Clock tower Cafe seems alike a secret place that only lakeside golfers or baseball players know about (given proximity to the courses/fields nearby). For the rest of us, you may not even notice this tiny no frills cafe while you are walking the Chicago lake shoreline. But we found it! A very basic bar with a basic bar menu, with a view of the lake across a golf course. We met up with our Chicago daughter here, enjoying a happy hour hummus and veggie snack and a couple of drinks. Perfect, mostly quiet place to sit outside in the sun. And you feel like you've stumbled into a place that only locals know about. Bartender and waitress were both friendly, and we got to pet a dog that wandered around the porch. It's in the recreation park area, so plenty of parking. read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a great spot to grab lunch, dinner, or drinks on a nice day. The food and service were fine. My only complaint is that I wish they were open later than 7pm. read more

Food and service are great. I met the bar tender, and they can't remember his I name but had a nice beard kinda looked like Yukon Cornelius from ruddolf, the red nose reindeer. Ha ha...Anyway, I had the chicken tenders and burgers, both of which are excellent. The chips are very good as well. Good beer selection, too. The patio is a fun place to enjoy sunset or stop by while on a walk along the lakeshore. Went there on a Thursday very lively and fun crowd. I would definitely go back read more

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Love this place. A great atmosphere. The food is great and the service is even better. Shane is the man! read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was wonderful. I heard from customer saying that it was there first day open & weather was beautiful. Service was great as well! If near the lake it's a worth stop place read more

The Clocktower Cafe - The Lakeshore Lemonade was very refreshing! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I walked into the Clocktower Cafe on 9-1-2024. I had to ask twice if there was available seating outside. Staff made me feel as if I was a bother. Eventually I was able to get a table, however, the waitstaff ignored me so I left. I was extremely disappointed. Menu looked limited and overpriced. read more

Just to start out, I'm a huge fan of our wonderful city's lakefront. I mean, duh, who isn't right? However, most people tend to gravitate more towards the hotspots such as the beaches on North Ave, Oak Street, Montrose, and so on. That makes sense. Everybody loves the beach. Personally, I'm more partial to the more lowkey locations off the lake: the grassy plains off of Fullerton, Belmont Harbor, near the McCormick Center, and my favorite, right around the Clocktower. Unbeknownst to me up until recently, if you're walking to this part of the lake from the trails, you'll run into this little shack that's adjacent to the clocktower called The Clocktower Café. The smell of burgers and dogs coming from the vents and the classic rock music blaring from their speakers is as inviting as the next restaurant, but the location of this place is so prime that it's criminal to pass it up, especially if you're all about the lakefront like me. The cafe itself is pretty small. However, they have two different patios, one in the front and the other in the back. The back patio is in a peculiar location, as it shares the space with the golf course next door. It's essentially a back deck protected by a net but gives a wonderful view of the green courses and the athletes in action. The menu itself is basic, but it's got what you need for a nice lunch or dinner. Sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, wraps, salads, sides, and of course some refreshing cocktails and beers on tap to fully capture those summer vibes. Service was great as they were able to take my order and bring it out relatively quickly, with everything coming out just right. You're not going to get some out-of-this-world dish from the Clocktower Café, obviously, but here you're paying for the location, the setting-- the experience. This is a more relaxed setup to dine by the lakefront compared to something like The Dock on Montrose, so if you want something a little bit less rambunctious, this café is your place, hands down. read more

The Clocktower Cafe - View from the front patio space - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Can't gatekeep this is place anymore. Some of the best bar food on the Northside and lakefront to boot! On top of that some of the best prices you will find these days. Lower star ratings are from years ago - new management and staff make this a great place for golfers and non golfers alike! read more

This place is actually really great. I haven't had a Chicago dog from that many places yet, but I enjoyed this one a lot, and their fries are really nice and crispy. read more

My husband and I decided to stop by The Clock Tower randomly during a walk. When I entered into the restaurant I didn't initially see the waitstaff. We sat at the bar waiting for the waitstaff to offer a menu and a glass of water. I finally saw a waitress sitting eating on some food. I assumed she was on a break until she got up to help another couple that sat at a table behind us and then another waitress came from behind us. She was wearing plain clothes so we couldn't tell she worked at the restaurant. I continued to wait to see if they would at least acknowledge us since they were both in the corner chatting with each other and one of them saw us when we arrived. After five plus minutes of being ignored we decided we should just leave. But as I was getting up another staff member came to from the backroom with a to-go order and he greeted us. We decided to stay. The gentleman behind the bar was funny friendly and promptly provided us menus. The place was mainly filled with people waiting to play kickball or just finishing up with their game from the field just outside. It was loud so we ordered our food to-go. The food cost added up very quickly. A burger and a quesadilla added up to $27 and some change. The for the quality of the food it was not really worth the price. Specifically requested a spinach wrap for my quesadilla and they didn't give me correct wrap. I didn't want to be in the place any longer so I just took my food and left. This is definitely a place to grab a drink while you wait for your sports league or after a round of golf but not for the everyday going out for a meal. Very disappointing experience because I have passed by this place and wondered how it was inside for years. I give it a meh on a scale of bad to great. read more

