I want to start off by saying that in this, my first review, I have to start with my favortie over all bar to give a great initial rating. Having been visiting Ceres for just over 6 years now I have gotten to know it well. First thing to mention are the DRINKS. The initial cost may seem average to slightly above but then you see the drink you are getting. As many other reviews have pointed out there is no way to get a stronger drink than a glass full of any alcohol with a can of your mixer placed right beside it. It is a great deal, my favorite being the Vodka tonic which is still $4.75. Second is the food. While it is nothing that will knock you out of your chair, it is certainly worth the price you will be paying every time. You have to pick up the filet of sole sandwhich. To call it a sandwhich is somewhat of a joke seeing as how it is a whole plate of fish with a bun somewhere under all that food. Third is atmosphere. Depending on what you are looking for, this place could be it. With the area closer to the bar being more for the just out of work crowd who are getting drinks lined up one after another, it is a place to go to unwind. With the area closer to the door you can invite anyone from clients, bosses and even family to eat in a more relaxed setting with good service. One of the few drawbacks I have seen is some slower waitress service in the bar area but still good service in the area closest to the door. Also I give this place a 3 dollar sign rating but most likely if you actually spend this much here you won't remember your trip home. Stop by and visit, it seems this "hidden" place in the loop is not quite so hidden anymore. I have heard it is the highest earning bar in Chicago. There is almost always a crowd here until they close... at 8PM. read more

I was looking for a lunch spot for a place I haven't been to for my birthday, and stumbled across this spot. I was curious since I haven't ever been to the Chicago Board of Trade building, and had to seize the opportunity. I was surprised that it was a decent sized place, and it had the ambiance and feel of a nicer diner. It must be a nice comfort spot to come to for all the traders and business people. The menu has plenty of options, but breakfast is only served until 10:50am. We were hoping they might serve it all day or at least until 3pm. I got the Pike special with the Chicken Buffalo soup, and it was very good. I kind of want the recipe for the soup! The fish was a large portion laid on top of 4 stalks of asparagus with a scoop of rice. It was very delicious, and the prices weren't bad at all. Our waitress was a bit off though, she wouldn't ask the whole table for our drink orders or refills. It was like she noticed one or two people at a time. It's was very inefficient. She came back 3 times to get take home containers when she could have asked the whole table. I know she is a bit older as most of the servers seem to be here, and she could have been having a tough day. I would love to come back and try some of the other good sounding options here. read more

Hidden inside the trade building, great place to eat and eavesdrop on high stakes business deals happening around you. Plays CNBC on TVs in the morning, so you know it's legit stuff. Oh, also great french toast and fresh orange juice. read more

Location: 4 out of 5 This category is biased, as I work a mere block and a half away from 141 W. Jackson. Public transportation is plentiful, and as others have mentioned, the clientele (at least at lunch) ranges from those working in the public sector to those working in finance. Customer Service: 3.5 out of 5 I was seated very quickly, and my waitress was for all intents and purposes, very quick to bring out my drink, food, and the basket of assorted breads and crackers. She was also quick to refill my water. But hrm...she lacked a certain...I can't put my finger on it. Oh wait, yes I can. She lacked friendliness and charisma. I would have happily waited a few extra minutes here and there had she just smiled once or asked how I was doing before curtly taking my order. And maybe it's due to the other diners who come in who are just "come in, eat, get out", but I personally would have appreciated just a little bit more personal interaction. I do need to reiterate that service was very quick and efficient though. Ambience: 3.5 out of 5 The main dining room does look a tad nostalgic. It's almost like eating at an old-school diner with the wood trim everywhere. Think an upscale cafeteria like S and S, but with more inviting booths but commensurate tables. I went on a weekday between Christmas and New Year, and found that it was very quiet and peaceful, even with other customers there. Selection of food: 4 out of 5 Actually - the selection was quite eclectic. Burgers, fish sandwiches, lots of salads, open faced turkey sandwiches, open faced roast beef sandwiches, roasted turkey with dressing, liver sausage sandwiches, even food of the Tex Mex persuasion, and even steak. Daily specials rotate, so it may be a good idea to check them out first. Quality of food: 3 out of 5 I myself had the open faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. I would rate it as being average to slightly above average. The beef portions were generous, but noticeably chewy/tough. The gravy wasn't made from any discernable drippings of any meat product (shucks), but it was a good complement to both the beef and the potatoes. Plus, gravy on white bread is pretty delicious, though most of you would probably never admit that. Price of food: 3 out of 5 Commensurate with most sit-down full service places in the loop. Burgers are probably a little cheaper than Poag Mahones, sandwiches seemed to be right on par with what I've seen elsewhere, and the "full dinners" are priced similarly to Berghoff. This may be the only place where you can get two drinks for the same price as your food... but beware. Overall Rating of Cocktail: 2.25 out of 5 Others have already beat a dead Sarah Jessica Parker to death (get it, a dead horse?) about the quantity of alcohol in the cocktails, and I agree - it's a lot. When my no-personality waitress brought my Bloody Mary over, she said, without the tiniest of smiles, "Good luck." Upon tasting my drink, I had two immediate thoughts: a)I can hardly taste any mix or tomato juice, and b)the well/house vodka they use is of inferior quality. Now - I'm not accusing Ceres of using Popov, but I'm almost certain that the type of vodka they use is worse than Seagrams. Say what you will about Seagrams' American wheat lineage, but it makes a decent Bloody Mary, even if it comes with a screaming headache the next morning. Suffice it to say that although you get a lot of alcohol at Ceres, it's not necessarily the best quality. My drink was 4.96 (not including tax), so I guess you get what you pay for. I could see, though - how drinking here would be very attractive to people looking to blow off steam. Or for those trying to hide from their wives or husbands by sleeping on the couch after they soil themselves. Overall: 3 out of 3 This is a very strong 3 star review. If my waitress had been a little more friendly and I had not ordered a drink, it would easily be a 4 star review. It's a neat place to have lunch; I wouldn't go there weekly or biweekly, but I'll definitely keep it on my list of restaurants to go to once a month or so. read more

