Ceres Cafe

The crowd catered to is post (finance) work but people have heard of the deals here o you'll find a good mix of tourists and locals all looking for a good time. There is usually a large number of people waiting to come here so get here early and grab a seat.Food is average but that's not why you come here. Order a (spirit of your choice) and a side of mixer and be prepared to have your socks knocked off. Period.

As most mentioned it's not about the food here, it's about the drinks and the social atmosphere. Drinks are made well and that alone gets a 5/5. They are stiff and not made for the faint of heart!In the summer, the patio is open and they have large umbrellas for shade.We ordered 3 drinks. I got the red sangria, husband got the old fashioned and we split the mojito. All were good and we left with a good buzz.We ordered a plate of hot wings. The wings were a meager portion. The wings lacked meat and crispness. The hot sauce didn't make it any better. Another irritating thing was the service. The service would've been great had our host and server been flexible with seating us where we wanted. We walked towards a spot where we could catch some sun but as soon as we approached our desired table, our server said, "No you can't do that!" "You'll have to sit here..." It was not where we wanted to be. Staff being territorial with space didn't sit right with either one of us. Other big issues we encountered were inattentive and slow service. Aside from food and service this is one of the best places in Chicago for drinks and happy hour. If you find yourself drinking at Ceres secure safe transport home.

I have a group holiday party of 20-30 people at Ceres Cafe every year and Nick is the man. It's no work and soooo easy. Ceres Cafe in Chicago, located in the historic Chicago Board of Trade Building, offers a unique experience with its heavy pours and lively atmosphere. The art deco setting adds charm to this fifth-generation-owned establishment. With a legacy since 1967, Ceres maintains a dedication to crafting dishes from scratch.The "best kept secret in the loop" reputation is well-deserved. The hefty cocktails, excellent bar snacks, and the opportunity for people watching make Ceres Cafe Bar & Patio an ideal spot for after-work cocktails or a light supper before catching the train. Love this spot and will do this Holiday Party every year.

Great place for lunch and a drink. Pilar, working the bar, is excellent. Located at the Board of Trade Building is convenient for trading.

Went here because I saw great reviews for happy hour and felt let down. I came here to get drinks during happy hour they have a $7 margarita and was disappointed. It was so strong I couldn't finish half of it. If you like beer that might be a better option since they have $5 beer for happy hour.

The main reason to come to Ceres Cafe appears to be the drinks, which have a generous pour. However, some co-workers and I decided to have lunch here and were not drinking, and our experience was just ok. We got sandwiches and they appear to be thrown together. The amount of meat on my turkey avocado sandwich was extremely generous, but it was difficult to eat and very dry. I would return for a drink, but I would not be interested in eating here again.

They have theeee best Happy Hour and theeee best drinks in the loop hands down!! If you like to drink and love a good stiff strong drink on your way home from a long stressful ass day at the job, come here!!! They will get you what you need. They have been around forever and they're known for their strong drinks and I see why!! They stay packed and you get what you pay for here. They have a happy hour from like 1-4pm and they have beers, expresso martinis and house margaritas on the menu. When I tell you the $6 house margaritas are so good and so strong!!!! After only I was feeling real good and after two you better call a cab or be staying nearby because when I tell you two will have you straight tipsy!! And did I mention all for $12!!! Oh and you will need food to soak up the liquor and all of their bar snacks are half off during the happy hour too. I mean like if you're looking for a happy hour in the loop I guarantee you Ceres will NOT disappoint.

Years ago I met with two graduate school classmates and their friends at Ceres Café after work. Word was they were heavy-handed with their pours. That wasn't a myth. We're talking an alcoholic's dream. During that time, I had to get a large meal to counter the full glass of whiskey that I had ordered neat. Good thing it was a Friday night, too.Recently went to lunch with colleagues there. No alcohol, but a proper lunch. I had a Nashville hot chicken sandwich with chips. Unlike the real-deal Nashville hot chicken sandwich that's breaded, fried, and coated in hot sauce, you get hot sauce on the side. In essence, it was a chicken sandwich with hot sauce on the side for your own pour-over or dipping.I noticed the place is full after work. It may be because of the generous pours. For those who like to get their money's worth, this is certainly the spot for it.

I've never eaten here, but this cafe isn't really for eating. It's for drinking, and that's what it's best at. Strong drinks, good prices, rowdy atmosphere, and brusque service. It's not for everybody, but it's great for some. I always laugh reading the article about the Chicago PD chief getting arrested for a DUI. His defense was that he only had a "couple of drinks at Ceres". Anybody that's been to Ceres knows that declaration is tantamount to an admission of guilt.

Loved the happy hour specials. Great Martini!! Excellent bartender!! Had an Espresso Martini and some sliders.