Good view, great drinks and good small plates. This is my second evening here as I'm staying at the hotel for a week. I LOVE the Peninsula and stay here every year when I come to Chicago. I was very excited to try this new rooftop bar. Our server last evening was very knowledgeable and helpful WHEN we could get her attention. This evening I tried to flag down a server, any server for 10 minutes. It wasn't that busy. There are several servers but I hey stand around and talk to one another at each of the ordering stations; without even glancing at customers. I dream about the attention to detail at the Peninsula; therefore the Z Bar is a big disappointment when it comes to service. read more

I love this place! Such a great vibe and atmosphere. Be sure to visit when their resident DJ/music curator, Alyson Calagna, is spinning live. Her sets create an elevated, funky, and chill experience that make me come back time and time again. Great craft cocktails and delicious bites if you're in the mood for food as well. I'm excited to see what they do with they outdoor space this summer!! read more

This is the place you go to for drinks or a night cap. You come here after you eat. They have food but just some small bite offerings. They also have free snacks. Service was excellent. The place is swanky. I read more

Such a disappointment! The food was good but TINY for the price. The service was awful. First, we were told we'd be seated outside in 20 min. They never told us when our outside table was ready. After 15 min of sitting indoors, still no waters. I got up and went to the bar and asked for waters. There was no apology or recognition by our waiter that we had to get our own water. We ordered and our waiter never asked how our food was. We had to ask for the check. Cool space I hope they get their act together on the service front and portion size. read more

Went here for drinks only. A good rooftop bar but not a great view per se. The firepits and blankets were a nice touch but you more than pay for it in the drinks. While good, most mixed drinks ended up in the $18-$20 range. We ended up splitting a bottle of rose for $74. Overall okay place to stop and have a drink but nothing that stood out as fantastic. read more

The bar is good, but way under staffed. Even standing at the bar, drinks are 20 minutes away from being filled. Wait list is a joke. They use multiple ipads to send text notices to your phone. No central communication to follow up when your table is ready. We waited two hours and we were told we only had 2 groups ahead of us. When we left, the staff just shrugged their shoulders....couldn't explain except to say they use mulitple ipads- , NOT OUR PROBLEM! read more

Terrible experience, We were waiting for an outdoor table and a group from inside came in and before a table got cleaned they sat down. The hostess came out to move them however they convinced her and stayed there. This was frustrating as we'd been waiting for over 20 minutes for a table. Terrible service and the employees should learn how to manage their waitlist and how to deal with paying customers. We left before getting seated and I will never visit this place again! read more

The place is has a nice view to N Michigan St. The drinks are not pricey but I'd say fair. Overall it's a nice bar to have a drink

This place is not so bad. The view is very nice from the rooftop. But the service is abysmal. There's one server that would make eye contact with me but he would never serve me. I would even wave him down but he would still ignore me which was quite upsetting. But the other servers within the bar on the rooftop would serve me but there would be a long wait because other guy would not serve anyone. I think the service your needs to be increased as in they need to hire more people to work the bar because it was terrible read more

It has no atmosphere like the old bar. The original bar was rich in character especially the fireplace it was a power environment . Now you feel like your at a Marriot. Z bar the food is trying to be unique but instead you leave disappointed. When I used to go every week to the original bar the burger, the Shanghai terrace cuisine and salads were great. The women hostesses who stand at the front of Z bar when you exit the elevator are cold, rude and make you feel uncomfortable. They make the situation uninviting. The outdoor space is the only positive but when my heel was stuck in one of the cracks the bar manager basically said oh well things like that happen. read more

