The Lobby — Restaurant in Chicago

UPDATE: Had an extraordinary round 2 at the Lobby. I should also note that Nicolas (one of the Lobby managers) is an absolute all-star and a gem at the hotel. This updated experience was the best we have had at any afternoon tea. A++. I have switched my review to 5 stars!

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Very sad to write such a poor review for the Peninsula, more specifically, the high tea.

I took my wife here today, because of how much she enjoys doing high tea around the city (and the Peninsula has always been one of her favorites).

Unfortunately this time, we were both quite disappointed in the service. I should note, our server was super nice (which is why I am not including his name) and the food (mini sandwiches and desert) was outstanding which is why I did not do 1 star.

After we were seated, we waited for 20 minutes before anyone came up to us to get our tea selections. By this time, all other tables had their tea and food towers coming out. The reason our tea order was eventually taken was because I got up and snagged a manager.

To make matters worse, they were out of the 2 teas my wife and I wanted: Dreams and Fruit Garden, so we each selected a different tea.

After another 20 minutes, our food Tower came out, which was indeed fantastic.

However, after we finished all on the tower, we had to again snag someone to ask for a "refill" (allowed for high tea). That not only took quite a bit of time, but they only brought 1 each for 4 of the 5 sandwiches (the last we didn't get any). So, my wife and I had to split them. We were told it wasn't intentional, but they were just needing to make more in the kitchen (they ran out).

Very sad all of this happened. Not a very positive experience, albeit, the food was good. Image is of the first tower that was full for 2 people (vs. refill that only had 1 of each due to the kitchen...

Meh...I was wanting to love the "absolute must" of afternoon tea, but it left me lackluster and disappointed.

I took my mom and sister's here for afternoon tea. I had read all of the reviews and it just seemed like something different, fun, upscale, etc.

The Lobby is on OpenTable, however you cant make reservations for afternoon tea on there. So I had to call and talk to someone, which I dont like doing. Boo.

When we arrived at 330, the room wasnt quite ready so they pointed to a sitting area until they could seat us. We waited and saw several others getting seated. We waited and waited. Finally I started to give the server's the eye...WTH??? This is not what I expected when they charge $50 a head for tea. The hostess came over and said that our table was ready...clearly, she had forgotten about us. She even had to ask for the reservation name again. Annoying for this "caliber" of restaurant. Boo.

The tea and the food left much to be desired. It definitely tasted mass produced, sitting in the cooler for awhile. Meh. The sandwiches were disappointed. The desserts faired a little better. I did like the tea, but they didnt give you sugar, cream, etc unless you asked...which again, I find interesting. Boo.

Now the one thing that I can say that I loved was our server. He was excellent at explaining the menu, giving suggestions and trying to accommodate everyone. Two thumbs up to Eric. YAY.

Lastly, they automatically charge a 20% authorization with a credit card??? So I called because they clearly overcharged me on my account, but they stated that they authorize an extra 20% but it will only be charged the base...?? Never heard of such a thing. Boo.

I definitely think this is a SKIP...go somewhere else...this is less...

Went for afternoon holiday tea with my girlfriends on a Sunday 4:30 reservation. Leo was very friendly and attentive. We selected for 3 regular menu and a vegetarian option. I liked that there was a separate menu for the regular and a vegetarian. Leo checked if all the items on the menu were ok for us to consume. Thank you The Lobby for being inclusive about food allergies and dietary restrictions. When the food came, all vegetarian dish came on a separate tower so my friend was able to enjoy on her own. Here's what's included with $150 experience: -tea (classic, herbal infusions, or premium Asian) -glass of Tattinger Brut Champagne -tea pastries: wreathe, gingerbread man, chestnut candle stick, red velvet Santa's belt, and cranberry pate au choux. I'm not a big fan of gingerbread/peppermint "winter" season flavor type of person so personally, I didn't like the pastries. -savory: roasted beef sandwich, cucumber sandwich, organic egg sandwich, lobster & shrimp sandwich, and winter kale sundried tomato quiche. My favorite was the quiche. -traditional and cranberry citrus scones. Typically I find scones dry and not so tasty but these were good.

I went for a 2nd time with a friend and a child (girl) on a Saturday for 2:30 reservation. The lighting was much brighter. There was Mr. and Mrs. Clause for free photography. It was magical. Ray was very attentive and professional.

$85 child's menu included: -sandwiches -sweet treats -hot chocolate

Sweet pastries were very aesthetically appealing. Servers were great. I would definitely recommend holiday tea for...