by kosvp

March 24, 2005

From journal Windy City Spots

The Signature Room offers one of the best views in Chicago! Whether you go there for dinner or just a cocktail it is well worth the money. The best time to come is in late afternoon and then you are sometimes blessed with a majestic sunset. This way you also get to see the city in the daylight and at night! It makes the city look like two entirely different places.

The Signature Room in the John Hancock has it’s own elevator and rarely do you have to wait in line like the tourists do to go to the observation deck. An important thing to note is that I you are going there to eat tell them and the chance of you waiting for an elevator dramatically decreases.

There are two different bars to sit if you are looking for just a cocktail. Check them both out before you decide where you want to sit. Usually, the one by the dining room is more crowded and while there will be more people to talk to, the view might not be as good. In addition people who are eating dinner usually don’t appreciate you standing in front of them to look at the view.

The Lounge is on the 96th floor and there is often live jazz here Wednesday-Saturdays so you can make it an all night event if you wish to. If you are just going to have a drink, realize that many of them are cheaper than the price of the observation deck and remember you are in Chicago. So, while a martini may be $10 how can you complain when you are 956 stories up and overlooking Chicago!

Although there is no official dress code, please be mindful of other people, especially if you are in the bar by the dining room. A lot of people come to the signature room for special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, special events, rehearsal dinners). Therefore, they often dress to reflect this; I am not saying that you must come dressed to the nines, but make sure that your shirt is tucked in and your shoes match.

Other than that, have a great time and enjoy the view and all that Chicago has to offer.

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