My best friend and I had lunch at Cindy's. It was phenomenal. The views were spectacular. Our service was immaculate. The food was delicious. The cocktails and mocktails were amazing. Loved every second of it. We started with the tuna tartare. We each had lobster rolls. She ended with a scoop of raspberry sorbet, and I had chocolate chip cookies. Everything was phenomenal. read more

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Came here for the views and they did not disappoint! We walked here from our hotel and actually ended up passing this spot and had to circle back because the signage is conspicuous. We didn't have a reservation and was shown the line for non-reservations that led to an elevator to access the rooftop. They took a handful of people as people came down to leave. Once we got up to Cindy's, we went right outside to the rooftop since the dining area was packed. We did order two drinks while up there but they weren't that strong and it was almost $50 for both of the drinks. If you are in the area, definitely stop by and see the view. If you want to spend money, have lunch and drinks. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - View from the rooftop - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good vibes. Great service and food. Amazing view. I'm staying at the Chicago Athletic Association and had to stop by for cocktail hour and dinner. We came around 5pm on a Friday and with a little wait, we snagged a table with a lakeside view. After we ordered, we stepped on the balcony and took some selfies with the backdrop of the lake and Millennium Park. Here's what we ordered: Oysters: these were okay. I didn't appreciate that there was already mignonette on the oysters as I prefer to eat them with just lemon juice. The mignonette was a little too sweet for my liking. Mozzarella di Bufala: this was standard but the thyme grapes were really good! Never had grapes prepared in this way but this was a nice balance of flavors. Kale and Spinach salad: this was refreshing and added tartness to complement the other dishes. Prawns Nayarit: full of flavor! Prawns were overcooked but we ate the body and heads and mopped up the sauce with the bread. What a gem! I'm definitely coming back again before my trip ends. read more

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I was in town for the Cowboy Carter concert (yay, Beyonce!) and This spot came showed up as one of the best brunches in the city and we lucked up by getting two tight seats at the bar. You can look down at "The Bean" from the balcony. I would love to come back on a warmer sunny day to really enjoy the great views. The bartenders were friendly and quickly took our order for food and drinks. Meals come out quickly. I got the basic breakfast with eggs, potatoes and bacon. Large portions made it seem like I was wasting a lot of what I couldn't eat. also ordered one of the delicious donuts (to share) on the side and a mimosa. Unfortunately they had a private party at 12:30 so things did feel a bit rushed and chaotic when we arrived at the hosted stand. This was out of these control but having to eat within a hour instead of being able to enjoy the space was kinda a bummer. But I will definitely check them out whenever I'm back in Chicago. read more

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This was a great spot to enjoy a drink with a view! The bar seating inside is limited but there were fire pits lit on the patio which created a warmer atmosphere, however I would definitely recommend just getting a table if you get cold easily. I tried a drink, can't remember the exact name, but soup something. It was well crafted and looking back not something I should have ordered in the first place so I don't want to discredit for that! My friend ordered a skinny margarita and it was one of the best that I have ever tasted!! Would highly recommend this place if you are on a short visit to Chicago! read more

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Wife and I took a trip to Chicago, and I was scoping out places near our hotel and this was in walking distance, so I looked it up on Yelp here and it got great reviews, and the place looked nice so here I am reviewing it. Beautiful and elegantly decorated, Cindy's is a fancy place BUT not like Downton Abbey fancy so don't worry about wearing a tuxedo. But don't walk in wearing a baseball cap and sandals either. It really is a beautiful restaurant with a patio that you can walk out on and view Millenium Park and Cloud Gate. I highly recommend having dinner here at night so the lights of Chicago can illuminate your night on the town. Had a few different cocktails which were excellent. The food did not disappoint but you can get full quick so COME HUNGRY. The staff was on point, knowledgeable, courteous and all around very good. I have no complaints on my end about Cindy's Rooftop, and I do hope it stays around as long as possible. read more

