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    The Marshall Field's Walnut Room

    3.2 (987 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Bars, Burgers
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

    The Marshall Field's Walnut Room Photos

    Business Info

    THE MARSHALL FIELD'S WALNUT ROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Marianne P.

    Went to the Walnut Room for tea. I attended more expensive locations and this topped them by far. Our server, Latonya, was amazing. If you go, be sure to ask for her. The tea sandwiches were really great. The scones were out of this world. The room is big and very nice. Our table of 4 had enough room for us to sit comfortably.

    Historic sign from years ago
    Lisa P.

    Big, beautifully decorated Christmas tree centers the room. Fairies walking around granting wishes, sprinkling magical dust and handing out shiny stones. Servers approaching tables with holiday cheer. Sounds like the magic of Christmas is here. Food so fresh and good that every bite comforts your soul. The tree will be up until the second week of January and by then, reservations will be a little easier to get. Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

    Holiday 2025 theme
    Lena M.

    Our annual holiday tradition isn't complete without a meal at The Walnut Room! This year the decorations were a nod to the great Marshall Field's! The tree and designs revolved around the Marshall Field's logo (IYKYK), a homage to a Chicago icon. We ordered the lobster bisque which is full of small lobster pieces and light touch of sherry, very tasty. The shrimp cocktail had nice, plump shrimps and well chilled. We had the famous chicken pot pie which came with a small side salad. The dressing on the salad complimented the pot pie well and was delicious. We also ordered the short rib with mashed potatoes. The short rib was very tender and juicy, the gravy and mashed potatoes made it all a decadent dish. Lastly we also had the Walnut Room Burger and added bacon. This was just mediocre. We didn't get to order the preparation of the burger so it came well done. It wasn't dry, but definitely not something we'd order again. Our server was so friendly and knowledgeable. She took great care of us making sure our glasses were always full and checked in often to see if we needed anything else. It was very busy, but she still stopped by the table frequently. Since we dined during the holiday season at lunchtime, only the holiday menu was available. I recommend The Walnut Room during the holiday season as a special experience.

    Maronda H.

    I was born and raised in Chicago and never been to The Walnut Room. I added to my holiday list this year and made reservations early. You would need to book in advance when the holiday season is approaching. The reservations fills up quickly and sometimes hard to get a good time slot. I was lucky to get an afternoon time alot on a Saturday. Since I was dining alone, I was able to get a table close to the main attraction. A table close to the giant size Christmas Tree. Of course it was crowded with people from everywhere. A holiday experience to enjoy with your family or a self date. It didn't take long for my server to come to my table with a friendly greeting. I was poured a cold glass of water and handed a menu. Loved the festive decor. The service was quick and everyone was friendly. I admire how this years tradition theme was a tribute to Marshall Field's. The Tree colors were green and blue. The menu really didn't have a wide variety of food chooses. I heard good things about the pot pie and short rib dinner. I followed my taste buds and ordered the short rib dinner. I was surprised it was very delicious. The meat was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The only thing was my carrots were hard. Definitely a place to come dine, take pics by the tree and create memorable moment with love one's. ²

    Marshall Field's Tree 2025
    Heather P.

    Honestly, coming here is a tradition that should be abolished, but every year like the glutton I am for punishment, I go to every end of the earth to ensure my family gets to spend hours of stress and anxiety in an effort to go there for terrible service, very mediocre food and the overrated cocktails that cost $25 so I can add another unneeded glass to the collection. But would it be Christmas without this tradition?! So here's my recommendation, if you haven't started this tradition already, do not start now. Don't fall for the hype. The food is nothing special. Overpriced. The waits are outrageous. The service is actually horrendous, but the tree is the real reason we continue to come. It is a beautiful ambiance and that's really it's only redeeming quality. So there's the cold hard truth. No one who goes here actually thinks it's wonderful, but we all continue to grin and bear it no matter how ludicrous the whole thing is for the sake of holiday feels. Merry Christmas!

    Mrs. Hering's 1890 Original Chicken Pot Pie
    Izzy W.

    Had a great start to our holiday Chicago trip at the Walnut Room. I actually ended up snagging this reservation the day before after trying for like a week to get in with Resy alerts! I got the Walnut Room Salad and my boyfriend got the chicken pot pie and both were delicious. We also got a couple of the holiday cocktails! Everything was good, but I'm not sure it lived up to all of the hype that we heard about. Our slice of pie was also laughably small for the price. Annoying thing was the photographers, they came around like right before we left and took our photo for our complimentary post card and ours said she would be back once the photo printed. We finished our meal and waited like an additional 20 minutes for her to come back and she never did. We ended up finding her as we were leaving and she said she couldn't find us?? we literally didn't move. And then she tried to get us to purchase additional prints which were not even good photos. lol. Other than that we enjoyed our time!

