Ivy League clubhouse style with dark wooden paneling, comfy leather seats, tons of tables, and two ornately designed fireplaces. I went for the CAA burger and it didn't mot disappoint. Full of flavor the burger was juicy. The fries were standard and did it's job. I recommend this spot for a casual drink and meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Rod
Impeccable service in a great atmosphere. The room is cozy and inviting. Food was wonderful; a slight twist on some favorites. Would definitely return!
Galen Thomas
Visiting from out of town, a local friend told me about the Chicago Athletic Club's Drawing Room for a cozy place to chill, drink some coffee, do a little work and have lunch. Coffee was good, but the fish sandwich was better! Nick recommended it saying it was light and crispy. I loved the brioche role, and the sauce was tasty. Homemade potato chips rounded it nicely. Christian filled me in on the history, including it (The Chicago Athletic Club) being the origin for the Cub's logo! I'd go back.
I then went up to Cindy's for an amazing view of Millennium Park and the lakefront. A terrific experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
POLATIP
Yeah, absolutely terrible. Got checked in and was told someone would serve me soon. Didn't get one waiter or waitress, so I just walked out. Complete waste of time, but, now that I'm thinking about it, if they can't even get the service right, thankfully I didn't eat the food!
william
The atmosphere is the best part of this dining experience. Unlike the Rooftop restaurant where it is noisy and the staff lackluster, the Drawing Room is a laid back, club like experience
Jennifer
Very inviting space. Limited food menu but nice for a bite and a drink and sitting near the fireplace.
Leslie TG
I had a bad experience at the reception. I walked in and asked if they were accepting walk-in and mentioned them specifically that we wanted coffee and a dessert because it was freezing outside, we wanted something cozy. They put us in the wait list for 10 min, Since we were served by a very friendly waiter, he told us that they stopped serving coffee at 2. I went back to the receptionist and told her that, and she said that I had said something else, but with an annoyed attitude.I really wanted to visit that place because it's cozy and perfect for this season. But it's unpleasant that the staff have such inflated egos because of such a beautiful place and make the customers have a bad experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kyuwon Lee
A hotel lobby turned into classy cafe-style lounge. Beautiful, relaxing ambience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lily Nino
The food at our family event was very good, but I was disappointed by how I was treated by staff. When others ahead of me asked for restroom directions, they were sent to a nearby location. When I asked moments later, I was directed down and up multiple stairs, which was unnecessarily difficult. I was later told there was a closer restroom but that it was “for handicapped use only,” despite other White Patrons being allowed to use. Rachel, Manager, later acknowledged giving different directions but offered no apology. Overall, the lack of consistency and courtesy took away from the experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Isela Orozco
I had mixed feelings about our experience at The Drawing Room. I was there for a private event , my niece’s baby shower. The food and ambiance were excellent and truly enjoyable, which made the situation that occurred even more disappointing.
During our visit, one of the employees directed my family to use a bathroom that was significantly farther away, while other white guests were directed to a much closer restroom. When this was later acknowledged, the manager Rachel came to our table and there was no apology—only confirmation that other patrons had, in fact, been directed to the closer bathroom. This left us feeling uncomfortable and discriminated against.
While the quality of the food and the atmosphere were great, this experience impacted our overall visit. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and ensures that all guests are treated equally and respectfully moving forward.
*power outlets are hidden under the long study table, bring an extension cord!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Michael Francis
Not the best experience first time here. Was told a 45 minute wait for one, left then decided to come back and wait, and was seated immediately by a different hostess...?
Server came immediately after being seated, but didn't come back for 10-15 minutes laterto take my order.
I was half finished with my meal when my drink finally arrived. The food (roast beef sandwich) was pretty good, but overall uninspiring with the chips and an average drink - left unsatisfied and disappointed compared to expectations from other reviews.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Jorge Cherriz
Walking into The Drawing Room feels like stepping into a world where elegance never went out of style and hospitality still means something. In a city that moves a mile a minute, this place stands proudly, unbothered by trends, offering a calm, sophisticated refuge right in the heart of Chicago.
From the moment you sit down, you can tell the staff knows their craft. Service is warm, attentive, and thoughtfully paced—no rush, no fuss, just genuine care. It’s the kind of service that makes you sit up a little straighter and think, “Ah, so this is how it’s supposed to be done.”
The cocktails are a masterclass in balance and creativity. Whether you’re sipping something classic or trying one of their signature mixes, each drink feels like it was crafted with intention, the way bartenders used to take pride in before the world discovered speed over skill. Every pour has personality. Every glass has a story.
And the atmosphere? Soft lighting, refined décor, just enough music to set the mood without stealing the spotlight. It’s intimate but never cramped, upscale without trying too hard. A place where conversations linger, where time feels slower—in the best way. Perfect for a date, a quiet nightcap, or a well-deserved escape from the city noise.
The Drawing Room doesn’t just offer drinks and ambiance; it offers a reminder of how good hospitality can feel when a team commits to doing things the right way, the traditional way. In a world full of rushed experiences and half-thought efforts, this spot stands as proof that craftsmanship still matters.
If you’re looking for a refined, memorable evening with unmatched service and truly exceptional cocktails, The Drawing Room is a must. Chicago has plenty of bars, but very few that feel like this.
A genuine classic—worth every visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Schermer
If you're looking for a cool, super historic spot right in the Loop, you gotta check out the Drawing Room on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The vibe is immaculate. Pros: Seriously Gorgeous Inside: The architecture is stunning. It feels like you stepped back in time with all the dark wood, old-school fireplaces, and cozy leather couches. It’s a perfect place to just chill and soak up the atmosphere. The food was great. The brussel sprout salad was light and a perfect starter. The fish sandwich was delicious. The roast beef sandwich was also solid. Cons: Service wasn't great. We barely saw our server after he took our first order. Trying to flag someone down just to get the check was difficult. The service definitely needs some work; it can be super slow.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Steve Larsen
Update -- it got worse throughout the evening. They gave one wine listed as a Cabernet on the menu for $12. The bill arrived and without being shown a summary of the charges on the terminal I later find that they call the more expensive Red Blend, Walls Stanley Groovy, a Cabernet.
I also was seated by an area without a power outlet close by so I proceeded to place my laptop on the centre tables where numerous power outlets exist. I was told a laptop can not be left there as the space is reserved for hotel guests. Hotel guests still could sit there and 3 more outlets existed for the two chairs that were there.
We were given a 30min wait estimate with a room that was and still is as I write this mostly empty. We were told to head downstairs to their holiday bar if as we were only interested in drinks. Fair if they are trying to prioritise those wishing to eat. However, 5min later we got a text that our table was ready. Not off to a good start with such a poor wait estimate.
First drink we order doesn't arrive for at least 15min and it took a new waiter for it to even arrive. Shortly after putting in my drink request hers arrives and then mine arrives promptly. Perhaps a shift change or reorg of waiters to table but then the first waiter pops back around asking if everything is good. So confused.
The drinks were delicious but substantially small in volume. It seems like a 4oz glass at best for a cocktail.
Finally, reviewing the menu, there's reference to a 4% surcharge they will remove if asked. Their rationale for it is because they decided not to raise menu prices which, if you look at a menu photo from 1yr ago ('24) a double espresso was $3, it's $6 now (Dec '25), cordato $4 now $6, English muffin $4/8, fruit $7/8, bacon $6/8, hashbrowns $5/7, pastries $6/8;9, french fries $8/12.
At least be honest and not say you kept menu prices the same when you clearly didn't.
Ivy League clubhouse style with dark wooden paneling, comfy leather seats, tons of tables, and two ornately designed fireplaces. I went for the CAA burger and it didn't mot disappoint. Full of flavor the burger was juicy. The fries were standard and did it's job. I recommend this spot for a casual drink and meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Impeccable service in a great atmosphere. The room is cozy and inviting. Food was wonderful; a slight twist on some favorites. Would definitely return!
Visiting from out of town, a local friend told me about the Chicago Athletic Club's Drawing Room for a cozy place to chill, drink some coffee, do a little work and have lunch. Coffee was good, but the fish sandwich was better! Nick recommended it saying it was light and crispy. I loved the brioche role, and the sauce was tasty. Homemade potato chips rounded it nicely. Christian filled me in on the history, including it (The Chicago Athletic Club) being the origin for the Cub's logo! I'd go back.
I then went up to Cindy's for an amazing view of Millennium Park and the lakefront. A terrific experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yeah, absolutely terrible. Got checked in and was told someone would serve me soon. Didn't get one waiter or waitress, so I just walked out. Complete waste of time, but, now that I'm thinking about it, if they can't even get the service right, thankfully I didn't eat the food!
The atmosphere is the best part of this dining experience. Unlike the Rooftop restaurant where it is noisy and the staff lackluster, the Drawing Room is a laid back, club like experience
Very inviting space. Limited food menu but nice for a bite and a drink and sitting near the fireplace.
I had a bad experience at the reception. I walked in and asked if they were accepting walk-in and mentioned them specifically that we wanted coffee and a dessert because it was freezing outside, we wanted something cozy.
They put us in the wait list for 10 min, Since we were served by a very friendly waiter, he told us that they stopped serving coffee at 2.
I went back to the receptionist and told her that, and she said that I had said something else, but with an annoyed attitude.I really wanted to visit that place because it's cozy and perfect for this season.
But it's unpleasant that the staff have such inflated egos because of such a beautiful place and make the customers have a bad experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
A hotel lobby turned into classy cafe-style lounge. Beautiful, relaxing ambience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food at our family event was very good, but I was disappointed by how I was treated by staff. When others ahead of me asked for restroom directions, they were sent to a nearby location. When I asked moments later, I was directed down and up multiple stairs, which was unnecessarily difficult. I was later told there was a closer restroom but that it was “for handicapped use only,” despite other White Patrons being allowed to use. Rachel, Manager, later acknowledged giving different directions but offered no apology. Overall, the lack of consistency and courtesy took away from the experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
I had mixed feelings about our experience at The Drawing Room. I was there for a private event , my niece’s baby shower. The food and ambiance were excellent and truly enjoyable, which made the situation that occurred even more disappointing.
During our visit, one of the employees directed my family to use a bathroom that was significantly farther away, while other white guests were directed to a much closer restroom. When this was later acknowledged, the manager Rachel came to our table and there was no apology—only confirmation that other patrons had, in fact, been directed to the closer bathroom. This left us feeling uncomfortable and discriminated against.
While the quality of the food and the atmosphere were great, this experience impacted our overall visit. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and ensures that all guests are treated equally and respectfully moving forward.
Restaurantji Recommends
*power outlets are hidden under the long study table, bring an extension cord!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Not the best experience first time here. Was told a 45 minute wait for one, left then decided to come back and wait, and was seated immediately by a different hostess...?
Server came immediately after being seated, but didn't come back for 10-15 minutes laterto take my order.
I was half finished with my meal when my drink finally arrived. The food (roast beef sandwich) was pretty good, but overall uninspiring with the chips and an average drink - left unsatisfied and disappointed compared to expectations from other reviews.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Walking into The Drawing Room feels like stepping into a world where elegance never went out of style and hospitality still means something. In a city that moves a mile a minute, this place stands proudly, unbothered by trends, offering a calm, sophisticated refuge right in the heart of Chicago.
From the moment you sit down, you can tell the staff knows their craft. Service is warm, attentive, and thoughtfully paced—no rush, no fuss, just genuine care. It’s the kind of service that makes you sit up a little straighter and think, “Ah, so this is how it’s supposed to be done.”
The cocktails are a masterclass in balance and creativity. Whether you’re sipping something classic or trying one of their signature mixes, each drink feels like it was crafted with intention, the way bartenders used to take pride in before the world discovered speed over skill. Every pour has personality. Every glass has a story.
And the atmosphere? Soft lighting, refined décor, just enough music to set the mood without stealing the spotlight. It’s intimate but never cramped, upscale without trying too hard. A place where conversations linger, where time feels slower—in the best way. Perfect for a date, a quiet nightcap, or a well-deserved escape from the city noise.
The Drawing Room doesn’t just offer drinks and ambiance; it offers a reminder of how good hospitality can feel when a team commits to doing things the right way, the traditional way. In a world full of rushed experiences and half-thought efforts, this spot stands as proof that craftsmanship still matters.
If you’re looking for a refined, memorable evening with unmatched service and truly exceptional cocktails, The Drawing Room is a must. Chicago has plenty of bars, but very few that feel like this.
A genuine classic—worth every visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you're looking for a cool, super historic spot right in the Loop, you gotta check out the Drawing Room on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The vibe is immaculate.
Pros:
Seriously Gorgeous Inside: The architecture is stunning. It feels like you stepped back in time with all the dark wood, old-school fireplaces, and cozy leather couches. It’s a perfect place to just chill and soak up the atmosphere.
The food was great.
The brussel sprout salad was light and a perfect starter.
The fish sandwich was delicious.
The roast beef sandwich was also solid.
Cons:
Service wasn't great. We barely saw our server after he took our first order. Trying to flag someone down just to get the check was difficult. The service definitely needs some work; it can be super slow.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Update -- it got worse throughout the evening. They gave one wine listed as a Cabernet on the menu for $12. The bill arrived and without being shown a summary of the charges on the terminal I later find that they call the more expensive Red Blend, Walls Stanley Groovy, a Cabernet.
I also was seated by an area without a power outlet close by so I proceeded to place my laptop on the centre tables where numerous power outlets exist. I was told a laptop can not be left there as the space is reserved for hotel guests. Hotel guests still could sit there and 3 more outlets existed for the two chairs that were there.
We were given a 30min wait estimate with a room that was and still is as I write this mostly empty. We were told to head downstairs to their holiday bar if as we were only interested in drinks. Fair if they are trying to prioritise those wishing to eat. However, 5min later we got a text that our table was ready. Not off to a good start with such a poor wait estimate.
First drink we order doesn't arrive for at least 15min and it took a new waiter for it to even arrive. Shortly after putting in my drink request hers arrives and then mine arrives promptly. Perhaps a shift change or reorg of waiters to table but then the first waiter pops back around asking if everything is good. So confused.
The drinks were delicious but substantially small in volume. It seems like a 4oz glass at best for a cocktail.
Finally, reviewing the menu, there's reference to a 4% surcharge they will remove if asked. Their rationale for it is because they decided not to raise menu prices which, if you look at a menu photo from 1yr ago ('24) a double espresso was $3, it's $6 now (Dec '25), cordato $4 now $6, English muffin $4/8, fruit $7/8, bacon $6/8, hashbrowns $5/7, pastries $6/8;9, french fries $8/12.
At least be honest and not say you kept menu prices the same when you clearly didn't.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
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