“The Grand Lux Cafe on Michigan Avenue was a delightful spot for lunch. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was delicious. It’s unfortunate that it’s closing, as I always enjoyed visiting there.”
– Sarah Thompson
“It’s a shame to see the Grand Lux Cafe close. The desserts were the highlight of my visits, especially their famous cheesecake. I will miss this place!”
– Mike Johnson
Grand Lux Cafe Chicago Overview
Grand Lux Cafe Chicago was a popular dining location, situated at 600 N Michigan Avenue at Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Serving guests for over two decades, it was known for offering a diverse menu inspired by a fusion of global cuisines. Guests could enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a beautifully designed, upscale restaurant setting that felt welcoming and elegant.
The restaurant was situated in a prime location, making it a favorite among both tourists and locals. The vibrant atmosphere featured lavish decor that evoked a feeling of luxury. With an extensive selection of dishes and an inviting ambiance, Grand Lux Cafe became a bustling hub for food enthusiasts and social gatherings. Classics like pasta, pizza, and gourmet burgers sat alongside unique dishes inspired by global flavors, allowing guests to experience a culinary journey from the comfort of their table.
Despite its popularity, Grand Lux Cafe faced challenges in recent years. The permanent closure on December 24, 2023, after 21 years of operation, was a reflection of changing dynamics in the restaurant and retail sector, specifically the difficulties faced by businesses on Michigan Avenue. With a reported 33% retail vacancy rate following the pandemic, the restaurant couldn’t sustain itself in the current climate, leaving a significant void in this vibrant part of Chicago’s dining scene.
The closure was a disappointment not just for the regular patrons but also for those who had fond memories of celebrating special occasions or enjoying casual meals with family and friends. Although Grand Lux Cafe has shut its doors, its legacy as part of Chicago’s rich culinary tapestry will be remembered for years to come.
With the restaurant’s exit, many wonder what will fill the space in the future. As of now, no replacement business has been announced at the former Grand Lux location, leaving local residents and visitors curious about the future of this prime corner.
How to Plan a Visit to Grand Lux Cafe Chicago
While Grand Lux Cafe is no longer operational, planning a visit when it was open would have involved several key factors to ensure a great dining experience. First, it was vital to check the hours of operation. Like many restaurants, Grand Lux Cafe typically offered varied hours for different days of the week, making it essential to plan according to when it was open.
Reservations were often recommended, especially during peak dining times like weekends and holidays. Many guests preferred to secure a table in advance, particularly for large parties or special occasions to avoid long waits. This was also a great time-saving measure for popular menu choices that tended to sell out quickly.
It would have been wise to look into the menu before arriving. The Grand Lux Cafe offered an extensive selection, including options for different dietary needs, such as vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Guests could explore the menu online and could even make a mental note of what they wanted. This way, once seated, they could make their selection promptly.
Additionally, knowing more about the restaurant’s signature dishes and popular items could enhance the dining experience. Grand Lux Cafe was famous for dishes like their Five Cheese Pasta, Asian Nachos, and the marvelous Grand Lux Cheesecake. Getting familiar with the must-try items ensured a fulfilling dining adventure.
Besides food, it was important to consider the dining atmosphere. The Grand Lux Cafe was known for its upscale yet relaxed environment, providing a comfortable dining atmosphere for any occasion, whether it was a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner. Guests often took note of the cozy booths and spacious tables, making for relaxed and enjoyable meals.
To make the most of a visit, arriving a bit earlier to enjoy cocktails or appetizers could be an added bonus. Happy hour specials were often available, allowing guests to try out various small plates or drinks before diving into the main meal. Engaging with the staff about their recommendations could also yield delightful surprises.
Things to Do In Grand Lux Cafe Chicago
During its operation, Grand Lux Cafe was not just about delicious food but also a hub for social gatherings. Visitors could enjoy a lovely meal, plan for celebrations, and even take advantage of the restaurant’s lively atmosphere for various activities. Below are ways to enjoy time at Grand Lux Cafe:
- Families and Friends Gatherings – The restaurant was an excellent choice for family reunions, birthday celebrations, or just casual dining with friends. The spacious setting made it ideal for bigger groups.
