The Walnut Room - Chicago Restaurant - Chicago, IL

The Walnut Room - Chicago

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Address:
111 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Neighborhood:
Downtown / Loop

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Cuisine:
American

Price: $30 and under

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The Walnut Room - Chicago Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/
Phone: (312) 781-3139
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Daily: 11:00am - 3:00pm;
Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: American
Executive Chef: Brad Saylor
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Beer, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
Catering: Off-site catering provided by One Eleven Events Catering. Visit 111events.com for more information.

Getting there

Cross Street: Randolph
Public Transit: CTA Pink, Green, Orange, Purple and Brown lines at the Randolph / Wabash stop. Both the CTA Blue line (Washington stop) and CTA Red line (Lake street stop) are less than 1 block from the store.
Parking: No
Parking Details: Discounted parking for Macy's shoppers at the Randolph / Wabash parking garage. Validation available at Macy's express desk on 1st floor.

A word from The Walnut Room - Chicago

The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street the Walnut Room is the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. With Circassian wood paneling imported from Russia and Austrian chandeliers, the 17,000 square foot… dining room is both elegant and comfortable. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theatre district the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. And don't forget about the Wine Bar at the Walnut Room. Opened in November of 2007, the Wine Bar features a small plate menu as well as more than 20 wines by the glass. After all, in our store, we have been feeding the shopping tradition since 1905.
Enjoy a classic Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie, French onion soup, or choose from the more contemporary menu offerings created by some of the country's best known chefs as members of the Macy's Culinary Council.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerGreat for Lunch

The Walnut Room - Chicago - Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago

