City Views - Signature Room @ 95th (Chicago, Dana: hotel, rooftop, live in)

[otown native]

So I'll probably get a bunch of, "that's such a touristy place, go here" comments..and if so, please, splurge with other ideas..but I'm looking to visit Chicago in a few weeks and came across this restaurant/lounge that apparently has unparalleled views of the city for lunch and/or dinner - Signature Room at the 95th. And my question is - which direction should I ask to face to get the best view of the city?

I hear it's the views you pay for, not the food so much..so even though it's a little pricey, I've definitely seen worse--I live in NYC. Any other places that don't cost an arm & a leg would be nice to know about too though. Thanks in advance!

[Vlajos]

Don't eat there. Go to the bar for a drink and enjoy the views.

[jonnynonos]

Food was pretty good last time I was there though I think they have got a new chef since. Not mind blowing, but very good standard American fare.

I would ask for a table on the north or south wall for the most dramatic views of the lake and city. If you're sitting squarely in the east all you can see is the lake, if you are on the west side (not sure if they have a west side to the restaurant, though I assume they do), you will probably just see the city.

I sat once in the southeastern corner table... amazing views!

[TBideon]

They might still have $20 buffets on Saturday mornings. Not a bad way to kill a few hours.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by otown native

So I'll probably get a bunch of, "that's such a touristy place, go here" comments..and if so, please, splurge with other ideas..but I'm looking to visit Chicago in a few weeks and came across this restaurant/lounge that apparently has unparalleled views of the city for lunch and/or dinner - Signature Room at the 95th. And my question is - which direction should I ask to face to get the best view of the city?

I hear it's the views you pay for, not the food so much..so even though it's a little pricey, I've definitely seen worse--I live in NYC. Any other places that don't cost an arm & a leg would be nice to know about too though. Thanks in advance!

Go to the lounge, get a South View, and try and get a table next to the window. Trust me, great views. The West view is the worst. I live a block or two from the John Hancock but up so high that I couldn't even see my building (even though it's 30 stories). Out West with that view there's not too many highrises or anything, so try not to get that view. North would be a good view, but Southern ones are the best. IMO get there around sunset or before. The night views on the South area great too, but during the day you can see even more.

Also, in case you're female, apparently the best views in John Hancock from the lounge/restaurant are from the women's bathroom.

There are some other places that have decent views that are rooftop bars like Vertigo at the Dana Hotel (http://www.yelp.com/biz/vertigo-sky-lounge-chicago) and Rooftop at theWit Hotel (http://www.yelp.com/biz/roof-chicago). I think DrumBar (http://www.yelp.com/biz/drumbar-chicago) has good views but I haven't been up there yet. If you can somehow get someone to invite you to the Metropolitan Club in the Sears Tower (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-metropolitan-club-chicago) then those have some great views as well, but I doubt you could get up there on this short of notice. It's members/invite only..but hey you never know!

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by marothisu

Go to the lounge, get a South View, and try and get a table next to the window. Trust me, great views. The West view is the worst. I live a block or two from the John Hancock but up so high that I couldn't even see my building (even though it's 30 stories). Out West with that view there's not too many highrises or anything, so try not to get that view. North would be a good view, but Southern ones are the best. IMO get there around sunset or before. The night views on the South area great too, but during the day you can see even more.

Also, in case you're female, apparently the best views in John Hancock from the lounge/restaurant are from the women's bathroom.

There are some other places that have decent views that are rooftop bars like Vertigo at the Dana Hotel (Vertigo Sky Lounge - Near North Side - Chicago, IL) and Rooftop at theWit Hotel (ROOF - The Loop - Chicago, IL). I think DrumBar has good views but I haven't been up there yet. If you can somehow get someone to invite you to the Metropolitan Club in the Sears Tower (The Metropolitan Club - The Loop - Chicago, IL) then those have some great views as well, but I doubt you could get up there on this short of notice. It's members/invite only..but hey you never know!

True story!

[marothisu]

I also recommend taking an Architectural Boat Tour (from Wendella, Chicago Architecture Foundation, or Shoreline) If you are at all interested in big buildings, history, whatever then it's a must. The views from the River can be pretty awesome. if you don't care about all the history and whatever, then go to either the Michigan Avenue or State Street Bridges and gawk out. You can also go down some steps and there's a river walk for a little while down there.

[Jandur]

Cite at lakepoint tower.

Sixteen and Nomi also have good views. But not as good as the Signature Room.

[otown native]

Awesome..just the lounge for drinks with a view on the south side it is, lol. Thanks for all the info everyone, and the other ideas as well. Am definitely excited to visit Chi-town for the first time. I'll be sure to let my girlfriend know about the view from the bathroom as well, I did read about that too..lol.

And I'll be sure to check out that architectural boat tour. I got my undergrad in Architecture, so I'd love to experience a tour of Chicago's architecture.

[jonnynonos]

The boat tour is totally rad but I don't believe it runs in winter?!