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The Signature Room at the 95th

4 star rating
based on 256 reviews

Categories: American (New), Lounges  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville
875 N Michigan Ave
(between Chestnut St & Delaware Pl)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-9596
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Garage
  • Attire: Dressy
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: No
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Good for: Dinner, Late Night
  • Music: Live
  • Best Nights: Fri, Sat, Thu
  • Happy Hour: Yes
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • Smoking: No
  • Coat Check: Yes

256 Reviews for The Signature Room at the 95th

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Photo of mike b.

Elite '08

12

130

mike b.

Newcastle, WA

4 star rating
05/11/2008

Dined here as a 'tourist" in town on business.
I was wined and dined by someone in sales, and beggars can't be choosers, so I won't speak to the prices other than to say that a quick glance at the prices didn't reveal anything higher than one would expect for a locale known for its ambiance and views.  What did hurt a bit was picking up the parking tab of $24 for just a couple of hours in the John Hancock building.
It was a bit foggy, so views weren't quite as clear as could be hoped, but were still pretty sweet.  A guy at the next table over serenaded and then proposed to his girlfriend and everyone oohed and ahed and I felt sorry for the guys at the other tables whose femal companions didn't already have rings on their fingers.  I imagine he must have been at least the 1000th guy to propose here.
Worth a stop by if you have the time and $ in Chicago.

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Photo of Jenn H.

Elite '08

61

45

Jenn H.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
05/09/2008

I *heart* my Daddy.  He treated me to dinner for a promotion that I received last year.  We were late in celebrating because, shall we say, life intervened and prevented us from tending to business at hand for awhile.  

Fast forward a year.  The waters have calmed down and Daddy-o and Linda took us out for a night on the town, a.k.a. a reason for me to get dressed to the nines.  I look for any excuse and this was a good one.  So, I put on the ritz.  

The service here is fabulous and the view is breathtaking.  Whenever I am fortunate enough to gaze down upon Chicago from great heights, I am reminded that each and every one of us is but a mere cog in something far greater than we can ever imagine.

As for the food, well, I have issues, so the food wasn't the reason I was excited about coming here.  However, my seared duck was delightful.

The best part of the evening....Daddy got to play Daddy, refusing to let me cab it anywhere, and delivered me to my next stop of the evening in his Ode to Capitalism of a car, his new Caddy.  Show off.

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Photo of Kwoky L.

 

5

86

Kwoky L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
05/07/2008

If you want to go to a place with a nice bird's eye view of Chicago, forget about Sears Tower or the Hancock Observatory. The Signature Room Lounge offers pretty much the same view, minus the crowds. It's a great place to chill or for a date. Drinks are expensive but if you're gonna pay for the same price at upscale bars in downtown, why not pay for the view as well?

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Photo of Jenny K.

 

63

88

Jenny K.

San Leandro, CA

4 star rating
05/01/2008

Everyone must go to the Signature Room at the John Hancock Center once in their lifetime. It's a definitely a worthwhile experience. This is a place where you will fall in love with Chicago and receive a good view of the cityscape from the top of the 95th Floor. The view of the city at night is wonderful! I only have to say the food is pretty pricey but it's definitely worth it to fork out the extra money for the good food (although the portions are not big) and experience the beautiful view of Chicago...

Note-It's not easy to get to the 95th & 96th floor. Once you arrive at the lobby of the JHC you have to wait in a long line to ride the elevator up to the 95th & 96th floor. The wait in the line can be quite long. I definitely recommend making a reservation in advance if you want to have dinner at the Signature Room (we didn't have to wait long to ride the elevator to the top), but if you just want to get drinks at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor then there is a long wait in the lobby and at the 96th floor to get inside the lounge..

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Photo of Carson H.

Elite '08

7

329

Carson H.

Woodside, CA

4 star rating
05/02/2008

This review is for the lounge upstairs only....

I am from Chicago, and yes it is a touristy place which I normally hate but I fall in LOVE with Chicago all over again whenever I come up here. What a great f'ing city! If you can sneak your date into the women's bathroom, that is where there is the best view, just don't get caught.

The only thing I ever get here are the Long Islands. They come in a giant fishbowl with tons of crushed ice and slices of lime, lemon and orange. You do get vertigo after more than two, so buyer beware.

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Photo of Rockabella M.