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An extremely disappointing experience. We were guests at the hotel, and actually booked the room and the reso well in advance. (The hotel heavily advertises the restaurant and vice versa. It's a big selling point.) We were excited about both. The dinner at Cindy's was disappointing from start to finish. Our server greeted us by essentially asking us if we were ready to order. It felt like she wanted to turn the table as quickly as possible, and there was no effort to introduce or explain the menu. In fact, we realized halfway through the experience that we'd been mistakenly given the lunch menu! The food was fine, but it wasn't special, and there was nothing special about the ambience of the restaurant. The main selling point was the rooftop terrace, but it was packed with people who were not dinner guests. Some of them were buying drinks at the terrace bar, and okay, fine. But many were simply there to take pictures, and were just camping out. No dress code (I'm not a snob, but it was an expensive dinner, and half the people out there were in shorts and t-shirts, and wearing backpacks), no age restriction (I'm not anti-kid, since I've got three of my own, but I didn't bring them and there were toddlers laying on the ground), and no obligation to even buy a drink. Listen: we paid almost 300 dollars for our meal and we left without a picture from the terrace (which, again, was the main selling point). Maybe I'd feel differently about the experience if our server was more welcoming, or if there was an effort to take care of us, to take our picture, etc. But it was as if--from start to finish--we were the ones who should be thanking them for allowing us to grace their rooftop. Y'all: we can spend 300 bucks on dinner anywhere we want. At least humor us and pretend you are happy we are there. At least make the experience a pleasant one. Damn. I'm in my hotel room looking out my window at the restaurant, and and I'm like, what a disgusting experience all of this is. read more

Located on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, Cindy's offers unmatched views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan while delivering excellent food to match. Without a reservation, we arrived just before 11 on a Friday, and within minutes there were at least four parties behind us. After being seated, we marveled at the glass atrium and floor to ceiling windows displaying picturesque city views. With a flood of natural light, heavy wood tables adorned with dainty flower vases, a large bar and an open-air terrace, Cindy's checks all boxes in the ambiance category. The service was excellent as well, but the food is what I really want to discuss. We kept it simple, each ordering a sandwich from the lunch menu. But let me tell you, that Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich still slips into my dreams!! I prefer chicken thighs on sandwiches as I think they offer more flavor and fit better between buns. Cindy's rendition was a perfect example. With a kimchee marinated chicken thigh, creamy, garlic-y sriracha aioli, and a bright mix of pickled veggies packed within a soft and buttery brioche bun, this sandwich hit the spot. It also comes with house made malt vinegar potato chips which can be used to catch the decadent juices flowing from each bite of the sandwich. I didn't try my friend's burger because I couldn't bear the thought of giving up one bite of my masterpiece. Truly 5/5 on service, ambiance, and food. Impress your friends by brining them to Cindy's, or visit purely for your own indulgence! read more

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Friend visiting from out of town. We met for a pre-holiday party cocktail party. Not a welcoming environment. Greeted by 4 hosts who told us bar seating only even though the place was virtually empty. Every table had a reserved sign on it but many seats available when we left at 6. On a positive note, the craft cocktails were very good. The Cindy's Old-fashioned had chocolate bitters and a splash of plum brandy in honor of the holidays. read more

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Drinks used to be so much better. Both of our drinks tasted strange, very disappointing for $20. At 4:00 restaurant was practically empty but still had to sit at the bar. No one offered us a table even though my husband had a cane. We couldn't even enjoy the music because a bartender (female) stood a few feet away and talked non-stop tmi pretty much the entire time we were there. We will not go back, so many other places to get a better, less expensive drink. Poor customer service, expensive, uncomfortable seating. The best thing about Cindy's is the view. read more

We didn't have a reservation, but I walked over while my daughters were still shopping and added our name to the waitlist. They got us in after about a 20 min wait. The staff, restaurant, decor and food were all top-notch. It was a few days before Christmas and the holiday vibe was in full-force! The view from the balcony is amazing- could watch the people ice-skating at Millennium park- a great experience all-around! read more

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A great stop to grab a drink before or after visiting Millennium Park. I wouldn't recommend eating here as you need reservations and the food options seemed expensive an lacking. But we did get drinks and enjoyed them on the patio outside. It was first come first serve at the bar. We arrived around 3 in the afternoon on a Sunday and it wasn't too busy yet. Drinks were good but expect typical big city prices. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Don't make me blush and view - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you want to eat at Cindy's, set your alarm 30 days in advance- midnight Chicago time. A plus for you fellow west coasters who will only have to wait until 10pm. As soon as reservations drop, they are snatched up. From what I saw, most of the entire days reservations would be gone by mid-day. I was kind of surprised though because when we got there on a Sunday afternoon, the place wasn't completely full. Busy but not full. If you don't get a reservation, you can still order a drink at the bar to enjoy outside with the view. You just can't sit down or they will find you and move you! The brunch items were tasty. The chilaquiles were spicy and flavorful and the carrot cake pancakes were delicious but HUGE! A half stack was 4 giant pancakes. Wild! The view up here is fantastic. You get to see the Lake and an up close of the bean! We had a friendly server we really appreciated. Overall, a little overhyped in my perspective but I did think food, service and ambiance were all 5 star for sure. read more

