Walnut Room Chicago - A Timeless Dining Experience

For anyone looking for a special meal in the middle of Chicago, the Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street presents a truly unique spot to visit. This place, you know, has been serving people for a very long time, offering a taste of history alongside delicious food. It's not just a restaurant; it's a piece of the city's story, still going strong after many, many years.

The Walnut Room first opened its doors way back in 1907, inside the famous Marshall Field's department store. It was, in fact, the very first restaurant ever to be part of a department store, which is pretty cool when you think about it. Today, it keeps that long tradition alive while also bringing in new things, like fun events and, of course, the much-loved holiday celebrations.

If you're thinking about stopping by, especially during the festive season, it's good to know that reservations for the holiday period often open up quite a bit ahead of time. For example, they were taking bookings for the upcoming holiday cheer starting November 4th, and for the Christmas decorations, they opened on September 27th, so you can plan your visit to the Walnut Room Chicago.

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Table of Contents

• The Enduring Charm of the Walnut Room Chicago
• What Makes the Walnut Room Chicago Special?
• A Taste of History - The Walnut Room Chicago's Beginnings
• How Does the Walnut Room Chicago Blend Old and New?
• Planning Your Visit to the Walnut Room Chicago
• When Can You Make Reservations for the Walnut Room Chicago?
• What to Expect on the Menu at the Walnut Room Chicago?
• Finding the Walnut Room Chicago

The Enduring Charm of the Walnut Room Chicago

The Walnut Room, found inside Macy's on State Street, holds a special place in the city's past. It's, you know, a spot where you can enjoy food that feels like a warm hug, all while being surrounded by surroundings that feel quite grand. This restaurant has a way of making you feel like you've stepped back in time, yet it's still very much a part of today's Chicago scene. It has a legacy that many places can only dream of, and it continues to welcome people year after year, especially when the holidays come around.

For more than a century, this place has stood as a symbol of hospitality and fine dining within a shopping environment. It’s a very interesting thing, to be honest, to think about how many people have shared meals and made memories within its walls. The dining area itself is quite large, stretching out to about 17,000 square feet, which gives everyone plenty of room to relax and enjoy their time. This extensive space, you know, allows for a comfortable experience, whether you are just stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a more drawn-out meal.

The history of the Walnut Room Chicago is something people often talk about. It’s a restaurant that has seen so much of Chicago’s growth and change, yet it remains a constant. People often visit it as part of their family traditions, particularly during the festive months. It's a place where generations come together, creating new stories while remembering old ones. The fact that it has been around for such a long stretch of time, still serving people, really speaks to its lasting appeal and the special feeling it gives to everyone who walks through its doors.

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What Makes the Walnut Room Chicago Special?

What truly sets the Walnut Room Chicago apart from many other places to eat? Well, it's a combination of things, really. For one, it holds the distinction of being the first restaurant ever opened inside a department store. This fact alone gives it a unique historical weight, making it more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a landmark. You are, in a way, dining within a piece of history, which is quite a different experience from your average restaurant visit.

Then there's the ambiance, which is a big part of its draw. The atmosphere inside the Walnut Room is one of refined comfort. It’s a place where you can feel a sense of occasion without it being overly stuffy. People talk about the great tree display, especially during the holidays, which is a truly remarkable sight. This tree, you know, is a central feature that brings a festive spirit to the entire dining area, making every meal during that time feel like a celebration. It's a rather special touch that many look forward to seeing each year.

Beyond the history and the looks of the place, the food itself contributes to its specialness. The Walnut Room offers food that feels familiar and comforting, like dishes you might have grown up with, but prepared with a certain level of care. It’s about feeling at home while also enjoying a meal out. The combination of its long story, its beautiful setting, and its inviting food means it keeps people coming back, year after year, for a dining experience that feels genuinely unique to the Walnut Room Chicago.