 

0

16

Rockabella M.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
04/28/2008

Review Only For the Signature Lounge

****This is where to fall in love with Chicago****

It's a quick ride up the elevator and one flight of stars to the Signature Lounge. The line to be seated without reservations on a Thursday night with three people was about 15 minutes.

In that wait period, I went to the ladies room, which is a MUST for those who qualify to enter. Bring your camera (nothing perverted, here). The ENTIRE wall is a window with a magnificent view that could only humble you.

After being seated, we were promptly greeted by our waitress, who gave us her recommendations of desserts. My friend ordered an Irish coffee that suited well with chocolate cake. I usually don't like Mojitos, but the bartender made an extraordinaire cocktail.

The prices are high for after dinner cocktails and liquors, but are well worth the spending for a memorable view of Chicago. So what if it's the second largest building in the city.

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3

42

faith b.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
04/23/2008

Whenever I come here, I am always reminded of how lucky I am to be a Chicagoan.... and if you're from out of town, I'd say come and see how beautiful our city is!

I remember bringing a friend here for dinner and worrying that the view might not be so great because it had rained unexpectedly. However, the view of the city at night was still wonderful!

The food isn't cheap but you have to remember that you're also paying for the ambiance.

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Photo of Barbara D.

 

15

118

Barbara D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/06/2008

This is still one of my favorite 'Date' spots. Just don't go on a foggy day. The prices are steep, but you're paying for the amazing view...however, now I get that view from my own window....so I don't go here as often. My place is much cheaper....but I don't present my food as well:-) Take a date here if you want to get laid.

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Photo of Jonathan A.

 

1

94

Jonathan A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/20/2008

Skip the Sears Tower.
If this is your first time in Chicago, or you have friends or family visiting, this is a good place to go get a view of the city.
Rather than spend money going to the observatory, just go to the Lounge and put that money you would have spent towards a martini or two, it is well worth it. You can sit and relax and take in the views. Skip the dinner. Everyone says it is overpriced and not worth it.

This is a much better option than going to the Sears Tower. I would honestly skip that one and just come to the Hancock.

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Elite '08

8

90

Lindsay K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/15/2008

Wow pricey...wow drinks are decent...but WOW you canNOT beat that view especially at night.  It was amazing.  My girl's little sis was in town and we decided to be fancy for a night and go here.  I'm so happy we did.  The elevator ride kind of creeps me out since it was horrifically quick for so many floors and made my ears pop.  Glad I can't see outside!!  I'm not one for the fruity drinks, I like a beer myself, but fancy bar, fancy girly drink was in order.  And whew!  Strong!  So it was worth the $15+ for it.  And the bartender was use to tourists which there was only one of us who didn't live in Chicago, but she made him take enough pictures!  So much fun and I recommend that we do it with everyone that comes to town to visit now!

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Photo of Katarina X.

 

233

271

Katarina X.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/16/2008

I very much enjoy the Lounge's unparalleled view, great service and quiet atmosphere on early weekdays.
Timing is everything. Local advice? Avoid on Friday and obviously on weekends to spare yourself the $10.00 fee, obnoxious crowds, unavoidable wait, crusty seating...
The drinks are as spectacular as the prices suggest.
The servers understand minimal invasive presence and do not hover.
Finally, I adore taking the time to dress up beautifully... there simply aren't enough places where you can see men who put considerable thought into dressing attractively. http://www.chow.com/st... It's well appreciated.

The only thing I dislike is the frowning, sour glare of late-middle aged tourists as they realize: 1. Trucker caps and stained, ripped jeans do not go with everything as in hometown of Tuna Fish, Iowa 2. They'd rather be slurping Coke at McDonald's.

Ah, but the review, you want the fun stuff! One hysterical experience I'll share with you: I'm here as part of a large party celebrating a friend's milestone birthday. We are having a good time, and the server is enjoying our enthusiasm. Across from our party sad, bitter-faced man is fixated by my friend's girlfriend and myself (Specifically our mammaries, which admittedly, are magnificent). Bitter Man's wife does not see the humor and is doubly vile in speechless glare.
We share a laugh around the table at his expense.
We order more drinks. Buttons are loosened.
Buzzed by this point, I lean over and say "34C, all-natural since it looked like you wanted to ask. "
We laugh like hyenas all the way out... hanging on to one another in a drunken, well-dressed conga line...

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Photo of Artemis B.

 

17

53

Artemis B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/10/2008

Go for the views. Always and only the views.
And go to the bathroom too. There are views there too.

