I went here for lunch to meet a friend and her dad who has worked as a member of the commodities trading association for about 40 years so that he could give us a fun tour of the trading floor. I say that because I wouldn't recommend coming here for lunch unless you have a reason like I did for being in the building already - the food is fine but nothing to write home about (lots of deli-style sandwiches), and is a little overpriced for what it is. I would, however, like to try the happy hour after all the reviews and comments on that! read more

The most underrated lunch spot in all of Chicago. With a scratch kitchen and huge menu it is always good! The happy hours can be a lot of fun and there is outdoor seating when it's warms up. read more

Really rude service and worse drinks. The food is not even worth mentioning.

The best place in downtown Chicago that is bang for your buck. You can literally order a glass of liquor and a can of your mixer for around 12 bucks. They do not skimp on alcohol whatsoever. You can do gin, bourbon, scotch, vodka or tequila for around 12 bucks. This place is great for happy hour. Try to get here early before the rush. I usually get Bombay Sapphire and Tonic and it is literally 2-3 drinks in one. Service is good. Highly recommended for strong drinks. Cocktails are not good and not recommended. Food is ok. I just come here for the drinks. read more

Ceres Cafe - Bombay Sapphire and Tonic - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Anyone who gives beyond 1 star has nothing to do with the food or the service - it's the "bar" who serves drinks and cocktails ... There are people who comes to work bitter about their life and the customer becomes their scapegoat ... The waitress is a classic example why Trump won ... Attitudes and mumbling their own language in front of us the paying customers is rude ... after I hoped the establishment has sugar free maple syrup - her response : "why? Are you diabetic ?.." We don't have those, such syrup is filled with artificial ingredient and then she turns around like I don't deserve to have a brunch at this establishment . read more

Great place for HH/drinks after work!! Come as early as possible if on a Friday. Place gets packed!! We were lucky to get a table at 5pm on Friday night. Crowd was working class and very mixed....a plus! Been in Chicago for a few months and SOOOO OVER being discriminated against or being the only black person in every bar &/or restaurant!!! Anywho.... The night started good but a little rocky....we got a table immediately, and as we were being seated we requested menus immediately. I actually gave my drink order as we were being seated. 20 minutes later, no menus and no glass of Cabernet. When the waitress returned with my glass, it had wine all over it and no napkin to place it on. When I sat the glass down it actually slide 2 inches to the left. NO BIGGIE! I looked around and noticed that everyone around me had napkins with their drinks. When she returned to take the other drink orders, I asked for a napkin because my glass of wine was sliding around the table. She seemed shocked. Not sure if she was shocked that I requested a napkin or shocked that my glass was sliding around in a puddle of Cabernet....19 minutes later she returned with napkins and 1 "happy hour" menu (for 3 people!). We were literally just off work and starving so my co-worker to the left of me requested full dinner menus and our waitress Tina, again seemed confused. She said, "This is the dinner menu..." my co-worker responded, "Ummm, I don't think this is a full dinner menu...all I see here is appetizers & drinks." She stormed off and returned with 2, I repeat 2 full dinner menus, for a table of 3 people. NO BIGGIE! I simply walked up to the front and grabbed an additional menu from under the counter. We began to order immediately.....chicken quesadilla, fried calamari, filet of sole with brussel sprouts- which came highly recommended by Tina, artichoke dip, and steak tacos. Tina was very patient and accommodating when taking our orders. She gave many suggestions and even made us laugh a few times. So she walks away to put in our order and returns immediately to tell me that they are out of Filet of Sole. NO BIGGIE! I switched to fish tacos, no rice, no beans. She then returned to tell us that there was no more Calamari. NO BIGGIE!! Just bring the drinks. After a while the drinks and food arrives. The drinks were EVERYTHING!!! Crazy strong. Please come prepared to drink with the "big dogs", if your a "puppy" and can't handle your alcohol this place is NOT for you. The food not so much. Typical bar food.... It was cold, bland, and looked as if it had been sitting out, under the heater for hours. VERY UNDERWHELMING!!! We will definitely be returning to Ceres, strictly for the drinks and the crowd. Next time we will grab a bite to eat on the way. read more

