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    The J Parker

    3.4 (756 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    The J Parker Photos

    Business Info

    THE J PARKER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The J Parker

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    Brussel sprouts tartine
    Cassi S.

    Always a go to rooftop for happy hour and evening hangs. I have been to this Rooftop a bunch and it's one of my favorites. I said at the bar cause I was in town for a work and the bartender Zach (his is amazing) recommended getting the Brussel tartine and it did not disappoint. I was only going to have a few bites, but I ended up devouring the whole thing! Great chill but up beat environment and very friendly staff. Incredible views too!!! Make it a stop if you haven't already!

    Mayuri A.

    We went as a big party to J Parker for a friend's birthday. The views and ambience are amazing. Great city views, open rooftop and we even got to see the Wednesday fireworks. The service was VERY slow. We had to wait 30 mins for the server to just come and greet us and hand out the menus. She took another 20 mins to come back to get the order. The drinks and the food, however, were great! We ordered the cheese curds, nachos, fries, onion rings, etc. The French 75 was my favorite cocktail of the night. I will be back but maybe with a smaller party to get better service.

    Brielle B.

    The J. Parker rooftop is beautiful...the hotel entrance and elevator ride up set the tone, and the views are absolutely stunning. The vibe is open, colorful, and chic. We sat by the fire pit (which meant ordering at the bar instead of table service), and while the seating wasn't the most comfortable, the atmosphere made up for it. Fabian, the bartender, was fantastic...friendly, creative, and even made us a custom coconut-based drink that was amazing. He also surprised us with shots. Food was solid across the board: my shredded beef nachos were delicious, the wing sauce was tasty (though the boneless wings were a bit nugget-sized), and the chips and salsa were a hit. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals, and I'd definitely return for both the food and the service. Downsides: no to go boxes, no change for larger bills, and a misleading TikTok promo (3 courses for $30) that they said hasn't been offered in a long time. Those things were frustrating, but overall, the experience was still very good. Bottom line: stunning views, great service (shoutout to Fabian), tasty food...it's worth going back.

    Breakfast burrito
    Audrey B.

    Went for brunch on a Sunday morning. Food was not bad but not great. Wouldn't order anything again except for the bacon. They also said they were out of hashbrowns and asked us if tater tots were fine. We said yes expecting regular tater tots but they crumbled it up themselves and was not great. This place is definitely more of a bar than a restaurant. Vibes were kind of weird during the day. Our server was very nice but the rest of the staff seemed to want us to leave immediately.

    Jonquil B.

    Living in the South Loop makes it a little bit hard to get up north/Linclon Park but had a brunch date at this cool rooftop. Cute medium size hotel, with a great rooftop. Try to get a table/seat with the umbrella because during the summer, it's really hot up there. Beautiful views and great places to take pictures but on a hot day, you definitely need water along with the bottomless mimosas lol. The food was really good; I had the waffles and my friend had the modern breakfast. Of course we had the bottomless mimosa/rosé. All delicious. A little pricey but I'm glad I came.

    Bug on fry
    Lauren F.

    WHAT THE!!! This was actually the worst dining experience I've had in Chicago. Not only was the wait staff short handed (likely not their fault) and inattentive, the amount of BUGS that were flying around was absolutely disgusting. We had to change tables, and once we did and got our food, there were multiple bugs on my fries (pictured) and chicken sandwich. I asked the waitress to comp my meal and the wine (which also had multiple bugs swimming around) and she did, but honestly the entire meal should have been free. We were swatting away bugs the entire time. Awful.

    Great views! We came here for drinks and the view. We ended up staying for happy hour that is Sunday -Thursday 4-6pm. There are very unique appetizers. We ordered tuna nachos and salmon poke cups. The appetizers were a good portion and very unique in their taste. We also had an espresso martini which was $10 for happy hour. Their regular drink menu is also very good. If you are in the area stop by.

    Divya V.

    We recently visited The J Parker to celebrate a friend's birthday on a weekday! We ordered a lot of things - beers, espresso martinis, wine, french 75 and a vodka martini drink. For food, we ordered onion rings, guac and chips, cheese curds, fries, nachos without meat! The food and service were very mediocre and hence I have reduced a few stars. The guac was a bit bland and onion rings were too oily! Definitely visit the place though for beautiful skyline views.

    Rooftop view
    Jakob M.

    The views here are really pretty. That's about he nicest thing I can say about this place. Went here for dinner on a Saturday night not too busy but the service was lacking. Only checked On once after ordering food. I asked 3 different people for water and it took about 30min for someone to fill it. Our server also messed up our bill. The food was similar to Applebees except twice the price. Chicken wings were just chickens tenders with more salt. Burger was solid. Fries again were super salty. Would not recommend this place except for a quick drink.