I was only here once to enjoy some beverages with a friend. I have to say that during it's happy hour. This is the place to get a great drink (with a lot of kick) at a great price. There seems to be a line so expect a short wait. However, the scene is vibrant and this is a place I would return to next time I am in Chi. read more

This is a hidden gem with decent diner food and stiff drinks. This was the usual hang out for traders but now it seems like all the office people in the area especially the younger crowd comes here for happy hour! read more

Service can be slow during lunch but the fish tacos are delicious. They are very well seasoned and comes with all the toppings.

Oh good old Ceres. This place I have made too many memories at. Their drinks are poured strong so beware but such great quantity for what you pay. I would suggest to go here with a good group of friends because it's that kind of place. A bit loud but with the amount of liquor served that's not surprising. read more

Hadn't been in a while so myself and a few co workers decided to visit for happy hour on a Friday- The place was packed and a few changes to the tables had been done leaving more standing room towards the bar... we sat in a booth and I swear it took forever for our bartender to serve us. However the drinks were delicious and STRONG! I didn't like the fact that they charged us 20% gratuity for 3 ppl especially since the service SUCKED! read more

We brought a relatively large group during happy hour one day and the waitstaff made it very clear we were unwanted by refusing to wait on us more than once every 30 minutes. The drinks are good if you don't mind drinking a whole glass of liquor paired with a can of pop. The only split the bill on three cards which was very difficult for us. Overall it's a fun atmosphere but absolutely NOT good for groups. read more

Ceres is great in the morning. Eve makes a great White Russian and is always super sweet.

Great place to exchange trading ideas, brag about that option trade that made you a millionaire or to drown your sorrows in that day's losses in the futures market. read more

When I worked in this end of the loop, I went all the time for their fish sandwich, which was one of the best in town. But today I went for breakfast for the first time. What a smart move. Much quieter than the usual breakfast meeting spots, never a rush to turn over the tables, and GREAT food. I had the one egg breakfast burrito and unless you're running a marathon later in the day, that will be plenty. Our waitress turned out to be Eve, the cafe manager, who bragged that everything is made from scratch. It tasted like it. Potatoes, sausage, cheese and egg, with cups of good salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. Under $5. I'm not a drinker, but for those who are, let it be noted that the bar opens at 7 a.m. read more

Good value; fast, friendly service; huge portions. My son enjoyed the mini cheeseburgers, I had a very filling Cobb salad and my Mom enjoyed a specialty salad. Place is very loud with an after work crowd, but the tables are roomy and the staff is friendly. We will go back the next time we are in Chicago financial district. read more

If you have some serious drinking to do, this is the spot. As many others have mentioned $8 gets you a glass of booze and a can of soda. The beer list is OK, Goose Island is about as micro as it gets, but the beers are large (22 oz.). The patio is great in the summer, and the inside bar is great for people watching. Last time I was there was an older gentleman 'in his cups' as the British would say, loudly soliciting any female in the vicinity. Nobody really seemed to care, and a good time was had by all. Eating would probably be a smart thing to do while here, but I have never partaken in solids while here. read more

