Brass Tack

The Bottom Line: Brass Tack (Waldorf Astoria Chicago) If you’re looking for a spot that manages to feel both "Chicago Elite" and actually welcoming, Brass Tack hits the mark. Located on the second floor of the Waldorf Astoria, it dodges the typical stuffy hotel restaurant trope and replaces it with a vibe that is genuinely sophisticated yet relaxed. The Atmosphere: The space strikes a rare balance: it’s elegant enough for a power lunch but cozy enough that you won't feel out of place dining solo. In fact, the bar area is a standout—it’s clearly a sanctuary for solo travelers and locals looking for a refined drink without the noise. It’s polished without trying too hard. The Service: The staff here actually seem to care. You don't get that "doing you a favor" attitude often found in high-end Gold Coast spots. They are friendly, attentive, and hustling, ensuring the experience stays smooth. The Food: This isn't your standard, heavy hotel fare. The menu leans toward unique, health-forward flavors. Expect dishes that prioritize fresh ingredients and clean execution rather than just masking everything in butter. It’s "feel-good" food that doesn’t sacrifice the luxury experience. Verdict: Whether you’re grabbing a solo seat at the bar or settling in for a full meal, it’s a high-quality, dependable choice. Highly recommended.

We have frequented Brass Tack for multiple meals during our stay at the Waldorf Astoria. Today we had the pleasure of being served by James for breakfast. James was so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and hotel in general (which makes sense given he's been there since the hotel opened). Hard to make a simple breakfast special and memorable, but he managed to do that. The chefs never disappoint either, the food (zucchini bread, harvest bowl, frittata, and bacon) were all perfectly seasoned and prepared. On our way out, we saw our favorite bartender, Frankie, starting his shift. It doesn't matter what meal you come for, or what time of day you're there, Brass Tack will make you feel welcome and prepare your meal with care! Thanks team! 🥰🥰

My wife and I dined here for breakfast and lunch while staying at the Waldorf. The food and drink was incredible. The vibe and setting was cool, and the service was top tier. Robert served us both times and we came away from both experiences saying that we have to leave this review if not to let people know how great this place is then to let the world know how great Robert is. Thank you for the fantastic service, banter, and warm hospitality Robert! As for the food, I can highly recommend the breakfast sandwich (possible the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had) and the caesar salad. As for cocktails, I got the coffee house which was amazing!

The atmosphere is luxurious but still manages to be warm and inviting without being stuffy. Our server, Alex was excellent. We were here to celebrate my son's birthdays and it was a perfect special occasion dinner. The duck was outstanding and the Sea Bass and Kobe Steak were very good. If you're hungry, you'll want to get a larger portion than the 4oz steak but we had appetizers and desert so we were all stuffed. The deviled eggs were delightful, Bone marrow was a big hit as was the onion soup. Shrimp cocktail was good though not unique. The sides were all good-brocollini, Mac&Cheese, Mashed potatoes...only the fat fries were a bit ordinary. Deserts were all delicious...I only wish we could have tried them all! Pricing is what you'd expect at a 5-star hotel

Good food but not worth the price. Amazing ravioli but the black truffle didn't taste like anything. A bit pricey when you consider that the truffle doesn't add anything to the dish but cost. The mascarpone cheesecake was good but I wished there were different types of berries and better plating for presentation. The salted caramel drizzle seemed a bit messy. They also seated me at a booth with heavy tears in the seat.

My wife and I were staying at the Waldorf Astoria and had dinner here on a Thursday night. There was plenty of seating available and we asked for a booth. It’s a dimly lit and cozy restaurant. Our booth was in front of the bar. Alex was our server and he was very nice. We ordered one French onion soup to start and said we were going to share it, they brought it to the table in two bowls which was great and we enjoyed it. We also had the Truffle ravioli and the Lamb chops done medium. Both of them were very good but since this restaurant is located in the Waldorf Astoria, we expected it to be outstanding. For reference, the bill for two of us was $172 including tip.

Love this restaurant , soft music, you can have brunch ,food was delicious ,no waiting time, there is also a nice bar .

