Cancel

Open app

Search

The Marshall Field's Walnut Room

3.2 (990 reviews)
ModerateAmerican, Bars, Burgers
Closed • 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Marshall Field's Walnut Room Photos

Business Info

THE MARSHALL FIELD'S WALNUT ROOM ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Classy
Good for groups
Good for kids

You might also consider

More like The Marshall Field's Walnut Room

Recommended Reviews - The Marshall Field's Walnut Room

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Historic sign from years ago
Lisa P.

Big, beautifully decorated Christmas tree centers the room. Fairies walking around granting wishes, sprinkling magical dust and handing out shiny stones. Servers approaching tables with holiday cheer. Sounds like the magic of Christmas is here. Food so fresh and good that every bite comforts your soul. The tree will be up until the second week of January and by then, reservations will be a little easier to get. Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

Holiday 2025 theme
Lena M.

Our annual holiday tradition isn't complete without a meal at The Walnut Room! This year the decorations were a nod to the great Marshall Field's! The tree and designs revolved around the Marshall Field's logo (IYKYK), a homage to a Chicago icon. We ordered the lobster bisque which is full of small lobster pieces and light touch of sherry, very tasty. The shrimp cocktail had nice, plump shrimps and well chilled. We had the famous chicken pot pie which came with a small side salad. The dressing on the salad complimented the pot pie well and was delicious. We also ordered the short rib with mashed potatoes. The short rib was very tender and juicy, the gravy and mashed potatoes made it all a decadent dish. Lastly we also had the Walnut Room Burger and added bacon. This was just mediocre. We didn't get to order the preparation of the burger so it came well done. It wasn't dry, but definitely not something we'd order again. Our server was so friendly and knowledgeable. She took great care of us making sure our glasses were always full and checked in often to see if we needed anything else. It was very busy, but she still stopped by the table frequently. Since we dined during the holiday season at lunchtime, only the holiday menu was available. I recommend The Walnut Room during the holiday season as a special experience.

Maronda H.

I was born and raised in Chicago and never been to The Walnut Room. I added to my holiday list this year and made reservations early. You would need to book in advance when the holiday season is approaching. The reservations fills up quickly and sometimes hard to get a good time slot. I was lucky to get an afternoon time alot on a Saturday. Since I was dining alone, I was able to get a table close to the main attraction. A table close to the giant size Christmas Tree. Of course it was crowded with people from everywhere. A holiday experience to enjoy with your family or a self date. It didn't take long for my server to come to my table with a friendly greeting. I was poured a cold glass of water and handed a menu. Loved the festive decor. The service was quick and everyone was friendly. I admire how this years tradition theme was a tribute to Marshall Field's. The Tree colors were green and blue. The menu really didn't have a wide variety of food chooses. I heard good things about the pot pie and short rib dinner. I followed my taste buds and ordered the short rib dinner. I was surprised it was very delicious. The meat was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The only thing was my carrots were hard. Definitely a place to come dine, take pics by the tree and create memorable moment with love one's. ²

Ken O.

I've always wanted to experience this Christmas experience. I finally did it. Granted, I was able to obtain a table for a single person via OpenTable.com. The restaurant is located on the 7th floor and very easy to locate. After checking in with the host staff, I was seated within a few minutes. The dining room was beautifully decorated. Jose, server, had greeted me shortly after I was seated. Since I already previewed the menu, I knew what I was going to order..... the Turkey Dinner. Granted, the restaurant was busy, the meal was delivered within a few minutes. The meal tasted more like a banquet meal for a large event. Overall, the food was okay. However, the service was great. Great experience... great holiday experience.

Carrot cake
Amanda G.

Our group was in town for a family wedding and stopped by to look at the windows. We ran up to the Walnut Room to see the tree and were pleasantly surprised that they could accommodate the six adults + one baby next to the tree for lunch. As kids, we used to come here sometimes for Christmas and the magic really is in the tree and decorations. The food was decent but nothing to write home about and our server was distracted and seemingly bored when at our table. The bussers and other waitstaff were very friendly and efficient though! As a note on the drinks menu, it says that if you order a drink you can add a holiday mug for an extra $5. One person in our party had one from years ago and wanted another to add to her collection so she ordered a mediocre cocktail for the mug. As we left, we saw the mugs were for sale in Macy's for $5 as well so there was no need to purchase a cocktail in order to get the mug.

