I had a work meeting here: and I have to confess I did not go to it for the content of the meeting, but for the opportunity to explore this building! Â The meeting was ok too, but they were a little bit freaked out by the fact that I came with my photo gear and took pictures the whole time :) Â The crowning jewel of the building is the top of the building's gorgeous high ceilinged, elaborately carved Cathedral Hall, with stained glass windows by Bartlett which represent different Ivy League universities and disciplines of thought. Â A secular temple of sorts.
A long history, a society for educated folks since 1887, the Club is in a 1909 building designed by Roche, called "the first gothic skyscraper" and is one of the more interesting buildings facing Millennium Park.
Other club opportunities include sports (squash is a huge thing here), restaurants, a library with amazing views, and a hotel. Â I guess intellectuals like squash.
Was taken here for a large business related dinner. It was definitely a high end place with a beautiful dining room and good service. The steak was excellent. The vegetables served with the steak were very good as well (I love grilled asparagus!). The salad and some mango/quinoa appetizer was a bit unique tasting but alright. Overall great food, very classy dining room and good service.
Review Source:This place is jaw dropping! The food is fantastic in presentation, taste, and variety! The University Club is one of those secret Chicago places one often hears about but believes it is urban myth. This place is ultra exclusive. It's very hard to get in and once you are in, it's amazing! The Men's locker room puts Ralph Lauren to shame. Cathedral Hall should be featured in a Cinderella movie. But this is why the place is mobbed with weddings. Â Kids events are out of this world. The Buttefly Ball is a parade of gorgeous little girls dressed in prom dresses hanging on their tuxedoed father's arms. The Camping Overnighter is bring your own tent to Cathedral Hall and is catered by the best chef in Chicago. How's that for an overnighter? Â This is where the founder of the Ritz Carlton first got his hospitality experience! What a pedigree!
Review Source:The University Club - No Institute of Higher Learning
I was really looking forward with great enthusiasm to attending a panel discussion sponsored by OneGoal at the University Club tonight. Â I planned to attend with my 17 year old daughter, whose curiosity about education reform was piqued in her sociology class. I arrived early in response to a warning that the event was filled to capacity and the University Club has just two old, slow elevators to transport attendees to the Cathedral room on the 9th floor. Â I learned thirty minutes later that the elevators are not the only things that are old and slow at the University Club. So are the policies. Â
I was comfortably seated and saving a chair on the aisle for her when my daughter, a clean cut, 17 year old honor student at Jones College Prep who is the captain of her soccer team and a member of Jones' ELITE leadership corps called to say that she'd been ejected from the club because her black trousers were identified as being made of denim and the club prohibits its guests and members from wearing such. Â
My bad. Â I knew that "denim" is prohibited at the Club, and when she asked me this morning if her pants were okay, I said yes. Â When I think denim, I think blue. Her outfit was modest and tidy - and black.
I hurried downstairs to see if I might be able to persuade the manager to allow her to discreetly enter. Was he was really going to deny a bright and interested young woman the opportunity to hear from and talk to a panel of some of the most distinguished members of the education reform community? Yes, he was.
I pressed. Â I asked him if he was absolutely sure he wanted to enforce this unfortunate and antiquated rule; one that had anyway already been broken by a fair number of guests who had arrived earlier and managed to slip upstairs unnoticed. He was absolutely sure. Â He insisted that we leave.
So, to the University Club, I say thanks for ruining what might have been a meaningful, life-path-changing evening and dialog between a mother and daughter. Â And get over yourselves; stand for something more important than no denim or athletic shoes. Â And to organizations like OneGoal, and KIPP and Teach for America, progressive disruptors fighting for the civil rights issue of our day, I suggest that you hold your events at venues better aligned with your missions and beliefs.
At 75.00 per person  not including drinks for mothers day brunch .. I think not ... The food was lousy ...The fish smelled like they just caught it ...The cathedral room is right out of a Harry Potter movie ...The people ???? Well .....Snobs  no other way to describe them ....I guess if your into that pretentious bullshit then by all means go the university club and have your ass kissed by the staff  ..but dont be expecting an important  phone call because cell phones  are not allowed ....only in restricted areas...oh and don't let me forget  the 20.00 dollars for valet parking ...what a disappointment .....
