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Whispers at Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL

Whispers at Oak Street Beach

4.2
4.2
195 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Whispers at Oak Street Beach is the only restaurant & beach bar in Chicago that is situated directly on the water. At Whispers, guests get the best of both worlds: perfect views of Lake Michigan against the backdrop of Chicago’s spectacular skyline.

** The restaurant will operate on a first come first serve basis on Saturday and Sundays.

** Reservations for our Cabanas can be made by texting (312) 522-0358. $500 minimum available during the week only.

** Kitchen closes Sunday-Thursday at 8pm and Friday-Saturday at 9pm.


Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Mediterranean, Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (872) 266-3966
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Private party facilities
    For weddings and private events please email Events@Whispersgroup.com
  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Cross street
    Lake Shore Drive & Oak Street
  • Parking details
    There is no on-site parking at Oak Street Beach. We recommend taking a taxi or ride share service to Oak st. & Michigan Ave. and walking to the lakefront trail. The following private garages are within a short walking distance:- 130 E Oak St.- 100 E Bellvue Pl.- 100 E Walton St.
  • Public transit
    Bus: 125, 147, 148, 151Red line: Clark & Division; Chicago & State
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 195 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 3.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Great for scenic views

195 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    Malheureusement la cuisine était fermée et ce pour la saison alors que la réservation à bien été confirmée la veille.

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  2. LynnM

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service, good food and beautiful views at Whispers on Oak Street Beach!

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  3. Shanita

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food3service3ambience5
    Whispers is great place for vibes giving its right on the beach . Drinks were really good. However not too fond of the new menu change. $26 for the Ahi nachos was pretty good before they changed the recipe. No more home made tortilla chips or fresh avocado. Just a slop of guacamole and now give u less for same price as before. Overall the experience and drink is win. (Go back to first recipe of nacho's please)

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall2food4service5ambience2
    Restrooms were atrocious. Toilets were clogged beyond repair, and there was no soap available at all.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    It was a little expensive for the food quality. On top of that, they forced gratuity on the check.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Alison

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The restaurant is located right on the beach, with great views of Lake Michigan. Food was very good; almost better than we expected from a beach bar. Watch for the cleanliness of utensils, etc. Would go back and recommend to others.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LindaU

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Terrific view and nice ambience, but way overpriced. $16for a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (sells for $14 a bottle). $24 for sparse serving of burrata with a few cherry tomatoes and a couple of small pieces of toast. The shrimp tacos were small and so so.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Food and the place were great! Very Nice experience

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Not so great. Service was slow. Food was not worth it cauS it wasn’t any on the plate barely

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience3
    It’s a nice area but extremely over priced for the most basic food like a ny steak is $47 with no sides compared to other restaurants along the beach and they only take one form of payment son split checks and they didn’t tell us before we ordered

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shrimp tacos and Mango Chili Daiquiri are delicious. The place is beautiful, right on the beach.

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  12. BlackPearl

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good for drinks by the lake. I really enjoyed the carne asada tacos 🌮

    Is this helpful?

  13. Ankita

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really liked this place. It was a total vibe on a Sunday. Loved the music, the servers and the many dogs we were able to see!!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Amazing server. Good could be priced more reasonably. Awesome location.

    Is this helpful?

  15. onepassionatemother

    Chicago

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    One of the few beachfront restaurants in Chicago - cant get a better view. Love being right on the sand against beautiful Lake Michigan. We went near sunset - was beautiful. Was quite quiet on a Friday night (although a super casual hot spot during the day for those enjoying the waterfront). Made a difference to have reservations -- couple in front of us was a walk-up and while they had no problem getting a good table, the tables right up front with no one between you and the beach were only going to those with reservations. You have a choice of tables sitting directly on sand with beach umbrellas as well as those on a cement deck with a roof (still open air, no windows or walls). The place is divided between the sit-down restaurant and a large bar area with its own set of tables. We went for the location but the food was excellent -- we sampled several things (salads, mains, etc) and it has a great drink menu (as well as nonalcohol). We were surprised the place wasn't packed that night...it should be!! Walk up right after a swim in the lake or dress up for a date night -- either are great options.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food1service3ambience5
    The food was undercooked and seafood was not fresh. It was also very overpriced. Don’t recommend to eat but go for drinks

    Is this helpful?

  17. DonBeethoven14

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Food was good. The price for what you got was insanely high. Who pays $25 for (6) small/tiny chicken nuggets/tenders? I guess we did. I’m sure you know how insanely expensive your food is but hey; if we pay it you’ll charge it.

