Upstairs at The Gwen

4.2

245 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 31 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Great for outdoor dining
Great for happy hour

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)<br />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
The magic of winter awaits at Upstairs at The Gwen! Celebrate the holiday season with Gwen’s Winter Curl & Chill. Enjoy a lively game of curling, then unwind with a curated menu of festive delights. Indulge in boozy hot chocolate, mulled wine, and holiday-inspired cocktails paired with seasonal treats—all crafted to keep you cozy and warm. +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.
Bites & Vines: Gloria Ferrer
$75.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 6, 2024 only
6:00 PM
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary journey with The Gwen's Bites & Vines series. Indulge in an exquisite Gloria Ferrer wine experience, featuring a perfectly paired tapas menu. Situated in the scenic hills of Carneros, Gloria Ferrer is renowned as California’s most celebrated sparkling winemaking team. Savor the vibrant flavors of their award-winning wines, expertly paired with a chef-crafted selection of tapas, designed to complement each sip. This experience offers a delightful fusion of fine wine and culinary artistry, transporting you to the heart of Carneros. To view the wines being presented and menu, please visit https://www.thegwenchicago.com/activities/bites-vines/ for more information.
Martha May's Merry Tipsy Tea Party
$70.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 7, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
Celebrate the season in whimsical Whoville style at The Gwen’s Grinch-themed Tipsy Tea Party this December. Sip on festive tea-infused cocktails while enjoying festive tunes from a live DJ. Indulge in a seasonal tea tower brimming with delights such as Who-Spanakopita, Mount Crumpit Pfeffernüsse, and Sweet Cindy Lou’s Panna Cotta. Embrace your inner Martha May and celebrate the holidays with playful elegance! +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 245 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.2Service
4.3Ambience
3.9Value

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.

245 Reviews

J
John
Chicago
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Lovely environment, beautiful decor and layout. Service was good, a tiny bit inattentive at times. Food was excellent, but perhaps a bit overpriced. Probably worth it for the ambience and atmosphere. Beautiful views and environment. Would go back 100%
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J
Jennifer
Chicago
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
We did the Tipsy Tea and just did the standard package and added a single drink. At first we were told we had to add the unlimited drink package even though the menu clearly stated we can order a drink a la carte. It was very expensive for what you got. We have done tea all over the city and this was definitely not our favorite. Also, I felt like we were stuffed into a conference room and it was not very pretty. So many better options nearby.
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B
Ben
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyed a solid experience with great service in a wonderful hidden gem.
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M
Marilyn
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a terrific Thanksgiving at the Gwen. Our grandchildren were treated royally and we all enjoyed the food and service.
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L
Linda
Las Vegas
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The curling event was fun, and the staff was just delightful!
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L
Lisa
Chicago
16 reviews
1.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
I felt disappointed overall. The decor was really really minimal. The DJ was too loud. The food was really mediocre to poor. It felt like a few frozen appetizers heated up at best, though even the “warm” apps came out cold. One single shrimp had a bit of cold bits of pastry for the savory. For the dessert, the cannoli was stale, soggy and gross. The server was new and in training but very nervous. The tea and teapots were cute but overall, for the price, it was INCREDIBLY disappointing.
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J
Jenny
Chicago
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Dismal appearance for three sophisticated look of the Gwen. Mistmatched diner coffee mug to elegant teapots was disapppointing with tepid temperature teas. The food's temperature of warm mushy cheese puffs was bland. Lemon cupcakes with dollarstore frosting looked pretty but tasted of nothingness. Service of the trainee was ok, but where was the training? I had to ask for a new plate for my sweets, and no change of cutlery so the savory flavors had to mix with my sweets.
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m
manpreet
Chicago
8 reviews
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Extremely disappointing as far as the food/drinks. Definitely not worth it for the price. 1. Service was slow. There was only one waitress coming around to 5 tables 2. we didn’t get enough tea. Tea was not steeped well and lukewarm 3. They didn’t refresh any of our food items the live DJ was nice. We will not be returning. Much better high teas out there. Our server came around at the end to inform us that there were 5 minutes left. The food offerings the did have were below average.
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K
Kaitlin
Milwaukee
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
For what you receive during the tipsy tea, you should find another nicer option. The food and tea + atmosphere are not remotely worth the upfront cost. The food came across as frozen appetizers you could buy at Costco. Disappointing overall.
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S
Susan
Los Angeles
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Only one star in good because we didn’t actually eat here. We only had cocktails which were fantastic. Our server was also amazing!
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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 4.2 stars by 245 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 4, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 31 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

Bites & Vines: Gloria Ferrer

Martha May's Merry 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