Soundings Cafe image

Soundings Cafe

Cafe

Functional counter serve at the Shedd Aquarium dispensing sandwiches & salads along with lake views. People often mention service, Shedd, good, staff,


Address

1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Contact

+1 312-692-3277

Rating on Google Maps

3.10 (87 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 9 am to 4:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (9) Shedd (7) good (6) staff (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Steve J. 2 years ago on Google • 195 reviews
    We went during the MLK free day. You had to purchase tickets ahead of time. This worked out extremely well. The Shedd was not overly crowded (obviously, due to covid). This made the experience much more enjoyable. You could actually stop and look at animals without people getting impatient.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 chaddy a. 1 month ago on Google • 135 reviews New
    My significant other and I stopped here for a break from all of the beautiful scenery at Shedd Aquarium. This place was located on the Ground Level of the facility. We ordered at the counter. I purchased a Strawberry Fruit Smoothie, a Peanut Butter Cookie, and a Monster Energy 16 Fl. Oz. To get some energy. The prices were a bit steep, but not intolerable for me. My order was completed relatively fast. We sat down at a table that they had there. The smoothie was thick, fruity, and tasty! The cookie was a good size and just as tasty! That was a relief, as it was rather pricey. The Monster was crisp and refreshing! This was a convenient stop. It was just what I needed to continue my day at Shedd Aquarium! Overall, this was a great place to recharge. If I ever go back to Shedd Aquarium, I might pop in here again to try something new. Date of visit: 01/20/2023
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ted K. 2 years ago on Google
    A good restaurant for the whole family to go to I got everything from BLT chicken wings which are very good and lots of other good items on the menu we enjoyed the food here and the service is very clean and the staff at work here are very friendly and will assist you in finding what you're looking for on the menu we do recommend this restaurant to all you will enjoy it
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 humberto de j. 1 year ago on Google
    Employees are so rude people from the aquarium need to talk to them about it ! Bad service and poor quality ! Do not buy anything here. ! Starbucks should know about this so they can stop selling its coffee here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Francis L. 1 year ago on Google • 322 reviews
    Cafe that has a magnificent view of the lake. The view itself is already worth spending some leisurely time there!🏖️🏝️

  • 3/5 Inna V. 8 months ago on Google • 228 reviews
    Frankly on points: - chicken wrapped in pita bread is spicy and terribly tasteless. Besides, no one warms her up even if you will ask. - the turkey salad was also not pleasing... it feels like it has been in the fridge for a week. - the only thing I liked was the strawberry smoothie - thanks to it, I left more than one star.

  • 5/5 Beth A. 9 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    Food was what you'd expect at a museum cafe, but the staff were so nice and provided such great customer service that I'm more than happy to recommend them to anyone visiting the Shedd Aquarium. Plenty of tables when we visited and the views were incredible, of course. It was nice to have a solid little cafe to make our visit better!

  • 1/5 Joelle M. 4 months ago on Google • 92 reviews
    Got hot chocolate and it was so sweet & did not taste chocolate in it. Drank a couple sips then threw out the rest!

  • 1/5 Joshua A. 5 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Felt discriminated. Staff singled my Hispanic in-laws out for joining tables, did not ask the 5 or 6 other (white) families with joined tables to separate theirs for some reason. Instead, he waited till they left before separating their table. If management cares to review, this happened between 12:45 and 1:00pm on Oct 14 within view of multiple security cameras. Can provide a name and physical description if management reaches out to me. Will not be eating here again unless action of substance is taken beyond a mere apology.

  • 1/5 Brian E. 1 year ago on Google • 26 reviews
    The food here was just awful. The tomato soup tasted like a salt bomb. The chicken Cesar salad was bland and stale, the buffalo chicken wrap was a salty disaster and the Chicago style hot dog wasn’t memorable. The only things that were good were the bottles of beer and the views of Lake Michigan. I wouldn’t recommend unless you’re desperate. The Monterey bay aquarium had awesome food compared to this. Surely Shedd you can do better!

  • 5/5 Maurica P. 6 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    The customer service that Marvin gave was fantastic! He has an amazing personality that truly brightens your day. He’s quick and efficient, however makes you feel like you’re the only customer in line.

  • 1/5 alvaro n. 1 year ago on Google
    After reading some of the latest reviews, a pattern began to emerge. The staff is extremely rude and act as if they are bothered to be there and serve us. Male cashier was very despondent and lacks basic customer service skills. Lady preparing the drinks is as equally rude it not more. After expressing to them my drink was wrong size and needed ice they showed their frustration towards me. Cashier blamed me for the misunderstanding, that’s a nogo in the hospitality business. The lady began murmuring “ you can’t change your drinks once paid, you get what I make you” Last I checked we, the customers, are within our rights as patrons to request changes and additions if needed, especially if it’s incorrect. I lost my cool and voiced my displeasure as I walked away without any drink in hand. Overall bad experience, zero stars if possible.

  • 1/5 madhuja b. 2 years ago on Google
    Is there a possibility of zero stars? Worst service ever… rude staff, do not stop to listen to the customers… waited for 15 mins for my coffee, another 10 mins for sugar packet. Plz save urself time and money, go somewhere else for your coffee. Dont ruin ur shedd aquarium experience with this cafe.

  • 1/5 Alberto R. 1 year ago on Google
    Horrible service! The male cashier was so rude! Unprofessional staff just diminishes the entire aquarium experience. Coffee was okay.

  • 2/5 Raj R. 4 years ago on Google
    One star for the view and other for Sarah. Visited today here, Our table server is very unfriendly and demeaning but thanks to Sarah she took good care. Food is okay.

  • 1/5 Jason B. 7 months ago on Google
    Cold chicken strips, terrible CBLT sandwich. Rude server yelling at the lady behind me in line and mumbling response to my question. Ingredients in sandwich listed on menu not actually on the sandwich. Good view though

  • 1/5 Shar C. 1 year ago on Google
    The worst food we’ve ever had. Had to throw it all out, ordered food from the food court downstairs instead which was just as bad. When you have to beg a child to eat pizza that says it. To top it off the counter staff were miserable.

  • 5/5 Jeff M. 4 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Marvin and Christiana were awesome. Quick with service and helping attitudes. Worth a trip to the Shedd just to enjoy their service. 5/5 and beyond. Appreciate you both!


Call +1 312-692-3277 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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