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

On Saturday afternoon after playing tennis at the courts on Recreation Drive we decided to grab a beer at the Clock Tower Cafe. The weather was perfect and we were able to grab a table on the west patio overlooking the softball fields. When we sat down our table still had all the glassware from the previous group. The waiter stopped by after about 15 minutes and finally started clearing off the table and took our order. This wait would be acceptable if this place was bigger however there are no more than 15 tables on both the patios combined and the inside bar is small too. I couldn't tell if they were simply short staffed or whether the server was just terrible... When we got the check our bill came to $22 for 3 beers before any tip... We had ordered two 312s and a Budweiser. The amount seem a little high given that we ordered 3 very common beers and I'm glad we didn't decided on getting a 2nd round. It's a bit of a rip off paying that much for just okay domestic beer. The experience overall is pleasant. You can't argue about sitting on a patio in a park enjoying a beer. Will I go back? Probably not. I live right on Lake Shore Drive a few blocks from the cafe so the next time I want to drink a beer in the park I'll bring a cooler. read more

Had a baby shower here recently--and the best part of the shower was dealing with managers Chet and Jim. They really stepped things up--pre party, it was Chet and during the party, it was Jim. The food was excellent--patio gorgeous and perfect for a shower--whether baby shower or wedding shower! Sunny outside but we had enough umbrellas, and the food was complimented by the guests (we had a buffet with a variety of sandwiches and pastas and salad). You can bring your own desserts as long as they are not made at home. I was a little nervous because a manager I was dealing with was fired during the event, but Chet was wonderful about being responsive to me during the transition (when it was otherwise pretty hard to get a hold of people!). During the event, Jim had such a sense of humor and good sense of how to run a party, that he was a great GO-TO person. Only reason I give it four stars instead of 5 was that I had little heart attacks along the way of planning because it was hard to get a hold of people until Chet kind of took the reigns and assured me that everyone was in communication and things would be fine. I was assigned to deal with managers other than him, but it seemed like he was the only one around most of the time! All in all, everyone was extremely nice, the view of the lake and the golf course from our own private deck was beautiful, and the staff was competent and attentive. Thank you for a lovely event! read more

Food was OK but expensive for what you got. They seemed to have run out of pretzel rolls but said nothing to us when our burgers arrived. The reason for 2 stars, slow & horrible service. Yes it was Sunday and slightly crowded (at the bar mostly) but it was also 1pm so please don't tell me it was a shift change. Waited 20 minutes to have our order taken then waited 20 minutes for the check after plates had been cleared. Had to ask for the table to be cleaned. read more

Decent food. Great deck overlooking the golf course and views of the lake. I did order my burger medium, it took some 30 minutes to come out and when it did it was very well done and the fries on the plate were skimpy! I mean you could literally count them! The server was eager to please she offered a new burger but I said I did not want to wait another 30 minutes. I did order another side of fries and when they came out, again a skimpy order! Most places I eat burgers at give you an ample amount, that's an automatic. Anyways she said the fries were on the house and Chef will discount burger 20% which she did not. When the check came the fries were comped and the burger was full price. I didn't make an issue I paid my check and left but left thinking WTF... I more than likely will go back! Give them another opportunity if they read this seriously what gives with the fries?! I am certain I am not the first and only to notice... read more

Went for lunch after tennis. Had the turkey club sandwich with rye bread and with home made chips read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Club sandwich with Rye - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been here twice now. The first time, I just came across it as I had no idea it existed. Yesterday I saw they put up a little sign by the bike path, which is a good idea. The first time I went, I sat at the bar with a friend after a rousing game of tennis. Cordell was our bartender and he was da bomb! He mixes great drinks, and we trusted him to choose for us. I also had Coronas and they were ice cold! The 2nd time I went was on the Sunday of the air and water show. I sat on the patio which overlooks the golf course. Service was slow, but they were also more crowded than when I went last, and I didn't mind because I was relaxing. However, even though I didn't mind waiting, I do have to note that the wait staff attended to and served us after a couple tables that got there after us. She kept missing our table and we had to flag her down every time we needed something. The staff is very friendly, and they'd like to be open all year round. I wouldn't mind being a regular here, but will forego the patio in the winter. read more

