Kind of let down by this place as well. I ordered the filet medallions of beef. It came with 3 smallish pieces of filet, on top of a crostini soaked in come kind of EXTREMELY salty sauce, topped with a crisp of Parmesan. The dish felt kind of odd to me, and the salty crostini was just weird. It was soggy from all the au jus, or whatever it's soaked in, which I didn't really mind...However the salt level of the dish just kind of killed it for me. read more

This place is crazy! Crazy cheap and crazy pours that is. It's hard to get a table after work because it fills up so fast. But if you do manage to grab a spot, you won't regret it. Cool idea to pay for booze based on the day's trading prices. The men here can be a little googly eyed when women walk in, but hey, if it means I can get a full glass of Jack and a can of Sprite for like $7, I'll pretend I didn't hear that. I hope to go back soon! read more

Strongest drinks I've ever had. They literally hand you an overflowing cup of liquor and then a can of soda. They're also cheap, like $6. Every time I've been here, it's been totally packed. The crowd is a mix of traders and people who just want to drink really strong drinks. They open up the outdoor patio in the summer. Inside, it's much like a restaurant with a few different sections, and a large bar at the back. The food is ok - it's bar food, and seems like the menu was written by men for men. They give you unlimited popcorn while you drink, which is nice. The host, who may be the owner, is incredibly accommodating. He will run around, pulling chairs together from different tables to fit your party in quickly. Good place if your mission is to get your drink on. read more

Are you joking!?! 6 buck makers mark/coke (literally, a cup of makers mark is delivered to your table with a can of coke), and slider type hamburgers make for a perfect end to a rough day. Take your boss here....after you've been working at the company for more than a year, and he'll thank you (he he doesn't already know about it). read more

You. Only. Need. One. Drink. An entire rocks glass full to the rim of Hendricks gin & a can of tonic on the side, delicioso, and for $10?! if you have 2, you'll have the time of your life, staff was super attentive and friendly. Casual atmosphere, great for meeting after work c: read more

The strongest drinks at the best price I have ever experienced at any establishment in the Loop. While this will keep me coming back for my tenure in Chicago, I have an equally important reason for returning. The manager here will bend over backwards to accommodate customers. A small man in a blazer with his small spectacles perched on his nose runs this business the way it should be. Always pleasant and friendly and willing to do whatever he can to see that you have a place to sit, drink, eat, and have a great time. read more

The drinks are cheap and very STRONG. My friend ordered a Cranberry and vodka. It consisted of a FULL CUP OF VODKA and just a SPLASH of Cranberry. And the place gets packed. Its also a comedy show with friendly people. Everyone talks to everyone And girls try to get their afternoon mack on. will def be going back for the appetizers, drinks and free comedy show. Their appetizers are also good. And yes they serve free popcorn. read more

Don't come here after work if you're hungry, the food wasn't the best, but if it's been one of those kind of work weeks or you just looking for a good strong drink, this is definitely your place! I was fighting a cold and saw the Red Sangria a la Enrique had brandy in it and I was sold, let me tell you that Sangria was doing it's job for sure! I'd be back, it's definitely a good after work spot, the crowd is decent and the drinks are strong what more could you ask for?! read more

This place is so different depending on the time of day. GOOD: This isn't a place where you order a beer, even if you are a beer drinker.. You order a mixed drink because you get about a pint of booze in you drink for like 4 bucks. OK: Decent food, nothing to write home about. Nothing has been bad though. BAD: In the morning when you eat breakfast before work. The waitresses are senile and have probably been there since the board of trade opened in 1930. They seemingly always get your order wrong and you just eat it because you have to get to work. So if you order eggs, you may get pancakes. read more

Great food, service and the drinks, my o my! A drink may cost you $8 but you are getting every bit of $8 of drink.... I recommend the lemon chicken pasta, the only suggestion would be to add capers to the meal to really pull it all together. Only one con, some of the clientele is suspect at best. If you get there about 3pm you can enjoy a meal and a drink before the crowd starts ramping up. read more

Basic, basic, basic but good, good, good. Nothing fancy about this 'diner' inside the Chicago Board of Trade. Great for a breakfast meeting or quick lunch. Very old school-reasonable prices. Would have given 4 stars if coffee was better...Again, soso... read more