See all

Literally...Soda. On. The. Side. Be forewarned, this place is not for the weak minded - come prepared. Make sure to also get there early if you want to secure a table, this place gets packed, QUICK. My friend and I heeded to this and got there around 4:30pm on a Friday, but were seated in a pretty secluded area. The place to be was the bar area (surprise). As a first timer, of course we got the "soda can special." Choose your poison (read: alcohol) - get a served a cup filled to the rim, with a can of soda on the side. Great bang for your buck if you're looking for a quick and potent drink. What was a little awkward was that this place is a cafe - it had the McDonald's after the club lets out feel. Maybe if we had been by the bar, I would have had a different opinion. Either way, it gets the job done - great happy hour spot after a long day of work. read more

Ceres Cafe - Soda can so necessary - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

2 fer 2....went here twice and got wasted here twice. Pretty much the way it goes at this place. Those stiff drinks will get ya! Hi Billy! read more

Ceres Cafe has changed so much and not for the better. Ceres Cafe was once a hidden gem that attracted Stock Brokers / Traders, Government Employees, and a variety of those working office jobs in the Financial district of the Chicago Loop. You could go with friends and chat with strangers over drinks that were poured so strongly that even the fastest drinker learned to sip. Now, it's a mad house times ten! Ceres Cafe attracts a large crowd of those who just want to get drunk for less than $10.The patrons come from all over the city pushing in the now long lines wrapped around the door on Thursday's and Friday's. Security is needed on most days because patrons actually engage in fist fights and other violent acts after a few too many. This was once a place where you could go alone for a drink and find yourself chatting up a friendly stranger. Now you are likely to be followed against your will if you dare try to come across as "too friendly" it can be easily misinterpreted as an open invitation by the overly aggressive men who now patronize this place. In my last days of stopping by Ceres, the following happened: 1 - A completely wasted stranger walked over and took a hot wing off my plate and ate it. 2 - A guy across the bar took several pictures of me with his phone and then called me a b***h because I politely asked him not to take pictures of me. 3 - Two girls visiting the bar with their male co-worker got into a fist fight because they both liked the same guy, but he wasn't interested in either of them. It's kind of scary to have two girls punching each other while standing next to you. Please don't miss lady's, because I can't have anyone messing up my face. I am not interested in a Black eye. 4 - A drunk guy approached the table to flirt with my friend and insisted that he wanted to make out with me. After attempting to steal my friends debit card he kept trying to kiss me. I was screaming for help for three minutes and being completely ignored, I convinced this drunken fool to exit the table. It sounds funny, but I'm 5'1 and he was well over 6'0 tall I was terrified. Ceres bartenders, waitstaff, security guards, and other patrons did absolutely NOTHING. 5 - Several of the very mild-mannered and extremely sweet waitresses had the worst case of oral herpes, I have ever seen in my entire life. Imagine someone handing you a menu and their entire mouth is covered in oozing cold sores. :( They were so kind, but.... it doesn't make you want to order anything. 6- My glass had lip prints on it, which is terrifying if you refer back to #5. 7 - They stamp your hand like it's a club. You leave and you may not be able to get back in due to the huge crowd of people waiting to enter. Try explaining to a security guard that your coat, umbrella, and friends are sitting inside waiting on you when he's already at capacity because when you left he let someone in to replace you. *sigh* Terrible. So, with this being said unless you are a bit low on funds and cannot afford to buy drinks in a less crowded place this establishment is more of a hassle than it's ever been. They have friendly bartenders, but it doesn't make up for the way the crowd has changed over the years. I don't know if a business can fix this. They may need to close for renovations and move the bar to the middle of the floor to have a better view for security and start charging more, which sucks. read more

Solid place for HH. Go for the drinks which if you've read from other Yelp users are 95% spirit, 5% juice, water, tonic, etc + left over can of said liquid and stay for the appetizers. Our appetizers were great and not overly priced. The venue was packed on a Friday as expected but we found a table rather quickly. Service was pretty prompt as well. Definately worth a visit if you're in the area and looking to enjoy a few cocktails! read more