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There are much better views elsewhere. The drinks tasted fine but were overpriced. It was giving tourist trap vibes. Overall a mediocre, forgettable experience. read more

A lovely rooftop restaurant on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel on Michigan Ave. While you do not need reservations to go to the bar and take in the views from the rooftop overlooking the city, highly recommend reservations to eat here. The main draw for this place is of course the open rooftop view of Chicago, with the Bean, buildings like the Prudential Building, Millenium Park, and Lake Michigan in the backdrop. Our server was very pleasant and attentive to us throughout the night. My husband ordered the steak and I the pork shoulder. The steak was pleasantly thick and cooked to order, which pleased my husband. My pork shoulder was flavorful and tender. I am not a fan or pork in general but this was definitely something I enjoyed. For dessert we got the Mont Blanc. Words cannot describe how amazing it was!! We wanted to order more! For a place as popular and Cindy's rooftop, i did not have high expectations, but I had a wonderful experience there. A great spot for both tourists and locals alike. read more

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Came here and sat at the bar before dinner. I got lucky and arrived just as two people were getting up so I sat right away. Chris was our bartender. He was great. He was very knowledgeable about bourbon and scotch and gave great recommendations. I definitely plan on coming back. read more

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Cindy's rooftop is a personal favorite, though snagging a reservation requires planning months ahead. The panoramic view, showcasing the Bean, the lake, and Millennium Park, makes it a must-visit for out-of-town friends. Even without a reservation, the walk-in wait is surprisingly short, and the outdoor standing bar provides a chance to enjoy drinks with the best view of the Bean. Aperol spritz enthusiasts, like myself, will find it especially enjoyable. Definitely a must-visit for both the drinks and the views. One thing I would like to add, lately I noticed if you don't have a reservation then you can add your name to the waitlist and usually after a wait of 45 mins you may end up getting a table to dine in. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Aperol spritz with a view - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cindy's is so so good!!! I will be recommending to all of my friends who visit Chicago! the view was amazing and our bartender, Fatima, was EVEN BETTER!!!! Such a fun time! read more

Best cosmos in town. You can fight me about it. Cindy's Rooftop is my go to when having friends or family over from out of town. Great drinks and breathtaking views? sign me up! If you are looking for craft cocktails, this is a fantastic option. Solid on Old Fashions, Spritzers and of course, Espresso Martinis. They offer wine and beers as well, yes, a little over the price you will pay somewhere else, but absolutely you won't have that beautiful view anywhere else in Chicago. My recommendation is always to go as early as you can to avoid crowds, and if you can do weekdays even better. Their bar/balcony is walk in so that way you will nail the perfect pic. Also, you'll get the vibe of the after office drink! They serve food but most likely you'll need a reservation for a table. I've heard brunch is really good but never tried. Hopefully I'll do that next! read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Espresso martini - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cindy's is a go-to spot for locals and tourists. I've been here a couple times. On my most recent visit I was staying at the hotel (Chicago Athletic Association Hotel). I had just checked-in was hungry for lunch, so I took the guest elevator up to Cindy's. Hotel guests have priority, so you don't have to wait in line if you don't have a reservation and you're staying in the hotel. I arrived around 12:15 pm on a Friday of a holiday weekend. Yet I easily found a bar stool. Just like the last time I was here, I quickly became friends with the person sitting next to me. She was waiting for the results of her medical boards. Exciting news - she passed! And the bartender gave her a free celebratory glass of champagne. I quickly got added to the celebration too. It was honestly the most fun I've had at a bar in a long time because of the camaraderie. For lunch I opted for the Korean Crispy Chicken Sandwich. It was perfect. Just a little bit of spice that lingered, while also being a bit messy too. But aren't all the best sandwiches just a little bit messy? It also comes with potato chips that are equally impressive. For those looking for a view, Cindy's has you covered. There is a large balcony, but it quickly fills up, so if you're looking to stand at the railing overlooking Millennial Park, you might want to go when it's not particularly busy or before the crowds show up. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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While in town for a convention, I had two dinners at Cindy's. The food was excellent but the service is what I'll remember. Friendly but unobtrusive. Knowledgeable and professional. A special shout out to Collette, Ennis and Will who took such good care of our group. read more

