The Pump Room: User Reviews

what happened?
By hotmammajamma from wicker park, September 6, 2008

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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 the city, but with the new management the servers have lost some heart. It definatly shows, I dont know what happened but half the reason we went was to see the happy bubbly staff and with out that I dont think I'll be going back......attitude is everything.

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This is not what Bob Hope would have been used to
By RPD from South Loop, July 4, 2008

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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 not go back.

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A wonderful evening!!!
By Kris T from UpTown, June 19, 2008

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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 perfect and the food was outstanding. Our server, his name was Andrew, knew the menu inside and out and even helped us with perfect wine pairings (I don't know too much about wine, but his choices were on point. Service was terriffic, and the ambience doesn't get better anywhere in Chicago. We sat a while just thinking of all the celebrities and all the history of the Pump Room. We will be back soon!

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Go for the food, don't expect great service
By marie417 from marie417, February 28, 2008

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For such an infamous restaurant I was expecting much more. The food was excellent. But I must say, the wine list was below par...and the service....embarrassing. By far the worst service I've had in a long time. Non-existant waiter didn't even offer, or ask if we wanted coffee with dessert. Sorry, but if I'm paying over $100 for dinner at a restaurant, I expect more professional service. The busboy and coat check attendant were much more pleasant than our pimply-faced, college kid of a server. Totally unprofessional and unappreciated. We'll be back when they hire a better service staff.

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I used to come here...
By former patron from Chicago, Il, July 3, 2007

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I used to come here every month to hear the dulcet voice of jazz singer Erin McDougald (around 2004). She was the headliner for two plus years and the place was always packed, the music was the best in town and the service/reviews/quality of the restaurant were once again what they were 30 years ago. Sadly, I returned not too long ago with friends to find a shmaltzy guy crooning to a dead room. Our service was bad, the decore looked run down and the music was a snore. What a shame.

Sad to see such mean...
By Jen from Northbrook, Il, May 19, 2007

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Sad to see such mean spirited reviews. We had a great server, a wonderful, charming sommelier and a fantastic meal. Where else do you listen to free live music, eat a 4 star meal and drink wonderful wine??? Try the Halibut with a taste of the two rieslings by the glass! World Class! We'll be back!

Two ratings that I saw...
By Monica DeLoach from Chicago, IL, May 13, 2007

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Two ratings that I saw are so right on, that I had to to a copy & paste!!! I wasn't going to leave a tip for this $160 for two Mother's Day brunch, because we could barely even get a refill on one cup of coffee. But the $25 tip was already added in. The selection was horific, the food was horrific, except for the cheese selection..... And here is the finale copy & paste, PLEASE DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE, YOU WILL FEEL REALLY BAD ABOUT IT!!

Mother's Day brunch:great seat;poor food;poor service;poor presentation-would have done better at Holiday Inn. Someone should try to save this place.
Absolutely horrific and paralyzing service from the hostess,wine steward to the kitchen: poor food quality, temperature and presentation. It was an unfortunate and embarrasing dining experience for party of (8). It will never survive.

Easter brunch:great seat;poor food;poor service;poor...
By John from Northbrook, IL, April 12, 2007

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Easter brunch:great seat;poor food;poor service;poor presentation-would have done better at Holiday Inn. Someone should try to save this place.

I love this place... please...
By Pamela from Chicago, IL, March 16, 2007

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I love this place... please fix it up, keep it open and keep the great music. Chicago needs more romantic places like this.

Absolutely horrific and paralyzing service...
By P.Borg from Chicago, IL, October 2, 2006

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Absolutely horrific and paralyzing service from the hostess,wine steward to the kitchen: poor food quality, temperature and presentation. It was an unfortunate and embarrasing dining experience for party of (8). It will never survive.