Diner Reviews

"This was a great place to have dinner. We were going to The Chicago Theatre to a show so this was the perfect sit down location for dinner. The food was great!"
Dined on 7/16/2014
"I was back in Chicago, along with other relatives, for a family event. Nine of us took the CAF architectural boat tour and followed it with lunch in the Walnut Room. Almost all the adults in the group had eaten there years ago as special treats when it was still Marshall Fields (before Macy's messed with it). The room itself remains a lovely, warm space. The menu contained both their traditional items (pot pie, meatloaf) and many more contemporary items. We had a variety of things from the meatloaf through salads and sandwiches. All were excellent. The tables are while table cloth and real dishes/cutlery and the waiter we had, with a very large group, was excellent. Fields ain't Fields, but the Walnut Room is still the Walnut Room."
Dined on 7/16/2014
"Great food and service. Was going to see MoTown the Musical and they observed our tight schedule in serving us quickly. We were arriving in Chicago via Amtrak. Train was very late and I called to reschedule our lunch reservation for 8 people at 11:30AM. Got only voice mails and no return call. Turned out not to be an issue when we arrived at 12:45PM but a call would have been nice."
Dined on 7/16/2014
"If you are on a budget, this is the place! Of course, it holds fond memories from my childhood too. The food was very good."
Dined on 7/11/2014
"Have been going here for years -- the place had its ups and downs with Marshall Field's corporate changes, but Macy's has the room looking good and serving appealing food. We had an early dinner here recently before a play and were seated by a window looking out over State Street. We enjoyed good dinner salads and wine by the glass, and even though our server had numerous tables to cover, he made sure that we were out in time to make the show. If they would just bring back the "hermit cookies" that used to be offered in Field's bakery!"
Dined on 7/10/2014
"The attention of our wait-staff person made our experience a pleasant one. Our lunch salads (salmon & steak) could have been more fresh - especially the lettuce. Dessert - chocolate cake - was excellent! The ambiance was lovely and we will come again!"
Dined on 7/10/2014
"The Walnut Room was fine if you're out shopping and you want a bite to eat. The food was okay and the ambiance makes it seem nice. My friend made it sound like fine dining- which is why I was let down. I was expecting so much more since the restaurant uses Open Table for reservations! We went before a matinee show and had time to "dine". I don't have any negative comments about the food, it was fine, but it seemed more cafeteria food than "fine" dining food. The atmosphere will fool you with the waiters in tuxedos and the fancy surroundings, but make no mistake, it is a stop for bite when you are shopping and nothing more."
Dined on 7/5/2014
"Huge wood paneled room at Macy's recalled by-gone era of lunching grandeur. Food is presented attractively by amiable serving staff. Generous portions left no room for dessert this time. Recommended as a nice respite from touring and walking one's feet off."
Dined on 6/30/2014
"Large dining room. Closes a little on the early side but the food was fabulous and a great view of the street below. Will be back."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"I had lunch at the Walnut Room (alone, traveling with husband who was unfortunately in a conference). The ambience is nice and the food was wonderful. One of the best meals I had this trip. Although I really wanted to try the famous chicken pot pie, the waiter suggested the quiche of the day and it was really good. The addition of the side salad made a nice filling meal. Being seated by the windows overlooking the street was a nice perk."
Dined on 6/24/2014
"It's a must to, at least, once in your life eat at the Walnut Room. With a long history, good food, gorgeous wood work, and a pretty view, this restaurant is a tradition with many families. It's a wonderful experience."
Dined on 6/20/2014
"The food was well priced but just okay in taste. The ambience was good but would like for the fountain to be on. The restaurant was very quiet. The wait staff could be a little more attentive, we had to look around for him a few times to place order and get bill."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"There was one problem. We were seated at the window to see the view, but there were flies flying around, which was not appetizing."
Dined on 6/16/2014
"Walnut room has become a go to restaurant for my family and friends - service is always excellent and the food is great too!!"
Dined on 6/14/2014
"I love the Walnut Room it has the old charm of Marshall Fields. It is reasonably priced good comfort food. Except at the holidays it is kind of a hidden gem. The service is always great."
Dined on 6/14/2014
"Step back in time, beautiful room not just for Christmas Tree time! casual elegance. love it!"
Dined on 6/12/2014
"good service. Staff was very friendly and attentive."
Dined on 6/8/2014
"Old world and classic. Prices are moderate for downtown Chicago. Food is good with some traditional favorites. Quiet environment. Our waitress has worked there for 40 years and she was a delight! Great place to go if you're dining alone, or if you wish to have a nice conversation (without having to scream across the table to be heard) with a companion. "
Dined on 5/29/2014
"A great fine for something out of the ordinary and you wouldn't find in a typical Macy's. This is how dining in a fine department store would've been like in Marshall Field's heyday. Think Selfridge's. The food is excellent. We went for the Chicken Pot Pie that they're famous for and it was fantastic. Service is excellent - real professional. "
Dined on 5/25/2014
"I went for lunch last weekend with two other friends and had a wonderful first time experience. Staff was attentive, food delivery was timely, and I felt it was a good value for the meals we ordered. I would recommend this place. Next time I will plan to attend during the Christmas Holiday."
