Upstairs at The Gwen

4.0

259 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for creative cocktails
Great for outdoor dining
Great for scenic views

Experience the premier terrace in River North, located on the 5th floor of The Gwen, a one MICHELIN Key hotel, nestled along the iconic Magnificent Mile! Savor creative cocktails and indulge in delicious small and large plates crafted by Executive Chef Matt Jergens, all while enjoying the warm ambiance of our firepits and the stunning backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Our candlelit indoor lounge and bar offer the perfect setting to unwind, relax, and embrace the good life!

Join us on the weekends for Chicago's liveliest, most unique tea service, Tipsy Tea! Featuring scrumptious savory and sweet bites, bottomless beverages, a DJ spinning, and a special themed menu every month, this is one pinkies-down tea service you will never forget!

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Cocktail Bar, Afternoon Tea
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 7:00 am–1:00 am Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 7:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
Phone number
(872) 271-6010
Website
https://www.thegwenchicago.com/dining/upstairs-at-the-gwen/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Matt Jergens

Location
The Gwen Hotel, 521 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Cross street
Between Grand Avenue and Illinois Street
Parking details
We do not validate parking.
Public transit
CTA: Red Line Train ("Grand" Stop)Bus: 147, 148, 151, 145, 146, 3, 157, 29, 65
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill
$25.00 per person
Prepaid
Nov 23, 2024 - Mar 9, 2025
Celebrate the chill in style at Upstairs at The Gwen rooftop terrace! Challenge your friends to a game of curling, then cozy up with indulgent boozy hot chocolate, spiced mulled wine, and handcrafted signature cocktails. Pair these with a curated menu of seasonal delights for the ultimate cold-weather retreat. +Your $25/person admission includes access to the curling court and firepit table for 1 hour along with a featured seasonal treat. +Please ensure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Our rink is artificial, not made of ice; however, the surface still may be slippery. +Please ensure to arrive on time to maximize the most of your 1 hour experience.
"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party
$70.00 per person
Prepaid
Jan 4, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
Get ready to sip, savor, and sparkle at our "All Things Pink" Tipsy Tea Party from January to March! Treat yourself to an afternoon of pure pink perfection, where tea-infused cocktails meet delectable tea tower treats, all served up to the sweet sound of live DJ beats. +To reserve, please select one add-on per guest. You are welcome to upgrade packages upon arrival. +Please ensure to arrive on-time for your reservation to maximize the most out of your 2 hour experience. +We require 2 days notice in order to receive a full refund in the event you need to cancel your reservation.

Creole Maple Old Fashioned$15.00
dickel rye, clemente rhum, maple syrup, orange & angostura bitters
Barrel-Aged Negroni$18.00
florence field gin, sweet vermouth, campari
The Redeemer$19.00
novo fogo tanager cachaça, heirloom pineapple amaro, lime, grapefruit bitters
The Eugene$19.00
starlight bourbon, disaronno amaretto, cherry bark bitters
Henny Fizz$19.00
hennessey vs cognac, blackberry, lemon, simple, prosecco
Barrel-Aged Black Manhattan$19.00
bhakta 1928 rye whiskey, tuvè black note amaro, cherry bark vanilla bitters
Barrel-Aged Negroni$19.00
starlight gin, sweet vermouth, campari

Seasonal Tarot Specialties

The Magician$20.00
casamigos reposado tequila, orgeat, stirrings ginger liqueur, lime, pumpkin spices, all spice dram
Temperance $18.00
dos hombres mezcal, licor 43, bertoux brandy, cold brew, fire bitters
The Fool$18.00
captain morgan rum, butterscotch liqueur, cream soda
Judgement $19.00
ford's gin, apologue celery root liqueur, sweet vermouth, lime bitters
The Emperor$20.00
basil hayden bourbon, heirloom génépy, cointreau, lemon
Strength$19.00
wheatley vodka, apologue aronia & persimmon liqueurs, lemon, egg white

Lux Classics

Tommy's Margarita$18.00
corazón tequila, agave, lime +add some heat and ask for it spicy!
Paper Plane$20.00
whistlepig 6 yr piggyback rye whiskey, aperol, amaro nonino, lemon
Bee's Knees$18.00
barrhill tomcat gin, lemon, honey syrup
Hemingway Daiquiri $18.00
plantation 3 stars white rum, luxardo maraschino, lime, grapefruit
Vodka Gimlet$18.00
grey goose vodka, lime, simple
Penicillin$20.00
glenmorangie X single malt, lemon, honey, stirrings ginger liqueur, laphroaig 10 yr single malt

Spirit-Free

Hot Honey Paloma$15.00
seedlip grove, spicy honey, grapefruit juice, grapefruit soda
Mate$15.00
lyre’s amaretti, pineapple, orange, lemon, almond bitters
Liar Lyre$15.00
lyre’s italian orange, soda, lyre’s amalfi spritz
Prickly Pear Limeade$15.00
jalapeño-infused seedlip garden, prickly pear syrup, lime
Cracker Jack$15.00
butter-washed lyre’s amaretti, popcorn demarera, molasses bitters
False Spring$15.00
seedlip spice, lemon, three cents aegean tonic, cucumber-mint soda
Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beers$9.00
Upside Dawn Golden Ale, Run Wild IPA
Grüvi Bubbly Rosé$15.00
275ml bottle
Grüvi Mocha Nitro Stout$9.00
335ml can

