Upstairs at The Gwen

Upstairs at The Gwen reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. M

   Michelle

   Denver / Colorado1 review

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Happy Hour with family went well. Loved the firepit!
   

   Is this helpful?

2. A

   Alice VIP

   Chicago11 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Overall, a great place to have brunch and afternoon cocktails. Prices are what you would expect for Downtown Chicago, and quite tasty so didn't mind too much on the cost (you get what you pay for). Service was spot on and food was portioned well and not too overwhelming.
   

   Is this helpful?

3. J

   Jessica

   Chicago1 review

   1.0

   Dined on May 24, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   We had a reservation for 2:45, but we're not seated until 3:30. I was told the table wasn't ready. However, there were multiple tables that were set up. Service was also very slow.
   

   Is this helpful?

4. B

   Blake & Dana

   Tulsa1 review

   1.0

   Dined on May 18, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   I ordered a belgian waffle and they put so much butter it made it soggy and they drowned it in cinnamon…my husbands oatmeal was soup…worst food we had in Chicago
   

   Is this helpful?

5. S

   Sarah VIP

   Chicago2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on May 17, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Came for my birthday, of course understand it was during the dust bowl, but felt the hostess was a little rude dealing with it. When I said I had a reservation he said “You’re gonna kill me”, overall not a great time. Would’ve preferred going anywhere else
   

   Is this helpful?

6. D

   Donna

   South Carolina4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 12, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Happy hour at a fire pit table was awesome! The service was great!
   

   Is this helpful?

7. C

   Christopher

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined on May 12, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was my first time there and I loved it. Good food, good service. Definitely coming back
   

   Is this helpful?

8. F

   Freda

   Chicago1 review

   5.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a great experience. It was beautiful and the food was awesome and yummy 😋.
   

   • 
   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles1 review

   1.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 1

   Every year, my sister and I take our mom to a special Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day. We’ve celebrated in style at places like The Drake and The Ritz-Carlton, so this year we were excited to try something new at The Gwen. Unfortunately, it ended up being a major letdown, especially given the price, which was higher than our past experience at the Ritz. The event was held in a windowless, undecorated room that lacked ambiance or a festive feel. A DJ played music far too loud for the space, making it nearly impossible to hear each other or speak with the servers. The “bottomless” drinks were a great idea in theory, but in practice, we waited 20+ minutes with empty glasses, and were told the bar was backed up, despite the event being only half full. The tea itself came in a charming kettle, but upon opening it, we found a single tea bag floating inside with the paper tag still attached - Not exactly what you’d expect from a high-end tea service. The food was where the experience really fell flat. No tea sandwiches, no scones — just deep-fried bar snacks and store-bought pastries, placed directly onto the tiered tray. It looked nothing like the elegant “Tipsy Tea” photos we’d seen on their site or social media. This one had the overall feeling of a thrown-together, underwhelming event. To be fair, our server was kind, attentive, and did his best under the circumstances. He was new, and it was clear the issues weren’t due to him- he deserves recognition for staying warm and professional despite the setting. Overall, this felt like a missed opportunity- more of a money grab than a luxury experience, and not at all on par with other afternoon teas in the city. I hope The Gwen takes this feedback to heart and rethinks the execution for future events. Until then, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a truly special Mother’s Day tea.
   

   • 

   Is this helpful?

10. E

    Edward

    Chicago8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    i wanted an outdoor rooftop, and that's what i got. Views not the best but the space was nice. Food was excellent and the portion sizes were great. Prices were about par for the area. service was great.
    

    Is this helpful?