Sweetwater Tavern and Grille
| Address: | 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA |
| Phone: | +1 312-698-7111 |
| Site: | sweetwatertavernandgrille.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
AM
Amanda Mages
Ive been intrigued to try Sweetwater for a while. Even from the outside, you can tell the place has a much snazzier/modern feel and decor then the dark and dingy looking space that it was back when it was a Bennigans. It was recommended to me by a friend when he heard I was looking for a place to take my mom when she came into town. This was a great pick for just that scenario. Living in downtown Chicago for over 7 years now, I consider myself a foodie with the best of us. When family from Michigan comes into town and they want to experience some of the great food and drink that Chicago has to offer, I sometimes have to remember their palate is not as adventurous as mine. The menu at Sweetwater is very approachable for those looking for American Fare, but still offers upscale versions of classic standards. Theres a perfect variety that I would hope fulfills everyone at the tables wants. The beer list doesnt look like its over compensating for anything, but still gives a great variety of both local and national microbrews, and can still impress even those beer snobs from Grand Rapids. They also dont go crazy with a ton of small brews on tap, but if draft is your thing, you still have fun and unique options to choose from. For entrees, you get a hefty plate at a very reasonable price, especially for this quality downtown. Make this your last stop after shopping the Mag Mile, because the food is heavy, and if you manage to finish a whole entree, youll need a nap before doing anymore walking. If you want to be smart, split an entree and order apps for the table. I couldnt pass up the cheese curds (Which were just as I imagined, crispy, greasy, delicious and PERFECT, with the smoked tomato dipping sauce.), but still ordered the parmesan crusted tilapia, and I unwillingly shuffled home. If I worked in the area, I can imagine this would be a great place to catch up with friends after work, but I have no idea what the wait is like. They have lots of screens and the atmosphere is fun and sort of loud, but is contained enough to still hear someone across the table who isnt shouting. I cant wait to come back here for brunch one day, maybe if I decide to do the Marathon this coming year! They serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays with a Bloody Mary bar and a drool worthy set of options that sound like they could refuel you after a heavy night of drinking, or ready you for a day in the city.
VI
Victoria Harris
My boyfriend and I walked in after a concert to grab a drink and a snack. The first thing the hostesses said was "are you looking for food? The kitchen is closing soon" We said "Yes" and she swiftly walked off and we werent totally sure we were even supposed to follow her. When the waiter walked over he took our order and got our drinks. All we ordered was the chicken wings. When they came out they were certainly not hot and for the steep price, there werent very many (8). After eating a few,I picked up the last wing which was bloody and looked under cooked. I put it back on the plate planning to notify the waiter when he quickly came grabbed the plate and left. I didnt get a chance to say anything and he never asked how the food was. The attitude and service was horrid and I think management should look into new staffing. As travelers, the hostess could have said "we are closing our kitchen soon and recommend you go to (suggestion) instead!" instead of giving us sass.
ST
Stuart Conover
My office is switching buildings soon so my boss took us out to lunch and we picked Sweetwater as the spot. We went in right as it opened and there was plenty of open seating but it was already filling up for the lunch rush when we were leaving. Ive walked past it a couple of times before and usually seems to be pretty busy. Wait staff was friendly and on top of bringing refills which was a huge bonus as I was needing the extra caffeine. No complaints here as they were checking on us just enough but werent there too long to be annoying. Exactly what youd want! For food I tried out the bacon and cheddar burger medium rare with sweet potato fries. The burger was juice and delicious (great pickle too, should have asked for a second one) and while the fries were crispy they seemed to lack in seasoning. Tasted fine with ketchup but otherwise didnt live up to the stronger flavors of the burger. Still, a very filling and tasty meal overall!
JE
Jeffrey Wolfram
Absolutely Horrible! If I could give negative stars I would! How a Chicago sports bar can refuse to put on the Chicago Blackhawks game can never ever be rationally explained! I even made reservations to watch the game there! We left after appetizers grabbed a sixer and headed back to the hotel to watch the game and order a pizza! This place should be avoided by all Chicagoans at all costs! What we did eat and drink there was not special in the slightest. The potato soup was runny, the cheese curds were mediocre and they omit selling the finer Chicago area beers. This place is anti-Chicago. The video dj should be dragged outside and tied between 2 Zambonis headed in opposite directions! The gutless manager should be relegated to working a downtown Detroit Redwings favoring sports bar! They have no soul!
A
A Private User
There was a roach climbing on the wall directly next to my table I requested a tour of the kitchen but was denied due to sanitary reasons. I said that is interesting because how sanitary can the roach climbing in the dining area next to the kitchen be? My family friends were hungry and ate anyway. I opted for beef jerky and cashews from the local gas station. They did comp the tables appetizers I drank my beverage and kept my purse in my lap. Too bad this is the location for the kstate tailgate for the north Texas football game I will probably have to make a run to the gas station again. Just because this is an old building there is no good reason for upholding certain levels of cleanliness! Oh, no paper towels in the restroom either. If you dare go here keep your eyes peeled!
A
A Private User
Could be better. Went there my first night after catching a White Sox game and decided to go in to have a beer and watch some preseason football. The beer, a Magic Hat #9 draft was fine (despite the warm pint glass) but there wasnt a sporting event to be seen on any of the huge TVs. I saw news, weather, and even re-runs of "The King of Queens" but no sports. Disappointing. The place had a nice, upscale feel to it without the upscale price. I had an appetizer, bacon wrapped jumbo shrimp stuffed with pepperjack cheese. Great flavor & texture, would definitely recommend food. Bottom Line: It wasnt nearly busy enough for so much non-attention to detail. Atmosphere counts and had it been better, I would have been back every night of my trip.
MA
Matt Ezell
Cant speak to anything aside from service and beer, as those are what I sampled. Showed about 4 on Sunday - lots of passing foot traffic, but Sweetwater wasnt too busy (we had our pick of bar, indoor and outdoor). Due to my friend needing to catch a flight, we opted for bar and were politely instructed to grab a seat. Interactions with all staff was very friendly/pleasant. Bartender had laughs for free, was attentive and offered up suggestions based on our input. Great draft selection. Friend got fried curds/cheese/something-i-dont-know-i-was-drinking-what-do-you-expect-from-me and really enjoyed them. Definitely will be back before I leave Chicago.
