The overall look is pleasing, from the swirly metallic cylindrical holders for food items like bread down to the smart orange, black or navy blue shirts worn by the staff. The booths appear very cozy, but the small tables seem to just fill in the gaps of the dining room. Our two-seated table was fortuitously located next to the window wall facing the bustling alfresco area outside.

The useful list of wines and beers features selections from great beer countries like Belgium and Ireland (I ordered a Czech beer while my companion enjoyed a margarita). Our complimentary serving of bread was accompanied by butter and this delicious relish consisting of mashed olives and garlic. We ordered a plate of onion rings and they were a reasonably tasty pile of thin-cut strings and rings.

The main courses feature various grilled meat dishes as hinted at by its name. My entree was mysteriously named Peking duck with mole sauce, although the only Asian aspect of the dish was its pristine side of white jasmine rice. The generous serving of a half-duck, cut up into several pieces, was very meaty and not fatty at all. The mole sauce was deep brown and subtly spicy. Perhaps a name change to Puebla duck would be more appropriate, but still it was a tasty dish. My companion ordered prime rib, which was straightforward and decent but unfortunately not evenly cooked. The menu is a la carte, so I was lucky that my duck had rice on the side. Other American-style classics include rotisserie chicken, pork chops, pizza, and fish dishes. The desserts looked delicious, but our substantial courses filled us up.

If you dine at the Park Grill indoors, you may not want to know that the gargantuan 110-ton Cloud Gate sculpture sits on the plaza above you. For those with less money or time to spend, try the Park Cafe next door for a small bite to eat. You order from a menu of sandwiches, soups and salads, then take it outside and stare at "the Bean".

Adjacent to the more formal Park Grill Restaurant is the Park Café that offers the casual option of take-away for those in search of a quick meal or beverage. You can choose from wraps & sandwiches, soups, & a salad bar. Most choices are priced under $6.

Picnic bags are available for those who wish a romantic or casual picnic in the park to listen to music in the new band shell.
Choices of picnic fares vary in price & selections. They range from the lighter "Sandwich Bag" containing Pasta salad with olives, roasted peppers & basil, choice of chips, choice of: smoked turkey Wrap or chicken salad, ham and Swiss, corn beef or tuna salad sandwich, fresh baked cookies, bottled water or soft drink for 13.95 per person. Heartier picnics can be had for 25.95-29.95 per person like "The American"containing BBQ or Fried Chicken & Corn on the Cob or "The Epicurean" filled with a special Heirloom tomato salad, Tandori chicken & couscous.

The Picnic Bag includes napkins, moist towelettes, plastic utensils & salt & pepper. I was told that picnic baskets will come later in the summer. To add a comfy touch to your picnic, there are a limited number of lawn chairs available for rent through the Café.
The Picnic Hotline to reserve your romantic dinner: 312.521.7280.

You can take you selections from the Park Café to eat out throughout the grounds of Millennium Park or sit at a shady table in a special section of the café’s adjacent summer Terrace under pretty yellow or blue umbrellas.

In collaboration with the Chicago radio station WNUA a Summer After-Work Concert Series:THE CHILL is held each Thursday night at 7pm. With your $39 concert ticket, there is a special Prix Fix Menu per person including Champagne.

Chicago planners hope Millennium Park will become an International destination. I was happy to see the thoughtfulness of Park Café’s owners with their way-making sign written in multiple languages. I hope city-planners follow their lead.

When this restaurant first opened in November 2003, it was never very crowded. But now that Millennium Park is officially open and hopping with action, you will have a problem getting in without reservations. I was impressed to hear that Park Grill had ranked fifth on the Best New Restaurant category in the 2004 Zagat Chicago Restaurant Guide after being open only 6 months.

Inside the restaurant there is seating for 300 on cushy celadon velour-seated chairs or generously cozy leather booths at dark wooden tables. The furnishings set against the creamy golden walls, cinnamon wood trim and pale marble of the floors and fireplace make an elegant, yet unstuffy statement. There are old black and white photos of what the area looked like in the past, including original peristyle that was knocked down, but replicated again in the NW corner of the park.

With the proximity of the Harris Theater and Chicago Symphony this classy eatery will be a popular after-theater destination for a night cap at the bar in the back of the space. The chic setting, the inviting booths and the view of the glittery skyline and in the winter the window-wall overlooking the ice rink will in time make this a popular date spot.

Chef Bernie Laskowski (previously of upscale MK and Bin 36) has set a classic American menu serving up contemporary classics like dark and rich French onion soup, chili-spiced baby-back ribs, and simple penne pasta with juicy stewed tomatoes. His fresh-made olive tapenade and warm, crusty bread start out meals on a French Provençal note, though.

Kids and burger devotees will be in heaven here, but for a hefty price. The thick sirloin patty perfectly cooked, nestled in a toasted sesame and poppy-seed flecked bun and served with a big pile of skin-on fries, is 13 bucks. For dessert, you'll have to decide between warm, creamy banana bread pudding and all-American mini apple pie.

The chilly Tribune Ice Rink was turned into the city’s biggest alfresco warm-weather dining patio for an additional 300 or more diners. It boasts a different, but still spectacular view of the Chicago skyline and an up-close-and-personal view of the silvery bean sculpture "Cloudgate." The atmosphere makes you more feel more relaxed, as outdoor dining will do, and I can say I felt very special surrounded by world-class art and architecture.

Open daily for lunch 11 am-2:30 pm.
Ladies-who-lunch or executives on the go can expect a tab of $10-$15.

Dinner served nightly 5 pm-11 pm.
$20-$30 average without drinks.

The Park Grill offers a banquet space for up to 125 and a private dining room for up to 40 guests.