My girlfriend and I had the wonderful pleasure of dining here last night. We opted for their Restaurant Week menu. While I waited for my girlfriend to arrive, I sat at the bar and enjoyed a wonderful cocktail crafted by their bartender, Frankie, who recommended I try a Paper Plane since I enjoy bourbon. Our server, Graham, was on point with answers to any questions that we had and tended to us right on time. He seemed to know just when to arrive at our table throughout the dinner and offer us the next course. I had the bass and my girlfriend had the ravioli. Both were cooked to perfection with great texture, flavor, and presentation. We ended with two sweet and savory desserts and an espresso to wake us up after indulging in such a great meal. The staff was wonderful, the service was great, and the food was excellent. The easy listening music and dim lighting were enjoyable and created an intimate atmosphere. I would recommend a trip to Brass Tack if you want to indulge in a highly enjoyable experience.

Located inside the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Brass Tack offers excellent service in a classy restaurant environment. I only visited for breakfast since I was staying at the property, but the service and experience were all very top notch. We went with the Waldorf Astoria breakfast, which comes with eggs cooked to order, toast, crispy potatoes, a sausage side, and juice. Since I like to eat lighter for breakfast, it was no problem substituting a fruit plate in place of a side. We also had coffee and a cappuccino. The drinks were of decent quality, but nothing particularly impressive over going to a coffee shop. Breakfast was done really well with no weak points. Service was excellent, checking in just the right amount, and proactively offering coffee refills. While I'm not much of a breakfast person and the meals weren't exactly cheap, the food hit all the right notes and we enjoyed our experience at Brass Tack.

TRAVIS IS AWESOME!!!! No more needed to be said. The food was great, the service was better. Go and ask for him. He will take the best care of you. We will be back! -Haley and Dustin

We had a relaxing breakfast at Brass Tack on a Saturday morning. I was surprised to see the restaurant full. It took us a while to get seated. Our waiter was courteous and answered all of our questions patiently. We ordered the smoked salmon toast, maple strawberry french toast, and a kids grilled cheese. Everything was delicious and the flavors were unique for the toast and french toast. The kids grilled cheese was perfect for my picky eater. We were staying at the Waldorf and I'm not sure if I would go out of my way for breakfast here but would come again to try dinner. The space is beautiful and the service does not feel rushed. My kids also had some ice cream because why not and it was the perfect end.

I was craving steak frites and decided to come try brass tack. Came here on a Monday evening around 7 pm to sit at the bar and the place was almost empty. The restaurant was kinda bright and the overall vibe was not as I expected. The service was average and the food wasn't anything I'd come back for. I ordered a glass of the house Pinot Grigio for $19 and "steak frites" medium rare for $45. Although the entree took some time, I was quickly served my wine. When I received the "steak frites" I didn't really receive steak frites. What was suppose to be French fries was some potato brick/filet sort of thing that didn't taste like anything. To more of my disappointment, the steak was fatty and super chewy. The star of the show was the béarnaise sauce. It had great flavor! Overall, not sure if I would come back here and order the same entree. You can get steak frites at any other place around here with better quality and for half of the price. Furthermore, I assume the vibes are better when it's not Monday night.

A hidden gem! We went here for restaurant week lunch and had an amazing time! We just sat at the bar and really Enjoyed the ambiance and talking to the bartender. Everything was so delicious and the portions were really solid! We ended up getting our main course in a to go box after that amazing burrata with pistachio pesto. Loved our experience here. If you're in the mood for a up-scale lunch in streeterville this is the spot.

Had an amazing experience at BT. Wife and I came to BT for dinner while staying at the Waldorf. The staff as always was on point. Alex took amazing care of us. Made great recommendations and ensured our dinner went without any disappointments. The house sommelier, Taylor, was super personable and answered all of my wine related questions. I would strongly recommend asking Taylor for a recommendation when pairing wine with your meal. The restaurant had no problem accommodating our request for a quiet table where my wife and I could sit next to each other vs across from one another. I ordered the NY strip this time. The steak came out done to the correct temperature and was seasoned just the way I like it. The steak was accompanied with a cherry tomato's on the vine, lightly grilled. Tomatoes added a great balance to the meal. The steaks was so filling that we ended up skipping out on the desert but the desert menu offers a great selection of sweets. Overall, fantastic dinner experience. Looking forward to visiting Brass Tack again.

