Loved the happy hour specials. Great Martini!! Excellent bartender!! Had an Espresso Martini and some sliders.

I've never eaten here, but this cafe isn't really for eating. It's for drinking, and that's what it's best at. Strong drinks, good prices, rowdy atmosphere, and brusque service. It's not for everybody, but it's great for some. I always laugh reading the article about the Chicago PD chief getting arrested for a DUI. His defense was that he only had a "couple of drinks at Ceres". Anybody that's been to Ceres knows that declaration is tantamount to an admission of guilt. read more

No complaints! Rooftop is beautiful, drinks and bartender were amazing! The food was surprisingly delicious! Fries, salmon and cauliflower bites! We will be back! read more

It's definitely got a laid back, diner vibe to it: bread basket, largely comfort food menu, picture it like an upscale version of Golden Nugget. My friend works a few doors down so we all met up there for a pre-holiday lunch meet up. One of the specials that day was the chicken pot pie and I ordered that up with a side of chicken noodle soup. "Chicken pot pie AND Chicken noodle soup?" which is what our waitress asked me. Yes, yes I did. The soup was pretty good, a lot of big noodles and a fair amount of chicken. The pot pie was just okay, the taste was pretty good but I think I actually got more chicken in the soup than the pot pie which made it a little disappointing. Our waitress though, was very friendly and quick to check on us. They serve soft drinks in cans and not from the fountain so refills are obviously not free. I guess it's an okay place for lunch if you work around there but I wouldn't make the trip out for it unless there's a reason. You could probably find some place like it around wherever you live. read more

Ceres Cafe - Chicken Pot Pie - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good place for lunch in the loop, especially if you want to sit outside! I recommend the fish tacos or one of the salads. The fish tacos were fresh with guacamole and some veggies, plus homemade black beans and rice. The salads looked huge with lots of chicken and colorful veggies! I only saw other people's but I will get it next time. Prices are also reasonable. About $15 for lunch with tax. Perfect American lunch! read more

See all

Ceres is always a favorite. The drinks are strong and well priced. The atmosphere is lively and full of large group. My group of 12 attended this past Friday and got a variety of drinks - everything from gin and tonics, to vodka red bulls, to jack and cokes, to shots of tequila and malort. Ceres is perfect for large groups to walk in. Make sure to make it home safe after spending some time there! read more

Bad customer service. Waiter was rude. Can't handle ​large parties. Lied about not being able to split a check because they didn't want the hassle. read more

This is one of my favorite places to come for happy hour! When I need a stiff drink, and I mean a big one, I order one of the many liquors listed on Ceres' drink menu, usually with a soda on the side. How the bartenders serve the liquor here is they fill a cocktail glass with ice and then pour the alcohol in until the glass is full. This ends up being a lot more than one serving's worth, but still at the price of one. If you're not a liquor person, you can still order a draft beer, which comes in a tall glass. These are also pretty good prices, but I would like to see a better selection with fewer macro beers and more off the wall stuff. As far as food, I enjoy the fried calamari or chicken wings. They are both consistently good quality and delicious. I will be coming here well into the future as it's just below my office and I always need a drink after work. read more

Ceres secret is out! So guess it's time I post my review about this iconic after work watering hole, which always promises a good time and strong* drinks. (*and by strong, I mean you get an entire glass filled to the brim with the alcohol of your choice and ice, and with your mixer in an unopened can on the side) -- If just for this information alone, you can stop reading this review and head on over there for your next after work happy hour. Aside from the strong drinks, the staff is always super attentive and drinks come out quick, despite the place always being packed! Make sure your entire party is there when you arrive because they'll only sit full parties. Also, as other reviews mention, they auto grat on Fridays, which is totally fine. As far as food goes, I've only ever had their chips, salsa, and guac, which is fine. Nothing to ride home about, but does the job. The interior always kinda makes me laugh because for how rowdy this place is, the aesthetic gives me off-the-highway hotel bar vibes, which I kinda love! But you're not coming here for the view, you're coming for the drinks! Cheers! read more

Hands down, if you're looking to get drunk...forget buzzed..come here. I was looking for a happy hour to celebrate graduation and a friend recommended this place. When I called, they told me verbatim "we don't have happy hour specials but our pours are unbeatable." So I'm like, sureeee. Ya know, real skeptical. So we get there and have a gander at the menu. The prices weren't ridiculous so we (bae and I) ordered two whiskey and ginger ales and a mojito. They brought the whiskey in one glass, filled to the top. And a can of ginger ale. I'm looking at the waiter like...uh? She's like yeah, be careful. So you mean to tell me that to even mix the two I have to drink straight whiskey first?? HELL YES. This isn't the place for the weak or weary. lol this is a place for those who truly want to add a kick to their day bc I left Ceres DRUNK. Will def be back. read more

