This was the best discovery I have ever made in all my travels. It's almost as if the place called me because from the street it's impossible to see. I just walked into and through the coffee shop at street level At first glance I was impressed by. The marble stairs and large French doors. It resembled the Savoy in London to me. I asked Josh behind the desk what the name of the building was. He said, it's the Athletic Association. I said It was gorgeous, then he suggested I see second floor Lobby. Pictures don't do it justice. Manny greeted me and helped me find a seat where I could use my laptop for a few hours. Stunning is all I can say. It must be seen in person. It's a true treasure within the Chicago. I sat close to the fireplace, and enjoyed a a pot of tea. The warmth of the lights, the height of the ceilings, the intricate carvings, the friendly staff. My spirit soared in that space. I will return there everyday of my trip, and will always return to it to pay homage whenever I return to Chicago. There's an amazing game room too on the second floor. beautiful, beautiful.

Such a cool spot! It's not labeled as to what it is... Come in the main entrance and hit the stairs to the right, and the top of the stairs is both the front desk for the hotel, AND the Drawing Room. Back further is the Game Room, with a bar and games! You can get food and drink and take it anywhere, or you can find a seat in the drawing room and get served there. May take some time to get served, but they'll get to you.

Beautiful place with fun games and ambiance. The pre-made drinks are a little too sweet for me, but they have a fun bar. Also, many great spots to find a nook and hang out with friends.

Do you have tickets to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra? Are you looking for somewhere different to eat in the area? You can walk two blocks to the Chicago Athletic Association. If you are looking for Happy Hour, arrive between 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. There were a lot of people celebrating graduations in the Game Room. We dined in the Drawing Room at a table near the window. It was cozy. I ordered a Daisy, and I only needed one cocktail. Order the delicious Chicago Mix Popcorn. If you like kettle corn, you will enjoy this vegetarian snack. Because we did not want to eat a heavy meal, we ordered the Double Smashburger with fries and asked the server to cut the burger in half. Sharing the burger was more than enough food for both of us. The fries were crispy, and the burger was seasoned well. The servers were attentive, and worked well together. If you want a light meal in a relaxing environment before the show, make your way to the Chicago Athletic Association Drawing Room. The line for Cindy's Rooftop was long. We will try to arrive earlier for the next event now that we know the layout. In the meantime, if you want to enjoy a great night on Michigan Avenue, stop by the Chicago Athletic Association. By the way, Cecile McLorin Salvant was great.

Very inviting and cozy place to study. Highly recommend everyone to visit if you are in the area or are a student in Chicago. Free fast internet along with decent food. If you get bored or want a break from studying the interior architecture and design is more than enough to keep you busy.

So cozy here, great to relax and chat with friends after an event downtown. The drinks are tasty and the servers are always very friendly.

Terrible Service! If you are a Non-white person, please don’t go to this place to be humiliated. This was my first time visiting USA, and I have never witnessed racism at its peak but here. The Black (yes I said it, he kept calling me “that chinese woman”) server/bartender literally had us wait over an hour and kept serving everyone around us, but ignored us all the while. Finally the drinks arrived, but guess what, he said he’ll be back with glasses and never did. Tipped himself from my card 😂 Ridiculous behaviour, amazing place but please evaluate your staff before hiring, consider letting the racist server go.

I'd come here everyday if I lived in the area. Great place to do some work, study, hang out, or date. The fries were crispy and delicious, but I do wish the pretzel wasn't too salty. A dim ambiance surrounds the place and there isn't any music playing, so you get the classic feel of being in an old cafe where you hear everyone talking and utensils tapping on plates. I heard it's quiet some days, like a library. Bonus points for cozy fireplace seating areas! There's a long shared table where you can plug in and charge your devices. Tables have QR codes you can use to remotely order food & drinks. Very convenient and contactless. Just across in a separate area, you'll find the Game room. This place has pool, foosball, chess, and other games you can play during date night or hang out night with friends. 100% would recommend this place for anyone looking to chill after walking along the river.

What a beautiful room located in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. A must see. The Venetian Gothic architecture is breathtaking.

Comfy, cozy hidden spot for chilling, chatting or getting work done with drinks and a small menu. The interior is beautiful and there are tons of couches if you bring friends.

