The Ives

J Jules Geisler 9 reviews August 2026

I highly recommend this unique and amazing gem of a restaurant in the heart of downtown Chicago. We felt like we were being transported back in time by the historic architecture and the mid-century vibe of the dining room with beautiful old woodwork and cozy, curved booths. The relish cart is a foodie adventure in itself, and the prime rib and the pork chip schnitzel were outstanding. We were too full for dessert but I'm sure those are amazing, too.

E Elizabeth Karako 9 reviews 7 July 2026

We had a dinner reservation while on vacation and loved it! The food was delicious and the service was top notch. The tables were not too close together--it was possible to have a conversation at a reasonable volume. My husband raved about the pork schnitzel, cocktails were delicious, and the ambiance was gorg. Vibes for days! Definitely coming back if we're in town!

E Edward Thurmond 104 reviews · Local Guide 5 July 2026

The Ives has taken over the space formerly occupied by the Cherry Room, and it is a beautiful transformation. The entrance is tucked away in the corner of the game room, creating a bit of anticipation before opening into a warm, inviting dining room. The space features an impressive bar, comfortable booths—including several large round booths that easily accommodate six people—and a dark, lodge-like atmosphere that feels elegant without being overly formal. The menu is built around its signature tableside-carved Wagyu Prime Rib, and it absolutely deserves to be the centerpiece. The beef was cooked perfectly, incredibly tender, and packed with rich beef flavor. It was one of the better prime rib presentations I’ve had and well worth ordering. We also sampled several other dishes. The Waldorf salad was fresh, crisp, and well-balanced with apples, celery, hazelnuts, and blue cheese, making it an excellent start to the meal. The French Dip was enjoyable with good flavor, although it didn’t stand out as much as the prime rib. The pork chop schnitzel was nicely seasoned but a bit tougher than expected, while the filet mignon was beautifully prepared and flavorful, though it arrived just slightly cooler than ideal. Service throughout the evening was attentive and professional, and the overall experience felt polished without being stuffy. While there were a few small execution issues with some of the dishes, the quality of the prime rib, the inviting atmosphere, and the overall concept make The Ives a welcome addition to the space. If you’re visiting, I would strongly recommend making the Wagyu Prime Rib the centerpiece of your meal.

M Melissa Yarbrough 10 reviews July 2026

Had a phenomenal meal at the Ives. Atmosphere was elegant yet cozy. I personally LOVED the relish cart and it felt like a little food adventure especially when I didn’t know what to expect.

S Sarmat Khabalov 6 reviews 28 June 2026

Our experience at The Ives was absolutely incredible. The food was amazing, with very unique and memorable flavors. We loved everything we tried, but the Alaskan Halibut and the Ives Potato deserve special recognition, they are absolute must-haves. The desserts were out of this world, especially the Choco-Lady and the Banana Handshake. I also want to give a special thanks to our server, Kelly. She was very knowledgeable about both the history of the location and the menu itself. She was kind, professional, and truly took the entire experience to the next level. Highly recommend!