    December 2025
    Connie K.

    I made a reservation to Walnut Room over 2 months in advance (they were literally gone a minute after the reservations opened). We arrived 15 minutes early as suggested and I'm glad we did. There was a long line just to get checked in and took pretty much 15 minutes to get to the hostess stand. We were thankfully seated next to the Christmas tree to my daughter's delight. Immediately after sitting down we were greeted by the photographer who whisked us to the front of the Christmas tree to take a family photo. We received a fun commemorative photo postcard for free. After we sat back down we were visited by several different fairy princesses who sprinkled fairy dust and gave my daughter a matching fairy stone. They really took the time to talk to her and really made this experience special for her. I had the chicken pot pie while my daughter had the kid's chicken pot pie, fruit, apple juice, and sugar cookie. Hubby had the burger as recommended by our server. We shared a slice of the Frango mint chocolate ice cream pie for dessert. The pot pie was just as good as I expected and the side salad was refreshing. My daughter also said her pot pie was yummy and loved the pieces of star crust in hers. After she finished her sugar cookie she literally licked all sprinkles from the plate. She received a free mug at the end which I thought was also a nice gesture from the restaurant. There are small bathrooms in the back of the restaurant but it's big enough to accommodate the number of people inside. The women's bathroom had 3 stalls and 2 working sinks and there were so many women with kids coming in and out that I found it chaotic. Overall, I'm so glad I was able to snag a reservation and it was definitely a fun, festive experience for our family.

    Mrs. Hering's 1890 Original Chicken Pot Pie
    Eugene B.

    The tree and the history really is the experience. I'm not sure the story behind the fairies that visits each table. But it was a nice surprise. The food is decent but not outstanding. Definitely affordable and worth it for a first time visit. I imagine having holiday gatherings here are tradition for several. I do love the ambience with a sense of history with the architecture in this iconic space. I'm curious to know what replaces the centerpiece tree on the off season:)

    Savannah H.

    The Walnut Room is a true Chicago holiday tradition and one that my family has enjoyed for more than thirty consecutive years. It is sentimental and special to us, even though the overall experience has changed over time. The food and service are not what they used to be many years ago, but once you understand that, the last several seasons have actually been very consistent. We always visit during Christmas and it is important to remember that the restaurant is incredibly busy and staffed with many seasonal employees. Service is not five star dining, but everyone works hard and does their best. If you come during the holidays, you should expect a little waiting and a very lively atmosphere. For us, that is part of the experience and the tradition. I always order the Asiago chicken or the meatloaf and they are both very good. My family loves the pot pie and the ravioli as well. Breakfast has never appealed to me since it is served buffet style, but lunch and dinner have always been enjoyable. If you are looking for a perfectly polished restaurant experience, this may not be the place during December. But if you value the nostalgia, the beautiful holiday setting, and the joy of tradition, The Walnut Room remains a wonderful and meaningful Chicago classic.

    Grilled Salmon and asparagus risotto
    Taylor D.

    It was so fun to visit the Walnut room for the holiday season. The Christmas tree was decorated for the Marshall Fields theme. The princesses walked around taking pictures with kids, very reminiscent of my childhood. The food wasn't too bad either, I loved my mom's mushroom ravioli, it was very creamy but delicious. The salmon and asparagus risotto was also very good. The salmon was a tad more cooked than medium but the risotto was pretty okay and I'm glad I had gotten the cream sauce on the side because I didn't like it at all. Loved the poinsettia mimosas though (cranberry + sparkling wine).

    Cocktail Menu
    Hillary R.