The view is amazing however, receiving recooked French fries was a total turn off for me. Especially after showing them and they just looked. Thanks but no thanks and it's a enclosed restaurant not a rooftop as advertised read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Disgusting - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a great meal at Cindy's. The burger was stacked and juicy, the fries were crispy, and those monkey bread rolls were yummy. Service was super friendly and the wait time was reasonable. Overall tasty food, and great vibes in Chicago. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Monkey Bread** Classic Breakfast* ** - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The starters were good. I ordered two different salads to share with a group and it was good. The portions were generous. I also enjoyed the cocktail special. We had friendly service. However, it took forever for each course to come out. I wanted to try dessert but I was tired and ready to go. The ambiance is that of a hip, happening place to be. There are views of the skyline, which is nice. The place is very loud. read more

Went to Cindy's Rooftop for brunch over Labor Day Weekend without a reservation (I'm crazy I know), and I would say it's worth it for the view, not necessarily the food! Food and experience: Was able to get bar seating after about 20 minutes of waiting which wasn't the worst. The bar staff were kind and attentive even though they were so busy. I got the smoked salmon bagel with blueberry cream cheese... which I thought might taste weird but the smoked salmon was overpowering so you can't taste the blueberry anyway. Views: The views of Millennium Park and downtown are so beautiful! Lots of people were outside enjoying the weather and taking photos. Overall, I'd be willing to give it another try, but the brunch item options didn't seem special or unique and my food was ok. The views were what made it worth my wait. read more

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Chicago has many spots for good views and Cindy's Rooftop is one of them. The reason this view is special is that they are located on the rooftop of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel across from Cloud Gate. You can see that "bean" from their balcony. My friends and I looked into making reservations but the next available date was 3 weeks out. Since we were visiting from out of state, we had time restrictions. Instead we planned a trip to Millennium Park/Cloud Gate first thing in the morning, and then came to Cindy's Rooftop right at opening. Their tables are usually all reserved, but the bar area is available for walk-ins. Service was super nice and welcoming. They were also really efficient making the drink orders considering how busy it got. My friends for the Very Necessary ($17) and the Fernet About It ($17). Both of them really enjoyed their drinks. I had the Summer Night Walks ($17). It was one of the best drinks I had all week. I was expecting something heavy cause of the Remy Martin VSOP, but somehow the giffard piment, d'espelette, Batavia arrack, mango, red bell pepper and soda really lightened it into a vibrant fresh drink with a kick of spice. It was exactly the drink I needed in the morning to wake me up. Highly recommended for those who love cocktails and enjoy a good view. I would definitely consider coming back the next time I re-visit Chicago. read more

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super great environment and staff. food was good and good portions. short menu. good drinks. beautiful view. it's technically enclosed so u can enjoy all year read more

Such a great introduction to the food scene at Chicago. A beautiful view of the city and the bean! The service was excellent and the food came out fresh even though we came in the later time. Definitely make a reservation when you go. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Asparagus and crab and lobster - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The bar was amazing! The cocktail was delicious! Service was also fast, we got our cocktails under 5 minutes of ordering. The rooftop was so beautiful and overlooked the park and the bean! The weather was nice, and would have loved to stay outside more. Only wish was there was more seating outside to stay and watch the view. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Raspberry Beret - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food is good but expensive. Service is always very nice! Great view from the restaurant and the inside is very bright and pretty. Highly recommend making a reservation. A go to for taking out of towners! read more

Cindy's Rooftop - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great breakfast with a great view of Millinium Park, the Bean, Grant Park, and the Lakefront. Chicago at its finest!

