How is Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel restaurant rated?

Name: Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
Telephone: (312) 792-3502
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

4.5

386 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Cindy’s is light, airy, and reminiscent of a Great Lakes beach house, with decor that changes along with the outside environment. Seasonality will be reflected not only in the food and drink menus, but also through the sky, park, and Chicago cityscape that is naturally absorbed into the rooftop ambiance. Our menu is light, fresh and served in larger, shareable formats to correspond with the communal picnic tables, bar counters and lounge seating, as our Culinary team garners inspiration from the local farms and flavors of the Midwest and Great Lakes. Classic cocktails with creative large format options highlight the seasonal menus.

Please note reservations are for dining only. Those looking for cocktails and appetizers can walk in at any time. Outside food and beverage are not allowed.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Seafood
Hours of operation
Monday-Friday: Dinner 3pm-2am Saturday: Brunch 10am-3pm, Limited menu 3pm-4pm, Dinner 4pm-3am Sunday: Brunch 10am-3pm, Limited menu 3pm-4pm, Dinner 4pm-midnight Please note we will be closed January 3rd at 4pm to January 9th at 4pm for some touch-ups to make Cindy's even more magnificent! Brunch will still be served on the 3rd and we will open up for dinner service on the 9th! Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Phone number
(312) 792-3502
Website
http://cindysrooftop.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Chef Christian Ragano
Private party facilities
Cindy's private dining room known as The Library seats private dinners for up to 20 guests or reception up to 40 guests. With beautiful decor, private fireplace, exclusive access to our Terrace and a dedicated outdoor fire pit, our Chef can customize a food and beverage menu specific to the party. For more information or to inquire about a large (13+) or private party, please send an email to cindyshost@chicagoathletichotel.com.

Location
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Neighborhood
Downtown / Loop
Cross street
Madison
Parking details
Valet is located on our Madison Street entrance in between Wabash and Michigan.
Entertainment
The Library, our private dinning room that will house small dinners, events, mixology and chef tastings/classes for guests.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Crunchy Lettuces$8.00
shaved vegetable crudité, three peppercorn dressing, parmesan
East Vs West$18.00
east and west coast oysters on the half shell, traditional accoutrements
Burrata$14.00
fresh melon, spiced yogurt, candied pecans, endive & frisée, melon jam, grilled ciabatta
Shellfish Platter$50.00
maine lobster, shrimp, oysters on the half shell, king crab legs, white balsamic mignonette, lemon & tabasco
Shrimp À La Plancha$14.00
charred scallion and marcona almond pistou, sweet garlic purée, grilled lemon
Pan Roasted Scallops$30.00
spiced carrot purée, heirloom apple, pea shoots, warm tasso vinaigrette
Torchio Pasta$16.00
local 'nduja, crème fraîche, pickled peppers, charred broccoli, parmigiano reggiano
Grilled Salmon$30.00
baby beets, mustard greens, horseradish crème fraîche, dill, pumpernickel, champagne vinaigrette
Dry-Aged Angus Striploin$70.00
piperade, mushroom conserva, crispy fried farm egg, shoestring potato, maple red wine jus
Double Cut Pork Chop$25.00
whipped sweet potato, braised red cabbage, baby kale, tokyo turnip, pecan butter, fall spice vinaigrette
Pan Roasted Duck Breast$30.00
pastrami spice, confit fingerling, thousand island, celery, coleslaw, rye crouton, crème fraîche

Sides

tarragon aioli

Sunchokes Roasted & Pickled$16.00
tarragon aioli
Stone-Ground Grits$14.00
rosemary butter, marinated cherry tomatoes, balsamic
Wilted Tatsoi$16.00
shallots, pickled garlic, chili flake, queso cotija

Desserts

Apple Cider Funnel Cake$16.00
bourbon vanilla parfait, smoked apple butter, salted caramel
Ice Cream Sandwich$16.00
passion fruit sorbet, milk chocolate cream, coconut, mango, banana, tajin
Chocolate Raspberry Cream Pie$16.00
tanzanie dark chocolate mousse, hazelnut praline cream, raspberry sponge cake, tonka bean ice cream, feuilletine crust
Caramel Apple Popsicles$20.00
green apple sorbet, salted caramel ice cream, caramelized white chocolate