Food: very classic taste with small amount Service: good, nice staff, such a diligent and thrifty team, offer only one set of syrup and sauces if you order similar dishes... Price: 2 for $160 Ambiance: great place to go if you prefer somewhere with very classic vibe.

We stayed at the Waldorf so stopped in for a drink. Best cocktails and service of our whole time in Chicago. Great atmosphere.

Had dinner here since it had good reviews and it was walking distance from our hotel. Big bar you can order from the full menu. Friendly bartenders and service was great. Best French onion soup I've ever had. Burger was very good. Try the Garrett if you like bourbon. Better than an old fashion if you like those.

This spot, Brass Tack, is in the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. It's traditional American cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Nicholas Marino. From the moment you step inside, Brass Tack is a stylish ambiance accented in black and gold. The menu, has an array of dishes that celebrate the richness of American cuisine such as upscale sandwiches and salads for lunch. I had an arugula and farro salad with shrimp. Brass Tack is accompanied by an impressive bar program that caters to every palate. The passionate bar team meticulously crafts an extensive selection of craft cocktails, wine, and beer. The old fashioned was excellent. The restaurant's impeccable service and inviting atmosphere make it a go-to in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast.

The patty was well cooked and seasoned. The flavor is perfect; there's no need for condiments.

A great hidden gem! The brass tack is a great hotel restaurant located on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. It provides plenty of space and seating options as well as a great ambience not only was the food delicious with great portions. The drinks were good as well. I will definitely come back.

We were staying at the Waldorf for one night and had dinner here and then breakfast the next morning. First I'll say that both the service and ambiance were phenomenal. it exudes classiness. The interior of this place feels like something out of a movie, except that instead of being set up trying to copy from film, it's more like films use a restaurant like this as inspiration. The French Onion soup I cannot recommend enough. The soup and onions were rich and caramelized, and the bread and broiled cheese on top tasted amazing. My wife had scallops which were seasoned and seared to perfection. I had a truffle pizza which was rich and earthy and delicious. Style and elegance.

A grammatically correct version of your review would be: It's a nice place for a weekend brunch, but the service is a little slow, yet excellent. The food tasted mediocre but was presentable. Trying it once is good enough if you are around the Gold Coast or staying at the hotel.

I've been here multiple times for various meals. Tonight was dinner on a Friday evening. I always find the menu a little interesting overall. It does feature a variety of proteins and other mains and sides but generally nothing really stands out as extraordinary to me. I could be totally wrong and off-base here. With that, it was late in the evening and we decided just to share an appetizer and an entrée with the salt and pepper calamari which I found overall. Biting Into the calamari rounds seemed like biting into Styrofoam. I don't know if that was the flash fry and batter but they just didn't taste good overall. there was also very little chili lime aïoli underneath. We then split a burger. The burger itself is huge and could definitely be split. We appreciated the server having that done in the kitchen and we each had our own fresh order of fries. The burger was cooked perfectly, everything brioche. They were plenty of toppings on the bun as well. We would probably order that item again. We finished off with the banana caramel cake. It had good flavors overall and a beautiful presentation. Overall, the meal was good. The room can get rather loud with boisterous from the bar area. Overall, it was a decent meal. Service was friendly and efficient.

Best service around town, signature cocktails, amazing light bites! Even if you are not staying at the Waldorf you can visit Brass Tack. They have really good bloody marys!

Brass Tack stands out as a stellar dining experience, offering creative and flavorful dishes that showcase the chef's culinary expertise. Their thoughtfully crafted cocktails and extensive wine list are the perfect complement. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends or enjoy a romantic evening out. Top-notch service and an impressive menu make Brass Tack a standout choice.

Ambiance was kinda lame. But the food and service made up for it. The mushroom ravioli was so creamy and amazing. The steak was good as well. The dessert could use some work. Wasn't anything special.

I had a very nice lunch. The green bean burrata salad to start was remarkable. The salmon entree was very good. The service was top notch. I would highly recommend for a business lunch or a friend lunch where you want to relax and catch up.

We were here for Sunday Brunch, the Lobster toast was spectacular. Nice atmosphere and good service. I will definitely come back just for the toast!!

Lovely spot for a nice break. Welcoming staff, warm atmosphere. Nice wine selection and complimentary candied pistachios.