Great service...okay layout, can get a bit loud. Fortunate to get a table for dinner rather than sitting at one of the columns. Awesome view but can get fairly crowded. We came for dinner, at 4:30 p.m., had to wait 20 minutes for dinner service. Deviled Eggs were awesome!!!! Brick chicken was very good. Ran out of a dinner item on the menu although they just opened for dinner service. Great service, specialty cocktails were good. Enjoyed our experience! read more

This is a short review, not really about the food at all, but I was here recently for a business event. They had a fixed menu for us, all good, but next time I'm in town I'm definitely coming back to try it again. The service we received might have been better than in the open restaurant, I think there were 4 or 5 staff members for around 20 of us, plus the bartender, but they were all knowledgeable about the food and drinks being service, as well as providing helpful info on activities in the area for the rest of my trip. The view from the balcony was spectacular, if a bit windy, so bring a jacket. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - BEAN!!! - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here for their brunch and it was okay. I only liked the chilaquiles and my espresso martini. The french toast is way too creamy I felt like I was eating cream for the entire entree. Should definitely remove it off the menu. As for the chicken and waffles well the waffles were good but the chicken is a bit dry. The oysters here are fresh but they put too much vinaigrette on it. The service is slow too. I would only recommend getting drinks here to be honest and definitely order the chilaquiles, but everything else is very plain for the price that you're paying. Remember to make a reservation! read more

Cindy's Rooftop - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Quick service and cool space. Can be super busy. Priority to people staying at Chicago athletic association. Haven't had the food but the drinks are good. They have Moodys tongue Porter. So good Cool space to reserve for special even and a nice peak at the city shoreline by millennium park Stop by even to look off the balcony. Great view of the park. But also great spot for drinks and small bites. read more

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I will start off by saying I HIGHLY recommend making reservations. It seems they only work off of reservations unless you can luck up and find a place at the bar. We put ourselves on the waiting list for outside in order to see the view but decided to dine at the bar to avoid the extended wait. Initially, the service started off rocky but ended better towards the end of our experience. The food was pleasant and the mimosas were as well. I will say, we eventually received a text advising the outdoor table was ready but when I went to the hostess, she advised it wasn't outdoor, it would be inside (despite 3 tables on the rooftop being vacant). Overall, this restaurant has a beautiful view of the city but the chaotic process of being able to dine here needs improvement! read more

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Came here for lunch on a whim, and the food was awesome! I have been wanting to come to this place for a long time, as I heard their rooftop view was incredible, and that certainly didn't disappoint either. We were walk-in, came in around 1:00pm for lunch and we waited around half and hour. There's table seating as well as some couch-table setups near the window overlooking the view of the city. You can also go out on the balcony to enjoy the view. Gnocchi ($22) - So delicious! The gnocchi were super soft and pillowy (having attempted to make my own gnocchi before, this is very hard to do!) and the ramp and stinging nettle pesto was delicious. Super well seasoned, perfectly cooked vegetables and mushrooms. There were also sea salt flakes in it that added a nice crunch. Colette was our server, and she was lovely! This would definitely be a place to bring friends visiting from out of town for a nice brunch. read more

Cindy's Rooftop - Gnocchi with ramp and nettle pesto - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped by Cindy's Rooftop after work for a quick drink with my friend and omg!! The view is amazing. I got their sweetest drink which is the Very Necessary which was delicious! Great for pineapple lovers. My friend got the Fernet About It which was also super tasty with a strong ginger taste (YUM) The rooftop view is amazing and they don't charge an entrance fee we just came in and enjoyed the view with our drinks. Love it here and will be coming back for a nice drink with friends read more

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Ignored by the server, cold food, and a manager who chose debate over decency I was dining alone, and from the start I was treated like I wasn't even there. The server never took my drink order but had no problem taking drink orders and checking in on other tables around me. I had to sit and watch attentive service happen everywhere except my table. When the food finally arrived, the steak frites were cold both the steak and the fries. Cold fries don't lie; the plate had clearly been sitting. At that point, the lack of attention made sense. When I calmly pointed this out, instead of apologizing or fixing the issue, the manager chose to argue with me, insisting that this is "how it usually comes." Rare does not mean cold, and debating a guest over something this basic is embarrassing for a restaurant. What made the experience especially uncomfortable was the combination of being ignored by the server and then talked down to by management when I finally spoke up. I wasn't asking for special treatment just the same basic service other guests were clearly receiving. Being overlooked as a solo diner, served cold food, and then met with defensiveness instead of accountability is unacceptable. Hospitality should never feel selective, dismissive, or combative. I won't be returning. read more

You'll see this on every list of places to visit in Chicago & for good reason, you absolutely cannot beat this view. The cocktails are tasty, if pricy. It's basically always crowded but you can usually at least sneak in for a good pic on the balcony. A can't skip! read more

Cindy's Rooftop - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois