Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: State and Lake Chicago Tavern
Address: theWit Hotel,201 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601
Telephone: (312) 239-9400
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.31

State and Lake Chicago Tavern

theWit Hotel,201 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601

(312) 239-9400
Store is closed

State and Lake Chicago Tavern Menu

Starters

Onion Soup

Tomato Basil Soup

Seasonal Soup

Buffalo Fries

Chicken Wings

Fried Calamari

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Duck Taco
Burgers

Burger Of The Day

Classic Burger

Bbq Bacon Burger

Basil Smoked Burger
Sandwiches And Tacos

Tuna Melt

Caprese Chicken Sandwich

Smoked Turkey Panini

Blt & Egg Sandwich

Reuben

Grilled Ham And Cheese

Chili Dusted Fish Tacos
Entree Salads

Grilled Chicken Caesar

Wedge

Cobb

Sesame Tuna Crunch

Southwestern Chopped
Specialties

Steak Frites

Crab Cakes

Charred Top Sirloin

Atlantic Salmon

Angel Hair Pasta And Shrimp

Grilled Tuna Steak

Roasted free Bird Chicken

Steak And Cake

Braised Short Rib Ragout

Fish & Chips
Dessert

Espresso Brownie Sundae

Apple Pecan Pie

Lemon Bar

Mini Cupcakes

Healthy Meal suggestions for State and Lake Chicago Tavern

Starters

Onion Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tomato Basil Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Artichoke Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Duck Taco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Burgers

Burger Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Bacon Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Basil Smoked Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches And Tacos

Tuna Melt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caprese Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Turkey Panini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blt & Egg Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Reuben [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Ham And Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili Dusted Fish Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entree Salads

Grilled Chicken Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wedge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cobb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sesame Tuna Crunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Southwestern Chopped [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Specialties

Steak Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charred Top Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Angel Hair Pasta And Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Tuna Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted free Bird Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak And Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Short Rib Ragout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fish & Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Espresso Brownie Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Apple Pecan Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemon Bar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mini Cupcakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Jennifer H.

We had a great time here before attending a performance at the near by theater. Drinks were strong and they had so much more than bar food! Only downside is the single stall bathrooms. The line was 4 people deep, so the wait was long.
(4)
Kara D.

This review is for breakfast. We stayed at The Wit for four nights and enjoyed breakfast each morning. I found the breakfast to be very good for all of the visits. The yogurt parfait was delicious and much better than your standard restaurant yogurt parfait. The omelettes were tasty, too. The coffee was super strong one morning and weak another morning, which is a little inconsistent. The service we received each morning was excellent.
(5)
Tim K.

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times: I really love this place. Mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights -- I always have a good experience. Being a Hilton Diamond, I've been to my share of hotel restaurants. I'll safely say this is my favorite. It doesn't feel like a hotel bar/restaurant. Today - New Years Day 2015 - Brunch. By pure luck, Paige is our server. She's waited on us before and I may just I like her as much as the Root Beer Beer ;). Seriously, she has to be one of the best. I'll request her from now on and will happily wait for a table in her section (she works mornings). Today's eats: Fried chicken and waffles - yum. Thanks Paige. See you next time! Ps - the Salted Caramel Old Fashion was good at the bar last night too. And I'm not even a whiskey drinker. Or am I...???
(5)
Susan F.

Had the roasted chicken. It was good. Only gave this place 3 stars because it didn't come with any sides and the menu needs to be more diverse.
(3)
Missy C.

Great location inside theWit hotel! Went here the other night for a Two Brothers beer tasting they were hosting. All the beer offered was paired with small bites from State and Lake's kitchen - and everything was delicious! Especially the fried chicken biscuits...seriously could not get enough of those. One of the Two Brothers was there to help host the event, and he offered up some great information about each beer. It was a three hour event, and I can say that I definitely got my fill of good drinks and good eats! The manager, Pete, was awesome - super nice and went around to all the attendees to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. He mentioned that they will be doing these beer tastings with different breweries hosting over the next couple months - I would definitely recommend attending!
(5)
Marni P.

I can't help but feel like this place is trying too hard and has sacrificed amazing food. The menu options are unique, I'll give them that, but it really puts you on the spot to try something very new vs safer. The cocktails are great if not a bit pricey. I had the perch and it was just ok. There were remenants of scales in the meal which took away from the enjoyment. It's a very posh atmosphere and the staff is fine. But for what you're paying, you could be getting more delicious food just around the corner. That being said, their breakfast was very enjoyable. The staff was pleasant and I was happy to spend my morning with them.
(3)
Stephanie S.

Hubs and I have been coming here for years, usually when we're heading to/from the theater. It's always been a spot we could count on for good food where we can easily get a table. I would've given this a solid four stars, but after my last few visits, I don't think I can in good faith recommend this to others. I think the thing that bothers me more than anything is the price. I have no problem forking over a good chunk of cash for a good meal, but the value just really isn't here. On my visit last night I had a salad that was really poorly composed. There simply wasn't enough lettuce in comparison to the massive amounts of cheese. The parts didn't work together and it was just blah. It wasn't *bad* and all the ingredients were fresh, but I only ate about half of it. My friends also commented that they weren't impressed with the food. The waitress talked me into getting some kind of blueberry dessert that she described as "pillowy goodness" and her favorite. What came out was over-fried, tough balls of dough. For my salad, dessert and a Diet Coke I paid about $34. Woof. It's a great location, swanky interior and decent service, but I can't help but feel like they're taking advantage of people. On top of that I think the menu had changed *several* times in the past few years, and never in a good way.
(2)
Jennie D.

We stumbled upon this bar/restaurant while walking around the Loop last night. Upon arrival, the host was very friendly and invited us to sit at the bar while he prepared a table for us. My boyfriend and I were pretty hungry, so we both decided to try the current burger of the week on their Burgerfest menu. The steak burger was delicious! We also ordered a side of fries, which was big enough for the two of us to share. For dessert, we both ordered the coconut espresso macaroon ice cream sandwich. So amazing! We probably could've shared one between the two of us, but we just took the leftovers home. If you're ever in the State/Lake area and you're looking for quality bar food, I highly suggest State and Lake Chicago Tavern.
(4)
Tiffany C.

This place is adorable and the drinks and burgers are good. After that Im not sure if its a destination I need to go to. Service: Great. Attentive and quick. I felt like there were so many people around ready to fill my water or take my plate. Ambiance: Beautiful. Warm with mahogany and browns and wood. Great touch. Food: The burger is on point. Order that. Other stuff on the menu... Meh. I had the gnocchi for lunch and it was bland. I also had their Kale salad. Again bland. Drinks: The wine was fantastic. I was happy with their options and choices. Price: For lunch its not too bad for downtown. Its what you'd expect. Around $15 for the burger and $12+ for wine. This place gets two less stars because the only thing that tasted good on the menu were the drinks and burger. Id go again if I were downtown and needed somewhere to go before a show or a night out at a lounge.
(3)
Laurie L.

First time at State & Lake today from a recommendation...and it was dismal to say the least. Upon entering we stood at the hostess station several minutes when a male voice from somewhere said Erica will be right there. We were seated at a 2 top, right next to another table (there were only 2 other tables with seated customers) why we were sat right on top of another table did not make sense) Our table did not have water glasses or silverware. We waited quit a while for Erica to return to our table with water and to take our drink order. We started with the toasted sunflower pretzel served with goat cheese and red pepper jelly $8.00. The sunflower seeds tasted burnt, and the jelly was think and snappy, like it was old. We both ordered a makers mark with ginger; both drinks were weak; if there was a shot of liquor in each drink I would be surprised. For our entrÃ©es we ordered a Barley soup with an added egg and a Little Gen Cobb with sesame dressing on the side. The half bowl of soup came luke warm with 2 mini meatballs for $8.00. The salad had 3 slices of avocado, 8 mini squares of cheese and beet, and 1/2 stalk of romaine cut into four pieces for $13.00. We wanted salt & pepper, and had to get if off another table. Erica did not serve our food; ask us how everything was, or if we wanted something else. The service was lack luster from the moment we walked in the door. I understand it was a holiday (Memorial day 2015) but the restaurant was virtually empty. All the servers huddled by the bar and talked instead of providing service to their customers. As a side note, the bathrooms were not working, one was locked and the other was out of order. After I made several attempts to use the restroom, I inquired and was told "that is the only restroom we have". I would not recommend this establishment to anyone. Our total lunch bill was $57.46 for 2 drinks, a half bowl of soup and a side salad...not good at all State & Lake. This should be listed as a $$$
(1)
Gretchen O.

State and and Lake is a great place with better food and faster service than many other loop bars. Great drinks and classy enough to bring clients. Fun place for happy hour with coworkers too.
(5)
Amy H.

I wanted to have a spontaneous drinking night with my friend. We drove down to the loop to the W, but we didn't go in because of the cover cost. We decided to walk around for the next best thing. Since it was cold out, we stopped at a place nearby, State and Lake. This place is great. It has a flavor of its own, an intimate dining area up front and a chill quiet bar in the back. We both got the Root Beer flavored beer, which had 18 % alcohol content. That drink is dangerous. It tastes like real root beer, you cannot detect the alcohol. I finished that and then some, and may I say, I was feeling really happy. The bartenders were very entertaining and very attentive. I had a really good time and I haven't found another place that has the Root Beer flavored beer yet.
(5)
TimmAnnie I.

Cocktails only... Two drinks, but that's all it took for State and Lake to earn five stars. We were staying at the Wit so this was an easy choice, and a choice that we will make again on subsequent trips. Timm's spicy house mix Bloody Mary was already solid, but elevated to sublime by the presence of a meat straw (don't ask, just order it). The Peacock in Bangkok was similarly successful, a well-balanced and refreshing cocktail. And who doesn't enjoy playing "movie trivia" watching scenes from films shot here in Chicago??
(5)
Andrew B.

I had high hopes for State and Lake. The interior is sharply designed. The menu seemed well balanced. The actual dining experience, however, left a lot to be desired. We were here for brunch. Waited at the entrance for a few minutes before the hostess acknowledged our existence. We were seated at a table in the corner. Things only got slower from there. Omelette was served lukewarm, with toast lacking butter. In addition, no salt and pepper was readily available. All told, drastically overpriced ($14 mimosa? Come on...) Won't return, or recommend.
(2)
Paul W.

I went to this restaurant while staying in the Wit hotel. The service was friendly and the decor was nice. I went on a Tuesday night so I was seated right away. I tried the fired grilled wings and the crispy chicken thigh for appetizers. The wings were pretty good. Quite smokey (but not a lot of other flavor). The crispy chicken "thigh" was good but a pretty small portion for $9. It was only 1 thigh. For an entree I got the chicken. It was pretty good. Nice and moist with a nice arugala salad. Also a bit on the pricey side. Overall it was a decent place to go if you are staying in the Wit hotel and don't feel like venturing outside to find better food.
(3)
Victoria C.

My best friends and I were visiting Chicago and were in search of a place to grab a quick dinner. We found State and Lake Chicago Tavern and decided to try it on a whim. I love the atmosphere and decor here. The waitress was very nice and attentive. I ordered the Butcher's Burger with pimento cheese. It was a decent size burger with all the fixings on the side. They definitely don't cheat you on the pimento cheese. It was a little overwhelming. The temperature of the burger was perfect as well. My friend ordered a salad with the white fish add on. I didn't get to try it, but the fish looked really good and perfectly cooked. I also came by another time by myself to grab a drink at the bar. I had some sort of grapefruit cocktail which was refreshing. Bartenders didn't make too much conversation, eh.
(3)
Pete B.

The food that keeps passing by looks and smells so good. However I am here to drink. Erin could not have been more helpful finding my friend a crisp wine and me a simple beer. Her suggestions were on point. If I knew what "fleek" meant, I'd probably use that vernacular.
(5)
Daniel C.

Came here for brunch with some friends on a Sunday morning. Originally, I was put off by how uncrowded it was on a Sunday morning, but everyone was very happy with their meals. I can speak to the benedict and the french toast, which were both very nice. Also, our server was pretty cool and joked around with us.
(4)
Ben B.

Disaster city. Showed up with my lady on a Saturday night. There was no wait for a table. The hostess steered us over to another pair of gentlemen who would seat us... after a brief wait as they ignored us and avoided eye contact as we stood two feet away. We started by ordering the pretzel. $7. I repeat. $7 for a regular-sized pretzel. When it arrived, we tore it apart to find raw dough inside. We alerted the manager, who promptly blamed the people who bake them off-site earlier in the day. We each ordered a Butcher Burger ($14) with fries. When it arrived, I enjoyed the meat, but the bun was a flavorless mush, not up to the task of handling the burger. Worst of all, the fries were dry and bland. We both gave up after a few fries and shoved them aside. Our server was AWOL for most of the dinner. Our water glasses desperately needed refilling. I would cut the place slack, but State and Lake wasn't even busy that night. Granted, the Loop can be a tough place to dine, but you should avoid State and Lake unless there's some sort of emergency shutdown of all other restaurants within a five-block radius.
(1)
Jackie C.

My girlfriends and I came here for Brunch and we loved it! The plates and decorations are very fun. The food is delicious! I had the egg white omelette and it was delicious! The coffee was very good as well as the bloody mary bar. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Jamal S.

Came here on chance during Christmas Eve and was kinda glad I did . I had the roasted wings with the white BBQ sauce and pop corn. The wings were amazing , but everything else was ok. My friend who is a vegan ordered what look like baby food. The drinks were over priced , even for Chicago downtown . And some items were over priced . 3 dollars for a scoop of ice cream! Nevertheless , it was a decent experience and service was good
(3)
Tiffany H.

This place has great food. There aren't a lot of selections on the menu. You get a lot for your money. The service is a little spotty. They messed up on the salad but took it off the bill :-) it's in a great location if you are going to the roof afterwards. The manager came by the table and seemed really friendly.
(4)
Giselle G.

No ranch or bbq sauce? Really?! Decent place but pretty touristy. Prices are good and the food isn't bad. Service was good but the guy playing the guitar gave me a headache.
(3)
Leif F.

Amazing pub at a great location. If you want a chill place with a friendly staff and you want to avoid the ROOF, this is the place for you. The food is fantastic and the menu is always updated. Beer selection is top notch featuring budget beers, local brews and higher-end imports. Something for everyone. The entire staff is courteous and attentive. However, if you want the best service, hit up Aja and Sam behind the bar or seek out Pete, the manager.
(5)
Brianne B.

Great food, cool atmosphere and diverse/tasty beer selection. James, our server, was top notch!
(5)
Sharyn M.

Had to work for this past Bears Packers game...so I was in complete desperation to visit a local bar/eatery with many TV's accessible for my viewing pleasure on my early noon break. I am giving 4 solid starts to State and Lake based on impeccable service by Paige, proximity, and the fact , which I firmly and adamantly insist was thee BEST Brined Buttermilk Double Breaded most Incredible Fried Chicken I have EVER HAD. I do not go insane over food items often, but this chicken was off the charts moist seasoned crispy perfection. (altho) The biscuits were horribly disappointing ...cold and dry and brittle, otherwise this review would have received five stars. Presentation of said morsels were wonderful. Presentation was a small bucket with biscuits strewn amongst the 5 pc hot wonderment of delectable bird, the bucket resting on a long plate which also housed in cute small containments, accompaniments of pumpkin butter, honey and a fruity delight of cranberry jam. Cocktails were a bit highly priced so don't plan on getting too indulgent while visiting. Great place for viewing the game as there are flat screens galore mounted all about the dining/ bar area. So shout out to Paige, and the chef who creates that incredible bird. If you only offered game day cocktail specials, this place would be recommended more from me to others. BUT....all in all..worth another Sunday visit...if only for that service and that amazing chicken!! Its a yes!
(4)
David A.

A three night stay at the Wit Hotel meant three breakfasts at State and Lake. The breakfast coupons we got when we checked in were much appreciated. The service was always prompt and friendly. Breakfast was consistently delicious each day. We had a different server each time and all were professional and got our day off to a great start. I'll admit, we both had the same meal each day- Veggie Benedict for me, Breakfast 201 North for my companion. We couldn't have been more pleased. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Bill T.

Gorgeous restaurant in the Wit hotel. Food was great and service was amazing. Since I was staying at the hotel I had a certificate for a free "continental breakfast". Now you know as well as I do that most "continental breakfasts" are beyond lame. Not this one...freshly toasted bagel and wonderful oatmeal with Nutella and graham cracker crumble...it was so filling. My friend got a bagel and the mixed berries. There was so much food neither of us could eat it all. One morning we ordered off the menu and both got the chocolate custard French toast...in a word...amazing. Coffee was great, water was plentiful and all three times I ate there, the manager stopped by and checked on me. The head chef guy (I think) who was behind the bar was also a great guy. Super, super place. I'd go there even if I wasn't staying at the hotel.
(5)
Cindy H.

Found this place by accident on the way to the Roof at the WIT. OMG. Try the "pig head cake". That was amazing, but nothing compares to the molasses cookie white chocolate coffee ice cream sandwich. It was so good that I came back after the Cubs game, before leaving town to get ONE!
(5)
Mahsa T.

I was pleasantly surprised by State and Lake because I usually don't expect hotel restaurants to be any good, but I was proven wrong. My coworkers and I had a group lunch here and I ordered the Lunch Box Express, which contains a pastrami rubbed turkey sandwich with a side salad, side butternut squash soup, and tavern chips. Everything was delicious, especially my sandwich which had apple chestnut butter on it and served on oat bran bread. The bread was so fresh and delicious, I ate every single bite and it was a pretty large sandwich at that. Very flavorful--wasn't expecting to be wowed by a sandwich, but I was. The setup of the dining room is a bit awkward and people, including servers, kept bumping into my chair which got really annoying really fast...and the high tables and chairs were not comfortable to sit in. Service could have been a bit more attentive. Will have to come back and check out the pretzel everyone keeps raving about. I would recommend this place for lunch.
(4)
Mary S.

I came here after work during the week to meet with a girlfriend and didn't realize it was actually part of the Wit. Nevertheless, it did definitely doesn't have a vibe of being a hotel restaurant/bar. We had a very nice corner booth and were immediately greeted by our server, who was extremely knowledgeable about all beers, appetizers, and entrees. Much appreciated! We started with a Box of Jars which is such a cute idea! You pick 3 jams/spreads and it's served with baked breads, so good! We tried the Cider Pickled Beets that had blue cheese which was really good because the beets were not strong so the flavor overall was very mild, the Crushed Chickpea, and another I can't remember. But it was a great item to start with and they were able to bring more bread when we had spreads left over. For my entrÃ©e I ordered the Kale Salad and tried it with salmon added, asking that it be served well-done. The salmon was still a little too-fishy for me but that's just because I'm particular about fish, the kale salad itself was wonderful! My friend ordered a burger with fries and it was HUGE! The fries were really good too, not small stringy ones you sometimes get. Overall, really liked this place. It's a hot spot for sure.
(4)
Rebecca C.

Celebrated a friends low key Birthday celebration here. He didn't want the fanfare, and he didn't get it. While I would have liked the establishment to recognize his birthday, which I mentioned in the reservation - that's fine. The Birthday guy is so chill, he would have disliked the fuss. The food, however, was definitely fussed over. First and foremost - the most addicting fries north of the Mason Dixon line. The 3 of us ate them until we were about to burst. My friend had the butternut squash soup and loved the pumpkin seed pesto and candied fennel flavors. We tasted the citrus brined amish chicken panini; the 201 dry rubbed beef brisket sandwich; and the Berkshire pork schnitzel and a side of brussels sprouts. Neverminding the explosion of different flavors to the pork, chicken and beef, everything was delicious. Portions are very hearty, quality is superlative and the dishes are lively and creative. Attentive and helpful service, too. If in the Loop, this is definitely a go to place. With tip, the 3 of us were stuffed to the brim and with a little leftover for $81 - sans alcohol.
(4)
Liz K.

Before yesterday, I didn't know that State and Lake Tavern existed, but I'm glad my fiancÃ© and I came across it when the opportunity presented itself to have dinner with his cousin. We picked it solely because it was equidistant from my house and the cousin's hotel and had no problem getting a 7:30 reservation on a Tuesday night. In fact, a reservation wasn't necessary at all since it was barely half full on that snowy, windy night. I was the last to arrive after the boys had waited for 10 minutes or so, but the waiter didn't come over to greet our table until I had been seated for at least 5 minutes. He was friendly if not a little rehearsed. When the cousin ordered his beer, the waiter didn't seem familiar with the name and instead asked if he meant another beer...he went with it, and ended up getting an entirely different beer than he originally intended (when the beer was finally delivered a long 10 minutes later). Besides those blips, it seems like they have an extensive beer, wine, and liquor list, and their tasting flights sound incredible. My food experience might have been different if I weren't on a strict cleanse right now, but I was pretty limited in terms of gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free entree options. I told the waiter my restrictions and asked for his recommendation between the salmon and whitefish. I appreciated that he took the time to consider my needs and explain the special certification that some of their meals have. I've been avoiding eating out during this cleanse, but was SO pleasantly surprised with the full flavor of the whitefish and found that they provided a portion that was filling and reasonable considering the $22 price tag. I would describe the interior as an upscale cabin - big leather bar-height seats, wooden tables, and several TVs hanging on the walls displaying only a fake fireplace. It was a nice ambience considering the cold weather outside. Even considering the minor service blips, I am looking forward to coming back here for a happy hour to try the tasting flights and the charcuterie plates!
(3)
Tay H.

Food: Great burger at a decent price for downtown. The side greens were a little disappointing, but I filled up on my husband's leftover fries. Ambience: Walking in this place looks like a nice, upscale Chicago sports tavern - but they didn't have Chicago sports on their TVs! They had a random basketball game on one set of TVs, the other had a fake fireplace video, and the screens behind the bar were playing chicago movie scenes. To their credit, once I asked for Blackhawks game, they switch off the fake fireplace. But seriously, in Chicago you shouldn't have to ask. Service: AWFUL! Our waiter was nice, when he decided to check on us - and that was not often. It took forever to get our drinks and then another eternity to get our food. Finally the manager was making his rounds and we mentioned that we were still waiting for food, and it appeared! I would return only for food/drinks at the bar, I won't sit at a table again because the service was so bad.
(3)
Bobby M.

Had brunch here and the food and service was great. I highly recommend the chicken and waffles. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive (Juan).
(5)
Sam S.

The place looks cool, but it's way overpriced for the quality of the food. Drink menu is good, however, if you're a visitor to our city and eat here (since it's near hotels) please don't think it's indicative of the food in Chicago. The French fries are okay and the burger is simply not good at all: mediocre meat, no flavor, no seasoning, terrible bun, and terrible lettuce, tomato, and pickles. I've had much better burgers, even from fast good restaurants. Do yourself a favor and walk a little further either way on State to find a much better meal for the same cost. My meal: a tap water, fries, bad burger. All for $17.50 after an admittedly mediocre tip. PASS. Lastly, there are a ton of tv's in here...all on silent and playing old black and white movies?? Is that cool? Superpass.
(1)
Jennifer G.

I've visited State and Lake twice, once for dinner before a show at the Chicago Theater and once for a snack and drinks on the go. The atmosphere and service here deserve 4 stars. Both times I visited, service was fantastic--attentive and friendly without being the least bit obtrusive. Honestly, I expected a bit more pretense given the location, but State and Lake keeps it classy without sacrificing a laid back feel. The drink menu also deserves 4 stars. I appreciated the broad assortment, from local brews and bourbon and scotch flights to specialty cocktails, there were plenty of options within every price range. The food, however, is just a 3 in my book. It was nicely plated and pretty, but fairly unremarkable in the taste department. The Southern soul food fusion thing is great, but as a born and raised Southerner, I was disappointment by the blandness of the deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes. The exception would be the $8 soft pretzel with jalapeÃ±o, corn relish; I know it sounds like a lot of cash to shell out for a pretzel, but it's worth every cent. The charcuterie and cheese board was also decent, albeit a couple of bucks overpriced for what it is. I'll definitely return for drinks and a snack when in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to dine at State and Lake.
(3)
Layla R.

It's close to my work so I come for drinks and the occasional meal. The quality of the food is decent, but I wish they chopped their salads more and put a bit more variety in them (Kale Salad). The wines are also very overpriced. The service, however, is good so I'll give it 3 stars.
(3)
J M.

Super nice atmosphere. Great service from George O. A little overpriced in my opinion but still very enjoyable.
(4)
Brad S.

Wonderful list of local brews, very unique and fun food options. Food options for vegans. Qello on the tvs, so watching old concerts was a cool option. Also, live music in the evening. UPDTAE: Breakfast was killer! Veggie Benedict and egg white omelet, both amazing. Fresh arugula salad with light vinaigrette in between the Benedict and redskin potatoes. The Bloody Mary bar comes equipped with cheeses, beef jerky sticks, and all of the other fixings. Coolest atmosphere and wonderful service!
(5)
Katie K.

Headline: Avoid if you can! Good points: location is superb if you're going to a show at the Chicago Theatre; beer list is fantastic; and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. But the great beer list is largely illusory, as the bar was out of many selections (at 7pm) and drinks of any type were extremely slow to arrive, since the bar was "backed up." Food was average at best: burger dry and overcooked, fish taco fell apart while waiting too long for accompanying beer. As one might expect, this place is LOUD - and tables are close together so be prepared to use a lot of sign language. Overall, there is nothing here that will counteract the many negatives to draw us back.
(2)
David K.

Had to wait 20+ minutes before anyone noticed us sitting here even though a hostess sat us. The staff stared at us without coming to see if we were helped. It isn't very busy there are plenty of open tables. They were apologetic and offered us free appetizers so they redeemed themselves. I overall like this place and will come back must've been a snafu.
(4)
Mario D.

Had this for breakfast early one morning. I enjoyed it. Nothing to jump up and down over but not anything to complain about.
(3)
Geo J.

Went here to have wine and apps. The cheese and charcuterie board was gross. Cheeses looked like they had been left out and then re-refrigerated. The bread was cold and greasy and flabby. The meats again looked as if they had been around a while. The presence of fruit flies was the last straw. Breakfasts are good here, but I can't recommend dinner.
(2)
Steve A.

At first glance this place appears to be a fairly ordinary tavern likely to have a sports bar menu, but the food and ambience are both better than that. The stylish surroundings and pleasant lighting create a relaxed dining environment, and the menu offers some interesting and healthful items. Yes, they're known for their hamburgers and pretzels, but I had something completely different. I started with the charred broccoli, a generous serving that's lightly seasoned and nicely cooked, although I could have done with a bit more char. As a main course I had the Cobb salad. I like it when a Cobb is served un-tossed, as was the case here, allowing me to pick and combine ingredients at will. The perfectly seasoned avocado, bacon, cubes of Parmesan cheese and house-made ranch dressing were standouts. Service was friendly and attentive. Altogether the meal was a very pleasant surprise.
(4)
Ron R.

This restaurant is connected/inside The Wit hotel. I'm staying here for business and decided to just do the easy and quick thing of eating here. The first thing I noticed was that the place was very aesthetically pleasing. The bar is old fashioned style with a "colorful hip" blended in with neon Seltzer bottles stacked up top. I was there a bit late for dinner at 9 pm, so it was not busy. The service I received was very nice and attentive but again, it wasn't very busy. I opted to order 2 appetizers versus an entree as I was not super excited about the full entree options. I ordered the Steak Tartare and the Poutine as I am a huge fan of both. They came out at different times, which is fine because I got a chance to eat one first, but seems odd. The Steak tartare as seen in my picture below was presented very nice (most of the dishes I saw come out of the kitchen were presented very nice) but was served with potato chips versus a crostini. I was a bit disappointed when i saw that, but it worked. It was different and non-traditional but the chips were homemade and tasty. Unfortunately, the steak portion felt like a burger patty squished down paper thin. Yes, there were shallots and a type of vinegarette in it, but it was lack luster. I'm not one to leave steak tartare on the plate, but in this case I did...I was simply bored of the dish. I think the paper thin presentations was also a turn off. Next came out the Poutine. Boy do I love Poutine and this one sounded absurd (which in the case of Poutine, is a great thing). It was a bed of fresh cut fries, covered in gravy, covered in baked cheese (they called it cheese curd), half a piece of bacon (disappointing), Green peas, and a sunny side up egg. You can see by the picture, this thing looked glorious. It was about to wow me...I was sure of it! While the bacon, cheese curds and the fries were good, the gravy was weak. It was borderline gross. It tasted like it came out of a can of Campell's cream of (insert vegetable here). Flavorless and bland...it pretty much ruined the majority of the dish. Once again, over half this dish stayed in the plate for me. I picked the "cheese curd" out of this dish and ate around the gravy. I'm torn about the rating here as the ambiance and service was great but the food taste was not there. if the food taste can catch up to the food presentation, this place would fire on all cylinders and be a 5 star resturant for sure.
(3)
Jami J.

Went here for brunch on a Saturday. They were empty which surprised me. We had awesome service and the food was very good as well. I usually don't order omelets but when I looked at other yelp pictures of it, I was sold. I ordered the egg white omelet and it was a good choice. It had lots of flavor and it came with potatoes and toast on the side. This is a good place to go if you're in the area for brunch and don't want to wait to get in.
(4)
Melissa M.

I came here last week for a business lunch and was really very pleasantly surprised. The decor is warm and inviting, yet really modern -- clean, classic lines and neutral colors. To start I had the french onion soup -- it was nearly perfect ... not overly salted like most french onion soup is. Very good. I followed that up with the grilled vegetable omelette -- it was very good. It had Fennel, summer squash, corn, carrots and goat cheese. It was light and not greasy and very filling. I'd recommend this place to anyone!
(4)
Suzanne Z.

We chose here due to a central location in meeting some people. Attached to the Wit hotel, this restaurant is pretty glam with its upholstered leather walls, lighting, and fancy bar- OMG and they have the cutest bathroom ever, with the cutest sink I've ever seen! (This is what girls are impressed by) The chairs looked nice, but were pretty hard by the end of the meal, so those could use a little more luxury. I really enjoyed reading their drink list. My guy and I were the only "locals", so we definitely were able to show our local pride and make recommendations from places like Goose Island, Revolution, Three Floyds (Chicagoans LOVE their Munster neighbors!), and even learn a few we hadn't heard of too. They had a cup, 22oz and Growler size option too, which is a nice touch. Beer prices seemed on point from wherever else I go, maybe $1 more for some. The cocktails, although super fancy and delicious sounding, were all VERY Chicago priced. Most were over $12 and most came in tiny glasses, which I felt was typical Chicago/tourist trap, so I stuck with beer. The highlight with the food we ordered was the poutine and crispy chicken thigh. The poutine was in all of its artery-clogging glory with a heap of fries, white gravy, melty cheese curds hidden in the gravy, peas, bacon and a fried egg on top. It was pretty great! The chicken was nice and juicy, and super crispy, with a sweet coleslaw on top. YUM. We also ordered main dishes- I got their brisket burger with cheese on top, served with dressed greens. This was a big disappointment. The dressed greens were lackluster and pretty sour with the dressing. The burger was super dry, and the bun was too big for the burger, but also dry. I chugged down my beer faster than expected to compensate! I would not recommend it. Our service was pretty good overall, and the waitress graciously split the bill in between 3 couples- and got it right on the first try. It was an a-ok night, but I'd try some place else over coming back, if in the area.
(3)
Mike Z.

Stopped in for a beer before going to the roof. They had live music, great beer selection and a really nice atmosphere. We spoke to the bartender for a bit about the different events and also walked around to check everything out. Very enjoyable spot with good live music. Next time I come back ill be trying the food.
(4)
Hilary O.

Great food! Try the wings for sure :) Special dry rub process makes for a unique smoked flavor that is to die for. Burgers are banging, too! The drink selection is good - surely something for everyone.
(4)
Daniel S.

I've been here once for drinks and once for dinner, they have a lot of good beers to choose from, tho a lot of them were out when I tried to order, I got the chorizo Mac and cheese to eat which was really good and a good portion, also tried the poutine and wings apps, both were really good, the only downside was the service was kinda slow, tho admittedly it was pretty busy, still I'd recommend and go back for sure
(4)
Kimmie R.

I'm so picky... I mean I feel sorry for most places I frequent, because it's very hard to wow me, but State and Lake Tavern did just that. Pros: - They have a Cocktail in the world and indeed it is. It was so good afterwards, I wanted to smoke a cigarette and I don't even smoke, so yeah it was that good! - The decor *thumbs up* Thumbs all the way up... forget the thumbs how about :) everything is up! The table were real wood, the chairs matched, the booth was comfortable and elegant at the same time. - There are separate areas the bar is off to the side, the tables are in an area and then there are separate tables near the door (yay, privacy if it's not too packed) - They had a guitarist who was actually very good! :) - They had a fireplace on the flat screen *cute touch* with the wood decor - Our waitress was beautiful and attentive. Rule of thumb to all waiters and waitresses, if you see two people on a date compliment the woman and be nice to both. Some restuarants have very attractive waitresses that think the key to their tip is flirting with the guy - dumb move, I'm glad the State and Lake waitress wasn't that dumb. :) She said,"Nice necklace and smiled." Then when she took our order she looked at me first, many waiters have lost their minds with all this independent women crap and treat women like second class citizens, but not State and Lake. - The appetizers were a decent portion. Not so big that you feel like you are wasting money for having so much left over when you are done, but also not so little that you are left starving either. It was just the right amount. - The bathrooms were very clean *thumbs all the way up* - The lighting is perfect for evening - not to dim to make you sleepy, but not to bright to kill the mood - perfecto! Cons: The seating area is not private all of the tables are right next to each other. If there were more people there, I would have felt like my date was group conversation instead of a private one. They have seating by the door, so this isn't a big deal. Enjoy! :)
(5)
Emily J.

I've always had a great experience at State and Lake and can't wait to go back! Patrick is by far my favorite server and always goes the extra mile to make my experience really fantastic. Pete, the general manager, is always present and takes time to mingle with patrons and pay attention to everyone. The food here is fabulous! I love the deviled eggs, poutine, and flatbread to start and the burger is one of the best in the city. Start off with the pimento cheese and home made chips and rest of your dinner is sure to be a success. State and Lake is a great place to go prior to the theater or for just an easy meal out on a weeknight. There is usually live music starting around 9pm and the artists are always great. State and Lake really doesn't feel like a "hotel restaurant" and can stand alone away from theWit, which is saying something with theWit's stellar reputation! I haven't been here for brunch yet but it's certainly on my list.
(5)
Susan C.

I went to this place to tried our their brunch menu since I pass by so many times walking. I must say the fried chicken I had with the Rosemary biscuit was delicious. My sister who had the veggie benedict was so good to. The server we had was very attentive in making sure everything was good and what we needed. The restaurant had a really nice decor and they had a bar. I couldn't help notice the table next us, the guy had to return his order and get something else. I feel when you look at the menu you have to pick what you like and know what to order because the selections for brunch is not hard to choose from. I will definitely go back to this place to try something different. It's right next door to the Wit so you can't miss this place.
(4)
Rie C.

I do not recommend this place. I went this evening for dinner and was extremely disappointed. For the high prices, I was astonished by the poor service. First, my boyfriend and I placed our drink orders only to wait 7 minutes until our server came back - to tell us they were out of that specific beer! How did it take that long to find out and why would you not know to begin with? Then, after placing our food order, we continued the wait. Finally a different server brought our food - the wrong food!!! My boyfriend ordered the salmon (and I heard him order it) but they brought him a burger. When our server came by, she just stared blankly. She offered to change the order but after that wait, it was no longer worth it. Upon eating our burgers, they were overcooked. Although they gave us both the same entree, our side salads weren't even the same. When the check arrived, I was so disappointed. No apology, poor impression, bad food.
(1)
Jason J.

I can't really say too much about this place. Came here for a work drinking function, so I have no idea what the prices were. I'm guessing they were high. I had to explain to the waiter what a whiskey sour was, which I thought was odd. Service was also extremely slow, which might've been a good thing as I wonder how much more the huge group I was with could've drunk. Giving them an extra star because my group got very very loud and they never came over to tell us to keep it down.
(3)
Mike Q.

Nice cozy place. Menu is kinda small for lunch or dinner. But great wood cooked wings. Great flavor! The pimento cheese dip was really good also. What was amazingly great and delicious was the Banana Cream Pie dessert. Nice place to grab a snack on the run.
(4)
Norm J.

I've been to State and Lake numerous times since they opened and have always found the food to be good (3 stars), especially the burgers and poutine. However, after the subpar service my colleagues and I experienced today I'd have to give State and Lake 2 stars overall. When we came into State and Lake this afternoon the place was pretty empty and the staff was setting up for an event over by the staircase in the restaurant. The hostess sat us about 3 skips from this area, which should have been a warning sign for us. As we were eating our food, guest of the event started to arrive and I quickly realized that the space just wasn't sufficient. I guess the group of randoms standing 2 feet from our table was the dead give away. Since the waitress waiting on us was also attending to those at the event she was pretty much like M.I.A when it came to seeing to our needs. The busboy was a constant at our table, interrupting our conversation to clear away items from our table even if we weren't done with them; such as my soda glass. I thought he had taken the glass to get me a refill. When he never came back with the refill I took that as his way of telling me that I didn't need anything else to drink. The fact that I was still eating my fries didn't matter to him. Whenever one of us wasn't eating the busboy was at our table trying to takeaway our plates even though it was clear that we had about 40% of our food still on the plate and that we weren't done eating. I did inform one of the managers assisting with the event (I think he was a manager) that we felt like we were being rushed through our meal so that our table could be given away and he assured me that wasn't the case. However, seeing how 2 tables close to us had already been commandeered by those attending the event I didn't really believe him. All and all we had an unpleasant dining experience because we felt like we were being rushed through our meal so they could get us out of that section. Sad to say that we just paid the check and went to another establishment for additional drinks and dessert.
(2)
Neema P.

We stumbled upon this place after trying to go to the rooftop at the Witt. It was a gorgeous late October night, so wanted to make use of the weather. Well that was closed, so the hotel concierge recommended this place. So VERY DISAPPOINTED. First off, the wines are super expensive. I got the cheapest red on the menu which was $11 and it was mediocre. My wine arrived probably 20 mins later. I would assume she forgot as my friends ice tea came way before mine. We got the pretzel for appetizers. It took about 20 minutes to make, which boggles my mind why a pretzel would take that long to make. The dipping sauce was interesting. When we asked the waitress what was in the sauce, she seemed bothered why we would ask such a question. Next up... The main entree. I got the green salad. It was bland and no taste. I mean really you can't eff up spinach walnut salad. There were shaved peaches instead of the traditional apples, which really gave no flavoring. If I didn't read what was in it prior to ordering, I would have never guessed it had peaches. My friend ordered the burger, which she said was ok. I mean for $18 it should have been out of this world. We also got tavern fries, which wasn't anything amazing, but for $9 I would have expected more. Side note, they don't even carry ranch. So $60 bucks later and a terrible dinner and service, I would say not even 1 star is worth it to rate this place.
(1)
D. S.

Awesome resturant, great service, great food. As reported the truffled Mac and Cheese was awesome.
(4)
Francis K.

Tough review to write because I am firmly believe their model is not sustainable. When I walked through the majestic doors of The Wit they described it as a Gastro-Pub. (more on this later but I respectfully disagree) I will return often to State and Lake but it will never be for the food. It is a good pub. In fact it is a fine pub albeit a bit on the expensive side (I imagine rent in this zip code plays a huge part) The bartenders know their beer. The bartenders seemed (didn't drink any) to know their wine. The same goes to the servers. This is why you want to go here. You want a good beer or you want a good glass of wine. It is almost the anti-Hopleaf in this regard. They don't have a large selection of beer but they have a rotating one which I speculate won't last. Afterall I wouldn't begrudge them if they find the winning financial combo of craft brews that sell. The bartender swore that they will rotate their menu. I pray that my cynicism is wrong. Their food is okay. If the hotel staff hadn't called it a gastro-pub then I would say their food is above average but I while they are punching above pub food it struck me as a good justification for the markup on the food. I will return here often but it will always be for the beer. I hope they listen to their bartender and not their accountants.
(3)
Tara M.

State and Lake...bah. I had lunch with a client last week at a dark and empty State and Lake. I made a reservation (for OpenTable points of course!) and sat at the bar while I waited for my client. The bartender was attentive at first, bringing me a menu and being perfectly fine with my sitting there and watching tennis while I waited. My client arrived and we decided just to eat at the bar. The bartender ran through the specials and we said that we would need a few minutes to order. About 15 minutes passed and we couldn't find him anywhere, so we just placed our order with another bartender. I had the short rib panini and my client had the salmon. She loved the salmon and polished off every bite (from my angle it looked majorly overcooked), but my panini left much to be desired. The meat was tough and the sandwich was dry overall. There was allegedly bleu cheese on it, but I only tasted cheese in one of the five or so bites I took of the sandwich. Their fries were good, though, so at least I didn't go hungry. The rest of the menu seemed dismal as well, and certainly didn't inspire me to want to come back. As excited as I was for a new spot for business lunching, I found State and Lake to be utterly disappointing.
(2)
Amy K.

We walked in and loved the atmosphere, however it was EMPTY at 8pm on a Saturday night. There were no more than 4 tables occupied at any time. The menu was limited but everything was executed well. As most others have mentioned the truffle mac and cheese is worth trying. Do not expect anything more than a mediocre experience.
(2)
Nicolas H.

Lots of nice options for lunch, I inquired about a few and settled on the burger after a recommendation from the bartender. He was definitely right, cooked perfectly with a nice special sauce and some sharp cheddar. The bun was exceptional as well, toasted perfectly yet still soft on the inside. The fries were surprisingly great as well and the portion was huge. I'll definitely be back to try the bacon and egg club as well as the cubano...
(4)
Gary C.

I normally never go to restaurants for holiday dinners but this year it just didn't make since to roast a turkey for 3 people. So we decided to stay close to home and made our reservation at State and Lake in the Witt Hotel. What a pleasant surprise, we all liked the ambience, hip but comfortable, our server was pleasant and very efficient. We all ordered the 3 course holiday dinner at $28 per person, very nicely done and presented. My daughter brought her travel scrabble game, so between courses and 2 bottles of wine we played scrabble. Even with some help from the restaurant manager, Rasheed, I still came in last but he was also kind enough to take us on a tour of the other restaurant in the Witt called Cibomatto. Its an upscale Italian eatery one floor above State and Lake, Thank you Rasheed, we will be back and also plan on visiting the ROOF deck once the weather warms.
(4)
Tabitha G.

It wasn't that great. I selected the restaurant based on location since I was entertaining a client for lunch. I had been to ROOF before and loved the ambiance so I was excited when we selected State and Lake for lunch. Unfortunately besides the ambiance, the food wasn't anything spectacular. The bar itself I would go back to for Happy Hour or "a" drink, but the food was mediocre at best. I ordered the lobster club which I had been eyeballing on their online menu and part of the reason why I was intruged was because it was served on an English Muffin. However, it really didn't meet my expectations. The bread wasn't toasted and honestly who eats a plain english muffin untoasted? The lobster was very fishy and it just wasn't very good. I did really enjoy my side dish though which was a melange of mushrooms. Other than the mushrooms and the ambiance there wasn't anything that would bring me back to this place. They could do better.
(2)
J I.

Went to the Witt's State and Lake Chicago Tavern this morning and loved the food there. Walked into the hotel this morning and was greeted by the friendliest people at 8 in the morning. it was 8 in the morning and everyone was super cheerful there. Got to the restaurant and ordered breakfast. I ordered the eggs benedict and my friend ordered the banana french toast. it didn't take too long for the food to come - that's always a plus for breakfast on a wednesday morning. I tried a bit of the banana french toast my friend ordered and it was AMAZING! the french toast was a little crunchy on the outside and very soft and airy on the inside. The toast was not too sweet (but sweet enough) and the warmed banana on the toast gives the toast a nice flavor. my eggs benedict was good (not an expert at eggs benedict) so it made me a bit jealous of the banana french toast. I'll go back for the French Toast even though it's $12 (before tax and tip). it's really good.
(4)
K W.

Meh. It really wasn't bad. . .but I wouldn't go back. Our waiter was pretty uninterested in us, bordering on rude. The salad was just lettuce, and had such a light dressing that we initially thought there wasn't any dressing at all. I was the only person at the table who liked their food; I thought the lobster roll was pretty solid so they get two stars from me. No stars from my lunchmates I fear.
(2)
Ada L.

I went with a friend to State and Lake on a Saturday evening (early -around 6:00) for some appetizers and drinks before seeing a play. I was very impressed. After reading some of the reviews, I was prepared for a mediocre experience, but it turned out to be very pleasant. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent. I had a couple glasses of delicious wine and my friend tried something off of their wonderful beer list. For appetizers we had a beet and fennel salad, crispy oysters, and smoked almonds. All were very delicious. I'm excited to go back - it's hard to find the combination of good service, good food, and good drinks in the Loop.
(4)
Kelly K.

I was meeting a friend for lunch and needed something quick and easy. This hit the head on the nail. The salad was tasty and they even substituted the blue cheese for goat cheese :). Sometimes it gets crowded for lunch, so make reservations if you can.
(3)
Mitch Kim D.

Had dinner here and a couple of breakfasts. (staying at the hotel) the menu is limited not a whole lot of choices but food is decent. for dinner i had the skirt steak over spatzle with candied beets on top. steak came out cooler than i like it. i prefer it to be sizzling but that is just me. the spatzle was good and the sliced beets were also very good. breakfast was just bacon, eggs and hash browns. bacon eggs were good but the hash browns are excellent. also got a hot chocolate one morning thought it was kind of pricey but was large and very good and frothy.
(3)
Joe R.

I met my brother here for lunch recently and we decided to split the Lobster Club and Short Rib sandwiches. Both were tremendous and it was great to sample two of the lunch menu items. I also recommend getting the mini wedge salad for your side dish and trying the Escarole soup (with sausage & white beans) while it is the soup du jour. I have also been to State & Lake for drinks and they have a fantastic selection of draft & bottled micro-brews.
(4)
jessica m.

the husby and i dined here before a late show across the street at the chicago theatre. the truffle mac and cheese was by far the best dish of the evening. i would order it again in a heartbeat. everything on the menu looked good, but the dishes we ordered fell a little bit short. we ordered the potsticker salad and the bbq burger based on the recommendation of our server. the potsticker salad was overloaded with wonton strips and only had three potstickers, which we felt were a bit soggy. the bbq burger had way too much blue cheese (and we are blue cheese lovers) and not enough bbq sauce to balance it out. the fries that accompanied the burger were really good, but we would have loved the option to substitute either the buffalo fries or the truffle fries at an additional fee. the service was pretty spotty. our waitress seemed to keep disappearing. we waited quite a while for our drinks to arrive, and had to ask twice for some water. overall, s&l is more like an upscale sports bar than a nice restaurant, which is not what we were expecting. the food was decent, but i wouldn't run back here anytime soon.
(3)
Bob B.

Food was overpriced and undertasty. Bartender was too busy talking to his "Brahs" than helping me out - guess I wasn't hip enough. Pass.
(1)
Serge O.

Just "meh". Cocktails were bland, food was bland, atmosphere was dull. At least prices weren't too silly. But $50 for a quick dinner for two could go much further somewhere else - hit the Gage and order their simple burger and a good beer and you can pay the same amount for a much nicer experience.
(2)
J P.

The food here is decent, but the service is so bad that I'll never go back. Tried it twice, thinking maybe the first time was a fluke, but the service was still horrible the second visit. The first time I went to State and Lake, we sat at our table for at least 25 minutes, and no one even acknowledged us. No waitress, not even someone to fill our water glasses. Finally had to flag someone down, and only then did someone come by to take our order. The second time the waitress came by fairly quick to take our order, but then disappeared. Eventually had to flag someone down to fill our water glasses, and had to wait 45 minutes for our food (2 salads!) to arrive, which was unacceptable.
(1)
Amanda Z.

honestly did not expect much from this restaurant since it's new and i didn't like the food at the Roof. i was VERY pleasantly surprised when i went there for lunch today. sat at the bar because the place was packed - i was surprised. first good sign...then, the bartender asks us if we want to sample any beers, and what are our fave beers. what??!! aites!! so we sip sip on some brewed goodness and get us a nice glass of ale each. already like this place. next thing we know, other bartender (Virginia) comes over introduces herself, asks us OUR names, and takes our order. this is great, friendly, personal service that makes you want to go back. i ordered the Cuban pressed sandwich. this was jamon heaven in my mouth! so wonderful, warm and soft...with a side of buffalo fries that literally sent me over the edge. whew! fries slathered up like chicken wings - buffalo sauce, blue cheese and some dressing! i can only imagine how great these fries would taste at 2am on a Sat night! my friend ordered the pulled chicken sandwich and it was very tasty as well - such great, soft bread and chicken that melts in your mouth. not AS good as my cuban sammy, but a good runner-up. overall, great food, great service, will def be going back for more!
(4)
Brant S.

Went to State and Lake for an after work dinner with my buddy. The location, in the W, is very handy for theatre and shopping and public transit. We got there about 5:30 and they seated us immediately, despite being in set up mode for an event coming in that evening. Service was attentive and appropriate the whole time. The lighting was darkish, in that dark wood classic-modern style; tables tight together, but the noise level was on target to keep conversations private; you could talk at not much more than normal conversational volume and be fine. I liked the feel of the place. The food, however, was a let down. 9 dollars for a Belgian beer, OK, but what's with the short snifter's worth of a pour? The onion rings - a basic test for every place from grease dripping diners to high art kitchens - were bland, more greasy than crisp, and to paraphrase Woody Allen - the onion rings were mediocre, and there weren't enough of them! I ordered a bacon cheese burger, medium-rare. It was a smallish handful, came well done and the cheese was noticeable by its scarcity. I actually forgot it was part of the sandwich 'til I hit the couple of bites near the end. The bacon was sweet, which I guess is a trend, and I can't hold that against them, but be warned. It seemed too sweet to go with the rest of the flavors, more like candy than bacon. The fries were just OK. My buddy had the BLT with fried egg, which I guess is a turnabout on all the joints serving burgers that way. The egg (2 of them, over easy) was cooked hard enough that the yolk was solid. Less messy, and maybe the cook's intention, but where's the flavor or the fun? The fruit cup he got instead of fries was a small (sensing a theme in this review?) ramikin of diced bits that looked brown around the edges. I don't mean to grouse, other diners around us looked satisfied, or were just eating without paying attention to the food. Overall, we tried the basics and came a cropper, so I'd be looking for an alternative before I go back.
(2)
Tio S.

I had a great lunch experience at State & Lake. We started with the tomato and mozzarella appetizer, and it was aboslutely delicious. Green, heirloom tomatoes and fried mozzarella - you can't go wrong! The portion was just enough to share, but left us wanting more as it was so tasty. My guest and I split two entrees: the cheeseburger platter and the Cuban pork sandwich. Both were excellent, and the portions were huge. The shoestring fries that accompanied both sandwiches were very flavorful and tasty, and not too greasy. They give you a lot of fries on one plate, enough to share, so I would only recommend one side of fries for 2-3 people. The service was good, and our waiter was very friendly. He talked us into a heath bar dessert that was amazing. I'll be back again, for sure - and maybe have a drink at Roof after dinner.
(3)
Rachel B.

So just had lunch with co-workers and all thought the food was ok, nothing special though. The Buffalo Fries had good flavor but were a little too soggy. Seemed like a good idea in theory but didn't quite deliver what was expected. The lobster roll was really good, think of something similar to a tuna salad sandwich only with lobster instead. However, the chips that came with the lobster roll weren't good at all. Tasted like burnt potato chips with very little seasoning. Gumbo got sub-par rating from co-worker, French Onion Soup good but really cheesy. Everyone liked the Mexican Chopped Salad but didn't seem too crazy about the Short Rib Panini. All in all a decent work lunch but not great by any stretch of the imagination.
(3)
Adam S.

We have a failure here and I do not expect this place to survive. It will depend heavily on people that accidentally go there thinking it is the Roof Bar in the Wit Hotel, or people actually staying at the Wit (Doubletree spliced with W Hotel). This is a restaurant akin to any you would find in the lower level of a Marriott or Sheraton near an airport in Cleveland. Small, dark, loud, and average.
(2)
Madelyn H.

i'm between a 3 and a 4. what pushed me back to a 3 was the prices. i guess given that this is in a hotel, i shouldn't have been surprised by the prices but i was. the food was good but i wasn't blown away even though everything sounded delicious on the menu. the pluses: great beer list, interesting combinations of food, new takes on classics and delicious desserts. the minuses: the food didn't taste as good as it sounded and the portions were small, which would be fine if the prices reflected that. we had the beer cheese with pretzel crostini, mussels, fritters (kind of like fish sticks) and chips. the highlight of the meal was the dessert. we had the sticky toffee pudding with butternut squash ice cream. awesome! must try: sticky toffee pudding with butternut squash ice cream
(3)
Patty S.

We went to check out the beer. They have a good beer selection. I suggest getting the sample flights. Good prices for generous servings. Bartender was very knowledgeable. Only downside, is that they close so early-midnight.
(3)
Phil G.

Sort of went by mistake, thought we were going to Cibo Matto, but really enjoyed the flatbread, the chicken had huge flavor. Atmosphere is a bit dark, but we're going back for sure.
(4)
crystal h.

If there are two things I know and love, they're french fries and beer. State and Lake wins for both. First, the fries. Its enough for two ($5!) and comes with cute tiny heinz ketchup bottles. Heavy on the pepper, crisp and basic - delicious. Next, the beer. As any beer geek in the loop knows, there's no where for beer geeks in the loop. It saddens me, as I work in the loop. A decent happy hour that includes domestic and local microbrews is at least 15 mins away from my office, and that's if you don't mind dealing with the douche-baggery over at Clark Street Ale House. This place doesn't even have the cruddy stuff on tap - I love it. Avery IPA, Left Hand Milk Stout, Dogfish Head 60 min, Allagash, and Old Rasputin, among others. Yeah, that's right, I said Old Rasputin - ON TAP. Dude, Hopleaf doesn't even have Old Rasputin on tap. And all this a mere block from the office. Yes, please. Beer in the loop just became a little less lame. Our bartender Jimmy was super friendly, remembered our names and is a certified cicerone. He loves chatting about beer and giving samples. 3 (delicious) beers, one order of fries ran us $22. Will most definitely be back.
(4)
M M.

This place is great. I go to lunch here with my coworkers as well as clients and the ambiance is perfect. I have always been pleased with my meal and I agree with just about everyone else, the buffalo fries are to die for. I also am a BIG fan of the salmon entree. It is actually the best salmon I have had in my life! The sauce is perfect and I love how they ask how you would like it cooked (I prefer medium). I tried the same dish at Cafe Coco Pazzo and it fell flat compared to S&L. I would definitely suggest this restaurant to anyone for lunch or dinner.
(5)
caroline k.

They really have to fix the service here. Came in early on a Friday evening to a partly filled restaurant, to enjoy a leisurely bite with 2 friends. In the first 5 minutes of being seated, our waitress must have come by 5 times asking if we were ready - and every time we told her, we need a few minutes, had just been seated. I didn't understand what the rush was as there were plenty of tables and no waiting parties up front. Food was fine - we had the calamari steak, cheeseburger, pork over polenta - but the service was just extremely irritating. We hadn't even finished eating when she put the check on the table, then resumed to coming by every minute to see if we had paid. What was nice was the GM swung by mid-meal and asked if everything was alright - but as I was mid-bite didn't get a chance nor did I feel it was the right moment to lodge my complaint. Regardless, this place has some work to do.
(2)
A K.

Ambiance was great. Service was outstanding. Food was just OK. The appetizer of seared scallops on summer succotash was probably less than OK. The scallops didn't smell right (too fishy) and the summer succotash was a bad accompaniment. My pork shoulder with mac and cheese was OK. Cavatelli or some homemade pasta in the mac and cheese was good, but not great. My friend's steak was fine, but the wild mushrooms underneath it were better. Wouldn't go back except for a drink at the bar.
(2)
Nicholas K.

we got in at 11:30 with no reservation for lunch, by noon the place was packed. the area around the table was a little messy (a lime on the floor and a sauce smeared on the table), but the server took care of it right away. we started with the buffalo fries as an app. its way to big for two people, so be prepared. nicely cooked fries tossed with buffalo sauce, then drizzled with bleu cheese dressing and topped with big chunks of yummy maytag bleu cheese. they have a nice $12 lunch special and substituted french onion soup for their soup of the day. the turkey sandwich was quite good with a bit of garlic aioli on it and delicious bacon. the tomato and lettuce were fresh and the cheese was tasty. the crowd was a little snotty i thought for a hotel restaurant, but its a nice place to have a business meal. if you are just looking for a turkey sandwich in the area though, potbelly is much tastier and half the cost!
(3)
Lauren H.

Terrrible service, Hostess had a bad attitude. I was late for a show at the theater after arriving with plenty of time to have a casual dinner and make the show. Waited at least a half hour before someone came to the table to take our drink order. The manager had to wait on us because the server and several tables and one larger group. And yes, there were other servers that could have helped out. The food was just ok. Asked for the check as soon as the food arrived because by that time we had to eat and run. By the time we finished our meal, still no check. Had to hunt down the manager to get the check and he stood over me while I signed the bill to see what I was tipping. He's lucky he got what he did, I way over tipped for the experience I had there. Never again! Sadly for them, I work in the concierge industry in Chicago and people ask me about The Wit and the restaurant all the time. Can't say that I'll be giving a positive review to people.
(1)
Erika K.

We went here with a group of 6 to celebrate my birthday. A little tricky because I made my reservation at 7, and when I called to move it to 8, the hostess said the best she could do was 7:45. Fine no big deal, but the restaurant was NOT busy at all. We easily could have moved our reservation to 8. Oh well. The place is really nice inside, low lighting, great decor. It reminded me more of a lounge, than a restaurant. We did a couple of bottles of wine, which were very good, and did small plates and appetizers for our meal. All in all the food was good. Don't miss the pork shoulder and mac and cheese, it was the best thing we ate all night! Most of the small plates had generous portions and we left feeling happy and full. I think they are still working out the kinks in the service here, but hopefully they will have that figured out soon. All in all, I would go back, and I would definitely recommend it if you are making a night out of it, and going up to the roof top bar, dine here first!
(4)
M G.

Went out for a special lunch on a Wednesday. One of my co-workers had the chicken pot pie which she thought was salty. The other had fish tacos with some sort of salad which she also thought was salty. My tuna melt was fine, the bread under the tuna was a bit tough. The 2 that had burgers liked them just fine. Fries were nice and crispy. The atmosphere here is nice and the service attentive, but I wouldn't go back for the food. Maybe a drink after work.
(2)
Alan W.

We came for the beer selection (after in a mention in a New York Times article) and it didn't disappoint. Well, there was one disappointment: the Great Lakes Eliot Ness tap was dry. The draft menu has many locals such as Goose Island and Two Brothers. We had four different beers around and all four of us were very happy. Our server seemed to be very knowledgeable about beer. On the whole, the food was also good. My wife had pork shoulder, the most disappointing dish at the table. It was too salty and I thought it tasted like a so-so meal I could make at home without any experience. I had the grilled shrimp on bacon grits, which I loved. The shrimp tasted fresh (it was ~6pm on a Saturday) with a great combination of spices, and the grits were creamy with a very subtle bacon component. We also had a salad with roasted beets and blue cheese that was tasty. Our friends both had burgers which they said were delicious. They looked juicy. The burgers come with an insane amount of French fries. The fries are cut thin giving them a lot of flaky fried surface; we liked them. We shared some chips and onion dip that was good: they make their own chips and they tasted freshly fried but the onion dip wasn't anything special for me. We also shared some chocolate cake that was good and came spiked with dramatic caramelized peaks. The room was kept dim even on a bright Saturday afternoon and the decor and music is contemporary. We had high backless chairs that were quite comfortable (they also have booths). The sinks in the bathroom are a little too funky for their own good. One person complained about water spraying out of the small bowl, another of the confusion from the control being mounted on the wall. Overall, given our experience they are definitely worth visiting for a beer and burger (or another carefully chosen plate) if you need to eat in the loop.
(4)
milk s.

my boyfriend and i came here for brunch today. it looked pretty busy but was lucky there was no wait for a table. our server was was really friendly. we didn't get her name but she was blonde with a lip ring and recommended the breakfast wrap. i was really excited because it was exactly what i wanted. egg whites and spinach! my boyfriend got the french toast wih strawberries which i kept taking bites of too! the food was great and we really loved our server. she was sweet as pie.
(5)
Bryant D.

One of the best reasons to stay at theWit plus the bartenders are AWESOME!! Please keep this place rockin, we come here 4x per year and look forward to drinks, breakfast and brunch much more than the rooftop bar with young people drunk off their *ss, hahaha.
(5)
Beth P.

I went here for my birthday with a group of friends and couldn't be more pleased! The service was wonderful the drinks were amazing and the food was delicious! I am so pleased that I decided to book a reservation here because everything was wonderful. We had people in the group with food allergies and they were extremely accommodating to the restrictions. Too many times I have found that restaurants deeper into the downtown area lack pizzazz and great service and this place had both. I had my first Bloody Mary ever here and I already am dying to go back! I definitely recommend trying this gem!
(5)
Jeffie J.

Enter a dark space. The dÃ©cor looks terrific. The sound track is blaring. The servers are good-looking in their black T-shirts with slicked back hair and--for the guys--muscles and tattoos. This is a cool place. Or is it? There are plenty of loop business types and tourists here, but where are the hipsters, scenesters and arty types? Not here--that's for sure. You're in a hotel restaurant that packages the aura of "hipness" as a selling point. Still it's fun, the servers are friendly, they make a killer martini, the stuffed olives can be a meal, and you can always pretend to be cool. The menu is interesting and the food I've sampled has been good, most recently grilled whitefish that comes with a side of citrus salad. I'm allergic to one of the listed ingredients so I told the waitress and there was no problem changing it for something else. The chef even changed the dressing on the salad. So here, the hotel ethic of service helps (some "celebrity chefs" will never change one of their creations--their advice would be order something else or go someplace else). I'll be back; it's a good downtown choice.
(4)
Laurie K.

During my 5-night stay at theWit, I ate at State & Lake for several meals. My experiences there include a good mix of time frames and busyness, so I feel pretty comfortable in saying that I have a good reading of the place overall. I enjoyed each meal and had wonderful service as well. Two of my favorite dishes are the chicken & waffles and butcher burger w/ fries. A couple servers who stand out are Paige and Luiz (sp?). They were very friendly and attentive. The manager was genuinely welcoming and was very attentive to the servers as well as guests. One morning, I witnessed a patron approach the manager with a (ridiculous) complaint/suggestion and he handled it very professionally. I was cringing inwardly at what the patron was saying; but the manager did a great job at listening and then appeasing him. I've never worked in the food service industry, but I definitely appreciate the hard work that these people put in. Whether you're a guest at theWit or not, I highly recommend you visit State & Lake. TL;DR Great food / Excellent staff. Go there.
(5)
Jennifer Q.

My husband and I stopped in here, as it was close to the Chicago Theater. We were on our way to see Cyndi Lauper's anniversary tour. I found the food and service to be really good. I had the butternut squash soup and the Dino Kale Salad with sausage on the side. My husband had the Curd Burgler's burger. We both enjoyed our food very much. It was a really crowded night (Friday). The place was popular and packed. We waited about 20 minutes at the bar. Once seated, everything went smoothly and we made our show with time to spare. I would return. I liked the experience very much. It's a fun "date night" type place that has a warm vibe and is not pretentious. I was pleased with my experience!
(4)
Joe J.

We made reservations for State and Lake through OpenTable as a convenient restaurant before a show at the Chicago Theatre. I called ahead to check on parking and was informed that valet was discounted for diners to $17. We showed up, handed over the keys, and entered the boisterous restaurant. Our first impression was a chaotic hotel bar. The layout was a bit disorganized, the chairs were wobbly, and lighting uneven. Our server was moderately attentive, and the drinks came in spurts. The charcuterie appetizer was feeble with small samples of cheese that appeared to have come from the local supermarket. The burger was good and cauliflower meal was interesting and tasty. We had to replace multiple pieces of silverware, as they had old food pasted on. The food is on the pricier side for, basically, bar food. But in the heart of downtown, I guess that is the going rate. Finally, after returning from the show 2 hours later, the chief valet said: "that will be $43." We protested that we were quoted a different rate when he informed us that the rate disappears over 3 hours. We explained that nobody informed us of this "rule." His response: "Sorry, that's just our rule." He was gruff and standoffish, and, luckily, the nice female valet agreed to get the manager and returned with a second "discounted" rate of $23. Needless to say, the valet experience was the nail in the coffin for State and Lake. We will definitely not be back.
(2)
Rob B.

Awesome beer selection. One of only two places you can get 19% not your fathers root beer!
(5)
Kristi K.

I stayed at the Wit and enjoyed breakfast & lunch at State and Lake. The food was great. For breakfast I loved the green smoothie. Can't remember what was in it but boy was it yummy. The chicken panini I had for lunch was delicious. The staff was so helpful. I was in a big hurry for lunch as I had to catch a plane and the bartender rushed the sandwich for me which was so nice! It was much appreciated that I didn't have to eat airport food!
(4)
Shradha A.

Here for lunch yesterday & loved their butternut squash soup & green salad. Service is always solid & noise level was manageable for a business lunch.
(4)
Charlie C.

Come here on Sundays for their Fried Chicken, its some of the best I've ever had. If you are a beer snob like myself, there is plenty to explore on tap. This is the type of place that you can spend a whole afternoon in, parked at the bar and mingling with a great cast of characters.
(5)
Terry M.

Found this place by accident. I was in town with my wife just for a long weekend (Cubs game, touristy stuff, etc...) We had walked over to St. Peter's on W Madison for Mass on Sunday and were walking back to the hotel talking about brunch and just walked by. The place was busy (good sign) and so we stopped in. I found the service excellent. Attentive, but not too clingy. The food was great. I had the Tavern benedict and my wife had the egg white omelet. Would definitely do this again.
(5)
Daniel B.

Great atmosphere! Good music and better drinks! The bartenders were attentive. Loved the fact that there were enough monitors to let me see all the important games of the night! Would definitely come again!!!
(5)
Andre W.

Came here with co-workers after a long day of meetings and a few drinks @ Emerald Loop around the corner. Some of my colleagues have been here before and said the food was pretty good. Of course this place is at the bottom of the Wit Hotel so its a pretty decent looking joint. The place is very well lit and has a semi swanky feel to it. There is also a band playing sometimes which is pretty cool. The band gets pretty loud especially if you are at the tables thats near them. The host actually had to come over and apologize as he realized how loud it was as he walked by. My friends mentioned the butcher burger was pretty good...me being a burger lover I had to check it out. The burger includes iceberg lettuce, pickles, tomato, onions & mayo. It was a good buyer, but my pals may have exaggerated on how good it was. Lets just say, it was not a top 10 burger or anything like that. I had a $14 drink that was just ok as I do not remember the name of it. I would not mind giving this place another shot, but someone would have to suggest it as there are better, less expensive places in the area for food and drinks.
(3)
Whitney M.

I work next door to this place, so it's a pretty easy jog for an after work drink. If there is such thing as a "super regular", that's me, and it's not because of the proximity. This is one of my favorite spots to go after work to unwind. By now, the staff essentially feels like family to me and my coworker (that grammar is correct), and they definitely treat us as such. (Hey hey Aja, Pete, and Luis!). It's like Cheers, except Chicago is better than Boston and this place is WAY classier. I enjoy the fact that I can have such a friendly experience at actual well-kept, nice bar. I lost my vegetarianism to this place. The jars are awesome, especially the bacon jam and pigs head cake. The seasonal poutine is consistently delicious, and they are competent mixologists, which can be hard to come by. Go, go! Enjoy yourself! Locals - it's a fun place to chat up travelers as well.
(5)
Lea T.

Innovative take on a tavern menu, some unique favorites include poutine and soft pretzel appetizer. Ask about which salads are smaller and which are more for an entree portion. Great service and great atmosphere- wasn't staying at the hotel but walked by and was attracted by the modern decor and fair pricing.
(4)
Kathy N.

Awesome burgers! Go there just for them. Small but cozy, charming. The manager here is extremely accommodating. We needed to change tables and couldn't have been more helpful.
(4)
Jhan K.

Update: I received a very nice email from the Gm of this establishment, inviting us back. I responded in kind and expressed how much we appreciated their approach to amending our experience. We went back and had an exceptional experience from the moment we walked in until we left with full stomachs, our leftovers boxed up and smiles on our faces. Job well done and the food was great!
(5)
Rebecca B.

The customer service at the State and Lake puts most places in this price range to shame! I stopped here today to meet a friend for lunch before heading to the Gene Siskel Film Center (which is less than a block away). I arrived first and decided to have a beer at the bar while I waited. I'm not a very discerning beer drinker so I asked the bartender for something kind of light and crisp on tap. He selected the perfect pale ale. I noticed my phone was almost dead and the bartender charged it for me during the meal. My friend arrived and we got a table and ordered a burger and a cobb salad. We wanted to split both items (as women are wont to do), and instead of simply bringing extra plates, the kitchen sent out 4 plates, each with a half serving on it! That meant we each got our own condiments for our half burger, our own order of fries, and our own deconstructed Cobb Salad! I was so pleased at this considered presentation! I hate having to divide food and shuffle it from one plate to another, while all the time the other person is usually thinking "that's not half". I love a good burger and this one was juicy and delicious. The fries were heavenly and the salad was the perfect accompaniment. This is absolutely going to be my new "go to" place for a meal before heading to the Goodman Theatre or the Siskel Film Center, two of my favorite places in the Loop.
(4)
S P.

Long wait to be seated and drinks at the bar were WAY over priced ! 35 Dollars for TWO LONG ISLAND ICE TEA'S and the worst Long Islands I ever had GROSS. Forget this place never again!!!!
(1)
M W.

Loved the ambiance at State and Lake-very hip and cool stag heads made of sequins and things. Our waiter was super charming. The place was very busy, so our food took awhile, but that it what you get when you dine during the dinner rush downtown on a Saturday night. The waiter was quite accommodating about getting us the check right when the food came (we had a show to get to). I had the burger with cheese and tobacco onions-which were incredible. Definitely worth the wait. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Mary C.

The State and Lake Chicago Tavern is the restaurant located in The Wit hotel, and serves up pub and bistro inspired food. To maximize our time experiencing the city, my friends and I ended up eating breakfast here one morning. Salmon Benedict ($14)- on crisp potato pancakes --I love the way that this Salmon Benedict was plated, and lucky for me it tasted just as good as it looks. Crispy hot potato pancakes, a cool slice of smoked salmon, and an egg cooked to a perfect runny consistency. It was appropriately light on the hollandaise sauce, so wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be. Deliciously crafted eggs benedict! Red Velvet Pancakes ($13) -Vanilla Marscapone, Candied Pecans --I'm not usually a big fan of pancakes, but when I saw Red Velvet Pancakes on the menu, it immediately became an item of interest. I've had red velvet in cake form, but pancakes? Mind blown. These flap jacks came bright red, scarcely topped with sweet marscapone and candied pecans, making it more of a dessert than a breakfast item. No maple syrup needed! They are decent pancakes, but the initial "red velvet" novelty wore off quickly for me. Egg White Wrap ($12)- Chicken Sausage, Spinach, Tomato, Cheddar --The name and description on the menu made this seem like such a healthy option, but it was anything but that. The Egg White Wrap was filling, very greasy, and nothing gastronomically spectacular. Yogurt Parfait ($6) -Berries, Honey, Granola --Out of all these fancy dishes, this Yogurt Parfait was the one thing I actually re-ordered on my subsequent visits back for breakfast. Ripe berries, crunchy granola, and a thick creamy Greek yogurt. Sometimes simplicity is best! And one last note, if you are a gold or diamond Hilton member, each night stay at The Wit will get you a complimentary $20 breakfast voucher. The meal ended up being pretty affordable, and it wasn't too shabby a breakfast if you ask me!
(3)
Lauren-ashley B.

They have a fooseball table. They have a nice people watching spot near the window, the fries are delicious and seasoned well. It's also connected to the Wit Hotel, which is my favorite boutique hotel, well one of them.
(5)
Danielle B.

For a hotel bar...this was pretty nice. You can tell I hung out at The Wit more than my own hotel. I was here with a coworker and we decided to have a burger with a local brew. The bartender was a lot of fun and so were her regulars. I learned about booty clap chicken heads (kids say the craziest things!) and other things that are reseved for Urban Dictionary. It has a great ambiance and the burgers were delicious. It wasnt badly priced for a downtown location. Def a great place to go for local beers (Maltilda, 312, and Green Line) and a tasty burger. I will be back the next time I am in town.
(4)
Joe R.

awful, awful, awful. Food and drink was good, service fine. We watched the USA world cup game. As we are walking out( I am with my wife and 8 year old and 4 year old daughter) we witness one of the servers or bus boys assault a teenager from behind. I understand that tensions were high and alcohol was involved, but what the server( Elvis or Elvin, I believe the name) did was a criminal offense. Then, the other bouncers/bartenders had the audacity to CUFF the kid who was assaulted. I stood by and watched as the cops came up. The two head bouncers( a lady with short0 hair and piercings and a tall heftier man with facial hair) harassed anyone who got in their way. Awful people running this place, it should be shut down.
(1)
Kim H.

This is a good stop for late night drinks...and fries. Must have fries. They have a great cocktail list. I'd recommend the Hummingbird if you like tequila, or La Vie en Rose. They also have great local beers! We came on a Friday night and had a dude singing live music when we were there. Ambiance was great.
(3)
Buddy B.

Had a great time. Close to theater district. It was across the street from the Chicago Theater. It was crowded but not packed. Service was excellent. We had reservations which was good because of the Friday crowd. Pub atmosphere but food was well above what you would expect from a pub. I would go back again.
(4)
Kat B.

Great meal with friends-good food for the price point and a great drink selection. And Patrick took great care of us!
(5)
Fan K.

The atmosphere was nice and modern. It gives you a mix of a higher end restaurant feel with modern design. I loved the atmosphere. We received phenomenal service and Was escorted to the restrooms when I didn't know where it was located. :) There was maybe 3 seated tables in the restaurant, so there was many tables available for seating but the server kept of sitting people on the small tables next to us. I understand if the place was packed but there is no reason why they should sit a new couple on there first date right next to us! Needless to say the couple requested to be seated on the table over... Awkward.. Food was ok.. My husband ordered the burger medium and it arrived well done. My best friend ordered the salmon but the portion was so small, he was not satisfied at the end of the meal. I ordered the butcher burger with sunnyside egg and mushroom, it was decent. The next time I return to Chicago, I don't believe I will visit State and Lake again for dinner but I might return for drinks.
(2)
Briana R.

Had breakfast here this weekend after staying at the hotel. The ambiance is strange. I couldn't understand the deer/ elk/ moose vibe. It was not too bad for a hotel restaurant however the food took 45 mins which for breakfast is way too long. I think the waiter forgot to place our order because a couple who got seated after us got served well before us. The food was great for a hangover breakfast after a late night out however a little pricey for breakfast. Again, that's what you have to expect when staying at a hotel. Wouldn't go out of my way to come back here unless staying at the hotel again. But besides slow service and a bit pricey the food was very good.
(4)
Leang E.

After some hard work Christmas shopping, we worked up an appetite and decided to come here for a late lunch. the place was quite classy, but the tv placement along the back walls are kind of not a good idea. It was too close to you, and it actually hurt my boyfriend's eyes so we asked to be seated elsewhere. It was fortunate that it wasn't extremely packed so that we were able to do that. There were multiple football games going on, and we were able to see them all going on with the numerous screens they have here. My whitefish sandwich was delicious and just the right portion. Our waitress was more on the quiet side but still nice. Prices are comparable for downtown.
(4)
Julian V.

The service is very great! I had the pimento cheese dip which came with tortilla chips which was pretty good, but nothing special. I also ordered the cauliflower soup which was very one note and 2 little cheese curds in it and nothing else. Overall is wasn't bad, but it wasn't that great either. Just average.
(3)
Michelle U.

A nice surprise. We did not even realize this place existed. Would have definitely just walked by if it were not on Yelp. The breakfast was awesome and the service was good and the atmosphere was cozy. It was a little pricey for breakfast.
(4)
Kristen F.

My husband and I sent his parents to the pentatonix show at the chicago theatre. We picked state and lake for a pre-show dinner. Brittany went above and beyond to make the dinner special for them. My mother-in-law said she felt like a VIP! Great food deserves great customer service. Thank you so much.
(5)
Noah K.

Great spot! Stayed at the Wit hotel for business and ate here a few times. Breakfast was phenominal - eggs benedict with potatoes were some of best I've had. Yogurt with fruit and granola was amazing. I dont usually like yogurt, but I ordered this 3 more days it was so good! For dinner, its a nice spot to grab a beer. The chicken wings were smoked and came with a great vinegary dipping sauce. Staff was attentive. Would come back.
(5)
Monica P.

This place serves up a delicious hamburger, with locally sourced beef! The waitstaff and manager were great -- very friendly and talkative. You can only order from the brunch menu during certain hours on the weekend, but after my meal I looked at the lunch (dinner?) menu to see what else they serve. I'll definitely return to try out more of the menu -- everything sounded great! And because the restaurant tries to use good ingredients to make better food, the menu changes throughout the year. I didn't have a cocktail, but the choices looked great.
(4)
Angela B.

The drinks are delicious, the food is GROSS. I had the deviled eggs and the wings. Prior to the experience, I didn't think it was possible to mess up deviled eggs, but they showed me. They were served freezing cold and with some type of lemon oil drizzled On them (ewwww). The wings just had a disturbing amount of char on them and a terrible seasoning. If you are hungry, I would avoid. If you are thirsty or want to get buzzed, drink up.
(2)
Todd L.

This has quickly became a favorite of mine when visiting Chicago. Yes, it is located inside a hotel, however don't let that keep you away. They have a fantastic beer selection and a great creative menu. The menu changes by the season. I highly recommend everything here.
(5)
Cyndy H.

The service was excellent and the waitress was knowledgable about the menu! We had the fried chicken with biscuits-excellent! The chicken was not greasy and we split the meal-enough for 2! Would recommend the restaurant-bar has unique drink specials!
(4)
Tanya M.

We ate there on a Sunday night looking for something new and different. We really wanted a dessert that was different as well but when we got there we got food as well. The food was alright, my husband got some meat and cheese dish that was gross if you don't like raw or cured meat don't even bother trying! But he knew it was something he should experience so it was kinda funny. I got a salad the Herb and pear it was delicious. My daughter got the 7-grain chicken tenders ate it! The pischatio smore was pretty good not a favorite but different and worth trying. Our server was new and didn't know everything which we understood but at the end of our meal was MIA! So we some how got the attention of what appeared as the Manager and asked him for our bill he looked briefly for our server then brought us our bill which we just handed him our credit card. He then begain looking for the server AGAIN whom is still MIA! and brought our bill back by handing it to use WITHOUT a word or even looking at us and walked away! I'm sorry but that alone is rude and horrible customer service especially from a Manager or Supervisor whomever he was that clearly knew our server had disappeared. We thought just because some of the food wasn't outstanding it could possibly be a place we could return and try again but with the horrible customer service (especially from a Manager) I wouldn't recommend this place at all!
(1)
Lucy W.

Love the drinks, love the desserts (i had an oatmeal gingerbread cookie ice cream sandwich w/ blueberry lemon gelato), food looked great (was disappointed that I didn't get to try the fries or burger), acoustic guitar player on Saturday night was really good. The only thing I didn't like was the type of crowd, which was essentially douchey spillover from the rooftop bar. Service at the bar was a little lacking...bartenders pretty much ignored us, until I had to flag them down.
(3)
amy t.

Stopped by for a bite and a drink before a show at Chicago Theatre on a Friday night. No reservation, but we lucked out with a seat at the bar after we put our name on a waiting list, and decided to order there after Jeff swung by and offered out some menus. We ordered a charcuterie and cheese plate, and a box of jars (pickled beets, fig/bacon, and kale/spinach jars) and we each had a few drinks - total bill for 3 people was about $100. Everything was tasty, and just right for a pre-show bite to eat. Though I am generally leery of trendy-ish Loop places, the staff was incredible and a delight. Attentive, nice, welcoming, and fun - things moved like a well-oiled machine while we were there (food window from kitchen to bar was manned and attended to quite well).
(4)
Jackie S.

Great burgers and a great atmosphere. We happened to stumble in here while looking for a place to eat near The Chicago Theatre. The menu seemed a little random but after ordering one of the more basic burgers, I was pleased with my decision. The burger was cooked just the way I like it (juicy but not too pink). A little on the pricy side but I would definitely recommend trying one if you're ever in the area.
(4)
Sue R.

We came here despite some mediocre reviews because . . . well, all my other choices were booked! Glad we did. My husband and I split a burger and chicken wings. The wings were good- but the burger was the star of the show and came with great fries. Good cocktails, good service. We'll come back!
(5)
Isabelle L.

Ended up at State and Lake for a quick pre dinner show. The overall experience was OK but we probably could have done better. The place was noisy with big parties standing by the bar and totally overtaking the room. Service was fine. The food was OK but nothing memorable except for the grits that were really good. The B8 burger was overcooked and dry, a waste of $20. The walleye fritters were decent, meaning non greasy but totally lacked any fish flavor.
(3)
Edward W.

The vibe is great and the drinks were tasty. The food was ehh. Id be apt to return for the former and not the latter.
(3)
Anna K.

It was good food and service. Only 4 stars though because my guest ordered her burger well done and it came out closer to medium rare. Great location for Chicago Theatre events too!
(4)
Erin K.

Really terrible food. Good service. I ordered the 72 hour cured salmon for take out. The menu listed tons of goodness in addition to the salmon including a bagel and cream cheese. I had to work all Saturday so this was my treat for the day. I got the salmon back to the office and I was completely disappointed. Everything about this was wrong. They put everything together like it was a big bagel sandwich. Everything was wet; I couldn't tell if the wetness was coming from the pickled onions or the slimy salmon but the bagel was soaked through. The salmon was straight up bad. Beyond the sliminess it was mushy and had a tangible "bad" smell. There was very little cream cheese on the bagel so despite being soaking wet the sandwich somehow tasted dry. No worries, they got wrong, so I called back to let them know my order was bad. They were super accommodating and offered to remake the order and run it over to the office. Amazing service!!! I was stoked again. This seems very promising. Then I got my order. The salmon was fresher, but all the same problems were there. The bagel had almost no cream cheese and was soaking wet... again! I don't know what the deal is with this place, it's attached to one of the higher end hotels, so you think they would get basic salmon and a bagel right. The service bumped the total score up from zero to 1. But I don't care how good the service is, the food is just terrible.
(1)
Lindsey A.

Wow, I did not expect this hotel restaurant to be as good as it was, but, dang! Wow! Our party of 6 had a perfect round corner table by the Foosball table. Our servers were prompt, nice, attentive. But mostly - the food! It was excellent. I had the Amish chicken and it was so moist and tender; chicken is never moist and tender. It came upon a bed of polenta mashed potatoes that were so creamy and dreamy I couldn't stop eating them. Oh, I also started with the corn soup which was lovely! Presentation was nice, too. We had a round of the three jars and when they didn't bring out the beef tartare right away for the beef-eaters, we were served two complimentary jars and extra bread. The dessert was so-so, I only had a few bites, but it's not affecting my overall great impression of this place. I'd definitely come back here for a pre-theater dinner or night out with coworkers/friends.
(5)
Latonya H.

Excellent service from start to finish! My hubby had the crispy chicken thigh and malted waffle and had to pause after his 1st bite! He said it was the best combo of flavors! Amazing!! I had the French Toast bread pudding and loved it! The atmosphere was great and the mimosa and Bloody Mary bar were a great touch for Sunday brunch! We didn't expect such a treat. Perfect after our 6 mile morning run!
(5)
PG S.

I feel like the hip thing to do is make a restaurant that looks cool and then rely on the ambiance to keep people coming back. Sure, State & Lake looks awesome, but from the service to the food, it's just... meh. I had the hipster veggie sandwich, which was interesting on paper - butternut squash, shitake mushrooms, etc. But the end product didn't quite pull it all together. A little soggy with an overload of sauce, and the fries were limp and plain. It had such great intentions but didn't really deliver. Again, this place looks killer, but if you want to create a great experience, you've got to make it happen all the way through. S&L does not.
(2)
Lisette C.

Had breakfast here twice during a recent stay in Chicago. I was so excited to try their short rib omlette, but felt it was a bit too dry. The second time around I had their goat cheese fritatta, and that was delicious. One thing to note is that they brew Intelligentsia coffee and being from LA, this is the GOOD STUFF. They also give you a cup to go when you are ready to hit the road. My issue with this place was the bar staff. Twice I sat at the bar alone and felt that the staff was barely tolerating me. They never engaged me and were all business whenver I asked any questions. Just as I was about to leave a gentleman that seemed to be the manager chatted me up and he was especially nice and welcoming. But it was a shame that his staff didn't share his attitude toward the clientele.
(3)
Harold J.

Breakfast: food a 2, service a 5,. Dinner: service a 1 and food a 2. If your a Hilton Diamond member at the hotel the free breakfast is a no brainier. The dinner we had on the 26th was an absolute embarrassment to this restaurant in food and service.
(3)
Pho K.

Crappy slow service, bland poorly prepared food. They've clearly spent too much time on the presentation and decor, as everything looks great but just doesn't deliver where it matters most. Probably a decent meetup for aspiring yuppies headed to The Wit rooftop.
(2)
Kristin M.

We were up at Roof for pre-show cocktails, but the a/c was blasting down on us, so we headed downstairs to warm up. The plan was to head somewhere on Wabash, but State and Lake was cute, so we sat at the bar. The menu looks great (yum, bison burger!), and the duck tacos that we tried were quite nice, well seasoned with a nice asian vinaigrette carrot slaw. The food and drinks are fairly reasonably priced for a downtown spot. The service, however, completely turned me off. From the moment we sat down, the bartender was dismissive and sort of condescending. He was efficient, but had no personality and didn't interact at all. He mixed up my drink order (tonic instead of soda), so he grabbed it back, dumped it and made me another, quickly, but somehow I felt guilty that he made a mistake. We ordered an app, but he did not acknowledge it, so we started to think he didn't hear, but then it appeared. Some acknowledgment would have gone a long way. He gave us someone else's bill, then remedied it, but without an apology. He just appeared like he wished he was anywhere but there. Since we got everything we ordered fairly quickly, it's hard to describe why the service was so bad, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. It's a nice place, but ultimately it's still a hotel bar, where they assume they'll never see you again, so why bother going out of their way to give great service. Wrong. I was talking about returning for lunch one day to try some of the menu, but I won't anymore. You should be more careful about not alienating the Loop work crowd, State and Lake.
(2)
Tammy T.

Homemade pretzels are a great starter and the buttermilk cheese grits are fantastic too!
(3)
Steve S.

I had gotten food from room service while staying at the Wit but had never ventured down to dine at State and Lake until today. We decided to grab breakfast and while it didn't blow me away, it was decent. It's no Ann Sathers but if you're in the area, its a safe bet. The restaurant looks good with big disco antelope sculptures. It's obvious this place still has the "cooler than you" vibe that killed CiboMatto. While the roof still draws the nightly dBag parade, it's clear State and Lake realizes they should focus on hotel guests. Service is good but got a little backed up at the morning breakfast rush. I choose the goat cheese frittata. It had potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus and goat cheese and while it was good, it needed one ingredient to pull all the components together. Not sure what though. Partner had the salmon Benedict and loved it, although he mentioned it got really messy as you ate it. State & Lake is a great choice if you're staying at theWit but if you're a local, you're not missing anything.
(3)
Alice J.

I came here for a work lunch and really enjoyed it. The space is gorgeous and conveniently located in the downtown area. It was a warm day so we say outside which was really nice, although the outside seating is not well decorated compared to indoors.I had the iced coffee with condensed milk which was really good and strong. I had the brisket sandwich which was also good and I especially enjoyed the fries with sea salt. Skip the grits, I had that on the side with mushrooms and it wasn't that flavorful. I'd definitely go again and the service was attentive and friendly. Looks like a great place for happy hour or dinner as well.
(4)
Gwendolyn B.

We were looking for some place to grab some late dinner after a trip to the Art Institute. We were kind of confused by the menu and the concept of appetizers served in jars, but went ahead and ordered. The Corn Chowder with chicken was really good and the burger was delicious (I had Fig and Bacon jam added to the order!). We enjoyed the ambiance and the live music. It was a little more pricey than I'm used to but I also appreciate the original dishes as living in the suburbs it becomes repetitious to always have the same restaurants from which to choose.
(4)
Priyanka P.

Great option for late night dining... Live music on some days. I ordered chicken wings and it way yum!
(4)
Stacey D.

Came here for breakfast on our last day in Chicago. We really liked it. Got right in on a Sunday morning. Waiter gave us a few suggestions. I got the breakfast 201 North (eggs, chicken sausage, potatoes, and toast). Husband got the bread pudding French toast. Both of us were more than happy with our decisions. Coffee is good. Orange juice is amazing. However it's quite pricey. Our breakfast cost $45 not including tip.
(4)
Caitlin C.

After walking around Chicago looking for a place I could get pizza and striking out due to extremely long lines at several places, I was starving my face off. I didn't want to end up at a chain store out of desperation, I didn't come to Chicago to eat at Chipotle, so when I happened by this place I decided to duck in. Some people have mentioned problems with the decor, I liked it. The ambiance was good. Service was mediocre at best. I was by myself, and it felt like it took ages to greet me and then to take my order, and even after they brought me the dessert menu it was a while before I saw someone again. Each person was pleasant, but the wait in between interactions was long, despite it not being a busy time. I really liked what I ordered, the Cask Conditioned Flat Iron Steak. It was tasty and had nice flavors, I even liked the mushroom horseradish puree which I had entertained asking them to omit. I then had some of the dark chocolate ice cream, it was a little weird... tasted like it had cinnamon in it. I'd go back. I didn't realize at first that it was a hotel bar, but am more impressed now that I know it was. So, besides the shoddy service I'd recommend it.
(4)
Jenna I.

Great service at State & Lake bar, so kudos to them! I work in the area and you could say there are a lack of places for a great happy hour and we all tend to get bored of going to the same places every week! Not only were they extremely attentive, but they offered us some amazing complimentary appetizers!! Plus, it didn't hurt that my college buddy was randomly performing a fantastic acoustic set that night! Great job, Mr. Chris Buehrle! I'm surprised I haven't been here sooner and I will definitely come back!
(4)
Nico s.

Yummy
(4)
Lenora C.

I am giving State and Lake 5 stars. So, here's the story; I come from work and I stand at the bus stop on no other than State and Lake street. Well, It was just killing my soul that I never had the time to go in and grab a bite to eat. So, some 6 odd months later; I finally get into this swanky place. The decor is very inviting and unique. I was meeting my mother for dinner. I got the Waldorf salad w/ vinaigrette which was delish and just the right portion. My other also took the liberty of ordering sweet potato fires w/ their signature beer cheese sauce. It kind of tastes like big mac sauce. Me and my mother both had burgers which neither of us could finish. It was so kind of the waitress to have the food waiting in the window when I got there it was piping hot. I say its worth a try and the staff is friendly too.
(5)
Stephen S.

I took a large group of about 20 here to celebrate my birthday, and I'm so glad I did. They took wonderful care of us, brought complimentary food and drinks, separated the checks, etc. The manager stopped by multiple times to check up on us and make sure that everything came out right. It was truly nice to feel like my business was appreciated, and I will definitely be heading back here. I ordered the burger with bacon and brisket on it--think it was called the B8. I love hamburgers, and this was the BIGGEST BURGER I HAVE EVER SEEN. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Kathy K.

after a lovely afternoon at book of mormon my friend recommended tavern for a great place in the neighborhood. Walking in i was pleased with the music and atmosphere and knew my 17 year old would enjoy. The menu was perfect, BUT.....service was less than mediocre . our reservation was at 530, and the place wasn't jammed. Took so long to receive drinks, and server was not attentive, and was not very knowledgeable with menu. The brisket burger was heavy like a hockey puck,very dry and was supposed to come with a special mayo. I had to ask for it. The bus person was very attentive, and was always present Both glasses of my wine were ordered through the manager. the french fries came cold, so i had to ask for warm ones. There was never a check on our table by server. We ordered mussels as an app, and they came at the same time as 2 of entrees, the 3rd entree was delivered 5 minutes later. This is so not acceptable. I am not certain what is going on at this place, but I know i will not return. There are so many places in Chicago.
(2)
David L.

I feel like this place has gotten a bad deal in some of the reviews. Overall, we had a great experience. - We sat at the bar and everyone was very nice and helpful. - The brisket soup was delicious - The burger was perfectly cooked - We got their "root beer beer" with some ice cream and it was delicious. Not the best meal I've had ever, but great food with great service. I certainly was pleasantly surprised.
(4)
Colleen C.

