Cliff Dwellers Club

In a city of spectacular views, this is among the most spectacular, not so much because of its height, but because of the perfect placement, centered on Michigan avenue overlooking The Art Institue. The historical feel of the interior has been preserved during a move from an earlier location. We had a pleasant lunch here at the start of an historic tour.

Comfortable ambience. Art work on display. Nicely prepared meals. One of the best venues to meet for a business or personal conversation.
Staff is both out of view and alert to ones need. View enhances the pleasure.

I can’t believe the view here. The food is great, the staff is friendly, but the view is pretty magical.

It makes me happy as hell to update this review. Last Saturday, myself and a fabulous man went to a completely elegant wedding ceremony/​reception for two friends of mine. It was wonderful.
This venue. I think it’s been updated and remodeled a bit, while keeping the character of the original space. The janky, small bar has been replaced with a longer bar with several chairs. Very nice. It’s now the best bar in Chicago.
The room itself looks the same, except for maybe new wood blinds on the windows, which gave the room a sleek, elegant feel. Very nicely done. The small library is the same, and still great.
The bride and groom brought their own champagne and wine, so maybe you won’t get to sip Veuve out on the magnificent terrace. But, I did, and I loved it.
The food. I was wondering if the CD staff kitchen would be catering the dinner and was slightly nervous. However, they did cater it, and it was just fantastic. An array of salads and vegetables and some delicious beef tenderloin, cooked just right. Score. The staff was friendly and great, and did a great job.
I am so happy to see this place apparently sharpened up and got rid of some of the shabby. I mean. .. a private club that caters to architects and the arts? They should have the greatest clubhouse in town!
They do. They do. I can’t wait to come back. This is now (again) one of the greatest venues in Chicago. So chic and urban.
Oh *psst* — the only flaw is they might thing about upgrading the wines at the bar. Beringer?! That is grocery store wine. .. maybe step that up just a little. But on this night, that was no matter, ‘cos we were drinkin’ VEUVE. Mmmmm.

I am disheartened to discover the low quality of management at The Cliff Dwellers Club. In very poor taste, I was refused access for even a minute to view artwork by my great great grandfather, John Warner Norton, an iconic Chicago muralist. One would imagine there would be more appreciation for the origin of their décor.

Excellent, kind, and helpful staff. Food is always marvelous. The view and the premises are lovely.

I was enjoying an excellent view from the terrace, although today was oppressively hot, I felt (or imagined) a cool Lake Michigan breeze on my face. Here, the venue for artists and musicians in the city is welcoming and relaxing.
The portraits and sculpture work remind one of an art-lover’s club, the friendly chats are reminiscent of a university discussion on the arts, an element missing in pretentious city clubs trying to appear erudite.
The bar and dining service is very attentive, and did I mention the breathtaking lake view?

I wish someone would force me to live in this space where I know I would find true happiness. Breathtaking views from all sides, sumptuously tasty food and well, what else is there in life.
Attended a surprise b-​day party last Saturday and it was fun, fun, fun, albeit the buffet area was too well lit for my taste.
I think this is a great, great place for parties and receptions and I wouldn’t hesitate to have fun there again!

«Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.» So says Martin Luther King Jr.
Personally, I think he is on to something. Cliff Dwellers is the perfect place to sit and ponder just exactly how close to perfect this statement sums our world.
A private club that is quiet, elevated, and beautiful. Old school hardwood floors lead you from the elevators to an understated area that just begs for contemplation. This space is dedicated to and for people who care about the arts and humanities.
If you are fortunate enough to have the privilege to be here, you will not be disappointed. Do not expect overstated elegance, grandeur, nor pompousness. You will not find them here. You will find an attentive waitstaff, well cooked and served food, and exceptional views. The large and sweeping view from this 22^nd floor establishment offers glimpses of many Chicago attractions. Millennium park, the museum campus, the art instiute are all offered on a platter for your eyes.
If you choose to look inward, you have the option of the terrace or comfy chairs in the reading nook. Well presented pieces decorate the room and invite contemplation. A few native American pottery pieces are also tucked away for your searching eyes to behold.
Updike sums the Cliff Dwellers Club in a simple statement. While it was not written for this space– it certainly works. In large urban cities, an oasis for thought is often hard to come by. «What art offers is space — a certain breathing room for the spirit. «
Every time I am able to partake of this space, I feel cleansed.

Utterly breathtaking view of the City of Chicago! Wow, the Cliff Dwellers Club have one of the best views of the city. I came here for a professional function I was blown away by the great patio overlooking the best part of the city. I could see the whole of Millenium Park and the Bean looked as small as the Tiffany bean necklace, just as shiny too. Turning in one direction, I could see Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Adler Planetarium. The patio experience felt like I was looking at a landscape picture found in a Chicago souvenir shop and my eyes were the camera lens capturing the scenery. I enjoyed the views while sipping on some cabernet and later a sangria and talking with some colleagues.
The food’s pretty good too. I sampled some tasty appetizers. I had a nice cucumber round topped with shrimp and dill. I ate a quiche like appetizer and a lovely beef kabob. For the dinner, I had the grilled veggies and a couscous side topped with pinenuts and dried cranberries. The veggies were cooked well and were filling. For dessert, I had a freaking awesome chocolate mousse in a chocolate shell plated with a side of fresh berries. The mousse was richy and chocolately especially when enjoyed with the double chocolate punch of the shell. Mmm, dessert rocked!
I’m so happy that I got a chance to visit this neat club with its stunning views and great company. I’d say that it was a pretty nice night.

How cool, after 100 years of high society exclusivity, I am the one to be the first to review the Club. According to the website, «The Cliff Dwellers predominantly are Chicago-​area residents who have a serious interest in the arts. Many are, or have been, actively engaged in music, painting, writing, acting, architecture, design, and related categories. Some are directly involved in arts education and a substantial percentage of the membership consists of business men and women who support the arts through their regular attendance at concerts, theater events, art exhibitions, or humanities lectures, for example, or via financial sponsorship.» I of course was invited for two events: 1) My graduation from the Rush Neurology Residency in 2007, and 2) The annual neurology meeting reunion for Rush staff. I really don’t know of another place that has such a stunning view; Millenium park in all its microscopic glory (you can see the whole outline from above) with its surrounding buildings, the art institute directly across the street, and Grant park to the south, all framed by the lake. The catered buffet has always been excellent.