Enjoyed Brass Tack. The burrata appetizer was amazing. I had the steak frites and my wife had the scallops. Awesome. The apple dessert was just ok. Overall great ambiance and service.

Ambiance: Whiskey bar (quite a nice selection actually), for brunch with a very upscale pub feel. For the Waldorf Astoria, a very appropriate atmosphere. Greeted by by friendly staff and led to a booth. Service: Top notch. Travis did an amazing job, keeping just the right attentiveness, friendly conversation, and service, without being too overbearing, or too absent. Very professional in appearance and very friendly also. Food: Had the classic Eggs Benedict, one of my go-tos when traveling, with a side of bacon. And coffee. The coffee was very good, and Travis ensured the cup was kept as full as I needed. The eggs Benedict was also good, as was the bacon. Definitely a great spot for brunch in the Gold Coast area around the Waldorf.

Solid spot. Went her for their Thanksgiving pre-fix and liked it a lot. It's a small, cosmetic restaurant with nice servers. The bar looked like a great place to stop in for a quiet drink and the cocktails were pretty on point. I'd go back.

I had the pleasure of visiting Brasstack, a restaurant and bar tucked away inside the Waldorf. Located just a block away from my place, this spot has become my go-to for unwinding after a long day at work. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to enjoy a drink or two in the company of friends or even solo. On my last visit, I was fortunate to have Leannor as my bartender. His friendliness and attentiveness truly made me feel at home, keeping me company and entertained throughout my time there. Leannor's warm demeanor is a true testament to Chicago's reputation for friendliness, making my visit memorable and enjoyable! As for the drinks, I must mention the delectable Negroni that Leannor crafted for me. It was perfectly balanced, showcasing his skill and passion for mixology. I have to say, this was one of the best Negronis I've ever had. Do recommend.

Now in its latest incarnation as Brass Tack, I had the opportunity to visit last Thursday. I did not venture to the bar/restaurant on the third floor, opting for the drinks lounge on the second floor. In addition to bar seating, there are low tables around the space. The atmosphere is classy and calm. I felt relaxed as I enjoyed my Gin Martini. The complimentary popcorn and olives at each table were a nice touch and I enjoyed the fact that the music was unobtrusive (showing my age). This would be a great spot for a nightcap, as the whiskey selection is expansive. My only nits to pick are the lack of blue-cheese-stuffed olives (when specifically requested) and the air conditioner cranking (though understandable given the seesaw weather of April). Probably this won't be a regular spot on my rotation, but for a relaxing drink and to check out on a chilly spring day, it fit the bill nicely.

We just stopped in for cocktails and snacks. They were excellent. At liked the clubby atmosphere. The lack of the fifth star is that it felt overpriced. Bill for 2 drinks and the snacks was over $100.

A wonderful dinner at The Brasserie while staying at the Waldorf Astoria. From Zada the hostess being full of energy and having wonderful customer service skills, to Matthew and Alex making our dining experience wonderful. Would absolutely recommend dining here whether you are staying at the hotel or simply for when you find yourself in Chicago. Drinks: Pretty in Pink (Casamigos Blanco, orange curacao, lime, hibiscus): Basically a girly margarita. 5/5. General Lunaris (duck fat infused bourbon, pineau de Charentes, triple berry simple): Surprisingly excellent. I was nervous about the bourbon being "duck fat infused" but you can't taste it at all. 5/5 Apps: Duck Wings: The duck wings? Absolutely delicious. I do wish they weren't cooked as much as they were, duck tends to dry when it is over-cooked. But it was just slightly overcooked. Still great, and the sauce didn't taste much like barbecue. It had a sweetness to it. 4.9/5 Entrees: Wild-caught striped bass: I was surprised by this entree. I didn't expect it to be this delightful! The dish featured baby kale, a mashed potato base, and a delicious onion sauce. The skin on the bass was crispy, but the bass itself was moist and flavorful. 10/5. Pan-seared salmon: This dish consited of two things I strongly dislike: quinoa and asparagus. But I am so glad I ordered it! The different flavors were very complimentary. Would order again. 5/5. Brussels Sprouts: I remember disliking these when I was younger. They were great here and not bitter at all like I remember years ago. 10/5. We ended up coming here a couple more times. Maya at the bar was also incredibly friendly and helpful. We ordered the Duck Fat Fries. You don't taste the duck, but they are certainly crispy! Just fantastic service and food all around!