Review Source:5 stars for location, architecture, ambience and history! But, let's not forget why we had so much fun...the drinks! I've been here a few times for hosted events, so I won't comment on pricing or service. Â I can only assume the food and drinks they served were representative of their normal fare, which I say was above average but not exceptional. Â It is an honor to enter this place, and to imagine all of the exciting conversations people have had while enjoying the proud design, high ceilings, and beautiful views!
Review Source:This review is looong over due... but I absolutely love, love, love the U-Club. My husband and I got married there almost three years ago and to this day people still talk about how awesome our wedding was. Wendy was wonderful and she took care of everything - it was so great not having to worry about little things, because Wendy already had it covered, what ever it was.
Our wedding was a little non-traditional, a mix of east and west. It was a brunch event, since my traditional Indian family members are not big dancers or drinkers and Chef Baker was able to prepare some wonderful vegetarian Asian/Indian items. With that being said, we did have an open bar with passed champagne and mimosas and the delicious food seemed endless (I just wish I had the chance to eat more of it!)!
As my husband and I are members, we continue to visit the club whenever we can and I have to say that above all, it is the attentive and staff that really makes this place special. Well, and the amazing venue and views.
The University Club of Chicago is one of a handful of private clubs that is proud that they finally admit Jews and women as members. Of course, many clubs waited until the US Supreme Court forced them to do this, so I tend to hold all private clubs to this litmus test.
Naturally, this is a business attire required club, which never bothers me. Members and guests should expect a certain level of decorum when they walk in, and how you dress communicates information about who you are and how much respect you have for your environment.
SQUASH! This is the only club in Chicago with regulation-sized squash courts! I recall four courts, but I'm not sure. I am impressed with their continual involvement in the Windy City Open squash annual event and with the Hyde Park-based youth program, MetroSquash.
One of their best moves lately was to give up the Tower Club to ClubCorp, where it is now in very capable hands.
We found University Club of Chicago in a magazine and thought the venue had all the makings of what we wanted for our wedding. Sure enough it did! We wanted a unique space with full service amenities (we stayed there as well as had full catering services). No detailed was overlooked by Julianne who managed our reception. The staff was fantastic and the food was delicious. Big thank you to University Club of Chicago!
Review Source:We enjoyed our experience at this venue where we attended a recent wedding. We were able to walk throughout the building's many floors, old stairwells, barber shop, library, and other service areas. It was very cool. The building is old and historic in design. The Cathedral Room is a beautiful setting for a wedding - with Lake Michigan in the distance. The stained glass in this room is very cool - you could spend hours studying all the details.
The food and service was very good. I would rate it above average for a wedding meal - where you have to serve 150 all at the same time. All the servers were very pleasant, cheerful and accommodating.
During the cocktail hour, there seemed to be a major problem getting food out in a timely manner. It took 40 minutes for the hors d'oeuvre's to come out. There were lots of hungry people staked out by the doors where the servers arrived with the food. So there were a lot of people further inside the room who never got any of the hors d'oeuvre's. It seemed there must have been some mis-communication in the kitchen when the cocktail hour would begin.
Wow the new squash Courts are crazy nice, sad they didnt put in one raquet ball court though. Â This is the best club in chicago, former chef of the four seasons has a steak house night every thursday and it is Amazing! Â Best french onion soup in Chicago, perhaps the world. Â No Jeans no problem go treat yourself to pants at old navy for 13 bucks.
Great Club, Great Staff, THE BEST.
THE most amazing experience in old world formality and elegance. Â Aunt and Uncle are members and we make a point to at least stop by every time I'm in town. Â Everything is first class. Â If you have a chance to stay there during your time in Chicago you certainly won't regret it or forget it! Â This trip was the first time I'd dined in the cozy Gallery restaurant, which is located on one of the top floors. Â Their outside seating offers a breathtakingly beautiful view of the lake and park. Â The food throughout the club is excellent, as is the service. Â Staff and members are friendly and respectful. Â An absolute gem.
Review Source:wow. Â there is so much to say about the U club that I'm actually at a loss about where to start. Â My friends got married here last weekend and had their ceremony and reception at the club.
We spent the night before the wedding 4 deep in the super comfy california king bed in the bridal suite....the room itself was simple and quaint with fantastic views of the lake dead center, millenium park to the left and the art institute to the right. Â The location was fabulous for out of towners and chicagoans alike! Â The bathroom however, left a lot to be desired. oh well. Â The whole feel of the room was very martha's vineyard-ish, with whitewashed bay windows, etc etc.