    You come to the Walnut Room for the Christmas ambiance--period. The decorations, the sparkling trees leading up to the restaurant, and the historic setting are undeniably charming. The room itself is beautiful during the holidays, but the food continues to be just... okay. I ordered the turkey dinner, and my turkey was so dry it was almost difficult to chew. The rest of my family enjoyed their meals (braised short rib, mushroom ravioli, caramelized salmon, and a kids' mac n' cheese), so it may have just been my dish. Side note: we were told the kids' meal was the only one that comes with a keepsake Walnut Room mug, which is a cute touch. Our server was fantastic, warm, funny, and definitely the highlight of the dining experience. If you're trying to book a reservation, prepare for a challenge. TIP: Set OpenTable notifications for multiple days and time slots. That's the only way we snagged a cancellation. We were seated at the table farthest from the Christmas tree. I know you can't request a tree-side table, but being placed by the window was rough. While the city view was lovely, everyone in our group was freezing and ready to leave early. My niece was excited to meet the holiday fairy, but she never came to the back section. When we asked, she said, "It's dark and cold back there so I miss them often," which honestly explained the whole situation, but still disappointed. They also offer a Santa Brunch, which I haven't tried, but I could see kids loving it. Final take: If you've never been, go at least once for the tradition, the décor, and the tree, it's a classic Chicago holiday experience. But if you're a local who has visited before, you're not missing much by skipping a year (or a few). It's great for out-of-town guests but not a must-do annually. One suggestion: It would be amazing if they had a photographer at the tree for family photos! Guests would absolutely tip for digital shots.

    Pot pie
    Julie L.

    Absolutely beautiful, stunning atmosphere. Had a great souvenir to take home ..a glass cup for five dollars. Service was great ...drinks and desserts were amazing. The only issue I had is that the Pot pie....which is a famous yearly staple ...was super watery. It's never been like this and then I had cheese soup and the same thing ...just super watery. Both still tasted good, but not like other years. Get the cookie platter to share for desert!

    Lana T.

    I've been here during the summer but this time around seeing the Marshal Fields with the big Christmas tree was so nice. We got their chicken pot pie and braised short ribs. The braised short ribs was flavorful and really good. The ambiance inside is pretty just a little dark. It's filled with families and kids during this time and fairies and princesses walk around providing some fairy dust and it's so cute. The service was good just a little busy and overcrowded. We booked this place like over a month ago when it opened up.

    Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

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    The Marshall Field's Walnut Room Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Marshall Field's Walnut Room

    Is parking validated?

    There is no validated parking since the restaurant is in the department store. But if you have Spot Hero, the parking lot across the street is very reasonable

    Are reservations required or can I arrive and join a waitlist?

    You go to. OPEN TABLE app and make reservations there.

    When are reservations for lunch by the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room available?

    Use app. Open table and make your reservation. Getting by the tree not guaranted

    Does the ticket price for the Drag Brunch include the meal, or is that separate?

    The price is just an entrance fee. You order your entree separately.

    Do they have the buffet daily? What times?

    No. Brunch on Sundays. Go to Macy's restaurants.com for information

    Since reservations are not accepted during the day, how are the wait times? I'm trying to arrange a group lunch for 12-25 people & don't think they would appreciate a 3 hr…

    Make your reservation on the Yelp website or app before you arrive. Yelp has the exclusive for reservations during the holiday.

    Can you just come here for drinks?

    Hi, yes. You are able to sit in the wine bar without reservations. If the bar area is free it's 1st come 1st serve, but the wait is not too long. You can see the tree and enjoy your cocktails. Another option is to sit just outside the Walnut Room… Read more

    What is the kids menu?

    Grilled cheese , Mac and cheese ( not good ) chicken tenders , French fries ! The menu has changed do to holidays , it's 25 bucks all you can eat buffet , it's ok not great. Hope that helps , cheers !

    View All 10 Questions

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    Rossi's Liquors

    Rossi's Liquors

    4.2(432 reviews)
    0.4 miNear North Side
    $

    Friendly and lively dive bar (4/5 Green Stars) Waiting for…read moretake-out from nearby Lou Malnati's, we wandered into Rossi's for a quick drink. It's a reasonably-priced busy dive bar in the heart of Chicago. I asked the bartender if she had a beer + shot deal and she said "no, but you can order a beer and shot." And so we did! Noise level is fairly high, thanks to a lively crowd plus a jukebox. They don't normally serve food but I think are fine with customers bringing in your own food, and you can also place an order from a nearby restaurant (I don't recall which one). And yes, it's cash only so bring some money if you don't want to pay ATM fees! 4 out of 5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. I like bars that allow customers to bring (or order) their own food - it allows for all diets! The one thing I'd like to see is more beer on tap - even just one good rotating local beer (e.g., Goose Island). Draft beer has smaller environmental footprints compared to bottled or canned.

