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The Signature Lounge at the 96th

Lounge and Cocktail Bar$$$$

Streeterville, Chicago

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7.4^/10

1,250

ratings

Ranked #3 for sunsets in Near North Side
The folks at Chicagoist and AFAR Media like this place. Would you agree?
"the best view of Chicago is from the womens bathroom.. really!"(8 Tips)
"Great alternative to the observation deck."(9 Tips)
"Get the chocolate martini and enjoy the view :)"(9 Tips)
"Views are incredible, but don't go on a crowded day."(6 Tips)

285 Tips and reviews

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scenic views
cocktails
romantic
trendy
observation deck
great value
creme brûlée
cake
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city
good service
good for singles
spacious
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crowded
good for special occasions
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Kacie DreilingJuly 14, 2017
We loved this spot. Delicious (albeit pricy) cocktails. If we went again, we'd want to go just before the sun sets and then stay to see the city by night. The "Gold Coast" cocktail was delicious.
MichaNovember 9, 2016
Awesome place to have a drink: what is better than having a cocktail 🍸🍹 at the 96th floor? Also beats the price you have to pay for the observation platform: for the same price you get a drink 😀
PaddyApril 16, 2016
Great alternative to the observation deck. Can get crowded but good drinks and amazing city views. Can't help but think that the restaurant on the floor below might be a nicer experience.
James NewmanMay 20, 2013
Strongest Moscow Mule ever.... Practically like drinking a whole glass of pure vodka. Very nice fast service. Get hear early to save a long wait. You have to queue to go up and queue to go down!
Fodor's TravelJanuary 28, 2016
Skip the observatory and head to the 96th-floor bar on the 95th floor—you'll spend your money on an exorbitantly priced cocktail instead of the entrance fee and enjoy the same view. Read more
Erik RowleyNovember 6, 2012
Drinks are a bit pricey, but with a view like this in the middle of the country's third largest city, that's expected. The social atmosphere is perfect for starting the night with close friends.
G🐞rkemNovember 30, 2014
Lamb and creme brûlee are very delicious 👌 Great view,food and wine. You have to order a main course at dinner. At every time of the day scenery is amazing.
Carol PenningtonAugust 21, 2018
Love this amazing place... see the best bartender in the world... Jose! He rocks!! Best views in Chicago... drinks are pricey, but cannot beat the views
Brandon M.December 3, 2014
You might have to ask to get the view that's facing south (downtown) or else they lead you to the room that just faces west. Make sure you get in on the good view!!
Mark RobinsonApril 7, 2018
45min wait. To go from the lobby queue to another queue at the top for a table, if your lucky faces the window. Barmaid serves hundreds of customers per hour so imagine the service you get here!
Mark WongOctober 12, 2015
Went back for a 2nd time for the view - best in the city. No reservations allowed. Expensive drinks, but worth having a seat and a drink instead of paying to go up to observation deck.
Jennifer WeiApril 12, 2013
The bread pudding here is delicious! Opt for the smaller seating area closer to the elevator -you'll see many more skyscrapers and a stunning view of Lake Michigan.
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
Skip the ticketed admission to the John Hancock Observatory on the 97th floor and take the elevator to the “Signature Lounge at the 96th” floor of the John Hancock Tower at no charge. Read more
Jeremy WilcoxSeptember 23, 2013
If you want a beautiful view of the city, Lake Michigan, etc, and don't want to deal with the Skydeck at the Willis Tower, this lounge is a great alternative. All for the price of a $14 cocktail!
Catherine PunktFebruary 27, 2015
Try to go there before sundown and you'll have an amazing view. For the ladies: go to the restroom and have a perfect view!
Luz ZSMay 14, 2018
Great place, prices are high, but it’s worth it. Just don’t go in a rainy day because fog doesn’t let you see anything! 👌🏻
ChicagoistJanuary 27, 2015
Whether yoy're entertaining out-of-town guests or simply want to spend some time at the top of the city, check out this lounge. The bar features an exciting selection of beverages. Read more
Sabrina KinneyNovember 18, 2013
This is my favorite place in the US to have a cocktail and soak up the most glorious view in Chicago! The womens bathroom is like floating on a cloud over the windy city! I highly reccommend it!
bunnieAugust 28, 2013
Be a vulture, grab a table. Get an awesome view on the 96th floor by paying for a cocktail drink instead of paying $18 to go up the observatory on 92nd floor. Or go to the women's bathroom for free.
elGriego.NETJanuary 28, 2020
9/10 Spectacular view, friendly stuff. Price abit high but come on you are one the 96th floor... A must visit!!!
ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014