A Taste of History - The Walnut Room Chicago's Beginnings

The story of the Walnut Room begins in 1907, a time when department stores were becoming grand centers of commerce and social life. Marshall Field's, a name synonymous with quality and elegance, decided to do something quite new by opening a dining spot within its walls. This was, basically, a groundbreaking idea at the time. Before this, people might have gone shopping and then left to find food, but the Walnut Room changed that, offering a convenient and pleasant place to rest and eat right there in the store.

Being the very first restaurant to open inside a department store, the Walnut Room set a precedent for retail establishments across the country. It showed that a shopping trip could include a full dining experience, making the store a destination for more than just buying things. This innovation, you know, truly shaped how people thought about shopping and leisure. It was a forward-thinking move that contributed to the overall appeal and draw of Marshall Field's, making it a place where people could spend an entire day.

Over the many decades since its opening, the Walnut Room Chicago has maintained its original spirit while adapting to the times. It has, in a way, stood the test of time, witnessing countless changes in fashion, food, and city life. Yet, its core identity as a welcoming, grand dining spot has remained. This long life means it holds a special place in the hearts of many Chicagoans, some of whom have family memories stretching back generations, all tied to meals shared in this very room.

How Does the Walnut Room Chicago Blend Old and New?

One of the most interesting things about the Walnut Room Chicago is how it manages to hold onto its long-standing customs while also embracing fresh, more current ideas. It’s not just a place stuck in the past; it moves with the times, but always with a respectful nod to where it came from. This balance is what keeps it relevant and appealing to a wide range of people today. You might, for example, find traditional holiday decorations side-by-side with events that are quite contemporary.

For instance, while the restaurant is well-known for its yearly Christmas tree lighting, an event that draws crowds and feels very traditional, it also hosts things like drag brunches. These brunches are a clear example of the restaurant bringing in modern forms of entertainment and welcoming different kinds of audiences. It’s a way of saying, "We honor our past, but we're also here for everyone, right now." This approach, you know, helps the Walnut Room stay lively and interesting, appealing to both those who cherish its history and those looking for something new.

The menu, too, shows this blend. You can find dishes that have been favorites for a very long time, like Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie, which is a classic. At the same time, the restaurant likely updates other parts of its offerings to keep things fresh and to cater to current tastes. This mix means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a taste of nostalgia or something a bit more current. It’s a pretty clever way to keep a historic place feeling current and inviting for all who visit the Walnut Room Chicago.

Planning Your Visit to the Walnut Room Chicago

If you're thinking about experiencing the Walnut Room Chicago for yourself, a little bit of planning can go a long way, especially during popular times of the year. Because it's such a well-loved place, particularly during the holiday season, it can get quite busy. Knowing a few details about its location and when to book can make your visit much smoother and more enjoyable. It’s a place that many people put on their must-do list when they are in Chicago, so being prepared is a good idea.

The restaurant is located on the seventh floor of Macy's on State Street, which places it right in the middle of a bustling part of the city. This spot is quite convenient, as it’s in the heart of Chicago’s theater district. So, if you’re planning to see a show, the Walnut Room makes an excellent choice for a meal beforehand, or even for a glass of wine. It’s also a perfect spot to take a break if you’ve been doing a lot of shopping at Macy’s. The ease of getting there and its central location are, you know, definite perks.

People who have visited the Walnut Room often share their thoughts online. For instance, on TripAdvisor, the restaurant has received over 600 reviews, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5. This places it quite well among the many restaurants in Chicago, showing that many people have had good experiences there. These reviews, you know, can offer some insight into what others have enjoyed and can help you decide what you might like to try when you go to the Walnut Room Chicago.

When Can You Make Reservations for the Walnut Room Chicago?

Getting a table at the Walnut Room, especially during the festive months, requires a bit of foresight. The restaurant is known for its Christmas decorations and the famous Great Tree, which makes it a very sought-after spot during that time of year. Because of this popularity, reservations open up quite a bit in advance, and they tend to fill up quickly. For example, for its 117th year of Christmas decorations and dining, bookings opened to the public on September 27th. This early opening means you really need to be on the ball if you want to secure your spot.

