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

258 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 30 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
Neighbourhood
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, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill
US$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.
Martha May's Merry Tipsy Tea Party
US$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.
"Dripping in Pink" Tipsy Tea Party
US$70.00 per person
Prepaid
Jan 4, 2025 - Mar 30, 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 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, grapefruit juice, 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 258 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
3.8Value

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.

258 Reviews

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
Is this helpful?
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!
Is this helpful?
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).
Is this helpful?
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.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 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!
Is this helpful?
S
Sheila
VIP
Chicago
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 14, 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.
Is this helpful?
M
Marie
New Orleans
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Looked nice. Service was great. Drinks were good. Typical hotel bar though
Is this helpful?

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 258 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 29, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 30 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
Neighbourhood
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

Martha May's Merry Tipsy Tea Party

"Dripping in Pink" 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