The space at Z Bar in the Peninsula is absolutely stunning. The bar is large and covers the space well to maximize seating. My girlfriend and I came on a Tuesday evening. There weren't a lot of people at the bar, which was nice. Unfortunately, even with the lack of volume, I felt our bartender was neglectful and a bit pretentious. My guest likes vodka/gin cocktails and asked his opinion about 4 different cocktails, all in which he replied he did not like. By the 3rd cocktail he rejected, I made a statement that he didn't seem to like any of the cocktails on their list. He replied that it was because he only drinks Old Fashioneds. While I understand his personal preference, I thought it was pretty inattentive and stuck up on his part to not be able to recommend a cocktail tailored for the guest. We are in hospitality, after all. The menu is very well-illustrated btw. We had also ordered some bites: daikon frites - great. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Tuna tartare - a little under seasoned in my opinion Marrow Poppers - Nothing wrong with them, just wasn't a fan. They did comp this because we barely touched it. When the frites came to us, the bartender tried to take it back, because he thought we got the wrong item. He wouldn't believe me that it was what we ordered, so I recited the 3 items back to him. Apparently, another guest had ordered them, and it should've been ran to him first. When the bartender told us this, we offered to give it up to the guest, and wait for our next one, if which he told us to keep it- such an awkward exchange. On our second round, my friend ordered the same drink and I decided to have an old fashioned. Bartender made her drink immediately, then had forgotten about mine. I watched my bartender hang out, talk to coworkers and do other things while I was trying to get his attention. When he finally saw me, it hit him that he didn't make my drink, and started doing so without acknowledging me, and then brought the drink over to me without another word. In trying to have a good time and catch up with my friend, I didn't want to make a complaint on our night out. But the more and more I think about it and reflect on our experience, I can't help but to feel more and more offended by this man's lack of service and hospitality. I definitely expected more from a prestigious place within the Peninsula. Needless to say, I don't plan on coming here again. This just left a really bad taste in my mouth. read more

Last night my friends and I made our first visit to Z Bar. No doubt the view is beautiful. But the entire experience was soured when the bartender, in making my $18 cocktail, accidentally sprayed me and two other guests in the face with water with the glass cleaner. He laughed, said it was "just water," and did not apologize to me. It was unbelievable. I had to ask twice over the noise where the bathroom was so I could go dry my face and hair. He could tell I was visibly irritated but really did not care. I understand that accidents happen! What was so egregious was how bad the service was. Needless to say, I won't be back for a while. read more

What a great hidden gem high above Michigan Avenue. We stopped in to warm up after shopping and were delighted by the view- especially the cute little skating rink set up on the balcony below. The firepit outside and the warm fur blankets are a perfect touch to the patio. The drinks were good and the bartender was nice enough to make me a Peninsula martini (not on the menu)- it's something my parents STILL talk about 10 years after their visit for their 50th anniversary. I will definitely be back! read more

When you're feeling like a boss, this is where you wanna be! Treat yourself on a elegant night out...

Beautiful Mag Mile/ water tower views. Refreshing cocktails and a bit more high end but staff is cool.

Cool spot, but definitely on the high end price wise for cocktails. My pregnant wife asked for a non-alcoholic cocktail and then we were charged $16 (!!!) for it without any warning - which was more than the Moscow Mules we ordered. Seems excessive and in the end we'll go elsewhere - plenty of downtown options here in Chicago. read more

One of the hottest places in town to go for drinks with flair in absolutely classy avantgarde decor with plenty of both open and comfortable nooks to cozy up to your date in. 5-star service! read more

I'm obsessed. Stopped in on a Tuesday afternoon around three pm and had no problem getting a seat outside. Decor is modern and clean and they play a variety of music in the background. I loved the service here everyone was dressed neat and stylish and was so helpful and attentive. They give you some snacks some cashews and olives which were both super tasty. I ordered the true north and my mom ordered the disco drink both were amazing and loved the presentation. Both were strong too which you would hope for with spending twenty on a drink. If we didn't have dinner reservations we would have totally stayed here longer. Definitely a bougie feel but who doesn't like that once in awhile. It's located in the peninsula and you have to take two elevators to get there, this place is amazing. Can't wait to come back! read more

A chill place to enjoy summer afternoons in Chicago. Centrally located, nice amenities, drinks are well prepped but of course it is pricey - it is The Peninsula, afterall. read more

So excited I found Z bar. The staff are so friendly and the drinks are so yummy. Literally love everything.

Had a great night sitting at the bar, ordering drinks off the specialty menu, and chatting with other guests. Drinks were great. The old fashioned was excellent, and they had a pear liqueur version of the paper plane which was great. Service was perfect. read more

How can u be Indian food AND a bar?? Seems fishy. 3 stars for a safe bet, haven't been in my self but what is this tikka masala BEER????? No thnx lol read more

Stopped by on a Sunday morning for some snacks and drinks, we stepped off the elevator and were immediately greeted by Carlie. She set the tone, we felt like welcomed guests and were seated immediately. Our server, Alex, was also wonderful and accommodating, absolutely no complaints. The various drinks we ordered were well balanced and tasted great, the food was fantastic and service was top notch. Great experience, we will definitely be back. read more