    Katie R.

    Although another rooftop bar in Chicago may claim to have Chicago's best view, I think I'm partial to the view at The J Parker. This is such a great spot to stop in for a drink and take in the spectacular views of the city, parks, and lake. We came here on a whim after a quick rooftop bar search and I'm so glad we found it! They have tables with servers, but we opted to order at the bar and sit at the couch in the corner which was open seating. We were here on a Friday afternoon and there were a few other groups in this area when we arrived, but after a while we had the whole couch section to ourselves. I ordered wine and my boyfriend cocktails. The drinks were a little inconsistent in pour size and taste depending on which bartender was taking your order, but we still enjoyed sipping while looking out at the wonderful view.

    Rooftop View

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    Business owner information

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    1 year ago

    This place was recommended and didn't disappoint. Great drinks and service was on it. I'll be going again.

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    2 years ago

    Great views of the city, lake, and park here. Drinks were good. The staff was friendly. Nice place to sit and grab a drink on a rooftop!

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    2 years ago

    We only got drinks The drinks and service were average. The view is nice and atmosphere was pleasing. Nice views.

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    Page 2 of 19

    The J Parker Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The J Parker

    Is the rooftop open at this time?

    Yes, all sections of the roof are currently open

    Mimosas happy hour still going on?

    Unfortunately, we have discontinued all specials due to the pandemic, and not seeing any revenues for over 3 months. We are working on rolling out the Mimosa special this fall, so please check the web site for updates, or call us during normal… 

    Is the rooftop primarily just for drinks or we can get food? Also for dinner are reservations available?

    We serve food Philip. The menu is on our website, so feel free to check it out. We do not take reservations. The J. Parker is first come first served, so please swing by at your convenience. We look forward to seeing you.

    Is there a happy hour?

    Nope!

    Do you have to be 21 to get in?

    We allow individuals under the age of 21 up until 8:00pm. After 8:00pm we are 21+. Hope that helps.

    Hello, a few members of my family were hoping to have a little celebration at the J Parker after my cousin gets engaged. The soon to be brides sister is 17, is there an age requirement to be in the restaurant side of the J Parker?

    Thanks for reaching out. We allow individuals under the age of 21 before 8:00pm. After 8:00pm we are 21+. Please note, we are also first come first served for tables. If you're looking to reserve a section with a food and beverage minimum,… 

    Has anyone been to, or had an event, like a wedding at J Parker?

    Thanks for reaching out Laura T. Absolutely, we host tons of events at The J. Parker, and we've had about ten weddings this year alone. If you're interested in booking an event, please reach out to our Events Dept. They can be reached at… 

    How long is a typical wait for Sunday brunch?

    I went twice in night time for cocktails and there was no waiting at all.

    View All 9 Questions

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    Geja's Cafe

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    0.3 miLincoln Park
    $$$

    Step off the streets of Chicago into a beautifully dimly lit fondue experience is so cozy inside…read morewith the music of a live Spanish guitar that really create a private magical experience. All the premier dinners come with salad, cheese, fondue, and the chocolate fondue - You are just choosing what protein you would like. The Prince Geja combination has a little bit of everything. However, we most liked the seafood which includes lobster and the scallops were to die for! Also the beef also cooks well. Favorite dipping sauce included the pimento mayo, chimichurri, and garlic butter. The cheese fondue is quite rich and the bread is quite filling so maybe get as much cheese as you can on each piece of bread. The chocolate fondue, I think is actually the best course as the Belgium chocolate melts so well and has a decadent but not overly sweet flavor. It pairs well with all that is provided for dipping, which includes poundcake, rice Krispies, strawberries. They also have some liquor that they light on fire at first so you can roast the marshmallows. It is such a well thought out experience. Service flows very well from two waiters who take your order set up your fondue pots for each course, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on this experience. Check out the Groupon but also I read a review that they just tack on the extra $50 so it's not really too much of a savings. Not sure if this is true.

    Had a fantastic evening at this classic spot!…read more Food was super tasty and fresh! The seafood was probably my favorite! The full dinner with chocolate and cheese was perfect! Also appreciated that they were accommodating for the vegetarian in our party. Everything except the cheese course can be made vegan friendly as well. The service was top notch! Appreciated that they called me ahead of time to confirm our reservation and ask about food allergies. All the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive. They were quick to refill items and answer any questions we had. The location is classic fondue restaurant, cozy and romantic. However, also perfect for catching up with a friend. I love the history in this place and really enjoyed the mood lighting. Pricing was fantastic for the quality of service, food, and drinks! Look forward to many happy returns!