Very cool restaurant on the Waldorf property. Had brunch the first morning and the crab Benedict was perfect. My wife loved the pancakes they had. Perfectly sweet. Side of potatoes were fantastic.

We reviewed this place on the first day they opened years ago and had a staycation at the Waldorf and came for breakfast and lunch. Both meals were excellent. The standout items were the colossal shrimp cocktail...they were huge! We also loved the crème brûlée trio and it was a mix of pistachio and earl grey and regular and very yummy

Overpriced but I like the Waldorf. Best hotel in the city. Always stop by for a cocktail and to shill the boys some solana

Food - Dined here twice for breakfast while staying at the Waldorf, food is good quality but underwhelming in flavor. Everything was just okay, nothing stood out as "I really need to eat this again", flavors were just muted. Service - Friendly and attentive Ambiance - Old school classy vibe

We came by about a month ago for brunch and were exceptionally happy with both the food and service. We started with the smoked salmon spread and it was SO good. I would've loved more crostinis, but that's just because I wanted to eat all of spread. For entrees we had the lobster toast and porchetta dip. Both were ridiculously good and the portion sizes were perfect. I couldn't finish all of the lobster toast because it was so filling (I finished all of the lobster though lol). The bottomless rosé was so worth the price and it was truly bottomless.

I'm giving 5-star for the desserts, French onion soup, the dining hall decor, services, and the overall late-night dining experience. We picked Margeaux Brasserie because we saw amazing dessert pictures on Yelp and wanted to try it ourselves. We didn't realize it was a fancy place until we took the elevator to the 3rd floor of Waldorf Hotel. My teenage daughters and I felt under-dressed arriving at 9:30 pm, but with our California causal mentality we walked in like any other restaurant. The hostess welcomed us professionally and sat us at a table by the windows. Our waiters were very attentive, warm, and suggesting we split the soup into two half orders so we wouldn't feel too heavy with all the desserts we ordered. French onion soup - the broth was flavorful with the right amount of salt, the sliced bread embedded in the soup still had a nice chew and was not soggy like many other places. Espresso Creme Brulee - so creamy and silky that I will certainly be dreaming about this for days. Lemon Curd Tart - perfect balance of sour and sweet. Chocolate and Vanilla Profiteroles - these cream puffs came with a chocolate ganache sauce. I would drink that sauce with no shame.

I just love coming here for brunch ! It is always an excellent vibe and amazing service. Everything from the champagne to the food is great. My go to meal is the Waldorf Astoria breakfast. The drinks here are great and the brunch menu offers some delicious choices! This is one of my absolute favorite places to dine! Brass Tack is a fabulous spot for brunch. Check them out!

Had such a great birthday meal! The service was amazing, shoutout to Travis he went above and beyond! Steak was cooked to perfection and the potatoes were such a good play on frites but elevated! Highly recommend stopping by, and can't wait for my next meal here!

Located on the 3rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria, in Chicago. I visited this restaurant on a Wednesday evening on a cold wintery evening. Because of this, I don't think there was much competition for a table. We had a reservation for 7pm, and the restaurant was only about 1/2 full. I ordered the flank steak. Price was a bit higher than normal for a flank steak, but I have to say... It was delicious! I could have eaten two of them - not because I was still hungry, but because it tasted so good! It was cooked perfectly, and with just the right amount of seasoning. The steak came with an interesting, somewhat crispy potato that was very nice. I also had asparagus to round it out. Service was great. My water glass was never empty. My cocktail was nice, and the waiter was immediately at the table to see if I wanted another, as soon as the first was about empty. In case you're wondering, yes, I did have another. I had the Blackberry dessert. I'm probably not doing it justice, but it was basically a cheesecake with blackberry sorbet on top, a piece of cookie on the bottom, and with blackberries on blackberry jelly scattered on the plate. Not too big, and not too small. My tongue wanted more, but my stomach said, "enough". I was here for a business dinner with a colleague, and it was a great way to spend an evening. I'd happily come back for another visit.

