For some reason, whenever we walked by here I assumed I could never afford it. Then I looked up the prices and realized it’s a pretty standard meal price in Chicago. We were lucky to grab a last-minute early Monday reservation on OpenTable, because holiday resys drop in September and are listed as “sold out.” (If you have a flexible schedule, though, I would check daily - it only took two days for us to find an opening that worked.) Anyway, the Christmas magic was everything I could’ve hoped. The food was very homey and good, but my fiancé’s burger bun was really stale. Cocktails and dessert were delicious and fairly priced. Service was lightning fast - they even gave us the commemorative mugs we planned to buy ($5) for free because our dessert “took so long” (it took maybe ten minutes). The other staff, like photographers and fairies, are great. The fairies missed our table so if that’s a must-do for you, I’d ask your server to make sure they make it. It gets really chaotic around the tree but don’t be afraid to take your time and get photos. They don’t mind. I wouldn’t visit here outside the holidays - it is quite outdated and there is better food at a lower price downtown. But you can’t beat the vintage homey Christmas vibes here.
Overview
When you step into The Walnut Room, located at 111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States, you immediately feel the mix of classic elegance and bustling city energy. From the moment I entered, the ornate ceilings and sparkling chandeliers set the stage for a dining experience that feels both historic and inviting. Having visited several times over the years, I can confidently say that this place perfectly balances tradition with contemporary dining trends.
The menu at The Walnut Room is a delightful journey through American comfort food with a touch of sophistication. On one visit, I tried their signature roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Each bite was a testament to meticulous preparation, showing that the kitchen team prioritizes quality ingredients and precise cooking methods. A fellow diner I spoke with during lunch mentioned that the prime rib here is unmatched in flavor and tenderness, backed by expert chefs who understand how to balance seasoning and texture perfectly.
What sets this location apart is not just the food but the atmosphere. The dining room’s high ceilings and historic woodwork make it feel like a place where memories are made. Families gather here for celebratory meals, tourists stop by to soak in Chicago’s heritage, and local office teams enjoy a refined yet comfortable lunch. During a weekday visit, I noticed a group of business professionals conducting a casual meeting over salads and sandwiches, highlighting how versatile this spot is for both casual and formal dining experiences.
Customer reviews often praise The Walnut Room for its attentive staff and seamless service. Servers here combine efficiency with genuine friendliness, making each meal feel personalized. One friend shared how the staff went out of their way to accommodate her dietary restrictions, swapping ingredients and suggesting alternatives without skipping a beat. This kind of thoughtful service builds trust and keeps people coming back, which is essential for any reputable dining establishment.
The Walnut Room also stays current with culinary trends. While it maintains traditional favorites, it regularly updates its menu with seasonal offerings and locally sourced produce. According to recent reports from the Illinois Restaurant Association, diners increasingly prefer restaurants that blend classic comfort with fresh, sustainable ingredients-a standard The Walnut Room clearly meets. By balancing tried-and-true dishes with seasonal innovation, it continues to appeal to a wide range of visitors, from long-time Chicagoans to first-time tourists.
Beyond the food, the location itself adds significant appeal. Nestled in the heart of Chicago at 111 N State St, it’s easily accessible via public transportation and surrounded by a variety of shopping and cultural attractions. During one winter visit, the nearby holiday displays created a magical atmosphere, making a simple lunch feel like a special occasion. This integration of location, ambiance, and menu excellence makes The Walnut Room a destination rather than just a restaurant.
Whether you’re sampling a hearty breakfast, enjoying a midday lunch, or settling in for dinner with friends, The Walnut Room demonstrates a remarkable consistency in quality and experience. The combination of historic charm, thoughtful service, and carefully crafted dishes reflects a level of expertise that is hard to find elsewhere in Chicago’s competitive dining scene. Each visit reinforces why this restaurant continues to receive glowing reviews, attracting both locals and visitors eager for a memorable meal in a setting that feels both timeless and welcoming.
Good to know
Service options
✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Private dining room ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ Quiet ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Locals ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
I visited the Walnut Room inside Macy’s on the 7th floor in downtown Chicago for the first time, (11/2025) and the experience was memorable mostly because of the amazing Christmas atmosphere. The food was okay, but definitely not the highlight. What truly made the visit special was being seated right in front of the giant Christmas tree. The ambiance was beautiful and festive, and the employees were super nice and very accommodating. Overall, it’s worth the visit for the holiday experience alone, and definitely worth visiting at least once.
Excellent service and food, especially the pot pie! It’s a must have. The Canada cheese soup is also great! The place oozes the golden era atmosphere and if you check the history on the wall a lot of famous folks dined here. Chicken pot pie is a must. I visited during November when they finally have the festival decoration on. It is much more vibrant than when I visited in summer (which I didn’t dine here). It seems to be a Chicago tradition so during Nov - Dec this place is very very popular. Make sure to grab reservation.
Majestic in the Christnas miracle way. I hadn't been in 40 years and it was just as beautiful and magical as when I was a child. The service was great, everyone was so friendly. Princesses walked around enchanting the faces of small children. You could see the wishes in their eyes. The food & drinks were great. Such a delightful time. And the decor was outstanding! Just beautiful! I wont wait so long to return.
Went for a linner on Nov 2 and got to see the new 2025 tree! For drinks, we got the Poinsettia and Tost Sparkling - both definitely had that holiday cheer taste. For food, we ordered the classic, original chicken pot pie and turkey/Thanksgiving dishes. A lot of the reviews said their food is mediocre but we really enjoyed it. It's slightly elevated dishes, but we appreciated the classic, traditional, home-y flavors. Definitely a special experience and really helped us transition into the holiday spirit!
Good for the experience. I won't go back other than for a Christmas because the food is moderate. I had beef and potatoes with carrots. They do not have you waiting for your food long at all. You can tell everything as already made and waiting for someone to order. How is my food coming out right away and it's cold? The Christmas trees outside of the actual restaurant are so beautiful and exciting.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Walnut Room – Chicago My experience at The Walnut Room was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment I stepped inside, I felt like I was part of Chicago history. The atmosphere is timeless — warm lighting, beautiful wood paneling, and that classic elegance that you just don’t find anymore. The service was outstanding — attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. Our server made sure every detail was perfect, and the food was just as impressive. The chicken pot pie lived up to its reputation, rich and flavorful, and the Frango mint cheesecake was the perfect sweet finish. What really made it special was the feeling — there’s something magical about dining in such a historic space, especially surrounded by the festive energy of downtown Chicago. Whether you go during the holidays or any time of year, The Walnut Room is an experience you’ll never forget. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food, great service, and a true Chicago tradition.
First, you'll need to make reservations in Sept. for the holidays. We came on a Saturday and we waited in line for about a half hour before we were seated with a reservation. The one complaint I have is that it was at least 80° while we were there, I was literally sweating. Food wise the short ribs were the best, the pot pie, apple glazed turkey, and salmon were just okay. I hadn't been here since I was a kid and was glad I was able to make it, the staff was also super friendly.