Let's break down the Wit Hotel's dining/drinking options, right quick here... Top: Roof (impossible to get into) Middle: Cibo Matto (newly opened) Bottom: State & Lake (kind of boring) After glancing at the "line" (with a bouncer!) for Roof at approximately 415pm on a WEDNESDAY, we opted for a lightish, lateish lunch at State & Lake. Soo.... It's dark. And, at 5pm, they dim the lights so I could truly and honestly not see the sparkling Diet Coke in front of me. Folks, what are we hiding from in here? This place is new! I get trying to set the mood and such, but it's a beautiful sunny afternoon, throw open the windows, let the light into our lives. I felt like I was in a dive bar...where darkness makes sense. I felt like a little old lady trying to decipher the very short menu..."Honey, where are my glasses!?" Sheesh. As mentioned, the menu is short. I opted for the summer salad (watermelon, melon and goat cheese in a light reduction), which was very good...albeit a bit skimpy. My lunching partner chose the turkey club with fries, which towered over my dollops of melon/cheese. So, I guess...order well. Service was on point. Probably an excellent stop for a cocktail or two if you are staying in the hotel...but I would not make this a destination for dining. Perhaps it can serve as the "waiting room" for Roof? Probably a better idea ;)
(3)
Kate M.

When a group of people, most of which are from out of town, are going to State & Lake it can get a little confusing. "Just tell the cab "State & Lake"!" well yeah, but once you get there, which of the three drinking establishments are we going to? I don't love the name. I do however like the decor and atmosphere at State & Lake. It's dark and rustic, yet still somehow a modern vibe to it. There is a decent number of tables in the dining room and a few cozy tables in the bar area. You can order off the same menu in the bar or dining room, not a huge menu, but plenty of choices. The duck tacos were mostly good. The filling and sauce were very good, but they were housed in a greasy deep fried shell that was not well executed. Others at my table enjoyed their meals. Four of us split two of the Pina Colada Bread Puddings for dessert. It didn't even sound like it would be good to me, and I was right, but I ordered it anyway and subjected a business colleague to it. Bread pudding should not be mixed with tropical flavors, the two are at odds with each other and the fusion does not work. Makes me suspicious of some of their other well intended flavor pairings. The service was pretty bad. We were a pretty big group that started in the bar then most went to the dining room. Those of us left in the bar were neglected the rest of the night. I had dirty, empty dishes piled up in front of me for most of the night. I asked the server and manager to take them but nobody did. Oh, and the best part, both tables and my chair were uneven. I was rocking back and forth in my bar height chair allllllll night, wildly annoying.
(3)
Anne M.

Seriously underwhelming tuna melt. ($12 tuna melt, mind you) This is a swanky looking place, that I suspect makes bank from tourists and locals who don't know better. Beer is way overpriced (some $10-12). I didn't even look into cocktails this time, but I'm sure they're equally overpriced. The hostess was pleasant, server was okay, my food was disappointing. I wanted a burger but they didn't have any turkey/veggie options (not happy about that) so for some reason the tuna melt sounded good. As soon as I saw it, I really didn't feel like eating it anymore - not a good sign. It was two english muffin halves topped with tuna, tomato and a square slice of processed-looking cheese. What?! This is a sad, expensive (rip off) tuna melt. I make more impressive looking sandwiches at home! The tuna was okay, loaded with capers which I didn't really care for, and the cheese... give me a break. Get some real, *quality cheese on this thing puhleease! The fries that came with it were okay but forgettable. Two other fellow diners ordered burgers and they looked far better than my meal. Live and learn... And never order a tuna melt from State and Lake again.
(2)
Caroline B.

Food was great and our server couldn't have been better. I would have given this restaurant a much higher rating except that the hosting staff doesn't seem to appreciate that when they talk about the patrons of their restaurant, people that are sitting in booths behind them can hear what they are saying. One would think that if people are eating in your restaurant you would at least afford them the courtesy of sharing your opinions in the back room.
(1)
Gina F.

The food was ok, but the service was terrible! They have zero vegtarian options, but I got a sandwich sans meat & it was pretty good (the BLT with fried egg & cheddar). My husband got the wedge salad & asked them to hold the blue cheese. It came with no dressing at ALL. We had to flag down a bus boy to get us some. The burger my brother-in-law got was ok. He said it was "just a burger." We saw so little of our server that our drinks were empty for a solid 20-30 minutes. We also thought of leaving after the first drink cuz it was already 6:30 & we had a show at 7:30. The waiter assured us all the food was "super quick"--unless we wanted the steak well done, which could take 25 minutes or so. We said that sounded fine. He started to walk away (in spite of us just having made clear we were pressed for time) and we called him back to take our order. Apparently his definition of super fast is about 23 minutes, because that's how long it took us to get an egg sandwich, a burger, & a salad. SO much different than that well-done steak. Now THAT would take a crazy long 25 minutes. The one redeeming quality is it's proximity to the Chicago Theatre, but there are other options & I will be utilizing those options in the future.
(1)
Justine M.

The food here is great. It doesn't try too hard and everything is well made. We got buffalo fries and the duck tacos to start - both SO good. Duck tacos were flavorful and the buffalo fries had enough buffalo sauce to be flavorful, yet not TOO strong (important when dealing w/ buffalo sauce). I got the smoked turkey panini and it was good. Very filling. Cons: - a bit pricey for the items on the menu - I wouldn't pay that much for food items like this - The wait doesn't seem very friendly. Also, the waiter who refilled my water kept reaching in front of me and knocked over my water glass during lunch.
(3)
Dave P.

Food was okay, nothing to write home about. The menu is fairly limited and overpriced ($22 for pork and beans...really?). They have more appetizers and food served in jars as appetizers than actual main dishes for dinner. Then again, they are catering to the people staying at the Wit Hotel they are attached to than other groups of people. I love how the other reviews say 'great stop for late night drinks.' It sure is if you like to overpay for beer. For a tall draught beer you'll be paying anywhere from $13-17 depending on what you order. They do have a limited selection of canned microbrews starting at $4 a can. If I'm out for late night drinks, I'm not going to spend $20 on one or two beers, sorry. The bar itself is small. About 10-12 seats tops. Overall, an okay experience. Wouldn't be a 'regular' place to venture to by any stretch of the imagination. Chicago is a big city, there are other, better, places in the area.
(2)
Niti B.

Was a good end to a great weekend...could have been better but the food was fresh and delicious. Didn't have anything special to offer but made things just right. I had split the french toast and Mediterranean fritatta and both were made very well. The side of potatoes were good and the fruit was refreshing. wouldn't say I would go back but a nice quiet brunch on a Sunday with guests in town might be the solution before you send them home.
(3)
Ione F.

Went to this place while staying at the hotel nearby. It got decent ratings but for lunch/happy hour. We went for breakfast, food was fair to good. Service was actually good, but after ordering my breakfast with certain elements off and others on the side (how hard should this really be?) I got it served right off the menu. Had to send it back, asking again for the stuff on the side. This time it was served with only the stuff I could eat, but not on the side. I was hesitant to send back again, both for the time it took and the fear of...you know. If you like food, if everymeal counts like it does for us...Anyway, this might be a place to skip, unless you really don't care about what you are going to get.
(2)
Liz R.

I had one of the best veggie sandwiches ever when I ordered the Hipster Veggie. Honestly, I've ordered veggie sandwiches in a lot of restaurants, and this one was simply delicious. The only downside to the experience was the service was a little slow. Went just before noon on a Thursday for lunch.
(4)
Ryan S.

We went to State and Lake Chicago Tavern for our Christmas breakfast and left very satisfied. The ambiance is spectacular, the staff was very friendly, and the food was wonderful. Our only critique is that the restaurant didn't provide a drink menu; we planned on ordering drinks for Christmas, but were unaware of any drink specials.
(4)
Melissa F.

State and Lake is just A-OK, pretty much the definition of overpriced but average at the same time. I think they take advantage of the fact that the Loop isn't exactly crawling with sit-down restaurants and pounce on wallets. If I remember correctly, my southwestern-ish salad was around $14. It was fine. Just fine. $14 but not exactly blown to bits with avocado or shrimp or other justifiably costly ingredients. Let me put this in perspective. It was fine, just like... - Hanging out with a boring 5th cousin on their farm in Montana, admiring their paisley wallpaper - Listening to a podcast about rice - Watching the TV have technical difficulties and display the multi-colored default screen - Drinking water to find complex flavors therein And so on. State and Lake is coasting. And not just because it's near Lake Michigan, a-ha-ha-HA. Ha.
(3)
Jen S.

Our server was fantastic and recommended everything that we ended up ordering. And it was all phenomenal! We started with the loaded fries, which look to be fresh cut and topped with gravy, cheese curds, bacon and a fried egg. Three of us also ordered the perch and it was easily one of the top ten things i've ever eaten! The grits were also a great choice. I'd return again for the good food and atmosphere! Great evening.
(5)
Cindi C.

We have been in Chicago about 2 months now, and every Friday I meet my husband for drinks and dinner or small plates. This location is pretty close to Clark and Lake, so we gave it a shot. It was okay. The service was good, I returned a drink because it didn't taste like I expected and they graciously removed it from the bill. But we did have to wait quite a bit for drinks which seemed odd because it was pretty quiet when we arrived around 5. We ordered the mussels and chicken thighs. The mussels were good, but both of us felt the broth could have been a little more seasoned. They were served with fries instead of bread which was a nice change. Miracle of miracles, we couldn't finish them. I can't say that has ever happened to us before, but the serving was so generous, we grew tired of eating with about 10 mussels still left in the bowl. The chicken thighs were delicious, but only two small thighs per plate (or maybe it was one divided), so next time we would order double. We split the cobb salad (deconstructed), it was portioned generously and they didn't charge for splitting. I had read about the macaroon sandwich for dessert, so I ordered that and my husband ordered ice cream. The macaroon espresso sandwich was so good...but sooooo much! For the price I would have been happy with half as much. Chocolate sauce on the side would have made this simple dessert so much more enjoyable. My husband enjoyed the ice cream but wished there was a little more to the serving. We both strongly recommend the whiskey flights...one of the cognacs I tried sells between $150-$200/bottle. And the pours were generous. We'll probably be back for a night cap sometime, but can't see us going for dinner again.
(3)
Zach G.

I have been here several times, because I get free breakfast at theWit with my Hilton HHonors status. On top of that, I have paid for a lunch here once as well. Prices are what you would expect from Hotel + Downtown Chicago = High. However, everything I have had to eat was delicious. My last delicious treat was a scramble with sausage, potato and a few other things. The sheer amount of sausage in it was outstanding - I really felt like it was worth the price. Only issue is the service can sometimes be slow as I feel like the staff can be stretched a bit thin.
(3)
Kat R.

Great service, yummy food and strong drinks. We will definitely return!!
(5)
Thomas W.

A beautiful little restaurant in the trendy Wit Hotel. Staff was very friendly. This was not Gibsons! Duck tacos were soggy and heavy. The Steak and Lake version of surf and turf was forgettable. Save your money!
(2)
Nicole B.

I'm staying at the hotel so I was drawn here. The menu is small, which I decided was ok. However, with only 6 or so entrees on the menu, how do you sell out of one? The small menu and then not having an item is why I rated on the low side. The steak was good, I'd get it again. The ice cream was also good even though I ordered Vanilla and Choc, not maple and choc. The Choc was a very dark, cocoa-y tasting chocolate. Not very sweet. It was good, but I feel like that would turn some people off if they weren't expecting it. Everything tasted very fresh.
(3)
Erin Y.

It was Christmas night, and we were so hungry. We first tried a big-name restaurant (which will only be named as M&S), but we ended up waiting at bar seats for 15 minutes and the server walked by us at least twice and didn't even take our order. So, we left and decided to try the OTHER M&S near State and Lake. As we were walking, we passed by State and Lake Chicago Tavern. I checked Yelp, and what? 3 stars? Well, yelpers, you've really confused me this time... because... Deciding to eat here may have been the best decision on my Chicago trip. The interior was nice, nothing too fancy or too casual. We were actually too hungry to care. We had the Christmas special dinner. I don't really remember EXACT names of what we ordered, but maybe the pictures will help? First, we started with some grilled bread and three types of sauces. I remember one was hummus, and I remember it because it was so dang good! I seriously could NOT stop eating the bread, and we even asked for seconds. Oh, and did I mention how GOOD the bread was? Crunchy, and warm... Second, we had deviled eggs, which were okay. Nothing special there. For our entrees, I got salmon and my date got the hangar steak. They were both delicious! The salmon was flaky and juicy, and the butter was delicious. The hangar steak was cooked beautifully and was flavorful. Unfortunately, I don't quite remember what we got for dessert (but I'm sure it was good). Our server Erin was so sweet. I only remember her name because it was the same as mine. Heh. (: I really wasn't expecting much, but I think this place deserves a bit more credit. And I don't think it was just because we were super hungry either. I totally recommend this place. Next time I'm in town, I'll definitely stop by again and make sure it wasn't a fluke or something.
(5)
Zack P.

I'll start with the decor. You walk into the wilderness lodge by way of Elton John with sparkly deer heads and red enamel stuff. It is typical of hotels to decorate their restaurants within and inch of their life. S&L does not "disappoint" in this regard. I beat the lunch rush and got here by 11:30, felt a little like I caught the restaurant with its pants down. Had to linger a little bit before a manager stood up from his Starbucks to greet me. Service was very relaxed. It wasn't bad or good, although I will say it was a little more casual than I'd expect at a hotel restaurant, even a "tavern." I got the bison burger and coffee. Hands down some of the worst watered down weak coffee I've had in a while. I come from the land of bad diner coffee though so I was willing to let it slide except its worth a mention since its $4.00 a cup. The bison burger was decent, it was big and tasty but the sweet potato fries were a little soggy and limp. The minus one star was for the coffee and fries and both were way below par. Other than that its a fun little place with plenty of great local beers and tasty food options.
(4)
Sue K.

Solid, good dishes but nothing out of the ordinary. Definitely try the truffled mac and cheese. SOOO GOOD! I ate some of the cheese cream after the end of the meal so I could keep the taste in my mouth haha. For dessert, my friends and I got the flourless chocolate cake. It was delicious, sweet, and huge portions. Definitely meant to be shared. The woody atmosphere is cute - made me feel like I was in an upscale bar/pub. The staff was also very nice and helpful.
(3)
Darby A.

Stayed at the Wit for Chicago Marathon...decided to grab lunch, since running race next day, perfect excuse to carb load...Pretzels and beer cheese, perfect with a Goose Island draft! Friend ordered a turkey burger, good choice, I opted lighter and went for the panzanela salad...bad choice :( Salad felt like an afterthought when creating the menu...cheap croutons tossed with some sliced grape tomatoes and 4 tiny pieces of mozzarella (mozzarella was only part of salad I ate) panzanela should be a rustic dressed salad with chunks of bread and lots of flavor...this was something they serve on an airplane. Thank God for that yummy pretzel and brew :) Stopped by on way to airport for one more round of soft pretzels and pre flight bloody Mary's...Ryan scored points for the drinks, excellent send off! A little more effort on the salads and I'd give restaurant another star!
(4)
Rosanna L.

Parmesan fries = ehhh nothng special. French fries with parmesan cheese sprinkled over it. Wednesday = lobster bisque *delicious!* for those who love creamy soups Classic burger = ordered it medium and it came out medium and juicy, makes me happy! Came with swiss cheese and grill onions just the way I like it Side salad = toss in a vinnegrette, which was extremely light, but I'm not a huge dressing eater so I definitely liked it Apple pecan pie a la mode = I'm in heaven! Absolutely delicious Brownie sundae = extremely yummy, for the chocolate/coffee lovers since it's served with expresso ice cream and fudge over deep chocolate brownies. Great meal.
(4)
Christen W.

Yummy breakfast & good burgers. We had breakfast at the hotel each morning, and fell in love!!! Only thing I've tried off the dinner menu was a burger and that was very good too!
(4)
F W.

Four of us stopped in 11/9 for a pre concert dinner. Upscale tavern atmosphere, & an appealing selection of craft beer & cocktails. Enjoyed those along with good salad & a seasonal soup appetizers. Unfortunately, when the seafood entrees hit the table so did a really foul odor. Both whitefish & mussel dishes were inedible. Clear that there was some storage or spoilage problem. Clear enough that when entrees were delivered to the table next to us, meat dishes were served & they were advised the restaurant was out of seafood. (This is when they were being served....not ordering). Our server had politely removed our plates, the manager said he'd investigate, & we never heard another word. Fish removed from our check, but no regrets, accommodation or have a drink on us next time offered up. I get that this is a Hotel (Hilton / Wit) restaurant in the loop that may not care about a repeat client base & they've certainly achieved that with me. (I office around the corner & am a Hilton Honors member). We ordered fries & another salad to have something before the show, paid & moved on. Hard to feel good about spending $200+ for fries, a couple drinks & 2 appetizers after getting a bad dish but that's what happened. So problems can happen anywhere, you may enjoy the Tavern, but IMO good restaurants serve good food, are adept at admitting & communicating problems, & engage you enough so you want to come back. Didn't happen here.
(1)
Therese M.

Came here for breakfast our last day in Chicago.. we were staying at the Wit and had breakfast vouchers to State & Lake so we figured why not try it. It was Memorial Day so there were a good amount of people there, but the service was quick. I got eggs with a side of corned beef and my boyfriend had the corned beef hash. The corned beef hash here is very good. The pieces of corned beef were a good size and not chopped up as small as I'm used to seeing. My boyfriend ordered grapefruit juice but instead was served the grapefruit platter with berries. We decided we could use some fresh fruit and kept it. It was good but probably not worth $6. Overall, the food was good but the breakfast menu was on the pricier side - I don't know if it'd be worth spending that much on breakfast if we didn't have a voucher.
(3)
J Z.

I've been here numerous times for lunch and the food is very good for lunch. The seating is not ideal to be able to talk privately. This is a decent option in the neighborhood, but no reason to make a special trip to the neighborhood.
(3)
Stephanie W.

Don't love the room, but good food and good service. I split the ahi tuna salad and mac n cheese with a friend. The tuna was perfectly cooked, but not a great mix with the salad. The salad itself was delicious. The mac n cheese was like nothing I've experienced before - orrecchiette pasta swimming in a soup of truffled cheesiness. It was delicious, but definitely hard to eat and even harder to split as we kept dripping it all over the table! Another friend ordered the southwestern salad with shrimp, which she very much liked until discovering a hair at the bottom of her salad and that one of the shrimp was still raw. Luckily, the management did an amazing job taking care of her - both the waiter and the manager came over and apologized profusely, they took the salad off the bill even though she'd already eaten most of it, tried repeatedly to bring her another entree (she declined), and brought free dessert over to the table. I'd come back just for the service, but probably won't be a regular here just because it's out of my way
(4)
Galina M.

Stopped by here on way to Gypsy Kings show at the Chicago theatre. We were running super late and their service was super speedy!! The food was great-a pleasant surprise!!! I highly recommend tuna ceviche, steak tartare and the mozarella n tomato salad ;) their drinks r awesome too! Cibo matto actually closed like 7 months ago and this whole time i thought this place was Cibo haha. Interesting thing i found out is that they sell certain decor places the hotel which is pretty cool! I really liked it and would def come back here :)
(4)
Ralph B.

Great location, in a great hotel. The menu is creative interesting and true to the descriptions. The service is great. The atmosphere couldn't be more different than the roof top lounge. I have had dates and business dinners there and it works for both. The poutine is genuine to Montreal. I took and person from Montreal there and they said it was the best outside Canada they had had. Wine menu is also good.
(4)
Shannon P.

One of the best breakfast meeting spots in the Loop. Privacy, quality of food and variety are well matched with the ease of location. Breakfast? Yes, breakfast is great here! Local, good coffee. Solid menu items that change and are inventive. I even ate Guinness pancakes in front of a client. Carbs, beer and breakfast. (Oldie item that really was good. It worked.) Lately, I passed on red velvet pancakes and loved the benedict. Yogurts, juice and sides all fresh. Evening meetings have been limited but we have chosen the duck tacos and enjoy the beer selection. My partner met the exec chef and said he was personable and friendly. As was my experience with the staff. Where can we get the Clicquot Fussball table? Kids love that thing.
(5)
Jennifer G.

Food was meh and some things way overpriced. I had the beef barley soup - rather than being thick and hearty is was beef broth with about 9 pieces of barley and l less than a bite of beef short rib. There wasn't much to it both in terms of stuff in the soup and actual soup - and for 8 bucks, pricey.. We ordered the pretzel app - that was really tasty - the cheesy dip and grainy mustard were nice. The soda was overpriced - 4 dollars for a diet pepsi. BTW - if you ask for diet coke, you will get diet pepsi - they won't let you know this.
(3)
Amanda C.

Listed as a 'tavern' but not your average tavern. It is more modern. Pretty expensive, but it is located in downtown Chicago. I had the berry yogurt parfait, which was ok but I wasn't blown away. Not sure I would go back unless I went in the evening to experience the 'tavern' part of this place.
(3)
Jeremy E.

More of a 3.5 kinda place, but I enjoyed it enough that I rounded up. I don't think there is anything particularly "special" going on here, but they do everything well. Above average burger, fries, drinks and pork chops. Cool vibe, and cool staff. I would go back if I was in the area for happy hour.
(4)
Jessica B.

Not good. Menu is constantly changing, so check before going there.
(1)
Jenna S.

Two Words: Oktoberfest Menu MMMMHHHMMM...yeah, that's where it's at! Pretzel and beer cheese? YES PLEASE! I'll wash it down with the Sparkling squared (insert fancy "2" there) strawberry cocktail and it's a done deal! As if all of that wasn't enough calories. I shared the truffle mac and cheese. Fat kid day!
(4)
Lori R.

It was very crowded and noisy the night we went there. Food (that we didn't try) was a bit pricey for Sports bar food. The beer is priced okay, wine was meh. With all the choices in the area I most likely won't return again.
(2)
Nicoline S.

We chose to come to this restaurant because it was walking distance to the Chicago theater. We had tickets to go see a show and wanted a quick dinner before hand. We informed the waitress that we had an 8 o'clock show and arrived at 6 o'clock. Thought we had plenty of time but we were very wrong. This has to be the worst service I've ever received in my many years of going to restaurants in downtown Chicago. When we first arrived our drink order was taken and brought out rather quickly, so I had high hopes. But then when we ordered appetizers and soups and salads that's when everything started to decline . We waited for a ridiculous amount of time until we finally asked where the starters were . The waitress apologized and went to check. The next thing we knew our entrees soups salads and appetizer all arrived at the table at the same time. Once we organized all the food we realize that three of the four orders were incorrect. My friend had ordered a salad with an Amish chicken side addition but instead they gave her the Amish chicken entree. My steak was supposed to be medium rare and it was well done. My other friend ordered a ham burger with mushrooms and she received a cheeseburger. Instead of fries she asked for a side salad. All she got was fries. We didn't realize all the mistakes at once so we told the waitress about one at a time. Sometimes she was busy taking care of one so another person would come by and check our table to see if everything is okay, so we informed them of the next mistake we found. Soon we had 4 people working on a table at once. We all started laughing because we couldn't believe how ridiculous the whole situation was. When the end of the meal came the manager informed us that he was going to take care of a side salad and an appetizer because of all the problems. I rolled my eyes and thought that wasn't enough. He then brought by 2 to-go desserts that we could take with us to the theater. There were four of us at the table! Meaning we'd have to share too small dessert. Ridiculous. Then the bill came and he hadn't taken off the appetizer. they also had charged us for both my friend's salad and the entire chicken entree. My friend went out and really laid into them because of the horrible experience we had had. The manager then had the audacity to stop by our table and tell us that we could come back after our show if we wanted to listen to live music until 2 a.m.. Was he kidding? All of us agreed we would never come back to this restaurant ever again. When the bill finally came back with the appetizer still not taken off. We just paid, gave no tip, and left. You'd think a downtown restaurant would have themselves a little more put together than this ridiculousness.
(1)
Suzann J.

We were looking for a place to eat and just missed the lunch menu. The only available option was the bar menu. We ordered 2 appetizers with drinks and the food was great!!!!! The service was spot-on and the manager Janelle stopped to see how everything was. Everyone was very friendly,great food ...what more could you ask for? We will definitely be back. Jim and Suzann
(4)
Rick S.

food is above average and extremely creative. however, menu (especially drinks) are bit overpriced, and service seemed sporadic and generally slow.
(3)
Judy C.

Somewhat of an ordinary restaurant. The things that sell about this place are its location (State & Lake across from Macy's), its fancy-looking bar, and the somewhat upscale decor. Everything else to me was ordinary. We came for brunch. I got an egg white frittata thinking that it would be light. Uh, no! It was dense that I think they must have used a dozen egg whites to make it! It was also heavy on the mozzarella that I felt like half a frittata would have been more than enough for me. That meal held my appetite practically all day. My friends got the brioche french toast (again, ordinary) and poached chicken salad (which my friend said it wasn't bad). Overall, a meh experience. Perhaps this place is better for their drinks (looked like it had a sizeable beer selection?).
(3)
Carol K.

State and Lake. Is it a destination? A location? Well actually- it's a restaurant at the corner of State and Lake in The Wit hotel. There is a separate entrance on State or you can enter through the lobby of the Wit hotel. The ambiance is dark and rustic. The walls are upholstered in a dark fabric, the tables are dark and the floor is a burnt orange colored cork. It's a bit like hunting lodge meets upscale lounge but somehow it works. The menu has been totally redone in the last month or so. There are appetizers, soups, sandwiches and entrees. We were there for a holiday luncheon so we ordered a couple of appetizers to go with our cocktails - the meat and cheese plate and the cheese spread with pretzel crackers. Both were quite good. The meat and cheese tray had 2 kinds of cheese, a liver pate and prosciutto. And that cheese spread was white cheddar mixed with beer and was also quite good. For our entrees- we had the Amish chicken, a burger and the trout. The winner of the bunch was the chicken. It was a half a chicken served over sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Very nice. The trout, on the other hand was tasteless and bland, and the burger and fries were just that- a burger and fries. We also tried the Gouda hush puppies (they just sounded good) as a side. They were bland- but whatever the dipping sauce that they came with them was- it was perfect on the chicken! Dessert was also a mixed bag, The apple pie with caramel ice cream was dry. The sticky toffee pudding was amazing and came with squash ice cream and the S'more was just okay. But to me any day with dessert is a good day! Finally- the service seemed to be off. The drinks came up quickly as did our appetizers. But then there was a huge wait for our entrees. When we asked our server- she told us none of her tables had gotten their food yet. I guess misery loves company? The issue would have been if we had been at a "real lunch" (you know the one- where you can't drink- and you have to be back at the office in an hour?) we never would have been able to eat at this place. The good news? There is never a bad holiday luncheon with people that you like so we had a blast (the 3 glasses of wine didn't hurt either) But this so easily could have been a 4 star experience with a little more consistency on the food and the service.
(3)
Renee E.

I was here for lunch the other day with some coworkers. I really like the space, quite comfortable and the service was good. It was a chilly, windy day and while the sandwiches looked good (ham and brie, in particular caught my eye), I opted for a bowl of butternut squash soup. The waiter asked if that was all I wanted and then I got nervous that it was going to be a shot glass sized amount of soup, so I asked and he said it was a decent size. So, soup it was! Unfortunately, when I got the soup, it was in a deceptively large bowl. Large and INCREDIBLY shallow. One scrape of the spoon through the soup and the white of the bowl was revealed. There was also a comically tiny, wee little biscuit placed in the center of the bowl. While delicious, I could've gone for a slightly larger biscuit. The other downside of this particular bowl configuration, is that the soup was spread so thin that it couldn't maintain any of it's warmth. So, be forewarned. The soup is truly an appetizer and not a standalone lunch item. I ended up buying a power bar when I got back to work. As for my dining companions, no one was particularly wowed by their meals.
(3)
Paul K.

Zero stars for food. Absolutely awful. Drinks are ok but way overpriced. If you are going to a show at the Chicago theatre it is okay to stop in for a drink. Do not order the food!!!
(1)
Craig S.

Great service, really good food and solid drinks. Drinks a little overpriced but drinks are overpriced a most places so we've come to accept that. Excellent dessert menu as well!
(4)
Justin P.

Price was good; service was good; and I loved all of the TVs. I'd definitely go back there for a decent priced meal vs other spots in that area. I had the burger & fries, and it was tasty.
(4)
Tal C.

This restaurant has the BEST soft pretzel with beer cheese that I've ever had, and I've tried a lot of pretzel's. It's chewy, soft, really savory and a little sweet, and the cheese is perfectly warm and flavorful. I could it one of these every day. We were here for dinner but were originally given the lunch menu, and I was having trouble deciding between the amazing looking sandwiches (I've heard the Reuben is unparalleled). I was really disappointed when they realized the mistake and gave us the dinner menus. The dinner menu is (1) more expensive (2) no sandwiches (3) generally a little less enticing. Long way of saying that I think this would be a great place to go for lunch. We got a few appetizers and salads. The duck tacos were phenomenal, even though I don't regularly like duck. The peanut crusted wings were also very good. We were all full after those few apps and a salad. There is also a cocktail with unique creations and the server was very helpful with recommendations. This is definitely a place I would go back to for cocktails and appetizers/small plates to share. I think that's the way to go, because none of the dinner plates really spoke to me. Overall really good food and drinks, but a little on the pricey side (which is to be expected from a restaurant at the Wit).
(4)
Molly L.

I've been to State and Lake a few times, and I've reached the conclusion that it's just OK. State and Lake a good place for happy hour. The drinks are good, but the food is nothing special. First of all, the menu is pretty sparse. Secondly, it's pretty pricey for what it is. My biggest problem with State and Lake has nothing to do with the restaurant itself. My biggest complaint is the name itself because the conversation always goes something like this: Me - "Hey, I'm having drinks over at State and Lake. You should come." Friend - "Cool, where on State and Lake?" Me - "No, State and Lake is the name of the restaurant. It's in The Wit hotel." There aren't any truly spectacular dinner options in the Loop, so State and Lake is satisfactory, which is why I've been here several times. Just be very clear when telling friends where you're going.
(3)
Kara G.

We had a TravelZoo voucher which we purchased for $60 which gave us an appetiser to share, 2 entrees and a bottle of prosecco. We decided to save it for our first wedding anniversary yesterday but were sorry we did. We ordered the duck tacos to start, which to be fair were really nice. I had the "steak and cake" which consisted of a really tiny, chewy piece of steak and a pretty average crab cake, both of which were only just warm. The potatoes and brocollini were good, but for what would be $26 on the menu, I was very disappointed, My husband had the chicken with the same sides. One piece of his chicken was okay so he ate it, but the second piece was all fat and bone which put him off his whole meal. As we were still hungry after not finishing our food, we went for the blueberry passion fruit cheesecake which was pretty good (although kind of small). Our whole meal took us only 40 minutes and so the bottle of Prosecco was hardly touched. I assumed that we would be able to take it with us when we left, but we're told we could only take it to our hotel room. As we weren't staying in the hotel and they wouldn't let us leave with it, we ended up leaving 2/3 of the bottle behind. I was disappointed. The staff who served us were polite and friendly and I couldn't fault them, however the quality of the food was certainly lacking. We ended up putting an additional $40 to the bill making the total experience $100 for what I felt was a poor/average meal.
(2)
M W.

Very average food at very high prices--not a good quality to cost ratio. I had the crab cakes which were mushy and not very good. They should really be taken off the menu. The beer I had was bland. At $8 a pop, they should at least be selective about the brews on the menu. The apple pie for dessert wasn't really apple pie and was a real disappointment. My SO had the tuna steak which was good but also very overpriced. The service on the other hand, was perfectly fine, a high point, in contrast to a lot of other posters. I will not return.
(1)
Chirag P.

I believe this is my FIRST EVER 1 star... I'm usually very happy with food in general, but terrible service like this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I won't be back... probably the worst service I've ever had as far as I can remember. Food was ok but nothing that I'll be pining for. 6 of us went there for lunch on a Friday, only had a few tables filled at that point, so beating out any lunch crowd. 12:20 p.m.: Walked in seated right away 12:30 p.m.: placed our order, 2 of us did the $10 burger special, 3 people get a caprese chicken sandwich and one gets a side salad, ordered the buffalo fries to share at the table. 12:35 p.m.: Get our drinks, 12:40 p.m.: Fries came out quickly and honestly were the only reason this place gets ONE star from me. 12:50 p.m.: We finished our drinks and we wait and wait, my one co-worker gets her sprite filled instantly... but our server doesn't check with anyone else. 1:00 p.m.: Place has slowly filled, but our order was in well before the crowd. We have to wave down our server who til this point has not checked up on us or given us any status of our meal... he says "it's coming right up... errr, I mean in 5 minutes." Ok, we wait again... 1:10 p.m. my wife goes and asks another waitress on our food and she says I'll go check for you... no idea where she went, but then she comes out right near our table with a customer, but doesn't say a damn thing to us... 1:15 p.m.: my lawyer buddy is pissed now goes straight to the manager and at the same time the food is showing up... manager apologizes offers us a drink and says we'll be getting complimentary desserts... (I don't need more food to eat, when now you've already got me running late on a lunch break). The server busts out the excuse "kitchen was really backed up" oh really??? When there was only three tables besides us when we placed our order. I'm pretty sure the genius forgot to place the entree portion of our oder. - THE MEAL - The burger special... not so special at all, they don't tell you that it's basically a slider version of the burger, so when I see the actual burger sizes going to other tables I'm very pissed... the pointless waiter could have at least mentioned it's half the size (if even that). The caprese sandwiches... basically served on brick bread... my wife just eats a few bites and takes off since it's been well over an hour now. My co-worker who got the side salad... it was literally just LETTUCE with some dressing. The two of us who got the burger special felt bad and gave her our slices of tomatoes so that she could pretend that it really was a "salad" The complimentary dessert... 8 mini-cupcakes, pulled straight out of the fridge onto a plate... I'm a cupcake beast, so I was excited... took a bite and and these were just disgusting... COLD cupcakes???? And the frosting tasted like unsalted butter with food coloring... literally disgusted with this place, the meal and especially the TERRIBLE TERRIBLE service. Mind you the server had not once come by to ask about drinks still, only the manager did the one time when he knew they f****d up. I would expect a discount on the meal or even a comp'd meal for that. 2:00 p.m.: Leave State & Lake really pissed and still hungry
(1)
Ginger D.

This is a solid place to grab a drink, or enjoy their delicious jar appetizers and other food. Pete the manager was super attentive without being overbearing. It's a cool place without feeling like you are in a hotel bar with the typical clientele. Drinks are tasty and staff wonderful. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Kathy S.

Great downtown lunch spot in the Wit hotel. Upscale, yet casual bar atmosphere. Will try again for happy hour. Recommend the fish tacos. Perfectly seasoned with all the right toppings!
(4)
Chris K.

I've been in there a few times for drinks after class or just to stop for a drink. The service is tops. If you have a chance to stop you should try it out. Would like to thank Louis for his great service and care last time we were in for quiet drink. GREAT PLACE - You can have a drink and talk with your friends without having to yell.
(5)
Mihir P.

Not bad, not great. Our waiter didn't care to be there. So that's out of the way. The decor is hip and spacious yet the menu is mix of bar and comfort food for the most part. Truffle Mac 'n' cheese: Semi-Yay Crab Cake: Meh Lobster Roll: Yay Above average beer list. There was a table tent for a burger and beer for $10. If it's still available, I'll be back sooner than later.
(3)
Allana W.

If I could give it zero start I would. I am so disappointed. My mother came to visit, and we decided to grab dessert here. A HUGE mistake. It was boring and terrible. I was expecting something at least with flavor, being the restaurant joined to a The Wit. But I am so mad and disappointed!! It was so irritating. Not only was the dessert completely underwhelming (and pre made), the silverwear and plates were dirty. I am still VERY upset and enraged at the complete lack of everything. SO STUPID.
(1)
Jocelyn S.

I've been to State and Lake a couple of times and think its a great addition to the area. But I felt compelled to post a review after our last visit. We weren't planning on S&L, but it was really cold out and I remembered it was nearby. I'm so glad we went! I was once again pleasantly surprised with the food--the jars are creative and tasty and the fried smelt (believe me--give it a try!) was addictive. The deviled eggs were good and had a surprising brightness to them, and the crafted cocktails were very welcome on a cold night. We sat at the bar and the service was attentive. The chef even stopped by and chatted for a while. When he found out it was my birthday, he sent over some sweets and shots! The great food and attentive service really made for an unexpectedly special evening. I'll definitely be back. Don't let the tourists keep you away--this place is worth checking out!!
(4)
Eric L.

Average food. Basically upscale Chilis with smaller portions. 3 for food, 2 for value, 4 for location/convenience. I really mostly just drank, and they don't have a particularly wide selection of bourbon, but that night it was mainly a functional tool. Bartenders actually measure out their pours, which is annoying to watch, because you always want to imagine that you're getting a little extra. Watching them measure the shot just ruins the fantasy. And if you're getting bourbon neat, aren't you supposed to get a shot and a half? Anyways, I went to get drunk and I succeeded brilliantly. Mother would be proud.
(3)
eric f.

HELL NO!!!! [would give it 0 stars if i could] 3/6/12 i had to revise my previous review (below). for some reason i went back here...and i wish i didn't. the beers are still crazy-expensive. but this time my friend ordered food....which in retrospect was a terrible idea. the french onion soup was WAY too sweet, bordering on inedible. the truffle mac+cheese was only ok, when i asked the server about how the truffles were cooked into the dish, she told me that the kitchen "just mixes oil and parmesan cheese together" to create the truffles! i hope this isn't true bc it would be totally false advertising (as far as i understand truffles). THEN after serving us our second beer they tried rushing us out the door. but since we were pretty upset with everything, we refused this rude prompt and sat in silence drinking our beers under the angry glares of the staff. THIS PLACE IS TERRIBLE IN SO MANY WAYS. **** 4/15/11 i just paid $10 for a Half Acre Daisy Cutter at this place. INSANE! they are pricing out the post-work crowd and milking tourists/business clientele they are trying to attract to their swanky wanna-be-cool-vibe hotel. i give 2 stars bc the food and beer selection isn't bad - its just outrageously expensive. this is the loop, in chicago. not midtown on the island of manhattan. and if it was a daisy cutter still wouldn't cost $10. i feel insulted. DO NOT BE FOOLED, THIS PLACE IS LAME.
(1)
Michelle A.

Making rash decisions always seem to fail. I had tickets for a show at the Chicago Theater on a weekday. My girlfriend and I were looking for something close and with a nice ambiance. We didn't get it here. I started with a beer while waiting for my partner to show. A man was sitting at the table next to me; he had also ordered a beer. The waitress gave him his beverage and brought me mine. As she set mine down, she realized that she gave us the wrong beers. She took his back and provided him the correct one, then proceeded to give me the one that was sitting on his table. Not acceptable. (I had to ask him if he drank from it and she didn't offer to get me a new one.) Appetizer- I hadn't had calamari in a while and the choices were limited. So we ordered it and it was like rubber. Calamari should only be cooked or fried for 2-4 minutes, anything after 4 minutes and its garbage. Also, my main course was supposed to have a salad option with it, but I did not receive it. Main course- For a tenderloin medallion cooked at medium, it was like chewing a tire. Wasabi mashed potatoes were mashed potatoes with no wasabi. Duck tacos were tiny and they used the same sauce as the calamari dipping sauce to drizzle over the tacos. It was typical bar fare with no umph, just a high priced bar with poor service. The bus boys were more attentive than the servers. Even though the waitress knew we were in a hurry, it took about 20 minutes to get her to run the credit card after we hadn't even looked at the bill. Then after we left, we realized we were over-charged. Just go to the roof of the Wit for drinks in the summer.
(2)
Scubi X.

Yum! I went to State & Lake for the second time, and loved it. The staff is really lovely, as well as the manager Pete. He was adorbs! Both times that I went, I had some of their yummy "jars", and the accompanying bread was delicious. My friends ate more things off the menu, but I was hyper focused on the "jars" ... trust me, just check it out. The crowd is a bit older, and the music is not too loud, which is perfect for an old bird like myself. My only wish would be that there might be a bargain wine or two on the menu. Other than that ... YUM!
(5)
Jaime Patricio M.

State & Lake was a choice for me and my party on Labor Day--there were very few choices. Walking block after block this would not have been my first choice. I completely enjoyed a delightful lobster roll and at $14.95 was a complete bargain--at least that was from my California perspective where these gems are over $20.00. This was a completely generous lobster roll with gorgeous lobster meat and served in a very New England authentic way--a large piece of bread cut in half--buttered and grilled. The service was a bit delayed and made a mistake on the drink order--when I order drinks I am rather precise. I was going to order a beer and instead ordered a bottle of wine; a beer comes out and have to explain that I had cancelled that and ordered a bottle of wine and not both. But as the meal progressed service improved and for a very hungry crew we could not have 'planned' on a better meal! I like the uber urban interior and it fit the Wit's minimalism charm well.
(4)
LisaC C.

This place is great! BUT buyer beware! the prices are OUTRAGEOUS! i just paid 20 for a glass of wine with no warning!!! Ill pay for good drinks & have paid more, but i am so irritated that no one was clear. Otherwise, enjoy...
(3)
Melissa B.

We went to dinner here on a Friday night. We had made reservations online and had no wait at all. The service was very friendly, very good food and a very large beer/wine menu. The food menu wasn't very big but enough for a bar type of Restaurant. Average price about $10-$20 bucks per person. I really liked the sleek decor/feel of the place and I would defiantly return. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I think even late night.
(4)
Kathy S.

This place was just okay to me and I would never pay for it with my own money (went here for a company lunch). The mac & cheese that was supposed to be amazing was good but nothing special and my ahi tuna salad was pretty boring. I also like my dressing on the light side but this was beyond light (almost non-existent). Another coworker who got the same salad also commented on how it really needed more dressing. I gotta say that the service was pretty good though!
(3)
Nelson B.

Went here for a business lunch with a group of 12 colleagues. Everything seemed to be going great until the food arrived. To start off, the person that was bringing the food had no idea who ordered what... it actually got quite interesting when they offered 4 different plates to the first person they approached at our table and none were what they ordered. Finally, when it came time for myself and the person next to me to receive our food, the waitress came by with salad in a bowl and said "here you go".... we both responded by saying we didn't order a salad. She proceeded to take the bowl away and after a few mins, she came back and apologized because they apparently didn't put our orders in with the other 10 people in our party. While we waited, the waitress and manager came by and apologized a total of 5 times which got uncomfortably annoying considering that we were sitting there with no food while everyone ate.... By the time we got our food, everyone was almost done eating (not cool). The waitress did try to make up for it by offering our table several desserts and small cups of hot chocolate. It was a nice gesture until I bit into the bread pudding that was made with rye bread (horrible taste sensation if you've ever tried it). I've been to this place before and have had better experiences... so, maybe they were just having bad day??
(2)
Gina P.

There was a bug in my food. A large bug with wings. I ordered the veggie Benedict and there it was mixed in with the veggies on my plate. A person who I am assuming was the manager offered to get my something else, but needless to say I didn't accept as I was completely grossed out. Obviously we didn't pay for that meal, but they still charged us for my husband's meal. Besides the whole bug thing, the service was terrible. The waiter basically whispered or just stood there and our waters were left empty. Needless to say we will not be going back and would highly reccomend that you inspect your food.
(1)
Kate B.

I'm really surprised by all the negative reviews of State & Lake. I met a friend here while I was in town for the weekend & staying at TheWit Hotel, which it's attached to. I was wary of trying a hotel restaurant, as they're usually too expensive & not all that tasty, but I was pleasantly surprised by State & Lake. I ordered the fish tacos with a side of fries, & I was so pleased with them. I don't even LIKE fish tacos, but when the woman next to me got them, I couldn't help but want them for myself - all that slaw! I wish they'd been a little easier to eat, but they sure did taste good. The bill was cheap ($27 for the two of us), the service was great, & the food was satisfying. If I lived nearby, I'd recommend State & Lake!
(4)
Anna S.

Trendy with a Midwestern style I had a difficult time ordering from the menu, not much I was interested in. However, the appetizers "in a jar" we're pretty good and $5. As a main course, I had the whitefish, the sauce was very good and the fish was good. Not much flavor, this is where 5 stars was not warranted. The dessert menu looked appetizing but too full to try. I did get a cappuccino and pistachio brittle, yum!! A shot out to Bonny the waitress, she rocked!
(3)
Taylor E.

To sum it up - trendy look, poor food and service. Fun, sleek, modern feel, great light fixtures, lots of wood and metal. The leather stools with no backs didn't exactly scream comfort, but they looked nice. To start with something positive, the buffalo fries are amazing. I am tempted to say the best fries I have ever had. If I ever come back, I'm skipping the entrÃ©e and simply ordering these for myself - no sharing. That about wraps up the positive, on to everything else... It took us 20 minutes to get our water served, 30 for our order to be taken. No joke. When the waitress finally arrived at our table, she proclaimed "I am back to take your order!" Gee thanks, I'm glad you found the time (meanwhile the restaurant was practically empty). In regards to the food, it was overall simply very mediocre, but two things quickly tainted the experience. Firstly, my coworkers tuna melt was advertised as being served with melted white cheddar cheese, however when it arrived, there was American cheese in its place. Additionally, my other coworkers Panini that was said to be served with havarti, was made with jack. The other big kicker was my southwestern salad was served with chip strips on top. The chips were stale. To me, that just screams that they don't take pride in the food they serve, if they can't even ensure that it's fresh. If I ever come back, I'm skipping the entrÃ©e and simply ordering the buffalo fries for myself - no sharing as I plan to stay away from the rest of the menu. Although, it would be interesting to see their take on nachos; I'm sure they'd be advertised as gourmet nachos with some fancy cheese trio, only to arrive at the table made out of stale chips with American cheese melted on top. Yum. I firmly plan to reprimand the coworker who made this recommendation.
(1)
Richa A.

I came here for dessert only (while waiting for some wedding party on the Roof to end), so I can't speak to much else. I got the devil's food cake and it was AMAZING. The end.
(4)
Elizabeth K.

We had bought an online deal for bottle service and it back in February. Our server was Louis and he was attentive, accommodating, and AMAZING! He went above and beyond our expectations- a great asset to your staff.
(5)
John S.

I had heard that the brunch here is amazing, so imagine my surprise when we show up at 10am only to be told that the kitchen is backed up (the restaurant is maybe a third full) and to come back in half an hour. Afterall, the hostess didn't want us to be upset and waiting for food, right? Well, when we came back, the service was pretty slow. We had to ask the waiter to refill water and OJ ($4) every time... and wait another half hour before the food came out, and had to complain to the manager before food hit the table. He was very apologetic and graciously paid for the meal. The food here is a bit pricey, but to be expected (downtown, hotel restaurant, etc)... The lobster scramble ($17) was delicious. The selection of bloody marys is a nice touch too. The next day, we came back real early (before 8am) so we wouldn't miss our flight. Our waiter was fast and very diligent... very conscious that as hotel guests, we could be on our way out. He made excellent recommendations, brought the food out promptly, and had the bill ready without asking.
(3)
Chip W.

Nice modern decor. Had dinner here and the food was okay. Waiter brought the wrong entree, but did agree to replace it. The whitefish was fried with the skin on, making it a bit greasy and not as good as I've had elsewhere. Good local draft beer selection, although overpriced at $8 a beer.
(3)
Steven N.

