This place is VERY good. You can eat breakfast lunch and dinner here and not get sick of it. You can eat here 5 times a week and not get sick of it. It's like mc'donalds if you like fast food, but these are healthy damn near home cooked meals. I recommend the tuna melt, the fried shrimp, patty melt, open faced turkey, any of their fish specials, honestly pretty much anything is great. Awesome breakfast too, favorite is corned beef and hash 2 eggs over easy. Lines out the door for lunch sometimes. I don't know where these people come from lol The staff is all great including Billy the manager, Eve with the red hair :) all the older Irish ladies that are awesome. Joanie, Deliah, Nora, and all the younger cute girls like Maribel, and kate etc. read more

I cannot say enough about this place. The drinks are of the highest caliber in the city. When you order a jack and coke, you get a glass of jack and a can of coke. Prices are great and the food is good. I recommend the tacos and the blue cheese stuffed burger. Also, Cere's is the best place in the loop for happy hour. The popcorn flows forever! The waitresses have the right about of class an attitude. I cannot stop coming here. read more

I just had lunch there today with my colleague. It has the "Chicago restaurant" feel, which I enjoyed especially because it's cold outside and the place was cozy. Food specials are good priced for lunch. I had chicken parmigiana with a side of steamed veggies. On a scale of 1-10 in taste, I'd say it was a 6. (My standard for lunch is 4 or above, so I was happy). It was about 9 or 10 bucks for lunch. Server was pleasant. Not too crowded. I learned that the Chicabo board of trade was upstairs after I got there. Thinking back to the movie Wall Street, I anticipated a mad rush of insane-paced workers coming in. Not the case. A pretty relaxed meal overall. I would go back for lunch anytime. It's just a block from my office, too. read more

My first time coming here after work yesterday was nothing short of amazing! The other reviews are true, I order a vodka Diet Coke and received a FULL short glass of vodka. Perfect way to start the weekend! Our server was good. The place was loud but I didn't mind just means it's a good place where everyone wants to hang out! The drink prices were amazing. I just got one drink and it was 10 dollars for the full cup of vodka, best prices in the loop for sure! read more

I just had the BEST experience here. I sat outside, ordered my drink, and was pleasantly surprised when I got it. Everyone said that I was a pretty heavy pour, so it was pretty much what I expected. What I didn't expect was how nice, warm and friendly the service was! Our waitress was very nice - honest about what we could expect, and just all around great. We had the calamari and artichoke dip (outstanding). I will definitely be back! read more

If you drink liquor this seems to be the place to go. Large pours are standard. Beer selection is good, I have never eaten here. Good for large groups read more

The place was loud and noisy and reputedly had barf in a bathroom sink at happy hour. The sin however was the waitress who forgot drinks were ordered then after splitting a bill for a person at the table and took literally 45 minutes to do it. If you have the tall blonde waitress sit in another section. WORST EVER LITERALLY. read more

We had the best service by the red head!! She makes a mean Bloody Mary. Thank you Eve!

Great inexpensive drinks. Nice quite environment. Nice place to go and relax after work. Since it's located in the Board of Trade parking is almost non existent, unless you pay to park in a garage. I was here around 3/4pm and stayed only for about an hour or so. It started to get a little crowded around the time I left so if you don't wanna deal with crowds it would be better to get their early. FYI- the drinks are really strong! I had 3 and was feeling a bit tipsy. read more

I dine at Ceres at least three times a week. Breakfast : The first thing i love about walking into Ceres is being greeted by the ever-so-awesome manager, Eve (and sometimes i get lucky and she is my server in the early AM!) Add Eve to the egg whites, turkey sausage + one of their awesome bloody's - its the best breakfast experience in Chicago. Lunch: Again, being greeted by Eve just starts any lunch out right. Sometimes me and my co-workers discuss where to go to lunch and whenever in doubt, we know we can walk into Ceres and Eve will treat us like we're the most important customers in the entire place - knowing that, Ceres is often our final decision. Somehow, she manages to make everyone in that place feel VIP. Good food can be found all over the city - its great service and the "at- home feeling" that separates Ceres apart from many other restaurants in Chicago. Ceres is more than just food - its people like Eve that keep me and my people coming back - and coming often!! Eve, thanks for always taking such good care of us!! read more

My kind of bar. All of the other reviews have already said it but...this place rocks. Order a Jack and Coke and they give you a glass filled to the top with liquor and a can of Coke on the side. You basically mix your own drinks and make them as strong or as weak as you like. I also had some apps but honestly don't remember how they tasted...which can be either a good or a bad thing. But I wasn't here to eat. read more

