Foodie Fridays: Grand Lux Cafe - A Culinary Delight On The Magnificent Mile

Chicagoans and visitors alike know that The Mag(nificent) Mile is the place for shopping, shopping and more shopping!  Well, all that shopping will make a person hungry and there's nothing like an enjoyable meal with a fantastic view.  Grand Lux Cafe is that place.  Set above The Mile at Ontario and Michigan Avenue, Grand Lux Cafe offers shoppers and foodies alike a wonderful respite and culinary delight!

C-Style recently visited Grand Lux Cafe to find out what diners can look forward to.  Taking the long escalator to the 2nd level, we were warmly greeted by the hosts and met by the assistant manager. We were seated near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows where we could look out over Michigan Avenue at the shoppers and passerby below.

Our first server, Megan, warmly greeted us and gave us large menus to look over.  Be prepared. Grand Lux's menus are an adventure in itself!  The menu boasts appetizers, salads, main courses, speciality burgers, an extensive drink section, and a separate dessert menu!

My guest and I started with Empanadas. This flaky pastry was filled with beef, chorizo, peppers, onions, herbs and spices. We also chose the Calypso Mojito made with Bacardi Superior Rum, fresh mint, passion fruit and mango - excellent!

Megan returned to check on us and take our orders for the main course.  My guest chose the Crispy Fish & Chips - Tempura Style - served with peanut cole slaw, french fries and the house's own tartar sauce.  I chose the Madeira Chicken - sauteed chicken topped with asparagus, mozzarella, the house's mushroom-madeira sauce and mashed potatoes.

Megan advised us to consider ordering dessert along with the entree if we were interested in any of their freshly baked-to-order desserts!  The Molten Chocolate Cake, New Orleans Beignets, Warm Rustic Apple Pie, and warm, homemade Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies all take about 30 minutes to bake, so they are delivered hot and fresh to your table!

We couldn't really decide at this point, as everything sounded so good!  Megan soon bid us farewell, as her shift was over and we were introduced to our new server, Michael.

Soon our entrees had arrived and we let Michael know we'd be carrying-out our desserts later.

All in all, our experience at Chicago's Grand Lux Cafe was excellent from beginning-to-end.

Grand Lux Cafe offers a versatile menu, great drinks, great food, fast and friendly service, and a terrific view!

We highly encourage you to take a break from your shopping trip or just pay a visit to this culinary delight on The Magnificent Mile!

This season, Grand Lux Cafe is rewarding guests with a special $5 “With Our Compliments” card for every $25 gift card purchased. Now, when guests pick up a gift card for their food-loving friend or family member, they’ll get a treat in return too!

Chicago's Grand Lux Cafe is located at 600 N. Michigan Avenue at Ontario Street and offers valet parking.  The Cafe is open every day and offers weekend brunch and take-out services.  For other locations across the U.S., and to preview the menu, Go Here.


Photo Credits:  Some photos courtesy of Grand Lux Cafe Chicago
                            Additional photos courtesy of C-Style Magazine photo archives