I got introduced to Ceres a couple months ago through happy hours with coworkers, and I got quickly hooked. It's been my favorite spot for happy hours ever since. Ceres by far serves the STIFFEST drinks at an affordable price. If you order a jack and coke, you'll find yourself getting an entire glass of Jack with a splash of Jack or just a can of coke on the side. If you are an alcoholic-workaholic in the loop, come to the CBOT and you'll be right at home with your fellow drunken professionals. Pros: - Stiffest drinks in town - Best bang for your buck - $10-15 per drink for good liquor - Free popcorn Con: -Bad for large groups because it's always packed after work read more

This is where the brokers go to drink. Need I say more? Their drinks are legendary. Jack and Coke? They might wave the can over the drink before giving it to you on the side. Don't wimp out either, or they will laugh at you. And the food is really good too. Their steaks are a little known secret. Super high quality, and definitely a treat for lunch sometime. I also really enjoy their fish sandwiches. Been going there for years, and they never disappoint. Definitely check it out if you're on the south side of the Loop. read more

Cheap drinks that are really, really stiff. What else is there to say. It does get really crowded, so you have to get there early to get a seat. read more

Strong drinks. Order the can of pop on the side, and sip it slow. They are super crowded on Fridays after work and it was more like a club than a restaurant. Our waitress was excellent, especially given the crowd and the confusion. I ordered a buffalo chicken salad and it was huge. The buffalo chicken was good, but cold, and the salad was huge, but fairly plain, with lettuce and tomatoes. My friends got some fish tacos, artichoke dip and Egg rolls. With the exception of my salad, everything was gone by the time we left. Fun place to grab a drink with friends and people watch after work. read more

I never thought I'd use the word ratchet in a Yelp review. But this place was definitely ratchet. I've never seen a happy hour so crowded with people. The drinks, yes, are VERY strong and you will be falling down after 2 or 3. But as a result of the crowding, the service is pretty poor and you can wait 30-40 minutes before a waiter getting to your table/area. read more

It's time for me to write a review that will most definitely be unpopular. But I'm reviewing my experience (and mine only), and it was highly negative. Keep in mind that the restaurant markets itself as a cafe and not a steakhouse. Cafes generally appeal to all audiences and diets, and this is where the place disappointed. As a vegetarian, there were zero main courses on the menu that I could eat. I can accept that if restaurants can work around that (for instance, provide a veggie patty in lieu of meat), but they had no such options. As such, I ended up leaving simply because I wasn't able to order anything - in a cafe in Chicago, a city whose restaurants normally appeal to an extremely diverse community. Even a basic, rudimentary veggie burger would have sufficed, as I'm not at all a picky eater outside of my single ethical restriction. Essentially, I had an easier time eating at Buffalo Wild Wings than I did here. That's disappointing. However, the restaurant does offer drinks, as well as items that appeal to non-vegetarians, so I can't say it's a universally poor experience. read more

The place has a nice, busy 1960's feel to it. However, our experience was ruined by the waitress! We were rudely asked if we seated ourselves, after which we were given bread from the vacated table next to ours. She then gave us some butter from the table and pointed out that it was still wrapped. After spilling my drink (but promptly getting another, to her credit), she instructed us to eat the bread, like we were school-going children. The only reason I gave this place 2 stars is for the drinks. Ceres is apparently (clearly!) known for its serving size - you get 60ml for the price of a standard 30ml pour. The waitress was probably having a bad day, but it was enough to make sure we never go there again. read more

Do you like libation? If so, this is the place for you. Ceres has the stiffest drinks at any bar I've been to in Chicago. It's a good place to meet up and begin the night. Ceres can be raucous, but it's a sizeable joint so it's never uncomfortable. The first time I started my night at Ceres, my friends wound up forgetting me at the bar. The second time I started my night at Ceres, I got my friend suspended from paypal. The third time I started my night at Ceres, I left all my personal identification at a string of establishments across the city. read more

If you're in love with your tonic and gin, this is the place..... by far, this bar within the Chicago Board of Trade (hmmm...figures) pours the strongest drinks in town and very reasonable prices.... this is a bit of an industry secret, but non-traders must know.... ....example, for a cranberry 'n vodka, you'll get a tumbler full of grey goose and a splash of cranberry....if you can't read a paper through the drink, it's not ceres... read more