Service was great but the food..... food was horrible. We had french onion soup, beef tartare, wild mushroom pasta, salmon, hamburger, and oyster?? Dish. But all of them were horrible except for french onion soup. Would not recommend anyone to go for food. Maybe i would go for drinks..

Great food and great service. Went for my birthday and was surprised with champagne and dessert. The steak and frites were amazing. The lobster pasta was just okay, not my favorite. All in all though we will definitely be returning.

Delightful, luxury hotel restaurant experience. Super fresh, hot. Bartender was on fire Big, strapping bald fella.. give him a raise! Live music was a nice touch. Super clean. Fast service. Mentioned that my guest was diabetic and needed quick serve hors devours.. they brought out shrimp cocktail in a matter of 4 maybe 5 minutes. Excellent service. Flew in for a quick trip to the city. This spot is a must try. Off the tourist track. Likely to see a celebrity in the lobby. Last time I was here Kelsey Grammer was walking his dog like it was super regular. safe space.

Went for lunch and ordered a very nice bottle of wine to share with an old friend. 10 minutes pass, no sign of the bottle or the waiter. 15 minutes pass, no update and no one has even come to see if we'd like to order food while we wait. 30 minutes in we finally catch the waiter and he said the cellar was in the basement of the hotel so it could take some time. A half hour to pull a bottle from the cellar? We were also on the third floor! Service was appalling and we left. No one noticed or seemed to care. Figured they would be thrilled to have guests who wanted to spend money and have a great lunch catching up, but apparently not. Bizarre, and shame on the Waldorf for this experience. Had a great lunch at Gibson's instead.

We love Brass Tack, it is a comfortable neighborhood spot with a hotel vibe to it since most of the patrons are guests at the Waldorf. We always sit at the bar here. If you like old fashioned drinks ask the bartender for his off menu London Old Fashioned cocktail. The burger is fantastic!

Most "First-Rate" hotels have a cafe type restaurant where their guests can get a good breakfast. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, certainly being a first-rate hotel, didn't disappoint! Just the elegance of the "Waldorf" brand conjures up class and distinction, and this was certainly the case with their Brass Tack Cafe. Our window table, right before Xmas on a cold and snowy morning, was the place I had chosen to take some L.A. visitors before they left for O'hare to catch a flight back home. The Brass Tack's breakfast menu covered every base: Light diet fare, man-hahndler fare (figures of speech only), healthy food, and really good coffee. I opted for the "Healthy" Yougart Parfait with house-made granola, berries, berry compote and a Chia Pudding with seasonal berries My choices were excellent. My L.A. guests dove into Waldorf Astoria breakfast with farm eggs, crispy yukon gold potatoes, bacon, sausage and avocado, toast. They were very happy. The service was wonderful and the ambiance was quiet and peaceful. Living so close to this wonderful hotel, I will use its for a bar a "happy hour" drink and hor d'oeuvre and for elegant evening dinners on special occasions.

Food and service were great and the atmosphere was quiet so one could converse. We had lunch then lingered over happy hour

Great spot food and service both great , food is just good , doesn't disappoint but doesn't stand out either.

Service was great, had the round table in the rotunda which was great our big group to have a lively group conversation. On top of all that the food was fantastic and I would recommend trying this restaurant. The Waldorf Astoria Hotel is lovely to visit too.

Just had one of the best burgers ever at Brass Tack. Also fries were perfectly cooked crispy and well done, just like I like it.

This is not the high French cuisine that pre covid reviews are talking about. The chef left and the restaurant increased prices but lowered the quality of the food. Cooked meals were terrible. Chicken dish was dry and chewy. Sauce was rationed. Halibut was okay, nothing special. Mash potatoes was cleverly described as different for both dishes but were the same. The only good thing was the Seafood platter we ordered as an appetizer. nice oysters from east and west coasts, tasty shrimp and salmon butter. Perfect for sharing between 2, or max 3 people. The grilled bread included with the plate was a perfect combination, but some of it was burned, which should have been thrown away and not served. Oh, the starter bread was stale. The restaurant presents themselves as a luxury french restaurant but for the price point they charge they don't deliver. Disappointed.

The food here is excellent. The beef tartare is one of the best things ever!!! Ambiance is lovely!