I have to recall the previous good review after tonight's experience. We came here for my father's birthday and won't be repeating again. They dramaticaly downgraded their menu to bar food level and the full-retard server was just unacceptable. This place used to have a classier menu and higher quality food, but sadly, they have downgraded themselves to your typical very limited bar food selections. Some things were good though - the duck tacos app was interetesting and rich, fish & chips were lightly breaded, sirloin & crab cakes were acceptable, and the chicken was ok too. Bad were the spinach dip (too bland), the angel hair pasta (too dry), and the short ribs (too salty). This place should be embarrassed by the quality of the food. The server didn't help either. He is either very inexperienced or he is a full retard. Wine was poured without a tasting first. When we asked him to bring out the special birthday cake we brought along for dessert, he just gave the cake back to us as-is in the original packaging thinking we would go home to cut the cake. This guy should be embarrased by his performance as well. Overall, I have to downgrade this place to a "do not go". The whole restaurant & the hotel it is in just has a whole downgraded feel to it.
(2)
Jennisa P.

Before my flight back home, I stopped here for some drinks and a light snack/lunch with a friend. She had the french onion soup and she ate every drop of that bad boy. I had the tomato soup. Which isn't a show stopper, but was really good. The service was hands down AWESOME! Very engaging and friendly, yet let us be to talk. The drink I had was soooooo good! If I wasn't catching a flight in a few hours, I may have had like 2-3 of them. Of course, I am horrible with names. But it had whiskey and homemade sour mix. I love whiskey sours, and hands down this is the best EVA!
(4)
Molly G.

I work across the street so this is an easy business lunch spot but I've finally come to the realization that beyond the truffle Mac & Cheese, I've never been all that impressed. I usually get the turkey panini or burger but they haven't changed their menu all year and my friend's cup of pub soup was $8.50. Wha??? They need a menu refresh and a pricing review.
(3)
Susan F.

Hmmmm. I love theWit, love CiboMatto and the Roof, but when it came to State and Lake, I was left unsatisfied. Making a reservation there was easy last minute on a Friday night at 7:15...hmm, that is strange, but ok. There weren't that many people there, strange again. The menu is pretty bare but had some good options. We go the trout and the salmon along with some good beers (those were a plus). The food came out pretty quickly, but did not seem worthy of the upward $20+ that is cost. It was good, but I could have easily made the same dish--too harsh? Maybe? Nothing was bad, but nothing was stellar. I'm sad about it but I gave it a chance!
(3)
Ryan T.

As a Hilton Gold Member, we were given vouchers for breakfast here so we thought why not try it? I must say I am glad that we did and would happily have paid for our meals as well. Limited menu but very tasty. $4 for a coffee though? Even Starbucks doesn't charge that much.
(3)
Bora U.

My friend left it up to me to decide where to grab a pre-theatre bite before our 7:30 showing of Billy Elliott so I did a search for restaurants near the theatre and decided State and Lake was in an ideal location. I've frequented the Roof at the Wit but never had a chance to visit State and Lake, but I'm glad I did! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. We started out with drinks - my friend had a glass of malbec and I had the Bees Knees cocktail. The cocktail was really good, but a little on the strong side - death's door gin, lemon, thyme and honey. I had to ask the waitress to have the bartender add some club soda and it really lightened up the drink. For our meal, we decided to do a spread of appetizers. We got the Beignets, Valencia Salad, Brandade and Truffled Mac & Cheese. The Beignets were more dense and savory than your typical dessert beignets. They were topped with crisp prosciutto, some arugula and cheese. The Valencia Salad was very large and satisfying. The salad dressing was tart and was a nice contrast to our other dishes. The Brandade was one of my favorites - whipped salted cod, toasted pine nuts, currants and grilled bread. My only word of warning - the toasted bread did a number on the roof of my mouth. Two days later, and the top of my mouth is still scratched up! The Truffled Mac & Cheese was definitely the show-stopper. What a decadent dish! My friend and I couldn't stop scooping our spoons into the bowl. After our meal, the waitress brought out the dessert menu but it was already 7:05 and we had a show to catch. We had an easy walk to the theatre but decided to walk around a little more so not to go into food coma while watching little boys dance on a stage. I will definitely be back to try out some of the other apps and entrees.
(4)
Ariana S.

As far as good lunch spots go, I give State and Lake a pretty solid 3 stars. Ambience: Super fun & trendy and you can't beat the location! The Wit is gorgeous. And you'll never forget the intersection!! Food: Food has been consistently pretty good. I gotta agree that the Truffle Mac & Cheese was heavenly and I would have eaten the garlic crumb topping with a spoon (if my boss wouldn't have thought I was crazy). Also, considering it being Good Friday, I was a good little Catholic girl and ordered the Lobster Roll. Pretty delicious; however the side salad left a bit to be desired. **I never understood how people could call just lettuce a salad..** Also have had the buffalo fries & paremsan fries before- meh- they sound better than they actually are. Probably not worth the calories (save em for that mac & cheese) Service: The service is pretty sub par. Our waiter wasn't the friendliest and I absolutely hate when servers bring you the check before asking if you wanted anything else. Sorry State & Lake- there goes a star! Overall- a good lunch spot and hotel restuarant.
(3)
LetsBeHonest O.

They had NOTHING and I mean NOTHING available to order that was on the wine list... so why hand me the wine list? And what they did have available for wine, was not on the menu, so...? Oktoberfest food, but no beers? Hmm... Duck tacos are worth trying and the ahi salad's good. The truffle mac n cheese? I've had better from the frozen section at Trader Joe's... Way to start my culinary experience in Chicago...
(1)
Stefanie C.

The atmosphere was great at this place. We walked in to take a look at the menu, although it was a bit pricey- the waiter was pretty convincing as to why we should give it a try. The 3 of us decided to splt a bunch of things (you choose 3 dips and they come with toasted bread/ we ordered mussels/and fried chicken) all super amazing and yummy! FYI- the drinks are also really strong here so def worth the $
(5)
Spencer Y.

Holy alternate universe, batman! While many Yelpers pan the service and gush over the food, we had a total opposite experience! The service - very nice. Prompt, attentive, no overbearing. I would have preferred a bit better water service, but otherwise I can't complain. The food - yep, you're in a hotel. We stared at the menu trying to discern anything that was remotely interesting. The short rib burger was good, but lacked balance. It was like a big brick o' savory. Egg BLT was better. The truffle mac and cheese everyone raves about was completely underwhelming. Proficient, but nothing special. Just imagine generic mac and cheese with truffle oil on top. The portion was tiny, given the $8 price tag. The nail in the coffin - drink prices are INSANE. Their website claims "Don't forget $5 craft microbrews" but when you see the menu, you see $8 Fat Tires and $12 Dogfish 90 Minute IPAs. They clearly know their audience - business travelers that can expense unexciting meals. Locals need not apply.
(2)
Gabe L.

Due to the name, it's hard to give your friend directions to this place, but eventually they do arrive. Maybe I just have stupid friends? I've been here a couple times for Lunch. The first time I started with a beer flight, which somehow increased my programming productivity the rest of the day. The second time was today, when I got some savory prosciutto doughnuts and a short rib sandwich. The portions were pretty small for the price, and the food just ok. For what they aspire to be, they need to work on creating some signature dishes with variety. If you were too lazy to read all of the above, and I know I'd be after my food coma, here's a summary: Worth a try, but ... - If you're looking for drinks, head 27 floors up. - If you're looking for food, ford the river to River North (don't lose an oxen).
(3)
Stephany M.

Great Service Delicious food I went for breakfast and had the lobster scramble and was not let down. They offer you coffee in a to go cup how sweet is that. When you stay at The Witt hotel you get a $10 credit voucher to eat here for each day of your stay
(5)
Kori E.

My friend and I met up here after work to have a glass of wine...I didnt really want to pay $10 for that glass of wine though. I should have totally expected it, considering the location though. The place was nearly empty when we arrived and by the time we left at 7 it had picked up a little bit. We also ordered the Buffalo Fries and the Calamari, both were really good! The buffalo fries were a little soggy, but I guess that is understandable considering they are dosed in buffalo wing sauce (YUMMY) and topped with a blue cheese dressing...seriously...so good. The calamari was just like any other calamari. Nothing in this place really stood out for me and I probably wouldn't come rushing back.
(2)
Jennifer B.

Came to State and Lake on the coldest night of the year! Good thing that they had a cozy fireplace and some mac n' cheese... I think this is just about the perfect place for after-work drinks. The bar is large with many barstools and many high tables. The drinks are inventive and actually reasonably priced. The clientele at State and Lake was definitely some hotter-than-not loop professionals. I actually had dinner here, and wasn't overly impressed with the menu. It's a little trendy, a little out-there, a little too rustic for my taste buds. The only thing I affiliated with on the menu was the hamburger (wait, what does that say about me?). Anyhoo, I think you can capture the full experience of State and Lake by just having drinks at the bar. I must mention my side of mac n' cheese however....it was out of control delicious! A tiny crock of penne noodles with cheese sauce and browned butter with breadcrumbs baked into the noodles. Just perfect.
(4)
Poof A.

Grabbed a quick bite here before a show nearby. We were in, fed, watered [well beered] and dined in under an hour and half on a Friday evening, which I really appreciated. Service was solid and our waiter took our time constraints into account without making us feel overly rushed. We tried the potsticker salad, which was perfect (seriously wish I could replicate that salad at home, but I can't figure out the gingery dressing!), the chicken breast with mashed potatoes, and the buffalo chicken sandwich. Thumbs up all round. They also have a decent selection of beers, and I'd definitely go back to try a cocktail or two.
(4)
Kristi T.

STATE AND LAKE We made reservations here Saturday night at 7pm because we had 9:30pm tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld at Chicago Theater (See Side Note Below) . Very convenient for the show as its less than one block, and in the winter that is very important! The restaurant is quite dark, but a nice enough ambiance. Not fancy, but not casual - just an everyday kind of spot. It was full, but not overly crowded. Service was quick and to the point. The menu is smaller than most with only about 6 entrÃ©e options. The highlights of our meals were undoubtedly the sides - the Truffle Mac and Cheese was a small crock pot cooked perfectly al dente with tons of cheese and truffle. The truffle fries and mini cheese paninis were also very tasty. I honestly would skip the entrÃ©e, split a Cobb salad and order a bunch of sides. The wine list was pretty nice with about 20 different glasses and 4 of sparkling offered, as well as a list of by the bottle choices. The service is quick - perfect for in and out before a show or later activity. I wouldn't come here just for the food, but definitely would be back if I was in the area for a cocktail. ROOF I've been here for a company happy hour and the view truly is breathtaking. The layout is nice, lounge feeling, and overpriced drinks (to be expected). However, after happy hour is over around 8pm, I bolt. I haven't been to "Roof" late night, but by the looks of the people waiting in a ridiculously long line at midnight, it wouldn't be my kind of hang out. The characters I saw in line were versions of Snooki, cougars with fake lips and really bad leopard print miniskirts, uber suave cool dudes whose hair wouldn't move for a tornado, meat-heads wearing extra tight graphic tee's with no jackets, and girls whose cleavage can move them up to the front of the line. PASS. JERRY SEINFELD If you ever get the opportunity to see Jerry Seinfeld live, definitely do it! Good seats were a bit pricey at $160 each, but definitely worth it. One of the only comedy shows that I could take a mixed audience of my girlfriends, grandmothers, younger brother and flamboyant friends who would all come out grinning. His comedy is one of the only stand up routines I've see that wasn't sexual, racist, or using the F-bomb every other word. He just talks about peoples everyday antics, obsessive texting, raising kids, the institution of marriage, and being a dad. Just verbalizing the everyday hilarities that occur. It was a two hour show with no intermission, and besides the fact that having a few drinks and laughing so hard I almost peed my pants, I give his show a 10!
(3)
J D.

I'm giving State and Lake five stars because they exceeded my expectations. I had an Open Table reservation and the two of us were greeted warmly at the outset, had a very nice server, who indulged me by bring 3 or 4 different wines to taste before we decided on a bottle and was attentive throughout. The highlights were the boar chili (to die for), the kale salad with grilled salmon, the autumn vegetable side and the duck bacon on top of the deviled eggs. The eggs were just okay, but the bacon had wonderful flavor. The fries were just so so, but the whole experience was quite delightful, so I'll forgive an "eh" batch of fries. We ordered enough that we were completely and utterly sated by the end (and, well, we did share a lovely bottle of red wine) and the bill was exactly $100, which, by downtown standards is fairly reasonable. We had 2 smaller plates, the chili (which they kindly split for us), 2 side dishes and an entree salad with salmon. The portions were ample. My belly said stop right there. It's a great place to have downtown and they close at 2am on the weekends. Lovely. I'll be back.
(5)
Don H.

This is a tough review. We came here after a 6:15p movie at the Gene Siskel, a quick 4 minute stroll north. We were looking around and wondered if we should have made reservations. You really cannot tell from outside. We went to the front desk and, no problem, seats galore. On a Friday night. At 8p. Weird. We sat and were promptly addressed by our server. She was a bit cold in the beginning but warmed up after a while. The menu was generously varied. My foodie buddy recommended the truffled mac 'n cheese. We ordered a cobb salas (no pig), the eggy BLT and the half chicken. In addition to the mac, we got the onion rings too. We also had a proper gin gimlet and a amaretto stone sour. First the food: it was tasty. My BLT was well cooked, the salad was huge and the chicken was well seasoned and a good amount. The mac 'n cheese was really nice. Their choice of cheese with the subtle truffle oil was a nice combo. Well done. The onion rings were overly bready but didn't feel too oily either. The drinks were spot on. Well made. Without a crowd you would tell they took their time and used premium ingredients. Speaking of which, if you only have a drink sit near the bar. There's a TV that shows all the movies filmed in Chicago and where. Mostly "Ferris Bueller" but still cool. All told, the bill with tip came to nearly $100 for three entrees, two apps and three drinks. It's a bit much, even for the loop. I would definitely go again if for the drinks, but for dinner there are better options around. But this place is great for conversation! Quiet place to eat and drink on friday night? Unheard of. In all, I am perplexed and it has to do with the money. I've spent as much for the same food in other places, but it's different here. Maybe it's TheWit or... Just don't know.
(3)
Q M.

I dined at State and Lake because of the Travelzoo coupon I purchased. It was $65 for an appetizer, two entrees and a bottle of Prosecco. It was a good deal. For a Saturday night though, the place was almost empty. Our food overall was just ok. The calamari appetizer was pretty good, but my braised short rib entree was really, well, just ok. Nothing to write home about (but I will write it here!). My friend had the steak and cake and she said it was just ok too. However, our service was OUTSTANDING. Courtney gets 5 stars.
(3)
Agnes F.

Not a bad place for lunch in the loop the soup (had corn chowder and a tomato soups before) and the sandwiches (had cuban, lobster roll and short rib) are all decent but now i stick with the skirt steak with tomatoes. The portion is good and i love the tomatoes (esp when its in season). The only complaints are the seats without backs... it gets a bit uncomfortable after a while. The restaurant doesn't get too loud during lunch so its perfect for a quick business lunch.
(3)
Nelson K.

Overpriced for mediocre food. Was staying at the Wit so it was convenient to get a drink...they had last call at 10:00PM and they turned off the TV's so I couldn't finish watching the playoff game. That pretty much ended my night at the bar. Beer selection was not that great, you'd hope a bar would carry a greater selection than that. Even though I was at the hotel for 4 nights, never came back after the first. Found better, cheaper places to grab a drink.
(3)
Natasha O.

Jacqueline, the snotty server, is the sole reason for this review. If you decide to chance this place for the food or a drink, and you find out she's your server, request a different one. This was my first time here so I suppose I don't know about the rest of the servers, but I can rest assure that was also my last visit. We came in a large group and were seated promptly.. and throughout the meal other folks would come by and check on us, so kudos to State and Lake for that. The food, while slightly pricey for the quality/quantity, was still tasty. Everyone ordered some kind of panini and seemed to enjoy their food. However, Jacqueline just really left a bad impression about the whole experience. She came off as very forced... everything from her posture and manner of wording her questions had a condescending tone to it. Her smile would best be described as a smirk. Even so, I was willing to overlook this because I thought maybe it's just the "atmosphere" the hotel was going for? When the time came to pay the bill, though, we were treated to quite the poor handling of a rather honest mistake on our part. We were a party of 8 so the gratuity was included on the bill.. when we went to divide the payment amongst us my colleague must've rounded down to the nearest dollar. We were still paying with two other credit cards, so we asked her to put the same amount on those other two credit cards and then keep the rest of the cash we'd put in. About 2 min later, she came back and told us we did something wrong because we'd shorted her money. Of course we were confused and it took us a bit to figure out what happened, but while we were discussing this amongst ourselves she stood there and kept saying she needs at least $2 more. We ended up giving this to her... and it's not even like I think she didn't have the right to come back and sort this out with us.... it was just the way she presented the problem to us that irritated so badly. Everyone was basically shocked into calming her temper about the whole thing. If this is the kind of service that The Wit wants to promote as part of its brand, I think this restaurant will continue to receive the kinds of reviews that it already has.
(1)
Michael S.

Meh...fish tacos were average, but the inattentive service knocks it to below average
(2)
Nicole C.

I had Thanksgiving dinner here and for my first turkey day dinner at a restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised. The dark wood and cozy vibe of the place was perfect for a holiday celebration. We had several appetizers and the traditional turkey dinner itself and everything was very good. The staff was great -- they even helped out in our Scrabble game and gave us a private tour of the restaurant upstairs, cibomatto. Although I'd always rather have a home-cooked turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, this is probably one of the better places to go if you're celebrating out. Next up: cibomatto - it looks amazing.
(4)
Krista G.

Pretty great experience overall. Husband and I went on a Thursday, when their new $5 menu was taking place. Here's the fun part - the $5 menu isn't limited to just a couple things...everything on their normal menu is $5! Exciting. We got some drinks, an appetizer, a burger, and the braised steak. It was all delicious and the grand total - $26! They would have gotten five stars, but the waitress forgot to put in our appetizer, so we didn't get it until after our meals. Oh well.
(4)
Kristi K.

If I could give you one million negative stars, I would. Seriously, I've given one star reviews. But I feel as though I should edit my previous one stars to two, so as to show you how impassioned I am with hatred for your establishment. Seriously. My parents were in town, and stayed at the Wit for a group meeting. I'd like to remind the world that, despite the angel wing chandeliers, the place is a Doubletree. The lesser brand of Hilton. Not even a Hilton. This only later proves my point.. So, we come back with the group from a White Sox game, and of course can't get into uber-exclusive Roof (side note...WTF is with guests having to wait 20 minutes for an elevator to their room while the 20 year old wannabes with a credit score of 500 make it to the 27th floor in under a minute? Where will come your revenue in January? In 5 years when Roof isn't the hot spot? Apparently not from your hotel either, bc you don't care much about your guests) I digress...we go into State Lake. Let me explain the group I'm with. A group of people from small towns, for a convention for people who sell corn (the kind you plant in the ground...) for a living. Awww, shucks. Yeah. Hardworking, honest people who really don't hang out in cities, and aren't used to the culture. Let me also state that very group was DEFINITELY far more affluent than the rest of the bar COMBINED! Check yourself. We go to the bar. One of the men asks "what kind of domestic beers do you have"? A: "All of our beer is domestic", and walks away.. Seriously. There isn't an explanation of the beers on the menu, and there isn't one single macrobrew. I'm sorry...I'm a beer drinker. A beer lover, actually. And I've never been to a beer bar (much less a hotel bar) that doesn't have one macrobrew on the menu. Not to mention, none of the brews were really "Bud Light Drinker" friendly. None of them. I liked my beer. My parents hated theirs. In addition, the service was terrible. Took 10 minutes in a pretty empty bar to place an order, and when we did, we faced a whole lotta attitude. Again, no explanation on the beers or drinks. So, in conclusion, you suck. I deem this place the worst bar in Chicago, and will tell everyone in my power to avoid it at all cost. There's no reason for this level of pretension. None at all. It makes me angry and upset that my family was made to feel inferior because they drink Bud Light, and don't know a Three Floyds (yet have a credit score of 900...) The dudes changing light bulbs above our table, hitting our chairs with ladders certainly didn't help. One "bright spot": hostess with the glasses. Go work elsewhere. Message me if you read this--I know people,. and will help you get a job you deserve. Because you were good, attentive, friendly and sincere. The antithesis of State Lake.
(1)
Gerry K.

Bad. Lamb was gross and small w/ disgusting ravioli (attention restaurants- if your ravioli are 1/8" big you might want to call them "mini-ravioli" on the menu.) Shrimp dish was fishy, with disgusting grits. Service (manager yelled at me for pulling a chair over to our table, and told me she would be right over with another one- came back a half an hour later - thanks. Waiter was not attentive) Good. Buffalo fries (these are delicious) The drinks (lemon-drops, microbrews, hard ciders, and various other mixed drinks were enjoyed by my table) Sticky toffee pudding (SOSOSO nice!) Hip enjoyable environment, food and service needs to be better
(2)
Anisha A.

State and lake is discrete, in a protective yet colorful way. While the bar is perfect for taking in some football or synchronized swimming, the dark corner tables are meant for those having an illicit affair. Because everyone deserves to have a good meal without being caught. Unfortunately, I was there for less compelling reasons- discussing color schemes with my designer. We shared a smattering of small plates, which is a misnomer since they are rather robust in stature. Must haves are the beef tartare with quail egg and bbq shrimp with grits. The mussels with chorizo didn't disappoint either. The crab omelet was the only one lacking in spirit. Surprised it wasn't more packed for a Thursday night dinner, but should get more crowded once people catch on.
(4)
Chi M.

I was here for lunch and opted for something quick and inexpensive: the turkey sandwich with a ginger-carrot soup special, affectionately titled," a little bit of this, a little bit of that." $12 buxx. Very good, but not remotely filling AT ALL. My sandwich was like HALF a sandwich. The soup was pretty tasty, if you don't know what Gerber baby carrot soup puree tastes* like (*don't ask me how I know, I don't have any kids but I was once a baby and I have a sharp memory! That's my story and I'm sticking to it). Their salads are huge and delicious. I nibbled off my lunch dates'. Very light and well balanced. Super fresh ingredients. Impressive! The decor here is freakishly beautiful and mod and neat and warm and cool and earthy and comfy and classy...... but I think this type of decor suits a more loungy evening afterwork crowd, not a "lunch" crowd. You be the judge. Our waiter seemed nervous, apprehensive, and new to the restaurant industry. He pulled it off tho! After a few stutters here and there trying to take our order and refill our water while trying to make "small talk"...... TRYING. The restrooms are dark and clean and leathery. Pretty cool. The faucets are so mod I mistook the sink water knob for a toilet flusher. :( Come here in the evening with some friends or a date and get lots of drinks and lots of food and everything thing else will fall into place and make seem like you're in heaven or at a 5 star hotel restaurant in Dubai. .....well, at least after 8 or 9 johnnie walker reds on the rocks.
(4)
Wendy V.

I just spent $20 on the smallest turkey burger in the Western Hemisphere. Seriously, it was a piece of turkey paper on a big pretzel bun.
(2)
Zach T.

I took my sis here for her birthday. It's a stunning little place, so we had to sit at the Bar. No problem there because the bartenders were about the finest servers I've had in the City. We opted for burgers and cokes as it was lunch. I ogled the competent beers list and stunning cocktail menu, plotting an evening visit. Their signature drinks all make me salivate. The bartenders discussed them at length and even poured me a sample of an ingredient I'd never heard of. The burgers themselves did not disappoint and come with excellent fries that would be enough for three burgers. The only detractor, and what will keep exclusive is that I dropped $44 after tip for 2 burgers and 2 cokes... I'll be back though, especially when I can tie some $14 cocktails on.
(4)
Marisa K.

The food was good, very good. The service,however, was bad. My father's crab cakes came 15 minuets after everyone else meal- they comped them. Great ambiance, good drinks.
(4)
Jessica B.

Tried this out last Saturday as it's a new restaurant near where I work... overall not outstanding. Food was okay (Buffalo Fries- great; Steak Tartar- okay) but the service was really unprofessional. It's a new place so I am sure they have a lot of kinks to work out but the chef was at the line texting on his cell phone, the staff was singing at the well in the bar (really), and our bartender when he asked if I wanted another beer just said "sure, why not?" and poured me another before I even had time to say yes or no. Not okay dude. Take that smart ass attitude elsewhere. So, I say give it shot, but I think you can find better in Chicago.
(2)
Amy G.

The Wit Hotel's FIRST floor pub/restaurant impresses the eye, satisfies the stomach and pleases the pocketbook. While all the Carrie Bradshaw wannabes and their "Just for Men" using dates will head up to the Wit's aptly named 27th floor lounge, Roof, you can avoid being a clueless spendthrift sucker squandering $11 for a beer and a view. Stay downstairs-- you'll get less haughtiness and more hootch, less vapidity and more variety, less asshole-ry and more atmosphere. I really thought prices would be steep but you can eat to your max with their fine dishes of Americana like tasty buffalo fries for $5 or warm homemade kettle chips with rich onion dip. Chicago's own Metropolitan Brewery's lager is on the beer menu for $4. How thoughtful considering many out-of-town hotel visitors will be able to try w/o traveling up to Ravenswood. Which makes me wonder have the Roof people been down to State and Lake yet? Funny that State and Lake is on the *first* floor of the Wit because it is truly a step above "Roof."
(4)
Anne C.

The food is great, the atmosphere is cool, but this place only gets 2 stars from me for the unwarranted rudeness of their hostess. When my party of 6 showed up for an evening with clients she asked if we were there to eat dinner or just have drinks. I said we would probably be eating, but was not sure what my boss had in mind as he had yet to arrive. She visibly rolled her eyes at another staff member at the hostess stand and then sighed as she sat us. Seriously? Get over yourself. We stayed for an hour-- two rounds of drinks and $100 worth of appetizers and meanwhile your restaurant was only half full. Like I said-- fantastic food, but her poor attitude was enough to make me not want to go back any time soon.
(2)
Andrea R.

We had a pretty good time here for drinks and dinner after work last night. The beer selection is pretty good, they have 10-12 interesting ones on tap and a bunch more pricey ones in bottles. I had a white beer that was fruity and tasty. The food was decent. The buffalo fries starter was probably the best, its a giant mound of skinny fries covered in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. The chips and onion dip was only OK. The chips were a little stale and the dip was very sweet. We also ordered the scallops (too fishy) and shrimp and grits (good, but surrounded by a moat of oil.... why state and lake, why?). The mussels smelled REALLY good, but I dont like mussels so who knows. It was a nice place to go for drinks with a group if you want to actually sit around a table or be able to have a real conversation. Pricey, but you get a lot- 2 apps, 2 small plates, 6 beers for $90
(4)
J P.

First visit was fine. A couple drinks, a salad, and the mac & cheese. I was hoping for a light appetizer or side dish but nothing really appealed. I like Hackney's in Printers Row better. Why deep fry the pot stickers for the salad? They weren't very good although stuffing was ok. Mac and cheese was rich as expected, the portion size was right. Heavy bar stools! Wow. Bathrooms suck. The sink was so shallow I could hardly rinse my hands. Gross.
(2)
Christine W.

I was so bummed! We were here about 6 months ago and it was FANTASTIC! I thought we found a place to go back to before shows. Last night however (Friday) I was very disappointed. It seemed as though the hostess (Rachel) was the only one in the whole dining room who knew what she was doing. I watched her work the room trying to keep people happy and really felt bad for her... As for the food. We started with the spinach and artichoke dip- which didn't really have much flavor, and I moved on to the braised short ribs (which the time I had here before-LOVED). Last night they only had one flavor- SALT. I would have sent it back, but since they kept us waiting on our reservation time- we need to bolt to make a concert. My husband had the crab cakes and they were not very tasty at all. When the $72 bill came (you read that right- 2 entrees and an appetizer), we did a double take. The one beer he had ordered was $10! (It was a beer for goodness sake- not a martini!) Before last night, I would have recommended State and Lake, now I won't. I am not even sure if I will go back myself. I might- just to see if it was an off night, but for $100- I might not!
(2)
Meredith M.

I've had dinner and brunch at State and Lake and I wasn't very impressed. For breakfast, my husband and I both chose the pancakes. I wanted the brioche french toast but they were out. My husband didn't like the pancakes and I thought they were OK. We both found them too heavy and dry. For dinner, we ordered appetizers and our entrees. For the appetizers, we ordered the truffle mac and cheese and the beignets. The truffle mac and cheese was good by very salty. The beignets were OK. For our entrees, my husband ordered the cheeseburger and I ordered the trout. He liked the cheeseburger and I didn't care for my meal. The fish my itself was fine but the kale/potato mixture was way too salty. The waitstaff was great but the food just A-OK. They only way I would go back is if I was staying at the hotel and I didn't want to leave to eat.
(3)
Annie B.

I love this place! It's perfect for a bite before a show, and they are really great about watching the time and making sure you get out in time. Service is terrific, food is delicious (get the chicken thighs--our server recommended them and she was dead on), and the beers selection is quite nice, too! I'd go here any night of the week. Doesn't feel like a typical hotel restaurant, either, which is nice. If you are going to a show in the theatre district I absolutely recommend this place--way less pretentious than some of the other go-to's, more room, and more reasonable. And the fries...oh, the fries... Go and enjoy!
(5)
Jeremy B.

Stopped in for a drink prior to a show at the Chicago Theatre. Hostess greeted us cordially, the bar staff did not. Waited about 5 minutes without being recognized. A friend had to go the restroom so I asked him what he wanted to drink. He came back, and was shocked when he came back to no cocktail waiting for him. Another 5 minutes, and barstaff finally noticed us - rudely said "that is the service area." Fine, we moved left and out of the way, not a big deal. Obviously they noticed us, but still didnt ask us for our drink order. We left.
(1)
Marc Y.

I went here today to check-out the newbie in the Loop for a quick bite and drink. The draft beer selection is pretty good. I didn't want a beer, but I would come back to try all of them. Instead, I opted for a signature cocktail: Terragon Julep w/ Landy Cognac, Fresh Terragon, Simple and crushed ice. Not bad. The rest of the cocktail menu seemed weak. It had nothing that would make me want to say "hmmm...I want to try that!". The lunch menu had a lot of interesting selections. I ordered the Lobster Roll and was not disappointed. It was mostly made out of lobster, almost perfectly seasoned (from what I used to get on Cape Cod, and accompanied by some Old Bay Seasoned Chips, which were good too! The bar was smaller than what I am used to, but seemed to be functional enough for restaurant. By no means is it a bar to "see and be seen in". All-in-all, not a bad "first impression". I will return to try the drafts and more food.
(3)
Matthew Y.

The food is good when it eventually gets to your table. Bring a book.
(2)
Jeff W.

Been here several times, but with the exception of my first visit shortly after they opened it has largely been a miss. Beer list is much better then my last visit over a year ago... Strong showing of craft beer favs like dogfish and stone ipa. We ordered a bunch of small plates and only the duck tacos were above average. Clams and pork was a big miss with sausage and some weird BBQ sauce over powering the dish. Four star beer list and two stars for food averaging to four stars.
(3)
Lynn L.

I ate here twice during my stay at theWit, and had a nice experience both times - once for dinner, once for lunch. Both times I sat at the bar. The wine list is very well-crafted, and there were lots of selections I wanted to try. The bartender let me have a sip of a few different wines to make my selection, which I appreciated. I started off with a beet, fennel, and apple salad. It was delicious! No complaints. I also got the kobe burger, which was good, but difficult to eat. It was just too tall! I understand that tall burgers make a dramatic presentation, but it makes them too difficult to eat. Unfortunately, the delicate brioche roll fell apart due to my squishing, and so I had to abandon the burger about 2/3 in. My visit during lunch was similar, though I had the short rib panini, whic was PERFECTION!! What a delicious sammich. Crusty bread, tender, flavorful beef (and in a generous portion!), melty bleu cheese, and pickled onions. I finished every morsel. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but if you're in the neighborhood, or staying at the hotel, it's worth it.
(4)
Katie M.

I had the pleasure of having my Valentine's Day meal here last year and it was lovely. I live in the burbs, but the food was so good I definitely plan on venturing back to the city. I loved the truffled mac and cheese and steak frites-- the drinks and beer selection were pretty good, too ;) All in all, I'd eat dinner here and grab a drink at The Roof, which is in the same hotel. Excellent!
(5)
Paul S.

The Wit Hotel is a very hip place in a hip part of the Loop. State and Lake is a perfect restaurant whether you want to have a casual lunch or a great dinner that won't break your wallet. I have been about three times now only because I enjoy the food. The service is HORRIBLE. The first time I was there it was empty and they told me to wait to be seated even though we had a reservation. Then we didn't get a server for 30 minutes. The second time our sever was rude, unattentive and when we left we saw her outside smoking in front of the hotel, where she must have been the whole time. This last time we had a server who was better than the other two but made a gaggging face when I ordered my lunch and then brought us the check as he served our food. What???? Three strikes. You're out.
(2)
Juliana E.

Walking into this space it smelled amazing, the staff was friendly, and the restaurant had a unique welcoming environment. The music volume was perfect, my family could talk and hear each other while still listening to the laid back tunes. the food lost it two stars- my lentil soup was delicious but $5 for three spoonfuls, I counted. Then I ordered the chicken and it took 20 minutes to arrive to my table and the waitress explained it was because the cheff "didn't think it was up to his standard". Ok? Then give me an appetizer to tide me over or take it off my bill. Then my mom ordered the brussel sprouts and they were suppose to arrive in a rich buttery bake sauce and they couldn't have been more dry. They're was no bacon and absolutely no sauce to be seen and after telling the waitress she still did not take it off my bill. Definitely go and try it, but it's definitely a one hit wonder.
(3)
Bradley J.

Had dinner here on a very recent Thursday night - our party of 8 was seated at one of the the barstool/high tables in the middle of the restaurant, definitely would have preferred a large booth, esp since the restaurant wasn't that busy. Pros: - fries are thin/crispy/salty (and plentiful) - prime cheese burger - tiny bottle of dijon mustard - decor, including "windows" under the bar that display kegs in use Cons: - fried almonds appetizer - way too many - tiny bottle of ketchup (went to waste b/c I didn't touch it but they opened it before setting it down) - server was attentive at first but disappeared when it was time to pay 18% gratuity was added automatically
(3)
Jennifer B.

Went here for lunch with co-workers. The interior is cozy, if trying a little too hard to be lodge chic. The beer menu was very impressive. The food did not disappoint, either. I was happy to see multiple vegetarian options, and the salad I had was large and delicious. The appetizers were also very good. Desserts were amazing. Service was perfect - attentive but not hover-y, and accommodating of a couple of odd requests. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Jacquelyn G.

Oh State and Lake... what happened? I used to absolutely love this place. It used to have such an inventive menu, but sadly, that seems to be no more. The menu has expanded, which you'd think would mean more to choose from. Yes, that's true, but nothing intriguing to choose from anymore... My husband and I went last night and were really looking forward to it. And then we saw the menu. It's completely changed. Unfortunately, it reads like a run of the mill sports bar menu now, and instead of debating between three different things I wanted, I had to struggle to find one that appealed to me. We shared the calamari to start. It was fine. Nothing great but not bad, either. Just fine. Not the reaction I've had in the past to things I've eaten there. Both of us had the fish tacos for our main course and again, fine, but nothing special. Actually, I found the fish to be a little tough and it didn't have much flavor. The one saving grace was the blueberry bread pudding that we shared for dessert. I'll admit that was pretty great. While everything was okay, it just lacks that cool vibe it used to have and as I said, the menu has gotten really boring and lacks any creativity. I won't be rushing to return.
(2)
Robyn A.

Judging from all the hot gossip, it's virtually impossible to get onto the roof of the Wit Hotel. So one of your options is to check out the restaurant on the ground floor. The food wasn't oh-my-god spectacular, but it was good. We got ahi carpaccio and the half-chicken breast. It was OK. My friend got the $14 burger and that actually almost verged on mind-blowing. So good. If you're a meat-eater, get the burger!!! Our waitress was definitely on top of her game. She heard us talking about blueberry vodka and made it a point to go ask the bartender about it---even before we asked her. She was very knowledgeable about everything and kept bringing us bread (bonus! it was heavenly) all evening long. Bottom line: Good food. Good service. But not spectacularly amazing.
(3)
Khabrim D.

The food was okay but the service was horrible. They didn't know what menu was the right menu, apparently for parties larger than a certain size gets a different menu. They confused use with about 3 different menus. They didn't have somethings available. There cocktail drinks will get you drunk quick but they are pretty much all alcohol and don't taste good. The waitress dropped about 3 glasses of champagne and wine on my back so I was wet the entire evening. We asked if we could get a complimentary drink but the waitress told use she didn't charge us for the drink she spilled....well duhhh you spilled a bunch of drinks on me...Tip is included in the bill :-/...They need alot of work on their service I definitely know where not to go for a date or with friends from out of town...It's the kind of place you go just for an appetizer or dessert....
(1)
Roberto H.

Friendly service, excellent menu and wonderful decoration. Located in The Wit Hotel (hip place) and is highly recommended for out of town visitors (TV's at the bar show scenes from movies that were filmed in Chicago) as well as folks looking for a drink & snack before attending a show down the street.
(5)
Janine M.

This review is about brunch at State and Lake, not dinner. Best things about brunch at State and Lake: Not crowded (about 1/2 full when we went), delicious french toast (I mean, this french toast was awesome- as good as it gets. Plump pieces of brioche that were almost airy), nice atmosphere, great menu with some unique options, affordable ($11 average entree). Worst things: The orange juice was terrible! When we mentioned it, the server couldn't understand why it was bad because it is 'freshly squeezed'. A few minutes later we noticed a waiter pouring orange juice from a Sysco gallon jug into a caraffe. Uh huh.
(4)
Christian P.

simpler than the rest of theWit eateries, but in a good way. I think perhaps other reviewers are going into State and Lake with really high expectations. They might be right given the "line" that is ever present for The Roof, and just the overall highclass look of theWit. The decor of State and lake matches the rest of the place for sure....attentively designed and coordinated, and its own space. Its a casual atmosphere though there were a few parties dressed up (presumably going elsewhere). The menu is short and sweet food wise but they offer a pretty impressive selection of beers and wines. One thing i loved was that they have a beer flight. With some varieties you may not have heard of, always helpful to get a taste and then get your pint. Food wise we started with the housemade potatoe chips and onion dip which was quite delicious. Entrees for us was just the house burger which was pretty tasty, though could use a more special roll or bread type to really make it stand out. The fries here were pretty awesome though, thin, warm, super crispy outside, yet soft inside. Despite being pretty full managed to inhale all of them. Service was quick and on point, prices were really reasonable. I think this is a great food option in the loop, not a super formal dinner but really good. definitely an awesome lunch spot.
(4)
Lauren M.

The food was pretty good, not great, but since we had gotten a deal, it really pushed it up as we were able to try many things on the menu and know what to order when we come back next time. Service was good, they were attentive, replenished drinks (for the most part) fairly frequently and the food came fast, which was impressive since we had such a large group. We shared appetizers between the group and got the buffalo fries (good, but only need a few), truffle mac and cheese (I love mac and cheese and wasn't a big fan - didn't like the pasta they used and sauce was a bit thin for my taste), calamari (standard but good), duck tacos (I didnt' taste), spinach artichoke dip (I also didn't try). For entress, many ordered the steak and cake (crab cake), which I thought was pretty good. It wasn't amazing, but a solid option and I feel like it was pretty affordable. The braised short rib was also popular and people seemed to like it. I highly recommend going up for a drink at the Wit rooftop bar. Great scene, good service and good drink selection.
(4)
Emily M.

The look of the place is good. The lighting is good. The layout is good. I really wanted to like it. And I almost did-- State and Lake is almost good. But the service is just not as good as it should be for what the place is trying to be. I had a business lunch here, and they brought my BLT out to me without bacon. Instead of taking it back to the kitchen, they server brought me out a side of bacon. That meant I had to deconstruct my egg BLT at the table in front of business associates. Not the greatest. Our server was just pretty inattentive.
(2)
Amy L.

State and Lake what happened to you? Your beer list went from Allagash and Two Brothers to Sam Adams and Blue Moon. Insert sad face. The food used to be great. This place has morphed into a bad version of The Emerald Loop that's around the corner. Sorry to see this place go in this direction.
(1)
Tyson T.

Went here on 4th of July. Food, Decor, Sevice were all very good. I'm not a calamari fan, but the steak calamari appetizer is a must. Very nice beer selection, but a bit dissapointed with the wine. A $60 bottle tasted like 2 buck chuck. The only other negative was the music. It's was blues/jazz and should have been geared toward a younger crowd. Other than that though, nice place to go an have a drink and light food.
(4)
X Z.

Came here on a Friday night with low expectations. We really wanted to get a table upstairs in Cibo Matto, but none were to be had so we "settled" for State & Lake, expecting loud music and mediocre bar food. Have to say, what a pleasant surprise! To start off, they have a limited cocktails menu but the one I had, Bees Knees (gin, honey, lemon and thyme) was great. Hubs had the Boilermaker, which comes with its own lager back (a mini glass of lager to chase your cocktail I guess!) which he liked (and he's a cocktail snob). We were there with another couple so we ordered a couple appetizers to start. As mentioned by the other reviewers, the buffalo fries were yum! we weren't planning on getting it but the table next to us had an order and the pungent yet attractive aroma of buffalo sauce + blue cheese kept wafting over to our table so we finally caved and added it to our order. The other starters we got were the summer fruit salad, bbq shrimp, and the ahi. All were quite tasty. For the main course, 3 of us got the braised short ribs (!) and hubs got the lamb. The short ribs could have been just a little bit more moist but as far as short ribs go, they were definitely one of the better ones I've had. I also like the celery salad that came with it- nice way to balance the richness. There was a LOT of meat- so for all you hungry men out there- this dish is for you :) For dessert, hubs and I had the guiness gelato (a little bitter, but we found that interesting) and our friends got the carrot cake / cheese cake - had a bit of that and it was delish. Rich but not overwhelmingly so.. the cheesecake had a lighter than your typical cheesecake which I thought was nice. Oh, and our server was great too. She also helped us get into the Roof after our dinner which as usual, had a line that I normally would not care to wait for. (This should be a separate review but just a side quickie- while it is annoying that there is ALWAYS a line for the Roof, once up there, I have to say, they did a great job with the space! I especially like the smaller outdoor space on the other side of the main one. Quieter nook with great views, made me think of the thompson in ny...)
(4)
Danielle S.

My fiancÃ© and I were planning on reserving a block of rooms at The Wit- but after our bar experience at State and Lake, I am really glad that we are taking our business elsewhere. We came to the bar (did not order food etc.) after a night out at the Chicago Theatre, and were treated rudely by both bartenders. The 1st bartender when I asked for a drink menu said to the other, "well, so much for last call." Then, when I asked the other bartender what beers the two gentlemen were having (sitting right next to us in very distinct glasses etc.) and his curt reply was "there's a lot of beers at this bar" - geeze, thanks. I can pay $10 a drink and be treated a lot better elsewhere.
(1)
K M.

Truffled mac & cheese. Just do it. You will thank me (and the other reviewers who are giving you this very important tip). This is really all you need to know. Yummy birthday treat for me. But just in case that isn't enough for you- they have redone the whole menu since I was last there. I had the turkey panini, which was fine (and comes with a little salad which was actually tasty); also at the table were the burger (quite large, lots of fries) and the arugula salad (seemed to be well-received). Seriously though, why waste room in your stomach on anything other than the mac & cheese? Come on now.
(4)
Vernon A.

Had breakfast. First, this is a pretty place. Great design. Second, we had attentive, prompt service. I saw the reviews of poor service but honestly i had quite the opposite experience. Third, I truly enjoyed my breakfast. I have had several bad egg white omelets of late so it was nice to get a good one. I liked my potatoes and my yummy sour dough toast. Fresh squeezed juice and fab-o coffee. It is not an inexpensive place but it is a very good breakfast, imo.
(4)
Brendan O.

Great atmosphere, good food, a bit up tight but not without merit. I went to State and Lake for Birthday drinks and stayed for appetizers. I tried the lamb chops and the summer salad and both were exactly what you might think they would be. I also tried the bone marrow which has since been removed from the menu for very good reason. How bone marrow has become a delicacy is beyond me. It was awful! Cocktails were great! They serve half glasses of wine so you can make your own flight for $12 and that is a deal.
(3)
Anupama A.

Fun place for beer and bar-ish food. Great decor, reasonable prices considering a restaurant in the Wit hotel. We got beer flights which were fun. The beers were interesting and mostly microbrews. I ordered the fancy grilled cheese which came with soup. It was seriously one of the best grilled cheese/soup combos I have ever had, and was about $10, not too pricey for the quality.
(4)
kyleen f.

Awesome atmosphere, great tasting food and pleasant staff. Great new start for State & Lake. It was an easy place to take clients over lunch - quick and attentive service. I had to keep myself from licking the plate and the carrot cheesecake was perfect.
(4)
Carolyn B.

WARNING: if you are a fan of their buffalo fries they changed them and not for the better. rather than being doused in buffalo sauce they are now coated in buffalo seasoning aka there aint nothing buffalo about them. major downgrade.
(3)
Si R.

The feel is tavern-like, but modern, and very airy. I liked the atmosphere in here -- both for brunch and the late-night bar crowd. The steak n' eggs I had wasn't the most amazing thing I had, but I'll give them props for being (somewhat) affordable, considering it's in a hotel. The bar, however, stocks an impressive selection of Midwestern craft beers, something very few hotels (boutique or not) can claim. The bathrooms were really cool, too.
(4)
c d.

Stopped in for a few drinks and appetizers. The service was great, everyone was very helpful - our waitress helped us make our selection. The gimlet was delicious. Peanut crusted wings served with peanut sauce we excellent, as were the duck tacos. The crab dip was OK, but WAY overpriced at $15. Good experience, will give it a try again.
(3)
Cristina M.

