The Pump Room
3.3
from - Neighborhood: Gold Coast
- 1301 N. State Pkwy.
- Chicago, IL 60610
- 312-266-0360
- Price range: $$$$ ($26-$30)
Located in the Ambassador East Hotel on the Gold Coast, the resplendent Pump Room has had its ups and downs over the years. The menu, designed by executive chef Nick Sutton, features imaginative contemporary American cuisine with subtle French influences. Start with appetizers like foie gras au torchon, with quince marmalade and brioche or a braised veal cheek and sea scallop with truffled potato puree and smashed English peas. Entrée options include choices such as seared ahi tuna with braised winter greens, sausage ragout and smoked tomato aioli, and braised bison short ribs with parsnip puree, root vegetables and natural jus. Dessert specialties include bananas Foster, baked Alaska for two and an artisan cheese plate.
The dining room retains its air of old-school opulence; Limoges china, crystal chandeliers and the familiar wall of celebrity photographs add to the ambience. Pole position is, of course, Booth One, perhaps Chicago's most enviable seating reservation.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- State and Goethe.
- Parking:
- Paid Lot, Street, and Valet. Valet Parking: $10
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 151 Sheridan. Red Line Train: Clark and Division.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Including restrooms.
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Monday through Friday; 7a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Brunch: Sunday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Late-Night Bar Menu: 10 p.m.-close Monday through Sunday.
- Cuisine:
- American Contemporary, French, and International Fusion
- Meals Served:
- Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Dessert, Dinner, and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$$ ($26-$30)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Strongly recommended; required on weekends.
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar. Extensive wine list.
- Smoking:
- No
- Bar Style:
- Cigar and Lounge
Features
- Carryout:
- No
- Live Music:
- Yes. Piano on Wednesday; jazz quartet on Friday and Saturday.
- Features:
- Late Night and On-site Merchandise. No catering. Premium cigars at bar.
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities
- Specialties:
- On-site smoked salmon; hand-made chocolates.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- Booth and table seating for 160; bar area seats 30
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Rate The Pump Room
"what happened?"
By hotmammajamma from wicker park, September 6, 2008
Having been there many times I can say that in recent months the place has lost some spirit. The food is still great, maybe some of the best in th...
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"This is not what Bob Hope would have been used to"
By RPD from South Loop, July 4, 2008
Went for lunch with a group--we were the only people there, the food was subpar, and trays of ketchup were the only items on the table. I would no...
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"A wonderful evening!!!"
By Kris T from UpTown, June 19, 2008
Last night, my husband and I went to The Pump Room and it was fabulous!!! Start to finish, the experience was first rate. The cocktails were perf...
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