What 386 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.1Service
4.6Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience5
ED was fabulous! Best greeter in the city. We had such a fun night thanks to him.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and great ambiance. Went there on Mother's Day and it was the perfect place. There is an amazing view of the city and the restaurant was perfect for a family with kids during the brunch.
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L
Lindsmar
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2017
overall4food5service2ambience5
We had a bachelorette party brunch. The food and atmosphere were amazing. We sat inside, but went outside for pictures with Millennium Park and the Bean in the background. The service was subpar, having to ask two or three times for a refill of iced tea. Other than that, I would highly recommend this restaurant.
1 person found this helpful
a
anonymous
Chicago
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience3
It was a perfect location for a get together with friends. The food was delicious and the cocktails were great twists on favorites. I expected a more quiet environment but it seems they allow anyone who wants to grab drinks up to the restaurant, which was a bit disappointing. I was expecting something a little more exclusive.
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a
asianluvssushi
Chicago
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience5
the place, food & service was great !! the only thing is they took our 2pm reservation & did not tell us that the kitchen closes at 2:10 pm !! did not give us time to settle and we had to rush and order. the good was not enough but we can no longer add. left still hungry.
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W
Whits
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We visited several restaurants while in Chicago for a bachlorette weekend, Cindy's was by far my favorite! I could have stayed all day to take in the scenery. My sister, who is a Chicago resident, recommended Cindy's, as well as, all of the other hot and on-trend places we patronized. I doubt I would have found this gem without her guidance. Cindy's was a fresh and vibrant brunch spot. We ordered 7 dishes on the menu (large group) and shared everything. Each dish was amazing!! The entire presentation was on point... from the food and drinks to the gorgeous view! I highly recommend Cindy's. It will be on my list every time I visit Chicago!
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E
Elle
New York Area
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cindy's has great food and an excellent atmosphere for convivial dining!
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J
Julia
San Diego
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great, except hostess was extremely rude and unprofessional.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Un lunch rapido para antes de visitar el museo de arte, la vista espectacular y la comida buenisima!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 20, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
Food was great! And it was a perfect place for our large group. However, our waiter could have done a better job of recommending when to order up based on the size of the dishes. So if you are there with a large group. Ask specific questions about size of dishes if you want everyone to be able to try everything.
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S
Sallll
Oklahoma City
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2017
overall3food4service4ambience4
The host did a poor job in his job as a customer service agent.
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AV
AmandaVivian1029
Orlando
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best view in the city and delicious food!
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LM
LaMs
Chicago
31 reviews
vip
2.0
31 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2017
overall2food2service3ambience4
Go! And see the hotel part! Super cool history if you can find a phamplet to read up on the building. Food. Well, interesting. Not what we expected for breakfast as we are more a traditional eggs and toast. Drinks looked interesting and $$, but the coffee was very good. Deck looking out to the park was nice, but we didn't experience it do to temps. Fire pit was rolling though. Will have to skip it next time. We like our eggs and toast.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2017
overall5food3service5ambience5
Danny was fantastic! We went on the Saturday afternoon of the St. Patrick's Day parade and it was an interesting mix in the restaurant. Our server, Danny, made our experience very special.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite places to go to when I come back home. Amazing views. Fabulous drinks. Cool vibe. Always worth it!
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JL
JinL
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2017
overall3food3service3ambience3
Overall had a good experience while I was there - but the weeks/days leading up to the event Cindy's had the worst customer service. Left several voice messages regarding my reservation and no one returned my phone call. Something that they need to work on.
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CH
CharlesH
Chicago
44 reviews
vip
4.0
44 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience5
Great service and an amazing roof-top. This is worth your drive.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
AWESOME VIEWS AND EVEN BETTER FOOD! I will definitely be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience5
The food and table service were amazing as was the view of course! I do want to mention that the hostess was so beyond rude, it honestly took my breath away. My friend and I arrived really really happy to be together and were being really friendly and chatting with the hosts. I gave the hostess my name and immediately told me, with no smile on her face that I was wrong and that our reservations were for an hour later. I said that no, in fact we were right on time and I could look at Open Table. She said frowning, "it doesn't matter, we don't use Open Table anymore. But we can seat you." She talked to us like we did something wrong and it was really upsetting because I made this huge point of being on time and organized, got a sitter for the specific time...I was taking my friend out for her birthday and was made to feel like I screwed up. I looked up our timing when we were leaving and as it turned out, I was right all along and tried to show her this in kind of a lighthearted, ha ha, look at this, kind of way but I didn't like being walked all over either. She stared at me with the meanest tone said, "it doesn't matter. We don't use open table." I did say that she was really mean and I just wanted to show her that I wasn't disorganized and was there when we were supposed to be. I called a manager about this but no one ever called me back. I'm a really friendly person and have honestly never in my life been treated like this by a hostess, waiter, anyone working in a restaurant. It was really sad.
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SR
SusanR
Chicago
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great view - fun spot with really good food. The burrata starter is yummy. Last time I went we shared the scallops and duck. Both were amazing.
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MB
MaryB
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a group of 8 professionals. The drinks were very creative and tasty. It was a bit loud for conversation. We were there on a stormy night and the lightning across the lake was fantastic to view from the enclosed rooftop.
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CB
CecB