Okay, if you want to get hammered the old fashion way, this is your place. If you remember the first time you drank hard liquor and how drunk you got, this is your place. No bones about it Hammer-time happy hour. No pretense, no fuss, no muss. The regulars are laughing at the newbies who just found out about this joint and turn back to their 12oz. of straight Kettle and just smile. The cabbies who pick up here know not to expect anyone speaking clearly or without a totally F'd up look on their faces. Oh yeah, great place to meet friends and drink liquor. Oh year, beer fans need not apply. read more

Let me tell you how horrible this place is. I ordered a drink and wings. First I didn't get the lemonade for the drink that I ordered and then I asked for ranch and my waitress never brought it. I had to have a bus boy bring it and an hour later she brings the ranch and laughs like it's funny. So she finally brings the lemonade and my drink was watered down at that point. I asked for a second and never got it. I get management and he's like you want another? No I want the check and I want to leave. And take that drink off my bill because I never got to enjoy it. They still put it on the bill. This is the worse happy hour place in chicago read more

I ate here for the first and last time today. I stopped in for a late lunch, near 3pm. There was a group of folks at the bar watching soccer but the sit-down restaurant section was nearly empty. A group of four people walked in a moment ahead of me and was seated. I waited at the host's station for him to come back and seat me. He comes back to the front but starts doing something else. I make a motion to get his attention and get a curt "Can I help you"? I ask for a table and he seats me in a small booth across the dining area from the group of four people. Okay. I see a waiter approach the other table. He chats them up, brings them water, takes their orders. He walks quickly away with his back to me. I can see him putting in orders and think okay, fine, then he'll come over to me. He does not. Instead he just stands there watching the game. I continue trying to make eye contact/wave him down. He walks away and comes back with the other table's food. I still don't even have water. He finally comes to my table with a water and I place my order. He's short and terse with me. He goes back to check on the other table multiple times, chatting with them and being super friendly. I finish my food, push my plate away and cover it with my napkin. No return to my table. I have to wave him down to get my check. While this is going on, another patron GETS INTO THE OTHER SIDE OF MY BOOTH in order to yell at the bartender. Like, sitting at an occupied table. I was so stunned I had no idea what to do, and no one says anything to him, they just bring him what he wants. I finally get to pay and leave. I'll be direct and say I was the only person of color I saw in there. read more

Ceres is your best friend and your worst enemy all wrapped up into one. As indicated, drinks are stiff. You'll get sloshed by 8:00. You may or may not leave $80 on the table by accident. You may or may not call furiously the rest of the night not realizing that they close at 8:00 to get said $80 back. You may or may not come back the next day (luckily a Friday), tail between legs, asking if someone recovered $80 mistakenly left on a table in the corner ... and you'll come to find out there is an honest abe in all of 141 w. jackson!! so If you go, make sure you sit in Mary's section, scarf down as much free stuff as she throws at you and hold tight to that $80. though that bus boy, god bless him, may just save it for you. read more

Pros: Stiff drinks, large pours Cons: Tough steak, horrid service

Ceres Cafe--strongest drinks in town as you already see in every single review here. Only reason I don't give it 5 stars is we ordered a few appetizers and the chips were stale... not just a little stale, like left out more than a week stale. But our heavy whiskey pours made up for that! read more

Was in town for a two day meeting and ate here twice. Lunch had a good Caesar salad and breakfast had the French toast, egg over easy and bacon. Definitely recommend this place if you are down near that section of town. Not expensive...wait staff is nice and efficient... read more

Visited last Friday for a drink after work when visiting an office across the road from out of town. Egg rolls ok. Pour very generous and cheap for spirits. Servers drink too much when working. Major issue that should be dealt with. Needs modernisation inside too. Bathrooms dirty. Not sure I'd revisit read more

This is what "Mixed drinks" were when they first started mixing drinks. A little flavor or carbonation and a lot of what you bought the drink for. I don't know what their food is like. I recommend coming here to get your money's worth and to show somebody what "Chicago is like", as they probably imagine it. read more

Ceres is one of a kind. All previous reviews touch on that, and it's absolutely true. The drinks, the people watching, the loud/rowdy thursday and fridays. I've come to love Ceres more than most human beings, in spite of the years it's probably shaved off my life expectancy with those tasty beverages. But a decades old tradition of Ceres has been taken away, and it's all because of Kevin B. We'll be waiting for you Kevin B..... read more

