Upstairs at The Gwen

4.1

249 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Great for outdoor dining

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!

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Order delivery or takeout

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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)<br />Bus: 147, 148, 151, 145, 146, 3, 157, 29, 65
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Experiences

Gwen's Winter Curl & Chill
US$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
US$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
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.

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 249 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

4Food
4.2Service
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.

249 Reviews

M
Marie
New Orleans
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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?
D
Dennis
VIP
Chicago
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was good all the way around and very convenient as it was cold outside and we didn’t have to leave here!
Is this helpful?
A
Angela
VIP
Indiana
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Curling was fun and the space is great. Service wasn’t great - had to go looking for waitress to order food and then manager came out to say food that is on the Chill and Curl menu isn’t available until 2 pm. Why is it on the menu for the activity if not really available? Tip was automatically added and included 20% of the price for Curling and not just 20% of the food and beverage.
Is this helpful?
N
Noura
VIP
Orlando
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Horrendous service, it wasn’t even that busy, yet there was no hostess for a good 15 min. Then server took forever to come seat us. Just chaos..
Is this helpful?
J
John
Chicago
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 4 December 2024
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%
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Chicago
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on 30 November 2024
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.
Is this helpful?
B
Ben
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 29 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyed a solid experience with great service in a wonderful hidden gem.
Is this helpful?
M
Marilyn
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 29 November 2024
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.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
VIP
Las Vegas
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 27 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The curling event was fun, and the staff was just delightful!
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
VIP
Chicago
17 reviews
1.0
17 reviews
Dined on 24 November 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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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 249 OpenTable diners.

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

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

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
Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
https://www.thegwenchicago.com/dining/upstairs-at-the-gwen/
Phone number
(872) 271-6010

Upstairs at The Gwen

Not bookable

Order delivery or takeout

There’s more to explore

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