    Recently stopped by Rossi's Liquors and this place is the definition of a dive bar, in the most…read moreauthentic way possible. After a quick ID check at the door, the bouncer let us know it's cash only (thankfully we came prepared). From the moment we walked in, dim lighting, loud music, and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds gave the vibe of a full-on frat party, but not in a bad way. It's chaotic, energetic, and unapologetically no-frills. There's even a self-serve cooler with drink prices clearly listed underneath. I grabbed a Sapporo Premium, brought it to the counter, and our friendly bartender broke our change and offered a chilled glass to pour it into. Simple and efficient. That said, it was loud, so loud that even whispering-distance conversations were a struggle. The space is small, seating is limited, and since we couldn't snag a spot, we ended up leaving shortly after finishing our drinks. This feels like a better weekday hang than a packed weekend night. Still, if you're looking for a classic, gritty, no-frills dive experience, Rossi's delivers exactly that.

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    Rossi's Liquors - Nightcap

    Nightcap

    Rossi's Liquors
    Rossi's Liquors

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    Ila's - Happy Hour bites at the bar

    Ila's

    4.9(60 reviews)
    0.4 miNear North Side

    Our family ate dinner here in April and were very impressed with the quality of the food and the…read moreservice. We had the empanadas to start and then the short ribs, a burger, halibut, and lamb birria pierogies. Everything was delicious, beautifully spiced and elegantly presented. Honestly, the ambiance was a bit loud for us, but our server was extremely helpful and moved us away from a table with one incredibly boisterous fellow. They did so discreetly and quickly and our experience was much improved as a result. The restaurant itself is lovely, with beautiful decor and lighting.

    Very cute interior, great service, lively atmosphere, definitely hit the mark on elevated casual…read more We were able to get dinner reservations on the day of. For parking you definitely should use Spothero or ParkWhiz, as it's in a very busy/lively part of River North. We loved meeting the owner who was chatting with and checking on guests in the dining room. The menu was really creative and sounded amazing, totally up my alley, so was super excited to try Ila's out for the first time. Unfortunately, and it pains me to say this, but the food itself was a miss for me, and the prices felt steep for the portions. We ordered the empanada duo, grilled scallops, birria lamb pierogis, and sweet corn agnolotti, then the Japanese cheesecake and drip coffee. The positives were that everything tasted fresh, and the flavors of the dishes were good ~ especially the empanadas, scallops, and agnolotti. The main issue was the texture of some of the foods. Other than the empanada (which had a great texture and flavor), the agnolotti and pierogi dough were not right ~ thick, rubbery, and dry, which was exacerbated by not having enough consommé for the pierogis. And the coffee - it honestly tasted like Folgers (though I'll give them the benefit of the doubt) - which took me aback as it was a $7 drip coffee. I'm not discounting Ila's and I truly wish them success. But I think there's some work to be done in terms of execution.

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    Ila's - Nico collin's & hugo spritz

    Nico collin's & hugo spritz

    Ila's - Assorted Savory Kabobs: Paneer, Chicken & Leek, Pork Belly

    Assorted Savory Kabobs: Paneer, Chicken & Leek, Pork Belly

    Ila's - Happy hour $10 sparking rose. fantastic!

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    Happy hour $10 sparking rose. fantastic!

    Bunny Slope

    Bunny Slope

    3.5(12 reviews)
    0.6 miNear North Side
    $$

    Overall: The novelty of Bunny Slope is amazing, but after it wears off the realizations kick in…read more The good: Really fun and neat concept, especially in the heart of downtown. Sometimes, nothing beats a few (or many) drinks in a hottub. They even provide a nifty shower for cleaning up afterwards. The decor is pretty neat as well. The not-so-good: The space isn't huge, wouldn't comfortably fit more than 10-12 people. They don't have normal drinks here, the beers I tried were disgusting, so I just stuck to good ol' scotch. That said, the other cocktails sounded interesting (they were all mostly fruity). The hottub was way too hot, none of us could stay in it very long. You have to go outside of the room to change, possibly running into other hotel guests or whatever is above grounds.

    Really nice places for a group outing. The room was perfect size to move around, drink and dance…read more It was 12 of us in the room. I like that we had our own personal bartender. Drinks were very reasonable price. Tequila and cranberry was 8, 12 for a double. The jacuzzi was perfect temperature. Everything seemed sanitary and clean. I really like that they provide FREE lockers to hold our things in. They also provided a speaker so we could play our own music. Free towels but I'd bring your own sandals. I don't think they serve food. It was in the basement of a hotel but I'd definitely recommend to go.

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    Bunny Slope
    Bunny Slope
    Bunny Slope

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    The Marshall Field's Walnut Room - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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