A place to enjoy
State and Lake Chicago Tavern is a vibrant dining destination nestled within The Wit Hotel, celebrated for its inviting tavern ambiance and diverse menu offerings. Guests can indulge in everything from flavorful seafood omelets to life-changing Gouda fondue. The venue not only serves local brews and themed cocktails but also caters to varied dietary preferences. The staff is praised for their attentive service, ensuring a pleasant experience whether you're enjoying a casual brunch, a pre-theater meal, or a business lunch. With its eclectic atmosphere bolstered by live jazz, State and Lake promises an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of Chicago.
About the Place
Nestled within the vibrant confines of the Wit Hotel, State and Lake Chicago Tavern invites food enthusiasts and casual diners alike to indulge in a unique culinary experience. This lively tavern blends a welcoming atmosphere with a rich menu that boasts something for everyone—making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
The moment you step in, the ambiance captivates you. Dressed in warm tones and adorned with tasteful decor, the tavern exudes a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. Live jazz music often fills the air, setting the perfect backdrop for brunches with the family or pre-theater dinners. Notably, many patrons have remarked on the fantastic food offerings, including their standout seafood omelet and the Gouda fondue, which have transformed a simple meal into a culinary delight.
State and Lake's menu is a testament to creativity and variety. With everything from hearty staples like the steak burger, which is both gigantic and juicy, to lighter fare such as shared salads, there's a dish to suit every palate. And for those with a penchant for drinks, the tavern's extensive drink menu features exquisite local brews and imaginative seasonal cocktails that promise to refresh and satisfy.
While the service can sometimes have its slow moments—particularly during busy brunch hours—the staff remains friendly and attentive, often going the extra mile to accommodate special dietary needs. Patrons have expressed appreciation for this personal touch, ensuring that the dining experience is not only about the food but also about the genuine connection with the staff.
Overall, a visit to State and Lake Chicago Tavern is not just about the dishes; it’s about the entire experience—great food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a dedicated team ready to craft a memorable outing. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or gearing up for a night out in the heart of Chicago, this tavern is sure to leave a lasting impression.
“ Went here recently for Mother's Day Brunch. Very nice atmosphere with live jazz playing in the background. Service was good but seemed slow at times there were longer than what should be typical for getting drinks and the server check-ins. But overall the service was good. The food was good I had the seafood omelet which was very tasty and filling. Another person in my party had the chicken sandwich whixh looked really good but that person thought it was under seasoned. Additionally, someone had the fish tacos which they thought was very good and enjoyed the grill white fish in them. They had a special salad and dessert bar for Mother's Day Brunch. Both had very ample offerings. There were a nice variety of delicious treats on the dessert bar. Overall, my group and I really enjoyed our dining experience here and would definitely come again. Oh, forgot to mention the cocktails were good but a bit pricey. ”
“ Fun restaurant located in the Wit hotel. There’s a little for everyone on the menu and the variety of drink is fantastic. They have local brews along with fancy holiday themed spirits. The staff is very friendly and the vibe is a great tavern style. If you’re attending a show in the area, I would highly recommend grabbing a meal/drinks here before or after. ”
“ Came here for dinner with my friends before we saw a play at the Goodman Theater and everything was delicious! I didn't think the Gouda fondue would change my life, but here we are. The chicken wings are a little spicy with the hot glaze!!! Yum yum yum ”
“ Came for a business lunch! During spring, around noon. Restaurant was not busy and service was on the slower end - if you’re in a rush, you won’t be able to enjoy your meal. The atmosphere was relaxed and no loud music/easy place to discuss work. Had a shared salad for the table, and entree, and dessert. The cake was flavorful but a bit dry They do allow for substitutions and will worn to cater to dietary needs which is great! ”
“ Food... pretty decent! My steak was cooked perfect to order (medium-rare, as if there's any other way to eat a steak lol), juicy, tender, and delicious. The garlic bread fondue was dank. Was thrown a little by the fondue poured over the bread, but it was tasty nonetheless! Service... meh. My water glass was always full, which I always appreciate and expect at full service restaurants. But I don't think our actual waiter checked in on us once during the course of our meal. And we sat for a considerably lengthy amount of time well after we were finished eating. I had to flag our waiter down so we could get a to-go box and our bill. Anyway, they were really busy and I think our waiter may have been alone or didn't have much help. That may have contributed to the long wait and inattentive service. Would I return? ... Yes. Yes, I would. I'm chalking the poor service up to being busy and understaffed. I can look past that. The food was good and there were still several options on the menu I wouldn't mind trying. ”