Bottles & Cans

Bottled Beers$9.00
Blue Moon, Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Founders All Day IPA, Goose Island 312, Goose Island IPA, Guinness, Lagunitas IPA, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Modelo Especial, Stella Artois
3 Floyd’s Zombie Dust, IPA, Munster, Indiana $12.00
3 Floyd’s Gumballhead, American Wheat Pale Ale, Munster, Indiana$12.00
Dovetail, Vienna Lager, Chicago, Illinois $12.00
Half Acre Pony, Pilsner, Chicago, Illinois $12.00
Moody Tongue Chocolate Churro, Porter, Chicago, Illinois $16.00
Off Color Brewing Apex Predator, Saison, Chicago, Illinois $12.00
Off Color Brewing Dino S’mores, Imperial Stout, Chicago, Illinois $12.00
High Noon Hard Seltzer$14.00
Lime, Passionfruit
Vandermill Hard Cider$9.00

Draft Beers

Casa Humilde Cerveceria Maizal$12.00
Mexican Lager
Revolution Brewing Fistmas$12.00
holiday red ale
Buckledown Brewing Belt & Suspenders$12.00
IPA
Solemn Oath Brewing Lü$12.00
kölsch

White & Rosé

August Kessler 'R', Reisling, Mosel, Germany$15.00
Borghi Ad Est, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy$16.00
Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand$17.00
Domaine Régis Jouan, Sauvignon Blanc - Sancerre, France$20.00
La Crema, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, California$18.00
Talbott 'Kali Hart', Chardonnay, Monterey, California$21.00
Louis Jadot, Chardonnay, Burgundy, France$20.00
Château d'Esclans 'Whispering Angel', Rosé, Provence, France$20.00

Sparkling

Bariano, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy$17.00
ISC 'Ombre' Brut Rosé, Sparkling Rosé, Utica, Illinois$18.00
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee 1785, Brut Reserve, Champagne, France$27.00
Nicolas Feuillatte, Brut Rosé, Champagne, France$300.00
Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label, Champagne, France$220.00
Veuve Clicquot, 2012 La Grande Dame, Champagne, France$600.00
Dom Pérignon, 2012 Brut, Champagne, France$800.00

Red

Cambria 'Julia's Vineyard', Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, California$20.00
El Domodor, Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain$18.00
Viña Cobos 'Felino', Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina$20.00
Tenuta Scersce 'Nettare', Nebbiolo, Rosso di Valtellina, Italy$22.00
Unshackled, Cabernet Sauvignon, California$20.00
Ferrari Carano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California$19.00

What 259 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.0

4 based on recent ratings

3.9Food
4.1Service
4.1Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Upstairs at The Gwen offers a beautiful rooftop setting with "excellent cuisine" and "outstanding customer experience." Guests enjoy the vibrant ambiance, "fantastic" staff, and cozy fire pit tables. While some reviews mention slow service, the "attentive" and accommodating team, particularly during themed events like Tipsy Tea, often make up for it.

259 Reviews

N
Nick
VIP
Chicago
12 reviews
2.0
12 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great atmosphere, but the food was mediocre and expensive
Is this helpful?
G
Gill
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Had a lovely time playing curling for the first time. The staff were lovely but the atmosphere was lacking somewhat. Only a couple of other people around. The outdoor fire pits were fab but unfortunately the speciality hot chocolate was very expensive as it was undrinkable with a n overpowering petrol type taste. The cranberry juice was great. Overall had a very enjoyable afternoon
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M
Mitchell
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Indoor lounge/eating is in the corner of the check in lobby, which seems a tad out of place; unless you do the terrace for eating (sunny or good weather). The indoor lounge has a tendency to be quite loud due to the acoustics of the check in lobby. Cocktails were good, food was marginal and regular pub/eatery fares. We had the spanakopita, caesar salad, and pastrami and turkey sandwiches. We felt both sandwiches were a tad underwhelming for the price as handhelds. Served on a regular sesame hamburger bun, and the turkey sandwich was just deli cuts of turkey, when the menu sounded more like a proper gourmet cutlet. The salad was done very well. Noise in the lounge makes it hard to hear some servers. Overall a tad overpriced for the fares given the convenience of the restaurant for guests of the hotel, but for a hotel calling itself a Luxury Collection we did expect a bit more upscale dining experience. Probably a better option for just drinks and small bites for your group!
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J
Joey
West Palm Beach
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
This restaurant is all about faking being fancy. The decor and carpet are in shambles, the restaurant space is actually a bar in the lobby (if you’re not on the patio), and the food was bland and not well-cooked. Don’t eat here. The patio is pretty and would be nice for cocktails (though the manhattan is not one I would recommend).
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V
Virginia
Denver
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was so fun to try curling at the Gwen. It wasn’t crowded & the staff was great. The only negative was that the outside heaters were not on.
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K
Kelly
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing! Would do again in a heartbeat. It was beautiful
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P
Paula
Sacramento
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Did the outdoor curling for an hour and we each had a cocktail. Very enjoyable experience!
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M
Margaret
Chicago
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The tea was a disappointment. Food and ambience were both mediocre, especially for the price.
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C
Carol
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our tea was incredible! The staff took amazing care of us. We were thoroughly impressed that the host told our server where we were traveling from…such good communication and it made it so personal. Kayla, our server, ensured we had such a fun experience. From recommending teas, to suggesting places to visit in Chicago, she took outstanding care of us. I don’t generally write reviews, but Upstairs at The Gwen was one that deserves it. From the details in the setting and (adorable menu booklet!) to the delicious food and amazing staff…it was a great afternoon!
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S
Sheila
VIP
Chicago
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Honestly such a disappointment! For holiday tea we were in a random room, it was hardly decorated, the food was awful, there was a loud dj, hardly any decorations. It was such a waste of money! Next year I will pay more at a hotel that does holiday tea regularly and knows the level of service tea customers expect.
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FAQs

Upstairs at The Gwen offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (872) 271-6010.

Upstairs at The Gwen is rated 4 stars by 259 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

The Gwen Hotel, 521 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between Grand Avenue and Illinois Street
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 7:00 am–1:00 am Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 7:00 am–2:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Cocktail Bar, Afternoon Tea
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We do not validate parking.
Public transit
CTA: Red Line Train ("Grand" Stop)Bus: 147, 148, 151, 145, 146, 3, 157, 29, 65
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Matt Jergens
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.thegwenchicago.com/dining/upstairs-at-the-gwen/
Phone number
(872) 271-6010

Upstairs at The Gwen

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill

"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party

Gwen's Signature Cocktails

Creole Maple Old Fashioned$15.00

Barrel-Aged Negroni$18.00

The Redeemer$19.00

The Eugene$19.00

Henny Fizz$19.00

Barrel-Aged Black Manhattan$19.00

Barrel-Aged Negroni$19.00

Seasonal Tarot Specialties

The Magician$20.00

Temperance $18.00

The Fool$18.00

Judgement $19.00

The Emperor$20.00

Strength$19.00

Lux Classics

Tommy's Margarita$18.00

Paper Plane$20.00

Bee's Knees$18.00

Hemingway Daiquiri $18.00

Vodka Gimlet$18.00

Penicillin$20.00

Spirit-Free

Hot Honey Paloma$15.00

Mate$15.00

Liar Lyre$15.00

Prickly Pear Limeade$15.00

Cracker Jack$15.00

False Spring$15.00

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beers$9.00

Grüvi Bubbly Rosé$15.00

Grüvi Mocha Nitro Stout$9.00

Bottles & Cans

Bottled Beers$9.00

3 Floyd’s Zombie Dust, IPA, Munster, Indiana $12.00

3 Floyd’s Gumballhead, American Wheat Pale Ale, Munster, Indiana$12.00

Dovetail, Vienna Lager, Chicago, Illinois $12.00

Half Acre Pony, Pilsner, Chicago, Illinois $12.00

Moody Tongue Chocolate Churro, Porter, Chicago, Illinois $16.00

Off Color Brewing Apex Predator, Saison, Chicago, Illinois $12.00

Off Color Brewing Dino S’mores, Imperial Stout, Chicago, Illinois $12.00

High Noon Hard Seltzer$14.00

Vandermill Hard Cider$9.00

Draft Beers

Casa Humilde Cerveceria Maizal$12.00

Revolution Brewing Fistmas$12.00

Buckledown Brewing Belt & Suspenders$12.00

Solemn Oath Brewing Lü$12.00

White & Rosé

August Kessler 'R', Reisling, Mosel, Germany$15.00

Borghi Ad Est, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy$16.00

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand$17.00

Domaine Régis Jouan, Sauvignon Blanc - Sancerre, France$20.00

La Crema, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, California$18.00

Talbott 'Kali Hart', Chardonnay, Monterey, California$21.00

Louis Jadot, Chardonnay, Burgundy, France$20.00

Château d'Esclans 'Whispering Angel', Rosé, Provence, France$20.00

Sparkling

Bariano, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy$17.00

ISC 'Ombre' Brut Rosé, Sparkling Rosé, Utica, Illinois$18.00

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee 1785, Brut Reserve, Champagne, France$27.00

Nicolas Feuillatte, Brut Rosé, Champagne, France$300.00

Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label, Champagne, France$220.00

Veuve Clicquot, 2012 La Grande Dame, Champagne, France$600.00

Dom Pérignon, 2012 Brut, Champagne, France$800.00

Red

Cambria 'Julia's Vineyard', Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, California$20.00

El Domodor, Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain$18.00

Viña Cobos 'Felino', Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina$20.00

Tenuta Scersce 'Nettare', Nebbiolo, Rosso di Valtellina, Italy$22.00

Unshackled, Cabernet Sauvignon, California$20.00

Ferrari Carano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California$19.00

Overall ratings and reviews