As has been said way too many times, it is what it is. Nice little spot on the lakefront and a golf course that appears to get plenty of play. Both were crowded. We did find a seat at the bar indoors although there were a few open tables in the sun on the two patios. Where were the umbrellas? The cafe is in a separate building from the pro shop and the public bathrooms which were huge and filthy! Both are very old buildings that are doing the best they can. They had a craft beer for $5 that was good and cold. I can't keep up with all the names, sorry. The bartender was very good. He greeted us right away and explained the beer specials. We had a small order of buffalo wings that came out fast. They were the frozen wings that were deep fried and sauced up. Tasty but were just okay. Not their best effort. There is a fairly big pay to park parking lot and then it's just a short walk to the cafe. Surely not a 'must stop' but very welcoming on a hot summer day when the need for a cold beer and a sandwich is calling. read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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When Shane isn't there the place is so unprofessional. He runs a great ship. Today was the first time I was here when he wasn't and I didn't recognize the service. It was night and day between the two. read more

This place was very good. Cute, calm area. Service was quick and food was great! I recommend this place if you'd like some good quick food, with a view. It overlooks a golf course, and then another few steps is Lake Michigan. I got a quesadilla with chicken, and also had the homemade kettle chips! Super fresh and delicious. read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Quesadilla - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice setting but $9 a beer. Are you f'n kidding me? Servers are nice enough but $9 a beer???

The food IS great. Nothing fancy. The BLT, tuna melt and hot dog are STAND OUT. Roll up on your bike. Stop for a bev. read more

This is a really unique place that serves good pub-style burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and a full bar with Clocktower-inspired drink specials. It isn't a fancy country club restaurant attached to a clubhouse, so lower your expectations a few notches. During the week, you can almost always get a seat on the back patio and watch golfers finish up the 9th hole. Someone told me the food service vendor changed for the better, so I took a chance and enjoyed my visit. I started off with a bowl of chili ($4.95) and loved it. Simple, yet surprisingly good chili with cheese, onions, and tortilla chips. Next came a Clock Tower Club ($11.95), a huge towering sandwich that defied gravity until I took out the sandwich spears. The choice of bread is limited, but I chose the hearty, fresh rye that held the sandwich together. The sandwich was served with either fries or thick-sliced, baked chips (you can get fries anywhere, so I suggest getting the chips). For the view, the wonderful service (thank you, Stefani), and the food, the price wasn't bad. Add soda and a cup of coffee, and the whole bill was $23.88 with tax. In addition to the patio, there's indoor seating, too. There's no WiFi offered that I could detect. Caveat: The bathrooms. Prepare yourself. The bathrooms are a short walk from the restaurant in the main building and maintained by the Park District. Scary. read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Bowl of chili, $4.95. Surprisingly good. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have lived in Lakeview for over 30 years, and I always forget about this little gem!! Nestled at the corner of the golf course they offer a great menu and cheerful servers. I forgot to take pics of everything for proof! If you get a chance stop by and visit them....ask for Payton she was our server and a sweetheart!! : read more

Great food and cold beer after playing at Marovitz GC. The manager was very engaging and knowledgeable. Highly reccomend this hidden gem on Chicago's lakefront. read more

I just ate the best chicken Cesar wrap in my life. Warm chicken wrapped in I perfectly toasted wrap with perfectly seasoned house made house chips. The Bells wasn't bad either read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Chicken Cesar wrap with house made chips. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was so great!!! I loved my club sandwich after golf. Beers and cocktails were made by our bartender Shane who made us feel welcomed!!! read more

Love this place, you can hang out after golfing or if you're just walking by and you need some place to get a nice cold drink or a nice meal. Bartender shane is very social. Love the staff. Impressed with the cook in that small kitchen. This is not RPM..but man the food is good. Highly recommend stopping by this chocago historical sight. read more

Had dinner outside on patio with the family. -great view of golf course and lake! We felt like we were on vacation! -friendly and efficient server -food was decent--nothing to write home about, but better than expected for park cuisine---serviceable patty melt, good bratwurst with sauerkraut -not much in dessert choices, but they did have decent ice cream read more

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This is a pleasant little spot on good weather days - two patios let you gaze out to either the lake and golf course, or city and ball fields. While the selection of food and drink are a little limited, this isn't exactly a "destination" spot in my mind, more like, "hey, we're outside and hungry" spot. A good place to meet up with friends and catch up on life before walking the lake (I don't golf, but I assume a good spot for food before or after as well). The staff have always been friendly (although sometimes a bit slow on service), at least one patio is dog friendly, and it's one of those spots that remind me that good times and good weather are here again in Chicago. read more