Great atmosphere and great drinks! I was there early March with friends for the first time. Service was great, food was great and the drinks can't be beat! It was definitely crowded. If you want to sit and eat get your name in right away and make sure you are near by to hear your name called. It gets loud - loud with people talking not music. read more

The best Happy Hour in Chicago. You have to sit in Christina section to be exposed to the level of customer service missed in many regions of the country. Drinks are strong and food is good. read more

Warm ambience. Solid choice to rest during the day. Nothing is remarkable but you'll be satisfied.

Went here for happy hour Friday night. The place is packed full of people. Most of which work in the area I'm sure. The drinks were sooooo strong. If you're looking for a tasty drink, this is not the place for you. But if you're looking for a strong drink to get a buzz, then you need to go here. The artichoke dip was also amazing. The service was very mediocre and they don't stop by very often. You can tell they are there to do their job, serve the people, and leave. It was so busy so I understand. I will for sure go back for another happy hour because of the strong drinks. read more

As an econ major and (occasional) semi-alcoholic, I love Ceres. Where else can you take in the hustle and bustle of the financial district while getting inebriated from just one drink? For those who haven't been here, there's not really a drink menu. You just say what you want, like "Kettle & Tonic" or "Maker's Mark & Coke", and you will get literally an entire glass of alcohol with whatever soft drink you wanted on the side. And it's under $10. And you get unlimited popcorn. This place is unfortunately not open on the weekends and closes at 8 or 8:30pm Mon-Fri, which I guess is a good thing considering how trashed everyone gets by 6pm here. If you're coming on a Friday, be sure to arrive before 4:30, which is when all the traders get here and the place becomes jam packed. Also, be warned that drinks here are incredibly strong. Here's my guideline: 1 drink = tipsy 2 drinks = drunk 2.5 drinks = blacked out 3 drinks = I've never made it to 3 Then again, I'm an Asian girl, so take it with a grain of salt. read more

Best "I've had a long week / day and need a good drink" place. No bar/restaurant can compete with the fun atmosphere and the alcohol deal you get. Highly recommend to go with a group. Such a fun place! My go to for a Friday afternoon or a Wednesday when work has just pushed you over the edge read more

Ceres gets 5 stars for drink strength! Their drinks are famously strong as hell and cheap. Everyone there is happy and the energy is great. Used to come here every Friday with coworkers. Best place to get a stiff drink on Friday after work! read more

Certainly old school and unapologetically unhip best describe Ceres Cafe. Traders apparently don't embrace change, but who needs it when you boast the strongest drinks on earth and some wicked delicious chicken tortilla soup? Yes, the legacy of Ceres' cocktails are accurate. You pretty much get a glass full of booze and a can of mixer on the side. You mix 'em up yourself and proceed to get exceedingly drunk. If you can't catch a buzz at Ceres for under $20, there's something wrong with you. Also important to note: Their chicken tortilla soup is surprisingly delicious. So even If you're not a raging alcoholic, you can still find something redeeming about Ceres Cafe. It makes me happy that places like this exist. read more

This place would have received a much higher rating due to the strong drinks and great service I enjoyed. You get a glass full of liquor and a can of tonic or soda to go along with it. The kicker is that they don't recycle. Yes folks, this bar does not recycle. It's nearly 2012 and I'm not going to spend my money at a place that does not recycle. It's just irresponsible and pathetic. I hope you choose not to go to this establishment until they step up their game and start to recycle. read more

general thumbs up. #drunkenYelp Update 1-19-11. This is definitely one of those places that I wouldn't advise you to drive to. Not because the parking sucks (which it does) but because you will have no business operating a motor vehicle after you leave here. My friends have been coming here for months and they're always raving about how sloshed they are when they leave. Me and damaged liver didn't believe.... until I went. I will not be coming here regulary. Not because of the heavily poured drinks, popcorn or service.....but because I don't want a liver transplant before 50. Cheers. read more

Love the drinks but I just noticed today that they are making their guacamole with mayonnaise. NASTY !

tough day at the office? go to ceres. good day at the office? go to ceres. bring your friends. the inside is like a diner, and their large 'patio' area won't win any awards for its beautiful views. it doesn't matter. glass of liquor, can of coke, delicious french fries, cheap price tag. they do close rather early, but you'll be thankful you weren't able to stay any later. read more

One of my newest 'go to' places for a quiet breakfast or lunch....good menu for both. Definite place for an inexpensive business lunch...quiet enough for a decent conversation. read more

Gray crowd, very diverse before 5p... Payday fridays are the best... Network, get lit, and had home all before 9pm... Goods night!