Marshall Field's Tree 2025
Heather P.

Honestly, coming here is a tradition that should be abolished, but every year like the glutton I am for punishment, I go to every end of the earth to ensure my family gets to spend hours of stress and anxiety in an effort to go there for terrible service, very mediocre food and the overrated cocktails that cost $25 so I can add another unneeded glass to the collection. But would it be Christmas without this tradition?! So here's my recommendation, if you haven't started this tradition already, do not start now. Don't fall for the hype. The food is nothing special. Overpriced. The waits are outrageous. The service is actually horrendous, but the tree is the real reason we continue to come. It is a beautiful ambiance and that's really it's only redeeming quality. So there's the cold hard truth. No one who goes here actually thinks it's wonderful, but we all continue to grin and bear it no matter how ludicrous the whole thing is for the sake of holiday feels. Merry Christmas!

Mrs. Hering's 1890 Original Chicken Pot Pie
Izzy W.

Had a great start to our holiday Chicago trip at the Walnut Room. I actually ended up snagging this reservation the day before after trying for like a week to get in with Resy alerts! I got the Walnut Room Salad and my boyfriend got the chicken pot pie and both were delicious. We also got a couple of the holiday cocktails! Everything was good, but I'm not sure it lived up to all of the hype that we heard about. Our slice of pie was also laughably small for the price. Annoying thing was the photographers, they came around like right before we left and took our photo for our complimentary post card and ours said she would be back once the photo printed. We finished our meal and waited like an additional 20 minutes for her to come back and she never did. We ended up finding her as we were leaving and she said she couldn't find us?? we literally didn't move. And then she tried to get us to purchase additional prints which were not even good photos. lol. Other than that we enjoyed our time!

Marianne P.

Went to the Walnut Room for tea. I attended more expensive locations and this topped them by far. Our server, Latonya, was amazing. If you go, be sure to ask for her. The tea sandwiches were really great. The scones were out of this world. The room is big and very nice. Our table of 4 had enough room for us to sit comfortably.

December 2025
Connie K.

I made a reservation to Walnut Room over 2 months in advance (they were literally gone a minute after the reservations opened). We arrived 15 minutes early as suggested and I'm glad we did. There was a long line just to get checked in and took pretty much 15 minutes to get to the hostess stand. We were thankfully seated next to the Christmas tree to my daughter's delight. Immediately after sitting down we were greeted by the photographer who whisked us to the front of the Christmas tree to take a family photo. We received a fun commemorative photo postcard for free. After we sat back down we were visited by several different fairy princesses who sprinkled fairy dust and gave my daughter a matching fairy stone. They really took the time to talk to her and really made this experience special for her. I had the chicken pot pie while my daughter had the kid's chicken pot pie, fruit, apple juice, and sugar cookie. Hubby had the burger as recommended by our server. We shared a slice of the Frango mint chocolate ice cream pie for dessert. The pot pie was just as good as I expected and the side salad was refreshing. My daughter also said her pot pie was yummy and loved the pieces of star crust in hers. After she finished her sugar cookie she literally licked all sprinkles from the plate. She received a free mug at the end which I thought was also a nice gesture from the restaurant. There are small bathrooms in the back of the restaurant but it's big enough to accommodate the number of people inside. The women's bathroom had 3 stalls and 2 working sinks and there were so many women with kids coming in and out that I found it chaotic. Overall, I'm so glad I was able to snag a reservation and it was definitely a fun, festive experience for our family.

Mrs. Hering's 1890 Original Chicken Pot Pie
Eugene B.

The tree and the history really is the experience. I'm not sure the story behind the fairies that visits each table. But it was a nice surprise. The food is decent but not outstanding. Definitely affordable and worth it for a first time visit. I imagine having holiday gatherings here are tradition for several. I do love the ambience with a sense of history with the architecture in this iconic space. I'm curious to know what replaces the centerpiece tree on the off season:)

Savannah H.