This cute little on the green restaurant, has outdoor seating for now, but is located off Lakeshore Drive and I will say has just opened, but has amazing service and some items since the menu is new not available. I had a great experience there and outdoor seating is also social distanced so no worries if you want to come and join on the green for some great food and drinks with friends. They are open until 10 or 11 PM every night which kind of blew my mind. I will definitely be back to visit and Jake our server was completely amazing, efficient, on the ball & very tentative. I saw a lot of teamwork going on between the staff so that shows me that there is a good manager or owner in place. I will definitely come back here. I believe I had the Caesar wrap and let me tell you it was Fresh, crisp, and filled. No skimping here! I had leftovers and I will say the fries were really great, it's hard to find good Friday sometimes you know what I mean ha ha I recommend checking this place out! read more

I was really impressed with the food here, definitely better than what you can usually expect from a seasonal place by the beach. There is a small patio on the west side facing the softball fields and a larger patio on the east sides with great golf course and lake views. I had the California club on a pretzel roll, it was piled high with fresh avocado and crispy bacon. There was a spicy mayo on it that really made it excellent. The fries are also excellent, huge thick cut steak fries. The wine was wine, and $7 which is reasonable. The service on the other hand was extremely unprofessional right from the beginning. When we entered the restaurant the manager was asking two servers to step outside, you could tell that they were getting in trouble for something. No one greeted us or offered to seat us and our server came over in a huff, clearly having a bad day, but not something you take out on the guest. Luckily the location of this restaurant can't be beat... the decor, tables and professionalism on the other hand, eek. read more

The Clocktower Cafe - California Club, delicious! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good food and the staff was so nice. If you are out on a walk with the pup, make sure to give this place a try. They have a huge back patio for seating. read more

Rode our bikes up here from the loop area to grab a drink and loved it! Our server was extremely friendly (no judgement that we only stopped in for some drinks), had a large outdoor space and great views of the old field house and golf course. Really didn't feel like we were in Chicago! Excellent Bloody Marys and I really hope we can take one more ride up before it closes for the season!! As others mentioned below, this is really a cute little hidden gem! read more

Great east options for bar food. Food and drink can be hit or miss but they are always friendly.

I had the California burger (Chicken) and COLD Beer while sitting outside under the umbrella. Food was fresh, fries were hot and crisp. Staff was extremely accommodating! Definitely return! Kindness rating read more

Great location by the softball fields, golf course and lake which make it a perfect summer spot. Tables are mostly outside, some with umbrellas. Food exceeded my expectations with a selection of salads, sandwiches/burgers and beers on draught. Overall probably 3.5 stars, location is great and food is ok, service was friendly and responsive. read more

Enjoyed having lunch here. Good food with fair prices and a decent selection of beer. Everything I was hoping for. Service was very friendly too. We'll be back read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Chicken club sandwich & chicken tenders - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My girlfriend and I went here for lunch today. She ordered the tuna sandwich, I ordered a BLT. The tuna melt with Cheese she ordered still had the paper on the cheese, which wasn't a big deal, but she got food poisoning from the tuna not long after that. I will probably come back, but avoid the tuna melt. 3/5 read more

This is a great summer-time spot to hit after a round of golf or a walk around the lake front. I wouldn't come here for the food necessarily (though it is good - little better than your average bar food), but rather the outdoor patio, the casual relaxed atmosphere and the drink specials. The inside bar is comfortable as well if you'd rather stay indoors and watch whatever sporting event is on. Prices are reasonable and staff is friendly. Great little place! read more

Meh. The pro is that it's on the lake / by the golf course. So it's really the only place around in this particular area. Think airport bar / restaurant. The service is slow and the servers, frankly, don't care at all. It's clean enough and nice enough of a spot. The little patio gives you a view of the golf course and lake. There's no restroom, you have to go to the building next door for that. The menu is on the smaller side. Everything is overpriced and not particularly good. But if you're in the area and just really, really need to get a drink and cool off, this spot will do. read more

Well, well well, what a delightful surprise! Our party was out for a lakeside walk when discussion turned to what to have for lunch. It just so happened that The Clocktower Cafe hove into view at that moment, and the consensus was that it would be worth a try. A quick survey of the menu revealed we were in for pretty typical burger house fare. What we were not prepared for was that this run of the mill joint was quite a bit better than outward appearance suggested! I was treated to one of the best burgers I have ever had. Fries were crisp and not over seasoned. Other members of our party were equally impressed Service was prompt and friendly. We were glad we decided to stop in, and when I am back in Chicago it will be on my list of places to visit. Thank you Clocktower cafe for helping to make my quick weekend in the Windy City a memorable one! read more