Dear future Ceres customers, Please do not order any hard alcohol drinks unless you have consumed a substantial amount of food prior to sitting down. You will be served an entire lowball glass of booze with a sidecar of soda. Also, consider breakfast here the next morning after you have come for drinks the prior afternoon/evening, as the cuisine will fortify your stomach wall with a substantial layer of eggs and potatoes to stave off any potential nausea for the day ahead. Sincerely, Your Liver & Brain read more

The cocktails. Jameson and Ginger: Tumbler of Jameson + Can of Ginger ale. Drink down whiskey and mix. Everywhere should do this. read more

As I sit here with my friends and observe the number of people they stack on top of each other. It is a violation of the fire code. The nice waitress said."This is the eay it is all the time". The food and drinks were great. But the number of people in the bar was just to much. When the six people next to us sit down we had to squeezed at our table to accomodate them. We were at our table first. read more

Do you believe in heaven? If so...good for you!!! If not, walk yourself to Ceres Cafe and immediately order your favorite libation; you will soon become a Bible Toting Believer!!! This is quite simply the BEST place to get drink, people watch (you know you do it), and throw (free) popcorn at your friends. This place dresses itself up real nice but at its heart is a place where business pros can indulge their inner Bluto Butarski and go WILD!!!! Tip for this place - get your aspirin ready if you plan on having multiple drinks, you'll be hating yourself if you don't. read more

Went in to have a long lunch and the place doesn't have much eye appeal, but the food, prices, and service were spot on. I ordered a turkey loaf - the Thursday special - and I thought it was pretty good, and around $8 a great buy. It was almost certainly homemade. Considering most of the restaurants in the loop are chains, I liked giving my patronage to a more local joint. read more

I actually like the stiff drinks on a Friday immediately after work & the happy hour crowd. You have to be able to tolerate large bar crowds & a 5-15 min. wait for happy hour on a Friday. read more

This place is awesome cheap drinks great food good beer selection. Staff is very friendly. Place is clean food is very good for cafe food. Cheapest drinks in the loop area period. Great spot for a couple of beers and lunch... read more

I got a delicious chopped salad and drunk for a good price given that I was downtown. Best birthday lunch ever. Getting what is pretty much 3 vodka-club sodas for the price of one is like a dream come true. This place is a goldmine of awesome. read more

As many have said, if you're looking for a cool outdoors atmosphere and 'holy-crap this is strong' drinks, then look no further. My friend ordered a rum and coke. He got a glass with about 90% rum, 10% coke, and the rest of the can of coke as well to mix as needed. They're serious about making drinks strong. read more

As has already been commented on, the drinks are stiff and do the trick for a quick relaxer. The food is A-Ok. Large portions and a wide variety of choices. I had the fish sandwich....there was enough fish on my plate to make 3 or 4 sandwiches! Will definitely go back next time I'm in Chicago for a great cocktail and to say hi to Billy! read more

So our little lunch group didn't want to travel too far considering there was a blizzard going on outside the likes of which might even frighten an Eskimo. So we made the quick trip over to Ceres: good, cheap, solid lunch. I always seem to get the same thing, arguably one of my favorite salads in the city, the Spinach Italiano. Although, I do usually become biased as soon as I hear the words sun-dried tomatoes, so this salad is a no brainer for me, it's covered in them! The salad's not all though, every time I've been there my coworkers have ordered something different, and I don't think they've been disappointed once. The fish fry special looked absolutely fantastic today, it may just break my salad streak next time. read more

The strongest drinks on earth! I've gotten Jack and Cokes where were just Jack with a Coke on the side for color! Anyway, it's not got the best food or drinks, but it's sort of an institution married to the Board of Trade, so if you're there, it's not terrible to check out. read more

Great place for happy hour...strong drinks and free snacks (popcorn and nachos!). Lunch is good too, but you can get most of the same fare (exact same salads) in the downstairs cafeteria for $1 or 2 less. A go-to place if you work in the loop! read more

Work in the loop and had a stressful day? Go here. When you order a rum and coke you get a full glass of rum and a can of coke on the side. Yes, you will feel much better after this. If it's warm outside you'll love the courtyard. I didn't have any of the food so not sure how that is, but the drinks are just what you need when you've had one of those days. read more

Nothing says a drink like a tumbler filled to the brink with liquor & side car of pop.