Ceres Cafe - Gin & Tonic with a can of sprite - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A bunch of co-workers and I came here for a happy hour and had an enjoyable time. Décor: We spent most of our time outside, in the courtyard (not the "fenced-in area"), and it was really nice. The weather was enjoyable and the tall buildings help to block the late-afternoon sun very well. The tables are just wrought iron but they get the job done; there are plenty of them available as well so feel free to bring a large group. Unfortunately the weather turned and we quickly moved inside. While I did not get a good chance to look around it seems like a nice spot - a good pub feel (with a decent-sized wood bar, etc.). There are also plenty of tables inside as well. Bathroom: It is clean, does not smell, and is well lit. Staff: Our waitress was just fine. She didn't go above and beyond (not that there was even an opportunity to do so) but she also was there when we needed her. Drinks/Food: We started with drinks, a wide assortment, and everything was great. The beer was cold and the whiskey/bourbon pours are INSANE. Seriously, you get an entire rocks glass FULL of liquor. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it! As for food, when we moved inside we contemplated eating but the menu is pretty sparse... Value: The drink prices are right where you'd expect for a nicer place such as this and the liquor pours are ridiculous. You certainly get your money's worth here. This is a solid spot for grabbing drinks after work and I know I'll return in the future. read more

This is probably my MOST favorite spot for happy hour! There is a very heavy pour and in the middle of downtown that is super important. They have egg roll like things that I love but aren't on the menu, the sliders where a big ok, but honestly I love the people at this spot. The service is ok too but it's really the people that go that make it worthwhile! read more

Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I can't believe I haven't posted about this place. My family has celebrated many birthdays here. The reason why is that we all faced a challenge. You have to finish 4 drinks. Signs easy? Then you've never been to Ceres before. They are known for there drinks and fair prices. The food here is average bar food. Not bad, not great. The service is very good, the servers and the oncologists treat everyone like their best friend, especially Javier, he is awesome. Love this place, so many good memories. read more

Ceres Cafe - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Best bang for the buck in all of Chicago when it comes to hard liquor, including top shelf. To sum it up, $10-$15 get's you a cup filled to the top with the alcohol of your choice. If you asked for a mixer, it comes on the side, in a can. They don't even measure the pours here, they just add ice and fill the darn cups until a mighty flood occurs! Having a bad day or week? Come here and get 1 drink and you're sure to feel better. Having a great day or week? Come here and get 2 drinks and celebrate, but I hope you have an Uber ready for you afterwards. The drinks are so cheap that you pass out from seeing that you barely spent any money, not even from the fact you are so drunk. There's no bells and whistles here... get yo drank on and that's it. The food is just okay... Ella is such a nice waitress. If you can request her then definitely do it! NOTE: I already took like 3 huge sips from my drinks posted in my review, but they were full to the very top when I received them. I couldn't help myself! read more

See all

We came to this place on a Friday late afternoon to end a week of work like most of the individuals coming in around the loop. We got there around 4pm and it was getting packed especially since some of the bar was occupied by a networking group meeting. We managed to get a table before the line started to build outside. This place is a no frills simple bar, exactly what you want if you want a strong drink. We ordered a titos and ginger beer (moscow mule). What you expect is a titos and ginger beer mixed in a cup, right? NO! Instead you get a cup of ice and straight titos and ginger beer on the side. This is all for $9.82. This was an awesome deal and the fries were only $2.50 on the side. Sometimes you want a simple drink and this is the place to be. I will definitely come back when it gets warmer and the outdoor seating is set up. read more

I would say the drinks are great here. If you come after 3pm on Friday bring cash and they automatically charge the tip even though you are a party of 2. read more

I confess that I haven't tried the food, but this place can't be beaten when it comes to getting a great drink at an epic price. Selection isn't anything to write home about, but the service is always friendly and the pours are always generous. Stop in and forget your troubles for a bit! read more