The Walnut Room is a true Chicago holiday tradition and one that my family has enjoyed for more than thirty consecutive years. It is sentimental and special to us, even though the overall experience has changed over time. The food and service are not what they used to be many years ago, but once you understand that, the last several seasons have actually been very consistent. We always visit during Christmas and it is important to remember that the restaurant is incredibly busy and staffed with many seasonal employees. Service is not five star dining, but everyone works hard and does their best. If you come during the holidays, you should expect a little waiting and a very lively atmosphere. For us, that is part of the experience and the tradition. I always order the Asiago chicken or the meatloaf and they are both very good. My family loves the pot pie and the ravioli as well. Breakfast has never appealed to me since it is served buffet style, but lunch and dinner have always been enjoyable. If you are looking for a perfectly polished restaurant experience, this may not be the place during December. But if you value the nostalgia, the beautiful holiday setting, and the joy of tradition, The Walnut Room remains a wonderful and meaningful Chicago classic.

Grilled Salmon and asparagus risotto
Taylor D.

It was so fun to visit the Walnut room for the holiday season. The Christmas tree was decorated for the Marshall Fields theme. The princesses walked around taking pictures with kids, very reminiscent of my childhood. The food wasn't too bad either, I loved my mom's mushroom ravioli, it was very creamy but delicious. The salmon and asparagus risotto was also very good. The salmon was a tad more cooked than medium but the risotto was pretty okay and I'm glad I had gotten the cream sauce on the side because I didn't like it at all. Loved the poinsettia mimosas though (cranberry + sparkling wine).

Cocktail Menu
Hillary R.

You come to the Walnut Room for the Christmas ambiance--period. The decorations, the sparkling trees leading up to the restaurant, and the historic setting are undeniably charming. The room itself is beautiful during the holidays, but the food continues to be just... okay. I ordered the turkey dinner, and my turkey was so dry it was almost difficult to chew. The rest of my family enjoyed their meals (braised short rib, mushroom ravioli, caramelized salmon, and a kids' mac n' cheese), so it may have just been my dish. Side note: we were told the kids' meal was the only one that comes with a keepsake Walnut Room mug, which is a cute touch. Our server was fantastic, warm, funny, and definitely the highlight of the dining experience. If you're trying to book a reservation, prepare for a challenge. TIP: Set OpenTable notifications for multiple days and time slots. That's the only way we snagged a cancellation. We were seated at the table farthest from the Christmas tree. I know you can't request a tree-side table, but being placed by the window was rough. While the city view was lovely, everyone in our group was freezing and ready to leave early. My niece was excited to meet the holiday fairy, but she never came to the back section. When we asked, she said, "It's dark and cold back there so I miss them often," which honestly explained the whole situation, but still disappointed. They also offer a Santa Brunch, which I haven't tried, but I could see kids loving it. Final take: If you've never been, go at least once for the tradition, the décor, and the tree, it's a classic Chicago holiday experience. But if you're a local who has visited before, you're not missing much by skipping a year (or a few). It's great for out-of-town guests but not a must-do annually. One suggestion: It would be amazing if they had a photographer at the tree for family photos! Guests would absolutely tip for digital shots.

Pot pie

See all

Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the festive holiday ambiance, nostalgic decor, and friendly, attentive service. Some menu items receive praise.

Read the full review summary in the app

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Danielle J.
205
110
180

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Kelsey O.
88
113
210

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 3
Love this 0
Oh no 2

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Dash E.
0
131
274

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 25

The Marshall Field's Walnut Room Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Marshall Field's Walnut Room

Is parking validated?

There is no validated parking since the restaurant is in the department store. But if you have Spot Hero, the parking lot across the street is very reasonable

Are reservations required or can I arrive and join a waitlist?

You go to. OPEN TABLE app and make reservations there.

When are reservations for lunch by the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room available?

Use app. Open table and make your reservation. Getting by the tree not guaranted

Does the ticket price for the Drag Brunch include the meal, or is that separate?

The price is just an entrance fee. You order your entree separately.

Do they have the buffet daily? What times?

No. Brunch on Sundays. Go to Macy's restaurants.com for information

Since reservations are not accepted during the day, how are the wait times? I'm trying to arrange a group lunch for 12-25 people & don't think they would appreciate a 3 hr…

Make your reservation on the Yelp website or app before you arrive. Yelp has the exclusive for reservations during the holiday.

Can you just come here for drinks?

Hi, yes. You are able to sit in the wine bar without reservations. If the bar area is free it's 1st come 1st serve, but the wait is not too long. You can see the tree and enjoy your cocktails. Another option is to sit just outside the Walnut Room… 

What is the kids menu?

