while looking for a comfy locale to pirate the sounds of Lollapalooza. We were prepared for overpriced, mediocre food with snobby service. Boy, were we wrong on all accounts!!
We found the service to be very friendly and inviting. We even got updates on the concerts going on across the street from our server.
Then there was the food...
I have 4 words for you: Bacon BBQ Chicken Lollipops. Essentially, these were three sizable pieces of chicken on individual skewers wrapped in bacon and then covered in delicious BBQ sauce atop a bed of mango/peach relish. I highly recommend.
To balance out the richness of the meat dish, we also got the assorted vegetables and hummus. Also wonderful! Both dishes were about $8 and the portions were enough for two people to share.
The outdoor setting was very pleasant - the tables were not too close together and there was plenty of shade from the umbrellas and trees. The golf course looked like it would be fun, but we weren't in the put-put mood.
The only hold back on the 5th star is the the terrible mojito my husband got. Very watered down and not well-mixed. I had a glass of white wine that was quite good, but the mixed drinks still need some work. -
Review from Alexis B.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2009
This cute little oasis fills what used to be a serious void of (non hokey) permanently placed outdoor activities in the Grant Park/ Streeterville vicinity. The greens are beautifully landscaped and the cafe is a comfortable mix of city chic and suburban tranquility.
We were well into a full day of activities, but our time of arrival put us far from our last meal, but too close to dinner to enjoy a full meal. Luckily, the menu was appetizer heavy, so we split a shrimp quesodilla and a plate of red pepper hummus and veggies. The quesodilla was on the money with the salsa being the best part. I wasn't a huge fan of the hummus, but my boyfriend found it tasty.
Admittedly, I was a bit underwhelmed by the course at first sight. No windmills? How challenging can this be? The answer: very. The first hole gave me more difficulty than any "hit the hole in the castle so the ball will fall down the shoot and come out down the pipe to a sub level where the hole is in the middle and the whole thing is sloped so a hole in one is possible if hit just right" courses.
While lacking any flashy hazards, the entire course is sloped in a way that requires some serious reading. Wearing a dress had its disadvantages, because squatting would have helped. Many of the holes were uphill with sharp drop offs on either side. What broke the camel's back was that none of the holes had anything resembling a perimeter, so over or under shooting almost always resulted in balls rolling off the green. I golfed (albeit infrequently) in HS, but you would NEVER have known watching me putt this course. My boyfriend golfs several times a year, and he shared in my frustrations although mine clearly outnumbered his. The frustration was actually what made things more fun, as there was a direct correlation to how simple we thought something would be to how hard it actually was. The fact that the people behind us never needed to play through assured us that we weren't the only ones that stunk.
This might not be your cup of tea if you're someone that HAS to be awesome at everything and can't laugh at yourself when you fail miserably. However, if the thought of muttering "Suck my white ass ball!!" (and really meaning it) makes you smile, you might want to give this place a try.Listed in: You Should Take Me On a Date…
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Review from Kathryn M.
Portland, OR
9/17/2009
The Green at Grant Park is the best place to spend a summer afternoon in the city. I had no idea this place existed, but am so glad to have discovered it! I've been to the Green twice, once for lunch, and once for a Labor Day round of putt-putt! Our waitress was great, very friendly and super attentive. I had asian chicken lettuce wraps, which were great; crisp lettuce, lots of chicken, and a yummy asian style dressing. My fiance wasn't as enthused with his chicken quesadilla, but it was edible, just lacked some flavor. Ok, now fast forward 2 weeks and we're ready to embarass ourselves with a game of mini golf. And wow, it was difficult. Lots of slopes and small hills. Par 2? More like par 8. I don't know how children are supposed to do this, although it is entirely possible that I suck at mini-golf that much. My sucky golf skills aside, we had a great time and great people watching.
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Review from Brooke A.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2010
I'm just so sad that the summer is almost over and I just found this gem! I had run past this place time and time again over the past few months (it's at the end of my 4 mile loop from my house). But I kept forgetting to go there, until a week ago, after a half marathon I was craving a burger so I drug my husband and daughter up there... he was AMAZED... I was AMAZED! Great 80's & 90's music, really cool laid back guys waiting on us, beers were only like 4 or 5 bucks, and its outside in the middle of Grant Park (overlooking the fountain). Did I forget to mention the put put coarse, seriously... how is this place not packed???
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Review from Erika G.
7/14/2008
Oh my gawed. So chill, so pleasant. MINI GOLF! Sorta pricey, but still $1 less per drink cheaper than Park Grill. And sooo chill - it feels like a secret little bar that no one knows about except for fabulous people. Very nice. Summer is young, I'll while away many evenings here if I'm lucky!
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Review from Blake H.
6/22/2010
it was gross. it was more expensive than the food was worth. I didn't play putt-putt so maybe that is why my experience was lackluster, but I wont be going back to try it. the tables & chairs were cheap, plastic and sticky. I did like the to-go box that I got to put the worst Reuben I've ever not eaten into. the waitress, bless her heart, either needed more help or something (or the kitchen staff was pretty bad) but the service was also...not so hot. the bathroom was gross as well.