I love this place. In fact we normally play softball at the North Ave fields but I'm going to vote that we start playing here just because of this place. Good food. Pleasant staff. Good drink specials (even on Saturday). It's off the beaten path but if you're golfing or playing softball stop in, you won't be disappointed. read more

The Clocktower Cafe - Look at the bar - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Clock tower Cafe is my happy place! I love being outside and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere surrounding the patio. I like the food a lot (great sandwiches, wraps- classic well done lunch fare) and service is always friendly. Only issue is sometimes patrons loiter for hours and hours ordering nothing beyond 1 drink or an app, and it can be difficult to get a table- but this is more of a societal issue than the restaurants. They are a business - let them turn tables and make money ! I look forward to the seasonal opening every year and am counting down ! read more

My two young daughter's and I rode our bikes there on June 2. We arrived at 12:10pm. We sat for 25 minutes without being greeted, offered a menu, or given a glass of water. SERVICE STINKS! Confused, after waiting 10 minutes, I got up to ask the server if there was table service or not. I was told "I'll be out there as soon as I can, I need to get organized before it gets busy". I might have though serving actual customers would be more of a priroity. When we we arrived there were 8 people on the back deck. At this point there were probably 15. No wait staff or anyone else had taken care of any of them. What in the heck were they waiting for? I got up and got two cups of water for my daughters after 20 minutes. left 5 minutes later having had absolutely no service from anyone in the establishment. Place looked nice, food might or might not be good. WHO CARES!? read more

Was rollerblading down lakefront trail with my gf and decided to stop by for a bite. Everything's in the $10-12 range. Sitting on the patio was nice but nothing special. We got a chicken sandwich it was really good. The fries were okay, way too much seasoning. Reason for the 3 star rating is that the service was pretty poor. The waitress was nice but not around when we needed her and it took us forever to get the check when we were in a hurry. Also we were sitting right next to a window with a few large spiders crawling around their webs.. ewww read more

Partner and I met here for lunch recently. I had ridden my bike from the south loop, he from our home at the other end of the golf course. It was hot; I was sweaty. I sat down at the table on the deck with my ubiquitas bottle of Powerade. Our server greeted me promptly with a tall glass of ice. While I may be a gay man, I can honestly say I loved that woman that afternoon. They have a nice selection of beer on tap which I guess is par for the course. Their menu is relatively small but it is well executed. I really enjoyed my Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy and 1/2 pould burger. Partner liked his chicken sandwich with chipotle sauce. It may be just a tad pricey for what one gets but then again one gets to eat very good food on a deck overlooking a green at the golf course on the lake. read more

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The kitchen is uneventful, unimagineble and I don't think ever took cooking lessons. The $12 burger is a plain burger with fries - not even made here, but a pre-packaged patty. Tons of ice in drinks, so little 'drink'. Extremely poor service. Very dirty floors, floorboards, everything. Wait staff totally clueless. They only put umbrellas up if people are there. Very lazy staff, standing around joking with one another. Coming and going. Very very sad that this lovely establishment is so very very poorly mismanaged. The only good thing is a view from the patio. P.S. they don't open until 10am despite having a huge breakfast crowd off the golf course. Who marketed this place? Who even researched the vast options???? read more

First time visiting The Clocktower Cafe and had a great experience. My burger and house chips were excellent. Great customer service by staff and the view was the icing on the cake! Will definitely return on my next visit to Chicago! read more

A nice little surprise after some softball. The menu was standard but was executed well. I had a tasty burger. The back patio overlooks the golf course and the lake and is a nice little spot to have food outside on a sunny day. The order took longer than it should off, hence the 3 stars. I understand they were short staffed and had a football rush they weren't prepared for and even though they were understanding and apologetic it still knocks it down a peg. read more

We used to really like this place. Then they changed the whole menu and not for the better. They got rid of the high quality ingredients in favor of more bland cheaper options. Worst of all they just served me a grilled chicken sandwich that was completely raw on the inside. You could tell it was raw by the texture it was so undercooked. So if you don't want food poisoning, I would not come here. read more

August 1, 2020- they are open despite their website and social media which have not been updated in a long time. Good food and drinks!