Us ladies spent the day of the wedding getting ready and make-up-ing and hair-ing on the sixth floor. Â The room was great and we had lots of yummy food (hello club sandwiches...and HELLO bacon). Â The boys also had a man room downstairs which apparently had lots of man stuff including miller lite, fake bears and a pool table =)
The ceremony itself  and the reception were held in the great room, on the 8th floor, if i remember correctly.  The room is STUNNING.  tall windows, stained glass, dark wood detailing...it was fantastic.  The cocktail reception was held on floor seven and was equally fantastic.
Everyone at the club was gracious, excited about the wedding and extremely helpful. and the FOOD. Â the food was unreal. Â Onion soup with polenta cakes and pheasant (i think?), boston lettuce with blue cheese, pears and balsamic dressing, jumbo shrimp, filet mignon, potato cake and asparagus/carrots...TO DIE FOR....intermezzos of delicious and refreshing sorbet and to top it all off, champagne toasts and a fantastical chocolate decadence wedding cake. yum-o.
as if that wasn't enough....11pm rolled around the viola! Â Out come mini ice cream cones, teeny tiny cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, grilled cheese and mini mac n cheeses (its ok to have 5 because they're mini).
a great place to a fun celebration!
A company I work for has a yearly dinner here. As a venue goes, it's nice. There are views of the lake from the dining rooms.
The food was good; lobster bisque soup to start, followed by chicken entree with potatoes, & lastly, a light lemon cheesecake. They did rush between courses and if you weren't watching your dessert plate it might be taken away while reaching for your coffee.
my cousin's wedding was here. her new husband is a member so they had their wedding here. it was a very formal wedding with perfect little details. things that stood out were the wonderful views and top shelf wine. it was a bit tricky navigating between the many levels for the ceremony, family photos and the dinner because there were not enough elevators for the old people at the wedding since there was another wedding going on.
Review Source:Cat B.'s wedding was great.
I have to agree with her ratings and add that I have never had a bad meal there!
The bar staff is also nice.
Mom and Dad B. are the member's so , I can't really review everything,
But I do warn you that there are some pretty old school customs, so try to part with your jeans for just a few hours, folks!!
I have eaten here for dinner...the food is delicious...BUT...
I got married here and that is where the 5 (I wish it could be more) stars comes from. Â I worked with Lychelle from the catering department and she was wonderful. Â My wedding was beautiful and everything happened exactly how I wanted it to happen and I have no idea how everything got done. Â Isn't that how it should be for a bride on her wedding day??
It is right across the street from the park so we ran over here and took some great pics. Â
The food was phenomenal (the tasting itself was amazing!!). Â We were able to customize our chicken and fish entrees and picked all the wine choices. Â
Everyone still talks about what an amazing time they had. Â The place was beautiful and the staff was very professional. Â
They have a hotel there as well and hospitality rooms to hang out in while you are getting ready. Â A very very classy place and they made my wedding day very memorable.
I don't look too kindly on any establishment that makes me buy pants to enter. I came here for a work luncheon and missed the fine print about their dress code: "No Denim, Shorts, T-Shirts or Tennis Shoes
Collared Shirts are required for men, but not jackets or ties
Appropriate business casual attire for women." I had worn jeans to work, and it was made clear that under no circumstances could my bottom half be denim-clad and inside the University Club at the same time.
With the help of a nearby Old Navy, I took care of the situation and set about sampling the Tuscan Table buffet that my company had selected. The bland, pedestrian vegetable minestrone didn't bode well for the rest of the meal, but things went uphill from there. The grilled vegetables were flavorfully marinated but surprisingly cold; an appealingly colorful salad of orange and red tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and pesto vinaigrette tasted as good as it looked; and the butternut squash ravioli with cider sage sauce was unimpressive off the shelf but came wonderfully alive after a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
The two miniature desserts were superb. A tiny disc of citrus cheesecake with orange coulis was particularly delightful, thoughtfully featuring a sliver of candied orange peel. The chocolate raspberry cream tart served as an excellent contrast to the airy cheesecake.
The ambiance of the Monroe Room we were dining in was reminiscent of an upscale nursing home--lifeless and inoffensive while sort of whispering "classy" out of the side of its mouth. Basically, I would never go here on purpose--not that they're dying to have me--but it's not a bad place to get fed for free.