See all

FUN! My friend invited me to happy hour at this place and all I can say is this place is awesome. Definitely come here for drinks they make the drinks strong. Its not too expensive like the surrounding restaurants. Its pretty packed on a regular basis. It's a place where professionals come after work and I like the crowd. It's a great place to network, catch up, or hook up and have a good time. Our waiter was very attentive and kind. I will definitely return and suggest you come by for the happy hour- who knows you may see me there and make sure you catch an uber, lyft, cab, or ride because you will be lit. read more

See all

Located in the historic Board of Trade, you enter through the art deco lobby. The bar drinks are very generous making them a good value and a great place to meet friends. Nice variety of appetizers and main course entrees. Service is friendly and attentive read more

WHERE HAS THIS PLACE BEEN!! I've lived in Chicago for four years and I have never heard of this place until a coworker suggested it for happy hour. Service & atmosphere: its not a fancy place, but the energy during happy hour is electric. The crowd was a mix of people fresh off work and a ton of graduate students (law or business judging by all the backpacks, button-ups, and dead eyed exhaustion). Service was prompt though maybe not as warm as possible, but honestly who cares because... Drinks & Food: because drinks are such a good deal!! For around $9 you get 4 ounces of straight alcohol and a mixer, both of your choice. So for like $18 I got 8 oz of Jim Bean and two cokes- a great deal! Food was your standard bar food, perfect for being drunk. We ordered calamari, buffalo chicken hot rolls (was unsure where the buffalo part came in but whatever still good), and guacamole. Anyway if you're in the area, wanna get drunk super fast, and are not a pretentious asshole and need every place to look like a hipster speakeasy (my preferred ambiance), this is an awesome choice. read more

Ceres Cafe - Guac, buffalo chicken hot rolls, calamari, DRINKS - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went on a Friday around 4:30 with a friend, definitely the cool hip after work spot! We had drinks, (which were very strong) and appetizers! The calamari was not the best. It lacked salt and overall flavor. The artichoke dip on the other hand was amazing!!!!! Super tasty. I would definitely return again for the drinks. read more

Service was excellent, but the fish sandwich was the victim of shrinkflation from prior years and overpriced.

Woooooo! Came here after work to celebrate a good friend no longer working with us. As I said before the long islands kicked my ass! The popcorn was better than usual today! 2 of them took me under again. Was not as crowded today (Friday is a different story) and the service was great as usual! The guy who runs the joint is so cool, it's ridiculous! I stumbled to the Blue Line a happy man this evening. Seriously, if you're not hittin up Ceres, you are missing some good stuff! read more

I ended up here after wandering around the south loop for 30 minutes looking for someplace where I could eat outside. The patio is literally in the shadow of the Chicago Board of Trade Building and there's a fountain right there that gives a nice effect. Unfortunately, that was the highlight of Ceres Cafe for me. The service may have been swift, but it wasn't especially friendly. The woman who greeted me insisted on putting me in the far corner of the patio all by myself. When I asked to be moved a little closer to the action, she basically refused. I almost wanted to sniff my pits to see if I was offensively stinky or something. When the server arrived, I again asked to be moved and she was more agreeable about it. Pricewise, this restaurant is $3-$4 more than it should be for lunch. Granted, the portions are large, but it's just too much food and too much money at lunchtime. They need to scale back both aspects. My three steak tacos from the specials menu plus an iced tea came to $13. The tacos were fairly tasty. Each was comprised of two corn tortillas and a large mound of carne asada. Oddly, they melted cheese on top, but I love cheese, so no complaints about that. Their pico de gallo tasted homemade, which was a nice touch. Beans and rice came with the dish. When I walked through the inside of the cafe to use the facilities, it felt like an entirely different restaurant. Inside feels cool and dark and like a dated "businessman's lunch" place, where they might drink martinis with their club sandwiches. Overall, my experience wasn't terrible, but I wasn't all that impressed. I would only go back if I happened to be right there and hungry. read more