I moved to Chicago in 2009 and have played at the Waveland golf course countless times. However, the little brick building by the 9th hole has always been unused. Last year the appearance of a deck was an exciting development, but it remained unopened. This year the Clock Tower Cafe finally debuted. My wife and I stopped in after a round of golf and loved it. It's great to have a place to have a drink, watch sports on one of their several great TVs, or have the options to watch softball off one patio or golf off the other. It seems like the service seems to be a popular complaint here, but I sat at the bar and the service there was perfect. I had the grilled cheese, a bloody mary, and a Heineken. The grilled cheese was quite delicious, with three different types of cheese. Overall, the prices were less than what I would have expected and the food was better. Although, be careful ordering mixed drinks, because I think the bloody mary was $10. I'll stick to beer next time. I'm just really excited that there is a place to have a drink and watch some golfers come up to the last hole, and the fact that it exceeded my expectations is just icing on the cake. read more

What's with the people who come to a beautiful, relaxed settings like this and expect shotgun service with drinks and food served in under 5 minutes? That's what McDonalds is for, people! The setting is really great if you are trying to get away from the frenzy of the city and enjoy a cocktail or two while overlooking the lake and golf course. Quite serene indeed. The service was genuine and friendly. Didn't try the food, but also woudn't expect gourmet offerings from a place that is not equipped for it. Will happily return (and hopefully avoid the fussbudgets)! read more

I do not like this place at all. The service is average, so there is nothing to complain about there. However, their food was gross and expensive. For chips and salsa, I paid a little over 10 dollars. You get an average size of tortilla chips. There was nothing special about that. They give you two mini bowls; one for the salsa and one for guacamole. First, the skimped on those dipping sauces. The bowl was not halfway full. The guacamole was squeezed out of some bag. The salsa was bland and had a hair in there. I was not impressed. read more

Much better than expected food, drink and service. Nice deck, comfortably cushioned chairs with umbrella tables overlooking a golf course 18th green and views of the lake beyond, as well as the namesake clock tower. Imparted is a private country club leisurely 19th hole feeling. Indoor dining is not at all as attractive. Some tromp l'oeil murals and/or more windows would help a lot. Their quesadillas and salsa and guacamole are fresh and as good as or better than those of many more typical restaurants and at much lower cost. The Toasted Cheese Ravioli is crispy edged and delicious, served with a tasty, tangy marinara dipping sauce. Portion is a bit small, because it's good and I want more. Their Wisconsin Bratwurst is of the highest quality, crumbly and dry meat in a perfect, crunchy sleeve- much better than is necessary really- served on a tender French roll with sauteed onions, tasty, tangy brown mustard and sided with thick, rippled potato chips that were potatoey fresh and crispy in a hot, very humid late morning. Brat is available as package deals with chips and soda or beer. Brewed iced tea! Well prepared Arnold Palmers! Free refills! Decent selection of icy cold and good tap, canned and bottled beers, mostly IPAs. Very short list of serviceable, inoffensive wines of the expected types. Seemingly slightly overpriced, though to a thoroughly acceptable and situationally understandable degree. In other words, please consider all aspects of the wonderfulness here before concluding total bill is too high. Servers have always been of excellent quality as well, friendly, kind, thoughtful and generous. Good people to have as allies and accomplices. Perhaps the chitchat amongst and between servers and cooks could be diminished somewhat to improve speed of service. Plenty of parking. We really like this place and the people who work here. I'm sorely tempted to give them a five, though can't quite do that yet. ~Peter O. and S. read more

Service is poor and painfully slow. Food is reminiscent of an underfunded middle school cafeteria. They have 3 Goose Island beers plus standard domestics. It barely earns 3 stars because it has a nice location off the path, and let me bring our dog onto the front patio to chill in the summer sunshine. Also, helps that it's rarely crowded, so you can get a table pretty easily. read more

the service here is terrible especially the bartender she ignores customers is very slow and has a bad attitude

Pleasant place to stop on the bike path with views of the golf course and available outdoor seating. However the service is slow and the food is mediocre at best. Played it safe with chicken quesadillas and chips and salsa. Not much flavor and horrible chips. read more