I'll say from the start that I did not have the food, so this review will focus on the bar service. I recently joined some friends for a quick after work cocktail at the State and Lake bar. My friends had already been served their drinks by the time I arrived, so I was pleasantly surprised when the server came straight to our table seconds after I was seated. When she arrived she asked "does anyone need another drink?" and then quickly answered her own question "No, I guess not" and walked away before I could respond. I finally got her attention and ordered a Champagne Cocktail. She said "oh, you want champagne?". I explained that a Champagne Cocktail is a mixed drink. She then asked what was in it - just in case the bartender did not know. I gave her the ingredient list which includes Angostura bitters and she was off to the bar. A few minutes later she comes back holding a bottle of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce and a bottle of Tabasco and explains that they don't have bitters, but would it be okay if the bartender used one of these instead. I immediately ordered a the same drink everyone else was having. I can understand that the bartender might not be familiar with a drink, but please have a bar tending guide available. Needless to say, I will not go back for a cocktail!!!
(1)
Nicholas K.

we got in at 11:30 with no reservation for lunch, by noon the place was packed. the area around the table was a little messy (a lime on the floor and a sauce smeared on the table), but the server took care of it right away. we started with the buffalo fries as an app. its way to big for two people, so be prepared. nicely cooked fries tossed with buffalo sauce, then drizzled with bleu cheese dressing and topped with big chunks of yummy maytag bleu cheese. they have a nice $12 lunch special and substituted french onion soup for their soup of the day. the turkey sandwich was quite good with a bit of garlic aioli on it and delicious bacon. the tomato and lettuce were fresh and the cheese was tasty. the crowd was a little snotty i thought for a hotel restaurant, but its a nice place to have a business meal. if you are just looking for a turkey sandwich in the area though, potbelly is much tastier and half the cost!
(3)
Lauren H.

Terrrible service, Hostess had a bad attitude. I was late for a show at the theater after arriving with plenty of time to have a casual dinner and make the show. Waited at least a half hour before someone came to the table to take our drink order. The manager had to wait on us because the server and several tables and one larger group. And yes, there were other servers that could have helped out. The food was just ok. Asked for the check as soon as the food arrived because by that time we had to eat and run. By the time we finished our meal, still no check. Had to hunt down the manager to get the check and he stood over me while I signed the bill to see what I was tipping. He's lucky he got what he did, I way over tipped for the experience I had there. Never again! Sadly for them, I work in the concierge industry in Chicago and people ask me about The Wit and the restaurant all the time. Can't say that I'll be giving a positive review to people.
(1)
Erika K.

We went here with a group of 6 to celebrate my birthday. A little tricky because I made my reservation at 7, and when I called to move it to 8, the hostess said the best she could do was 7:45. Fine no big deal, but the restaurant was NOT busy at all. We easily could have moved our reservation to 8. Oh well. The place is really nice inside, low lighting, great decor. It reminded me more of a lounge, than a restaurant. We did a couple of bottles of wine, which were very good, and did small plates and appetizers for our meal. All in all the food was good. Don't miss the pork shoulder and mac and cheese, it was the best thing we ate all night! Most of the small plates had generous portions and we left feeling happy and full. I think they are still working out the kinks in the service here, but hopefully they will have that figured out soon. All in all, I would go back, and I would definitely recommend it if you are making a night out of it, and going up to the roof top bar, dine here first!
(4)
M G.

Went out for a special lunch on a Wednesday. One of my co-workers had the chicken pot pie which she thought was salty. The other had fish tacos with some sort of salad which she also thought was salty. My tuna melt was fine, the bread under the tuna was a bit tough. The 2 that had burgers liked them just fine. Fries were nice and crispy. The atmosphere here is nice and the service attentive, but I wouldn't go back for the food. Maybe a drink after work.
(2)
Alan W.

We came for the beer selection (after in a mention in a New York Times article) and it didn't disappoint. Well, there was one disappointment: the Great Lakes Eliot Ness tap was dry. The draft menu has many locals such as Goose Island and Two Brothers. We had four different beers around and all four of us were very happy. Our server seemed to be very knowledgeable about beer. On the whole, the food was also good. My wife had pork shoulder, the most disappointing dish at the table. It was too salty and I thought it tasted like a so-so meal I could make at home without any experience. I had the grilled shrimp on bacon grits, which I loved. The shrimp tasted fresh (it was ~6pm on a Saturday) with a great combination of spices, and the grits were creamy with a very subtle bacon component. We also had a salad with roasted beets and blue cheese that was tasty. Our friends both had burgers which they said were delicious. They looked juicy. The burgers come with an insane amount of French fries. The fries are cut thin giving them a lot of flaky fried surface; we liked them. We shared some chips and onion dip that was good: they make their own chips and they tasted freshly fried but the onion dip wasn't anything special for me. We also shared some chocolate cake that was good and came spiked with dramatic caramelized peaks. The room was kept dim even on a bright Saturday afternoon and the decor and music is contemporary. We had high backless chairs that were quite comfortable (they also have booths). The sinks in the bathroom are a little too funky for their own good. One person complained about water spraying out of the small bowl, another of the confusion from the control being mounted on the wall. Overall, given our experience they are definitely worth visiting for a beer and burger (or another carefully chosen plate) if you need to eat in the loop.
(4)
milk s.

my boyfriend and i came here for brunch today. it looked pretty busy but was lucky there was no wait for a table. our server was was really friendly. we didn't get her name but she was blonde with a lip ring and recommended the breakfast wrap. i was really excited because it was exactly what i wanted. egg whites and spinach! my boyfriend got the french toast wih strawberries which i kept taking bites of too! the food was great and we really loved our server. she was sweet as pie.
(5)
Marni P.

I can't help but feel like this place is trying too hard and has sacrificed amazing food. The menu options are unique, I'll give them that, but it really puts you on the spot to try something very new vs safer. The cocktails are great if not a bit pricey. I had the perch and it was just ok. There were remenants of scales in the meal which took away from the enjoyment. It's a very posh atmosphere and the staff is fine. But for what you're paying, you could be getting more delicious food just around the corner. That being said, their breakfast was very enjoyable. The staff was pleasant and I was happy to spend my morning with them.
(3)
Susan F.

Had the roasted chicken. It was good. Only gave this place 3 stars because it didn't come with any sides and the menu needs to be more diverse.
(3)
Missy C.

Great location inside theWit hotel! Went here the other night for a Two Brothers beer tasting they were hosting. All the beer offered was paired with small bites from State and Lake's kitchen - and everything was delicious! Especially the fried chicken biscuits...seriously could not get enough of those. One of the Two Brothers was there to help host the event, and he offered up some great information about each beer. It was a three hour event, and I can say that I definitely got my fill of good drinks and good eats! The manager, Pete, was awesome - super nice and went around to all the attendees to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. He mentioned that they will be doing these beer tastings with different breweries hosting over the next couple months - I would definitely recommend attending!
(5)
Stephanie S.

Hubs and I have been coming here for years, usually when we're heading to/from the theater. It's always been a spot we could count on for good food where we can easily get a table. I would've given this a solid four stars, but after my last few visits, I don't think I can in good faith recommend this to others. I think the thing that bothers me more than anything is the price. I have no problem forking over a good chunk of cash for a good meal, but the value just really isn't here. On my visit last night I had a salad that was really poorly composed. There simply wasn't enough lettuce in comparison to the massive amounts of cheese. The parts didn't work together and it was just blah. It wasn't *bad* and all the ingredients were fresh, but I only ate about half of it. My friends also commented that they weren't impressed with the food. The waitress talked me into getting some kind of blueberry dessert that she described as "pillowy goodness" and her favorite. What came out was over-fried, tough balls of dough. For my salad, dessert and a Diet Coke I paid about $34. Woof. It's a great location, swanky interior and decent service, but I can't help but feel like they're taking advantage of people. On top of that I think the menu had changed *several* times in the past few years, and never in a good way.
(2)
Jennie D.

We stumbled upon this bar/restaurant while walking around the Loop last night. Upon arrival, the host was very friendly and invited us to sit at the bar while he prepared a table for us. My boyfriend and I were pretty hungry, so we both decided to try the current burger of the week on their Burgerfest menu. The steak burger was delicious! We also ordered a side of fries, which was big enough for the two of us to share. For dessert, we both ordered the coconut espresso macaroon ice cream sandwich. So amazing! We probably could've shared one between the two of us, but we just took the leftovers home. If you're ever in the State/Lake area and you're looking for quality bar food, I highly suggest State and Lake Chicago Tavern.
(4)
Tiffany C.

This place is adorable and the drinks and burgers are good. After that Im not sure if its a destination I need to go to. Service: Great. Attentive and quick. I felt like there were so many people around ready to fill my water or take my plate. Ambiance: Beautiful. Warm with mahogany and browns and wood. Great touch. Food: The burger is on point. Order that. Other stuff on the menu... Meh. I had the gnocchi for lunch and it was bland. I also had their Kale salad. Again bland. Drinks: The wine was fantastic. I was happy with their options and choices. Price: For lunch its not too bad for downtown. Its what you'd expect. Around $15 for the burger and $12+ for wine. This place gets two less stars because the only thing that tasted good on the menu were the drinks and burger. Id go again if I were downtown and needed somewhere to go before a show or a night out at a lounge.
(3)
Laurie L.

First time at State & Lake today from a recommendation...and it was dismal to say the least. Upon entering we stood at the hostess station several minutes when a male voice from somewhere said Erica will be right there. We were seated at a 2 top, right next to another table (there were only 2 other tables with seated customers) why we were sat right on top of another table did not make sense) Our table did not have water glasses or silverware. We waited quit a while for Erica to return to our table with water and to take our drink order. We started with the toasted sunflower pretzel served with goat cheese and red pepper jelly $8.00. The sunflower seeds tasted burnt, and the jelly was think and snappy, like it was old. We both ordered a makers mark with ginger; both drinks were weak; if there was a shot of liquor in each drink I would be surprised. For our entrÃ©es we ordered a Barley soup with an added egg and a Little Gen Cobb with sesame dressing on the side. The half bowl of soup came luke warm with 2 mini meatballs for $8.00. The salad had 3 slices of avocado, 8 mini squares of cheese and beet, and 1/2 stalk of romaine cut into four pieces for $13.00. We wanted salt & pepper, and had to get if off another table. Erica did not serve our food; ask us how everything was, or if we wanted something else. The service was lack luster from the moment we walked in the door. I understand it was a holiday (Memorial day 2015) but the restaurant was virtually empty. All the servers huddled by the bar and talked instead of providing service to their customers. As a side note, the bathrooms were not working, one was locked and the other was out of order. After I made several attempts to use the restroom, I inquired and was told "that is the only restroom we have". I would not recommend this establishment to anyone. Our total lunch bill was $57.46 for 2 drinks, a half bowl of soup and a side salad...not good at all State & Lake. This should be listed as a $$$
(1)
Gretchen O.

State and and Lake is a great place with better food and faster service than many other loop bars. Great drinks and classy enough to bring clients. Fun place for happy hour with coworkers too.
(5)
Amy H.

I wanted to have a spontaneous drinking night with my friend. We drove down to the loop to the W, but we didn't go in because of the cover cost. We decided to walk around for the next best thing. Since it was cold out, we stopped at a place nearby, State and Lake. This place is great. It has a flavor of its own, an intimate dining area up front and a chill quiet bar in the back. We both got the Root Beer flavored beer, which had 18 % alcohol content. That drink is dangerous. It tastes like real root beer, you cannot detect the alcohol. I finished that and then some, and may I say, I was feeling really happy. The bartenders were very entertaining and very attentive. I had a really good time and I haven't found another place that has the Root Beer flavored beer yet.
(5)
TimmAnnie I.

Cocktails only... Two drinks, but that's all it took for State and Lake to earn five stars. We were staying at the Wit so this was an easy choice, and a choice that we will make again on subsequent trips. Timm's spicy house mix Bloody Mary was already solid, but elevated to sublime by the presence of a meat straw (don't ask, just order it). The Peacock in Bangkok was similarly successful, a well-balanced and refreshing cocktail. And who doesn't enjoy playing "movie trivia" watching scenes from films shot here in Chicago??
(5)
Andrew B.

I had high hopes for State and Lake. The interior is sharply designed. The menu seemed well balanced. The actual dining experience, however, left a lot to be desired. We were here for brunch. Waited at the entrance for a few minutes before the hostess acknowledged our existence. We were seated at a table in the corner. Things only got slower from there. Omelette was served lukewarm, with toast lacking butter. In addition, no salt and pepper was readily available. All told, drastically overpriced ($14 mimosa? Come on...) Won't return, or recommend.
(2)
Paul W.

I went to this restaurant while staying in the Wit hotel. The service was friendly and the decor was nice. I went on a Tuesday night so I was seated right away. I tried the fired grilled wings and the crispy chicken thigh for appetizers. The wings were pretty good. Quite smokey (but not a lot of other flavor). The crispy chicken "thigh" was good but a pretty small portion for $9. It was only 1 thigh. For an entree I got the chicken. It was pretty good. Nice and moist with a nice arugala salad. Also a bit on the pricey side. Overall it was a decent place to go if you are staying in the Wit hotel and don't feel like venturing outside to find better food.
(3)
Victoria C.

My best friends and I were visiting Chicago and were in search of a place to grab a quick dinner. We found State and Lake Chicago Tavern and decided to try it on a whim. I love the atmosphere and decor here. The waitress was very nice and attentive. I ordered the Butcher's Burger with pimento cheese. It was a decent size burger with all the fixings on the side. They definitely don't cheat you on the pimento cheese. It was a little overwhelming. The temperature of the burger was perfect as well. My friend ordered a salad with the white fish add on. I didn't get to try it, but the fish looked really good and perfectly cooked. I also came by another time by myself to grab a drink at the bar. I had some sort of grapefruit cocktail which was refreshing. Bartenders didn't make too much conversation, eh.
(3)
Pete B.

The food that keeps passing by looks and smells so good. However I am here to drink. Erin could not have been more helpful finding my friend a crisp wine and me a simple beer. Her suggestions were on point. If I knew what "fleek" meant, I'd probably use that vernacular.
(5)
Daniel C.

Came here for brunch with some friends on a Sunday morning. Originally, I was put off by how uncrowded it was on a Sunday morning, but everyone was very happy with their meals. I can speak to the benedict and the french toast, which were both very nice. Also, our server was pretty cool and joked around with us.
(4)
Ben B.

Disaster city. Showed up with my lady on a Saturday night. There was no wait for a table. The hostess steered us over to another pair of gentlemen who would seat us... after a brief wait as they ignored us and avoided eye contact as we stood two feet away. We started by ordering the pretzel. $7. I repeat. $7 for a regular-sized pretzel. When it arrived, we tore it apart to find raw dough inside. We alerted the manager, who promptly blamed the people who bake them off-site earlier in the day. We each ordered a Butcher Burger ($14) with fries. When it arrived, I enjoyed the meat, but the bun was a flavorless mush, not up to the task of handling the burger. Worst of all, the fries were dry and bland. We both gave up after a few fries and shoved them aside. Our server was AWOL for most of the dinner. Our water glasses desperately needed refilling. I would cut the place slack, but State and Lake wasn't even busy that night. Granted, the Loop can be a tough place to dine, but you should avoid State and Lake unless there's some sort of emergency shutdown of all other restaurants within a five-block radius.
(1)
Jackie C.

My girlfriends and I came here for Brunch and we loved it! The plates and decorations are very fun. The food is delicious! I had the egg white omelette and it was delicious! The coffee was very good as well as the bloody mary bar. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Jamal S.

Came here on chance during Christmas Eve and was kinda glad I did . I had the roasted wings with the white BBQ sauce and pop corn. The wings were amazing , but everything else was ok. My friend who is a vegan ordered what look like baby food. The drinks were over priced , even for Chicago downtown . And some items were over priced . 3 dollars for a scoop of ice cream! Nevertheless , it was a decent experience and service was good
(3)
Tiffany H.

This place has great food. There aren't a lot of selections on the menu. You get a lot for your money. The service is a little spotty. They messed up on the salad but took it off the bill :-) it's in a great location if you are going to the roof afterwards. The manager came by the table and seemed really friendly.
(4)
Giselle G.

No ranch or bbq sauce? Really?! Decent place but pretty touristy. Prices are good and the food isn't bad. Service was good but the guy playing the guitar gave me a headache.
(3)
Brianne B.

Great food, cool atmosphere and diverse/tasty beer selection. James, our server, was top notch!
(5)
Cindy H.

Found this place by accident on the way to the Roof at the WIT. OMG. Try the "pig head cake". That was amazing, but nothing compares to the molasses cookie white chocolate coffee ice cream sandwich. It was so good that I came back after the Cubs game, before leaving town to get ONE!
(5)
Sharyn M.

Had to work for this past Bears Packers game...so I was in complete desperation to visit a local bar/eatery with many TV's accessible for my viewing pleasure on my early noon break. I am giving 4 solid starts to State and Lake based on impeccable service by Paige, proximity, and the fact , which I firmly and adamantly insist was thee BEST Brined Buttermilk Double Breaded most Incredible Fried Chicken I have EVER HAD. I do not go insane over food items often, but this chicken was off the charts moist seasoned crispy perfection. (altho) The biscuits were horribly disappointing ...cold and dry and brittle, otherwise this review would have received five stars. Presentation of said morsels were wonderful. Presentation was a small bucket with biscuits strewn amongst the 5 pc hot wonderment of delectable bird, the bucket resting on a long plate which also housed in cute small containments, accompaniments of pumpkin butter, honey and a fruity delight of cranberry jam. Cocktails were a bit highly priced so don't plan on getting too indulgent while visiting. Great place for viewing the game as there are flat screens galore mounted all about the dining/ bar area. So shout out to Paige, and the chef who creates that incredible bird. If you only offered game day cocktail specials, this place would be recommended more from me to others. BUT....all in all..worth another Sunday visit...if only for that service and that amazing chicken!! Its a yes!
(4)
David A.

A three night stay at the Wit Hotel meant three breakfasts at State and Lake. The breakfast coupons we got when we checked in were much appreciated. The service was always prompt and friendly. Breakfast was consistently delicious each day. We had a different server each time and all were professional and got our day off to a great start. I'll admit, we both had the same meal each day- Veggie Benedict for me, Breakfast 201 North for my companion. We couldn't have been more pleased. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Bill T.

Gorgeous restaurant in the Wit hotel. Food was great and service was amazing. Since I was staying at the hotel I had a certificate for a free "continental breakfast". Now you know as well as I do that most "continental breakfasts" are beyond lame. Not this one...freshly toasted bagel and wonderful oatmeal with Nutella and graham cracker crumble...it was so filling. My friend got a bagel and the mixed berries. There was so much food neither of us could eat it all. One morning we ordered off the menu and both got the chocolate custard French toast...in a word...amazing. Coffee was great, water was plentiful and all three times I ate there, the manager stopped by and checked on me. The head chef guy (I think) who was behind the bar was also a great guy. Super, super place. I'd go there even if I wasn't staying at the hotel.
(5)
Leif F.

Amazing pub at a great location. If you want a chill place with a friendly staff and you want to avoid the ROOF, this is the place for you. The food is fantastic and the menu is always updated. Beer selection is top notch featuring budget beers, local brews and higher-end imports. Something for everyone. The entire staff is courteous and attentive. However, if you want the best service, hit up Aja and Sam behind the bar or seek out Pete, the manager.
(5)
Mahsa T.

I was pleasantly surprised by State and Lake because I usually don't expect hotel restaurants to be any good, but I was proven wrong. My coworkers and I had a group lunch here and I ordered the Lunch Box Express, which contains a pastrami rubbed turkey sandwich with a side salad, side butternut squash soup, and tavern chips. Everything was delicious, especially my sandwich which had apple chestnut butter on it and served on oat bran bread. The bread was so fresh and delicious, I ate every single bite and it was a pretty large sandwich at that. Very flavorful--wasn't expecting to be wowed by a sandwich, but I was. The setup of the dining room is a bit awkward and people, including servers, kept bumping into my chair which got really annoying really fast...and the high tables and chairs were not comfortable to sit in. Service could have been a bit more attentive. Will have to come back and check out the pretzel everyone keeps raving about. I would recommend this place for lunch.
(4)
Mary S.

I came here after work during the week to meet with a girlfriend and didn't realize it was actually part of the Wit. Nevertheless, it did definitely doesn't have a vibe of being a hotel restaurant/bar. We had a very nice corner booth and were immediately greeted by our server, who was extremely knowledgeable about all beers, appetizers, and entrees. Much appreciated! We started with a Box of Jars which is such a cute idea! You pick 3 jams/spreads and it's served with baked breads, so good! We tried the Cider Pickled Beets that had blue cheese which was really good because the beets were not strong so the flavor overall was very mild, the Crushed Chickpea, and another I can't remember. But it was a great item to start with and they were able to bring more bread when we had spreads left over. For my entrÃ©e I ordered the Kale Salad and tried it with salmon added, asking that it be served well-done. The salmon was still a little too-fishy for me but that's just because I'm particular about fish, the kale salad itself was wonderful! My friend ordered a burger with fries and it was HUGE! The fries were really good too, not small stringy ones you sometimes get. Overall, really liked this place. It's a hot spot for sure.
(4)
Rebecca C.

Celebrated a friends low key Birthday celebration here. He didn't want the fanfare, and he didn't get it. While I would have liked the establishment to recognize his birthday, which I mentioned in the reservation - that's fine. The Birthday guy is so chill, he would have disliked the fuss. The food, however, was definitely fussed over. First and foremost - the most addicting fries north of the Mason Dixon line. The 3 of us ate them until we were about to burst. My friend had the butternut squash soup and loved the pumpkin seed pesto and candied fennel flavors. We tasted the citrus brined amish chicken panini; the 201 dry rubbed beef brisket sandwich; and the Berkshire pork schnitzel and a side of brussels sprouts. Neverminding the explosion of different flavors to the pork, chicken and beef, everything was delicious. Portions are very hearty, quality is superlative and the dishes are lively and creative. Attentive and helpful service, too. If in the Loop, this is definitely a go to place. With tip, the 3 of us were stuffed to the brim and with a little leftover for $81 - sans alcohol.
(4)
Liz K.

Before yesterday, I didn't know that State and Lake Tavern existed, but I'm glad my fiancÃ© and I came across it when the opportunity presented itself to have dinner with his cousin. We picked it solely because it was equidistant from my house and the cousin's hotel and had no problem getting a 7:30 reservation on a Tuesday night. In fact, a reservation wasn't necessary at all since it was barely half full on that snowy, windy night. I was the last to arrive after the boys had waited for 10 minutes or so, but the waiter didn't come over to greet our table until I had been seated for at least 5 minutes. He was friendly if not a little rehearsed. When the cousin ordered his beer, the waiter didn't seem familiar with the name and instead asked if he meant another beer...he went with it, and ended up getting an entirely different beer than he originally intended (when the beer was finally delivered a long 10 minutes later). Besides those blips, it seems like they have an extensive beer, wine, and liquor list, and their tasting flights sound incredible. My food experience might have been different if I weren't on a strict cleanse right now, but I was pretty limited in terms of gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free entree options. I told the waiter my restrictions and asked for his recommendation between the salmon and whitefish. I appreciated that he took the time to consider my needs and explain the special certification that some of their meals have. I've been avoiding eating out during this cleanse, but was SO pleasantly surprised with the full flavor of the whitefish and found that they provided a portion that was filling and reasonable considering the $22 price tag. I would describe the interior as an upscale cabin - big leather bar-height seats, wooden tables, and several TVs hanging on the walls displaying only a fake fireplace. It was a nice ambience considering the cold weather outside. Even considering the minor service blips, I am looking forward to coming back here for a happy hour to try the tasting flights and the charcuterie plates!
(3)
Tay H.

Food: Great burger at a decent price for downtown. The side greens were a little disappointing, but I filled up on my husband's leftover fries. Ambience: Walking in this place looks like a nice, upscale Chicago sports tavern - but they didn't have Chicago sports on their TVs! They had a random basketball game on one set of TVs, the other had a fake fireplace video, and the screens behind the bar were playing chicago movie scenes. To their credit, once I asked for Blackhawks game, they switch off the fake fireplace. But seriously, in Chicago you shouldn't have to ask. Service: AWFUL! Our waiter was nice, when he decided to check on us - and that was not often. It took forever to get our drinks and then another eternity to get our food. Finally the manager was making his rounds and we mentioned that we were still waiting for food, and it appeared! I would return only for food/drinks at the bar, I won't sit at a table again because the service was so bad.
(3)
Bobby M.

Had brunch here and the food and service was great. I highly recommend the chicken and waffles. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive (Juan).
(5)
Sam S.

The place looks cool, but it's way overpriced for the quality of the food. Drink menu is good, however, if you're a visitor to our city and eat here (since it's near hotels) please don't think it's indicative of the food in Chicago. The French fries are okay and the burger is simply not good at all: mediocre meat, no flavor, no seasoning, terrible bun, and terrible lettuce, tomato, and pickles. I've had much better burgers, even from fast good restaurants. Do yourself a favor and walk a little further either way on State to find a much better meal for the same cost. My meal: a tap water, fries, bad burger. All for $17.50 after an admittedly mediocre tip. PASS. Lastly, there are a ton of tv's in here...all on silent and playing old black and white movies?? Is that cool? Superpass.
(1)
Jennifer G.

I've visited State and Lake twice, once for dinner before a show at the Chicago Theater and once for a snack and drinks on the go. The atmosphere and service here deserve 4 stars. Both times I visited, service was fantastic--attentive and friendly without being the least bit obtrusive. Honestly, I expected a bit more pretense given the location, but State and Lake keeps it classy without sacrificing a laid back feel. The drink menu also deserves 4 stars. I appreciated the broad assortment, from local brews and bourbon and scotch flights to specialty cocktails, there were plenty of options within every price range. The food, however, is just a 3 in my book. It was nicely plated and pretty, but fairly unremarkable in the taste department. The Southern soul food fusion thing is great, but as a born and raised Southerner, I was disappointment by the blandness of the deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes. The exception would be the $8 soft pretzel with jalapeÃ±o, corn relish; I know it sounds like a lot of cash to shell out for a pretzel, but it's worth every cent. The charcuterie and cheese board was also decent, albeit a couple of bucks overpriced for what it is. I'll definitely return for drinks and a snack when in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to dine at State and Lake.
(3)
Layla R.

It's close to my work so I come for drinks and the occasional meal. The quality of the food is decent, but I wish they chopped their salads more and put a bit more variety in them (Kale Salad). The wines are also very overpriced. The service, however, is good so I'll give it 3 stars.
(3)
J M.

Super nice atmosphere. Great service from George O. A little overpriced in my opinion but still very enjoyable.
(4)
Brad S.

Wonderful list of local brews, very unique and fun food options. Food options for vegans. Qello on the tvs, so watching old concerts was a cool option. Also, live music in the evening. UPDTAE: Breakfast was killer! Veggie Benedict and egg white omelet, both amazing. Fresh arugula salad with light vinaigrette in between the Benedict and redskin potatoes. The Bloody Mary bar comes equipped with cheeses, beef jerky sticks, and all of the other fixings. Coolest atmosphere and wonderful service!
(5)
Katie K.

Headline: Avoid if you can! Good points: location is superb if you're going to a show at the Chicago Theatre; beer list is fantastic; and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. But the great beer list is largely illusory, as the bar was out of many selections (at 7pm) and drinks of any type were extremely slow to arrive, since the bar was "backed up." Food was average at best: burger dry and overcooked, fish taco fell apart while waiting too long for accompanying beer. As one might expect, this place is LOUD - and tables are close together so be prepared to use a lot of sign language. Overall, there is nothing here that will counteract the many negatives to draw us back.
(2)
David K.

Had to wait 20+ minutes before anyone noticed us sitting here even though a hostess sat us. The staff stared at us without coming to see if we were helped. It isn't very busy there are plenty of open tables. They were apologetic and offered us free appetizers so they redeemed themselves. I overall like this place and will come back must've been a snafu.
(4)
Mario D.

Had this for breakfast early one morning. I enjoyed it. Nothing to jump up and down over but not anything to complain about.
(3)
Bryant D.

One of the best reasons to stay at theWit plus the bartenders are AWESOME!! Please keep this place rockin, we come here 4x per year and look forward to drinks, breakfast and brunch much more than the rooftop bar with young people drunk off their *ss, hahaha.
(5)
Beth P.

I went here for my birthday with a group of friends and couldn't be more pleased! The service was wonderful the drinks were amazing and the food was delicious! I am so pleased that I decided to book a reservation here because everything was wonderful. We had people in the group with food allergies and they were extremely accommodating to the restrictions. Too many times I have found that restaurants deeper into the downtown area lack pizzazz and great service and this place had both. I had my first Bloody Mary ever here and I already am dying to go back! I definitely recommend trying this gem!
(5)
Jeffie J.

Enter a dark space. The dÃ©cor looks terrific. The sound track is blaring. The servers are good-looking in their black T-shirts with slicked back hair and--for the guys--muscles and tattoos. This is a cool place. Or is it? There are plenty of loop business types and tourists here, but where are the hipsters, scenesters and arty types? Not here--that's for sure. You're in a hotel restaurant that packages the aura of "hipness" as a selling point. Still it's fun, the servers are friendly, they make a killer martini, the stuffed olives can be a meal, and you can always pretend to be cool. The menu is interesting and the food I've sampled has been good, most recently grilled whitefish that comes with a side of citrus salad. I'm allergic to one of the listed ingredients so I told the waitress and there was no problem changing it for something else. The chef even changed the dressing on the salad. So here, the hotel ethic of service helps (some "celebrity chefs" will never change one of their creations--their advice would be order something else or go someplace else). I'll be back; it's a good downtown choice.
(4)
Laurie K.

During my 5-night stay at theWit, I ate at State & Lake for several meals. My experiences there include a good mix of time frames and busyness, so I feel pretty comfortable in saying that I have a good reading of the place overall. I enjoyed each meal and had wonderful service as well. Two of my favorite dishes are the chicken & waffles and butcher burger w/ fries. A couple servers who stand out are Paige and Luiz (sp?). They were very friendly and attentive. The manager was genuinely welcoming and was very attentive to the servers as well as guests. One morning, I witnessed a patron approach the manager with a (ridiculous) complaint/suggestion and he handled it very professionally. I was cringing inwardly at what the patron was saying; but the manager did a great job at listening and then appeasing him. I've never worked in the food service industry, but I definitely appreciate the hard work that these people put in. Whether you're a guest at theWit or not, I highly recommend you visit State & Lake. TL;DR Great food / Excellent staff. Go there.
(5)
Jennifer Q.

My husband and I stopped in here, as it was close to the Chicago Theater. We were on our way to see Cyndi Lauper's anniversary tour. I found the food and service to be really good. I had the butternut squash soup and the Dino Kale Salad with sausage on the side. My husband had the Curd Burgler's burger. We both enjoyed our food very much. It was a really crowded night (Friday). The place was popular and packed. We waited about 20 minutes at the bar. Once seated, everything went smoothly and we made our show with time to spare. I would return. I liked the experience very much. It's a fun "date night" type place that has a warm vibe and is not pretentious. I was pleased with my experience!
(4)
Joe J.

We made reservations for State and Lake through OpenTable as a convenient restaurant before a show at the Chicago Theatre. I called ahead to check on parking and was informed that valet was discounted for diners to $17. We showed up, handed over the keys, and entered the boisterous restaurant. Our first impression was a chaotic hotel bar. The layout was a bit disorganized, the chairs were wobbly, and lighting uneven. Our server was moderately attentive, and the drinks came in spurts. The charcuterie appetizer was feeble with small samples of cheese that appeared to have come from the local supermarket. The burger was good and cauliflower meal was interesting and tasty. We had to replace multiple pieces of silverware, as they had old food pasted on. The food is on the pricier side for, basically, bar food. But in the heart of downtown, I guess that is the going rate. Finally, after returning from the show 2 hours later, the chief valet said: "that will be $43." We protested that we were quoted a different rate when he informed us that the rate disappears over 3 hours. We explained that nobody informed us of this "rule." His response: "Sorry, that's just our rule." He was gruff and standoffish, and, luckily, the nice female valet agreed to get the manager and returned with a second "discounted" rate of $23. Needless to say, the valet experience was the nail in the coffin for State and Lake. We will definitely not be back.
(2)
Rob B.

Awesome beer selection. One of only two places you can get 19% not your fathers root beer!
(5)
Kristi K.

I stayed at the Wit and enjoyed breakfast & lunch at State and Lake. The food was great. For breakfast I loved the green smoothie. Can't remember what was in it but boy was it yummy. The chicken panini I had for lunch was delicious. The staff was so helpful. I was in a big hurry for lunch as I had to catch a plane and the bartender rushed the sandwich for me which was so nice! It was much appreciated that I didn't have to eat airport food!
(4)
Shradha A.

Here for lunch yesterday & loved their butternut squash soup & green salad. Service is always solid & noise level was manageable for a business lunch.
(4)
Charlie C.

Come here on Sundays for their Fried Chicken, its some of the best I've ever had. If you are a beer snob like myself, there is plenty to explore on tap. This is the type of place that you can spend a whole afternoon in, parked at the bar and mingling with a great cast of characters.
(5)
Terry M.

Found this place by accident. I was in town with my wife just for a long weekend (Cubs game, touristy stuff, etc...) We had walked over to St. Peter's on W Madison for Mass on Sunday and were walking back to the hotel talking about brunch and just walked by. The place was busy (good sign) and so we stopped in. I found the service excellent. Attentive, but not too clingy. The food was great. I had the Tavern benedict and my wife had the egg white omelet. Would definitely do this again.
(5)
Daniel B.

Great atmosphere! Good music and better drinks! The bartenders were attentive. Loved the fact that there were enough monitors to let me see all the important games of the night! Would definitely come again!!!
(5)
Andre W.

Came here with co-workers after a long day of meetings and a few drinks @ Emerald Loop around the corner. Some of my colleagues have been here before and said the food was pretty good. Of course this place is at the bottom of the Wit Hotel so its a pretty decent looking joint. The place is very well lit and has a semi swanky feel to it. There is also a band playing sometimes which is pretty cool. The band gets pretty loud especially if you are at the tables thats near them. The host actually had to come over and apologize as he realized how loud it was as he walked by. My friends mentioned the butcher burger was pretty good...me being a burger lover I had to check it out. The burger includes iceberg lettuce, pickles, tomato, onions & mayo. It was a good buyer, but my pals may have exaggerated on how good it was. Lets just say, it was not a top 10 burger or anything like that. I had a $14 drink that was just ok as I do not remember the name of it. I would not mind giving this place another shot, but someone would have to suggest it as there are better, less expensive places in the area for food and drinks.
(3)
Whitney M.

I work next door to this place, so it's a pretty easy jog for an after work drink. If there is such thing as a "super regular", that's me, and it's not because of the proximity. This is one of my favorite spots to go after work to unwind. By now, the staff essentially feels like family to me and my coworker (that grammar is correct), and they definitely treat us as such. (Hey hey Aja, Pete, and Luis!). It's like Cheers, except Chicago is better than Boston and this place is WAY classier. I enjoy the fact that I can have such a friendly experience at actual well-kept, nice bar. I lost my vegetarianism to this place. The jars are awesome, especially the bacon jam and pigs head cake. The seasonal poutine is consistently delicious, and they are competent mixologists, which can be hard to come by. Go, go! Enjoy yourself! Locals - it's a fun place to chat up travelers as well.
(5)
Lea T.

Innovative take on a tavern menu, some unique favorites include poutine and soft pretzel appetizer. Ask about which salads are smaller and which are more for an entree portion. Great service and great atmosphere- wasn't staying at the hotel but walked by and was attracted by the modern decor and fair pricing.
(4)
Kathy N.

Awesome burgers! Go there just for them. Small but cozy, charming. The manager here is extremely accommodating. We needed to change tables and couldn't have been more helpful.
(4)
Jhan K.

Update: I received a very nice email from the Gm of this establishment, inviting us back. I responded in kind and expressed how much we appreciated their approach to amending our experience. We went back and had an exceptional experience from the moment we walked in until we left with full stomachs, our leftovers boxed up and smiles on our faces. Job well done and the food was great!
(5)
Rebecca B.

The customer service at the State and Lake puts most places in this price range to shame! I stopped here today to meet a friend for lunch before heading to the Gene Siskel Film Center (which is less than a block away). I arrived first and decided to have a beer at the bar while I waited. I'm not a very discerning beer drinker so I asked the bartender for something kind of light and crisp on tap. He selected the perfect pale ale. I noticed my phone was almost dead and the bartender charged it for me during the meal. My friend arrived and we got a table and ordered a burger and a cobb salad. We wanted to split both items (as women are wont to do), and instead of simply bringing extra plates, the kitchen sent out 4 plates, each with a half serving on it! That meant we each got our own condiments for our half burger, our own order of fries, and our own deconstructed Cobb Salad! I was so pleased at this considered presentation! I hate having to divide food and shuffle it from one plate to another, while all the time the other person is usually thinking "that's not half". I love a good burger and this one was juicy and delicious. The fries were heavenly and the salad was the perfect accompaniment. This is absolutely going to be my new "go to" place for a meal before heading to the Goodman Theatre or the Siskel Film Center, two of my favorite places in the Loop.
(4)
S P.

Long wait to be seated and drinks at the bar were WAY over priced ! 35 Dollars for TWO LONG ISLAND ICE TEA'S and the worst Long Islands I ever had GROSS. Forget this place never again!!!!
(1)
M W.

Loved the ambiance at State and Lake-very hip and cool stag heads made of sequins and things. Our waiter was super charming. The place was very busy, so our food took awhile, but that it what you get when you dine during the dinner rush downtown on a Saturday night. The waiter was quite accommodating about getting us the check right when the food came (we had a show to get to). I had the burger with cheese and tobacco onions-which were incredible. Definitely worth the wait. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Priyanka P.

Great option for late night dining... Live music on some days. I ordered chicken wings and it way yum!
(4)
Stacey D.

Came here for breakfast on our last day in Chicago. We really liked it. Got right in on a Sunday morning. Waiter gave us a few suggestions. I got the breakfast 201 North (eggs, chicken sausage, potatoes, and toast). Husband got the bread pudding French toast. Both of us were more than happy with our decisions. Coffee is good. Orange juice is amazing. However it's quite pricey. Our breakfast cost $45 not including tip.
(4)
Isabelle L.

Ended up at State and Lake for a quick pre dinner show. The overall experience was OK but we probably could have done better. The place was noisy with big parties standing by the bar and totally overtaking the room. Service was fine. The food was OK but nothing memorable except for the grits that were really good. The B8 burger was overcooked and dry, a waste of $20. The walleye fritters were decent, meaning non greasy but totally lacked any fish flavor.
(3)
Edward W.

The vibe is great and the drinks were tasty. The food was ehh. Id be apt to return for the former and not the latter.
(3)
Anna K.

It was good food and service. Only 4 stars though because my guest ordered her burger well done and it came out closer to medium rare. Great location for Chicago Theatre events too!
(4)
PG S.

I feel like the hip thing to do is make a restaurant that looks cool and then rely on the ambiance to keep people coming back. Sure, State & Lake looks awesome, but from the service to the food, it's just... meh. I had the hipster veggie sandwich, which was interesting on paper - butternut squash, shitake mushrooms, etc. But the end product didn't quite pull it all together. A little soggy with an overload of sauce, and the fries were limp and plain. It had such great intentions but didn't really deliver. Again, this place looks killer, but if you want to create a great experience, you've got to make it happen all the way through. S&L does not.
(2)
Caitlin C.

After walking around Chicago looking for a place I could get pizza and striking out due to extremely long lines at several places, I was starving my face off. I didn't want to end up at a chain store out of desperation, I didn't come to Chicago to eat at Chipotle, so when I happened by this place I decided to duck in. Some people have mentioned problems with the decor, I liked it. The ambiance was good. Service was mediocre at best. I was by myself, and it felt like it took ages to greet me and then to take my order, and even after they brought me the dessert menu it was a while before I saw someone again. Each person was pleasant, but the wait in between interactions was long, despite it not being a busy time. I really liked what I ordered, the Cask Conditioned Flat Iron Steak. It was tasty and had nice flavors, I even liked the mushroom horseradish puree which I had entertained asking them to omit. I then had some of the dark chocolate ice cream, it was a little weird... tasted like it had cinnamon in it. I'd go back. I didn't realize at first that it was a hotel bar, but am more impressed now that I know it was. So, besides the shoddy service I'd recommend it.
(4)
Jenna I.

Great service at State & Lake bar, so kudos to them! I work in the area and you could say there are a lack of places for a great happy hour and we all tend to get bored of going to the same places every week! Not only were they extremely attentive, but they offered us some amazing complimentary appetizers!! Plus, it didn't hurt that my college buddy was randomly performing a fantastic acoustic set that night! Great job, Mr. Chris Buehrle! I'm surprised I haven't been here sooner and I will definitely come back!
(4)
Lenora C.

I am giving State and Lake 5 stars. So, here's the story; I come from work and I stand at the bus stop on no other than State and Lake street. Well, It was just killing my soul that I never had the time to go in and grab a bite to eat. So, some 6 odd months later; I finally get into this swanky place. The decor is very inviting and unique. I was meeting my mother for dinner. I got the Waldorf salad w/ vinaigrette which was delish and just the right portion. My other also took the liberty of ordering sweet potato fires w/ their signature beer cheese sauce. It kind of tastes like big mac sauce. Me and my mother both had burgers which neither of us could finish. It was so kind of the waitress to have the food waiting in the window when I got there it was piping hot. I say its worth a try and the staff is friendly too.
(5)
Kathy K.

after a lovely afternoon at book of mormon my friend recommended tavern for a great place in the neighborhood. Walking in i was pleased with the music and atmosphere and knew my 17 year old would enjoy. The menu was perfect, BUT.....service was less than mediocre . our reservation was at 530, and the place wasn't jammed. Took so long to receive drinks, and server was not attentive, and was not very knowledgeable with menu. The brisket burger was heavy like a hockey puck,very dry and was supposed to come with a special mayo. I had to ask for it. The bus person was very attentive, and was always present Both glasses of my wine were ordered through the manager. the french fries came cold, so i had to ask for warm ones. There was never a check on our table by server. We ordered mussels as an app, and they came at the same time as 2 of entrees, the 3rd entree was delivered 5 minutes later. This is so not acceptable. I am not certain what is going on at this place, but I know i will not return. There are so many places in Chicago.
(2)
David L.

I feel like this place has gotten a bad deal in some of the reviews. Overall, we had a great experience. - We sat at the bar and everyone was very nice and helpful. - The brisket soup was delicious - The burger was perfectly cooked - We got their "root beer beer" with some ice cream and it was delicious. Not the best meal I've had ever, but great food with great service. I certainly was pleasantly surprised.
(4)
Justine M.

The food here is great. It doesn't try too hard and everything is well made. We got buffalo fries and the duck tacos to start - both SO good. Duck tacos were flavorful and the buffalo fries had enough buffalo sauce to be flavorful, yet not TOO strong (important when dealing w/ buffalo sauce). I got the smoked turkey panini and it was good. Very filling. Cons: - a bit pricey for the items on the menu - I wouldn't pay that much for food items like this - The wait doesn't seem very friendly. Also, the waiter who refilled my water kept reaching in front of me and knocked over my water glass during lunch.
(3)
Colleen C.

Let's break down the Wit Hotel's dining/drinking options, right quick here... Top: Roof (impossible to get into) Middle: Cibo Matto (newly opened) Bottom: State & Lake (kind of boring) After glancing at the "line" (with a bouncer!) for Roof at approximately 415pm on a WEDNESDAY, we opted for a lightish, lateish lunch at State & Lake. Soo.... It's dark. And, at 5pm, they dim the lights so I could truly and honestly not see the sparkling Diet Coke in front of me. Folks, what are we hiding from in here? This place is new! I get trying to set the mood and such, but it's a beautiful sunny afternoon, throw open the windows, let the light into our lives. I felt like I was in a dive bar...where darkness makes sense. I felt like a little old lady trying to decipher the very short menu..."Honey, where are my glasses!?" Sheesh. As mentioned, the menu is short. I opted for the summer salad (watermelon, melon and goat cheese in a light reduction), which was very good...albeit a bit skimpy. My lunching partner chose the turkey club with fries, which towered over my dollops of melon/cheese. So, I guess...order well. Service was on point. Probably an excellent stop for a cocktail or two if you are staying in the hotel...but I would not make this a destination for dining. Perhaps it can serve as the "waiting room" for Roof? Probably a better idea ;)
(3)
Kate M.

When a group of people, most of which are from out of town, are going to State & Lake it can get a little confusing. "Just tell the cab "State & Lake"!" well yeah, but once you get there, which of the three drinking establishments are we going to? I don't love the name. I do however like the decor and atmosphere at State & Lake. It's dark and rustic, yet still somehow a modern vibe to it. There is a decent number of tables in the dining room and a few cozy tables in the bar area. You can order off the same menu in the bar or dining room, not a huge menu, but plenty of choices. The duck tacos were mostly good. The filling and sauce were very good, but they were housed in a greasy deep fried shell that was not well executed. Others at my table enjoyed their meals. Four of us split two of the Pina Colada Bread Puddings for dessert. It didn't even sound like it would be good to me, and I was right, but I ordered it anyway and subjected a business colleague to it. Bread pudding should not be mixed with tropical flavors, the two are at odds with each other and the fusion does not work. Makes me suspicious of some of their other well intended flavor pairings. The service was pretty bad. We were a pretty big group that started in the bar then most went to the dining room. Those of us left in the bar were neglected the rest of the night. I had dirty, empty dishes piled up in front of me for most of the night. I asked the server and manager to take them but nobody did. Oh, and the best part, both tables and my chair were uneven. I was rocking back and forth in my bar height chair allllllll night, wildly annoying.
(3)
Anne M.

Seriously underwhelming tuna melt. ($12 tuna melt, mind you) This is a swanky looking place, that I suspect makes bank from tourists and locals who don't know better. Beer is way overpriced (some $10-12). I didn't even look into cocktails this time, but I'm sure they're equally overpriced. The hostess was pleasant, server was okay, my food was disappointing. I wanted a burger but they didn't have any turkey/veggie options (not happy about that) so for some reason the tuna melt sounded good. As soon as I saw it, I really didn't feel like eating it anymore - not a good sign. It was two english muffin halves topped with tuna, tomato and a square slice of processed-looking cheese. What?! This is a sad, expensive (rip off) tuna melt. I make more impressive looking sandwiches at home! The tuna was okay, loaded with capers which I didn't really care for, and the cheese... give me a break. Get some real, *quality cheese on this thing puhleease! The fries that came with it were okay but forgettable. Two other fellow diners ordered burgers and they looked far better than my meal. Live and learn... And never order a tuna melt from State and Lake again.
(2)
Caroline B.

Food was great and our server couldn't have been better. I would have given this restaurant a much higher rating except that the hosting staff doesn't seem to appreciate that when they talk about the patrons of their restaurant, people that are sitting in booths behind them can hear what they are saying. One would think that if people are eating in your restaurant you would at least afford them the courtesy of sharing your opinions in the back room.
(1)
Stephen S.

I took a large group of about 20 here to celebrate my birthday, and I'm so glad I did. They took wonderful care of us, brought complimentary food and drinks, separated the checks, etc. The manager stopped by multiple times to check up on us and make sure that everything came out right. It was truly nice to feel like my business was appreciated, and I will definitely be heading back here. I ordered the burger with bacon and brisket on it--think it was called the B8. I love hamburgers, and this was the BIGGEST BURGER I HAVE EVER SEEN. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)
Gina F.