Dined on 5/24/2014
"Kitchen closes at 8, which is a problem for an after work dinner. The pot pie is really good."
Dined on 5/14/2014
"Great space, wonderful room. Great place for lunch even if you're not shopping. Some old favorites on menu, including great salads and Quiche. If downtown a very good place. "
Dined on 5/14/2014
"This was the very first time my mom and I had every attended the Walnut room. I wanted to give her a day to remember, which is what I did. From the very moment we got off the elevated, it was like we stepped into total elegance. The waiter, the food and the prices were all great!! My mom's still talking about the experience, we will definitely attend again."
Dined on 5/11/2014
"Sven our waiter was great. Exceptional service ! "
Dined on 5/11/2014
"Wonderful brunch buffet! Only item we did not like were the eggs (not seasoned). French toast and pastry items were delicious. My husband loved the sheperds pie. My mom and I both received a rose from our waiter when we arrived for Mother's day. How sweet! Also a great view of State street."
Dined on 5/11/2014
"Went there for mothers day brunch. Food was ok, but selection was very limited, not worth the money. "
Dined on 5/11/2014
"Three (adult) generations came together in Chicago for Mother's Day 2014 weekend - the opportunity to make great memories. None of us had been to the Walnut Room prior to this visit. My Mom had believed there was a Tea Room at "Fields," but had never visited. The setting was perfect! We sat in the fountain section and were able to enjoy (easily hear) our meal conversation. Buffet had so many choices - everything was replenished without delay. Salad & fresh fruits were crisp and flavorful. Nice variety of desserts. All Moms received a lovely rose from the serving staff. Take the opportunity to look up at the ceiling from the center of the Macy's fragrance department and step outside the main store to view the display of stained glass panels."
Dined on 5/11/2014
"My daughter-in-law and my three grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed the Mother's Day Brunch experience at The Walnut Room! I hope we can do it again next year. The children loved the wide variety of foods and deserts and the service was excellent. We were well attended to."
Dined on 5/11/2014
"The food was cold, service slow, we ordered our drinks as soon as we sat down and had our food a good 10 minutes before the drinks arived. The buffet wasn't filled before serving time - i.e., carving station wasn't available until the line was too long to wait in for ham! The wait time in line at the bufffet was rediculous."
Dined on 5/11/2014
"My sister and I had never been there and my mom hadn't been since she was a little girl. We brought a toddler and a teenager and it was perfect for all three generations. "
Dined on 5/10/2014
"I can’t understand why Macy’s doesn’t freshen up the Walnut Room and transform it into the lovely place to dine that it was in the “old days.” Nevertheless, 8 of us (including 2 elderly people) enjoyed good food and service for a celebratory Sunday lunch. This was a nostalgic visit for us, so the room (dreary) disappointed, but the food did not. And kudos to the service staff - they were gracious, friendly and efficient."
Dined on 5/4/2014
"My sister and I were looking for a nice place to have lunch downtown before a matinee show on a Sunday. There aren't that many places downtown open on Sunday, but luckily the Walnut Room is. We had great food, great service, and great ambiance. Perfect for a leisurely lunch before a show."
Dined on 5/4/2014
"The Walnut Room is one of my favorites. The ambiance is beautiful and soothing. The service is gracious and expert. The food is very good, often outstanding. The specials change monthly. They are both thematic and inventive. The Walnut Room's version of the Mimosa is much tastier than the usual combination."
Dined on 5/4/2014
"Myself and two very dear friends enjoyed a lovely dinner together to celebrate our 70th birthdays! Not rushed at all. The Wlanut Room is indeed a very special place, even not during the holidays inwhich the gorgeous Christmas tree lights up the room."
Dined on 4/29/2014
"Our visit was a special event and all enjoyed the experience."
Dined on 4/29/2014
"We had reserved a table for an early supper, but it was very quiet, so that we could choose a table at the window with a nice view onto the street. The atmosphere was very friendly, quiet and charming - the windows and radiators are historic, the service was attentive and very friendly but also left us alone when they weren't needed, which was nice. The food (two different kinds of salad) was very good, although the grilled chicken was a bit dry. The price was very reasonable. It is a unique place with a special atmosphere and I absolutely recommend it!"
Dined on 4/26/2014
"I went to the walnut room with a friend of mine who has never been there before. She was amazed on how beautiful the restaurant is. The food is excellent, i had the classic chicken pot pie,my friend had the blt jam burger. both were fantastic. and topped it of with the frango mint cheese cake. "
Dined on 4/26/2014
"If you are in a hurry this is not the place to go. We went for the ambiance and to have a slow chatty lunch. During the Non-holiday season it is hard to find a place that looks this nice with reasonably priced food that is not crowed for lunch. If your goal is to be in and out in 50 minutes or if there is a line to get in, move on. We all enjoyed our lunch, but we all had the same expectations."
Dined on 4/23/2014
"Iconic restaurant on7th floor of Macy's State Street. Classic items such as Chicken Pot Pie and Peach Nest Salad have served generations of Chicagoans. Great place to begin a family tradition. "
Dined on 4/19/2014
"Whenever I am in town I have to have Mrs Herrings chicken pot pie. It is fantastic! I wish my chicken pot pie can turn out that good. Nice Job!!"
Dined on 4/19/2014

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