I would frequent Ceres often over the summer and I loved it. They have tables outside and sometimes had music which was great. It is an older crowd but it's not an awkward feeling. Talk about stiff drinks, yowza! They're like grampa after a few viagra...no stoppin em. wow. The are also not disgustingly strong either. Somehow they manage to put just enough liquor that you can handle it without being entirely grossed out. Now, if that isn't a skill...what is? read more

Great food. Great atmosphere. Busy but not overwhelming. This place was booming but still quiet enough to have a conversation. The drinks were great! The fries were amazing! read more

After getting in on a red eye with only 72 hours in Chicago. We wanted a quick bite to eat that was close to Willis tower. Thanks yelp for helping us find this gem of a cafe! I got a bloody, clam chowder (this chowder was amazing), enchiladas, and great service from Beatrice. And the meal was cheap! More places like this need to exist in the world! read more

If you're looking for an after work spot in the Financial District to get a drink you've come to the right spot. Order a jack and coke and they will bring you a rocks glass filled with jack to the top and a can of coke on the side and tell you to figure it out. They also have 20oz tall boy miller lite drafts, but sometimes they are flat. I generally stick with bottles of beer or a glass of booze. Waitstaff is great, even when busy. I'd recommend sitting in Delia's section. They give free popcorn and Thursday's have free pizza around 5pm if you're having a drink. Everything on the menu is solid, pretty much cafe food with a couple bar type appetizers thrown in. I personally like the chopped salad(huge) and the chicken wings. But if you're looking for a full on meal they have great specials and entrees. They also have daily specials after 3pm with a drink purchase. 2buck burger/chicken/hot dog/tex mex rolls/ or buffalo chicken rolls. The atmosphere is non existent unless its happy hour on Thursday or Friday, otherwise its an old man after work drink type place. I would recommend going if you're looking for a good stiff drink after work, or you have a large group that wants to meet somewhere. The only other time I'd recommend is when its warm you can sit outside and enjoy the hustle and bustle of commuters running to catch the train as you sip your cocktail and plan to take the next one. read more

this place is entirely old school and SO classic. the martini lunch lives!! if you have a half day or a day off and want to get all sloshed, check it out for lunch. just try to be done by 3:30. the majority of CBOE and CBOT traders end the trading day at around 3:15, if i remember correctly from my time working at 111 w. jackson, just next door. read more

My friend and I met here for a drink after work one friday, and I mention friday because it's the only night of the week I could possibly start off the night so strong. The drinks here are STIFF. I'm not complaining though :) The outdoor patio is located a bit strangely (kind of in the middle of a pedestrian walkway) but there's no loud music to scream over and there are plenty of tables. All in all, a really nice loop happy hour read more

I have been here many times for Thursday happy hour, and there is no cheaper place for a very strong drink in the loop, which is why my coworkers and I kept going back. Their food is also very good--if you can manage to order any. The service when they are busy can be so horrendous it is not worth the money you save on alcohol. Pretty consistently we had to ask for the mixers a second time after the alcohol was brought out, even though we'd ordered them together. Once this was compounded when I was hungry and had to ask multiple times just to see a menu, before going and finding one myself. Then once I finally managed to order, I was brought the wrong sandwich. On another occasion, which forever ruined Cere's for me, again after asking multiple times to see a food menu, and then asking to order, and then waiting for it to arrive, I asked the waiter if he knew about how long the food would take (politely--I really just wanted to know if I should continue to stuff my face with popcorn or wait for the food. I wasn't upset at that point, having become used to everything at Cere's taking forever). His response was, "Well, it has to cook, baby." With the most infuriating, condescending smirk. I have never in my life been so disrespected by a waiter, and still wish my friends had not talked me out of speaking with a manager that night--after his remark, we should not have paid the 18% gratuity that he added to our tab. Overall, Ceres is fine if you're poor and want a very strong drink, and sometimes the service isn't intolerable (like I said, I've been there many times), but the times it has been bad have ruined it for me. To be safe, I'd recommend going elsewhere. read more