For the broader holiday season, the historic Macy’s Walnut Room typically begins accepting reservations around early November. In some respects, it's almost like planning for a special event, rather than just a meal out. For instance, they were ready to welcome people for holiday cheer starting November 4th. This early window for booking is something to keep in mind if you have a specific date or time you’d like to visit. It helps to check their website or other booking platforms well ahead of your desired visit date.

The restaurant also offers various options for holiday dining, including different types of breakfast buffets, like a Santa breakfast buffet, and options for group dining. These specific offerings also have their own reservation schedules. It's usually a good idea to look into the full details of their holiday hours and menus online, as they often provide frequently asked questions and other helpful information to make your planning easier for the Walnut Room Chicago. This way, you know, you can pick the experience that best suits your group.

What to Expect on the Menu at the Walnut Room Chicago?

When you sit down to eat at the Walnut Room Chicago, you can expect a menu that features food that feels comforting and familiar, often with a nod to traditional American cooking. They are well-known for certain dishes that have become staples over the years, giving diners a taste of what people have enjoyed there for a very long time. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel good, especially after a day of shopping or exploring the city. The offerings are generally straightforward, focusing on quality and taste.

One of the most talked-about items on their menu is Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie. This dish is, basically, a legend in its own right and a must-try for many who visit. It’s a classic, hearty meal that speaks to the restaurant’s long history and its commitment to serving well-loved comfort food. Beyond this famous pie, you can usually find other traditional holiday favorites on their a la carte menu, especially during the festive season. The menu aims to provide satisfying choices that appeal to a wide range of tastes, so there's often something for everyone.

While the specific menu items might see small changes from time to time, the core idea of offering classic, comforting meals remains. You can typically find a selection of main courses, perhaps some lighter options, and surely some tempting desserts. They also have a wine bar area within the Walnut Room, so you can enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, or just stop by for a drink. It’s all part of the overall experience, designed to make your visit to the Walnut Room Chicago a pleasant one, whether you’re there for a full meal or just a quick stop.

Finding the Walnut Room Chicago

Locating the Walnut Room Chicago is quite straightforward, given its prominent position within Macy's on State Street. You'll find it on the seventh floor of the department store, which is a building many people recognize in the city. Its location is a pretty good one, as it’s right in the middle of Chicago's downtown area, making it easy to get to from various parts of the city, whether you're walking, taking public transport, or coming from a nearby hotel.

The restaurant's address and contact details are readily available for those who need them. You can usually find business information, directions, and ways to get in touch through places like Choose Chicago or Macy's own restaurant website. These resources, you know, are quite helpful for planning your trip, especially if you have questions about specific hours or need to confirm details before you go. It’s always a good idea to check these official sources for the most current information.

Being situated in the middle of the Chicago theater district also means it's a convenient stop for many different kinds of outings. Whether you are looking for a place to eat before a show, a spot to relax after some shopping, or just a destination for a special meal, the Walnut Room is quite accessible. Its long history and continued operation make it a very well-known spot, so asking for directions once you are in the area is usually simple. The Walnut Room Chicago stands as a very visible and welcoming part of the city's dining landscape.

The Walnut Room in Chicago, located on the seventh floor of Macy's on State Street, is a historic dining spot that first opened in 1907 within Marshall Field's department store. It holds the distinction of being the first restaurant ever in a department store. The establishment blends its long-standing traditions with modern elements, hosting events like drag brunches alongside classic Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. Reservations for holiday dining, including the iconic Great Tree display, typically open in late September and early November. The menu features comfort food favorites, such as Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie. This restaurant, which has been operating for over a century, is a popular choice for shoppers and theater-goers due to its central location in the Chicago theater district and its elegant ambiance, as reflected in its positive customer reviews.