The food was ok, but the service was terrible! They have zero vegtarian options, but I got a sandwich sans meat & it was pretty good (the BLT with fried egg & cheddar). My husband got the wedge salad & asked them to hold the blue cheese. It came with no dressing at ALL. We had to flag down a bus boy to get us some. The burger my brother-in-law got was ok. He said it was "just a burger." We saw so little of our server that our drinks were empty for a solid 20-30 minutes. We also thought of leaving after the first drink cuz it was already 6:30 & we had a show at 7:30. The waiter assured us all the food was "super quick"--unless we wanted the steak well done, which could take 25 minutes or so. We said that sounded fine. He started to walk away (in spite of us just having made clear we were pressed for time) and we called him back to take our order. Apparently his definition of super fast is about 23 minutes, because that's how long it took us to get an egg sandwich, a burger, & a salad. SO much different than that well-done steak. Now THAT would take a crazy long 25 minutes. The one redeeming quality is it's proximity to the Chicago Theatre, but there are other options & I will be utilizing those options in the future.
(1)
Dave P.

Food was okay, nothing to write home about. The menu is fairly limited and overpriced ($22 for pork and beans...really?). They have more appetizers and food served in jars as appetizers than actual main dishes for dinner. Then again, they are catering to the people staying at the Wit Hotel they are attached to than other groups of people. I love how the other reviews say 'great stop for late night drinks.' It sure is if you like to overpay for beer. For a tall draught beer you'll be paying anywhere from $13-17 depending on what you order. They do have a limited selection of canned microbrews starting at $4 a can. If I'm out for late night drinks, I'm not going to spend $20 on one or two beers, sorry. The bar itself is small. About 10-12 seats tops. Overall, an okay experience. Wouldn't be a 'regular' place to venture to by any stretch of the imagination. Chicago is a big city, there are other, better, places in the area.
(2)
Ione F.

Went to this place while staying at the hotel nearby. It got decent ratings but for lunch/happy hour. We went for breakfast, food was fair to good. Service was actually good, but after ordering my breakfast with certain elements off and others on the side (how hard should this really be?) I got it served right off the menu. Had to send it back, asking again for the stuff on the side. This time it was served with only the stuff I could eat, but not on the side. I was hesitant to send back again, both for the time it took and the fear of...you know. If you like food, if everymeal counts like it does for us...Anyway, this might be a place to skip, unless you really don't care about what you are going to get.
(2)
Liz R.

I had one of the best veggie sandwiches ever when I ordered the Hipster Veggie. Honestly, I've ordered veggie sandwiches in a lot of restaurants, and this one was simply delicious. The only downside to the experience was the service was a little slow. Went just before noon on a Thursday for lunch.
(4)
Ryan S.

We went to State and Lake Chicago Tavern for our Christmas breakfast and left very satisfied. The ambiance is spectacular, the staff was very friendly, and the food was wonderful. Our only critique is that the restaurant didn't provide a drink menu; we planned on ordering drinks for Christmas, but were unaware of any drink specials.
(4)
Melissa F.

State and Lake is just A-OK, pretty much the definition of overpriced but average at the same time. I think they take advantage of the fact that the Loop isn't exactly crawling with sit-down restaurants and pounce on wallets. If I remember correctly, my southwestern-ish salad was around $14. It was fine. Just fine. $14 but not exactly blown to bits with avocado or shrimp or other justifiably costly ingredients. Let me put this in perspective. It was fine, just like... - Hanging out with a boring 5th cousin on their farm in Montana, admiring their paisley wallpaper - Listening to a podcast about rice - Watching the TV have technical difficulties and display the multi-colored default screen - Drinking water to find complex flavors therein And so on. State and Lake is coasting. And not just because it's near Lake Michigan, a-ha-ha-HA. Ha.
(3)
Jen S.

Our server was fantastic and recommended everything that we ended up ordering. And it was all phenomenal! We started with the loaded fries, which look to be fresh cut and topped with gravy, cheese curds, bacon and a fried egg. Three of us also ordered the perch and it was easily one of the top ten things i've ever eaten! The grits were also a great choice. I'd return again for the good food and atmosphere! Great evening.
(5)
Cindi C.

We have been in Chicago about 2 months now, and every Friday I meet my husband for drinks and dinner or small plates. This location is pretty close to Clark and Lake, so we gave it a shot. It was okay. The service was good, I returned a drink because it didn't taste like I expected and they graciously removed it from the bill. But we did have to wait quite a bit for drinks which seemed odd because it was pretty quiet when we arrived around 5. We ordered the mussels and chicken thighs. The mussels were good, but both of us felt the broth could have been a little more seasoned. They were served with fries instead of bread which was a nice change. Miracle of miracles, we couldn't finish them. I can't say that has ever happened to us before, but the serving was so generous, we grew tired of eating with about 10 mussels still left in the bowl. The chicken thighs were delicious, but only two small thighs per plate (or maybe it was one divided), so next time we would order double. We split the cobb salad (deconstructed), it was portioned generously and they didn't charge for splitting. I had read about the macaroon sandwich for dessert, so I ordered that and my husband ordered ice cream. The macaroon espresso sandwich was so good...but sooooo much! For the price I would have been happy with half as much. Chocolate sauce on the side would have made this simple dessert so much more enjoyable. My husband enjoyed the ice cream but wished there was a little more to the serving. We both strongly recommend the whiskey flights...one of the cognacs I tried sells between $150-$200/bottle. And the pours were generous. We'll probably be back for a night cap sometime, but can't see us going for dinner again.
(3)
Zach G.

I have been here several times, because I get free breakfast at theWit with my Hilton HHonors status. On top of that, I have paid for a lunch here once as well. Prices are what you would expect from Hotel + Downtown Chicago = High. However, everything I have had to eat was delicious. My last delicious treat was a scramble with sausage, potato and a few other things. The sheer amount of sausage in it was outstanding - I really felt like it was worth the price. Only issue is the service can sometimes be slow as I feel like the staff can be stretched a bit thin.
(3)
Kat R.

Great service, yummy food and strong drinks. We will definitely return!!
(5)
Thomas W.

A beautiful little restaurant in the trendy Wit Hotel. Staff was very friendly. This was not Gibsons! Duck tacos were soggy and heavy. The Steak and Lake version of surf and turf was forgettable. Save your money!
(2)
Nicole B.

I'm staying at the hotel so I was drawn here. The menu is small, which I decided was ok. However, with only 6 or so entrees on the menu, how do you sell out of one? The small menu and then not having an item is why I rated on the low side. The steak was good, I'd get it again. The ice cream was also good even though I ordered Vanilla and Choc, not maple and choc. The Choc was a very dark, cocoa-y tasting chocolate. Not very sweet. It was good, but I feel like that would turn some people off if they weren't expecting it. Everything tasted very fresh.
(3)
Niti B.

Was a good end to a great weekend...could have been better but the food was fresh and delicious. Didn't have anything special to offer but made things just right. I had split the french toast and Mediterranean fritatta and both were made very well. The side of potatoes were good and the fruit was refreshing. wouldn't say I would go back but a nice quiet brunch on a Sunday with guests in town might be the solution before you send them home.
(3)
Erin Y.

It was Christmas night, and we were so hungry. We first tried a big-name restaurant (which will only be named as M&S), but we ended up waiting at bar seats for 15 minutes and the server walked by us at least twice and didn't even take our order. So, we left and decided to try the OTHER M&S near State and Lake. As we were walking, we passed by State and Lake Chicago Tavern. I checked Yelp, and what? 3 stars? Well, yelpers, you've really confused me this time... because... Deciding to eat here may have been the best decision on my Chicago trip. The interior was nice, nothing too fancy or too casual. We were actually too hungry to care. We had the Christmas special dinner. I don't really remember EXACT names of what we ordered, but maybe the pictures will help? First, we started with some grilled bread and three types of sauces. I remember one was hummus, and I remember it because it was so dang good! I seriously could NOT stop eating the bread, and we even asked for seconds. Oh, and did I mention how GOOD the bread was? Crunchy, and warm... Second, we had deviled eggs, which were okay. Nothing special there. For our entrees, I got salmon and my date got the hangar steak. They were both delicious! The salmon was flaky and juicy, and the butter was delicious. The hangar steak was cooked beautifully and was flavorful. Unfortunately, I don't quite remember what we got for dessert (but I'm sure it was good). Our server Erin was so sweet. I only remember her name because it was the same as mine. Heh. (: I really wasn't expecting much, but I think this place deserves a bit more credit. And I don't think it was just because we were super hungry either. I totally recommend this place. Next time I'm in town, I'll definitely stop by again and make sure it wasn't a fluke or something.
(5)
Zack P.

I'll start with the decor. You walk into the wilderness lodge by way of Elton John with sparkly deer heads and red enamel stuff. It is typical of hotels to decorate their restaurants within and inch of their life. S&L does not "disappoint" in this regard. I beat the lunch rush and got here by 11:30, felt a little like I caught the restaurant with its pants down. Had to linger a little bit before a manager stood up from his Starbucks to greet me. Service was very relaxed. It wasn't bad or good, although I will say it was a little more casual than I'd expect at a hotel restaurant, even a "tavern." I got the bison burger and coffee. Hands down some of the worst watered down weak coffee I've had in a while. I come from the land of bad diner coffee though so I was willing to let it slide except its worth a mention since its $4.00 a cup. The bison burger was decent, it was big and tasty but the sweet potato fries were a little soggy and limp. The minus one star was for the coffee and fries and both were way below par. Other than that its a fun little place with plenty of great local beers and tasty food options.
(4)
Darby A.

Stayed at the Wit for Chicago Marathon...decided to grab lunch, since running race next day, perfect excuse to carb load...Pretzels and beer cheese, perfect with a Goose Island draft! Friend ordered a turkey burger, good choice, I opted lighter and went for the panzanela salad...bad choice :( Salad felt like an afterthought when creating the menu...cheap croutons tossed with some sliced grape tomatoes and 4 tiny pieces of mozzarella (mozzarella was only part of salad I ate) panzanela should be a rustic dressed salad with chunks of bread and lots of flavor...this was something they serve on an airplane. Thank God for that yummy pretzel and brew :) Stopped by on way to airport for one more round of soft pretzels and pre flight bloody Mary's...Ryan scored points for the drinks, excellent send off! A little more effort on the salads and I'd give restaurant another star!
(4)
Rosanna L.

Parmesan fries = ehhh nothng special. French fries with parmesan cheese sprinkled over it. Wednesday = lobster bisque *delicious!* for those who love creamy soups Classic burger = ordered it medium and it came out medium and juicy, makes me happy! Came with swiss cheese and grill onions just the way I like it Side salad = toss in a vinnegrette, which was extremely light, but I'm not a huge dressing eater so I definitely liked it Apple pecan pie a la mode = I'm in heaven! Absolutely delicious Brownie sundae = extremely yummy, for the chocolate/coffee lovers since it's served with expresso ice cream and fudge over deep chocolate brownies. Great meal.
(4)
Christen W.

Yummy breakfast & good burgers. We had breakfast at the hotel each morning, and fell in love!!! Only thing I've tried off the dinner menu was a burger and that was very good too!
(4)
F W.

Four of us stopped in 11/9 for a pre concert dinner. Upscale tavern atmosphere, & an appealing selection of craft beer & cocktails. Enjoyed those along with good salad & a seasonal soup appetizers. Unfortunately, when the seafood entrees hit the table so did a really foul odor. Both whitefish & mussel dishes were inedible. Clear that there was some storage or spoilage problem. Clear enough that when entrees were delivered to the table next to us, meat dishes were served & they were advised the restaurant was out of seafood. (This is when they were being served....not ordering). Our server had politely removed our plates, the manager said he'd investigate, & we never heard another word. Fish removed from our check, but no regrets, accommodation or have a drink on us next time offered up. I get that this is a Hotel (Hilton / Wit) restaurant in the loop that may not care about a repeat client base & they've certainly achieved that with me. (I office around the corner & am a Hilton Honors member). We ordered fries & another salad to have something before the show, paid & moved on. Hard to feel good about spending $200+ for fries, a couple drinks & 2 appetizers after getting a bad dish but that's what happened. So problems can happen anywhere, you may enjoy the Tavern, but IMO good restaurants serve good food, are adept at admitting & communicating problems, & engage you enough so you want to come back. Didn't happen here.
(1)
Therese M.

Came here for breakfast our last day in Chicago.. we were staying at the Wit and had breakfast vouchers to State & Lake so we figured why not try it. It was Memorial Day so there were a good amount of people there, but the service was quick. I got eggs with a side of corned beef and my boyfriend had the corned beef hash. The corned beef hash here is very good. The pieces of corned beef were a good size and not chopped up as small as I'm used to seeing. My boyfriend ordered grapefruit juice but instead was served the grapefruit platter with berries. We decided we could use some fresh fruit and kept it. It was good but probably not worth $6. Overall, the food was good but the breakfast menu was on the pricier side - I don't know if it'd be worth spending that much on breakfast if we didn't have a voucher.
(3)
J Z.

I've been here numerous times for lunch and the food is very good for lunch. The seating is not ideal to be able to talk privately. This is a decent option in the neighborhood, but no reason to make a special trip to the neighborhood.
(3)
Jeremy E.

More of a 3.5 kinda place, but I enjoyed it enough that I rounded up. I don't think there is anything particularly "special" going on here, but they do everything well. Above average burger, fries, drinks and pork chops. Cool vibe, and cool staff. I would go back if I was in the area for happy hour.
(4)
Jessica B.

Not good. Menu is constantly changing, so check before going there.
(1)
Stephanie W.

Don't love the room, but good food and good service. I split the ahi tuna salad and mac n cheese with a friend. The tuna was perfectly cooked, but not a great mix with the salad. The salad itself was delicious. The mac n cheese was like nothing I've experienced before - orrecchiette pasta swimming in a soup of truffled cheesiness. It was delicious, but definitely hard to eat and even harder to split as we kept dripping it all over the table! Another friend ordered the southwestern salad with shrimp, which she very much liked until discovering a hair at the bottom of her salad and that one of the shrimp was still raw. Luckily, the management did an amazing job taking care of her - both the waiter and the manager came over and apologized profusely, they took the salad off the bill even though she'd already eaten most of it, tried repeatedly to bring her another entree (she declined), and brought free dessert over to the table. I'd come back just for the service, but probably won't be a regular here just because it's out of my way
(4)
Galina M.

Stopped by here on way to Gypsy Kings show at the Chicago theatre. We were running super late and their service was super speedy!! The food was great-a pleasant surprise!!! I highly recommend tuna ceviche, steak tartare and the mozarella n tomato salad ;) their drinks r awesome too! Cibo matto actually closed like 7 months ago and this whole time i thought this place was Cibo haha. Interesting thing i found out is that they sell certain decor places the hotel which is pretty cool! I really liked it and would def come back here :)
(4)
Shannon P.

One of the best breakfast meeting spots in the Loop. Privacy, quality of food and variety are well matched with the ease of location. Breakfast? Yes, breakfast is great here! Local, good coffee. Solid menu items that change and are inventive. I even ate Guinness pancakes in front of a client. Carbs, beer and breakfast. (Oldie item that really was good. It worked.) Lately, I passed on red velvet pancakes and loved the benedict. Yogurts, juice and sides all fresh. Evening meetings have been limited but we have chosen the duck tacos and enjoy the beer selection. My partner met the exec chef and said he was personable and friendly. As was my experience with the staff. Where can we get the Clicquot Fussball table? Kids love that thing.
(5)
Jennifer G.

Food was meh and some things way overpriced. I had the beef barley soup - rather than being thick and hearty is was beef broth with about 9 pieces of barley and l less than a bite of beef short rib. There wasn't much to it both in terms of stuff in the soup and actual soup - and for 8 bucks, pricey.. We ordered the pretzel app - that was really tasty - the cheesy dip and grainy mustard were nice. The soda was overpriced - 4 dollars for a diet pepsi. BTW - if you ask for diet coke, you will get diet pepsi - they won't let you know this.
(3)
Amanda C.

Listed as a 'tavern' but not your average tavern. It is more modern. Pretty expensive, but it is located in downtown Chicago. I had the berry yogurt parfait, which was ok but I wasn't blown away. Not sure I would go back unless I went in the evening to experience the 'tavern' part of this place.
(3)
Nicoline S.

We chose to come to this restaurant because it was walking distance to the Chicago theater. We had tickets to go see a show and wanted a quick dinner before hand. We informed the waitress that we had an 8 o'clock show and arrived at 6 o'clock. Thought we had plenty of time but we were very wrong. This has to be the worst service I've ever received in my many years of going to restaurants in downtown Chicago. When we first arrived our drink order was taken and brought out rather quickly, so I had high hopes. But then when we ordered appetizers and soups and salads that's when everything started to decline . We waited for a ridiculous amount of time until we finally asked where the starters were . The waitress apologized and went to check. The next thing we knew our entrees soups salads and appetizer all arrived at the table at the same time. Once we organized all the food we realize that three of the four orders were incorrect. My friend had ordered a salad with an Amish chicken side addition but instead they gave her the Amish chicken entree. My steak was supposed to be medium rare and it was well done. My other friend ordered a ham burger with mushrooms and she received a cheeseburger. Instead of fries she asked for a side salad. All she got was fries. We didn't realize all the mistakes at once so we told the waitress about one at a time. Sometimes she was busy taking care of one so another person would come by and check our table to see if everything is okay, so we informed them of the next mistake we found. Soon we had 4 people working on a table at once. We all started laughing because we couldn't believe how ridiculous the whole situation was. When the end of the meal came the manager informed us that he was going to take care of a side salad and an appetizer because of all the problems. I rolled my eyes and thought that wasn't enough. He then brought by 2 to-go desserts that we could take with us to the theater. There were four of us at the table! Meaning we'd have to share too small dessert. Ridiculous. Then the bill came and he hadn't taken off the appetizer. they also had charged us for both my friend's salad and the entire chicken entree. My friend went out and really laid into them because of the horrible experience we had had. The manager then had the audacity to stop by our table and tell us that we could come back after our show if we wanted to listen to live music until 2 a.m.. Was he kidding? All of us agreed we would never come back to this restaurant ever again. When the bill finally came back with the appetizer still not taken off. We just paid, gave no tip, and left. You'd think a downtown restaurant would have themselves a little more put together than this ridiculousness.
(1)
Suzann J.

We were looking for a place to eat and just missed the lunch menu. The only available option was the bar menu. We ordered 2 appetizers with drinks and the food was great!!!!! The service was spot-on and the manager Janelle stopped to see how everything was. Everyone was very friendly,great food ...what more could you ask for? We will definitely be back. Jim and Suzann
(4)
Rick S.

food is above average and extremely creative. however, menu (especially drinks) are bit overpriced, and service seemed sporadic and generally slow.
(3)
Ralph B.

Great location, in a great hotel. The menu is creative interesting and true to the descriptions. The service is great. The atmosphere couldn't be more different than the roof top lounge. I have had dates and business dinners there and it works for both. The poutine is genuine to Montreal. I took and person from Montreal there and they said it was the best outside Canada they had had. Wine menu is also good.
(4)
Judy C.

Somewhat of an ordinary restaurant. The things that sell about this place are its location (State & Lake across from Macy's), its fancy-looking bar, and the somewhat upscale decor. Everything else to me was ordinary. We came for brunch. I got an egg white frittata thinking that it would be light. Uh, no! It was dense that I think they must have used a dozen egg whites to make it! It was also heavy on the mozzarella that I felt like half a frittata would have been more than enough for me. That meal held my appetite practically all day. My friends got the brioche french toast (again, ordinary) and poached chicken salad (which my friend said it wasn't bad). Overall, a meh experience. Perhaps this place is better for their drinks (looked like it had a sizeable beer selection?).
(3)
Carol K.

State and Lake. Is it a destination? A location? Well actually- it's a restaurant at the corner of State and Lake in The Wit hotel. There is a separate entrance on State or you can enter through the lobby of the Wit hotel. The ambiance is dark and rustic. The walls are upholstered in a dark fabric, the tables are dark and the floor is a burnt orange colored cork. It's a bit like hunting lodge meets upscale lounge but somehow it works. The menu has been totally redone in the last month or so. There are appetizers, soups, sandwiches and entrees. We were there for a holiday luncheon so we ordered a couple of appetizers to go with our cocktails - the meat and cheese plate and the cheese spread with pretzel crackers. Both were quite good. The meat and cheese tray had 2 kinds of cheese, a liver pate and prosciutto. And that cheese spread was white cheddar mixed with beer and was also quite good. For our entrees- we had the Amish chicken, a burger and the trout. The winner of the bunch was the chicken. It was a half a chicken served over sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Very nice. The trout, on the other hand was tasteless and bland, and the burger and fries were just that- a burger and fries. We also tried the Gouda hush puppies (they just sounded good) as a side. They were bland- but whatever the dipping sauce that they came with them was- it was perfect on the chicken! Dessert was also a mixed bag, The apple pie with caramel ice cream was dry. The sticky toffee pudding was amazing and came with squash ice cream and the S'more was just okay. But to me any day with dessert is a good day! Finally- the service seemed to be off. The drinks came up quickly as did our appetizers. But then there was a huge wait for our entrees. When we asked our server- she told us none of her tables had gotten their food yet. I guess misery loves company? The issue would have been if we had been at a "real lunch" (you know the one- where you can't drink- and you have to be back at the office in an hour?) we never would have been able to eat at this place. The good news? There is never a bad holiday luncheon with people that you like so we had a blast (the 3 glasses of wine didn't hurt either) But this so easily could have been a 4 star experience with a little more consistency on the food and the service.
(3)
Renee E.

I was here for lunch the other day with some coworkers. I really like the space, quite comfortable and the service was good. It was a chilly, windy day and while the sandwiches looked good (ham and brie, in particular caught my eye), I opted for a bowl of butternut squash soup. The waiter asked if that was all I wanted and then I got nervous that it was going to be a shot glass sized amount of soup, so I asked and he said it was a decent size. So, soup it was! Unfortunately, when I got the soup, it was in a deceptively large bowl. Large and INCREDIBLY shallow. One scrape of the spoon through the soup and the white of the bowl was revealed. There was also a comically tiny, wee little biscuit placed in the center of the bowl. While delicious, I could've gone for a slightly larger biscuit. The other downside of this particular bowl configuration, is that the soup was spread so thin that it couldn't maintain any of it's warmth. So, be forewarned. The soup is truly an appetizer and not a standalone lunch item. I ended up buying a power bar when I got back to work. As for my dining companions, no one was particularly wowed by their meals.
(3)
Paul K.

Zero stars for food. Absolutely awful. Drinks are ok but way overpriced. If you are going to a show at the Chicago theatre it is okay to stop in for a drink. Do not order the food!!!
(1)
Craig S.

Great service, really good food and solid drinks. Drinks a little overpriced but drinks are overpriced a most places so we've come to accept that. Excellent dessert menu as well!
(4)
Justin P.

Price was good; service was good; and I loved all of the TVs. I'd definitely go back there for a decent priced meal vs other spots in that area. I had the burger & fries, and it was tasty.
(4)
Tal C.

This restaurant has the BEST soft pretzel with beer cheese that I've ever had, and I've tried a lot of pretzel's. It's chewy, soft, really savory and a little sweet, and the cheese is perfectly warm and flavorful. I could it one of these every day. We were here for dinner but were originally given the lunch menu, and I was having trouble deciding between the amazing looking sandwiches (I've heard the Reuben is unparalleled). I was really disappointed when they realized the mistake and gave us the dinner menus. The dinner menu is (1) more expensive (2) no sandwiches (3) generally a little less enticing. Long way of saying that I think this would be a great place to go for lunch. We got a few appetizers and salads. The duck tacos were phenomenal, even though I don't regularly like duck. The peanut crusted wings were also very good. We were all full after those few apps and a salad. There is also a cocktail with unique creations and the server was very helpful with recommendations. This is definitely a place I would go back to for cocktails and appetizers/small plates to share. I think that's the way to go, because none of the dinner plates really spoke to me. Overall really good food and drinks, but a little on the pricey side (which is to be expected from a restaurant at the Wit).
(4)
Sue K.

Solid, good dishes but nothing out of the ordinary. Definitely try the truffled mac and cheese. SOOO GOOD! I ate some of the cheese cream after the end of the meal so I could keep the taste in my mouth haha. For dessert, my friends and I got the flourless chocolate cake. It was delicious, sweet, and huge portions. Definitely meant to be shared. The woody atmosphere is cute - made me feel like I was in an upscale bar/pub. The staff was also very nice and helpful.
(3)
Jenna S.

Two Words: Oktoberfest Menu MMMMHHHMMM...yeah, that's where it's at! Pretzel and beer cheese? YES PLEASE! I'll wash it down with the Sparkling squared (insert fancy "2" there) strawberry cocktail and it's a done deal! As if all of that wasn't enough calories. I shared the truffle mac and cheese. Fat kid day!
(4)
Lori R.

It was very crowded and noisy the night we went there. Food (that we didn't try) was a bit pricey for Sports bar food. The beer is priced okay, wine was meh. With all the choices in the area I most likely won't return again.
(2)
Molly L.

I've been to State and Lake a few times, and I've reached the conclusion that it's just OK. State and Lake a good place for happy hour. The drinks are good, but the food is nothing special. First of all, the menu is pretty sparse. Secondly, it's pretty pricey for what it is. My biggest problem with State and Lake has nothing to do with the restaurant itself. My biggest complaint is the name itself because the conversation always goes something like this: Me - "Hey, I'm having drinks over at State and Lake. You should come." Friend - "Cool, where on State and Lake?" Me - "No, State and Lake is the name of the restaurant. It's in The Wit hotel." There aren't any truly spectacular dinner options in the Loop, so State and Lake is satisfactory, which is why I've been here several times. Just be very clear when telling friends where you're going.
(3)
Allana W.

If I could give it zero start I would. I am so disappointed. My mother came to visit, and we decided to grab dessert here. A HUGE mistake. It was boring and terrible. I was expecting something at least with flavor, being the restaurant joined to a The Wit. But I am so mad and disappointed!! It was so irritating. Not only was the dessert completely underwhelming (and pre made), the silverwear and plates were dirty. I am still VERY upset and enraged at the complete lack of everything. SO STUPID.
(1)
Agnes F.

Not a bad place for lunch in the loop the soup (had corn chowder and a tomato soups before) and the sandwiches (had cuban, lobster roll and short rib) are all decent but now i stick with the skirt steak with tomatoes. The portion is good and i love the tomatoes (esp when its in season). The only complaints are the seats without backs... it gets a bit uncomfortable after a while. The restaurant doesn't get too loud during lunch so its perfect for a quick business lunch.
(3)
Kara G.

We had a TravelZoo voucher which we purchased for $60 which gave us an appetiser to share, 2 entrees and a bottle of prosecco. We decided to save it for our first wedding anniversary yesterday but were sorry we did. We ordered the duck tacos to start, which to be fair were really nice. I had the "steak and cake" which consisted of a really tiny, chewy piece of steak and a pretty average crab cake, both of which were only just warm. The potatoes and brocollini were good, but for what would be $26 on the menu, I was very disappointed, My husband had the chicken with the same sides. One piece of his chicken was okay so he ate it, but the second piece was all fat and bone which put him off his whole meal. As we were still hungry after not finishing our food, we went for the blueberry passion fruit cheesecake which was pretty good (although kind of small). Our whole meal took us only 40 minutes and so the bottle of Prosecco was hardly touched. I assumed that we would be able to take it with us when we left, but we're told we could only take it to our hotel room. As we weren't staying in the hotel and they wouldn't let us leave with it, we ended up leaving 2/3 of the bottle behind. I was disappointed. The staff who served us were polite and friendly and I couldn't fault them, however the quality of the food was certainly lacking. We ended up putting an additional $40 to the bill making the total experience $100 for what I felt was a poor/average meal.
(2)
M W.

Very average food at very high prices--not a good quality to cost ratio. I had the crab cakes which were mushy and not very good. They should really be taken off the menu. The beer I had was bland. At $8 a pop, they should at least be selective about the brews on the menu. The apple pie for dessert wasn't really apple pie and was a real disappointment. My SO had the tuna steak which was good but also very overpriced. The service on the other hand, was perfectly fine, a high point, in contrast to a lot of other posters. I will not return.
(1)
Kathy S.

Great downtown lunch spot in the Wit hotel. Upscale, yet casual bar atmosphere. Will try again for happy hour. Recommend the fish tacos. Perfectly seasoned with all the right toppings!
(4)
Chris K.

I've been in there a few times for drinks after class or just to stop for a drink. The service is tops. If you have a chance to stop you should try it out. Would like to thank Louis for his great service and care last time we were in for quiet drink. GREAT PLACE - You can have a drink and talk with your friends without having to yell.
(5)
Mihir P.

Not bad, not great. Our waiter didn't care to be there. So that's out of the way. The decor is hip and spacious yet the menu is mix of bar and comfort food for the most part. Truffle Mac 'n' cheese: Semi-Yay Crab Cake: Meh Lobster Roll: Yay Above average beer list. There was a table tent for a burger and beer for $10. If it's still available, I'll be back sooner than later.
(3)
Chirag P.

I believe this is my FIRST EVER 1 star... I'm usually very happy with food in general, but terrible service like this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I won't be back... probably the worst service I've ever had as far as I can remember. Food was ok but nothing that I'll be pining for. 6 of us went there for lunch on a Friday, only had a few tables filled at that point, so beating out any lunch crowd. 12:20 p.m.: Walked in seated right away 12:30 p.m.: placed our order, 2 of us did the $10 burger special, 3 people get a caprese chicken sandwich and one gets a side salad, ordered the buffalo fries to share at the table. 12:35 p.m.: Get our drinks, 12:40 p.m.: Fries came out quickly and honestly were the only reason this place gets ONE star from me. 12:50 p.m.: We finished our drinks and we wait and wait, my one co-worker gets her sprite filled instantly... but our server doesn't check with anyone else. 1:00 p.m.: Place has slowly filled, but our order was in well before the crowd. We have to wave down our server who til this point has not checked up on us or given us any status of our meal... he says "it's coming right up... errr, I mean in 5 minutes." Ok, we wait again... 1:10 p.m. my wife goes and asks another waitress on our food and she says I'll go check for you... no idea where she went, but then she comes out right near our table with a customer, but doesn't say a damn thing to us... 1:15 p.m.: my lawyer buddy is pissed now goes straight to the manager and at the same time the food is showing up... manager apologizes offers us a drink and says we'll be getting complimentary desserts... (I don't need more food to eat, when now you've already got me running late on a lunch break). The server busts out the excuse "kitchen was really backed up" oh really??? When there was only three tables besides us when we placed our order. I'm pretty sure the genius forgot to place the entree portion of our oder. - THE MEAL - The burger special... not so special at all, they don't tell you that it's basically a slider version of the burger, so when I see the actual burger sizes going to other tables I'm very pissed... the pointless waiter could have at least mentioned it's half the size (if even that). The caprese sandwiches... basically served on brick bread... my wife just eats a few bites and takes off since it's been well over an hour now. My co-worker who got the side salad... it was literally just LETTUCE with some dressing. The two of us who got the burger special felt bad and gave her our slices of tomatoes so that she could pretend that it really was a "salad" The complimentary dessert... 8 mini-cupcakes, pulled straight out of the fridge onto a plate... I'm a cupcake beast, so I was excited... took a bite and and these were just disgusting... COLD cupcakes???? And the frosting tasted like unsalted butter with food coloring... literally disgusted with this place, the meal and especially the TERRIBLE TERRIBLE service. Mind you the server had not once come by to ask about drinks still, only the manager did the one time when he knew they f****d up. I would expect a discount on the meal or even a comp'd meal for that. 2:00 p.m.: Leave State & Lake really pissed and still hungry
(1)
Ginger D.

This is a solid place to grab a drink, or enjoy their delicious jar appetizers and other food. Pete the manager was super attentive without being overbearing. It's a cool place without feeling like you are in a hotel bar with the typical clientele. Drinks are tasty and staff wonderful. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Jocelyn S.

I've been to State and Lake a couple of times and think its a great addition to the area. But I felt compelled to post a review after our last visit. We weren't planning on S&L, but it was really cold out and I remembered it was nearby. I'm so glad we went! I was once again pleasantly surprised with the food--the jars are creative and tasty and the fried smelt (believe me--give it a try!) was addictive. The deviled eggs were good and had a surprising brightness to them, and the crafted cocktails were very welcome on a cold night. We sat at the bar and the service was attentive. The chef even stopped by and chatted for a while. When he found out it was my birthday, he sent over some sweets and shots! The great food and attentive service really made for an unexpectedly special evening. I'll definitely be back. Don't let the tourists keep you away--this place is worth checking out!!
(4)
eric f.

HELL NO!!!! [would give it 0 stars if i could] 3/6/12 i had to revise my previous review (below). for some reason i went back here...and i wish i didn't. the beers are still crazy-expensive. but this time my friend ordered food....which in retrospect was a terrible idea. the french onion soup was WAY too sweet, bordering on inedible. the truffle mac+cheese was only ok, when i asked the server about how the truffles were cooked into the dish, she told me that the kitchen "just mixes oil and parmesan cheese together" to create the truffles! i hope this isn't true bc it would be totally false advertising (as far as i understand truffles). THEN after serving us our second beer they tried rushing us out the door. but since we were pretty upset with everything, we refused this rude prompt and sat in silence drinking our beers under the angry glares of the staff. THIS PLACE IS TERRIBLE IN SO MANY WAYS. **** 4/15/11 i just paid $10 for a Half Acre Daisy Cutter at this place. INSANE! they are pricing out the post-work crowd and milking tourists/business clientele they are trying to attract to their swanky wanna-be-cool-vibe hotel. i give 2 stars bc the food and beer selection isn't bad - its just outrageously expensive. this is the loop, in chicago. not midtown on the island of manhattan. and if it was a daisy cutter still wouldn't cost $10. i feel insulted. DO NOT BE FOOLED, THIS PLACE IS LAME.
(1)
Chip W.

Nice modern decor. Had dinner here and the food was okay. Waiter brought the wrong entree, but did agree to replace it. The whitefish was fried with the skin on, making it a bit greasy and not as good as I've had elsewhere. Good local draft beer selection, although overpriced at $8 a beer.
(3)
Stefanie C.

The atmosphere was great at this place. We walked in to take a look at the menu, although it was a bit pricey- the waiter was pretty convincing as to why we should give it a try. The 3 of us decided to splt a bunch of things (you choose 3 dips and they come with toasted bread/ we ordered mussels/and fried chicken) all super amazing and yummy! FYI- the drinks are also really strong here so def worth the $
(5)
Michelle A.

Making rash decisions always seem to fail. I had tickets for a show at the Chicago Theater on a weekday. My girlfriend and I were looking for something close and with a nice ambiance. We didn't get it here. I started with a beer while waiting for my partner to show. A man was sitting at the table next to me; he had also ordered a beer. The waitress gave him his beverage and brought me mine. As she set mine down, she realized that she gave us the wrong beers. She took his back and provided him the correct one, then proceeded to give me the one that was sitting on his table. Not acceptable. (I had to ask him if he drank from it and she didn't offer to get me a new one.) Appetizer- I hadn't had calamari in a while and the choices were limited. So we ordered it and it was like rubber. Calamari should only be cooked or fried for 2-4 minutes, anything after 4 minutes and its garbage. Also, my main course was supposed to have a salad option with it, but I did not receive it. Main course- For a tenderloin medallion cooked at medium, it was like chewing a tire. Wasabi mashed potatoes were mashed potatoes with no wasabi. Duck tacos were tiny and they used the same sauce as the calamari dipping sauce to drizzle over the tacos. It was typical bar fare with no umph, just a high priced bar with poor service. The bus boys were more attentive than the servers. Even though the waitress knew we were in a hurry, it took about 20 minutes to get her to run the credit card after we hadn't even looked at the bill. Then after we left, we realized we were over-charged. Just go to the roof of the Wit for drinks in the summer.
(2)
Eric L.

Average food. Basically upscale Chilis with smaller portions. 3 for food, 2 for value, 4 for location/convenience. I really mostly just drank, and they don't have a particularly wide selection of bourbon, but that night it was mainly a functional tool. Bartenders actually measure out their pours, which is annoying to watch, because you always want to imagine that you're getting a little extra. Watching them measure the shot just ruins the fantasy. And if you're getting bourbon neat, aren't you supposed to get a shot and a half? Anyways, I went to get drunk and I succeeded brilliantly. Mother would be proud.
(3)
Scubi X.

Yum! I went to State & Lake for the second time, and loved it. The staff is really lovely, as well as the manager Pete. He was adorbs! Both times that I went, I had some of their yummy "jars", and the accompanying bread was delicious. My friends ate more things off the menu, but I was hyper focused on the "jars" ... trust me, just check it out. The crowd is a bit older, and the music is not too loud, which is perfect for an old bird like myself. My only wish would be that there might be a bargain wine or two on the menu. Other than that ... YUM!
(5)
Q M.

I dined at State and Lake because of the Travelzoo coupon I purchased. It was $65 for an appetizer, two entrees and a bottle of Prosecco. It was a good deal. For a Saturday night though, the place was almost empty. Our food overall was just ok. The calamari appetizer was pretty good, but my braised short rib entree was really, well, just ok. Nothing to write home about (but I will write it here!). My friend had the steak and cake and she said it was just ok too. However, our service was OUTSTANDING. Courtney gets 5 stars.
(3)
Jaime Patricio M.

State & Lake was a choice for me and my party on Labor Day--there were very few choices. Walking block after block this would not have been my first choice. I completely enjoyed a delightful lobster roll and at $14.95 was a complete bargain--at least that was from my California perspective where these gems are over $20.00. This was a completely generous lobster roll with gorgeous lobster meat and served in a very New England authentic way--a large piece of bread cut in half--buttered and grilled. The service was a bit delayed and made a mistake on the drink order--when I order drinks I am rather precise. I was going to order a beer and instead ordered a bottle of wine; a beer comes out and have to explain that I had cancelled that and ordered a bottle of wine and not both. But as the meal progressed service improved and for a very hungry crew we could not have 'planned' on a better meal! I like the uber urban interior and it fit the Wit's minimalism charm well.
(4)
LisaC C.

This place is great! BUT buyer beware! the prices are OUTRAGEOUS! i just paid 20 for a glass of wine with no warning!!! Ill pay for good drinks & have paid more, but i am so irritated that no one was clear. Otherwise, enjoy...
(3)
Melissa B.

We went to dinner here on a Friday night. We had made reservations online and had no wait at all. The service was very friendly, very good food and a very large beer/wine menu. The food menu wasn't very big but enough for a bar type of Restaurant. Average price about $10-$20 bucks per person. I really liked the sleek decor/feel of the place and I would defiantly return. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I think even late night.
(4)
Kathy S.

This place was just okay to me and I would never pay for it with my own money (went here for a company lunch). The mac & cheese that was supposed to be amazing was good but nothing special and my ahi tuna salad was pretty boring. I also like my dressing on the light side but this was beyond light (almost non-existent). Another coworker who got the same salad also commented on how it really needed more dressing. I gotta say that the service was pretty good though!
(3)
Nelson K.

Overpriced for mediocre food. Was staying at the Wit so it was convenient to get a drink...they had last call at 10:00PM and they turned off the TV's so I couldn't finish watching the playoff game. That pretty much ended my night at the bar. Beer selection was not that great, you'd hope a bar would carry a greater selection than that. Even though I was at the hotel for 4 nights, never came back after the first. Found better, cheaper places to grab a drink.
(3)
Nelson B.

Went here for a business lunch with a group of 12 colleagues. Everything seemed to be going great until the food arrived. To start off, the person that was bringing the food had no idea who ordered what... it actually got quite interesting when they offered 4 different plates to the first person they approached at our table and none were what they ordered. Finally, when it came time for myself and the person next to me to receive our food, the waitress came by with salad in a bowl and said "here you go".... we both responded by saying we didn't order a salad. She proceeded to take the bowl away and after a few mins, she came back and apologized because they apparently didn't put our orders in with the other 10 people in our party. While we waited, the waitress and manager came by and apologized a total of 5 times which got uncomfortably annoying considering that we were sitting there with no food while everyone ate.... By the time we got our food, everyone was almost done eating (not cool). The waitress did try to make up for it by offering our table several desserts and small cups of hot chocolate. It was a nice gesture until I bit into the bread pudding that was made with rye bread (horrible taste sensation if you've ever tried it). I've been to this place before and have had better experiences... so, maybe they were just having bad day??
(2)
Gina P.

There was a bug in my food. A large bug with wings. I ordered the veggie Benedict and there it was mixed in with the veggies on my plate. A person who I am assuming was the manager offered to get my something else, but needless to say I didn't accept as I was completely grossed out. Obviously we didn't pay for that meal, but they still charged us for my husband's meal. Besides the whole bug thing, the service was terrible. The waiter basically whispered or just stood there and our waters were left empty. Needless to say we will not be going back and would highly reccomend that you inspect your food.
(1)
Kate B.

I'm really surprised by all the negative reviews of State & Lake. I met a friend here while I was in town for the weekend & staying at TheWit Hotel, which it's attached to. I was wary of trying a hotel restaurant, as they're usually too expensive & not all that tasty, but I was pleasantly surprised by State & Lake. I ordered the fish tacos with a side of fries, & I was so pleased with them. I don't even LIKE fish tacos, but when the woman next to me got them, I couldn't help but want them for myself - all that slaw! I wish they'd been a little easier to eat, but they sure did taste good. The bill was cheap ($27 for the two of us), the service was great, & the food was satisfying. If I lived nearby, I'd recommend State & Lake!
(4)
Anna S.

Trendy with a Midwestern style I had a difficult time ordering from the menu, not much I was interested in. However, the appetizers "in a jar" we're pretty good and $5. As a main course, I had the whitefish, the sauce was very good and the fish was good. Not much flavor, this is where 5 stars was not warranted. The dessert menu looked appetizing but too full to try. I did get a cappuccino and pistachio brittle, yum!! A shot out to Bonny the waitress, she rocked!
(3)
Taylor E.

To sum it up - trendy look, poor food and service. Fun, sleek, modern feel, great light fixtures, lots of wood and metal. The leather stools with no backs didn't exactly scream comfort, but they looked nice. To start with something positive, the buffalo fries are amazing. I am tempted to say the best fries I have ever had. If I ever come back, I'm skipping the entrÃ©e and simply ordering these for myself - no sharing. That about wraps up the positive, on to everything else... It took us 20 minutes to get our water served, 30 for our order to be taken. No joke. When the waitress finally arrived at our table, she proclaimed "I am back to take your order!" Gee thanks, I'm glad you found the time (meanwhile the restaurant was practically empty). In regards to the food, it was overall simply very mediocre, but two things quickly tainted the experience. Firstly, my coworkers tuna melt was advertised as being served with melted white cheddar cheese, however when it arrived, there was American cheese in its place. Additionally, my other coworkers Panini that was said to be served with havarti, was made with jack. The other big kicker was my southwestern salad was served with chip strips on top. The chips were stale. To me, that just screams that they don't take pride in the food they serve, if they can't even ensure that it's fresh. If I ever come back, I'm skipping the entrÃ©e and simply ordering the buffalo fries for myself - no sharing as I plan to stay away from the rest of the menu. Although, it would be interesting to see their take on nachos; I'm sure they'd be advertised as gourmet nachos with some fancy cheese trio, only to arrive at the table made out of stale chips with American cheese melted on top. Yum. I firmly plan to reprimand the coworker who made this recommendation.
(1)
Richa A.

I came here for dessert only (while waiting for some wedding party on the Roof to end), so I can't speak to much else. I got the devil's food cake and it was AMAZING. The end.
(4)
Elizabeth K.

We had bought an online deal for bottle service and it back in February. Our server was Louis and he was attentive, accommodating, and AMAZING! He went above and beyond our expectations- a great asset to your staff.
(5)
John S.

I had heard that the brunch here is amazing, so imagine my surprise when we show up at 10am only to be told that the kitchen is backed up (the restaurant is maybe a third full) and to come back in half an hour. Afterall, the hostess didn't want us to be upset and waiting for food, right? Well, when we came back, the service was pretty slow. We had to ask the waiter to refill water and OJ ($4) every time... and wait another half hour before the food came out, and had to complain to the manager before food hit the table. He was very apologetic and graciously paid for the meal. The food here is a bit pricey, but to be expected (downtown, hotel restaurant, etc)... The lobster scramble ($17) was delicious. The selection of bloody marys is a nice touch too. The next day, we came back real early (before 8am) so we wouldn't miss our flight. Our waiter was fast and very diligent... very conscious that as hotel guests, we could be on our way out. He made excellent recommendations, brought the food out promptly, and had the bill ready without asking.
(3)
Steven N.

I have to recall the previous good review after tonight's experience. We came here for my father's birthday and won't be repeating again. They dramaticaly downgraded their menu to bar food level and the full-retard server was just unacceptable. This place used to have a classier menu and higher quality food, but sadly, they have downgraded themselves to your typical very limited bar food selections. Some things were good though - the duck tacos app was interetesting and rich, fish & chips were lightly breaded, sirloin & crab cakes were acceptable, and the chicken was ok too. Bad were the spinach dip (too bland), the angel hair pasta (too dry), and the short ribs (too salty). This place should be embarrassed by the quality of the food. The server didn't help either. He is either very inexperienced or he is a full retard. Wine was poured without a tasting first. When we asked him to bring out the special birthday cake we brought along for dessert, he just gave the cake back to us as-is in the original packaging thinking we would go home to cut the cake. This guy should be embarrased by his performance as well. Overall, I have to downgrade this place to a "do not go". The whole restaurant & the hotel it is in just has a whole downgraded feel to it.
(2)
Jennisa P.

Before my flight back home, I stopped here for some drinks and a light snack/lunch with a friend. She had the french onion soup and she ate every drop of that bad boy. I had the tomato soup. Which isn't a show stopper, but was really good. The service was hands down AWESOME! Very engaging and friendly, yet let us be to talk. The drink I had was soooooo good! If I wasn't catching a flight in a few hours, I may have had like 2-3 of them. Of course, I am horrible with names. But it had whiskey and homemade sour mix. I love whiskey sours, and hands down this is the best EVA!
(4)
Molly G.

I work across the street so this is an easy business lunch spot but I've finally come to the realization that beyond the truffle Mac & Cheese, I've never been all that impressed. I usually get the turkey panini or burger but they haven't changed their menu all year and my friend's cup of pub soup was $8.50. Wha??? They need a menu refresh and a pricing review.
(3)
Susan F.

