Doesn't Recommend

John F.

Joined 2 years ago

Refused entry. Where does one go for a glass of champagne on New Year's Eve? Apparently, not Pops. My wife and I dined at another downtown restaurant tonight and while out for an after dinner walk, we saw Pops and decided to stop in for a glass of champagne. We were greeted by two rude and condescending hostesses who refused to allow us entry and physically blocked the doorway. Admittedly, we did not have a reservation, but it was 8:30 PM, the place was half empty, and we informed the hostesses that we just wanted to stand at the bar to have one glass of champagne, and then we would leave. It didn't matter to them. They weren't serving our kind. I asked to use the washroom and was again denied entry. The hostess responded that the restroom was only for paying customers. I replied that I was trying to be a customer, that it was a matter of simple civility to allow a person the use of a restroom, and that I would even pay to use it. Again they refused us entry. As I said, they weren't serving our kind. I watched the same hostesses treat another couple in an equally rude and condescending fashion while denying them entry as well. Interestingly, the other couple looked a lot like my wife and me. I don't know how this place stays in business when it treats people like we were treated this evening.

Recommends

JGurl

Joined 3 years ago

Halleluiah Champagne in Chicago!. I visited Pops first time in May '10 for my birthday, what a great experience! Love the concept of a place to go for an awesome selection of the many different champagnes. The bartender was top knotch, very helpful with her friendly suggestions, she made our first time to Pops one of the main reasons we're going back. Now if only Pops can come to Dallas :-)

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javend

Joined 5 years ago

Best Moscato in Chicago. I love white wines especially the dessert wines like Riesling but this one night and my first visit to Pops, the bartender recommend something sweeter, Moscato D'Asti. I fell in love in an instant! He was very helpful and the suggestion was great! Ever since my visit at Pops I only order Moscato every chance I get. I also love their jazz lounge, great space.

Doesn't Recommend

denke510

Joined 6 years ago

No way near the old "Pops". I'm sorry, but the old location had much more ambiance, appeal, warmth, romance. The new location is sterile...and downstairs where live music is played is like walking into someone's badly remodeled basement. It's uncomfortable, expensive....a cover charge to go downstairs? and the champagne prices are so elevated. I was so disappointed when I took my boyfriend to Pops. I had told him how it was my favorite place in Chicago...little did I know how badly the new place was. I guess if I wanted to have my teeth pulled it is the perfect sterile environment. Don't waste your time and money if you are expecting character and charm and any romanctic mood whatsoever.

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mkay75

Joined 6 years ago

Great Food, WIne and Service!. Everything about this place is fantastic. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed when the old location closed down, but I have now discoved a new, hip YUMMY alternative.

The executive chef, who I guess came from Japonois, is super friendly and has some creative fun dishes that match well with a glass of bubbly or a nice glass of wine. Don't hesitate to ask your bartender to help select the perfect wine either. They are so helpful. Overall it was a 5 star experience and I will be back for sure.

PS- try the : Flatbread with, Beefsteak Tomato, Grana and Prosciutto.. you will order 2 :-)

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marchicago

Joined 6 years ago

What a perfect night!. Of course my review is biased because I got engaged later on in the night after starting out at Pops for Champagne, but, there probably isn?t a cozier or more romantic/intimate setting in downtown Chicago. While I never visited the Sheffield location, the downtown location is almost surreal given its setting in the city so close to the Magnificent Mile. Add to that a tasty (yet simple) menu, a thorough champagne/sparking wine list, people watching on State Street, and a very chic jazz club and you have the best that Chicago can offer. I highly recommend Pops for Champagne!

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zoe242

Joined 8 years ago

Not like the old Pops on Sheffield. I use to love going the Pops on Sheffield so I thought this location would an updated version. I went with a bunch of friends to celebrate an engagement and was a little disappointed. Our server was "ok" the bartender was better and took care of us. As for the crowd, it would have been nice to see more people with some class. It is not ok to come to a place like this in a tee shirt, jeans and gym shoes. A dress code should definitely be imposed. Overall the apps were really good and the sparkling wine and champagne choices were excellent.

Recommends

alyssa_nthecity

Joined 6 years ago

Great atmosphere, slow but good service. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar on a tuesday night a month ago. The hostess was very friendly. Bar service was slow at first, but Alanna got her groove back and was awesome; full of sassy one-liners. Bottle prices ranged from about $24 to $300, so there's something for everyone. We snacked on the potato-crab cakes that practically melted in our mouths. For dessert we had the sour cream cheesecake drizzled with white chocolate and strawberries. We left very satisfied and couldn't wait to get back.

**Alana, the bartender did warn us not to come back on the weekend b/c of the drunken silly "rookie" crowd if we wanted to relax and enjoy ourselves.

Recommends

cjones22

Joined 7 years ago

Pops is not your mothers champagne bar..... Pops is a great nighborhood spot. Jazz downstairs, champagne bar upstairs, small plates to snack on, champagne for every tatse and every budget... Although Pops is a great late-night spot, the highlight of my visits has been the fact that I fell in love over 2 bottles of champagne one late friday night...Love ya LD!

Doesn't Recommend

juiceny

Joined 9 years ago

Worst venue in Chicago to go listen to Jazz!. Disappointing in every way. Problem is the website for this place is extremely misleading. Jazz downstairs is supposed to resemble 1920's France. Are you kidding? White walls, bare, acoustically messy and a nightclub atmosphere. The musicians will never play there again, they had no idea what they were walking into. Drunk 20 somethings mingling and laughing hysterically and making it a musical disaster. There were atleast 20 of us who complained when we left and none of us would ever go back. The tourists were blown away by the rudeness of others, they all departed first. Huge mistake and a night I will forget.