This is the best restaurant. Not the best restaurant downtown, not the restaurant in Chicago, or in Illinois, but probably in the entire world. The turkey club is famous. Greek Chicken (Mondays) is terrific. The BLT club is the most underrated sandwich there. If you are downstairs, get the roast beef club - but ask to 'take a look at the roast beef' first to make sure it is rare (if that's what you like). The buffalo chicken salad is under appreciated - it's like eating a crunch plate of chicken wings. Speaking of which, they have those too, and they're great. Chopped salad is their best known salad. Steak caesar is great too. For breakfast, I love the corn beef hash - but the Bobby Brown is great too. Go upstairs, have a cocktail (or two, but that's approaching the danger zone), and unwind. I like the casual atmosphere of Cellar's (downstairs), but you can't beat the upstairs (Ceres) for a first class lunch. The Greatest Club Sandwich Place/Bar Ever - Truly Special. read more

You get an ENTIRE glass of liquor. If you say, "Gin and tonic, please." they bring you an ENTIRE GLASS OF GIN with a can of tonic. Challenge accepted.... one "drink" later and I was one happy lass. Waitstaff could be a bit better. I stared at four workers gossiping in a galley for 15 minutes before they came to ask what I'd like - it wasn't even happy hour yet. read more

Ceres Cafe - A full glass of gin.... and the mixer on the side. How am I supposed to drink this?! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Growing up I had a great uncle whose Dr office was in Ceres, CA. I was at that office numerous times and he employed young nephews and other relatives to work around the office - painting, mowing the lawns, etc. When looking for a place to meet my cousin (one of the previously employed) and his wife for drinks in Chicago, I came across the Ceres Caf. It seemed a perfect fit. I arrived to find J&J sitting in the outdoor area enjoying what I learned was one of the first warm Friday nights in the Windy City this year, and the first weekend they were serving outside. A minute later the waitress brought us each a slice of pizza - complimentary. Later it was popcorn. When my Manhattan arrived it was well made and, as other reviewers point out, quite strong (except it came over ice and I had to strain it myself). The second one was perfect. One of the best I have ever had. And the prices were very reasonable. The crowd was filled with traders and other professionals just off work having a drink before heading home, locals meeting up before heading out on the town, others flirting and exchanging digits. I only went inside for a minute, but I would guess the group inside was as equally fun and entertaining. The inside of Ceres is classic Chicago style. The only wrinkle in the evening was when J and I were smoking a cigar, the manager come over and told us we couldn't smoke in the patio area, but we could go over the fountain 20 feet away and smoke there (though we couldn't take our drinks). Mind you, we observed a number of others scattered around smoking large cigars and many cigarettes. Since I had come straight from my flight, I had my suitcase, so we figured since we were obviously out-of-towners, we weren't given the same privilege as the regulars. So we put them out, moved to a table at the very edge of the "line of smoke", moved 2 chairs just over the line, and lit back up. No-one said another word. Oh, and the kitchen closes at 7:30. So if you want dinner there, plan for that. We were going to have dinner, but my dad's flight was late and he wouldn't arrive in time. They get only 4 stars because of the wrinkle mentioned. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in town, and let's see if they earn the other star. read more

Very poor service. We came in a little after 1pm on a weekday and after being seated, we waited 20 minutes for our waitress Maria. The table next to us was served right away. They were given menus and their food even before we got to see a menu. We did not even get complimentary bread while we were waiting. Our waitress was also very short when we asked for napkins and to explain what kind of vegetables their lunch special came with. The food was also not that impressive. We ordered the special of the day which was a fried filet fish with tortilla soup. It was $9.95. A cup of soda was $2.25. The soup was salty and the fish was sour, probably too much lemon. The fish was also not very fresh. I would not go back based on the poor service and mediocre food. Not sure if it was because we were dressed casually or it was because I have a disability. It might have also been because it was at an off hour but other people who were dressed casually seemed to have gotten better service. Whatever it is, Maria was not a great waitress and made our experience less than memorable. read more

Ceres Cafe - Receipt/prices - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They say that when on the road, you should eat where the truckers eat. When you are in the Loop, drink where the traders drink. A mixed drink consists of a large, full glass of alcohol, about three small cubes of ice, and a can of mixer. Since there is no third container for you to mix the drink, this means the beginning of every drink is a whiskey sensation. Ceres is my new favorite after work bar in the Loop. Actually, it may be my new favorite bar, anytime, anywhere. Located in the Chicago Board of Trade Building: this may be what brought the economy back from the brink. Being here makes you want to run upstairs and invest in whiskey futures. Enter the building at La Salle and Jackson; Ceres will be on your left. read more

Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ceres Cafe is a casual dining restaurant located in the Chicago Board of Trade. Nothing fancy- what I call a "jack of all trades" dining experience due to the breadth of the menu (everything from breakfast, to sandwiches to steaks-breakfast is only served til 10:45am) served in an casual environment. We went after work and the place was packed with people blowing off a little steam before heading home. I went with the patty melt with fries and my friend had the hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes. His looked a little like hospital food, but hey- we were hungry- it was cold out and some comfort food seemed to be in order. The prices are cheap (all in with drinks and food our bill came to about $40), the drinks are strong but the service is a little sketchy. We had trouble finding someone to take our order, but once we did, the food came up quickly and we were in and out within an hour. Ceres is probably a better choice if you work in the area for lunch or a cocktail after work. It's not so much a dining destination. read more

It's Official! I found my new favorite Summer Happy Hour spot in Chicago!!! Ceres is an awesome spot to have a drink with friends on a nice summer day. You do need to make sure to get here early though as the tables fill up rather quickly. When I ordered my Kettle Tonic they asked if I wanted a can of tonic which threw me off at first. Well that's because they give you a full glass of alcohol and ask if you want a mixer. Only $9 for an entire glass of Kettle One YES PLEASE! This place is awesome, I can't wait to go back!!! read more

Ceres. If you don't know the name now, go visit, and you'll be spreading the love. By the second visit with your friends, you'll respect this place. You don't respect many bars, but this one demands your respect. If you don't watch yourself, you'll misstep and end up missing your Metra stop two stops ahead. Then you're in a pickle. You'll casually mention Ceres to friends as a happy hour visit to gauge their interest. If they agree, you know what kind of night is in store. Most will run or hide - bad memories or they can't face the challenge. You'll struggle to find friends willing to come here on a M-Th night. Friday it's jam packed and they'll make an excuse that it's too busy to warrant coming here... excuses. You'll develop a love hate relationship for this place. Love the amount of alcohol per serving, hate the hangover per hour the following morning. You might call in sick or work from home. But you're a champ and you'll come into work. Cause only champs go to Ceres. read more

This is a great spot to grab a quick sitdown lunch in the Loop. Love the Triple Decker Club from there. Then after hours if you want to get lit on cheap drinks. This is also the spot! Full cups of Liquor with whatever chaser you want on the side. read more

Ceres Cafe - Triple Decker Club - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

OLD SKOOL!! You can come here at 3 PM and find traders drinking madly. It's packed and hot, and it's a Chicago institution that I didn't venture into until last week. I'll be back for a big glass of booze. With my trader frieeeeeeeeeeeeeends! read more

We came here during ash Wedneday and while I'm not one to be strict with my meals during religious holidays, I couldn't pass up fish tacos when I heard it was available here that day. The dish came with three super huge and delicious fish tacos. Portions were large and the plate was heaping with guacamole, cheese, and salsa! It was so good. I can't wait to try it again! Service was initially good. We were seated quickly at the bar and our waitress came by to take our order. However, towards the end, we don't know what happened to our waitress. We were trying to pay and waving down any waiter/waitress so that we could pay. We ended up closing out the bill with a different waitress. The place gets super busy during lunch hours, but it looked like there was plenty of staff on hand for a quick turn over. read more

Delicious! I got exactly what I asked for and had the nicest server (her name was Maria). I love the vibe in here too, the black and white is very well done. A nice start to a couple days in Chicago. Oh, and TRY THE HOMEMADE DONUTS. They're delicious and unlike any donuts I've had. read more

Ceres Café is one of the best places to go for happy hour in Chicago if you are looking for strong drinks. For around $11, one can order drinks such as a gin and tonic that arrives at your table as a full glass of gin and a can of tonic. Talk about bang for your buck! They also serve some delicious food--the cheese curds are one of my favorites. My coworkers and I frequent Ceres every Thursday, and it gets quite packed around 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays, although the staff is good about quickly seating your party. We intend to continue visiting this great establishment. My only word of caution is to pace yourself with these drinks! read more

Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This longtime establishment is tucked within the north lobby in the Board of Trade Building. It's a popular place to grab lunch or an after-work drink. The jovial crowd can enjoy diner faves like chili, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, fish, and even calamari. Otherwise you can munch on your free basket of popcorn. For some reason the manager gave me a second beer on the house last time, and I was not going to refuse his unexpected hospitality. read more