When I want to get wasted with my colleagues I come to Ceres Cafe! I mean this is the best place to come to if you like your liquor with a side of mixer. Order a vodka soda and you get a glass filled to the brim with vodka and. Can of club soda. Want a gin and tonic? We'll be prepared to get a glass of gin and a can of tonic. I mean how awesome is that? And not only are the drinks on point, but the servers I've had here have been friendly and always happen to swing pass the table right when the booze is almost gone. Oh and the cheese curds are damn good too. read more

I AM a raging alcoholic who works downtown. And Ceres caters to all of my needs. Walk into this place at 6:00 and you will be surrounded by about 200 wasted, yelling professionals. And a few creepy old men in the bunch providing endless entertainment. How can you not love a place where a [liquor] & [mixer] equals a cup full of liquor with a can of mixer on the side? Sip...add mixer...sip...add mixer...sip...drunk. Two drinks, $12, and I'm hammered. Awesome. read more

#800!!! Dedicated to the BEST happy hour spot in the city. Nothing could EVER beat Ceres. Here are some highlights: - CHEAP drinks ($8 for a FULL glass of Jameo - ginger back separate) - Delish eggrolls that save your life after drinking said Jameo - Drinking outside during the summer - Falling off chairs - Assessing your friend's poor life decisions - Having your friends assess YOUR poor life decisions (66th + gc!) I thank Ceres for many years of entertainment. Cheers to more to come! read more

Great place for a quick lunch. This place has solid food for a decent price. It's not going to win any foodie awards, but when you only have an hour for an actual sit down lunch, this is your place. I've also heard it's a great place for after work drinks. They have strong pours with small prices. There is evidently a full bar somewhere in the back. read more

We all know and love Ceres for its drinks, massive patio, and cigar smoking section. But, I think we totally overlook all the good that this fine establishment does for the breakfast scene in the loop. For the cost of an egg mcmuffin, hashbrown disc, and dark brown water (they tell me it is coffee) at some other place, I can sit down at Ceres and get sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, and toast to be made AFTER I order it. Also important, the staff at Ceres: The Breakfast Edition, is great. I especially love my consistent waitress, morning muse, resident "cool aunt", and occasional comic relief, EVE! Eve is an awesome, fiery, chatty, old-school (no writing down the order), Southern (Tennessee), redhead waitress who makes it her personal responsibility to see that you leave Ceres: The Breakfast Edition happy and well-feed. She makes me eat my fruit and occasionally makes fun of my buddy, with whom I always come to breakfast; both of these mean a lot to me. Most importantly, she brings tons of smiles to my table, and the rest of the guests seem to love her, too. Keep it up, Ceres! Keep it up, Eve! read more

I come here for drinks after work every now and again, and for lunch, more frequently. Went for lunch and drinks today with a coworker after a particularly brutal morning in corporate America. The food is really good. Surprisingly so. I don't know why I'm surprised, but I am. I typically order one of two things here; what can I say - I am a creature of habit. The choice more often for me is a Southwest Salad. It's chock full of good stuff: roasted chicken, black beans, tomatoes, chihuahua cheese, tortilla strips, and then topped with a delicious peanut-cilantro dressing. They put entirely too much dressing on, so I have to spoon off much of it as a little goes a long way. The drinks are clearly what keep people coming back though. A big glass o' booze and a can of mixer so you can proportion it any way you want. I am like Goldilocks when it comes to mixed drinks (too strong, too weak, too much ice, not enough ice) so this methodology is very appealing. I wish more places adopted this idea. Ceres is one of those downtown places that's been here forever and will be here forever. A true mainstay of Chicago. read more

"What's Ceres?" The first time I asked that question i got the response WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DONT KNOW WHAT CERES IS?!! ITS ONLY THE PLACE YOU START OFF WHEN YOU KNOW IT'S GONNA BE A LONG BOOZY NIGHT. ..wait, what? It's in the loop? How is this possible? ..but it is. Situated on the first floor of the Board of Trade (you have to go inside the building to enter, unless it's summer when the back door is sometimes open for patio seating), it ...well, it looks like a run down IHop to be honest. But it is SO MUCH BETTER. For one, they have TVs everywhere. But more importantly, you can get sloshed for $9-12 (and possibly an extra $1 if you want that coke on the side). PS They also serve food if you don't want to meet a drunken demise too early... read more

