The Signature Room is a fine dining adventure on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center on the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
The John Hancock Center is a major Chicago landmark. The observatory offers views of four states, weather permitting.
The Signature Room is an elegant, fine dining restaurant on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center. Visitors to Chicago and Chicago area residents can enjoy the experience of fine dining in the famous Chicago Skyline.
We arrive at the Signature Room
I enjoyed eating at the Signature Room recently. The restaurant is a terrific special occasion restaurant.
We entered the John Hancock Center through the main lobby. There were attendants at the door that directed us to an elevator immediately. The atmosphere in the lobby was rushed, as if they did not want visitors lallygagging in the lobby. There was a queue at the elevators, along with an attendant. We waited in the line, which was not long. We made it into the second elevator.
The attendant asked if we were going to the 95th floor restaurant, the 96th floor lounge or the Observatory. The 95th floor is where the Signature Room Restaurant is located. The 96th floor is the location of the Signature Lounge, where patrons can enjoy a cocktail and appetizer.
We were going to the restaurant. We got there before 6:00 pm, so we beat the dinner rush. The hostess asked whether we had reservations, which we did not. It was not a problem. A table was available immediately. When we departed, there was a line waiting for tables, so I would recommend reservations for future visits.
Signature Room Fine Dining Atmosphere
We were escorted to a fine table for two quickly. We were not right next to the window, but were in the second row. We had a terrific view of the streets and lights below from our table. The table was small and square, with a white table cloth. The entire atmosphere was very elegant.
Service was prompt, courteous and attentive. The waiters made us feel very pampered. We ordered wine and looked at the menu. Now the Signature Room in not cheap. I had told my companion that the restaurant was expensive, but think he was surprised at just what Chicago expensive means. You have to expect to pay for a table in a restaurant with the best views in town.
Signature Room Menu
The dinner menu featured appetizers, soups, salads, main courses and desserts. Courses are ala carte.
Appetizers included Spicy Tuna Tartare, Duck Confit Sprint Room, Wild Mushroom Strudel, Grilled Prosciutto and Buffalo Mozzarella and Marinated Shrimp. We ordered the Tuna, which was $16. The dish consisted of four pieces of raw tuna with crushed avocado and cilantro salad. The salad portion was really more of a garnish. The appetizer was placed on a square plate, with a tuna bite on each corner of the plate.
My companion had thought the appetizer would suffice, and didn’t order an entree, even though the waiter practically begged him to and suggested light dinners
The selection of main courses included Seared Scallops, Grilled Norwegian Salmon, White Bean Cassoulet, Roasted Amish Chicken, Seared Duck Breast, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Shellfish Past, Surf and Turn, Roasted Berkshire Pork Porterhouse, Grilled New York Strip Steak and Grilled Filet of Beef with Herb Butter Crust. Entrees were priced from $26 to $70.
I had taken him at his word and ordered what I wanted, which turned out to be a New York Strip Steak. The steak was $44. The Strip Steak was excellent. Sometimes strip steak can be a little tough, but this one was very tender and had great flavor. It was cooked medium, to order and served with a wine reduction sauce.
Starters and Side dishes, such as salad, soup, vegetables and potatoes were ala carte, so I did not order a side.
We both ordered dessert, which was delectable. Dessert selections included White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, Carrot Cake, Citrus Cheesecake, Molten Chocolate Cake, Vanilla bean Creme Brulee and Key Lime Tart. Desserts were $8.50.
We each ordered dessert. I ordered the chocolate mousse cake and my companion had the molten chocolate cake. The desserts were elegantly served and delicious as they sounded.
Later my companion said that he was sorry that he hadn’t tried an entree.
The Signature Room is a fine dining experience
Dinner at The Signature Room was a wonderful experience. I would recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for a special occasion restaurant in the City of Chicago . The Signature Room is more than dinner, it is an experience. Dine above the clouds, overlooking the busy cit streets.
Signature Room serves lunch and dinner. Lunch prices are less expensive than dinner, as in most restaurants. The Signature Room serves brunch on Sunday. The brunch price is $42.
The Signature Lounge, on the 96th floor, offers an extensive list of premium Signature martinis and cocktails. The lounge offers some appetizers, sandwiches and desserts. The Signature Lounge would be the more appropriate venue for a light bite or casual rendezvous.
The Signature Room has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
The Signature Room is on the 95th Floor of the John Hancock Center
When we departed from the restaurant, there was a line of people at the coat room and at the hostess station. I seems that we had gotten there just in time to avoid a wait. We went down to the ground floor in no time flat in the speedy elevator. We were ushered out quickly by the lobby attendants. Soon we were back on the city streets.
Signature Room at the 95th is in the John Hancock Center. 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. 1-312-787-9596.
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