0 Followers
Terrace 16
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Terrace 16
8.4
Terrace 16 crowns Trump International Hotel & Tower with a dining room and river-facing terrace serving contemporary American plates, steaks, and brunch dishes. With lobster pastas, composed seafood, and burgers alongside one of the stronger downtown river views, it draws both hotel guests and locals looking for special-occasion rooftop-adjacent dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Arrabbiata, Ora King Salmon, Terrace Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A riverfront terrace sixteen floors up where steak, seafood, and classic brunch dishes come with close-up Chicago River and skyline views.
Who should go: Guests wanting white-tablecloth dishes with serious downtown views.
When to visit: Clear evenings or weekend brunch for maximum river-and-skyline impact.
What to order: Lobster Arrabbiata, Ora King Salmon, Terrace Burger with fries.
Insider tip: Reserve terrace seating and time arrival near sunset to see the river corridor shift from daylight into full night lights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet at Trump International is available, but rates are premium and can vary by event/time; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. Street parking in this stretch of River North is scarce and not practical for most visits.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets, dresses, and polished outfits fit the room; upscale denim is generally acceptable, but athletic wear will feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate — indoor dining can feel lively during peak dinner and weekend brunch, but two-person conversation is typically manageable; the terrace is quieter earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long or unavailable seating for terrace tables, with limited bar or lounge availability.
Weekday lunch: Usually easier to be seated with a reservation; walk-ins are sometimes accommodated, especially indoors, but terrace seating is not guaranteed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, pasta, and a few composed plates can be made or ordered vegetarian; ask your server for guidance on substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — the menu is not vegan-focused, but the kitchen can sometimes adapt salads or vegetable sides upon request; confirm details with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several dishes (especially seafood and steak) can be prepared gluten-free, and staff are accustomed to noting allergies, though a fully separate prep environment is not advertised.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the river views, terrace seating, and polished service make it feel special and memorable, especially at sunset. It works best for a higher-end first date where conversation and atmosphere matter as much as the food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — indoor bar or lounge seating may open up, but terrace and window tables are rarely available to walk-ins during prime times. If the view is important, book ahead and request outdoor or river-facing seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — families do dine here, particularly at brunch, but the vibe skews adult, celebratory, and date-night. It is better suited for older kids or special occasions rather than casual family meals.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion meals where close-up Chicago River views and a refined, hotel-level experience are the priority — especially sunset cocktails, celebratory dinners, and upscale brunch on the terrace.
Skip if: You want a casual rooftop hangout, budget-friendly pricing, or a loud party-style rooftop scene — or if your plans depend on guaranteed outdoor seating during peak weather hours.
Terrace 16
8.3
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Rooftop Views Revelry
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
On the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel, Terrace 16 pairs skyline and river views with contemporary American plates, cocktails, and a patio that runs late into the evening. Diners come as much for the panorama and table-side s'mores as for the mains, making it a popular choice for late-night drinks and dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deluxe Smash Burger, Ora King Salmon, Table-side Smores
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A glass-wrapped, river-facing rooftop where late-night cocktails and dessert come with sweeping skyline views.
Who should go: Visitors prioritizing views and drinks over pure value.
When to visit: After sunset for night views and 9–11 p.m. service.
What to order: Deluxe Smash Burger, Ora King Salmon, table-side smores.
Insider tip: Book a later reservation and specifically request terrace or window seating for the strongest skyline impact.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at the Trump International Chicago entrance (premium pricing); limited metered street parking nearby and garages along Wabash/Rush tend to be expensive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — elevated outfits, dark denim acceptable but most guests skew cocktail-attire in the evening.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late night — conversation is possible at tables, but bar and terrace areas can feel energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Typically requires a reservation; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes for terrace or window seating after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits when open for daytime service; bar and lounge seating usually available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, vegetable sides, and a few mains can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 modifiable options; call ahead if vegan dining is a priority.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many proteins and salads can be prepared gluten-free; notify the server for guidance and modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the skyline views and terrace seating feel memorable and romantic, especially after dark. It’s best for couples who value ambiance and cocktails over a purely food-focused meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the lounge or bar may seat walk-ins late night, but terrace and window tables are rarely guaranteed. Arrive closer to opening or later in the evening for the best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — families are welcome in the dining room, but the vibe skews adult, especially at night. Better for older kids or special-occasion visits rather than casual family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Sweeping river-and-skyline views, late-night cocktails and desserts, and special-occasion ambiance with terrace seating.
Skip if: You’re prioritizing value-driven dining, a quiet meal, or a menu-first experience without emphasis on views or atmosphere.