    Is this helpful?

  18. LizP

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience5
    When we were ready to pay our bill, we were not able to split it 3 ways, only one charge could be used. We were not aware of this policy.

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  19. Many

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Super expensive, food is average, service was fine.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food3service4ambience5
    we had a nice dinner around sunset- pretty view and nice weather

    Is this helpful?

  21. JulieS

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent server and very good and prompt food. It was July 4 so it was truly a scene with big crowds and loud music from a private party. But the staff handled everything without utmost professionalism and hospitality, and we really enjoyed the meal. It is probably very different on a weekday. We would definitely go back because you can’t beat the views!

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  22. Amanda

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Made a reservation and when we arrived the restaurant was closed. Did not get a notification that they were closed.

    Is this helpful?

  23. AHahn

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Waitress was amazing, very helpful and informative as a visitor talking to a local

    Is this helpful?

  24. JuliaB

    Toledo

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Horrible service. We were very disappointed in the lack of courtesy to the customers.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience for a bachelorette! Sat at the cabanas and had great service and a great relaxing time!

    Is this helpful?

  26. JayS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great casual spot by the lake! Recommend for a sunny day!

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere and people, excellent service and delicious beach food, and entertaining music

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I made the reservation weeks ago. I even got a text confirming the day before. When we got to the restaurant, all the lights were on and we saw one employee there. the doors were locked, no one responded when we called out to them, and when we called the establishment, the phone rang and rang until it hung up on us. HORRIBLE experience for something that was supposed to be a special night + something we were looking forward to. Not happy whatsoever.

    Is this helpful?

  29. JanJ

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Ahmed is a great wait person. He makes dining there fun. Music is too loud.

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  30. JaneB

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Burger and fries were delicious. As was the chicken sandwich. Drink options were great! Would have been nice if they offered dessert.

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  31. EmilyA

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Way too loud. Club music so Lloyd you could not talk to others at all

    Is this helpful?

  32. LouisXIV

    Chicago

    92 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience5
    Can’t beat the view but the food was mediocre at best. The fries were good. The meat in the carne asada tacos was very gristly. Half the side tortilla chips were stale. Burger was nothing special, though came with no condiments. Prices high for what the food was and really high given the quality but you’re paying for the view I guess.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Pmad

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Only wish they would add coffee or cappuccino

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Limited menu

    Is this helpful?

  35. Steakhouseseeker

    Columbus

    245 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    245 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great views of Lake Michigan and the beach

    Is this helpful?

  36. JocelynB

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience5
    Had a reservation at 11:00am yesterday, everything was great. At about 12:30pm we were told there was a time limit and we needed to move. It was not on their website, on the reservation or told to us when we arrived. A bit disappointed as we had a pretty big tab and we’re planning to stay a couple more hours.

    1 person found this helpful

  37. jackalope

    New Orleans

    22 reviews

    3.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    The only appetizer we ordered was chicken wings,and were told they were five to the order.We received four wings for our $22.00 ( $5.50 per wing ) My wife's salad was very good,as were my carne asada tacos. For a Beach Bar Restaurant,I thought the pricing was way out of line. The view of the Beach and Lake Michigan were excellant, and if we ever return,it'll be for drinks only. 4

    Is this helpful?

  38. RyanJ

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Tacos were delicious! Service was friendly and efficient.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Reviewer1998

    Chicago

    63 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tiger makes it special, with unbeatable lake views, and great food and service. We particularly enjoyed the shrimp tacos, steak sandwich, and chicken wings, topped off with a bottle of champagne. We’ll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Seven of us went to celebrate our Anniversary. After an hour of waiting for our food, we had to search for our waitress. Her answer to our question about where our food was, was”I don’t work in the kitchen.” The manager came by and said food wood be out t in 10 to 15 minutes. We left without eating.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Whispers at Oak Street Beach offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (872) 266-3966.

Whispers at Oak Street Beach is rated 4.2 stars by 195 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Whispers at Oak Street Beach

1001 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Lake Shore Drive & Oak Street
  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Mediterranean, Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    There is no on-site parking at Oak Street Beach. We recommend taking a taxi or ride share service to Oak st. & Michigan Ave. and walking to the lakefront trail. The following private garages are within a short walking distance:- 130 E Oak St.- 100 E Bellvue Pl.- 100 E Walton St.
  • Public transit
    Bus: 125, 147, 148, 151Red line: Clark & Division; Chicago & State
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (872) 266-3966
  • Private party facilities
    For weddings and private events please email Events@Whispersgroup.com
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