The views are great, whether you're a native Chicagoan or not. It's never too crowded, and you can take in both the views of the city and do some people watching while you're there. Read more
Brad HagerNovember 30, 2019
GREAT views of the city. Usually very crowded, touristy, but still worth it to come and have a couple of drinks and check out the view.
CameraNeonOctober 21, 2013
Fabulous views of Chicago! Bring a CPL filter, because you will take pictures from behind the windows. Vista fabulosa de Chicago. Traga um filtro polarizador para tirar fotos por de trás dos vidros." Read more
Iryna MirAugust 7, 2016
Amazing view!!! Highly recommended for local people and guests of the city! Love chocolate mousse cake!
Daniel OluwaniyiAugust 7, 2014
The window view from the dinner table at the Signature Room is super lovely. And we could see the fireworks from navy Pier. A wonderful experience
Crystal DavisJanuary 23, 2020
Amazing view of city. If main area is to crowded for pictures go to the ladies room for same view of city plus river view!
Carlos PereaAugust 18, 2013
Try to sit on the right side once you exit the elevator. You get a better view of downtown Chicago and its skyline. If you're a lady. I heard there is an even better view in the ladies bathroom.
Liz TietzAugust 10, 2014
Really dated...time to renovate!!...still looks as it did 30yrs ago!...BUT it's still best view of Chicago for only slightly overpriced, good drink..HaHa...even better view in women's restroom
Zach Solomon-BeloinJanuary 24, 2016
Amazing views of Chicago, but the service is extremely slow and inattentive. It's worth it, though! For a $10 beer you can see Chicago from the 95th floor.
Johannez GlatzJune 23, 2013
The view is breathtaking! Definitely worth going! The service is ok, neither very good nor very bad and it's quite expensive ($7.50 for a bud light is the cheapest on the menu) But its WORTH the view!
Lisa NJune 23, 2013
Bit of a wait to get up and back down so be prepared. Views are worth it though and you can relax with a drink instead of paying the entry fee to the observation deck.
Jo GraingerSeptember 27, 2014
View amazing, cocktails less so - the mohito tasted like it was mix. Expect to queue both for the elevator and then to be seated.
Jessica ToliuszisNovember 11, 2012
Order the Long Island Ice Tea. I'm super picky and do not drink Long Island Ice Teas. You will LOVE it! Tastes like coke with lime. Really really delish.
Varsha SheteDecember 17, 2015
Unbeatable view of the downtown & great drinks, try Godiva martini here
Lucille FisherNovember 6, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Touristy but always fun to go for a drink to enjoy the city views on a clear day.
C RApril 19, 2017
The restaurant requires reservation, the bar does not. The ladies restroom has the best views
Mark WongApril 19, 2015
Amazing views. Great drinks. Higher up than the observatory. No charge to go up.
Shayla KellyApril 25, 2013
Enjoyed the Strawberry smoothie, even for $8. On the 96th floor, it's a deal! Also enjoyed the Hummus, plenty of it and can get more pita bread when you run out.
Ashley V.April 6, 2014
If you go on a Saturday night (around six or seven), expect a long wait. The drinks were pricey, but the view was worth it.
Chris OSeptember 26, 2013
Good views of the city, but come with big cash money if you want cocktails ($14-$16 each + tax + tip). And avoid the evening hours...no atmosphere, very noisy, bring your own flask!
Lauren D.July 22, 2017
views are better than the drinks but still better than just paying for the observation deck! definitely touristy and churns people in/out but good for a drink
Brian DeVitoSeptember 1, 2014
Play the game, get a table by the window. It's worth the maneuvering. Check out all the rooms when you get off the elevator.
B. CampbellSeptember 10, 2013
Cocktails and snack with an amazing view is worth every dollar. Just wish they played music up there... **hearing crickets**
Latasha BerryNovember 18, 2013
Breathtaking view from here, especially at night. The food is a little pricey and its always a little crowded but still a nice date spot.
Alex CanningAugust 4, 2015
Drinks are somewhat pricey, but cheaper than the alternative and just look at those views!
David CraigSeptember 25, 2014
Views are amazing. Service is slow but that means more time to look at the views!
AliciaMay 21, 2014
Best view is from the bathroom. You can easily just go up to use the restroom, snap some pics then head back down all for free!
David BermanAugust 22, 2015
The view is the thing. Get the mojito with fresh mint. Anything with strawberries comes out of a carton.
Shannon JeropkeJuly 24, 2012
It's open till 1a and it has the most awe inspiring views! They serve food all night so they don't card at the (elevator) door lol. The only downside is the price. There's no cover but it's not cheap!
Annette LemireNovember 4, 2012
Great view. Very pricey and lounge tables are tiny but worth it. Restrooms even have a view. A must see when in Chicago.

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