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101 Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
101 Bar
7.8
The 101 Bar & Grill anchors a multi-level bar and rooftop complex at Rush and Erie, pairing Mediterranean-inspired dishes with burgers, salads, and a strong cocktail focus. Guests come as much for the covered patio and skyline rooftop as for the food, making it a social, view-driven way to work Mediterranean flavors into a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus with Warm Pita, Grilled Salmon Entrée, Chicken Sliders
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A Mag Mile–adjacent bar and grill where rooftop views, cocktails, and Mediterranean-leaning plates share the spotlight.
Who should go: Groups prioritizing skyline views and drinks over formal dining.
When to visit: Golden hour into early evening for rooftop views and happy hour.
What to order: Hummus and pita to start, grilled salmon, chicken sliders.
Insider tip: Eat downstairs for the fuller menu, then bring drinks upstairs to the rooftop once you’ve finished your mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot — expect paid garages within a block of Rush & Erie; street parking is limited and fills quickly after 6pm. Valet is typically available on busy weekend evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for the rooftop and nightlife vibe.
Noise level: Loud on weekends and on the rooftop; moderate in earlier evening or at indoor dining tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for rooftop seating on nice-weather nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with easy same-day seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, dips, and a few Mediterranean plates can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of small plates and salads may work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options (grilled proteins, salads); confirm modifications with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, social first date than an intimate one — the views and drinks impress, but the noise level can make conversation tricky during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect to wait during prime weekend evenings or patio weather; bar and lounge areas sometimes open up faster than rooftop tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally geared toward adults and groups; daytime or early evening is fine for older kids, but late-night hours skew nightlife-focused.
Best For
Better for: Rooftop views, group meetups, and cocktails in a lively setting where atmosphere is part of the draw.
Skip if: You want a quiet, food-centric Mediterranean dinner or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
101 Bar
8.1
The 101 combines a ground-floor bar and grill with a seasonal rooftop 21 stories above the Mag Mile, making it one of the more flexible happy hour plays in River North. Mediterranean-leaning plates, lamb-forward snacks, and house cocktails cater to both post-office meets and pre-night-out gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Salmon with Pesto Mashed Potatoes, Lamb Hummus, Grilled Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 6.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A multi-level bar, grill, and rooftop with structured happy hour deals and Mag Mile-adjacent views.
Who should go: Groups wanting skyline cocktails with shareable Mediterranean plates.
When to visit: Warm-weather weekdays 4–7 p.m. when rooftop and lobby bar both run.
What to order: Lamb hummus, Roasted Salmon with pesto mash, a signature spritz or margarita riff.
Insider tip: Check the events calendar; live jazz, sports viewing, and parade nights change which level is the best move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearest option is paid garage or hotel garages nearby — street parking is limited and competitive in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if styled; rooftop crowd trends more upscale at night.
Noise level: Lively during happy hour and rooftop service — conversational at small tables, louder near the bar and DJ/event nights.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer when rooftop is the primary draw.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; main crowds arrive mid-to-late afternoon for happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several mezze plates, salads, and small plates skew vegetable-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — a few small plates can be made vegan on request, but mains are more protein-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free; confirm with staff as breads and flatbreads are common across the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual-to-fun first date — the rooftop views and cocktail program create energy, but it can be loud during peak happy hour, so sit indoors or earlier in the evening if conversation is a priority.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at the lobby bar level; the rooftop is more competitive — arrive early in the happy hour window or be prepared to wait on busy weather-perfect evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the vibe skews adult social and cocktail-forward; appropriate for teens at earlier hours, but evenings trend toward nightlife energy.
Best For
Better for: Flexible multi-level layouts, skyline-adjacent rooftop energy, and Mediterranean-leaning bites that work well for groups and pre-night-out gatherings.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a purely food-centric experience, or guaranteed rooftop seating during peak warm-weather evenings.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 10pm