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2017
overall3food1service3ambience4
Menu is very limited, and almost everything is spicy.
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T
Terry
Chicago
40 reviews
vip
3.0
40 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2017
overall3food4service2ambience5
The view from 12 S. Michigan is great. Nearly the entire restaurant is glass overlooking Millennium Park and the Art Institute. It's bright and cheery. The decor is really fresh. The menu for lunch is not huge but everyone in our party of 6 found something they liked. The presentation and food were good. The service, not so much. It really lagged... like 15 minutes after we got our drinks we finally were asked for our orders. We weren't checked on with regularity. The food came pretty quickly, but once our check was dropped off it took a very long time for her to come back to get the credit card. I ended up docking the tip because it took so darn long and the waitress was not very attentive. She was nice but didn't provide the level of service I would expect at a place like this. Kind of a shame because it really hurt what would have been a very positive overall impression of the restaurant. I will go back for drinks or dinner mainly because of the atmosphere and the view. I hope that they get their service issues worked out.
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EJ
EwaJ
Chicago
65 reviews
vip
2.0
65 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2017
overall2food4service1ambience4
I love this venue. We have been here before for cocktails so I thought we would try it for brunch. It was a beautiful day so it really added to the view and ambiance. However, the service was not good at all. The food was good, but I will not return here for brunch...not worth the $$ to get poor service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience5
This was my fourth visit, first time dining (brunch). This is always on the list when I have guests coming for their first visit to Chicago. The view speaks for itself/ ambiance never disappoints. The meal was overall, excellent, we had a lovely view from our table, and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Minor snaffu... checks took a long time, one credit card ended up being charged $183, rather than $43, and the hostesses are typically unwavering in their cold/unfriendly demeanor.
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TK
TerriK
Chicago
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2017
overall4food4service3ambience5
Fantastic cocktails, great charcuterie and meals. Group favorites were the grey garden and a version of a peach mule. The scallops were fantastic and I enjoyed picking at a friend's fish and chips. Service started out strong and attentive but it seemed that we were forgotten after we ordered our entrees. Which reminds me.... I didn't get to order dessert!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2017
overall4food3service3ambience4
Cindy's is very loud. We were not there at a busy time frame (1pm) and it was very loud. The outdoor area is very nice with a rock fire pit and great view of Millennium Park. Pricey, limited lunch menu choices. You MUST make a reservation if you need a specific time frame but you can walk in. Special occasion or watch fireworks at Navy Pier but definitely reserve a table for the evening.
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R
Rich
Montreal
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience5
Beautiful views and even better food
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JM
JohnM
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cindy's came trough like always. Their skilled staff, awesome ambiance and delicious food our special occasion even more special. Truly awesome.
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R
Regina
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2017
overall3food2service2ambience5
This was my second time here. We were taking out of town guests and the building itself and the view are both spectacular and so worth it. The first time I went I felt the food was worth it too. The menu has changed totally since I was there before. Unfortunately I did not feel that the food was worth it this time. There were 6 of us so we ordered the full order of scallops for $60 as one of our 3 entrees. The gal said there were six of them and they were huge. The scallops were good and nicely displayed but they were regular size to small. The full portion steak entrée for $140 was very good too but not a lot to eat for six people either. We had a third entrée and a number of sides and dessert. Everyone enjoyed their evening and meal but I worried that our guests were still hungry when they left. I would go back again but maybe next time just for drinks and appetizers.
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J
Jackie
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience5
Fantastic view, lively crowd, innovative menu, friendly service. Enjoyed Sunday Brunch Birthday Celebration with friends. Will be back to try dinner menu.
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MM
MichaelM
San Francisco
75 reviews
vip
5.0
75 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best brunch in Chicago amazing room, view, music and the food served family style is fantastic. Cocktails are handcrafted creative and special. So much fun and drinks in the evening with the view and people is a must do. I go back every time I'm in town you should too.
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DP
DaveP
New Orleans
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2017
overall2food3service1ambience3
When people with reservations are provided lesser service than drop-ins who are there to drink and gawk at the view, you do start to wonder whether it was simply oversight or due to other reasons. Will not be returning to this establishment, nor recommending this place to our colleagues and clients.
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AY
AdrienneY
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I went out to Chicago for a show and I surprised him with a happy hour at Cindy's. We had the East to West oysters and the beef tartare appetizers, both were outstanding. I had two mocktails (the kombucha rocked) and he had on specialty cocktail and one scotch and soda. The staff was great, super willing to take our picture out on the amazing balcony. It was just wonderful. A truly one-of-a-kind experience.
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MV
MarthaV
Miami
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
My Birthday
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food! Would love to go back.
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b
bveen
Chicago
138 reviews
vip
5.0
138 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best table and best server! Food was perfect. The view.. outstanding!
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SC
SueC
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience5
We came in for a weekend in Chicago and this was our first spot straight from the airport. On the 13th floor rooftop of CAA, the view is superb overlooking the Lake, you can see from the Museum Campus out to the end of Navy Pier and up to the Hancock Building. Hard to say what was better, the food, the view or the service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience5
We booked this through Chicago Restaurant week. Loved the environment. Had a bloody mary at the bar on arrival - super group of servers. Fun! The fixed lunch menu was excellent and value was definitely there. Would come back.
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P
Peach
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience5
Beautiful space, open ceiling, nice break in the winter!
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FAQs

Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is rated 4.5 stars by 386 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Google Map for Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Additional information

Cross street
Madison
Neighborhood
Downtown / Loop
Hours of operation
Monday-Friday: Dinner 3pm-2am Saturday: Brunch 10am-3pm, Limited menu 3pm-4pm, Dinner 4pm-3am Sunday: Brunch 10am-3pm, Limited menu 3pm-4pm, Dinner 4pm-midnight Please note we will be closed January 3rd at 4pm to January 9th at 4pm for some touch-ups to make Cindy's even more magnificent! Brunch will still be served on the 3rd and we will open up for dinner service on the 9th! Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Valet is located on our Madison Street entrance in between Wabash and Michigan.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Christian Ragano
Entertainment
The Library, our private dinning room that will house small dinners, events, mixology and chef tastings/classes for guests.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://cindysrooftop.com/
Phone number
(312) 792-3502
Private party facilities
Cindy's private dining room known as The Library seats private dinners for up to 20 guests or reception up to 40 guests. With beautiful decor, private fireplace, exclusive access to our Terrace and a dedicated outdoor fire pit, our Chef can customize a food and beverage menu specific to the party. For more information or to inquire about a large (13+) or private party, please send an email to cindyshost@chicagoathletichotel.com.

Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Platters

Crunchy Lettuces$8.00

East Vs West$18.00

Burrata$14.00

Shellfish Platter$50.00

Shrimp À La Plancha$14.00

Pan Roasted Scallops$30.00

Torchio Pasta$16.00

Grilled Salmon$30.00

Dry-Aged Angus Striploin$70.00

Double Cut Pork Chop$25.00

Pan Roasted Duck Breast$30.00

Sides

Sunchokes Roasted & Pickled$16.00

Stone-Ground Grits$14.00

Wilted Tatsoi$16.00

Desserts

Apple Cider Funnel Cake$16.00

Ice Cream Sandwich$16.00

Chocolate Raspberry Cream Pie$16.00

Caramel Apple Popsicles$20.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information