Upstairs at The Gwen

4.1

278 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

8 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour
Good for special occasions

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 07:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 07:00–01:00 Breakfast Mon–Fri 07:00–11:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 07:00–14:00 Happy Hour Mon–Thu 16:00–17:30
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
Area
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, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party
US$70.00 per person
Prepaid
4 Jan 2025 - 30 Mar 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.
Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill
US$25.00 per person
Prepaid
23 Nov 2024 - 9 Mar 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.
"Botanical Bliss" Tipsy Tea Party
US$70.00 per person
Prepaid
1 Apr 2025 - 30 Jun 2025
Step into a blooming wonderland at The Gwen with Botanical Bliss Tipsy Tea, available from April to June. Delight in a selection of fragrant teas, botanical-infused cocktails, and delicate seasonal bites, all designed to transport you to a lush floral escape. Sip and savor in elegance as we celebrate the beauty of spring—one petal, one pour, and one perfect moment at a time. +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 FashionedUS$15.00
dickel rye, clemente rhum, maple syrup, orange & angostura bitters
Barrel-Aged NegroniUS$18.00
florence field gin, sweet vermouth, campari
The RedeemerUS$19.00
novo fogo tanager cachaça, heirloom pineapple amaro, lime, grapefruit bitters
The EugeneUS$19.00
starlight bourbon, disaronno amaretto, cherry bark bitters
Henny FizzUS$19.00
hennessey vs cognac, blackberry, lemon, simple, prosecco
Barrel-Aged Black ManhattanUS$19.00
bhakta 1928 rye whiskey, tuvè black note amaro, cherry bark vanilla bitters
Barrel-Aged NegroniUS$19.00
starlight gin, sweet vermouth, campari

Seasonal Tarot Specialties

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

Lux Classics

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

Spirit-Free

Hot Honey PalomaUS$15.00
seedlip grove, spicy honey, lime, cranberry, grapefruit soda
MateUS$15.00
lyre’s amaretti, pineapple, orange, lemon, almond bitters
Liar LyreUS$15.00
lyre’s italian orange, soda, lyre’s amalfi spritz
Prickly Pear LimeadeUS$15.00
jalapeño-infused seedlip garden, prickly pear syrup, lime
Cracker JackUS$15.00
butter-washed lyre’s amaretti, popcorn demarera, molasses bitters
False SpringUS$15.00
seedlip spice, lemon, three cents aegean tonic, cucumber-mint soda
Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic BeersUS$9.00
Upside Dawn Golden Ale, Run Wild IPA
Grüvi Bubbly RoséUS$15.00
275ml bottle
Grüvi Mocha Nitro StoutUS$9.00
335ml can

Bottles & Cans

Bottled BeersUS$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 US$12.00
3 Floyd’s Gumballhead, American Wheat Pale Ale, Munster, IndianaUS$12.00
Dovetail, Vienna Lager, Chicago, Illinois US$12.00
Half Acre Pony, Pilsner, Chicago, Illinois US$12.00
Moody Tongue Chocolate Churro, Porter, Chicago, Illinois US$16.00
Off Color Brewing Apex Predator, Saison, Chicago, Illinois US$12.00
Off Color Brewing Dino S’mores, Imperial Stout, Chicago, Illinois US$12.00
High Noon Hard SeltzerUS$14.00
Lime, Passionfruit
Vandermill Hard CiderUS$9.00

Draft Beers

Casa Humilde Cerveceria MaizalUS$12.00
Mexican Lager
Revolution Brewing FistmasUS$12.00
holiday red ale
Buckledown Brewing Belt & SuspendersUS$12.00
IPA
Solemn Oath Brewing LüUS$12.00
kölsch

White & Rosé

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

Sparkling

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

Red

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

What 278 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

3.8Food
4.2Service
4Ambience
3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Upstairs at The Gwen offers a "great vibe" and "beautiful views" with a "lovely tea service" and "delicious, creative food." The rooftop venue is praised for its "excellent customer service" and "intimate place to enjoy friends." The ambiance is "exactly what we were looking for," making it a "wonderful hidden gem."