Ceres hovers somewhere between best bar and "best.bar.ever." Stiff drinks, inexpensive food and some of Chicago's best bar personalities. Also happens to be one of Chicago's most diverse scenes as people from all different walks of life and cultures congregate to do one of the thing we all have on common: have a serious drink. Every time is a good time. Bring friends and your metro card. read more

CERES is a prejudice place where the security thinks it's ok to walk in a women in the bathroom by themselves. They wrongfully call the police after charging $15.00 for a simple drink, Horrible place for minorities to go to relax. read more

The perfect place for after work drinks. My coworkers and I were looking for a new happy hour spot in the Loop.....requirements......cheap drinks......and cheap drinks. We were very happy to find that not only were the drinks cheap, but very strong. My rum & coke was more like a rum with a splash of coke. It took me a long time to finish my drink, and after two I was buzzing. I'm not a light drinker, either. Everyone else at the table agreed that their drinks were the strongest they've had...and the guy that ordered a shot, had a very large shot glass filled to the top. Some people at our table had to order a coke on the side to make their drink, drinkable. Our waitress came by with complimentary popcorn, and nachos for everyone. An even better reason to make this our after work spot. The crowd was mostly guys.....traders.....older...but there were some younger office people there taking advantage of the stiff drinks. I would give this place an even better rating if they only had a juke box...but being a "cafe" I can see why they do not. Anyhoo.....this will be a place we frequent after work. read more

I decided to stop in here for a nice Friday lunch, with my friend Wendy Y. Please feel free to read her much better review below ;) Since it was my first time here, we decided to try a little bit of everything. We split a ceasar salad, cheeseburger and fries, and some macaroni and cheese. Everything was tasty as hell. Now, on to the drinking part. This part is a little hazy, so bear with me. Our sweetheart of a waitress, Evelyn, brought us two super strong rum and cokes. With her amazing psychic powers, she could tell I was a lightweight and brought some coke to remix the drink with. Well, in my haste to bring on the drunken haze, I went right ahead and tried to mix everything myself. Um yeah, my dumbass grabbed the closest glass to me, failed to realize all the limes inside and just started pouring. Luckily Evelyn caught my attention, got everything away from me, and just started mixing away herself. Like the awesomeness she is, she even poured what little part of the drink had made it into the glass of limes back into my glass. Can't waste good alcohol, she said. Yes, that is Mensa geniusness right there. Anyways, it's blurry after that, but at least I know I can come here, get some good food, and get nice fuzzy drunk with just a six buck drink. read more

Was waiting for a friend and decided to dine myself here. Not bad at all - ordered the chicken enchiladas and a diet coke. Got some hot sauce and had a little food party with myself. The wait staff is really sweet and the food came out promptly. It was inexpensive and filled me up. I will likely forget the entire experience even happened next week. I think the drinks here are cheap and worth it - if you're looking for a casual place to chat up a few finance peeps. read more

How does this place get any good reviews? I've worked in the building for 10 years so unfortunately Ive gone a handful of times. The food is below average bar food and the service is atrocious. The waitresses are all grumpy old ladies that may or may not speak any english. Its totally weird. If you want to see the gross conditions where the food is made just go downstairs to Cellars Market, its the same restaurant and kitchen. It looks like a prison cafeteria, complete with convicts dishing up the food. I'm praying the new building owners kicks them out soon so we can get a decent restaurant in there. The only way they stay in business is location and pouring ridiculously strong drinks. So if you are a raging alcoholic with no regards for food, service or atmosphere then this is a great spot for you! read more

Great place for happy hour! Been patronizing this place for YEARS! Decent food, but the drinks are the main attraction!

Ceres is a Loop happy hour staple, conveniently located in the Board of Trade building. I'd never had the occasion to venture here except for yesterday, for a happy hour/networking event. The event was hosted on the patio. My preference would have been indoor seating as the day was quite sweltering. I will note that the servers did their best to accommodate the group, keeping us well fortified with appetizers and taking drink orders. It was a cash bar although the appetizers were free, which was a great deal. I should have remembered the drink advice from my other Yelpers, as I'd made the (miskate?) of ordering a vodka tonic. This was essentially absolut in a glass, on the rocks, topped off with a literal splash of soda water. Oh, well, at least it was a short glass and the one drink ended up being plenty, so I didn't have to burn through cash. My favorite appetizers were the quesadilla, chips and guac, and chicken skewer. Calamari were not warm (by temperature) and the sliders looked good, although I didn't sample any. The atmosphere was convivial and a great option for this type of gathering. read more