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

4.0

259 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 35 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
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
USD 25.00 per person
Prepaid
23 Nov 2024 - 9 Mar 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.
Martha May's Merry Tipsy Tea Party
USD 70.00 per person
Prepaid
7 Dec 2024 - 29 Dec 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.
"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party
USD 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.

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

Seasonal Tarot Specialties

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

Lux Classics

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

Spirit-Free

Hot Honey PalomaUSD 15.00
seedlip grove, spicy honey, grapefruit juice, grapefruit soda
MateUSD 15.00
lyre’s amaretti, pineapple, orange, lemon, almond bitters
Liar LyreUSD 15.00
lyre’s italian orange, soda, lyre’s amalfi spritz
Prickly Pear LimeadeUSD 15.00
jalapeño-infused seedlip garden, prickly pear syrup, lime
Cracker JackUSD 15.00
butter-washed lyre’s amaretti, popcorn demarera, molasses bitters
False SpringUSD 15.00
seedlip spice, lemon, three cents aegean tonic, cucumber-mint soda
Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic BeersUSD 9.00
Upside Dawn Golden Ale, Run Wild IPA
Grüvi Bubbly RoséUSD 15.00
275ml bottle
Grüvi Mocha Nitro StoutUSD 9.00
335ml can

Bottles & Cans

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

Draft Beers

Casa Humilde Cerveceria MaizalUSD 12.00
Mexican Lager
Revolution Brewing FistmasUSD 12.00
holiday red ale
Buckledown Brewing Belt & SuspendersUSD 12.00
IPA
Solemn Oath Brewing LüUSD 12.00
kölsch

White & Rosé

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

Sparkling

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

Red

Cambria 'Julia's Vineyard', Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, CaliforniaUSD 20.00
El Domodor, Tempranillo, Rioja, SpainUSD 18.00
Viña Cobos 'Felino', Malbec, Mendoza, ArgentinaUSD 20.00
Tenuta Scersce 'Nettare', Nebbiolo, Rosso di Valtellina, ItalyUSD 22.00
Unshackled, Cabernet Sauvignon, CaliforniaUSD 20.00
Ferrari Carano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, CaliforniaUSD 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

4Food
4.1Service
4.2Ambience
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 1 day 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 1 day 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 1 day 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 3 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 5 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.
Is this helpful?
K
Kelly
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing! Would do again in a heartbeat. It was beautiful
Is this helpful?
P
Paula
Sacramento
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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!
Is this helpful?
M
Margaret
Chicago
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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 21 December 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 14 December 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 booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 35 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 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, 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

Martha May's Merry Tipsy Tea Party

"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party

Gwen's Signature Cocktails

Creole Maple Old FashionedUSD 15.00

Barrel-Aged NegroniUSD 18.00

The RedeemerUSD 19.00

The EugeneUSD 19.00

Henny FizzUSD 19.00

Barrel-Aged Black ManhattanUSD 19.00

Barrel-Aged NegroniUSD 19.00

Seasonal Tarot Specialties

The MagicianUSD 20.00

Temperance USD 18.00

The FoolUSD 18.00

Judgement USD 19.00

The EmperorUSD 20.00

StrengthUSD 19.00

Lux Classics

Tommy's MargaritaUSD 18.00

Paper PlaneUSD 20.00

Bee's KneesUSD 18.00

Hemingway Daiquiri USD 18.00

Vodka GimletUSD 18.00

PenicillinUSD 20.00

Spirit-Free

Hot Honey PalomaUSD 15.00

MateUSD 15.00

Liar LyreUSD 15.00

Prickly Pear LimeadeUSD 15.00

Cracker JackUSD 15.00

False SpringUSD 15.00

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic BeersUSD 9.00

Grüvi Bubbly RoséUSD 15.00

Grüvi Mocha Nitro StoutUSD 9.00

Bottles & Cans

Bottled BeersUSD 9.00

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

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

Dovetail, Vienna Lager, Chicago, Illinois USD 12.00

Half Acre Pony, Pilsner, Chicago, Illinois USD 12.00

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

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

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

High Noon Hard SeltzerUSD 14.00

Vandermill Hard CiderUSD 9.00

Draft Beers

Casa Humilde Cerveceria MaizalUSD 12.00

Revolution Brewing FistmasUSD 12.00

Buckledown Brewing Belt & SuspendersUSD 12.00

Solemn Oath Brewing LüUSD 12.00

White & Rosé

August Kessler 'R', Reisling, Mosel, GermanyUSD 15.00

Borghi Ad Est, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, ItalyUSD 16.00

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New ZealandUSD 17.00

Domaine Régis Jouan, Sauvignon Blanc - Sancerre, FranceUSD 20.00

La Crema, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, CaliforniaUSD 18.00

Talbott 'Kali Hart', Chardonnay, Monterey, CaliforniaUSD 21.00

Louis Jadot, Chardonnay, Burgundy, FranceUSD 20.00

Château d'Esclans 'Whispering Angel', Rosé, Provence, FranceUSD 20.00

Sparkling

Bariano, Prosecco, Veneto, ItalyUSD 17.00

ISC 'Ombre' Brut Rosé, Sparkling Rosé, Utica, IllinoisUSD 18.00

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee 1785, Brut Reserve, Champagne, FranceUSD 27.00

Nicolas Feuillatte, Brut Rosé, Champagne, FranceUSD 300.00

Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label, Champagne, FranceUSD 220.00

Veuve Clicquot, 2012 La Grande Dame, Champagne, FranceUSD 600.00

Dom Pérignon, 2012 Brut, Champagne, FranceUSD 800.00

Red

Cambria 'Julia's Vineyard', Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, CaliforniaUSD 20.00

El Domodor, Tempranillo, Rioja, SpainUSD 18.00

Viña Cobos 'Felino', Malbec, Mendoza, ArgentinaUSD 20.00

Tenuta Scersce 'Nettare', Nebbiolo, Rosso di Valtellina, ItalyUSD 22.00

Unshackled, Cabernet Sauvignon, CaliforniaUSD 20.00

Ferrari Carano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, CaliforniaUSD 19.00