278 Reviews

J
Jamila
VIP
Chicago
44 reviews
4.0
44 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We attended the Tipsy Tea Party - it was really nice... the table setting made you feel like you were having afternoon tea at Buckingham palace...very dainty and elegant. The staff was very friendly, patient, and helpful throughout our experience. I rated them low on value because I believe that for the price of the experience, there is room for improvement to really make it seem worthwhile. 1)Instead of 90 minutes, they should offer 2 hour reservations. An additional 30 minutes would have been nice. It would help it feel more like an experience for the guest, not just a drop in tea. 2)They should either offer more savory food options (sandwiches, pinwheels, etc.) on the treats tower or include an appetizer in the price and adjust portions to fit the party size like they do for the treats on the tower. The music was good (pop genre) and added to the atmosphere. Overall, I think it deserves an 8/10
Is this helpful?
J
JESSICA
Louisville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great drinks and great vibes! Would definitely recommend!
Is this helpful?
L
Lori
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Came here for the tipsy tea to celebrate a birthday with girlfriends. Service was good, treats tower, tea & drinks were nice and the little barrette hats they gave us were cute. Overall didn’t feel like the hefty price is worth the overall experience. A friend in the group was vegetarian/vegan and even though she was required to pay for the experience ($70 plus tax and tip) to attend there weren’t many options for her, they made some spanokopita so she’d have something to eat. I think the price would be more worth it if diners were also allowed to chose an entree from the menu. Also we had 5 at our table but there weren’t exactly 5 of each item on the tower. Given their “fixed,” menu there should have been enough pudding cups, rolls ect of each item.
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L
Lisa
VIP
Washington DC
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My family loved Upstairs at the Gwen. We eat breakfast there every morning of our four-day stay and did our best to try everything on the menu. The food was consistently fantastic!! Especially the Chorizo Bowl and Breakfast Sandwich. We also did Happy Hour on several days and the drinks were very good as well. Best of all, we got to know several of the servers who were all wonderful, very friendly and responsive. Although there is limited seating, this lobby restaurant was always packed, with a vibrant crowd. A nice compliment to a very nice hotel!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Unlimited tea and two food towers! Very cute and pink!
Is this helpful?
P
Palak
Coastal Georgia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server Kayla was amazing! Very attentive and accommodating!
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A
Ashleigh
San Francisco
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
For someone who likes to have tea in an elegant setting, this was not for me. The decor was that of a vibrant dollar tree teenagers birthday party. We had a very nice waitress, but the service was subpar. We ordered some extra food, as the service only comes with four bites of food but It never came to the table. this was not worth the almost $200 that we paid for this experience. Also, the DJ was very loud. This is not a place to go and sit and have a peaceful experience. I only booked it at the recommendation of a friend and I have realized we have very different ideas of high tea. It’s 4 pieces of food and the top tray is all desserts, as someone who has a sweet tooth, you would think I’d be excited, except it was so sugary it should’ve come with a side of insulin. Would never recommend this to anyone
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p
patty
Louisville
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
This was the terrible ! What a rip off. Not sure how they can even take money for this. I am calling to try and get a refund.
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D
Diana
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very lovely tea service but a bit pricy for what you get. I wish they would make the teas from loose leaf and more finger sandwiches.
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C
Cole
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Indoor seating is much closer. The venue’s ambiance tells you its a more casual bar atmosphere with a great quality chef if you’re looking to indulge. Overall a nice place.
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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 4.1 stars by 278 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

8 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 15 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
Area
River North (Chicago)
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 07:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 07:00–01:00 Breakfast Mon–Fri 07:00–11:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 07:00–14:00 Happy Hour Mon–Thu 16:00–17:30
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, Takeaway, 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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party

Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill

"Botanical Bliss" Tipsy Tea Party

Gwen's Signature Cocktails

Creole Maple Old FashionedUS$15.00

Barrel-Aged NegroniUS$18.00

The RedeemerUS$19.00

The EugeneUS$19.00

Henny FizzUS$19.00

Barrel-Aged Black ManhattanUS$19.00

Barrel-Aged NegroniUS$19.00

Seasonal Tarot Specialties

The MagicianUS$20.00

Temperance US$18.00

The FoolUS$18.00

Judgement US$19.00

The EmperorUS$20.00

StrengthUS$19.00

Lux Classics

Tommy's MargaritaUS$18.00

Paper PlaneUS$20.00

Bee's KneesUS$18.00

Hemingway Daiquiri US$18.00

Vodka GimletUS$18.00

PenicillinUS$20.00

Spirit-Free

Hot Honey PalomaUS$15.00

MateUS$15.00

Liar LyreUS$15.00

Prickly Pear LimeadeUS$15.00

Cracker JackUS$15.00

False SpringUS$15.00

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic BeersUS$9.00

Grüvi Bubbly RoséUS$15.00

Grüvi Mocha Nitro StoutUS$9.00

Bottles & Cans

Bottled BeersUS$9.00

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

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

Dovetail, Vienna Lager, Chicago, Illinois US$12.00

Half Acre Pony, Pilsner, Chicago, Illinois US$12.00

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

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

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

High Noon Hard SeltzerUS$14.00

Vandermill Hard CiderUS$9.00

Draft Beers

Casa Humilde Cerveceria MaizalUS$12.00

Revolution Brewing FistmasUS$12.00

Buckledown Brewing Belt & SuspendersUS$12.00

Solemn Oath Brewing LüUS$12.00

White & Rosé

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

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

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

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

La Crema, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, CaliforniaUS$18.00

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

Louis Jadot, Chardonnay, Burgundy, FranceUS$20.00

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

Sparkling

Bariano, Prosecco, Veneto, ItalyUS$17.00

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

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

Nicolas Feuillatte, Brut Rosé, Champagne, FranceUS$300.00

Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label, Champagne, FranceUS$220.00

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

Dom Pérignon, 2012 Brut, Champagne, FranceUS$800.00

Red

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

El Domodor, Tempranillo, Rioja, SpainUS$18.00

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

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

Unshackled, Cabernet Sauvignon, CaliforniaUS$20.00

Ferrari Carano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, CaliforniaUS$19.00