VU Rooftop — Restaurant in Chicago

Repost because they deleted my review a few months back!! So I had a reservation for 9pm this Monday for my birthday requesting outside seating. We got there and the host said the table is not available and need to be clear off, okay no problem I'll wait at the bar. Bartender was great, greeted us and offered us drinks. Roughly 9:19 I was told by the host that I should orders foods now since the kitchen about to close at 9:30 so now I'm a little bit mad, we haven't got a table, so I finally told him I don't care just sit us somewhere outside. He agrees to my request and sat us at the drinking table. One the couches was WET and the table wasn't clean. Server took our order around 9:25 and he definitely try his best to accommodate us and get us everything in last minutes so Kudos to him and his service. The next problems is the food took an hour to get out, we got our appetizer staggering in but the entrees arrive at 10:41?? As we begin to eat we were approach by the security guard asking us if we could "WRAP IT UP" since they're closing at 11pm I told him we just got our foods quite literally a few minutes ago and he proceeded to say "oh I'm so sorry about that let me get you guys some boxes" what the hell. I was shocked I get it that he wanted to go home but we literally just got our foods. We informed our server then he informed the security guard about our situation. Roughly not even 10 minutes passed by I was honestly done because the security guy keep circling around us trying to get us to leave finally I requested the bills and he was going to approach us again and our server has to stop him. It was only 11:10 honestly the latest we would have stay is 11:30 but the security guy really pissed my party off. Found out downstairs that his name is Tim. I hope the management did something about this because after waiting for an HOUR for foods and 30 minutes for a reservation request that wasn't honor and to be asked to leave at 10:50 after we merely got our foods 10 minutes prior seems like a bad business practices to me.

Again shout out to our server I didn't get quite his name but he did his best to ease...

I went to VU last night with friends for the first time and immediately I was impressed by the views! Great place to look over the city. There’s tons of seating indoors and outdoors. So that’s the good.

The bad: Took waaaaaaay too long to order drinks. There’s a main bar plus another bar near one of the patios. We sat on the patio but there was no server outside. Both bars were fully staffed. My friend went to the patio bar first to grab drinks for our group of 4 and was gone for 20 minutes. When he finally returned he said the bartender didn’t know the pricing of the drink he ordered and had to consult another bartender on everything while making our very difficult margaritas. Two more friends joined our group and went to the same bar. They also had a similar experience and were gone for over 20 minutes. For the next round we decided to hit up the main bar. Surely service has to be better there. Nope, another 30 minute wait, no exaggeration. Mind you, neither bar was super slammed so there was no excuse for the long wait times.

The music was terrible. During the day this wouldn’t be an issue but at night and on the weekend you want to hear good music. If you’re not going to hire a Dj at least consider a better playlist.

Also read a lot of google reviews about the slow service and how security hassles people over dress code. I came to this place with jean shorts and heels, typical summertime attire. I was initially told I couldn’t get in because of the rips in my jeans but then security decided to let me in after my friends arrived, which I appreciated because I did not feel like going to my car to pull a switch-a-roo in the backseat. I was nervous about being underdressed but when I finally got upstairs most people were super casual. At least I had on heels, some people had on sneakers.

So I’m giving this place 1 star for the views and another star for the security guy who decided to let me in after a change of heart. This place has potential but needs some work and better management. Drinks weren’t that great for...

Update: Adam from the management has since responded and took the time to both appologize for what happened as well as explain the steps they are taking to improve.

I have returned for another visit and had an excellent experience. Our host Danielle was very friendly and attentive, and offered great suggestions (I recommend the veggie platter and broccoli/cauliflower), and the management staff was very visible and active on the floor. I had a great time and am looking forward to going back soon!

Origional review:

I really wanted to like this place but after 2 experiences I can't recommend it.

Pro: Great atmosphere and views, great location, good vibe

Cons: The service and experience really is lacking

In August I tried to rent a private area but after calling 3 different business days I only ever reached voicemail and after 2 messages was never returned a call.

I just attended an event yesterday evening after being eager to finally try VU. After ordering a 2nd glass of cabernet, they needed a second bottle to finish the glass but took about 10 minutes to find another (long time to wait at the bar but they appologized for it being so long which is appreciated). After finally pouring the rest, I was charged the most expensive cabernet and wine on the menu ($18 compared to the $12 cab I ordered). I truly hope they did not mix two wines as well, I'm unsure. Had they clarified they ran out and it was a different wine or that there was going to be such an up charge or such a long wait, I would have ordered something else.

I again tried to speak to a manager and then reached out by phone but only was able to leave a voicemail. I will update this review if they reach out.

I have been excited to have a rooftop in SL and want to like this place, but I currently have a hard time...