Ceres Cafe - Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This place is ridiculous. If you take a look at the glass next to the cranberry juice, that is all alcohol. The way they do drinks here is that for $8, they give you an entire glass of alcohol and then put your mixer on the side. Then of course, there is unlimited popcorn as well as great conversation friends. BUT WHAT? No wonder this place closes at 8PM or people would die here. I looked at the menu for food, and nothing sounds too great, but it is meant to be more of a diner-esque place so if you can ever make it here early enough, I am sure it would taste great! Make sure to get here before 4:30PM or you won't get a table and would have to wait around. Being tipsy while waiting around would not be good haha read more

Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really like this place. No, there are not carefully crafted cocktails or a tasteful ambience I can't resist. There is not amazing menu, either, that I know of. The main reason I like this place is that for roughly $6, you can expect to get a rocks glass full of vodka and a side of soda. Not only does this make for a cheap night, which I am a fan of, more importantly, it makes for fantastic people watching. My friends and I arrived on the scene a little after 5pm on a Friday, and were met with a room full of people who had been taking advantage of the situation for a couple of hours longer than we had. Not only were there people old enough to be my grandparents nearly fallling down drunk reminiscing about college (REALLY?!), and propositioning my friend to go smoke weed (where, who knows?), but there was even free popcorn, which reinforced the notion of this being a bit of a show. Even with out consuming a drink, I am certain I would have had a wildly entertaining time. I'll be back. Soon. read more

Tne drinks will sit you on your ass. The Black Oasis right in the loop issa party everytime we link for happy hour, try it out on a Thursday night. Order the wings extra crispy & shrimp sliders. Call an uber when your done bet you can't have more than 2 drinks read more

Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Amazing. That's what went thru my mind as soon as I received my drink and suddenly I'm staring at a glass full to the brim of vodka with three tiny ice cubes for aesthetic value and a side can of sprite as a chaser. Ceres lived up to its hype and every other bar should be upset they must live up to this new standard of taste bud satisfaction. Lots of alcohol at good prices and they just keep the free popcorn coming. I fell in love with this place and I fell hard. read more

Ceres Cafe - Glass of Ketel One, with a side of Sprite - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I can't believe I hadn't reviewed Ceres! I work just across the street. Anyone who works or has worked near Ceres (Financial District I believe) will tell you this is the place to go after work. They do not have a happy hour Menu but they have good deals. As far as hard liquor goes, they have a good selection and for the serving I think it's a good deal. If you order (i.e Rum and Coke) they will bring you a glass with ice and Rum to the top and a can of Coke on the side. A couple of those will make your hour happier. Like I said it is one of the known spots so expected to be a little crowded at times specially in the summer. Their beer selection is a bit dry, they have like a five dollar miller draft 23oz which is a good deal. The food I've had the wings, the calamari, the nachos and the fries and they were all really good. I've had soup and a sandwich during lunch and that as well was good. I'll take more pictures next time! read more

Ceres Cafe - Happy Hour - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There is a reoccurring theme with this place and that is cheap and affordable. Value even comes to mind. After having this place recommended some coworkers and myself dropped in to see what they were raving about. Here is what I can report. Yes, very good and strong drinks. Not to mention cheap. My beer came in a 22oz. glass for goodness sake. Personally I like that because that means I only need one probably. The food was much like a family style restaurant approach. Big portions and very fresh. So what didn't I like? The atmosphere. It felt like a cafeteria and one that would normally be visited by your grandmother. Nothing terribly wrong with that but being a visitor to Chicago I like to see the trendier side of the city. read more

I have only ever been here for drinks and this review is limited to that. This is a nice bar for drinks after work. The drinks are reasonably priced for downtown. The beer list is good. The service is always flawless and the staff is welcoming. I plan to continue drinking here after work. read more

Ok to be honest I didn't expect much from this place. I was starving and ordered pasta with a chicken cutlet for...no not dinner...lunch! Weird move on my part but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The pasta was lemony and cooked al dente and the chicken cutlet was perfectly breaded and crispy, yet moist on the inside. Overall, it was a great lunch! read more

Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After a longgg red eye and lack of sleep, we stumbled upon this spot for an super early breakfast, and to kill time u til our hotel room was ready. Typical diner food, very slow service even for ealry Morning on a Thursday. Nothing to eventful. read more