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Astor Club Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Astor Club Chicago
8.7
A speakeasy-leaning room where the romance is built into the low light, hushed energy, and cocktail-forward rhythm. Treat it as a night that moves in chapters: one round of cocktails, then a focused food lane so the vibe stays elevated.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Table Tasting Menu, Caviar Service, Seasonal Crudo
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A hidden, speakeasy-style setting that turns cocktails and a tasting lane into a full night out.
Who should go: Couples who want a quieter, moodier night
When to visit: Later evenings for peak ambiance
What to order: Signature cocktails, chef’s table, one dessert
Insider tip: Keep food choices narrow—let the bar lead the night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Gold Coast, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—no formalwear required, but the room rewards a polished look.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for real conversation without killing the atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer later at night.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—no lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian-friendly small plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—best to check with the server before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly options, but not a dedicated menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want intimacy and conversation. The low light and cocktail pacing make it feel intentional without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes early in the evening, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends or after 8pm.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is a 21+ cocktail-focused environment built for adults.
Best For
Better for: Moody, cocktail-driven date nights where ambiance matters more than a long dinner menu.
Skip if: You want a full, traditional dinner or a lively, high-energy dining room.
Astor Club Chicago
8.8
A cocktail-driven, coursed Chef’s Table experience that leans savory-luxe and tightly paced, with bar craft and kitchen technique sharing the spotlight. Best for a planned night where you want a guided progression and don’t mind letting the kitchen set the tempo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oyster with champagne espuma and cucumber sorbet, Porcini tart with duxelles and caviar, Salmon with eggplant miso
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A guided Chef’s Table tasting where cocktails and courses are designed together.
Who should go: Celebration dates and food-forward cocktail lovers
When to visit: Weeknights for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Oyster course, porcini tart, the fish course
Insider tip: Commit to the full progression—avoid adding lots of extras.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available through the host venue; limited street parking nearby and can be difficult after early evening.
Dress code: Dressy smart casual to upscale—jackets, cocktail dresses, or elevated night-out looks fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—intimate enough for conversation, with some ambient bar energy during peak courses.
Weekend wait: Chef’s Table is reservation-only; walk-ins are unlikely to be accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—experience is offered in the evening only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Possible with advance notice—menu can be adjusted, but the experience is not vegetarian-first.
Vegan options: Limited and only with advance coordination; expect a modified tasting rather than a full parallel menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice—kitchen can accommodate, though some courses may be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a second or celebratory date—it's intimate and guided, which is great if you already know you want a long, structured night together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—this is a fixed Chef’s Table experience with limited seats, so reservations are essential.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult-focused, cocktail-driven tasting experience best suited for 21+ diners.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want a tightly choreographed tasting where cocktails and courses are treated as equals, with a sense of theater and progression.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, faster pacing, or a more casual fine-dining experience—this is about committing to the journey.