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    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe

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    Gemini - Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls

    Gemini

    4.0(774 reviews)
    0.5 miLincoln Park
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    Over all this place was okay, and when I say okay it was mediocre…read more How ever I would like to point out that the staff and I repeat the staff was very friendly not to mention very welcoming. I came here with three others and we all ordered different things from the brunch menu along with a few drinks. The atmosphere here is open, modern, and pretty eye catching, we all heard a few negative comments about brunch here and rather than just taking words of advice we came anyways. To be honest we should've went elsewhere, the only thing about the food that actually seemed to have any flavor was the fries and even they were a little salty like my wallet when we left LOL The Jumbo (not so much) Lump Crab Benedict at $25 was honestly boring lacking any flavor also it didn't even come with potatoes I ended up sharing my Lincoln Park Turkey Club that was good but even it was pretty basic at $21, the Burger at $21 literally looked like something off the kids menu the bun was bigger than the patty LOL and the Blackened Chicken Caesar at $19 was more like an appetizer size and the chicken at least it was juicy not dry. Other reviews about brunch here seem to be about the same and honestly I think it's funny they don't even try to elevate their food when so many say about the same things. I think the only reason why people come to this place is 1. It's located in Lincoln Park and 2. that makes it a trendy spot to eat. So why bother fixing anything when it's just trendy and flavorless Their brunch is mediocre but apparently dinner is where it's at. However after the experience with brunch I'm not even sure I would even go back. Come here for the staff eat at your own expense maybe your food will have flavor or not but honestly do what you want and keep it trendy

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    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini - Burrata crostini

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    Esme

    Esme

    4.0(154 reviews)
    0.5 miLincoln Park
    $$$$
    Fine dining
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    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

    This review is for Restaurant Week!…read more I really like Esmes vibe overall. It's chic and minimalist. I love that the tables are widely spaced out so you don't feel like you're on top of another party. I loved the bowls everything was served in, and the silverware was unique. And the service was great. I appreciate when they left everyone finish before they clear the table. While I thought all the food was good, I think it overwhelming fell flat flavor wise. I don't think anything blew me away like I was expecting which was disappointing. We had the caviar supplement, which they accidentally gave us two of (amazing), which was good but also didn't blow me away. I wasn't the biggest fan of the flavors of the soup but that's probably a personal problem. The sturgeon and wagyu were alright. I wish I left being amazed but I left thinking I wouldn't come back, not even for RW again. I think my favorite bite of the night was the sticky date cake. I think it was the most flavorful but it wasn't the best dessert I've ever had. It lacked SOMETHING but I couldn't tell you what.

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    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Sparrow - Bar area Hotel Nacional

    Sparrow

    4.3(348 reviews)
    0.9 miNear North Side
    $$

    Right before starting writing this one, I wrote a review for Kibbitznest, another phenomenal…read moreChicago bar with a totally different theme and vibe. That is to say: I am not throwing words of praise like "one of a kind" and "phenomenal" around lightly. Both are different and still amazing. Sparrow has a vibe straight out of the 1920s. The decor, signage, use of color, and absence of screens or TV's all contribute to the theme. The music is also appropriate and plays at the perfect volume to be pleasant without forcing one to raise their voice. I tried the Green Daisy and a House Old Fashioned. The Green Daisy was boozy and had some herbaceous notes. A little tartness and a little sweetness helped balance the drink out and make for a phenomenal sipper. I loved the creativity with this one! The House Old Fashioned was also well done, assembled with quality ingredients in balance with one another. Nothing wrong with a well-executed classic. The prices are more or less reasonable considering the location and overall market, with bevies costing around $16. The bar staff is excellent! Very friendly and welcoming! Final verdict: A spot where I can say come for the drinks and stay for the vibe. It's the kind of place where walking in you are transported a century into the past. Everything about the experience, including the atmosphere, drinks, service, and prices, is calling me to return and bring some people with me.

    This might be my favorite rum bar in the country. If you want intimate spaces, moody lighting,…read moreextensive rum selections, and drink specials come here. Monday nights are my favorite because they offer a different specialty rum in special. It's a great way to try different kinds. They also serve beer, wine, and every other spirit you can imagine. Cocktails are on point. Seating options are varied: bar seats, small tables in back, bench seating with tiny tables up front. Quiet and comfortable.

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    Sparrow - Entry

    Entry

    Sparrow - Menu

    Menu

    Sparrow - Perfect Perfect

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    Perfect Perfect

    The J Parker - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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