- Casual Work Meetings – Professionals found Grand Lux Cafe a suitable spot for business lunches and meetings due to its quiet ambiance and quick service.
- Holiday Celebrations – Many locals chose to celebrate special occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving at Grand Lux, appreciating the festive decor and holiday-themed menu items.
- Food Adventures – For food lovers, visiting to taste the diverse menu was a journey through global flavors, allowing adventurous eaters to sample dishes from various cuisines.
- Enjoying Desserts – The dessert menu was frequently a highlight for many, offering decadent choices to satisfy sweet cravings. Guests can remember indulging in their famous cheesecakes and desserts, perfect for a post-meal treat.
Amenities and Facilities in Grand Lux Cafe Chicago
Grand Lux Cafe featured various amenities and facilities that contributed to an enjoyable dining experience. These included:
- Spacious Dining Area – The layout was designed with comfort in mind, boasting a spacious dining area that could accommodate both small and large groups.
- Kid-Friendly Options – Families appreciated kid-friendly menu choices and high chairs, ensuring guests of all ages felt welcome.
- Stylish Decor – The restaurant’s elegant design, complete with chandeliers and comfortable seating, created a pleasant dining atmosphere that matched the luxurious experience.
- Takeout Services – For those on the go or preferring to dine elsewhere, the Grand Lux Cafe offered takeout options, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite dishes at home or in the office.
- Online Ordering – Guests could place online orders conveniently, making it easy to enjoy their meals without the need to dine in.
Recommended Tips for Grand Lux Cafe Chicago
Be Sure to Make Reservations
Reservations were a smart way to ensure getting a table, especially during busy times. This way, you could avoid long waits, especially for special occasions.
Those planning a visit should ensure to book in advance to secure a spot during peak hours or weekends. Checking the restaurant’s policies regarding reservations also helped in planning dining experiences accordingly.
Try the Signature Dishes
Many guest favorites included signature dishes that made Grand Lux Cafe stand out. Trying the famous dishes will enhance your experience. Getting familiar with the restaurant’s popular options could guarantee a delightful dining adventure.
Taking the time to ask the staff for their top recommendations was often worthwhile, ensuring you did not miss out on any must-try options.
Pairing Drinks with Meals
Grand Lux Cafe’s drink menu offered a range of cocktails, wines, and soft drinks. Guests were encouraged to enjoy a drink with their meal or try a dessert cocktail to elevate their dining experience.
Exploring new beverages can complement food choices and create a more enjoyable experience. Trying out drink specials may lead to delightful surprises.
Grand Lux Cafe Chicago Location & How to Get There
Grand Lux Cafe was located at 600 N Michigan Avenue at Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611. This central location made it easily accessible via public and private transportation.
The café was surrounded by various attractions, including the famous Magnificent Mile Shopping District and was close to public transportation routes, ensuring that guests could enjoy a seamless dining experience.
What People Are Saying
“I always enjoyed visiting the Grand Lux Cafe. The atmosphere was great, and my friends and I loved the variety of food available!”– Jennifer Lee
“It’s a shame to lose such a vibrant part of the city. I will truly miss their desserts!”– Alex Davis
“I had some of the best birthday celebrations at Grand Lux Cafe. Wonderful memories!”– Emily Roberts
“The food was always on point, and the service was excellent. It’s unfortunate to see it go.” – John Smith
“My family used to go here for special occasions, and we will miss it dearly.” – Patricia Green
“Grand Lux Cafe was a staple for us! It is sad to know it won’t be there anymore.” – Roger Williams
Final Thoughts
Grand Lux Cafe Chicago was a cherished destination for dining and social gatherings. Its recent closure marks the end of an era for a restaurant that garnered countless loyal fans and wonderful memories. Future generations of diners will have to seek new places to create their culinary experiences. For those searching for things to do in Chicago, many alternatives remain, such as visiting the lovely shops along Michigan Avenue, exploring the nearby Navy Pier, or catching a movie at the AMC Theatres nearby.
Now is a great time to consider exploring the city’s dynamic landscape and discover new favorites. You can check out things to do near the Bean in Chicago for exciting alternatives!