Signature Room at the 95th

12/13/09

"Guys" "Guys"?

by Jay Wilson at Citysearch

Yes the view is very nice, (more on that in a sec) and the food isn't bad. But, two different employees, one at check in, referred to us as 'guys'. (We are a middle aged couple, and my wife is clearly not a 'guy) Topping that off, however, was the host who was walking around through the restaurant checking on table vacancies chewing gum. Possibly there was a shortage of staff last night and they sent over a few people from Ed Debevic's to work. That could be the only excuse for this attitude from staff.

Initial service was very slow. We sat for almost 10 minutes before the first waiter came by with the menus, and ask for drink orders. No water yet, or bread. (no bread basket, someone comes around and gives you a roll. Actually, he was about the most efficient employee all evening)

The initial waiter came back about 5 minutes later and explained some of the specials, and took our drink order. A few minutes another waiter came by and mentioned specials for the night, included some that the first one didn't.

We had soup, which was okay, not great. I had the pork tenderloin, which was very very good. Possibly the best I have had. The mashed/whipped potatoes were okay. I referred to them by the name(don't remember which one it was) as it was listed on the menu, and the waiter referred to them as something else, almost like I was wrong for calling them what they were listed as.

At $7 for a small plate of whipped/mashed potatoes that generally reminded me something from a box, I was not impressed.

We had a creme brule for dessert, which was okay. I've had better.

As far as table setting: we had no special event or anything to celebrate and while a window seat would have been nice, it generally wasn't all that important to us. However, there was a young couple next to us sitting a row over from the window. Towards the end of the meal the waiter brought over a dessert to the young lady which contained a ring. The young man got down on one knee and proposed, which was very nice.

Now, given that this was pre-arranged, couldn't someone at the desk given them a window seat? It probably didn't make much difference to them, but it would have been nice of the place.

Generally, given both the food and almost all the staff, as I mentioned, this place did not exceed expectations. It was nice, but we probably won't be back.

• Pros: Great view, food was good
• Cons: Not very classy staff, doesn't exceed expectations.

08/06/09

Great Place for a Celebration!

by ChicagoGal26 at Citysearch

This was the first time my husband and I ate at the Signature Room at the 95th. Wanted to for years and finally decided to splurge. Entering the restaurant takes you back to a fifties feeling but we liked it and felt it works. The views are amazing as you walk out of the elevator. Staff were very pleasant and attentive. We left feeling that the food, service and view were worth the pricey bill. Drinks are priced from $8 beers to $13 for a glass of wine. We had a very good cheese plate appetiser that could have been improved by providing an assortment of crackers. I wanted to try their lobster bisque but just could not talk myself into spending the excessive $10 for a small bowl of soup. Our entrees of pork tenderloin($30) and filet of steak($40) were excellent. They were both cooked perfectly and accompanied with outstanding sauces. Side dish choices were alacarte and enough for two to share. Yes, we left with a pricey bill of $120. We never spend this much while eating out. However, this was well worth it for a special two hour celebration, seated by the window, overlooking our beautiful City of Chicago.

• Pros: Views/Ambiance, Food, Romantic
• Cons: Pricey

02/24/09

How do you not like this place

by consumerreporting at Citysearch

Yum! We really enjoy the Signature Room and everything it offers: Good Food, Good Drinks, Great Service, Great Deserts. The only downfall is the parking (lot at $24) and sometimes the wait time. Otherwise, the view is wonderful, especially if you can catch the fireworks at Navy Pier.

• Pros: Everything you want in a restaurant
• Cons: Parking lot and sometimes wait time