Grand Lux Cafe

Whenever my parents are in town, I bring them here because I can't afford to pay for this place on my own budget! This place is awesome and always a hit with my entire family. They have great food here and the portions are huge. We always request to sit by the window, even if it means waiting longer because it makes the experience so much more fun. I love this restaurant and the food, decor, and service are amazing. more

Grand Lux is located above Michigan Avenue on Ohio. If you are lucky, you'll get a window seat and get to watch the endless movement of people and cars on Michigan avenue. That is if you can ever decide what you want to eat. They have a huge menu, with something for everyone, and I think reasonably priced. I like the lemon chicken, and of course the chocolate volcano cake dessert that you have to order first so it will get done cooking in time for dessert. The decor is extravagant as well. This place can get busy though and a line does form, so get there early. more

If you like the Cheesecake Factory then you will love Grand Lux cafe. They are a little more upscale version of Cheesecake and offer some great seafood items including the Cedar Plank Salmon. The hardest thing is trying to decide between all the great options on the menu. Some of the appetizers are so great that you will want to skip dinner. You definately have to try the desserts too. more

This place really impresses me in so many ways. One of my former coworkers used to rave on about it so I decided to meet her there for lunch. Wow! I love the way it looks, the menu is amazing, the view is something to behold and the desserts...oh, come on. There should be a law against desserts that look this good! We went during an off time (if you hate crowds like I do, go between 2:30 and 4:30). When I went back again I took my mom and she was loving it too. I had this drink with all this fresh fruit inside (can't remember the name, maybe tropical passion or something?) It was a non alcoholic drink and I just thought it was wonderful. I enjoyed their chicken salad sandwich, the salad with blue cheese dressing and I did steal some of my mom's omlet which was very good as well. You have to make a special trip to visit Grand Lux. more

.This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Go on a first date and ask to sit in the room with the cool ceiling, they’ll know what you’re talking about. The place is gigantic and so intricately decorated. There is something beautiful to see everywhere you look. It has the potential to be ultra-romantic and cozy or fun for the whole family. Absolutely everything on the menu is to die for, although I was addicted to the burger melt for a couple months and couldn't’t stop ordering that. I would call it gourmet American food. Many entrées are ethnically inspired with a unique flair added by the chef and displayed with great creativity. Their molten chocolate cake is a must if you’re on a romantic date. Ask for two spoons and share it with your date. You’ll need to order this a half hour ahead of time, like many of their other baked to order desserts. more

Although the Grand Lux Cafe is owned by the Cheesecake Factory, it doesn't seem like a chain restaurant. The interior is decorated beautifully and the menu is staggering - one of the most extensive menus I've ever seen. They have great salads, but beware - if you're there during lunch order the lunch portion. The regular portions are huge. The portions are more than enough for two, so you'll definitely have plenty to take home. They also make a pretty mean bloody mary. more

This is a beautiful restaurant to eat at in the city. It is so intracately designed, with marble finishing and intricate patterns. It is owned by the same people as the Cheesecake factory, so you can expect the same quality and freshness for the food. But the menu here has a multicurtural twist, with lots of fusion choices. Their dessert menu is another must have, and the chocolate molten cake is the perfect choclatey choice to finish off an excellent meal. The food here is really delicious, the service is superb, and the setting is sophisticated and unmatched by many other. more

This places association with The Cheesecake Factory is pretty obvious -- you will find great serivce, good food, big portions, and great desserts here as well. But do plan on a hefty wait -- I have never gone here without having to wait at least an hour to get seated for dinner. And they do not take reservations. But I think the wait is worth it if you are with a big group -- you'll enjoy your meal in this casual, yet upscale setting and you'll also get a very cool view of the city. Located atop the Ann Taylor store, this restaurant offers an exquisite view of Michigan Ave. Something yiou won't find anywhere else! more

This restaurant is under the same company as The Cheesecake Factory, so you'll notice a similar atmosphere. This place is a bit nicer though and it is known for their desserts. I recommend getting a small meal to save room for their desserts. It's a great place to go after a watching a show in the city or relaxing after a day downtown. more