Where else can you go, get completely blind drunk for $20.00, and throw popcorn at a US Senator within the confines of the Loop? Please let me know if there is such a place and I will stay far far away... You think it's a cafeteria at first, but then you have your first Jim Beam on the rocks with a side of Diet Coke and it all goes downhill. Three later, maybe four, you find yourself in the twilight zone, but the stimulants being exhaled by the swarm of traders make their way into your bloodstream and keep you on your feet. If you have balance and courage, you can safely make it to Union Station in one piece. If you have grace and tact, you can apologize for your transgressions and mosey up to senate staffers and random tables of women who don't seem to mind your incomprehensible babbling. But it's a dangerous place. I've been there once. I'm still too scared to go back. read more

I made my way over to Ceres Cafe yesterday for a long end of the week lunch. We ate outside and it was not a bad outside lunch experience. Not bad at all. The scene was what one would expect - lots of traders. Crap, they really pile them around those tables! At one point I looked over and I swear there were ten dudes in ties morphing a normal-sized patio table. The menu had a really good selection and wasn't as pricey as I expected. These days, a sandwich in the Loop can run almost 10 bones so I did not mind paying the same for a good-sized salad. I went with the Asian Chicken which was expertly chopped and very delicious. My dining buddy had the chicken taco special which looked tasty and well worth $9. The waitress was great so no complaints on the service at all. Ceres may seem a little random lumped on the sidewalk by the BOT but it's a great place for a leisurely outside lunch (when the Chicago weather behaves, of course). read more

"I'll keep you my dirty little secret / (Dirty little secret) / Don't tell anyone or you'll be just another regret" -- American Rejects (throw back to 2005 anyone?) Okay, so the secrets out (thanks to Yelp), but Ceres is so much more than a cafe. It's where those who run the 9-5 rat race should go to get a lunch time cocktail in the middle of their work day. I mean... ... but seriously. This staple cafe tucked in the Board of Trade Building not only offers a delish cafe meal, but their drinks are HEFTY. I'm talking a full glass of liquor with a side of pop. No really, they literally give you a can of pop on the side. SCHWING! Your co-worker lunches just got a little weirder folks. I used to work down the street and have had the pleasure of enjoying festive lunches at this fine establishment with my co-working friends. My favorite go-to lunch is their buffalo chicken salad. It's huge! The turkey club and fries is also a solid choice. The ambiance and vibe of the restaurant is not really a place I'd go out of my way for, but if you work downtown, are looking for a decent lunch, or are on the hunt for a strong cocktail - definitely go to Ceres! read more

This is a review on their happy hour. Nice and short. If you like to get drunk at happy hour with your co-workers come to this place and order any mixed drink. Order 2, and you are DONEZOOOOOOOoooooo..... read more

Yeah, this is not my jam. I went here for a Farewell Happy Hour for someone who works nearby. I do not work in the loop, so I definitely had never heard about this place. I had been warned that people do get sloppy here. I walked in and thought I was in the wrong place since it looks like a restaurant from 1982 that specializes in pancakes and patty melts. However, there were hoards of 20 & 30 somethings congregated like this was the best place in the world. I soon learned why people get so smashed here. When you order a red bull and vodka (for example), they give you a juice glass of vodka and a can of red bull. That's equivalent to about 4-5 shots. And I think it costs about $5. They also serve unlimited popcorn on each table that keeps you thirsty...clever. Would I come here again? Nope. If I was someone working in the loop, looking to get wasted for cheap, and meet single guys? Most definitely. I'm just not their target audience. read more