Oh Ceres, I know you well. I work on the trading floor at the Chicago Board of Trade, and we definitely frequent Ceres since it's in the lobby. I would recommend this place just for the experience. If you can't see the craziness of the trading floor, you can experience those crazy clerks and traders at Ceres, it's usually pretty rambunctious at Ceres! And let me tell you, the drinks here--well it's just hilarious. The first time I ordered a rum and coke I almost crapped my pants! They brought me a glass filled with rum, and a coke can. Being the wimp that I am, I had to ask for a second glass so I could make two drinks! read more

So I am hesitate to write this review because its already crowded enough as it is. But I guess It would be selfish to keep it to myself. This is the BEST happy hour spot in the city of Chicago hand down. I mean when you go to Ceres you can get a rum and coke and they will literally give you a glass full of rum and a can of coke on the side for $6!!! Where else can you get that??? This is hands down the best happy hour spot there is point, blank, period!1 read more

Oh yes, it's one of those places where you want to come back again, and again, almost like an orgasmic climax where you never want it to stop. Ugh. But seriously, this is a nice place for hearty tasty food and drinks (would be great for drinkers; they really know what they're doing here). This is one of the place to go once I'm back in Chicago.. Rocking *Squirts* good! read more

There's apparently a play called "Ceres" that's opening this Saturday here in Chicago set at the Ceres Cafe. It's about the Spitzer insurance scandals from a few years back. The Factory Theater is doing it. I hope there's some crazy drinks and filet of sole! read more

How do you not like a place that serves the stiffest mixed drinks anywhere. Order a bourbon and coke and they bring you a glass with like 8oz of bourbon and set a coke down next to it. Baller. read more

This is the Greatest Place whether it is for drinking or eating. The food is very yummy and the drinks are strong, strong, strong. Anywhere I can get a Vodka and Soda, they pour Vodka over Ice and give a Can for the Soda is a Place for me. The salads are good, always fresh fish, and sides. read more

The pancakes! U must order the buttermilk pancakes. We were looking for a breakfast spot to go to before going to the sky deck, and am so glad we saw this place. read more

One of my favorite places to go in the city. The pour is great and you never feel like you are overspending here. The staff is great and Billy takes great care of everyone. The bartenders are amazing and make you feel welcomed. read more

This is great if you're an alcoholic, or if you're drinking to forget something. Not that there's anything wrong with that! We've been there! I like it twice a year after something bad has happened. Otherwise, I like slightly finer things and I'm okay paying for that. No knocks. read more

The drinks are INSANE. I asked for a Knob Creek and Ginger Ale. I was handed a glass of Knob Creek with a little ice and a can of Ginger Ale lol. Yikes. It was more than enough for just one drink. I tried one of my friends buffalo chicken rolls which was really good. I will definitely be going back to check out the food and have more of those crazy over poured drinks :) read more

We had lunch here on a Wednesday in June. We got in right around noon and the place wasn't too busy. The staff said things were kind of slow this time of year. The posted specials included a pork chop that sounded good. We ordered. Then, while others came and went, we waited. The bread offerings were interesting -- including some almost mini pizzas with toasted tomato on top. What was surprising is that the bread is left as guest come and go. In California, that would be illegal. And, the butter was getting cooked. If they want to leave butter out in the foil packets, fine, but it should be on ice. After 1/2 hour, the waitress said, she'd better check on our order! She came back a bit later and said the kitchen was having trouble with the pork orders. She offered a different choice and my wife chose chicken parmesian. Well, about 12:50, the food arrived -- the chichen parmesian wasn't really appetizing -- slathered with tomato sauce. We replaced the chicken parmesian with the salmon. It was quite good. The hamburger was good, but despite a request, no mustard was provided. (It's interesting that in "mustard town Chicago," the ketchup is there, but not the mustard!) Prices are very reasonable -- the pork was listed at $8.99 and the good-sized burger was around $7.25. Iced tea was $2.00. This is a good price for the area! The location inside the Chicago Board of Trade and its great architecture is great! The waitress comped one of our meals and even provided a free piece of cheesecake to take along. She certainly tried. The management / kitchen needs to get its act together. If there's a problem with an item, tell the servers and have them get replacement orders! ASAP! Overall, it took 1-1/2 hours for lunch -- a big bite into our holiday time in Chicago. read more