Decided to go on Yelp to express an opinion, since the website only allows you to call. Have considered going here for the first time on three different occasions. However, each time I've tried to view the menu on the website, it simply reads "New Menu coming soon." Will avoid going, until we are able to see what to expect. read more

Cut portions, raised prices. Very sad to see. Used to go after golf. Now avoid. Recently had burger- less than 4 ounces. Caesar (entree) salad was smaller than a side salad. For $ 12-13. Too bad. read more

Worse service in town! Went yesterday afternoon. The two servers ignored us for about twenty minutes, even though we tried to call their attention. Finally one of them came and took our order. Twenty more minutes later, the other server came to take our order again. We told her we had already ordered, but it was talking very long for the food to come. She says she'll check, and drops a whole glass of water and ice all over our table and doesn't even apologize. Now comes the worst part: the first server comes back after another 20 minutes and wants to take our orders again. 60 minutes have gone by, and no food, nothing ordered to the kitchen, and she pretends she never saw us before. Both servers were rude, loud, and disrespectful, and looked like they didn't care at all. We left hungry and upset, after wasting a whole hour. If you want to spoil a beautiful summer afternoon in the park, go there. If not, keep away from this trap! read more

Went here for lunch on a Friday because I was lucky enough to have the day off and couldn't imagine spending it inside. After a little snafu in which we didn't get a server for 20 minutes (signals got crossed, but the weather was so nice we weren't really rushing to track one down), we ended up with a very apologetic server who more than made up for the mishap. Food consisted of your standard fair with a few creative options. Very reasonable prices. Everything was fresh and tasty; I recommend the Caprese Chicken Salad. Really more like a 3 /12 star place, but the awesome, sunny weather and the nice view made me a little generous. I probably would only recommend this place to people who can go with the flow and aren't in a rush. All in all not a place I would immediately head to on a regular day, but when the weather is nice I'll definitely be back. read more

Best wings in the city with a great patio and decent beer selection. They're only open when the golf course is, so you might want to call ahead. read more

I agree the service is terrible...the food was pretty good after we finally got it...but they better get another server or two before it gets busy or we won't be back read more

Food was ok. Nachos has fake cold cheese on them. Fish & chips were okay. Definitely a nice place to grab a drink. Scenery was perfect! But not the place to eat read more

The only reason to go here is if you've just finished a round of golf or maybe a softball/tennis game and even then you're better off just going somewhere else. There are two patios, one facing the ninth hole and one facing the softball field so that is a nice feature but the negatives outweigh the positives. While the service is friendly its not top shelf (not that I would expect it to be) but the food was really sub-par and expensive for what you get. I'll be back because I like golfing at that course but I think I'll be sticking to the beer from the cart-girl. read more

Awesome setting and decent bar food. The homemade chips are on point. The Cobb salad wasn't anything special and the chicken was over seasoned. A good place for a drink on a sunny summer day. read more

Adorable little spot to take a break from a bike ride or head to after a round of golf, playing softball or tennis. The only drawback for patrons is I imagine this place will stay VERY busy over the summer. I plan to visit again and again. Simple menu, good food, cool bar and good service. I'll be back. read more

Location, location, location. Great place for a bite if u are biking by or using the harbor or golf course. Excellent food. Service slow at times. Recommend the fries and the croissant sandwiches. read more

Great location and staff plus veggie options(can you say Bloody Mary) make it the perfect place for spending a Sunday afternoon.

Food is good, Sam and the cooks are wicked friendly and accomodating. They open at 9 or 10 in the morning for the golfers and make lunch for us then too. read more

came by with the family for drinks/dinner after a day on a boat in Belmont harbor. Hard to believe you're in the city! The burgers were good, wine list wasn't anything to write home about, but at $5 a glass on Tuesday who cares? Service was attentive. Overlooking the golf course and the lake, wish this place existed when I lived in Lakeview years ago (and played the then Waveland ave golf course). Would've been here all the time. read more

This is a wonderful cafe. We held a 1st party here on the patio for our child. It was an great experience with a beautiful view. The food was very tasty and the buffet set up was perfect. I highly recommend reserving this spot for events during the warm months. The service was perfect and coordinating with the manager to plan the event was a pleasure. Our whole group was very satisfied attending a party at the Clocktower Cafe. We will be back. read more