Ceres isn't for the weak. 2 words I'd use to explain Ceres are: Alcoholics Paradise. Ceres is BY FAR the best pour for a drink in the city of Chicago. They take stiff drinks to another level. Your rum and coke is essentially a glass of rum and they either splash some coke (and its really just a splash) or just give you a full glass of rum and hand you a coke to pour your troubles. And thats with every drink there. Most people are done by their 2nd drink. And if you are really a lightweight, you may not even make it through the first one. Its been countless times where you will see people passed out in booths or just plain drunk falling off the barstool. Their food is average but no one goes here for the food. Going to Ceres for the food is like going to the strip club for conversation. Its great they have it but thats not what you are there for. Because of the popularity of Ceres in the last couple years, Friday after work has became the meeting spot. Its even gotten to the point where you may wait outside to get in. Its always packed on Fridays now so unless you have a friend who managed to get a table before the rush, be prepared to packed in there. And the best part about Ceres is the fact you can take your drink to go in a to go cup. You can just go to back and grab one. Considering how much alcohol they give you, drinks are extremely cheap especially for downtown. I'd recommend if its your 1st time going, go during the week. read more

This place starts out awesome, and the more drinks you have, the more awesome it gets! First of all, before I even talk about the ridiculousness that is their cocktail menu, I gotta give them major praise for offering FREE POPCORN!! A drunk person has to have their salty, crunchy snack & in unlimited amounts no less. Ok, now it seems that everyone knows what this place is all about, which is why it gets so packed after work hours. You order a cocktail, which is basically a small glass filled to to rim with whichever poison you choose & a can of soda on the side. ON THE SIDE. And this glass ain't no tiny shot glass either, it's a hefty sized glass filled so full that the only way to fit any soda in it is to basically sip off a shot's worth of booze. That gets your evening started right there. After two drinks (2 Jameson's for less than $10 each!) I'm pretty much well on my way to bedtime. Apparently they close pretty early, probably to discourage blacking out on their clean tables & chairs. So I'd recommend getting here early to grab a table, having a drink or two, & you'll be ready to take on the night! read more

This place is great if you love to drink...borderline alcholic...if you are recovering from your AA addiction not that great. Example order a vodka sprite. You get a glass of vodka filled to the brim and a can of sprite. For those of us that don't drink like that...not too appealing. The drinking is what brings the business though....so apparently others like it. I use to come here all the time, but now it's more like a club. If you don't get there before 5 there is a line out the door and you actually have to have someone inside of the bar vouch for you in order to come inside. LOL...its like a secret soceity now. The place is packed though so they must be doing something right. I usually like my happy hours to be more laid back..so it's not my first choice to go. I find it hilarious the game these guys talk up here. It's like the spot to go to on a Friday night to try to get last minute plans going or a date. LOL read more

I'll admit it... I like alcohol. Ceres is the perfect place to drink alcohol. Seriously, it's better than your friend's '87 volvo that you used to drink Boone's out of in high school. It's better than sitting in the overpriced, stank, tourist-filled Hancock observation bar, it's better than your grandma's overstuffed couch that you used to sip white russians on, it's better than sipping champagne in the back of a limo... it's that great. Ceres cafe is by far my new favorite place in Chicago. Filled with after-work folks, down-on-their-luck folks, middle aged government employees drinking away the uncertainty of their jobs, and me, it's the ideal place to get some drinks on the cheap and even some snacks on the side! I ordered a bombay sapphire and Sprite, only to be served and entire tumbler of gin and a can of pop on the side for a whopping $7.88. Not only that, our waitress was an awesome Eastern European lady who kept the popcorn coming. The few slices of free pizza we got were the icing on the cake. I honestly don't think I could dream up a better place to go to happy hour. Thank you Ceres, for contributing to my alcoholism. read more

Good for a reasonably priced sit down lunch. Popular with lawyers and traders. Menu has something for everyone in terms of how healthy you want to eat - salads to chicken pot-pies. And for an old establishment like this the menu is surprisingly modern. Solid for a group sit down lunch. Great for happy hour - very busy patio when the weather is sunny. And the patio is large and gets a lotta sun. read more