Sometimes there is a line to get in. This place is always packed on Fridays when I go. Maybe it's the traders grabbing a drink at the end of the day or just the beginning of happy hour for every other Chicagoan in the area. They only stay open until 8 but with how strong the drinks are, that's plenty of time. You certainly get more than you pay for. Usually the same bar staff which is great to get to know them. Good luck finding a waiter if you want to order food. Room full of professionals winding down after a long week and some randoms looking to talk with anyone who will listen. Scene gets a little rowdy at closing time but definitely a spot to check out every now and again. read more

AVOID the server named ALFREDO. Lazy, rude, and just annoying. The photo I took of him was around 6pm when the whole place was busy and our server was just seating, on his phone and not giving a damn about people waving at him. I have been to this place several times and never had a problem. When I asked for silverware, he turned around murmuring " oh u need silverware for calamari... God..." I don't know what his problem is. This guy is a thief who will charge you extra for drinks/foods that u have not even ordered for. When asked about worng charges, he arrogantly explains that this is how it is supposed to be. The manager also seemed worthless and useless.This place really do have well priced drinks and good food. But try to avoid this server "Alfredo". Having worked in the service industry for 10 years, he should be lucky that he still has a job at such a busy location. ALFREDO is a piece of work that u should avoid if you want to have a good time at such a nice place. read more

Ceres Cafe - Laziest and the most arrogant person I have ever seen. Does not care about service and will add wrong items on your bill. - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I want to start off by saying that in this, my first review, I have to start with my favortie over all bar to give a great initial rating. Having been visiting Ceres for just over 6 years now I have gotten to know it well. First thing to mention are the DRINKS. The initial cost may seem average to slightly above but then you see the drink you are getting. As many other reviews have pointed out there is no way to get a stronger drink than a glass full of any alcohol with a can of your mixer placed right beside it. It is a great deal, my favorite being the Vodka tonic which is still $4.75. Second is the food. While it is nothing that will knock you out of your chair, it is certainly worth the price you will be paying every time. You have to pick up the filet of sole sandwhich. To call it a sandwhich is somewhat of a joke seeing as how it is a whole plate of fish with a bun somewhere under all that food. Third is atmosphere. Depending on what you are looking for, this place could be it. With the area closer to the bar being more for the just out of work crowd who are getting drinks lined up one after another, it is a place to go to unwind. With the area closer to the door you can invite anyone from clients, bosses and even family to eat in a more relaxed setting with good service. One of the few drawbacks I have seen is some slower waitress service in the bar area but still good service in the area closest to the door. Also I give this place a 3 dollar sign rating but most likely if you actually spend this much here you won't remember your trip home. Stop by and visit, it seems this "hidden" place in the loop is not quite so hidden anymore. I have heard it is the highest earning bar in Chicago. There is almost always a crowd here until they close... at 8PM. read more

I was looking for a lunch spot for a place I haven't been to for my birthday, and stumbled across this spot. I was curious since I haven't ever been to the Chicago Board of Trade building, and had to seize the opportunity. I was surprised that it was a decent sized place, and it had the ambiance and feel of a nicer diner. It must be a nice comfort spot to come to for all the traders and business people. The menu has plenty of options, but breakfast is only served until 10:50am. We were hoping they might serve it all day or at least until 3pm. I got the Pike special with the Chicken Buffalo soup, and it was very good. I kind of want the recipe for the soup! The fish was a large portion laid on top of 4 stalks of asparagus with a scoop of rice. It was very delicious, and the prices weren't bad at all. Our waitress was a bit off though, she wouldn't ask the whole table for our drink orders or refills. It was like she noticed one or two people at a time. It's was very inefficient. She came back 3 times to get take home containers when she could have asked the whole table. I know she is a bit older as most of the servers seem to be here, and she could have been having a tough day. I would love to come back and try some of the other good sounding options here. read more

Went here for breakfast while visiting Chicago. The breakfast was really good. The selection is very basic but the food was really good. The prices are very good too. I ordered the 2 egg plate with fruit & whole wheat toast. The fruit came first--which was great! The eggs were cooked exactly how I like them. read more

Attractive dining room. Good coffee. Classic breakfast prepared well. I was hungry and this hit the spot.