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Photo of Pierre Hussein Trudeau l.

 

45

216

Pierre Hussein Trudeau l.

Phoenix, AZ

4 star rating
04/15/2008

As is oft-repeated here, the food is a bit pricey but well worth the views, though not the quality. The food ain't bad. But I have had a better lobster bisque for less than $7. The views are awesome though. If you're not from Chicago, just get this over with and do it so you can say you have and also get a great vantage point over the city. And if you're from Chicago, some touristy putz like me will visit you one day and insist that you take him so just bite the bullet and go.

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Photo of Julia A.

Elite '08

30

232

Julia A.

IL

5 star rating
03/30/2008

Tourists aside, this place is undeniably cool. I've lived in Chicago my entire life and I still catch myself gawking at our beautiful skyline. Out of towners can enjoy all the famous buildings from up here; locals can pick out their friends' apartment buildings, major streets, and favorite neighborhoods. I'd be more than happy to come back here and take friends up for a drink. Why blow $12 on the observation deck when you can blow it on a martini?

I've had a vendetta against the Signature Room for a couple years for a personal reason, but when some friends wanted me to meet them here, I decided it was time to let that go. I'm sure glad I did, because we had a fantastic time here. I was initially confused when I couldn't find the right elevator, but once I did, the line to get up moved surprisingly fast. I couldn't help drawing a breath when the elevator doors opened to reveal a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. We came on a crystal clear afternoon, so we could see perfectly across the city. Views are gorgeous, no matter which direction you are facing. I had heard before that that ladies' room has the most fantastic view, and yeah, I was pretty impressed -- it looks right down upon Streeterville and across Grant Park.

And the drinks are, well, fabulous. There is a list of specialty martinis and wine, as well as a short list of appetizers. My friends got chocolate and raspberry martinis, while I stuck with my favorite, the dirty martini with blue cheese olives. I got SIX olives in my drinks -- who told the bartender I loved olives?

Service was quick, albeit a little impersonal and all over the place. Good, but I expected a bit more from such a high end place (geez, I sound like a snob). Everything was more casual than I was anticipating. It was weird seeing children in a bar-like atmosphere, but we came between lunch and dinner in the restaurant, so I guess they had to tag along with Mom and Dad to the bar.

I imagine it gets quite crowded here for dinner, so take my advice and go on a weekday or a weekend afternoon. I would come back here in a heartbeat. There's nothing overly spectacular about the drinks, but the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the city, obviously.

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Photo of jessica v.

Elite '08

12

43

jessica v.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/26/2008

This review is for the lounge.

After a few drinks at a dive bar, my friend and I were walking around aimlessly and declared "let's go to the signature lounge!"

The elevator ride up hurt my ears. What is this ten dollars to ride to top business i'm hearing about? uh, the elevator ride is free.

So the lounge. Self-seating, that was cool. Our server came up immediately and gave good recommendations. It was a Tuesday night, not super busy but all the window tables were taken. One got up. We knew this was annoying, but we couldn't help it, we moved.  She did not care.

The view. Wow. On a clear night....wow. I realized how lucky I was to live in chicago. We pointed out (drunkenly) where we lived, places we've gone.. it put life in a different perspective. LOL. from the top!

My mojitio was awesome, one of the best I've had. The chocolate desert wine was incredible but a little sweet for my taste. However, I don't know if it was the elevator ride up, the fact that I already drank, of the mojito itself, because later that night I found myself wanting to puke.  And she never carded us!

You think your view by the window is nice? ladies, wait till you have to pee. I guarantee you'll be taking pictures in the bathroom with your camera phone. Still, I tend to notice more things when I'm drunk, like how to walls were starting to peel in the bathroom. Huh. And guys, I'm so sorry, but according to my friends... the only view you get is in the lounge.

The general atmosphere here is great, everyone is happy to be a ltitle spoiled. When my friend got up to use the bathroom a group of 6 tourists came to my table just to gawk at the view. I made friends.

So yes. Come spoil yourself randomly on a Tuesday night when it's not crowded. You deserve it.

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Photo of katherine r.

Elite '08

5

65

katherine r.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
04/10/2008

I always think of this as being my "winning tip," but whoever I tell it to seems to already know it.  But the price of a martini at the Signature Room is still less than a trip to the top floor of the Sears Tower.  So spare yourself the informational video on Chicago history, tripping over toddlers and pumping quarters into those timed binoculars, and get a little buzz on the 95th floor instead.  Even better view inside the women's bathroom.