Hmmmm. I love theWit, love CiboMatto and the Roof, but when it came to State and Lake, I was left unsatisfied. Making a reservation there was easy last minute on a Friday night at 7:15...hmm, that is strange, but ok. There weren't that many people there, strange again. The menu is pretty bare but had some good options. We go the trout and the salmon along with some good beers (those were a plus). The food came out pretty quickly, but did not seem worthy of the upward $20+ that is cost. It was good, but I could have easily made the same dish--too harsh? Maybe? Nothing was bad, but nothing was stellar. I'm sad about it but I gave it a chance!
(3)
Ryan T.

As a Hilton Gold Member, we were given vouchers for breakfast here so we thought why not try it? I must say I am glad that we did and would happily have paid for our meals as well. Limited menu but very tasty. $4 for a coffee though? Even Starbucks doesn't charge that much.
(3)
Bora U.

My friend left it up to me to decide where to grab a pre-theatre bite before our 7:30 showing of Billy Elliott so I did a search for restaurants near the theatre and decided State and Lake was in an ideal location. I've frequented the Roof at the Wit but never had a chance to visit State and Lake, but I'm glad I did! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. We started out with drinks - my friend had a glass of malbec and I had the Bees Knees cocktail. The cocktail was really good, but a little on the strong side - death's door gin, lemon, thyme and honey. I had to ask the waitress to have the bartender add some club soda and it really lightened up the drink. For our meal, we decided to do a spread of appetizers. We got the Beignets, Valencia Salad, Brandade and Truffled Mac & Cheese. The Beignets were more dense and savory than your typical dessert beignets. They were topped with crisp prosciutto, some arugula and cheese. The Valencia Salad was very large and satisfying. The salad dressing was tart and was a nice contrast to our other dishes. The Brandade was one of my favorites - whipped salted cod, toasted pine nuts, currants and grilled bread. My only word of warning - the toasted bread did a number on the roof of my mouth. Two days later, and the top of my mouth is still scratched up! The Truffled Mac & Cheese was definitely the show-stopper. What a decadent dish! My friend and I couldn't stop scooping our spoons into the bowl. After our meal, the waitress brought out the dessert menu but it was already 7:05 and we had a show to catch. We had an easy walk to the theatre but decided to walk around a little more so not to go into food coma while watching little boys dance on a stage. I will definitely be back to try out some of the other apps and entrees.
(4)
Ariana S.

As far as good lunch spots go, I give State and Lake a pretty solid 3 stars. Ambience: Super fun & trendy and you can't beat the location! The Wit is gorgeous. And you'll never forget the intersection!! Food: Food has been consistently pretty good. I gotta agree that the Truffle Mac & Cheese was heavenly and I would have eaten the garlic crumb topping with a spoon (if my boss wouldn't have thought I was crazy). Also, considering it being Good Friday, I was a good little Catholic girl and ordered the Lobster Roll. Pretty delicious; however the side salad left a bit to be desired. **I never understood how people could call just lettuce a salad..** Also have had the buffalo fries & paremsan fries before- meh- they sound better than they actually are. Probably not worth the calories (save em for that mac & cheese) Service: The service is pretty sub par. Our waiter wasn't the friendliest and I absolutely hate when servers bring you the check before asking if you wanted anything else. Sorry State & Lake- there goes a star! Overall- a good lunch spot and hotel restuarant.
(3)
LetsBeHonest O.

They had NOTHING and I mean NOTHING available to order that was on the wine list... so why hand me the wine list? And what they did have available for wine, was not on the menu, so...? Oktoberfest food, but no beers? Hmm... Duck tacos are worth trying and the ahi salad's good. The truffle mac n cheese? I've had better from the frozen section at Trader Joe's... Way to start my culinary experience in Chicago...
(1)
Spencer Y.

Holy alternate universe, batman! While many Yelpers pan the service and gush over the food, we had a total opposite experience! The service - very nice. Prompt, attentive, no overbearing. I would have preferred a bit better water service, but otherwise I can't complain. The food - yep, you're in a hotel. We stared at the menu trying to discern anything that was remotely interesting. The short rib burger was good, but lacked balance. It was like a big brick o' savory. Egg BLT was better. The truffle mac and cheese everyone raves about was completely underwhelming. Proficient, but nothing special. Just imagine generic mac and cheese with truffle oil on top. The portion was tiny, given the $8 price tag. The nail in the coffin - drink prices are INSANE. Their website claims "Don't forget $5 craft microbrews" but when you see the menu, you see $8 Fat Tires and $12 Dogfish 90 Minute IPAs. They clearly know their audience - business travelers that can expense unexciting meals. Locals need not apply.
(2)
Gabe L.

Due to the name, it's hard to give your friend directions to this place, but eventually they do arrive. Maybe I just have stupid friends? I've been here a couple times for Lunch. The first time I started with a beer flight, which somehow increased my programming productivity the rest of the day. The second time was today, when I got some savory prosciutto doughnuts and a short rib sandwich. The portions were pretty small for the price, and the food just ok. For what they aspire to be, they need to work on creating some signature dishes with variety. If you were too lazy to read all of the above, and I know I'd be after my food coma, here's a summary: Worth a try, but ... - If you're looking for drinks, head 27 floors up. - If you're looking for food, ford the river to River North (don't lose an oxen).
(3)
Stephany M.

Great Service Delicious food I went for breakfast and had the lobster scramble and was not let down. They offer you coffee in a to go cup how sweet is that. When you stay at The Witt hotel you get a $10 credit voucher to eat here for each day of your stay
(5)
Kori E.

My friend and I met up here after work to have a glass of wine...I didnt really want to pay $10 for that glass of wine though. I should have totally expected it, considering the location though. The place was nearly empty when we arrived and by the time we left at 7 it had picked up a little bit. We also ordered the Buffalo Fries and the Calamari, both were really good! The buffalo fries were a little soggy, but I guess that is understandable considering they are dosed in buffalo wing sauce (YUMMY) and topped with a blue cheese dressing...seriously...so good. The calamari was just like any other calamari. Nothing in this place really stood out for me and I probably wouldn't come rushing back.
(2)
Jennifer B.

Came to State and Lake on the coldest night of the year! Good thing that they had a cozy fireplace and some mac n' cheese... I think this is just about the perfect place for after-work drinks. The bar is large with many barstools and many high tables. The drinks are inventive and actually reasonably priced. The clientele at State and Lake was definitely some hotter-than-not loop professionals. I actually had dinner here, and wasn't overly impressed with the menu. It's a little trendy, a little out-there, a little too rustic for my taste buds. The only thing I affiliated with on the menu was the hamburger (wait, what does that say about me?). Anyhoo, I think you can capture the full experience of State and Lake by just having drinks at the bar. I must mention my side of mac n' cheese however....it was out of control delicious! A tiny crock of penne noodles with cheese sauce and browned butter with breadcrumbs baked into the noodles. Just perfect.
(4)
Kristi T.

STATE AND LAKE We made reservations here Saturday night at 7pm because we had 9:30pm tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld at Chicago Theater (See Side Note Below) . Very convenient for the show as its less than one block, and in the winter that is very important! The restaurant is quite dark, but a nice enough ambiance. Not fancy, but not casual - just an everyday kind of spot. It was full, but not overly crowded. Service was quick and to the point. The menu is smaller than most with only about 6 entrÃ©e options. The highlights of our meals were undoubtedly the sides - the Truffle Mac and Cheese was a small crock pot cooked perfectly al dente with tons of cheese and truffle. The truffle fries and mini cheese paninis were also very tasty. I honestly would skip the entrÃ©e, split a Cobb salad and order a bunch of sides. The wine list was pretty nice with about 20 different glasses and 4 of sparkling offered, as well as a list of by the bottle choices. The service is quick - perfect for in and out before a show or later activity. I wouldn't come here just for the food, but definitely would be back if I was in the area for a cocktail. ROOF I've been here for a company happy hour and the view truly is breathtaking. The layout is nice, lounge feeling, and overpriced drinks (to be expected). However, after happy hour is over around 8pm, I bolt. I haven't been to "Roof" late night, but by the looks of the people waiting in a ridiculously long line at midnight, it wouldn't be my kind of hang out. The characters I saw in line were versions of Snooki, cougars with fake lips and really bad leopard print miniskirts, uber suave cool dudes whose hair wouldn't move for a tornado, meat-heads wearing extra tight graphic tee's with no jackets, and girls whose cleavage can move them up to the front of the line. PASS. JERRY SEINFELD If you ever get the opportunity to see Jerry Seinfeld live, definitely do it! Good seats were a bit pricey at $160 each, but definitely worth it. One of the only comedy shows that I could take a mixed audience of my girlfriends, grandmothers, younger brother and flamboyant friends who would all come out grinning. His comedy is one of the only stand up routines I've see that wasn't sexual, racist, or using the F-bomb every other word. He just talks about peoples everyday antics, obsessive texting, raising kids, the institution of marriage, and being a dad. Just verbalizing the everyday hilarities that occur. It was a two hour show with no intermission, and besides the fact that having a few drinks and laughing so hard I almost peed my pants, I give his show a 10!
(3)
J D.

I'm giving State and Lake five stars because they exceeded my expectations. I had an Open Table reservation and the two of us were greeted warmly at the outset, had a very nice server, who indulged me by bring 3 or 4 different wines to taste before we decided on a bottle and was attentive throughout. The highlights were the boar chili (to die for), the kale salad with grilled salmon, the autumn vegetable side and the duck bacon on top of the deviled eggs. The eggs were just okay, but the bacon had wonderful flavor. The fries were just so so, but the whole experience was quite delightful, so I'll forgive an "eh" batch of fries. We ordered enough that we were completely and utterly sated by the end (and, well, we did share a lovely bottle of red wine) and the bill was exactly $100, which, by downtown standards is fairly reasonable. We had 2 smaller plates, the chili (which they kindly split for us), 2 side dishes and an entree salad with salmon. The portions were ample. My belly said stop right there. It's a great place to have downtown and they close at 2am on the weekends. Lovely. I'll be back.
(5)
Poof A.

Grabbed a quick bite here before a show nearby. We were in, fed, watered [well beered] and dined in under an hour and half on a Friday evening, which I really appreciated. Service was solid and our waiter took our time constraints into account without making us feel overly rushed. We tried the potsticker salad, which was perfect (seriously wish I could replicate that salad at home, but I can't figure out the gingery dressing!), the chicken breast with mashed potatoes, and the buffalo chicken sandwich. Thumbs up all round. They also have a decent selection of beers, and I'd definitely go back to try a cocktail or two.
(4)
Don H.

This is a tough review. We came here after a 6:15p movie at the Gene Siskel, a quick 4 minute stroll north. We were looking around and wondered if we should have made reservations. You really cannot tell from outside. We went to the front desk and, no problem, seats galore. On a Friday night. At 8p. Weird. We sat and were promptly addressed by our server. She was a bit cold in the beginning but warmed up after a while. The menu was generously varied. My foodie buddy recommended the truffled mac 'n cheese. We ordered a cobb salas (no pig), the eggy BLT and the half chicken. In addition to the mac, we got the onion rings too. We also had a proper gin gimlet and a amaretto stone sour. First the food: it was tasty. My BLT was well cooked, the salad was huge and the chicken was well seasoned and a good amount. The mac 'n cheese was really nice. Their choice of cheese with the subtle truffle oil was a nice combo. Well done. The onion rings were overly bready but didn't feel too oily either. The drinks were spot on. Well made. Without a crowd you would tell they took their time and used premium ingredients. Speaking of which, if you only have a drink sit near the bar. There's a TV that shows all the movies filmed in Chicago and where. Mostly "Ferris Bueller" but still cool. All told, the bill with tip came to nearly $100 for three entrees, two apps and three drinks. It's a bit much, even for the loop. I would definitely go again if for the drinks, but for dinner there are better options around. But this place is great for conversation! Quiet place to eat and drink on friday night? Unheard of. In all, I am perplexed and it has to do with the money. I've spent as much for the same food in other places, but it's different here. Maybe it's TheWit or... Just don't know.
(3)
Natasha O.

Jacqueline, the snotty server, is the sole reason for this review. If you decide to chance this place for the food or a drink, and you find out she's your server, request a different one. This was my first time here so I suppose I don't know about the rest of the servers, but I can rest assure that was also my last visit. We came in a large group and were seated promptly.. and throughout the meal other folks would come by and check on us, so kudos to State and Lake for that. The food, while slightly pricey for the quality/quantity, was still tasty. Everyone ordered some kind of panini and seemed to enjoy their food. However, Jacqueline just really left a bad impression about the whole experience. She came off as very forced... everything from her posture and manner of wording her questions had a condescending tone to it. Her smile would best be described as a smirk. Even so, I was willing to overlook this because I thought maybe it's just the "atmosphere" the hotel was going for? When the time came to pay the bill, though, we were treated to quite the poor handling of a rather honest mistake on our part. We were a party of 8 so the gratuity was included on the bill.. when we went to divide the payment amongst us my colleague must've rounded down to the nearest dollar. We were still paying with two other credit cards, so we asked her to put the same amount on those other two credit cards and then keep the rest of the cash we'd put in. About 2 min later, she came back and told us we did something wrong because we'd shorted her money. Of course we were confused and it took us a bit to figure out what happened, but while we were discussing this amongst ourselves she stood there and kept saying she needs at least $2 more. We ended up giving this to her... and it's not even like I think she didn't have the right to come back and sort this out with us.... it was just the way she presented the problem to us that irritated so badly. Everyone was basically shocked into calming her temper about the whole thing. If this is the kind of service that The Wit wants to promote as part of its brand, I think this restaurant will continue to receive the kinds of reviews that it already has.
(1)
Michael S.

Meh...fish tacos were average, but the inattentive service knocks it to below average
(2)
Nicole C.

I had Thanksgiving dinner here and for my first turkey day dinner at a restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised. The dark wood and cozy vibe of the place was perfect for a holiday celebration. We had several appetizers and the traditional turkey dinner itself and everything was very good. The staff was great -- they even helped out in our Scrabble game and gave us a private tour of the restaurant upstairs, cibomatto. Although I'd always rather have a home-cooked turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, this is probably one of the better places to go if you're celebrating out. Next up: cibomatto - it looks amazing.
(4)
Krista G.

Pretty great experience overall. Husband and I went on a Thursday, when their new $5 menu was taking place. Here's the fun part - the $5 menu isn't limited to just a couple things...everything on their normal menu is $5! Exciting. We got some drinks, an appetizer, a burger, and the braised steak. It was all delicious and the grand total - $26! They would have gotten five stars, but the waitress forgot to put in our appetizer, so we didn't get it until after our meals. Oh well.
(4)
Kristi K.

If I could give you one million negative stars, I would. Seriously, I've given one star reviews. But I feel as though I should edit my previous one stars to two, so as to show you how impassioned I am with hatred for your establishment. Seriously. My parents were in town, and stayed at the Wit for a group meeting. I'd like to remind the world that, despite the angel wing chandeliers, the place is a Doubletree. The lesser brand of Hilton. Not even a Hilton. This only later proves my point.. So, we come back with the group from a White Sox game, and of course can't get into uber-exclusive Roof (side note...WTF is with guests having to wait 20 minutes for an elevator to their room while the 20 year old wannabes with a credit score of 500 make it to the 27th floor in under a minute? Where will come your revenue in January? In 5 years when Roof isn't the hot spot? Apparently not from your hotel either, bc you don't care much about your guests) I digress...we go into State Lake. Let me explain the group I'm with. A group of people from small towns, for a convention for people who sell corn (the kind you plant in the ground...) for a living. Awww, shucks. Yeah. Hardworking, honest people who really don't hang out in cities, and aren't used to the culture. Let me also state that very group was DEFINITELY far more affluent than the rest of the bar COMBINED! Check yourself. We go to the bar. One of the men asks "what kind of domestic beers do you have"? A: "All of our beer is domestic", and walks away.. Seriously. There isn't an explanation of the beers on the menu, and there isn't one single macrobrew. I'm sorry...I'm a beer drinker. A beer lover, actually. And I've never been to a beer bar (much less a hotel bar) that doesn't have one macrobrew on the menu. Not to mention, none of the brews were really "Bud Light Drinker" friendly. None of them. I liked my beer. My parents hated theirs. In addition, the service was terrible. Took 10 minutes in a pretty empty bar to place an order, and when we did, we faced a whole lotta attitude. Again, no explanation on the beers or drinks. So, in conclusion, you suck. I deem this place the worst bar in Chicago, and will tell everyone in my power to avoid it at all cost. There's no reason for this level of pretension. None at all. It makes me angry and upset that my family was made to feel inferior because they drink Bud Light, and don't know a Three Floyds (yet have a credit score of 900...) The dudes changing light bulbs above our table, hitting our chairs with ladders certainly didn't help. One "bright spot": hostess with the glasses. Go work elsewhere. Message me if you read this--I know people,. and will help you get a job you deserve. Because you were good, attentive, friendly and sincere. The antithesis of State Lake.
(1)
D. S.

Awesome resturant, great service, great food. As reported the truffled Mac and Cheese was awesome.
(4)
Melissa M.

I came here last week for a business lunch and was really very pleasantly surprised. The decor is warm and inviting, yet really modern -- clean, classic lines and neutral colors. To start I had the french onion soup -- it was nearly perfect ... not overly salted like most french onion soup is. Very good. I followed that up with the grilled vegetable omelette -- it was very good. It had Fennel, summer squash, corn, carrots and goat cheese. It was light and not greasy and very filling. I'd recommend this place to anyone!
(4)
Francis K.

Tough review to write because I am firmly believe their model is not sustainable. When I walked through the majestic doors of The Wit they described it as a Gastro-Pub. (more on this later but I respectfully disagree) I will return often to State and Lake but it will never be for the food. It is a good pub. In fact it is a fine pub albeit a bit on the expensive side (I imagine rent in this zip code plays a huge part) The bartenders know their beer. The bartenders seemed (didn't drink any) to know their wine. The same goes to the servers. This is why you want to go here. You want a good beer or you want a good glass of wine. It is almost the anti-Hopleaf in this regard. They don't have a large selection of beer but they have a rotating one which I speculate won't last. Afterall I wouldn't begrudge them if they find the winning financial combo of craft brews that sell. The bartender swore that they will rotate their menu. I pray that my cynicism is wrong. Their food is okay. If the hotel staff hadn't called it a gastro-pub then I would say their food is above average but I while they are punching above pub food it struck me as a good justification for the markup on the food. I will return here often but it will always be for the beer. I hope they listen to their bartender and not their accountants.
(3)
Tara M.

State and Lake...bah. I had lunch with a client last week at a dark and empty State and Lake. I made a reservation (for OpenTable points of course!) and sat at the bar while I waited for my client. The bartender was attentive at first, bringing me a menu and being perfectly fine with my sitting there and watching tennis while I waited. My client arrived and we decided just to eat at the bar. The bartender ran through the specials and we said that we would need a few minutes to order. About 15 minutes passed and we couldn't find him anywhere, so we just placed our order with another bartender. I had the short rib panini and my client had the salmon. She loved the salmon and polished off every bite (from my angle it looked majorly overcooked), but my panini left much to be desired. The meat was tough and the sandwich was dry overall. There was allegedly bleu cheese on it, but I only tasted cheese in one of the five or so bites I took of the sandwich. Their fries were good, though, so at least I didn't go hungry. The rest of the menu seemed dismal as well, and certainly didn't inspire me to want to come back. As excited as I was for a new spot for business lunching, I found State and Lake to be utterly disappointing.
(2)
Amy K.

We walked in and loved the atmosphere, however it was EMPTY at 8pm on a Saturday night. There were no more than 4 tables occupied at any time. The menu was limited but everything was executed well. As most others have mentioned the truffle mac and cheese is worth trying. Do not expect anything more than a mediocre experience.
(2)
Nicolas H.

Lots of nice options for lunch, I inquired about a few and settled on the burger after a recommendation from the bartender. He was definitely right, cooked perfectly with a nice special sauce and some sharp cheddar. The bun was exceptional as well, toasted perfectly yet still soft on the inside. The fries were surprisingly great as well and the portion was huge. I'll definitely be back to try the bacon and egg club as well as the cubano...
(4)
Gary C.

I normally never go to restaurants for holiday dinners but this year it just didn't make since to roast a turkey for 3 people. So we decided to stay close to home and made our reservation at State and Lake in the Witt Hotel. What a pleasant surprise, we all liked the ambience, hip but comfortable, our server was pleasant and very efficient. We all ordered the 3 course holiday dinner at $28 per person, very nicely done and presented. My daughter brought her travel scrabble game, so between courses and 2 bottles of wine we played scrabble. Even with some help from the restaurant manager, Rasheed, I still came in last but he was also kind enough to take us on a tour of the other restaurant in the Witt called Cibomatto. Its an upscale Italian eatery one floor above State and Lake, Thank you Rasheed, we will be back and also plan on visiting the ROOF deck once the weather warms.
(4)
Tabitha G.

It wasn't that great. I selected the restaurant based on location since I was entertaining a client for lunch. I had been to ROOF before and loved the ambiance so I was excited when we selected State and Lake for lunch. Unfortunately besides the ambiance, the food wasn't anything spectacular. The bar itself I would go back to for Happy Hour or "a" drink, but the food was mediocre at best. I ordered the lobster club which I had been eyeballing on their online menu and part of the reason why I was intruged was because it was served on an English Muffin. However, it really didn't meet my expectations. The bread wasn't toasted and honestly who eats a plain english muffin untoasted? The lobster was very fishy and it just wasn't very good. I did really enjoy my side dish though which was a melange of mushrooms. Other than the mushrooms and the ambiance there wasn't anything that would bring me back to this place. They could do better.
(2)
J I.

Went to the Witt's State and Lake Chicago Tavern this morning and loved the food there. Walked into the hotel this morning and was greeted by the friendliest people at 8 in the morning. it was 8 in the morning and everyone was super cheerful there. Got to the restaurant and ordered breakfast. I ordered the eggs benedict and my friend ordered the banana french toast. it didn't take too long for the food to come - that's always a plus for breakfast on a wednesday morning. I tried a bit of the banana french toast my friend ordered and it was AMAZING! the french toast was a little crunchy on the outside and very soft and airy on the inside. The toast was not too sweet (but sweet enough) and the warmed banana on the toast gives the toast a nice flavor. my eggs benedict was good (not an expert at eggs benedict) so it made me a bit jealous of the banana french toast. I'll go back for the French Toast even though it's $12 (before tax and tip). it's really good.
(4)
Gerry K.

Bad. Lamb was gross and small w/ disgusting ravioli (attention restaurants- if your ravioli are 1/8" big you might want to call them "mini-ravioli" on the menu.) Shrimp dish was fishy, with disgusting grits. Service (manager yelled at me for pulling a chair over to our table, and told me she would be right over with another one- came back a half an hour later - thanks. Waiter was not attentive) Good. Buffalo fries (these are delicious) The drinks (lemon-drops, microbrews, hard ciders, and various other mixed drinks were enjoyed by my table) Sticky toffee pudding (SOSOSO nice!) Hip enjoyable environment, food and service needs to be better
(2)
Anisha A.

State and lake is discrete, in a protective yet colorful way. While the bar is perfect for taking in some football or synchronized swimming, the dark corner tables are meant for those having an illicit affair. Because everyone deserves to have a good meal without being caught. Unfortunately, I was there for less compelling reasons- discussing color schemes with my designer. We shared a smattering of small plates, which is a misnomer since they are rather robust in stature. Must haves are the beef tartare with quail egg and bbq shrimp with grits. The mussels with chorizo didn't disappoint either. The crab omelet was the only one lacking in spirit. Surprised it wasn't more packed for a Thursday night dinner, but should get more crowded once people catch on.
(4)
Chi M.

I was here for lunch and opted for something quick and inexpensive: the turkey sandwich with a ginger-carrot soup special, affectionately titled," a little bit of this, a little bit of that." $12 buxx. Very good, but not remotely filling AT ALL. My sandwich was like HALF a sandwich. The soup was pretty tasty, if you don't know what Gerber baby carrot soup puree tastes* like (*don't ask me how I know, I don't have any kids but I was once a baby and I have a sharp memory! That's my story and I'm sticking to it). Their salads are huge and delicious. I nibbled off my lunch dates'. Very light and well balanced. Super fresh ingredients. Impressive! The decor here is freakishly beautiful and mod and neat and warm and cool and earthy and comfy and classy...... but I think this type of decor suits a more loungy evening afterwork crowd, not a "lunch" crowd. You be the judge. Our waiter seemed nervous, apprehensive, and new to the restaurant industry. He pulled it off tho! After a few stutters here and there trying to take our order and refill our water while trying to make "small talk"...... TRYING. The restrooms are dark and clean and leathery. Pretty cool. The faucets are so mod I mistook the sink water knob for a toilet flusher. :( Come here in the evening with some friends or a date and get lots of drinks and lots of food and everything thing else will fall into place and make seem like you're in heaven or at a 5 star hotel restaurant in Dubai. .....well, at least after 8 or 9 johnnie walker reds on the rocks.
(4)
Wendy V.

I just spent $20 on the smallest turkey burger in the Western Hemisphere. Seriously, it was a piece of turkey paper on a big pretzel bun.
(2)
Zach T.

I took my sis here for her birthday. It's a stunning little place, so we had to sit at the Bar. No problem there because the bartenders were about the finest servers I've had in the City. We opted for burgers and cokes as it was lunch. I ogled the competent beers list and stunning cocktail menu, plotting an evening visit. Their signature drinks all make me salivate. The bartenders discussed them at length and even poured me a sample of an ingredient I'd never heard of. The burgers themselves did not disappoint and come with excellent fries that would be enough for three burgers. The only detractor, and what will keep exclusive is that I dropped $44 after tip for 2 burgers and 2 cokes... I'll be back though, especially when I can tie some $14 cocktails on.
(4)
J P.

First visit was fine. A couple drinks, a salad, and the mac & cheese. I was hoping for a light appetizer or side dish but nothing really appealed. I like Hackney's in Printers Row better. Why deep fry the pot stickers for the salad? They weren't very good although stuffing was ok. Mac and cheese was rich as expected, the portion size was right. Heavy bar stools! Wow. Bathrooms suck. The sink was so shallow I could hardly rinse my hands. Gross.
(2)
Jessica B.

Tried this out last Saturday as it's a new restaurant near where I work... overall not outstanding. Food was okay (Buffalo Fries- great; Steak Tartar- okay) but the service was really unprofessional. It's a new place so I am sure they have a lot of kinks to work out but the chef was at the line texting on his cell phone, the staff was singing at the well in the bar (really), and our bartender when he asked if I wanted another beer just said "sure, why not?" and poured me another before I even had time to say yes or no. Not okay dude. Take that smart ass attitude elsewhere. So, I say give it shot, but I think you can find better in Chicago.
(2)
Amy G.

The Wit Hotel's FIRST floor pub/restaurant impresses the eye, satisfies the stomach and pleases the pocketbook. While all the Carrie Bradshaw wannabes and their "Just for Men" using dates will head up to the Wit's aptly named 27th floor lounge, Roof, you can avoid being a clueless spendthrift sucker squandering $11 for a beer and a view. Stay downstairs-- you'll get less haughtiness and more hootch, less vapidity and more variety, less asshole-ry and more atmosphere. I really thought prices would be steep but you can eat to your max with their fine dishes of Americana like tasty buffalo fries for $5 or warm homemade kettle chips with rich onion dip. Chicago's own Metropolitan Brewery's lager is on the beer menu for $4. How thoughtful considering many out-of-town hotel visitors will be able to try w/o traveling up to Ravenswood. Which makes me wonder have the Roof people been down to State and Lake yet? Funny that State and Lake is on the *first* floor of the Wit because it is truly a step above "Roof."
(4)
Anne C.

The food is great, the atmosphere is cool, but this place only gets 2 stars from me for the unwarranted rudeness of their hostess. When my party of 6 showed up for an evening with clients she asked if we were there to eat dinner or just have drinks. I said we would probably be eating, but was not sure what my boss had in mind as he had yet to arrive. She visibly rolled her eyes at another staff member at the hostess stand and then sighed as she sat us. Seriously? Get over yourself. We stayed for an hour-- two rounds of drinks and $100 worth of appetizers and meanwhile your restaurant was only half full. Like I said-- fantastic food, but her poor attitude was enough to make me not want to go back any time soon.
(2)
Andrea R.

We had a pretty good time here for drinks and dinner after work last night. The beer selection is pretty good, they have 10-12 interesting ones on tap and a bunch more pricey ones in bottles. I had a white beer that was fruity and tasty. The food was decent. The buffalo fries starter was probably the best, its a giant mound of skinny fries covered in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. The chips and onion dip was only OK. The chips were a little stale and the dip was very sweet. We also ordered the scallops (too fishy) and shrimp and grits (good, but surrounded by a moat of oil.... why state and lake, why?). The mussels smelled REALLY good, but I dont like mussels so who knows. It was a nice place to go for drinks with a group if you want to actually sit around a table or be able to have a real conversation. Pricey, but you get a lot- 2 apps, 2 small plates, 6 beers for $90
(4)
Marisa K.

The food was good, very good. The service,however, was bad. My father's crab cakes came 15 minuets after everyone else meal- they comped them. Great ambiance, good drinks.
(4)
Christine W.

I was so bummed! We were here about 6 months ago and it was FANTASTIC! I thought we found a place to go back to before shows. Last night however (Friday) I was very disappointed. It seemed as though the hostess (Rachel) was the only one in the whole dining room who knew what she was doing. I watched her work the room trying to keep people happy and really felt bad for her... As for the food. We started with the spinach and artichoke dip- which didn't really have much flavor, and I moved on to the braised short ribs (which the time I had here before-LOVED). Last night they only had one flavor- SALT. I would have sent it back, but since they kept us waiting on our reservation time- we need to bolt to make a concert. My husband had the crab cakes and they were not very tasty at all. When the $72 bill came (you read that right- 2 entrees and an appetizer), we did a double take. The one beer he had ordered was $10! (It was a beer for goodness sake- not a martini!) Before last night, I would have recommended State and Lake, now I won't. I am not even sure if I will go back myself. I might- just to see if it was an off night, but for $100- I might not!
(2)
Meredith M.

I've had dinner and brunch at State and Lake and I wasn't very impressed. For breakfast, my husband and I both chose the pancakes. I wanted the brioche french toast but they were out. My husband didn't like the pancakes and I thought they were OK. We both found them too heavy and dry. For dinner, we ordered appetizers and our entrees. For the appetizers, we ordered the truffle mac and cheese and the beignets. The truffle mac and cheese was good by very salty. The beignets were OK. For our entrees, my husband ordered the cheeseburger and I ordered the trout. He liked the cheeseburger and I didn't care for my meal. The fish my itself was fine but the kale/potato mixture was way too salty. The waitstaff was great but the food just A-OK. They only way I would go back is if I was staying at the hotel and I didn't want to leave to eat.
(3)
Annie B.

I love this place! It's perfect for a bite before a show, and they are really great about watching the time and making sure you get out in time. Service is terrific, food is delicious (get the chicken thighs--our server recommended them and she was dead on), and the beers selection is quite nice, too! I'd go here any night of the week. Doesn't feel like a typical hotel restaurant, either, which is nice. If you are going to a show in the theatre district I absolutely recommend this place--way less pretentious than some of the other go-to's, more room, and more reasonable. And the fries...oh, the fries... Go and enjoy!
(5)
Jeremy B.

Stopped in for a drink prior to a show at the Chicago Theatre. Hostess greeted us cordially, the bar staff did not. Waited about 5 minutes without being recognized. A friend had to go the restroom so I asked him what he wanted to drink. He came back, and was shocked when he came back to no cocktail waiting for him. Another 5 minutes, and barstaff finally noticed us - rudely said "that is the service area." Fine, we moved left and out of the way, not a big deal. Obviously they noticed us, but still didnt ask us for our drink order. We left.
(1)
Marc Y.

I went here today to check-out the newbie in the Loop for a quick bite and drink. The draft beer selection is pretty good. I didn't want a beer, but I would come back to try all of them. Instead, I opted for a signature cocktail: Terragon Julep w/ Landy Cognac, Fresh Terragon, Simple and crushed ice. Not bad. The rest of the cocktail menu seemed weak. It had nothing that would make me want to say "hmmm...I want to try that!". The lunch menu had a lot of interesting selections. I ordered the Lobster Roll and was not disappointed. It was mostly made out of lobster, almost perfectly seasoned (from what I used to get on Cape Cod, and accompanied by some Old Bay Seasoned Chips, which were good too! The bar was smaller than what I am used to, but seemed to be functional enough for restaurant. By no means is it a bar to "see and be seen in". All-in-all, not a bad "first impression". I will return to try the drafts and more food.
(3)
Matthew Y.

The food is good when it eventually gets to your table. Bring a book.
(2)
Jeff W.

Been here several times, but with the exception of my first visit shortly after they opened it has largely been a miss. Beer list is much better then my last visit over a year ago... Strong showing of craft beer favs like dogfish and stone ipa. We ordered a bunch of small plates and only the duck tacos were above average. Clams and pork was a big miss with sausage and some weird BBQ sauce over powering the dish. Four star beer list and two stars for food averaging to four stars.
(3)
Lynn L.

I ate here twice during my stay at theWit, and had a nice experience both times - once for dinner, once for lunch. Both times I sat at the bar. The wine list is very well-crafted, and there were lots of selections I wanted to try. The bartender let me have a sip of a few different wines to make my selection, which I appreciated. I started off with a beet, fennel, and apple salad. It was delicious! No complaints. I also got the kobe burger, which was good, but difficult to eat. It was just too tall! I understand that tall burgers make a dramatic presentation, but it makes them too difficult to eat. Unfortunately, the delicate brioche roll fell apart due to my squishing, and so I had to abandon the burger about 2/3 in. My visit during lunch was similar, though I had the short rib panini, whic was PERFECTION!! What a delicious sammich. Crusty bread, tender, flavorful beef (and in a generous portion!), melty bleu cheese, and pickled onions. I finished every morsel. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but if you're in the neighborhood, or staying at the hotel, it's worth it.
(4)
Katie M.

I had the pleasure of having my Valentine's Day meal here last year and it was lovely. I live in the burbs, but the food was so good I definitely plan on venturing back to the city. I loved the truffled mac and cheese and steak frites-- the drinks and beer selection were pretty good, too ;) All in all, I'd eat dinner here and grab a drink at The Roof, which is in the same hotel. Excellent!
(5)
Paul S.

The Wit Hotel is a very hip place in a hip part of the Loop. State and Lake is a perfect restaurant whether you want to have a casual lunch or a great dinner that won't break your wallet. I have been about three times now only because I enjoy the food. The service is HORRIBLE. The first time I was there it was empty and they told me to wait to be seated even though we had a reservation. Then we didn't get a server for 30 minutes. The second time our sever was rude, unattentive and when we left we saw her outside smoking in front of the hotel, where she must have been the whole time. This last time we had a server who was better than the other two but made a gaggging face when I ordered my lunch and then brought us the check as he served our food. What???? Three strikes. You're out.
(2)
Juliana E.

Walking into this space it smelled amazing, the staff was friendly, and the restaurant had a unique welcoming environment. The music volume was perfect, my family could talk and hear each other while still listening to the laid back tunes. the food lost it two stars- my lentil soup was delicious but $5 for three spoonfuls, I counted. Then I ordered the chicken and it took 20 minutes to arrive to my table and the waitress explained it was because the cheff "didn't think it was up to his standard". Ok? Then give me an appetizer to tide me over or take it off my bill. Then my mom ordered the brussel sprouts and they were suppose to arrive in a rich buttery bake sauce and they couldn't have been more dry. They're was no bacon and absolutely no sauce to be seen and after telling the waitress she still did not take it off my bill. Definitely go and try it, but it's definitely a one hit wonder.
(3)
Bradley J.

Had dinner here on a very recent Thursday night - our party of 8 was seated at one of the the barstool/high tables in the middle of the restaurant, definitely would have preferred a large booth, esp since the restaurant wasn't that busy. Pros: - fries are thin/crispy/salty (and plentiful) - prime cheese burger - tiny bottle of dijon mustard - decor, including "windows" under the bar that display kegs in use Cons: - fried almonds appetizer - way too many - tiny bottle of ketchup (went to waste b/c I didn't touch it but they opened it before setting it down) - server was attentive at first but disappeared when it was time to pay 18% gratuity was added automatically
(3)
Jennifer B.

Went here for lunch with co-workers. The interior is cozy, if trying a little too hard to be lodge chic. The beer menu was very impressive. The food did not disappoint, either. I was happy to see multiple vegetarian options, and the salad I had was large and delicious. The appetizers were also very good. Desserts were amazing. Service was perfect - attentive but not hover-y, and accommodating of a couple of odd requests. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Jacquelyn G.

Oh State and Lake... what happened? I used to absolutely love this place. It used to have such an inventive menu, but sadly, that seems to be no more. The menu has expanded, which you'd think would mean more to choose from. Yes, that's true, but nothing intriguing to choose from anymore... My husband and I went last night and were really looking forward to it. And then we saw the menu. It's completely changed. Unfortunately, it reads like a run of the mill sports bar menu now, and instead of debating between three different things I wanted, I had to struggle to find one that appealed to me. We shared the calamari to start. It was fine. Nothing great but not bad, either. Just fine. Not the reaction I've had in the past to things I've eaten there. Both of us had the fish tacos for our main course and again, fine, but nothing special. Actually, I found the fish to be a little tough and it didn't have much flavor. The one saving grace was the blueberry bread pudding that we shared for dessert. I'll admit that was pretty great. While everything was okay, it just lacks that cool vibe it used to have and as I said, the menu has gotten really boring and lacks any creativity. I won't be rushing to return.
(2)
Robyn A.

Judging from all the hot gossip, it's virtually impossible to get onto the roof of the Wit Hotel. So one of your options is to check out the restaurant on the ground floor. The food wasn't oh-my-god spectacular, but it was good. We got ahi carpaccio and the half-chicken breast. It was OK. My friend got the $14 burger and that actually almost verged on mind-blowing. So good. If you're a meat-eater, get the burger!!! Our waitress was definitely on top of her game. She heard us talking about blueberry vodka and made it a point to go ask the bartender about it---even before we asked her. She was very knowledgeable about everything and kept bringing us bread (bonus! it was heavenly) all evening long. Bottom line: Good food. Good service. But not spectacularly amazing.
(3)
Khabrim D.

The food was okay but the service was horrible. They didn't know what menu was the right menu, apparently for parties larger than a certain size gets a different menu. They confused use with about 3 different menus. They didn't have somethings available. There cocktail drinks will get you drunk quick but they are pretty much all alcohol and don't taste good. The waitress dropped about 3 glasses of champagne and wine on my back so I was wet the entire evening. We asked if we could get a complimentary drink but the waitress told use she didn't charge us for the drink she spilled....well duhhh you spilled a bunch of drinks on me...Tip is included in the bill :-/...They need alot of work on their service I definitely know where not to go for a date or with friends from out of town...It's the kind of place you go just for an appetizer or dessert....
(1)
Roberto H.

Friendly service, excellent menu and wonderful decoration. Located in The Wit Hotel (hip place) and is highly recommended for out of town visitors (TV's at the bar show scenes from movies that were filmed in Chicago) as well as folks looking for a drink & snack before attending a show down the street.
(5)
Steve A.

At first glance this place appears to be a fairly ordinary tavern likely to have a sports bar menu, but the food and ambience are both better than that. The stylish surroundings and pleasant lighting create a relaxed dining environment, and the menu offers some interesting and healthful items. Yes, they're known for their hamburgers and pretzels, but I had something completely different. I started with the charred broccoli, a generous serving that's lightly seasoned and nicely cooked, although I could have done with a bit more char. As a main course I had the Cobb salad. I like it when a Cobb is served un-tossed, as was the case here, allowing me to pick and combine ingredients at will. The perfectly seasoned avocado, bacon, cubes of Parmesan cheese and house-made ranch dressing were standouts. Service was friendly and attentive. Altogether the meal was a very pleasant surprise.
(4)
Geo J.

Went here to have wine and apps. The cheese and charcuterie board was gross. Cheeses looked like they had been left out and then re-refrigerated. The bread was cold and greasy and flabby. The meats again looked as if they had been around a while. The presence of fruit flies was the last straw. Breakfasts are good here, but I can't recommend dinner.
(2)
Danielle B.

For a hotel bar...this was pretty nice. You can tell I hung out at The Wit more than my own hotel. I was here with a coworker and we decided to have a burger with a local brew. The bartender was a lot of fun and so were her regulars. I learned about booty clap chicken heads (kids say the craziest things!) and other things that are reseved for Urban Dictionary. It has a great ambiance and the burgers were delicious. It wasnt badly priced for a downtown location. Def a great place to go for local beers (Maltilda, 312, and Green Line) and a tasty burger. I will be back the next time I am in town.
(4)
Ron R.

This restaurant is connected/inside The Wit hotel. I'm staying here for business and decided to just do the easy and quick thing of eating here. The first thing I noticed was that the place was very aesthetically pleasing. The bar is old fashioned style with a "colorful hip" blended in with neon Seltzer bottles stacked up top. I was there a bit late for dinner at 9 pm, so it was not busy. The service I received was very nice and attentive but again, it wasn't very busy. I opted to order 2 appetizers versus an entree as I was not super excited about the full entree options. I ordered the Steak Tartare and the Poutine as I am a huge fan of both. They came out at different times, which is fine because I got a chance to eat one first, but seems odd. The Steak tartare as seen in my picture below was presented very nice (most of the dishes I saw come out of the kitchen were presented very nice) but was served with potato chips versus a crostini. I was a bit disappointed when i saw that, but it worked. It was different and non-traditional but the chips were homemade and tasty. Unfortunately, the steak portion felt like a burger patty squished down paper thin. Yes, there were shallots and a type of vinegarette in it, but it was lack luster. I'm not one to leave steak tartare on the plate, but in this case I did...I was simply bored of the dish. I think the paper thin presentations was also a turn off. Next came out the Poutine. Boy do I love Poutine and this one sounded absurd (which in the case of Poutine, is a great thing). It was a bed of fresh cut fries, covered in gravy, covered in baked cheese (they called it cheese curd), half a piece of bacon (disappointing), Green peas, and a sunny side up egg. You can see by the picture, this thing looked glorious. It was about to wow me...I was sure of it! While the bacon, cheese curds and the fries were good, the gravy was weak. It was borderline gross. It tasted like it came out of a can of Campell's cream of (insert vegetable here). Flavorless and bland...it pretty much ruined the majority of the dish. Once again, over half this dish stayed in the plate for me. I picked the "cheese curd" out of this dish and ate around the gravy. I'm torn about the rating here as the ambiance and service was great but the food taste was not there. if the food taste can catch up to the food presentation, this place would fire on all cylinders and be a 5 star resturant for sure.
(3)
Jami J.

Went here for brunch on a Saturday. They were empty which surprised me. We had awesome service and the food was very good as well. I usually don't order omelets but when I looked at other yelp pictures of it, I was sold. I ordered the egg white omelet and it was a good choice. It had lots of flavor and it came with potatoes and toast on the side. This is a good place to go if you're in the area for brunch and don't want to wait to get in.
(4)
Todd L.

This has quickly became a favorite of mine when visiting Chicago. Yes, it is located inside a hotel, however don't let that keep you away. They have a fantastic beer selection and a great creative menu. The menu changes by the season. I highly recommend everything here.
(5)
Cyndy H.

The service was excellent and the waitress was knowledgable about the menu! We had the fried chicken with biscuits-excellent! The chicken was not greasy and we split the meal-enough for 2! Would recommend the restaurant-bar has unique drink specials!
(4)
Suzanne Z.

We chose here due to a central location in meeting some people. Attached to the Wit hotel, this restaurant is pretty glam with its upholstered leather walls, lighting, and fancy bar- OMG and they have the cutest bathroom ever, with the cutest sink I've ever seen! (This is what girls are impressed by) The chairs looked nice, but were pretty hard by the end of the meal, so those could use a little more luxury. I really enjoyed reading their drink list. My guy and I were the only "locals", so we definitely were able to show our local pride and make recommendations from places like Goose Island, Revolution, Three Floyds (Chicagoans LOVE their Munster neighbors!), and even learn a few we hadn't heard of too. They had a cup, 22oz and Growler size option too, which is a nice touch. Beer prices seemed on point from wherever else I go, maybe $1 more for some. The cocktails, although super fancy and delicious sounding, were all VERY Chicago priced. Most were over $12 and most came in tiny glasses, which I felt was typical Chicago/tourist trap, so I stuck with beer. The highlight with the food we ordered was the poutine and crispy chicken thigh. The poutine was in all of its artery-clogging glory with a heap of fries, white gravy, melty cheese curds hidden in the gravy, peas, bacon and a fried egg on top. It was pretty great! The chicken was nice and juicy, and super crispy, with a sweet coleslaw on top. YUM. We also ordered main dishes- I got their brisket burger with cheese on top, served with dressed greens. This was a big disappointment. The dressed greens were lackluster and pretty sour with the dressing. The burger was super dry, and the bun was too big for the burger, but also dry. I chugged down my beer faster than expected to compensate! I would not recommend it. Our service was pretty good overall, and the waitress graciously split the bill in between 3 couples- and got it right on the first try. It was an a-ok night, but I'd try some place else over coming back, if in the area.
(3)
Mike Z.

Stopped in for a beer before going to the roof. They had live music, great beer selection and a really nice atmosphere. We spoke to the bartender for a bit about the different events and also walked around to check everything out. Very enjoyable spot with good live music. Next time I come back ill be trying the food.
(4)
Hilary O.

Great food! Try the wings for sure :) Special dry rub process makes for a unique smoked flavor that is to die for. Burgers are banging, too! The drink selection is good - surely something for everyone.
(4)
Daniel S.

I've been here once for drinks and once for dinner, they have a lot of good beers to choose from, tho a lot of them were out when I tried to order, I got the chorizo Mac and cheese to eat which was really good and a good portion, also tried the poutine and wings apps, both were really good, the only downside was the service was kinda slow, tho admittedly it was pretty busy, still I'd recommend and go back for sure
(4)
Kimmie R.

I'm so picky... I mean I feel sorry for most places I frequent, because it's very hard to wow me, but State and Lake Tavern did just that. Pros: - They have a Cocktail in the world and indeed it is. It was so good afterwards, I wanted to smoke a cigarette and I don't even smoke, so yeah it was that good! - The decor *thumbs up* Thumbs all the way up... forget the thumbs how about :) everything is up! The table were real wood, the chairs matched, the booth was comfortable and elegant at the same time. - There are separate areas the bar is off to the side, the tables are in an area and then there are separate tables near the door (yay, privacy if it's not too packed) - They had a guitarist who was actually very good! :) - They had a fireplace on the flat screen *cute touch* with the wood decor - Our waitress was beautiful and attentive. Rule of thumb to all waiters and waitresses, if you see two people on a date compliment the woman and be nice to both. Some restuarants have very attractive waitresses that think the key to their tip is flirting with the guy - dumb move, I'm glad the State and Lake waitress wasn't that dumb. :) She said,"Nice necklace and smiled." Then when she took our order she looked at me first, many waiters have lost their minds with all this independent women crap and treat women like second class citizens, but not State and Lake. - The appetizers were a decent portion. Not so big that you feel like you are wasting money for having so much left over when you are done, but also not so little that you are left starving either. It was just the right amount. - The bathrooms were very clean *thumbs all the way up* - The lighting is perfect for evening - not to dim to make you sleepy, but not to bright to kill the mood - perfecto! Cons: The seating area is not private all of the tables are right next to each other. If there were more people there, I would have felt like my date was group conversation instead of a private one. They have seating by the door, so this isn't a big deal. Enjoy! :)
(5)
Emily J.

