Upstairs at The Gwen

Name: Upstairs at The Gwen
Address: The Gwen Hotel 521 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL, United States, 60611
Telephone: (872) 271-6010
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.1

4.1

269 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions
Fancy

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

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.
"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.
"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 269 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

3.9Food
4.2Service
4.1Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Upstairs at The Gwen offers a delightful rooftop experience with a "great vibe" and "beautiful views," perfect for enjoying creative cocktails by the fire pits. While some find the tea service underwhelming, the attentive staff and unique ambiance make it a charming spot for drinks and light bites.

269 Reviews

C
Cole
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
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.
Is this helpful?
C
Cristian
VIP
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a lovely evening here for Chicago Restaurant Week. All the food was delicious, and our server was knowledgeable and adaptable. The place is spacious but tables feel intimate, with varied seating options. A great place for conversation. The staff moved like a team and we felt welcome at all times. We're close by and surprised that we haven't been here before, but we'll definitely be back to further explore the drink menu.
Is this helpful?
A
Artem
Chicago
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 3 February 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
It was a terrible experience. The manager was unprofessional. As soon as our game time ended, he asked us to leave the table immediately, without even allowing us to finish our drinks. He just stood there, staring at us, making the situation as uncomfortable as possible. Additionally, they tried to charge us for people who did not play the game. When we asked them to correct the bill, they added a tip on top of the tip I had already paid online. I cannot recommend this place.
1 person found this helpful
J
Jennifer
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and beautiful views while curling on the terrace
Is this helpful?
A
Avis
VIP
Chicago
195 reviews
2.0
195 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Very underwhelming, especially for the price. We had a party of 5, with 4 getting the tea service. The good - the non-tea person ordered the smoked salmon plate, which was ample, high quality, and fairly priced. As for the tea package, 2 people had the standard tea menu and each received 1 (SMALL) each of an open faced smoked salmon 1/2 "sandwich", a 2"x1" square of fig and cheese pizza, and a 2 bite ham roll-up for their savory items. The fish eater got the salmon item and 2 dolmas, and the vegetarian received the dolmas and, instead of the fish, 1 grape tomato cut in quarters. Pastry-wise, there was a mini panna cotta, mini cupcake, sugar cookie, an unidentified item, and 2 macarons (which were the best of everything we ate). 2 people got the bottomless drinks and tried 5 of the offerings between them - everyone was thought to be VERY light on the stated alcohol. Sorry to say but the bottom line, the consensus was, for $120+ per person (with drinks) the tea service is overpriced by at least $40, including tax and gratuity.
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r
rachel
VIP
Chicago
10 reviews
2.0
10 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Service was very kind and helpful! The food was absolutely awful. I’m so sorry.
Is this helpful?
A
Alina
VIP
Las Vegas
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on 4 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Would recommend loose leaf tea rather than tea bags. Need more savory items. Food was average. Beautiful and great service. Expensive for what you get- recommend adding scones.
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K
Kate
Chicago
144 reviews
4.0
144 reviews
Dined on 29 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Delicious and creative food. We ate inside, but we will definitely try the outdoor deck with fire pits next time where we can watch the curling.
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
VIP
Chicago
12 reviews
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on 28 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great atmosphere, but the food was mediocre and expensive
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G
Gill
London
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 28 December 2024
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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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 269 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 26 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

Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill

"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party

"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