Grilled cheese , Mac and cheese ( not good ) chicken tenders , French fries ! The menu has changed do to holidays , it's 25 bucks all you can eat buffet , it's ok not great. Hope that helps , cheers !

View All 10 Questions

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for American 12,500 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Au Cheval

Au Cheval

4.4(9.6k reviews)
1.1 mi•West Loop, Near West Side
•$$

This was my second visit to Au Cheval, and it had been a while since the first. Somehow it was even…read morebetter than I remembered. They're known for having one of the best burgers in the world, and it absolutely delivered. Juicy, rich, perfectly cooked, and completely satisfying. But here's the surprise: the side of bread and butter pickles might have stolen the show. Sliced super thin with an amazing, tangy-sweet flavor, they were so good I'd happily order a second round. Don't skip them. This is a must-stop for any Chicago trip, and it lives up to its legendary reputation. Pro tips: Make a reservation. And as much as I love sitting at the bar, the griddle sits right behind it, so you'll leave smelling like grease. Grab a table instead and your clothes will thank you. Already looking forward to visit number three!

With over 9.6k reviews and dubbed as the best burger in Chicago was a must try…read more Reservations are easily made via Resy. I had reservations at 5:30 pm but they were able to fit my party in for 4:45. The single cheeseburger comes with 2 Pattie's and double cheeseburger comes with 3 Patties. The burger may be the best in chi-town but i haven't had many to compare. The Pattie's were seasoned nicely and had crisp edges. Cooked nicely and toasted bun is nice touch. I feel like the egg is good add on but don't have to get it. I tried the bacon and it gives it a good added texture and taste. For $17.99 solid burger. Add bacon and egg and will run you closer to $28. The chilaquiles were good too. Nice portion and came out in a piping hot skille Service was good throughout and everyone was so nice. The inside is chill and laid back vibe. The whole team working seemed to be having fun. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Photos
Au Cheval - Beers

Beers

Au Cheval - Single Cheeseburger

Single Cheeseburger

Au Cheval - Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

See all

Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

Little Bad Wolf - Wolf Burger and frites. Duh. Solid meat to face thing.

Little Bad Wolf

4.4(2.6k reviews)
7.2 mi•Andersonville, Edgewater
•$$

Had lunch today at Little Bad Wolf in Andersonville and ordered the Bad Burger -- and it was…read morephenomenal! Two juicy patties, American cheese, house-made pickles and red onion mayo. Nothing overly complicated -- just a really well-executed burger. Little Bad Wolf has the accolades to back it up. Time Out ranks its larger Wolf Burger #1 in Chicago, while The Infatuation actually prefers the Bad Burger, saying the simpler version allows the meat to shine. After eating it, I understand the hype.

Have you ever heard the story of the Little Bad Wolf... who huffed, and puffed, and blew my socks…read moreaway because of HOW DELICIOUS of an exerience it was? YUP FOLKS. The Little Bad Wolf isn't just a story... it's a phenom dot com restaurant that you NEED to visit! My family and I visited after a Saturday Cubs game and luckily, there were still a handful of tables available and we were promptly seated. The staff were super friendly and provided excellent service! Almost everyone at our table ordered the Wolf Burger after hearing my sister and her husband rave about it. When our orders came to the table, we were all PLEASANTLY surprised at how beautifully stacked and dressed our burgers were. A triple stack of patties, topped with cheese, bacon, a fried egg, crispy onions, and housemade pickles?! That's a recipe for delicious success right there! The Wolf Burger was indeed SCRUMPTIOUS! My goodness, I am still thinking about it two whole days later and how I can't wait to revisit this restaurant and try some more of their menu items. An honorable mention goes out to the delicious fries on the side!! They were the perfect cut, well-seasoned, and out-of-this-world. I HIGHLY recommend Little Bad Wolf to all folks looking for a delicious experience! The burger is sensational, the environment is impeccable, and this is a great spot if you're going on a date or out with friends.

Photos
Little Bad Wolf - Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers

Little Bad Wolf - Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos

Little Bad Wolf - Bad Burger with fried onion strings

See all

Bad Burger with fried onion strings

The Marshall Field's Walnut Room - tradamerican - Updated November 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...