I've always had a great experience at State and Lake and can't wait to go back! Patrick is by far my favorite server and always goes the extra mile to make my experience really fantastic. Pete, the general manager, is always present and takes time to mingle with patrons and pay attention to everyone. The food here is fabulous! I love the deviled eggs, poutine, and flatbread to start and the burger is one of the best in the city. Start off with the pimento cheese and home made chips and rest of your dinner is sure to be a success. State and Lake is a great place to go prior to the theater or for just an easy meal out on a weeknight. There is usually live music starting around 9pm and the artists are always great. State and Lake really doesn't feel like a "hotel restaurant" and can stand alone away from theWit, which is saying something with theWit's stellar reputation! I haven't been here for brunch yet but it's certainly on my list.
(5)
Susan C.

I went to this place to tried our their brunch menu since I pass by so many times walking. I must say the fried chicken I had with the Rosemary biscuit was delicious. My sister who had the veggie benedict was so good to. The server we had was very attentive in making sure everything was good and what we needed. The restaurant had a really nice decor and they had a bar. I couldn't help notice the table next us, the guy had to return his order and get something else. I feel when you look at the menu you have to pick what you like and know what to order because the selections for brunch is not hard to choose from. I will definitely go back to this place to try something different. It's right next door to the Wit so you can't miss this place.
(4)
Rie C.

I do not recommend this place. I went this evening for dinner and was extremely disappointed. For the high prices, I was astonished by the poor service. First, my boyfriend and I placed our drink orders only to wait 7 minutes until our server came back - to tell us they were out of that specific beer! How did it take that long to find out and why would you not know to begin with? Then, after placing our food order, we continued the wait. Finally a different server brought our food - the wrong food!!! My boyfriend ordered the salmon (and I heard him order it) but they brought him a burger. When our server came by, she just stared blankly. She offered to change the order but after that wait, it was no longer worth it. Upon eating our burgers, they were overcooked. Although they gave us both the same entree, our side salads weren't even the same. When the check arrived, I was so disappointed. No apology, poor impression, bad food.
(1)
Jason J.

I can't really say too much about this place. Came here for a work drinking function, so I have no idea what the prices were. I'm guessing they were high. I had to explain to the waiter what a whiskey sour was, which I thought was odd. Service was also extremely slow, which might've been a good thing as I wonder how much more the huge group I was with could've drunk. Giving them an extra star because my group got very very loud and they never came over to tell us to keep it down.
(3)
Mike Q.

Nice cozy place. Menu is kinda small for lunch or dinner. But great wood cooked wings. Great flavor! The pimento cheese dip was really good also. What was amazingly great and delicious was the Banana Cream Pie dessert. Nice place to grab a snack on the run.
(4)
Jennifer H.

We had a great time here before attending a performance at the near by theater. Drinks were strong and they had so much more than bar food! Only downside is the single stall bathrooms. The line was 4 people deep, so the wait was long.
(4)
Kara D.

This review is for breakfast. We stayed at The Wit for four nights and enjoyed breakfast each morning. I found the breakfast to be very good for all of the visits. The yogurt parfait was delicious and much better than your standard restaurant yogurt parfait. The omelettes were tasty, too. The coffee was super strong one morning and weak another morning, which is a little inconsistent. The service we received each morning was excellent.
(5)
Norm J.

I've been to State and Lake numerous times since they opened and have always found the food to be good (3 stars), especially the burgers and poutine. However, after the subpar service my colleagues and I experienced today I'd have to give State and Lake 2 stars overall. When we came into State and Lake this afternoon the place was pretty empty and the staff was setting up for an event over by the staircase in the restaurant. The hostess sat us about 3 skips from this area, which should have been a warning sign for us. As we were eating our food, guest of the event started to arrive and I quickly realized that the space just wasn't sufficient. I guess the group of randoms standing 2 feet from our table was the dead give away. Since the waitress waiting on us was also attending to those at the event she was pretty much like M.I.A when it came to seeing to our needs. The busboy was a constant at our table, interrupting our conversation to clear away items from our table even if we weren't done with them; such as my soda glass. I thought he had taken the glass to get me a refill. When he never came back with the refill I took that as his way of telling me that I didn't need anything else to drink. The fact that I was still eating my fries didn't matter to him. Whenever one of us wasn't eating the busboy was at our table trying to takeaway our plates even though it was clear that we had about 40% of our food still on the plate and that we weren't done eating. I did inform one of the managers assisting with the event (I think he was a manager) that we felt like we were being rushed through our meal so that our table could be given away and he assured me that wasn't the case. However, seeing how 2 tables close to us had already been commandeered by those attending the event I didn't really believe him. All and all we had an unpleasant dining experience because we felt like we were being rushed through our meal so they could get us out of that section. Sad to say that we just paid the check and went to another establishment for additional drinks and dessert.
(2)
Neema P.

We stumbled upon this place after trying to go to the rooftop at the Witt. It was a gorgeous late October night, so wanted to make use of the weather. Well that was closed, so the hotel concierge recommended this place. So VERY DISAPPOINTED. First off, the wines are super expensive. I got the cheapest red on the menu which was $11 and it was mediocre. My wine arrived probably 20 mins later. I would assume she forgot as my friends ice tea came way before mine. We got the pretzel for appetizers. It took about 20 minutes to make, which boggles my mind why a pretzel would take that long to make. The dipping sauce was interesting. When we asked the waitress what was in the sauce, she seemed bothered why we would ask such a question. Next up... The main entree. I got the green salad. It was bland and no taste. I mean really you can't eff up spinach walnut salad. There were shaved peaches instead of the traditional apples, which really gave no flavoring. If I didn't read what was in it prior to ordering, I would have never guessed it had peaches. My friend ordered the burger, which she said was ok. I mean for $18 it should have been out of this world. We also got tavern fries, which wasn't anything amazing, but for $9 I would have expected more. Side note, they don't even carry ranch. So $60 bucks later and a terrible dinner and service, I would say not even 1 star is worth it to rate this place.
(1)
Tim K.

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times: I really love this place. Mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights -- I always have a good experience. Being a Hilton Diamond, I've been to my share of hotel restaurants. I'll safely say this is my favorite. It doesn't feel like a hotel bar/restaurant. Today - New Years Day 2015 - Brunch. By pure luck, Paige is our server. She's waited on us before and I may just I like her as much as the Root Beer Beer ;). Seriously, she has to be one of the best. I'll request her from now on and will happily wait for a table in her section (she works mornings). Today's eats: Fried chicken and waffles - yum. Thanks Paige. See you next time! Ps - the Salted Caramel Old Fashion was good at the bar last night too. And I'm not even a whiskey drinker. Or am I...???
(5)
Mary C.

The State and Lake Chicago Tavern is the restaurant located in The Wit hotel, and serves up pub and bistro inspired food. To maximize our time experiencing the city, my friends and I ended up eating breakfast here one morning. Salmon Benedict ($14)- on crisp potato pancakes --I love the way that this Salmon Benedict was plated, and lucky for me it tasted just as good as it looks. Crispy hot potato pancakes, a cool slice of smoked salmon, and an egg cooked to a perfect runny consistency. It was appropriately light on the hollandaise sauce, so wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be. Deliciously crafted eggs benedict! Red Velvet Pancakes ($13) -Vanilla Marscapone, Candied Pecans --I'm not usually a big fan of pancakes, but when I saw Red Velvet Pancakes on the menu, it immediately became an item of interest. I've had red velvet in cake form, but pancakes? Mind blown. These flap jacks came bright red, scarcely topped with sweet marscapone and candied pecans, making it more of a dessert than a breakfast item. No maple syrup needed! They are decent pancakes, but the initial "red velvet" novelty wore off quickly for me. Egg White Wrap ($12)- Chicken Sausage, Spinach, Tomato, Cheddar --The name and description on the menu made this seem like such a healthy option, but it was anything but that. The Egg White Wrap was filling, very greasy, and nothing gastronomically spectacular. Yogurt Parfait ($6) -Berries, Honey, Granola --Out of all these fancy dishes, this Yogurt Parfait was the one thing I actually re-ordered on my subsequent visits back for breakfast. Ripe berries, crunchy granola, and a thick creamy Greek yogurt. Sometimes simplicity is best! And one last note, if you are a gold or diamond Hilton member, each night stay at The Wit will get you a complimentary $20 breakfast voucher. The meal ended up being pretty affordable, and it wasn't too shabby a breakfast if you ask me!
(3)
Lauren-ashley B.

They have a fooseball table. They have a nice people watching spot near the window, the fries are delicious and seasoned well. It's also connected to the Wit Hotel, which is my favorite boutique hotel, well one of them.
(5)
Nico s.

Yummy
(4)
Joe R.

awful, awful, awful. Food and drink was good, service fine. We watched the USA world cup game. As we are walking out( I am with my wife and 8 year old and 4 year old daughter) we witness one of the servers or bus boys assault a teenager from behind. I understand that tensions were high and alcohol was involved, but what the server( Elvis or Elvin, I believe the name) did was a criminal offense. Then, the other bouncers/bartenders had the audacity to CUFF the kid who was assaulted. I stood by and watched as the cops came up. The two head bouncers( a lady with short0 hair and piercings and a tall heftier man with facial hair) harassed anyone who got in their way. Awful people running this place, it should be shut down.
(1)
Kim H.

This is a good stop for late night drinks...and fries. Must have fries. They have a great cocktail list. I'd recommend the Hummingbird if you like tequila, or La Vie en Rose. They also have great local beers! We came on a Friday night and had a dude singing live music when we were there. Ambiance was great.
(3)
Buddy B.

Had a great time. Close to theater district. It was across the street from the Chicago Theater. It was crowded but not packed. Service was excellent. We had reservations which was good because of the Friday crowd. Pub atmosphere but food was well above what you would expect from a pub. I would go back again.
(4)
Kat B.

Great meal with friends-good food for the price point and a great drink selection. And Patrick took great care of us!
(5)
Fan K.

The atmosphere was nice and modern. It gives you a mix of a higher end restaurant feel with modern design. I loved the atmosphere. We received phenomenal service and Was escorted to the restrooms when I didn't know where it was located. :) There was maybe 3 seated tables in the restaurant, so there was many tables available for seating but the server kept of sitting people on the small tables next to us. I understand if the place was packed but there is no reason why they should sit a new couple on there first date right next to us! Needless to say the couple requested to be seated on the table over... Awkward.. Food was ok.. My husband ordered the burger medium and it arrived well done. My best friend ordered the salmon but the portion was so small, he was not satisfied at the end of the meal. I ordered the butcher burger with sunnyside egg and mushroom, it was decent. The next time I return to Chicago, I don't believe I will visit State and Lake again for dinner but I might return for drinks.
(2)
Briana R.

Had breakfast here this weekend after staying at the hotel. The ambiance is strange. I couldn't understand the deer/ elk/ moose vibe. It was not too bad for a hotel restaurant however the food took 45 mins which for breakfast is way too long. I think the waiter forgot to place our order because a couple who got seated after us got served well before us. The food was great for a hangover breakfast after a late night out however a little pricey for breakfast. Again, that's what you have to expect when staying at a hotel. Wouldn't go out of my way to come back here unless staying at the hotel again. But besides slow service and a bit pricey the food was very good.
(4)
Leang E.

After some hard work Christmas shopping, we worked up an appetite and decided to come here for a late lunch. the place was quite classy, but the tv placement along the back walls are kind of not a good idea. It was too close to you, and it actually hurt my boyfriend's eyes so we asked to be seated elsewhere. It was fortunate that it wasn't extremely packed so that we were able to do that. There were multiple football games going on, and we were able to see them all going on with the numerous screens they have here. My whitefish sandwich was delicious and just the right portion. Our waitress was more on the quiet side but still nice. Prices are comparable for downtown.
(4)
Julian V.

The service is very great! I had the pimento cheese dip which came with tortilla chips which was pretty good, but nothing special. I also ordered the cauliflower soup which was very one note and 2 little cheese curds in it and nothing else. Overall is wasn't bad, but it wasn't that great either. Just average.
(3)
Michelle U.

A nice surprise. We did not even realize this place existed. Would have definitely just walked by if it were not on Yelp. The breakfast was awesome and the service was good and the atmosphere was cozy. It was a little pricey for breakfast.
(4)
Kristen F.

My husband and I sent his parents to the pentatonix show at the chicago theatre. We picked state and lake for a pre-show dinner. Brittany went above and beyond to make the dinner special for them. My mother-in-law said she felt like a VIP! Great food deserves great customer service. Thank you so much.
(5)
Noah K.

Great spot! Stayed at the Wit hotel for business and ate here a few times. Breakfast was phenominal - eggs benedict with potatoes were some of best I've had. Yogurt with fruit and granola was amazing. I dont usually like yogurt, but I ordered this 3 more days it was so good! For dinner, its a nice spot to grab a beer. The chicken wings were smoked and came with a great vinegary dipping sauce. Staff was attentive. Would come back.
(5)
Monica P.

This place serves up a delicious hamburger, with locally sourced beef! The waitstaff and manager were great -- very friendly and talkative. You can only order from the brunch menu during certain hours on the weekend, but after my meal I looked at the lunch (dinner?) menu to see what else they serve. I'll definitely return to try out more of the menu -- everything sounded great! And because the restaurant tries to use good ingredients to make better food, the menu changes throughout the year. I didn't have a cocktail, but the choices looked great.
(4)
Angela B.

The drinks are delicious, the food is GROSS. I had the deviled eggs and the wings. Prior to the experience, I didn't think it was possible to mess up deviled eggs, but they showed me. They were served freezing cold and with some type of lemon oil drizzled On them (ewwww). The wings just had a disturbing amount of char on them and a terrible seasoning. If you are hungry, I would avoid. If you are thirsty or want to get buzzed, drink up.
(2)
Tanya M.

We ate there on a Sunday night looking for something new and different. We really wanted a dessert that was different as well but when we got there we got food as well. The food was alright, my husband got some meat and cheese dish that was gross if you don't like raw or cured meat don't even bother trying! But he knew it was something he should experience so it was kinda funny. I got a salad the Herb and pear it was delicious. My daughter got the 7-grain chicken tenders ate it! The pischatio smore was pretty good not a favorite but different and worth trying. Our server was new and didn't know everything which we understood but at the end of our meal was MIA! So we some how got the attention of what appeared as the Manager and asked him for our bill he looked briefly for our server then brought us our bill which we just handed him our credit card. He then begain looking for the server AGAIN whom is still MIA! and brought our bill back by handing it to use WITHOUT a word or even looking at us and walked away! I'm sorry but that alone is rude and horrible customer service especially from a Manager or Supervisor whomever he was that clearly knew our server had disappeared. We thought just because some of the food wasn't outstanding it could possibly be a place we could return and try again but with the horrible customer service (especially from a Manager) I wouldn't recommend this place at all!
(1)
Lucy W.

Love the drinks, love the desserts (i had an oatmeal gingerbread cookie ice cream sandwich w/ blueberry lemon gelato), food looked great (was disappointed that I didn't get to try the fries or burger), acoustic guitar player on Saturday night was really good. The only thing I didn't like was the type of crowd, which was essentially douchey spillover from the rooftop bar. Service at the bar was a little lacking...bartenders pretty much ignored us, until I had to flag them down.
(3)
amy t.

Stopped by for a bite and a drink before a show at Chicago Theatre on a Friday night. No reservation, but we lucked out with a seat at the bar after we put our name on a waiting list, and decided to order there after Jeff swung by and offered out some menus. We ordered a charcuterie and cheese plate, and a box of jars (pickled beets, fig/bacon, and kale/spinach jars) and we each had a few drinks - total bill for 3 people was about $100. Everything was tasty, and just right for a pre-show bite to eat. Though I am generally leery of trendy-ish Loop places, the staff was incredible and a delight. Attentive, nice, welcoming, and fun - things moved like a well-oiled machine while we were there (food window from kitchen to bar was manned and attended to quite well).
(4)
Jackie S.

Great burgers and a great atmosphere. We happened to stumble in here while looking for a place to eat near The Chicago Theatre. The menu seemed a little random but after ordering one of the more basic burgers, I was pleased with my decision. The burger was cooked just the way I like it (juicy but not too pink). A little on the pricy side but I would definitely recommend trying one if you're ever in the area.
(4)
Sue R.

We came here despite some mediocre reviews because . . . well, all my other choices were booked! Glad we did. My husband and I split a burger and chicken wings. The wings were good- but the burger was the star of the show and came with great fries. Good cocktails, good service. We'll come back!
(5)
Erin K.

Really terrible food. Good service. I ordered the 72 hour cured salmon for take out. The menu listed tons of goodness in addition to the salmon including a bagel and cream cheese. I had to work all Saturday so this was my treat for the day. I got the salmon back to the office and I was completely disappointed. Everything about this was wrong. They put everything together like it was a big bagel sandwich. Everything was wet; I couldn't tell if the wetness was coming from the pickled onions or the slimy salmon but the bagel was soaked through. The salmon was straight up bad. Beyond the sliminess it was mushy and had a tangible "bad" smell. There was very little cream cheese on the bagel so despite being soaking wet the sandwich somehow tasted dry. No worries, they got wrong, so I called back to let them know my order was bad. They were super accommodating and offered to remake the order and run it over to the office. Amazing service!!! I was stoked again. This seems very promising. Then I got my order. The salmon was fresher, but all the same problems were there. The bagel had almost no cream cheese and was soaking wet... again! I don't know what the deal is with this place, it's attached to one of the higher end hotels, so you think they would get basic salmon and a bagel right. The service bumped the total score up from zero to 1. But I don't care how good the service is, the food is just terrible.
(1)
Lindsey A.

Wow, I did not expect this hotel restaurant to be as good as it was, but, dang! Wow! Our party of 6 had a perfect round corner table by the Foosball table. Our servers were prompt, nice, attentive. But mostly - the food! It was excellent. I had the Amish chicken and it was so moist and tender; chicken is never moist and tender. It came upon a bed of polenta mashed potatoes that were so creamy and dreamy I couldn't stop eating them. Oh, I also started with the corn soup which was lovely! Presentation was nice, too. We had a round of the three jars and when they didn't bring out the beef tartare right away for the beef-eaters, we were served two complimentary jars and extra bread. The dessert was so-so, I only had a few bites, but it's not affecting my overall great impression of this place. I'd definitely come back here for a pre-theater dinner or night out with coworkers/friends.
(5)
Latonya H.

Excellent service from start to finish! My hubby had the crispy chicken thigh and malted waffle and had to pause after his 1st bite! He said it was the best combo of flavors! Amazing!! I had the French Toast bread pudding and loved it! The atmosphere was great and the mimosa and Bloody Mary bar were a great touch for Sunday brunch! We didn't expect such a treat. Perfect after our 6 mile morning run!
(5)
Lisette C.

Had breakfast here twice during a recent stay in Chicago. I was so excited to try their short rib omlette, but felt it was a bit too dry. The second time around I had their goat cheese fritatta, and that was delicious. One thing to note is that they brew Intelligentsia coffee and being from LA, this is the GOOD STUFF. They also give you a cup to go when you are ready to hit the road. My issue with this place was the bar staff. Twice I sat at the bar alone and felt that the staff was barely tolerating me. They never engaged me and were all business whenver I asked any questions. Just as I was about to leave a gentleman that seemed to be the manager chatted me up and he was especially nice and welcoming. But it was a shame that his staff didn't share his attitude toward the clientele.
(3)
Harold J.

Breakfast: food a 2, service a 5,. Dinner: service a 1 and food a 2. If your a Hilton Diamond member at the hotel the free breakfast is a no brainier. The dinner we had on the 26th was an absolute embarrassment to this restaurant in food and service.
(3)
Pho K.

Crappy slow service, bland poorly prepared food. They've clearly spent too much time on the presentation and decor, as everything looks great but just doesn't deliver where it matters most. Probably a decent meetup for aspiring yuppies headed to The Wit rooftop.
(2)
Kristin M.

We were up at Roof for pre-show cocktails, but the a/c was blasting down on us, so we headed downstairs to warm up. The plan was to head somewhere on Wabash, but State and Lake was cute, so we sat at the bar. The menu looks great (yum, bison burger!), and the duck tacos that we tried were quite nice, well seasoned with a nice asian vinaigrette carrot slaw. The food and drinks are fairly reasonably priced for a downtown spot. The service, however, completely turned me off. From the moment we sat down, the bartender was dismissive and sort of condescending. He was efficient, but had no personality and didn't interact at all. He mixed up my drink order (tonic instead of soda), so he grabbed it back, dumped it and made me another, quickly, but somehow I felt guilty that he made a mistake. We ordered an app, but he did not acknowledge it, so we started to think he didn't hear, but then it appeared. Some acknowledgment would have gone a long way. He gave us someone else's bill, then remedied it, but without an apology. He just appeared like he wished he was anywhere but there. Since we got everything we ordered fairly quickly, it's hard to describe why the service was so bad, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. It's a nice place, but ultimately it's still a hotel bar, where they assume they'll never see you again, so why bother going out of their way to give great service. Wrong. I was talking about returning for lunch one day to try some of the menu, but I won't anymore. You should be more careful about not alienating the Loop work crowd, State and Lake.
(2)
Tammy T.

Homemade pretzels are a great starter and the buttermilk cheese grits are fantastic too!
(3)
Steve S.

I had gotten food from room service while staying at the Wit but had never ventured down to dine at State and Lake until today. We decided to grab breakfast and while it didn't blow me away, it was decent. It's no Ann Sathers but if you're in the area, its a safe bet. The restaurant looks good with big disco antelope sculptures. It's obvious this place still has the "cooler than you" vibe that killed CiboMatto. While the roof still draws the nightly dBag parade, it's clear State and Lake realizes they should focus on hotel guests. Service is good but got a little backed up at the morning breakfast rush. I choose the goat cheese frittata. It had potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus and goat cheese and while it was good, it needed one ingredient to pull all the components together. Not sure what though. Partner had the salmon Benedict and loved it, although he mentioned it got really messy as you ate it. State & Lake is a great choice if you're staying at theWit but if you're a local, you're not missing anything.
(3)
Alice J.

I came here for a work lunch and really enjoyed it. The space is gorgeous and conveniently located in the downtown area. It was a warm day so we say outside which was really nice, although the outside seating is not well decorated compared to indoors.I had the iced coffee with condensed milk which was really good and strong. I had the brisket sandwich which was also good and I especially enjoyed the fries with sea salt. Skip the grits, I had that on the side with mushrooms and it wasn't that flavorful. I'd definitely go again and the service was attentive and friendly. Looks like a great place for happy hour or dinner as well.
(4)
Gwendolyn B.

We were looking for some place to grab some late dinner after a trip to the Art Institute. We were kind of confused by the menu and the concept of appetizers served in jars, but went ahead and ordered. The Corn Chowder with chicken was really good and the burger was delicious (I had Fig and Bacon jam added to the order!). We enjoyed the ambiance and the live music. It was a little more pricey than I'm used to but I also appreciate the original dishes as living in the suburbs it becomes repetitious to always have the same restaurants from which to choose.
(4)
Janine M.

This review is about brunch at State and Lake, not dinner. Best things about brunch at State and Lake: Not crowded (about 1/2 full when we went), delicious french toast (I mean, this french toast was awesome- as good as it gets. Plump pieces of brioche that were almost airy), nice atmosphere, great menu with some unique options, affordable ($11 average entree). Worst things: The orange juice was terrible! When we mentioned it, the server couldn't understand why it was bad because it is 'freshly squeezed'. A few minutes later we noticed a waiter pouring orange juice from a Sysco gallon jug into a caraffe. Uh huh.
(4)
Christian P.

simpler than the rest of theWit eateries, but in a good way. I think perhaps other reviewers are going into State and Lake with really high expectations. They might be right given the "line" that is ever present for The Roof, and just the overall highclass look of theWit. The decor of State and lake matches the rest of the place for sure....attentively designed and coordinated, and its own space. Its a casual atmosphere though there were a few parties dressed up (presumably going elsewhere). The menu is short and sweet food wise but they offer a pretty impressive selection of beers and wines. One thing i loved was that they have a beer flight. With some varieties you may not have heard of, always helpful to get a taste and then get your pint. Food wise we started with the housemade potatoe chips and onion dip which was quite delicious. Entrees for us was just the house burger which was pretty tasty, though could use a more special roll or bread type to really make it stand out. The fries here were pretty awesome though, thin, warm, super crispy outside, yet soft inside. Despite being pretty full managed to inhale all of them. Service was quick and on point, prices were really reasonable. I think this is a great food option in the loop, not a super formal dinner but really good. definitely an awesome lunch spot.
(4)
Lauren M.

The food was pretty good, not great, but since we had gotten a deal, it really pushed it up as we were able to try many things on the menu and know what to order when we come back next time. Service was good, they were attentive, replenished drinks (for the most part) fairly frequently and the food came fast, which was impressive since we had such a large group. We shared appetizers between the group and got the buffalo fries (good, but only need a few), truffle mac and cheese (I love mac and cheese and wasn't a big fan - didn't like the pasta they used and sauce was a bit thin for my taste), calamari (standard but good), duck tacos (I didnt' taste), spinach artichoke dip (I also didn't try). For entress, many ordered the steak and cake (crab cake), which I thought was pretty good. It wasn't amazing, but a solid option and I feel like it was pretty affordable. The braised short rib was also popular and people seemed to like it. I highly recommend going up for a drink at the Wit rooftop bar. Great scene, good service and good drink selection.
(4)
Emily M.

The look of the place is good. The lighting is good. The layout is good. I really wanted to like it. And I almost did-- State and Lake is almost good. But the service is just not as good as it should be for what the place is trying to be. I had a business lunch here, and they brought my BLT out to me without bacon. Instead of taking it back to the kitchen, they server brought me out a side of bacon. That meant I had to deconstruct my egg BLT at the table in front of business associates. Not the greatest. Our server was just pretty inattentive.
(2)
Amy L.

State and Lake what happened to you? Your beer list went from Allagash and Two Brothers to Sam Adams and Blue Moon. Insert sad face. The food used to be great. This place has morphed into a bad version of The Emerald Loop that's around the corner. Sorry to see this place go in this direction.
(1)
Tyson T.

Went here on 4th of July. Food, Decor, Sevice were all very good. I'm not a calamari fan, but the steak calamari appetizer is a must. Very nice beer selection, but a bit dissapointed with the wine. A $60 bottle tasted like 2 buck chuck. The only other negative was the music. It's was blues/jazz and should have been geared toward a younger crowd. Other than that though, nice place to go an have a drink and light food.
(4)
X Z.

Came here on a Friday night with low expectations. We really wanted to get a table upstairs in Cibo Matto, but none were to be had so we "settled" for State & Lake, expecting loud music and mediocre bar food. Have to say, what a pleasant surprise! To start off, they have a limited cocktails menu but the one I had, Bees Knees (gin, honey, lemon and thyme) was great. Hubs had the Boilermaker, which comes with its own lager back (a mini glass of lager to chase your cocktail I guess!) which he liked (and he's a cocktail snob). We were there with another couple so we ordered a couple appetizers to start. As mentioned by the other reviewers, the buffalo fries were yum! we weren't planning on getting it but the table next to us had an order and the pungent yet attractive aroma of buffalo sauce + blue cheese kept wafting over to our table so we finally caved and added it to our order. The other starters we got were the summer fruit salad, bbq shrimp, and the ahi. All were quite tasty. For the main course, 3 of us got the braised short ribs (!) and hubs got the lamb. The short ribs could have been just a little bit more moist but as far as short ribs go, they were definitely one of the better ones I've had. I also like the celery salad that came with it- nice way to balance the richness. There was a LOT of meat- so for all you hungry men out there- this dish is for you :) For dessert, hubs and I had the guiness gelato (a little bitter, but we found that interesting) and our friends got the carrot cake / cheese cake - had a bit of that and it was delish. Rich but not overwhelmingly so.. the cheesecake had a lighter than your typical cheesecake which I thought was nice. Oh, and our server was great too. She also helped us get into the Roof after our dinner which as usual, had a line that I normally would not care to wait for. (This should be a separate review but just a side quickie- while it is annoying that there is ALWAYS a line for the Roof, once up there, I have to say, they did a great job with the space! I especially like the smaller outdoor space on the other side of the main one. Quieter nook with great views, made me think of the thompson in ny...)
(4)
Danielle S.

My fiancÃ© and I were planning on reserving a block of rooms at The Wit- but after our bar experience at State and Lake, I am really glad that we are taking our business elsewhere. We came to the bar (did not order food etc.) after a night out at the Chicago Theatre, and were treated rudely by both bartenders. The 1st bartender when I asked for a drink menu said to the other, "well, so much for last call." Then, when I asked the other bartender what beers the two gentlemen were having (sitting right next to us in very distinct glasses etc.) and his curt reply was "there's a lot of beers at this bar" - geeze, thanks. I can pay $10 a drink and be treated a lot better elsewhere.
(1)
K M.

Truffled mac & cheese. Just do it. You will thank me (and the other reviewers who are giving you this very important tip). This is really all you need to know. Yummy birthday treat for me. But just in case that isn't enough for you- they have redone the whole menu since I was last there. I had the turkey panini, which was fine (and comes with a little salad which was actually tasty); also at the table were the burger (quite large, lots of fries) and the arugula salad (seemed to be well-received). Seriously though, why waste room in your stomach on anything other than the mac & cheese? Come on now.
(4)
Vernon A.

Had breakfast. First, this is a pretty place. Great design. Second, we had attentive, prompt service. I saw the reviews of poor service but honestly i had quite the opposite experience. Third, I truly enjoyed my breakfast. I have had several bad egg white omelets of late so it was nice to get a good one. I liked my potatoes and my yummy sour dough toast. Fresh squeezed juice and fab-o coffee. It is not an inexpensive place but it is a very good breakfast, imo.
(4)
Brendan O.

Great atmosphere, good food, a bit up tight but not without merit. I went to State and Lake for Birthday drinks and stayed for appetizers. I tried the lamb chops and the summer salad and both were exactly what you might think they would be. I also tried the bone marrow which has since been removed from the menu for very good reason. How bone marrow has become a delicacy is beyond me. It was awful! Cocktails were great! They serve half glasses of wine so you can make your own flight for $12 and that is a deal.
(3)
Anupama A.

Fun place for beer and bar-ish food. Great decor, reasonable prices considering a restaurant in the Wit hotel. We got beer flights which were fun. The beers were interesting and mostly microbrews. I ordered the fancy grilled cheese which came with soup. It was seriously one of the best grilled cheese/soup combos I have ever had, and was about $10, not too pricey for the quality.
(4)
kyleen f.

Awesome atmosphere, great tasting food and pleasant staff. Great new start for State & Lake. It was an easy place to take clients over lunch - quick and attentive service. I had to keep myself from licking the plate and the carrot cheesecake was perfect.
(4)
Carolyn B.

WARNING: if you are a fan of their buffalo fries they changed them and not for the better. rather than being doused in buffalo sauce they are now coated in buffalo seasoning aka there aint nothing buffalo about them. major downgrade.
(3)
Si R.

The feel is tavern-like, but modern, and very airy. I liked the atmosphere in here -- both for brunch and the late-night bar crowd. The steak n' eggs I had wasn't the most amazing thing I had, but I'll give them props for being (somewhat) affordable, considering it's in a hotel. The bar, however, stocks an impressive selection of Midwestern craft beers, something very few hotels (boutique or not) can claim. The bathrooms were really cool, too.
(4)
c d.

Stopped in for a few drinks and appetizers. The service was great, everyone was very helpful - our waitress helped us make our selection. The gimlet was delicious. Peanut crusted wings served with peanut sauce we excellent, as were the duck tacos. The crab dip was OK, but WAY overpriced at $15. Good experience, will give it a try again.
(3)
Cristina M.

I'll say from the start that I did not have the food, so this review will focus on the bar service. I recently joined some friends for a quick after work cocktail at the State and Lake bar. My friends had already been served their drinks by the time I arrived, so I was pleasantly surprised when the server came straight to our table seconds after I was seated. When she arrived she asked "does anyone need another drink?" and then quickly answered her own question "No, I guess not" and walked away before I could respond. I finally got her attention and ordered a Champagne Cocktail. She said "oh, you want champagne?". I explained that a Champagne Cocktail is a mixed drink. She then asked what was in it - just in case the bartender did not know. I gave her the ingredient list which includes Angostura bitters and she was off to the bar. A few minutes later she comes back holding a bottle of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce and a bottle of Tabasco and explains that they don't have bitters, but would it be okay if the bartender used one of these instead. I immediately ordered a the same drink everyone else was having. I can understand that the bartender might not be familiar with a drink, but please have a bar tending guide available. Needless to say, I will not go back for a cocktail!!!
(1)
Ada L.

I went with a friend to State and Lake on a Saturday evening (early -around 6:00) for some appetizers and drinks before seeing a play. I was very impressed. After reading some of the reviews, I was prepared for a mediocre experience, but it turned out to be very pleasant. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent. I had a couple glasses of delicious wine and my friend tried something off of their wonderful beer list. For appetizers we had a beet and fennel salad, crispy oysters, and smoked almonds. All were very delicious. I'm excited to go back - it's hard to find the combination of good service, good food, and good drinks in the Loop.
(4)
Kelly K.

I was meeting a friend for lunch and needed something quick and easy. This hit the head on the nail. The salad was tasty and they even substituted the blue cheese for goat cheese :). Sometimes it gets crowded for lunch, so make reservations if you can.
(3)
Mitch Kim D.

Had dinner here and a couple of breakfasts. (staying at the hotel) the menu is limited not a whole lot of choices but food is decent. for dinner i had the skirt steak over spatzle with candied beets on top. steak came out cooler than i like it. i prefer it to be sizzling but that is just me. the spatzle was good and the sliced beets were also very good. breakfast was just bacon, eggs and hash browns. bacon eggs were good but the hash browns are excellent. also got a hot chocolate one morning thought it was kind of pricey but was large and very good and frothy.
(3)
Joe R.

I met my brother here for lunch recently and we decided to split the Lobster Club and Short Rib sandwiches. Both were tremendous and it was great to sample two of the lunch menu items. I also recommend getting the mini wedge salad for your side dish and trying the Escarole soup (with sausage & white beans) while it is the soup du jour. I have also been to State & Lake for drinks and they have a fantastic selection of draft & bottled micro-brews.
(4)
jessica m.

the husby and i dined here before a late show across the street at the chicago theatre. the truffle mac and cheese was by far the best dish of the evening. i would order it again in a heartbeat. everything on the menu looked good, but the dishes we ordered fell a little bit short. we ordered the potsticker salad and the bbq burger based on the recommendation of our server. the potsticker salad was overloaded with wonton strips and only had three potstickers, which we felt were a bit soggy. the bbq burger had way too much blue cheese (and we are blue cheese lovers) and not enough bbq sauce to balance it out. the fries that accompanied the burger were really good, but we would have loved the option to substitute either the buffalo fries or the truffle fries at an additional fee. the service was pretty spotty. our waitress seemed to keep disappearing. we waited quite a while for our drinks to arrive, and had to ask twice for some water. overall, s&l is more like an upscale sports bar than a nice restaurant, which is not what we were expecting. the food was decent, but i wouldn't run back here anytime soon.
(3)
Bob B.

Food was overpriced and undertasty. Bartender was too busy talking to his "Brahs" than helping me out - guess I wasn't hip enough. Pass.
(1)
Serge O.

Just "meh". Cocktails were bland, food was bland, atmosphere was dull. At least prices weren't too silly. But $50 for a quick dinner for two could go much further somewhere else - hit the Gage and order their simple burger and a good beer and you can pay the same amount for a much nicer experience.
(2)
J P.

The food here is decent, but the service is so bad that I'll never go back. Tried it twice, thinking maybe the first time was a fluke, but the service was still horrible the second visit. The first time I went to State and Lake, we sat at our table for at least 25 minutes, and no one even acknowledged us. No waitress, not even someone to fill our water glasses. Finally had to flag someone down, and only then did someone come by to take our order. The second time the waitress came by fairly quick to take our order, but then disappeared. Eventually had to flag someone down to fill our water glasses, and had to wait 45 minutes for our food (2 salads!) to arrive, which was unacceptable.
(1)
K W.

Meh. It really wasn't bad. . .but I wouldn't go back. Our waiter was pretty uninterested in us, bordering on rude. The salad was just lettuce, and had such a light dressing that we initially thought there wasn't any dressing at all. I was the only person at the table who liked their food; I thought the lobster roll was pretty solid so they get two stars from me. No stars from my lunchmates I fear.
(2)
Amanda Z.

honestly did not expect much from this restaurant since it's new and i didn't like the food at the Roof. i was VERY pleasantly surprised when i went there for lunch today. sat at the bar because the place was packed - i was surprised. first good sign...then, the bartender asks us if we want to sample any beers, and what are our fave beers. what??!! aites!! so we sip sip on some brewed goodness and get us a nice glass of ale each. already like this place. next thing we know, other bartender (Virginia) comes over introduces herself, asks us OUR names, and takes our order. this is great, friendly, personal service that makes you want to go back. i ordered the Cuban pressed sandwich. this was jamon heaven in my mouth! so wonderful, warm and soft...with a side of buffalo fries that literally sent me over the edge. whew! fries slathered up like chicken wings - buffalo sauce, blue cheese and some dressing! i can only imagine how great these fries would taste at 2am on a Sat night! my friend ordered the pulled chicken sandwich and it was very tasty as well - such great, soft bread and chicken that melts in your mouth. not AS good as my cuban sammy, but a good runner-up. overall, great food, great service, will def be going back for more!
(4)
Brant S.

Went to State and Lake for an after work dinner with my buddy. The location, in the W, is very handy for theatre and shopping and public transit. We got there about 5:30 and they seated us immediately, despite being in set up mode for an event coming in that evening. Service was attentive and appropriate the whole time. The lighting was darkish, in that dark wood classic-modern style; tables tight together, but the noise level was on target to keep conversations private; you could talk at not much more than normal conversational volume and be fine. I liked the feel of the place. The food, however, was a let down. 9 dollars for a Belgian beer, OK, but what's with the short snifter's worth of a pour? The onion rings - a basic test for every place from grease dripping diners to high art kitchens - were bland, more greasy than crisp, and to paraphrase Woody Allen - the onion rings were mediocre, and there weren't enough of them! I ordered a bacon cheese burger, medium-rare. It was a smallish handful, came well done and the cheese was noticeable by its scarcity. I actually forgot it was part of the sandwich 'til I hit the couple of bites near the end. The bacon was sweet, which I guess is a trend, and I can't hold that against them, but be warned. It seemed too sweet to go with the rest of the flavors, more like candy than bacon. The fries were just OK. My buddy had the BLT with fried egg, which I guess is a turnabout on all the joints serving burgers that way. The egg (2 of them, over easy) was cooked hard enough that the yolk was solid. Less messy, and maybe the cook's intention, but where's the flavor or the fun? The fruit cup he got instead of fries was a small (sensing a theme in this review?) ramikin of diced bits that looked brown around the edges. I don't mean to grouse, other diners around us looked satisfied, or were just eating without paying attention to the food. Overall, we tried the basics and came a cropper, so I'd be looking for an alternative before I go back.
(2)
Tio S.

I had a great lunch experience at State & Lake. We started with the tomato and mozzarella appetizer, and it was aboslutely delicious. Green, heirloom tomatoes and fried mozzarella - you can't go wrong! The portion was just enough to share, but left us wanting more as it was so tasty. My guest and I split two entrees: the cheeseburger platter and the Cuban pork sandwich. Both were excellent, and the portions were huge. The shoestring fries that accompanied both sandwiches were very flavorful and tasty, and not too greasy. They give you a lot of fries on one plate, enough to share, so I would only recommend one side of fries for 2-3 people. The service was good, and our waiter was very friendly. He talked us into a heath bar dessert that was amazing. I'll be back again, for sure - and maybe have a drink at Roof after dinner.
(3)
Rachel B.

So just had lunch with co-workers and all thought the food was ok, nothing special though. The Buffalo Fries had good flavor but were a little too soggy. Seemed like a good idea in theory but didn't quite deliver what was expected. The lobster roll was really good, think of something similar to a tuna salad sandwich only with lobster instead. However, the chips that came with the lobster roll weren't good at all. Tasted like burnt potato chips with very little seasoning. Gumbo got sub-par rating from co-worker, French Onion Soup good but really cheesy. Everyone liked the Mexican Chopped Salad but didn't seem too crazy about the Short Rib Panini. All in all a decent work lunch but not great by any stretch of the imagination.
(3)
Adam S.

We have a failure here and I do not expect this place to survive. It will depend heavily on people that accidentally go there thinking it is the Roof Bar in the Wit Hotel, or people actually staying at the Wit (Doubletree spliced with W Hotel). This is a restaurant akin to any you would find in the lower level of a Marriott or Sheraton near an airport in Cleveland. Small, dark, loud, and average.
(2)
Madelyn H.

i'm between a 3 and a 4. what pushed me back to a 3 was the prices. i guess given that this is in a hotel, i shouldn't have been surprised by the prices but i was. the food was good but i wasn't blown away even though everything sounded delicious on the menu. the pluses: great beer list, interesting combinations of food, new takes on classics and delicious desserts. the minuses: the food didn't taste as good as it sounded and the portions were small, which would be fine if the prices reflected that. we had the beer cheese with pretzel crostini, mussels, fritters (kind of like fish sticks) and chips. the highlight of the meal was the dessert. we had the sticky toffee pudding with butternut squash ice cream. awesome! must try: sticky toffee pudding with butternut squash ice cream
(3)
Patty S.

We went to check out the beer. They have a good beer selection. I suggest getting the sample flights. Good prices for generous servings. Bartender was very knowledgeable. Only downside, is that they close so early-midnight.
(3)
Phil G.

Sort of went by mistake, thought we were going to Cibo Matto, but really enjoyed the flatbread, the chicken had huge flavor. Atmosphere is a bit dark, but we're going back for sure.
(4)
crystal h.

If there are two things I know and love, they're french fries and beer. State and Lake wins for both. First, the fries. Its enough for two ($5!) and comes with cute tiny heinz ketchup bottles. Heavy on the pepper, crisp and basic - delicious. Next, the beer. As any beer geek in the loop knows, there's no where for beer geeks in the loop. It saddens me, as I work in the loop. A decent happy hour that includes domestic and local microbrews is at least 15 mins away from my office, and that's if you don't mind dealing with the douche-baggery over at Clark Street Ale House. This place doesn't even have the cruddy stuff on tap - I love it. Avery IPA, Left Hand Milk Stout, Dogfish Head 60 min, Allagash, and Old Rasputin, among others. Yeah, that's right, I said Old Rasputin - ON TAP. Dude, Hopleaf doesn't even have Old Rasputin on tap. And all this a mere block from the office. Yes, please. Beer in the loop just became a little less lame. Our bartender Jimmy was super friendly, remembered our names and is a certified cicerone. He loves chatting about beer and giving samples. 3 (delicious) beers, one order of fries ran us $22. Will most definitely be back.
(4)
M M.

This place is great. I go to lunch here with my coworkers as well as clients and the ambiance is perfect. I have always been pleased with my meal and I agree with just about everyone else, the buffalo fries are to die for. I also am a BIG fan of the salmon entree. It is actually the best salmon I have had in my life! The sauce is perfect and I love how they ask how you would like it cooked (I prefer medium). I tried the same dish at Cafe Coco Pazzo and it fell flat compared to S&L. I would definitely suggest this restaurant to anyone for lunch or dinner.
(5)
caroline k.

They really have to fix the service here. Came in early on a Friday evening to a partly filled restaurant, to enjoy a leisurely bite with 2 friends. In the first 5 minutes of being seated, our waitress must have come by 5 times asking if we were ready - and every time we told her, we need a few minutes, had just been seated. I didn't understand what the rush was as there were plenty of tables and no waiting parties up front. Food was fine - we had the calamari steak, cheeseburger, pork over polenta - but the service was just extremely irritating. We hadn't even finished eating when she put the check on the table, then resumed to coming by every minute to see if we had paid. What was nice was the GM swung by mid-meal and asked if everything was alright - but as I was mid-bite didn't get a chance nor did I feel it was the right moment to lodge my complaint. Regardless, this place has some work to do.
(2)
A K.

Ambiance was great. Service was outstanding. Food was just OK. The appetizer of seared scallops on summer succotash was probably less than OK. The scallops didn't smell right (too fishy) and the summer succotash was a bad accompaniment. My pork shoulder with mac and cheese was OK. Cavatelli or some homemade pasta in the mac and cheese was good, but not great. My friend's steak was fine, but the wild mushrooms underneath it were better. Wouldn't go back except for a drink at the bar.
(2)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : theWit Hotel,201 N State St
Chicago, IL, 60601
Phone (312) 239-9400
Website https://www.stateandlakechicago.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :6:30 am - 11:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

State and Lake Chicago Tavern

theWit Hotel,201 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601

State and Lake Chicago Tavern Menu

Starters

Burgers

Sandwiches And Tacos

Entree Salads

Specialties

Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for State and Lake Chicago Tavern

Starters

Burgers

Sandwiches And Tacos

Entree Salads

Specialties

Dessert

Jennifer H.

Kara D.

Tim K.

Susan F.

Missy C.

Marni P.

Stephanie S.

Jennie D.

Tiffany C.

Laurie L.

Gretchen O.

Amy H.

TimmAnnie I.

Andrew B.

Paul W.

Victoria C.

Pete B.

Daniel C.

Ben B.

Jackie C.

Jamal S.

Tiffany H.

Giselle G.

Leif F.

Brianne B.

Sharyn M.

David A.

Bill T.

Cindy H.

Mahsa T.

Mary S.

Rebecca C.

Liz K.

Tay H.

Bobby M.

Sam S.

Jennifer G.

Layla R.

J M.

Brad S.

Katie K.

David K.

Mario D.

Geo J.

Steve A.

Ron R.

Jami J.

Melissa M.

Suzanne Z.

Mike Z.

Hilary O.

Daniel S.

Kimmie R.

Emily J.

Susan C.

Rie C.

Jason J.

Mike Q.

Norm J.

Neema P.

D. S.

Francis K.

Tara M.