My Fridays always seem to start and end here. Three drinks are just about enough to cause a blackout. Don't waste anytime drinking beer or wine here and just go straight for the hard liquor - I generally get a single can of Red Bull and enjoy it over two, maybe three drinks. The popcorn is also pretty good. The waiters and waitresses know me as the guy who needs his own basket of popcorn because I always wolf it down, so I appreciate that. Service is pretty good given the crowds and all the drunks. My favorite is taking newcomers here and not pre-warning them, acting as if it's completely natural to get a glass full of liquor to the rim. read more

This place makes me wish I were a raging alcoholic who worked downtown. I was here on Friday after work for the first time and let me tell you, I am sold. For $7 I got a large rocks glass FULL of Jack Daniels and a can of Coke on the side. Not only is this a smashing deal, but I'm a fan of having the control of mixing my own drink. I like Ceres because the drinks are reasonably priced considering they are strong enough to kill a small horse (in a good way), each table is treated to free popcorn and on Fridays free pizza slices, and they are accommodating. We were a group of six that wandered in to a full house and within minutes the staff had pushed two tables together and scrambled to grab extra chairs for us. I will definitely be returning...tomorrow. read more

I'd like to second whoever said "This place makes me wish I were a raging alcoholic who worked downtown." It's SO TRUE. This place is amazing. Even after reading the reviews, I was still impressed! I met a group of gals there last week or so. There were 5 of us. 3 had cocktails (very strong ones, at that), one had tea, one had a beer. We ordered 3 appetizers. All together, I think our bill ended up near, but not quite, $40. AMAZING. The food was good, the drinks will knock you on your ass (but I guess you have to ask seperately now for the legendary glass-full-of-vodka-and-a-can-of-tonic-on-the-side, and it's maybe $6 instead of $5 now?), and the atmosphere is great for conversations. This poor college student will definitely be returning. Often. Oh, the only downside is they're not open very late. But it's totally understandable, since it's in the Board of Trade building and that entire area of the city pretty much shuts down around 7 anyway. But there are also good bars within walking distance to stumble to afterwards! I'm just sayin. :) read more

In my constant search for a new place for after work drinks in the Loop, I found this place on Yelp.... Uuggghhh.....Yelp steered me wrong, and I don't get the 4-5 star reviews. Walking in on a Tuesday at 4:30. The smell of stale popcorn smacks me in the face. About 50% full, the crowd mostly mid-middle aged men, everyone seemed kind of wasted. The place is pretty big, but not sure if it is/was a restaurant at one time, as 75% of the place is low-top tables and chairs, booths, and brightly lit. Then there is a bar in the back area, dark-dingy-dirty. I just got a sleezy feel about the place. I sat a table in the bar area and was ignored by every passing server for 15 minutes. Then my friend arrived and we found 2 seats at the bar. Service was fine from the bartender at the bar. You could tell everyone there were regulars. The draw is, they pour you a giant glass of hard liquor, top-shelf, into a glass and give you a can of soda as a chaser....for $8.00. Great deal? Maybe - and that is why all the patrons seemed wasted. Me, personally, I would rather have a well made coctail for $12 and an atmosphere where I don't have to shout to be heard. I will not be back. read more

Ceres is incredibly unique. It has kind of a low-brow, diner feel but during happy hour its filled with hard-partying, young professionals. The host is kind of manic and will not rest until he is able to seat you and your whole group - even it it includes 20 people. The service is quick and they keep the munchies - free popcorn and pizza - coming. The pizza is shit, but who cares - you're just using it to cushion your booze. And you must MUST order a vodka redbull. They'll bring you a very full, very tall glass of vodka with a separate can of redbull. You basically have to do like 3 shots to even get any redbull in the drink. I've started many long nights this way. read more

Go to Ceres if you like cocktails - this place serves the liquor in a full glass, with the mixer on the side. in other words, you get a sh*t ton of alcohol for $7 or 8 bucks a pop. Plus, free, buttery popcorn! Wohoo! Don't go to Ceres if any of the following apply: 1. You have a large crowd. Not a lot of space - and the tables are tiny. 2. You like beer - I asked the waitress for a beer list, and she said they didn't have one. For a hardcore beer lover, this was a massive bummer. 3. You arrive late - this place fills up FAST. All that liquor is apparently quite a draw. read more