I recently stopped by Ceres Cafe in the lobby of the historic Board of Trade Building and it was a really cool, unexpected find in downtown Chicago. The atmosphere is this classic Loop vibe — a bit lively, a bit historic, and perfect for unwinding after a day of walking around the city. I tried a couple of their cocktails and definitely understood why folks talk about how strong and generous the pours are; they don’t skimp, so pace yourself if you’re doing a drink or two. The food was solid comfort café fare — simple, tasty, and paired well with the drinks, and I liked that a lot of the menu feels homemade and fresh. It’s the kind of place where locals and office workers mingle, the service feels friendly without being pushy, and the interior gives off that vintage Chicago charm. Whether you go for a casual lunch, happy hour drinks, or a light dinner, it’s a fun, no-fuss spot that left me glad I stopped in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeremy Foster
Drinks are generous and well made, and the food is quite good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carl Johnson
Great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Wegren
A classic in a classic building. Simple food prepared well.
Dave D.
Great eats, strong drinks, and the best pour in town. Always a top spot to hit up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jonathan Neumann
Missing being on the trading floor, these strong drinks will bring u back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Gonzalez
Love Pilar, great bartender, definitely recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Betsy Hardi
The staff was so sweet, food was delicious, and drinks were strong!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jonathan RME
Love the corned beef, but not made in-house. Arik is the best bartender. This place is Chicago!
We had a 20 people party in the patio and the server refused to take payment for people leaving early. “One bill per party” so people had to walk to withdraw cash to leave behind or ask others to pay their drinks because he wouldn’t accept payment for individual drinks, only the full bill. So I had two beers and the bill was running around $400 by the time I left. The server was extremely rude “just throw your card in”.
I get it that they don’t want to do 20 checks at once, but some folks left 4pm and some 8pm. Next time I’m not bringing a big group to be served at the patio, only the bar.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Juan Carlos Vega
Classy spot that’s been around forever that use only the finest meats and ingredients. Used to cater to the brokers and traders at the CBOT, with great food and amazing drinks!!!! The atmosphere and service are second to none.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason C
Solid food and great place for HH!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
brion oshea
great great drink and I'll leave it at that 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
O2856EWrobertoc
Typically American place, very quiet with access from inside the building. Great for meetings and gatherings. Quite nice service and no possibility to make menu changes
I recently stopped by Ceres Cafe in the lobby of the historic Board of Trade Building and it was a really cool, unexpected find in downtown Chicago. The atmosphere is this classic Loop vibe — a bit lively, a bit historic, and perfect for unwinding after a day of walking around the city. I tried a couple of their cocktails and definitely understood why folks talk about how strong and generous the pours are; they don’t skimp, so pace yourself if you’re doing a drink or two. The food was solid comfort café fare — simple, tasty, and paired well with the drinks, and I liked that a lot of the menu feels homemade and fresh. It’s the kind of place where locals and office workers mingle, the service feels friendly without being pushy, and the interior gives off that vintage Chicago charm. Whether you go for a casual lunch, happy hour drinks, or a light dinner, it’s a fun, no-fuss spot that left me glad I stopped in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Drinks are generous and well made, and the food is quite good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A classic in a classic building. Simple food prepared well.
Great eats, strong drinks, and the best pour in town. Always a top spot to hit up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Missing being on the trading floor, these strong drinks will bring u back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love Pilar, great bartender, definitely recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The staff was so sweet, food was delicious, and drinks were strong!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love the corned beef, but not made in-house. Arik is the best bartender. This place is Chicago!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quiet and relaxed. Expensive
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Notice for big groups:
We had a 20 people party in the patio and the server refused to take payment for people leaving early. “One bill per party” so people had to walk to withdraw cash to leave behind or ask others to pay their drinks because he wouldn’t accept payment for individual drinks, only the full bill. So I had two beers and the bill was running around $400 by the time I left. The server was extremely rude “just throw your card in”.
I get it that they don’t want to do 20 checks at once, but some folks left 4pm and some 8pm. Next time I’m not bringing a big group to be served at the patio, only the bar.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Classy spot that’s been around forever that use only the finest meats and ingredients. Used to cater to the brokers and traders at the CBOT, with great food and amazing drinks!!!! The atmosphere and service are second to none.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Solid food and great place for HH!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
great great drink and I'll leave it at that 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Typically American place, very quiet with access from inside the building. Great for meetings and gatherings. Quite nice service and no possibility to make menu changes
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