This was about my fourth time here. I'm thinking they might change the name to the "I'm So Sorry Cafe." I think I heard that remark from our server no less than ten times as she dashed in and out, going bonkers waiting on a total of five tables. She advised us she was the only server working that day, and that they had had a bomb scare earlier in the day. Perhaps not something you want to share with many of the customers, dear. But when I was a server, 4-5 tables was pretty much a station for one server. I felt bad for her all the same in this disorganized place. Completely new staff from our last visit which was probably last fall. But no improvement. The good news is you could come to this beautiful spot, plunk yourself down at a table on the deck with a good book, and no-one would ever bother you. On the other hand, if you want food or drink in any prompt fashion, you should probably stop and eat on your way. Took us a good 20 minutes to get things started, which wasn't all that bad on a beautiful day; but I wasn't sure when we would see food. I should have stuck with the sandwiches because those, and the fries, are pretty good. I had possibly the worst Chicken Caesar Salad (small $8) I've ever had. That rubbery tasting Romaine, with hardly any dressing (it's usually the opposite problem with a Caesar in other places, where they glop it on.) The worst rubbery chicken, which may have turned me vegan for good. I do think I saw someone flinging rubber chickens in the kitchen. Anyway, this place is the most beautifully placed outdoor cafe where you can sometimes get decent service and food. Just don't go with high expectations. Get a pitcher of beer, relax and take in the scenery. read more

One of the things I love about Chicago summers is being able to stop for a beer break at a seasonal snack shack or beer garden in the park while taking the dog for a long walk. While it's a bit more permanent, the Clocktower Cafe has a similar appeal. The food here is standard "19th hole" fare- burgers and appetizers, nothing fancy. But there is a good beer selection, and two patios, which make for a nice time. The front patio is definitely dog friendly, and it's nice to sit out with a snack on the porch and watch people enjoying the park on a warm day while the dog takes a nap under the table. This isn't a must-do Chicago lakefront dinner destination for tourists. But it's great for people in the neighborhood who want a quick bite or a beer in the sun while out for an afternoon stroll through the park. read more

Parisian outdoor cafe meets DMV. This location has struggled for years, under various managements. Waitstaff vary from inexperienced summer jobbers to lovely and helpful staff. Fortunately, our waitress today was in the latter category. Either way, there may be a bit of a bottleneck in the kitchen that slows service. They seem not to have as much room as they need. Food was better this year than last. The manager on duty today was a rude, unkempt lout who smoked cigarettes just outside the entrance to the deck. There's a je ne sais quoi that's missing. The place gives the impression of being owned by nobody. Perhaps you have to know somebody downtown to get the nod for a business in the park. If you took this place and teleported it to Halsted street, it would not last three weeks. read more

What's up with the bad reviews? I've played softball at Waveland for almost a decade and I am thrilled that the Clock Tower Cafe has opened. The menu has a lot of options and the prices are reasonable. I wouldn't say anything is spectacular, but the servers are nice and it's a great place to go after softball or golf. The outdoor seating is the best when the weather is nice. You can also dine outside with your dog, which is somewhat of a rarity in Chicago. They also have a nice brunch spread on the weekends. I haven't tried it yet, but I've eyeballed it a few times. You get a ton of options for around $12. The Clock Tower Cafe is a nice change of pace option for a weekend lunch/brunch. read more

"Wait! ... Oh wait!" We had just finished a very enjoyable few hours at Clock Tower Café and were casually stumbling along the sidewalk while trying to watch the final innings of a softball game when we heard someone yell. "Please, wait!" We turned to find Melissa, the friendly, attractive bartender from Clock Tower Café, running after us. "You left your credit card!" We stopped, took our card from her outstretched hand, and thanked her for her thoughtful gesture. "It was all my fault," she said, as we waved goodbye. Then we laughed. Of course it was NOT Melissa's fault we left our card ... she was just being gracious. After drinking two delicious cocktails each, gobbling down two giant, crispy plates of fries then lapping up one decadent, chocolate fudge brownie ice cream dessert, we were on the verge of a fuzzy, buzzy food/drink coma. Making our way home on foot was going to be a challenge; forgetting our credit card was to be expected. Clock Tower Café is a hidden treasure on Lake Michigan. Comfortable outside deck seating featuring views of the park, golf course and lake, a super friendly staff (featuring, among other amazing people, Melissa, BJ and Nick (sorry girls, he's taken), great food options, a well-stocked bar with generous drink specials, and interesting people-watching ... it's all part of the CTC experience. In any case, we know we're lucky to have such a great café/bar near our home and plan to enjoy it again many more times this year before the weather closes it down. Highly recommended. read more