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76

21

Harlequin L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
03/25/2008

Hehehe  I remember getting invited by my New Zealand friend to join him and hi family here.  I was lets see 19 at the time.  Anyhow  his parents played it off like I was there adoptive kid so that I could get in.  I had a good time drinking wine  and having food.  it  was like 7 of use and the bill was close to 1000 dallors.  Its worth it! We were taken  cared of and had fun, GREAT  VIEW ... YOU CAN VIEW LAKE MICHIGAN  AND THE skylines of Chicago

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Photo of Johnathan H.

 

0

11

Johnathan H.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/13/2008

Definitely a tourist place.  Get a drink at the lounge and skip dinner.  It's waaay overpriced for the quality (which wasn't bad, but wasn't great either)l.

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Photo of Alexander L.

Elite '08

187

92

Alexander L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
02/19/2008

From 9500 feet up in the skyline of Chicago, it's a really awesome time to poke around and view the city. You can see planes flying into o'hare at a constant rate and on clear nights you can see really far.

The drinks are pretty lame, and there's a 1 drink minimum for each person there. You can't walk around or anything so it's really a place to go when you want to impress someone - which was evident by this guy who was trying REALLY hard to impress this girl.

Get one of the tables next to the window - you can literally sell it once you get up. I got bum rushed and I should have asked for $50 for the table by the people who were trying to push each other out of the way for my one chair.

I honestly think that maybe I should have gone to the observatory. I probably would have paid the same and I would have been able to walk around and see a 360 view instead of the one window facing the north side.

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1

88

Jen K.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
03/23/2008

Five stars for the Signature Lounge.  I love to take visiting out of towners up here for a drink.  If they're going to pay $10 to go to the top of the Hancock they might as well get a $10 drink out of it.  The only issue I have is last time I was there (and it was 11 pm) there were some kids running around.   Also, check the weather before you go.  It's not much fun being up there when its foggy out.

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Photo of Joe M.

Elite '08

12

54

Joe M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/11/2008

The view is amazing!!  Why would anyone go to the observatory when they can go the the 95th floor for free and get drinks, music, good company and the wonderful Chicago Skyline.  

p.s. the baked Brie tasted a bit like mac and cheese.  

You have to go at least once in your life...

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Elite '08

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824

Brandon C.

New York, NY

4 star rating
02/19/2008

The real exciting part of the Signature Room, is thrilling elevator ride to the top.  The rush of air from the pressure in the elevator shaft as you step on and the bumpy ride makes for good times, especially with all the tourists who have never been in a tall building before.  The vertiginous should probably try something closer to the ground.  

The views when the doors open are of Lake Michigan and are simply beautiful.  If you head to the bar, you get a south, west, and north view.  The bar is in some serious need of a renovation.  Think 1980 Dallas Airport Hilton bar minus the flight crews and overweight business men.  Cocktails at the Signature Room are neither well made, nor are they cheap (by Chicago standards).  My Manhattan was a sugary sloppy mess (and I think it was served with a pineapple wedge and cherry, why not throw in a cocktail umbrella for shits and giggles?) and it cost $13.  Views are great, as is the people watching, but the drinks are bad.  Go early to get a good seat and don't order anything too complicated (your best bet is beer).

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33

64

Colin P.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
02/11/2008

Sometimes a gimmick can go a long way.  The Signature is hardly a nice bar.  Its huge and crowded, and the atmosphere is more moldy tourist than the international sophistication it tries to wear.

The chocolate mouse is in fact a fancy sort of dessert, but their version tastes as though it were purchased frozen from the nearby corner store.
 

The menu presents a wide range of prices amongst their brandys and scotches.  But they're the same tired three brands of each.  The wine list is basically the same:  four or five tame reds, the same number of whites. This place is a relic from a diferent mindset, when people didn't sit and linger over good wine for its own sake.  Wine was something understood to be consumed with dinner by europeans. There are a few expensive bottles of champagne, as though a place could be given a certain atmosphere by placing something expensive on a menu.  The champagne is on the menu on the theory that champagne is an acceptable wine to be consumed in a bar, not because of some quality or flavor, but because it was understood to be something are supposed to drink to signal celebration.

Nowadays we don't signal celebration.  Instead we celebrate.  America is waking from a long quiet nightmare of tastelessnes. We had been stuck in an adolescence, mimicking what we thought to be our parents and forerunners in culture.  We role played.  We drank scotches in fancy bars because we thought we were supposed to.  We pretended to enjoy certain things, instead of actually enjoying them.