I enjoyed this place even though it's a monument to bad taste. I went to the opening reception for a friend's art exhibit this spring, in the gallery, which is a long, narrow room at the top with wonderful views of the ornamentation on the neighborhing cornices. Â Everyone was pleasant enough, but the artist mentioned that one of his friends had been turned away at the door downstairs for wearing jeans. That level of sartorial fastidiousness was ironic given that the elevator on the way up was full of ungainly men in track shorts heading to or from the club gym. Â Nonetheless, the evening ended well: Â after they put away the wine and we dispersed, I ended up playing pool on another floor with a friendly photographer after we nearly got locked in a stairwell while trying to walk down via the service stairs. When I stepped back from the pool table to make room I was somewhat taken aback to find myself standing in the embrace of a stuffed grizzly bear.
Review Source:After a visit to the University Club, I fell in love with the Cathedral Hall, and had a very nice dinner here last night.
Located on the ninth floor of the building, CH offers sweeping views of the city in a pristine environment. It is perfect for a business dinner or date as it is quiet and intimate.
The wine list is not extensive, but still offers a good selection. They also offer several offerings of non-alcoholic "cocktails" that sound pretty good.
Formerly the chef at the Four Season Chicago, the executive chef at CH features a contemporary American menu that is very seafood heavy. I started with a garden salad of frise and field greens, topped with a tangy raspberry vinaigrette. The dressing looked a little scary, but it was actually very good.
For dinner I had the halibut. It was on a bed of shaved asparagus and topped with a sweet pureed summer squash. The halibut was slightly overcooked, but was still very good. My dining companion had the tofu "scallops." They actually look like real scallops, but there are no substitutes!
Our server was very young and adorable.
Fun trivia... there was a scene in Trading Spaces that was filmed in CH.
Jacket required.
The food is outstanding, and the Easter brunch outfits of the clientele (dare I say costumes) provided plenty to look at. Â Some would have horrified Stacy and Clinton of What Not to Wear! Â I feel unless you're at the Kentucky Derby, grandiose hats should not be allowed in public, but hey - that's just my opinion.
My dad enjoys wining and dining clients here. Â He says the athletic department is fancy and just got an update. Â I'm sure it's got a bit of a gentleman's club feel to it, and I'd bet there's a cigar lounge somewhere.
The brunch was very good and beautifully set up - delicious food and attentive but not overbearing service. Â I'm glad I wasn't paying though - I'm sure it is veerrry expensive! Â (If I had to pay, my wallet wouldn't have let me give a five-star review)
Went here for a wedding. Â I love the concept (esp since they've started allowing women to join their club!)...and I hope to be a member one day. Â I think it would be an outlet to good networking.
The cocktail hour was in the library. Â There looked to be a large array of different literature. Â There were a few seating nooks w/ comfy chairs strategically placed.
The reception was in Collge Hall, I believe. Â It had crests everywhere, w/ the names of reputable universities on them. Â Very nice moldings on the ceilings, and AMAZING view of the Lake and Millennium Park.
My friends got a room for the night. Â Very nice that Univ. Club has rooms for rent. Â We also got to enjoy the smoking lounge. Â The reception dinner was remarkable and the service was top notch.
I have been here a few times, just got back from lunch with a former boss who is a member. Â We sat on the terrace and had a lovely view, although it is a little cramped. Â The salad bar was small but had fresh and tasty selections (asparagus with rasberries and goat cheese--yum!). Â I had the salmon with green lentils and a citrus sauce and pineapple relish and it was very good. Â The dessert bar was small, but again, very tasty.
Any time a member wants to take me, I am in!
this place rocks in an old school sort of way. Â sure it's members only but as far as private clubs go, this one is top drawer. Â the architecture alone is worthy of an ivy league club, the food is rather formal but i'm always finishing everything i'm served and the crowd is guaranteed to be delightful. Â seriously, if your alma mater ever decides to invite you here for lunch or you happen to be looking to join such a club, you really need to check out the interior of this club. Â the staff will treat you like royalty and you will not believe your eyes at what is inside. Â the segregated coat checks and waiting lounges are refreshing but watch out for all of the fur coats on the female side...if you're used to the private club scene, you may not even notice.
Review Source:
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