One word--EXPENSIVE. But what do you expect? It is the Peninsula of course! The greater problem is, the food and ambiance is only exceptional to the average person, and most peeps hanging at the Peninsula are not average. The food was a particular disappointment; the $32 charcuterie and cheese platter featured selections that are found at any decent grocery store, and my juniper pop ($9) would best be described as overpriced (why not try a clever garnish?) We also had some fried chicken on brioche. My partner's cocktail was fun. They need to try harder... The decor starts out strong but my high heels got caught in the plush carpeting. I loved the geometric theme that carries from the flooring to the ceiling. Ditch that dog picture, though and get yourselves a nice chandelier. Those tubes are *yawn* boring. I appreciated the music, though. Perfect volume for an intimate conversation yet good to listen to. Nice selection indeed. My server was overextended and getting a hold of him was a challenge. read more

Seating and layout doesn't make sense. You're facing in, side by side, w/a big side table between you vs capitalizing on the actual rooftop view- which is only ok. Very pricey. Challenging seating accommodations with host- even when there are plenty available seats...that are waiting for reservations. Need to accommodate staying guests in some way shape or form. Pro: in the peninsula hotel and pugs are their mascot read more

this is the worst establishment. be aware!!!!! any woman who values themselves will never go to this establishment! i went to dinner in the hotel at shanghai terrace (i go there often) then waited patiently for 20plus minutes and then was extremely disrespected by the manager. he was on a major power trip!!!!! vlad novikov!!!!! chicago il! they do not respect woman at all... totally disgusting read more

All you have heard about this place is true. We went there on Friday night and we really enjoyed. My wife told me it reminded her some fancy bars in Singapore. It is a good experience, another example of excellent taste. You need to try it. read more

What a beautiful rooftop hotel bar! Drinks were creative and the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient.

Super great customer service! I met Vlad the director/manager was amazing. Vlad made sure I was taking care of and I thought he was the hostess the whole time! read more

Great service & great food. The cookie pizza or whatever it was called was delicious!!! Also, they didn't even ID me for drinks

The space and ambiance are pretty cool. However, it takes way too long to get a drink! I am a seasoned bartender with experience with high volume and specialty cocktails and I know it doesn't take 10 minutes to make 3 cocktails and close 1 tab. Either they need new bartenders that can handle a Friday night behind the bar and actually smile and greet you even when they're a little behind, or they need a new POS system that allows for an easier closeout procedure between employee and guests. Definitely expected much more out of this establishment. read more

Omg I went there and really did not expect to like it so much! Lol strange magic was really good. Definitely will be back. Service was good my only complaint is a little pricey but worth it lol read more

Pretty expensive for a mediocre view of the city, mediocre cocktails. a gin and tonic was $16 and they made me pour my own tonic water. cool atmosphere but the cocktails on the menu arent anything spectacular it is by far the most over priced hotel bar ive ever been to read more

Interior was magnificent!! Good place for cocktails, and the view from the lounge was amazing.

I'd say a new fav spot. Went here for a few drinks with a friend. Love the rooftop! The drinks were a bit pricey but really good. The service was good also. It is located in the Peninsula hotel and the decor was beautiful! read more

My friends and I were here during a thunderstorm. Sat outside and it was amazing. Friendly service. Drinks, wine, and beer absolutely worth the price for location. Complimentary olive and cashew snacks. read more

They have very creative drinks and the finger food is great. Highly recommend for a date or a night cap.

My review from Sunday, September 9, 2018 detailing my experience with a subpar server was removed. This not only questions the integrity of Z Bar, but also of Yelp. read more

My SO and I were in town last week and were looking for a spot near our hotel to grab a drink, ideally with outdoor seating and city views. That is where Z Bar came in! It is not exactly rooftop and therefore won't give you the most views of the city, but it's still a good spot to chill outside on a nice summer evening. The drinks are a bit pricey, which is why we only went for one. But I guess that's to be expected when it is part of an upscale hotel in the center of the city. Service was excellent! From the hostess seating us to our very attentive waitress. I can't speak to having a wait, as we went on a Sunday evening around 8:00, so I'm sure we were there at off-peak hours. It's worth checking out! read more

View was amazing and drink I ordered was good. BUT... I had to go thru two signature drinks that were not available before I arrived at an old-fashioned. With the price point on drinks so high I was a bit disappointed with this. Also our party was large but we just wanted a table on the patio where we could sit around/stand around and the staff tried kicking two of our members off the patio and were generally rude to us. If they don't want our large partys business, we can go somewhere else next time. read more