I think this is my new 2nd favorite cocktail place in America (nothing will ever possibly knock Milwaukee's Bryant's out of first place in my heart and mind, period...) Dark, dark wood. Dark lights. Niches. Corners. Nooks. Crannies. Couches. It's the lobby of a hotel where time stopped in 1907. Love at first sight My first drink was an outstanding negroni. But the 2nd was a step toward a more perfect union, when I ordered 'the Burns'. When it arrived and I tasted it I realized that it was January 25th. What could be more perfect than a cocktail named for Robert Burns, imbibed on Burns Night? It's fate. It's hard to find. You have to go through the other lesser rooms to get here. But it is very, very very worth it! Plus, there are desserts!

This place is in :The Athletic Hotel Chicago. Use to be one of my favourite places for drinks when we are moving around the city but I was so surprised to see how rundown it was. Hope they get it together soon.But I still love this place I will be back.

Comfy couches, cozy atmosphere. Love the fireplaces and the ambience here. You're free to sit and relax for a few hours, no need to purchase anything but if you want something to drink or eat, I noticed several people have fries, drinks, etc. brought to them, presumably from the Game Room.

First time eating here because the game room and Cindy's were both booked. Food and drinks were great. It eventually got busy to where it was hard to hear and have a conversation, but other than that the space is spectacular and there is a cozy fire.

Really unique dining experience. Ate here for a work dinner and the atmosphere is really wonderful. Vintage library vibes. Food was fine, especially the milk bread and short ribs. Recommended.

This place rules. The food is better than bar food has any right to be, decent drinks too. The staff is great. They treat you like royalty.

Cozy space, multiple fireplaces, beautiful wood. Uncomfortable worn leather couch.

Napped was so good, I was drooling and slumped. Tried to read here but was too inviting and simply could not stay awake. Nice view of the peasants walking on Michigan Ave. Decor is giving elitist, old money, tousled hair, philosophy discussions but is actually mostly ppl surfing the web and chilling.

Superb food in taste and presentation. Excellent service and amazing relaxed and elegant atmosphere.

This is one of my favorite places in Chicago. I always feel like I'm in another time and place when I stop here. As a fan of Venice, medieval history, and elaborate architecture this room more than satisfies. Three gas fireplaces, along with comfy chairs and furniture, books, and an intimate vibe make this place unique and romantic. Food and service is fine, but that's not why I come here.

Lovely hangout with seats built into the fireplace, chess, bocce ball, Foosball, pool and more. A waiter even offered a free beverage and the server folding towels was very friendly. Overall a great experience.

This used to be my favorite place, the food menu was amazing. Now the menu is reduced and the food is honestly gross. I got a chicken sandwich that wasn't fully cooked. Once before I got sick after eating a burger. It's shame since the place is beautiful and peaceful.

Loved my experience! Very cool building with so much character, I'm sure with more to discover. Drinks were good, staff was friendly! Could have been my excellent date, but the atmosphere here was worth the trip by itself. Highly recommend!

Great atmosphere, comfortable with lots of seating options from lounge chairs, to tables good for cards with friends or working on your laptop. Good spot for a quick breakfast if you're staying in the hotel, or for a snack and a drink in the evening. Pricey, but the food is well prepared and served quickly.

I honestly didn't try their drink or food menu, but I really wanted to give a five star for the physical location itself. With fair amount of comfortable seats, including couches and chairs next to the fire place, it'd be such a cozy place to visit during another cold winter nights.

This place is so cool! It has a brooding, rich ambiance that's difficult to describe. I was amazed at how quiet to was, despite it's size (being there on a Monday night might have had something to do with that). The French onion soup was delicious, my negroni was strong, and the crust stayed on all of the pickle spears! Definitely recommend.

Excellent spot for reading, studying or conversing.

Really like the unique atmosphere and decor. Servers were friendly. The burger and fries were a delicious way to end the night.

Very quick contactless service, highly recommend.

So much ambiance. Go when it's not busy to get the good seats. Service can be a little spotty when it's busy, too.

It is so beautiful here and the staff is extremely friendly. We ate here for breakfast and my husband and I both thought the hashbrowns were to die for. I had the plant based sausage sandwich which I highly suggest as well!

Atmosphere is amazing, did not try the food, the drinks were overpriced especially because the Negroni I ordered was premixed.