Location: 4 out of 5 This category is biased, as I work a mere block and a half away from 141 W. Jackson. Public transportation is plentiful, and as others have mentioned, the clientele (at least at lunch) ranges from those working in the public sector to those working in finance. Customer Service: 3.5 out of 5 I was seated very quickly, and my waitress was for all intents and purposes, very quick to bring out my drink, food, and the basket of assorted breads and crackers. She was also quick to refill my water. But hrm...she lacked a certain...I can't put my finger on it. Oh wait, yes I can. She lacked friendliness and charisma. I would have happily waited a few extra minutes here and there had she just smiled once or asked how I was doing before curtly taking my order. And maybe it's due to the other diners who come in who are just "come in, eat, get out", but I personally would have appreciated just a little bit more personal interaction. I do need to reiterate that service was very quick and efficient though. Ambience: 3.5 out of 5 The main dining room does look a tad nostalgic. It's almost like eating at an old-school diner with the wood trim everywhere. Think an upscale cafeteria like S and S, but with more inviting booths but commensurate tables. I went on a weekday between Christmas and New Year, and found that it was very quiet and peaceful, even with other customers there. Selection of food: 4 out of 5 Actually - the selection was quite eclectic. Burgers, fish sandwiches, lots of salads, open faced turkey sandwiches, open faced roast beef sandwiches, roasted turkey with dressing, liver sausage sandwiches, even food of the Tex Mex persuasion, and even steak. Daily specials rotate, so it may be a good idea to check them out first. Quality of food: 3 out of 5 I myself had the open faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. I would rate it as being average to slightly above average. The beef portions were generous, but noticeably chewy/tough. The gravy wasn't made from any discernable drippings of any meat product (shucks), but it was a good complement to both the beef and the potatoes. Plus, gravy on white bread is pretty delicious, though most of you would probably never admit that. Price of food: 3 out of 5 Commensurate with most sit-down full service places in the loop. Burgers are probably a little cheaper than Poag Mahones, sandwiches seemed to be right on par with what I've seen elsewhere, and the "full dinners" are priced similarly to Berghoff. This may be the only place where you can get two drinks for the same price as your food... but beware. Overall Rating of Cocktail: 2.25 out of 5 Others have already beat a dead Sarah Jessica Parker to death (get it, a dead horse?) about the quantity of alcohol in the cocktails, and I agree - it's a lot. When my no-personality waitress brought my Bloody Mary over, she said, without the tiniest of smiles, "Good luck." Upon tasting my drink, I had two immediate thoughts: a)I can hardly taste any mix or tomato juice, and b)the well/house vodka they use is of inferior quality. Now - I'm not accusing Ceres of using Popov, but I'm almost certain that the type of vodka they use is worse than Seagrams. Say what you will about Seagrams' American wheat lineage, but it makes a decent Bloody Mary, even if it comes with a screaming headache the next morning. Suffice it to say that although you get a lot of alcohol at Ceres, it's not necessarily the best quality. My drink was 4.96 (not including tax), so I guess you get what you pay for. I could see, though - how drinking here would be very attractive to people looking to blow off steam. Or for those trying to hide from their wives or husbands by sleeping on the couch after they soil themselves. Overall: 3 out of 3 This is a very strong 3 star review. If my waitress had been a little more friendly and I had not ordered a drink, it would easily be a 4 star review. It's a neat place to have lunch; I wouldn't go there weekly or biweekly, but I'll definitely keep it on my list of restaurants to go to once a month or so. read more

I was only here once to enjoy some beverages with a friend. I have to say that during it's happy hour. This is the place to get a great drink (with a lot of kick) at a great price. There seems to be a line so expect a short wait. However, the scene is vibrant and this is a place I would return to next time I am in Chi. read more

Listen to ALIVE by Lil Jon when you think of this place. Bartender Javier is attentive, professional, & generous. My man is so GENEROUS w/ his pours. I'm his favorite fan, I want an autograph. I order a tanqueray & tonic, he without requests threw 4 limes on my glass's rim. Who does that? - Javier, AKA superman. Price is right! Bob Barker agrees, no argument WHAT SO EVER! read more