Eva S.
Yelp
I've been wanting to visit Up Room for awhile now and was so glad I did this past weekend. It's a beautiful bar on the 13th floor of Hotel Robey. It was relatively warm (mid 40s) for December and it had been raining, so it was pretty misty. The skyline was barely visible from the top floor but lucky for us, I'll say the foggy weather made for a shorter wait-time.
You'll enter on the 1st floor, then take the stairs to the 2nd floor where you'll put your name down with the hostess. If it's really crowded, you have the opportunity to grab drinks at the bar named "The Lounge" right on the 2nd floor. It's intimate and cozy. We sat down just for a few minutes at The Lounge before my phone buzzed with a text message that our table was ready, and we headed to meet the hostess.
We were guided to a tiny elevator that at most, maybe fit 6 people standing shoulder-to-shoulder, and whisked to the 13th floor to Up Room. I loved this vintage elevator, with sea green walls, gold-plated frames, and button knobs to press. It was about the size of a large food pantry and it was awesome.
It's a great date spot, a place to bring visitors, or an excuse to do something that feels a little glitzy. The staff was were down to earth and friendly - I thought the service was great. At Up Room, you'll be directed to your seats and offered a coat check. You will also be given kettle corn to munch on while deciding on what to order.
I ended up choosing a house favorite cocktail with pisco (I forgot the name). I also got to try a sip of the "Carrot Cake on the Rocks." Their menu is divided into "Up" drinks (martini-style, sweet & tart) and "Down" drinks (Old Fashioned-type drinks, 'relieved or accentuated by the garnish). The drink names are pretty punny and there is even a section of drinks themed after the great Chicago Fire. They also serve beer, wine, and whiskey.
We grabbed our drinks to look outside and even with the mist hiding the skyline, the views are spectacular. On the roof, you get to see the city from 3 different directions, it's almost a 360 view. There's a little "castle" enclave which overlooks 6 corners (where North Ave, Milwaukee, and Damen intersect). This dome with heaters, blankets, seats, and tables for your drinks.
Up Room is a reminder of the beauty, glam, and elegance of Chicago. What a treat to spend a few hours here!