There's no love here in the Signature.  The waitress spares no excess words.  She is too busy, carrying huge specially designed platters with glasses held in in-laid slots to accommodate more drinks.  She comes by often enough, but she is working, not waiting, not serving.  But you don't begrudge her the sterility of her demeanor.  She's on a busy team, tending our herd.

But all that aside, the view is worth it.

It's nothing short of amazing.  You see for miles and miles in directions you didn't even know about.  Sitting on the northwestern corner, at a window, I had dificulty not verbalizing "wow" at every glance.  The real value of the window seat is peering down at the very tall buildings very far below you.  It's a perspective I've never really enjoyed before.  The Empire State building just isn't  as near other tall buildings, so the efect is not the same.

From here, you really do feel miles above the rest of the world.  It's because you are.  Its hard not to feel like a Superman, high above Chicago's fictionalized Metropolis.  This feeling can be enhanced if you sneak into the restroom to wear your briefs over you jeans. How your companions may respond may vary.

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Elite '08

24

107

Kara G.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
01/13/2008

Here's a little trick to share with all you Yelpsters out there- whether or not you are actually going to see a show, call and ask for the 3-course pre/post show dinner package. It's $40, and you get your choice of soup or salad (our selection was lobster bisque and it did not disappoint), entree (I had chicken, which was not dry at all, very tender, and delicious!), and dessert (chocolate yumminess!). That left our wallets open to order some great wine, and enjoy the great view! It's a great way to do the Signature Room, especially with out-of-towners.

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6

59

Snuggly G.

Austin, TX

5 star rating
03/06/2008

Lovely.  Beautiful.  Exquisite.  Captivating music.  Unforgettable views.  Some of the best food and service I have ever had.  

I was there at night and I was completely mezmerized.  

The Signature Room will always have a special place in my heart .... a very special place.

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93

Michelle L.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/03/2008

Although I have ate at the Signature Room restaurant a few years back, this review is based on my experience at the Lounge on the 96th floor.  The lounge is a nice little splurge in Chicago.  The drinks are a little pricy for what you get but it's about the view and the ambience.  The people-watching component of this place makes it so much fun!  From the people trying to cut in line on the elevator to looking "down" at the people in the 95th floor enjoying their $100 dinner, it is very, very fun!

A few tips: don't go right before dinner time or theater show because the line for the elevator can be a little long.  Head to the south lounge, off the right of the elevator, for a better view of downtown buildings and a snazy seating area, WOMEN: check out the bathroom!  If you are not lucky enough to get a table along the windows, check out the bathroom.  The view from the stall are the best in the whole place!!

Be prepared to spend the evening with lots of out-of-towners but it is something every true Chicagoan should try at least once!

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20

Matt H.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
01/28/2008

As a bar, it's pretty weak.  But there's two times at which it is awesome.

1. Sunsets
2. Thunderstorms

Apparently number three is that in the ladies you can enjoy the south view while you're taking care of business in the cubicles, but I won't add that one because they missed the opportunity to have a glass urinal with the same effect.

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Elite '08

10

73

Brandon C.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
01/16/2008

Very expensive as far as the drinks go, but you are paying for the view, so it makes it worth it. You're other option to see the view from up there is the Observation Deck, which is $10 per person for JUST the view. I've never eaten at the restaurant, but when visitors want to see the city from way up there, this is where I take them.

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Elite '08

18

58

Crissy K.

Honolulu, HI

3 star rating
01/31/2008

Sure, the views are lovely -- from *certain* areas of the dining room and, strangely enough, from the ladies' room (my husband says there is NO view from the men's room).  The food, though, is just OK, and it should really be better for the price.

And really, considering how not casual the prices are, I would expect that the dress code would not be so casual, either, but they sat us right next to a guy in grungy T-shirt.

I was disappointed. Was really looking forward to a nice night out, but I wouldn't go back.

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24

33

Yumiko F.

Brighton, MA

4 star rating
03/01/2008

View from here are awesome!!!
Drinks are a bit  pricey but worth it.
Take someone on a date .. you will have a romantic night and view!
Even from the rest room, you can see the view of chi town..

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8

40

Tanya M.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
02/25/2008

Hey gold diggers, if you're lookin for a man with money then i'd assume that this place around happy hour on a weekday night is your pot of gold at the end of  the rainbow because this would definitely be the place for all the business men to go for a drink.

Amazing view, horribly overpriced drinks, but i'm sure the prices reflect the view.
I went to the lounge on a sunday night, around 5pm. it was crowded but we still found a table (you seat youself ). not too many people were dress up, looked to be more tourists then anything. the cocktails range from $13-$11. I had a mojito, it was horrible. I had a hard time drinking it but for $12.50 i wasn't gonna let it go to waste. they have domestic beer for about $7.50 and imports for about $8.50 but the selection is very small and not the best.
At dusk it looks very romantic and beautiful.
We left right after the sun went down and the place had cleared out a bit so it would have been very easy to find a table.

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Sarah D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
02/17/2008

When ever people ask me about Sears tower when they are in town I tell them do not go.  The 95th has a great view and it is free or you can get a really expensive drink but it is worth it for the view.  If you are not taking public transportation parking can be hard and expensive but make a day of it.  On the weekend they have a brunch that is not too expensive but it is really good.

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J D.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
01/02/2008

It's a good thing they have such a beautiful view, because the service is just about the worst I've experienced in the city.  The hostesses are unfriendly and made us feel like we were an interruption to them.  They gave us a pager that didn't work, and when we wound up waiting an extra HOUR for our table (because the pager didn't go off), the apology was totally insincere and off-handed.  

Our water glasses and wine glasses stood empty for way too long.  We had to flag down the busboy to get water twice, and poured our own wine.  It's obvious that the staff here is accustomed to one-time only visitors (tourists), as they are just going through the motions.

If you're coming to Chicago to visit, it's a must-go for a drink.  Even better, I suggest the observation deck for the view and then Morton's, the Chop House or Gibson's for dinner.  There are so many great steak restaurants in the city, and all without the attitude and pretense of the Signature Room.

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Stephanie C.

Minneapolis, MN

3 star rating
02/28/2008

95 stories off the ground, I was a bit queasy as we sat down for a $15 drink.  We must have gone at the right time (Friday around 3pm), as there were several available tables right next to the window.  The view is spectacular and I am sure even better in the summer.  The service on the other hand was less than stellar and you certainly pay for the view.  

All in all a fun sight seeing event, but not something I would need to do twice.

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Jenelle G.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
02/27/2008

You absolutely pay for the view, I don't go here often but when I do go the view is always breathtaking.

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Andrew J.

Oak Park, IL

5 star rating
04/09/2008

This is definitely a place to go to at least once.  The views are terrific, and if you go on an evening with live music, the whole experience is just great.  The food is very good, as is the service, so you're not just paying for the view.  It's very convenient to climb the stairs and go to the signature lounge for a drink afterward, a good plan for desert.  Parking inside the Hancock is expensive, but convenient.

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Stephen G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/24/2008

I went here on a recommendation from a friend as an alternative to the Sears Tower observatory and I have to say it was well worth it.  Sit at the bar at night and you can get an amazing view of downtown Chicago, including the Sears Tower.  The place may get a little touristy, but even if I were a Chicago native, I would still go here to hang out.

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Ann S.

North Hollywood, CA

4 star rating
01/04/2008

Best view of Chicago you can find.  Their Sunday Brunch is pretty impressive too. for about $40 bucks a person there are some nice selections. Also its romantic! Last time I was there on a Sunday afternoon the couple behind me got engaged. 2 thumbs up.

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Jay K.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
12/24/2007

You pay for the view....seriously.  The food was okay.....actually, my meal was surprisingly good.  I had the filet mignon with a lobster tail.  But, for the price of the meal, I would've gone elsewhere.  I only went because I had heard good things about it, only to say "eh".

The wait is long, even with reservations.  Slip the host/hostess a $20 and you'll get seated  at the next available table along the window (if that's what you want).  

Service is lack luster...

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3 star rating
02/10/2008

REVIEW FOR THE LOUNGE:  This place has fantastic views of the city!  And although the restaurant and lounge have good views--the women's bathroom has the best views in the place.  Seems selfish that I can't share it with my BF but that's ok.

Went here around 5 pm and were immediately seated at a table a few feet from the windows.  After we ordered drinks a bunch of window tables freed up but we were fine.  

Ordered 2 drinks and a quesadilla.  With tip, it was over $40 for 45 minutes of our time.

Probably won't be back for a while but it was fun for a night.

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