Sophie’s

Situated on the 7^th floor of the Saks Fifth Avenue building, Sophie’s is truly the quintessence of elegance and charm located on the the Magnificent Mile.
We came here for a late lunch/​brunch on Sunday afternoon and found there to be no wait. The view is spectacular. You can see Lake Michigan off in the distance and it’s truly a serene location to have a peaceful lunch. Unlike the rest of the tourist traps on Michigan Avenue, you most likely won’t find long waits and a loud noisy atmosphere.
The menu is seasonal and is always changing. I was trying to decide between what soup to order and the waiter was kind enough to bring a sample. We ended up ordering the egg white scramble and the chicken avocado club. Both items were delicious and satisfied our brunch craving quite well.
I’m curious to try Sophie’s out for dinner as well. It’s a must try if you’re in the area and want a nice upscale dining experience.

Took the bartender 15 minutes to enter in our food order after sitting at the bar watching him take 10 minutes to make 2 cocktails without a greeting. (NOT BUSY) My fiancés meal was good. Unfortunately my little sandwich was burnt yet cold. For $ 17 I was hoping my slice of toast and tuna would be better. Was certainly disappointed in our small but overpriced lunch. One star for not messing up the bottle of beer!

Worth eating here for the view alone, but the food and service happened to be great as well! (chicken and waffles was an A+). It’s a nice balance between casual and upscale dining, the small dining room is tucked away on the 7^th floor of Saks and has a hidden away feel which is nice after walking the busy streets below.

Tucked away in a little corner on the 7^th floor of Sak’s is Sophie’s. While I had a nice lunch with my friend… The service was mediorce, the food not exceptional, the décor winter white sterile and Sophie’s is somewhat pricey. It was all just OK.

Drinks were amazing. The bartender was very nice. You have to try the glazed chicken tenders. I also had a Moscow mule which was Delish.

It was just OK. Entirely too over priced for what you get and the ambiance was nothing special. I suppose I understand the folks coming (shopping) here have a lot of money to waste, but it wasn’t worth it in my book. Would rather find somewhere else on the streets of Chicago to grab a much better lunch.

I don’t understand all those five star ratings. While the restaurant is attractive, and modern in Décor, the prices are expensive, the food not exceptional, and service mediocre. My friend and I each ordered a soup to start and we split a salad and sandwich. My tomato soup was average. Then when he brought the sandwiches and salad we had to ask for rolls or crackers. He brought some very thin and hard, tasteless flatbread. The lobster and shrimp roll Sandwich was extremely salty. Our server never came back to refill our water and as the restaurant was maybe 20% full, he certainly wasn’t busy. Finally, we had asked for a specific table when we arrived. The hostess told us it was reserved. When we left an hour and a half later it was still empty. Saks, get your act together or your restaurant may not be long for this world.

There are so many thorough reviews here that I completely agree with — there isn’t much more to add but I’ll try to do so without being redundant.
1. Atmosphere — cozy, quiet, clean, elegant, with a nice view of the water tower district; it’s kind of on the small side and is strangely placed inside the saks
2. Service — great, fast, courteous — we brought a 8 mo old and they helped all 3 of us enjoy our time there. Being our first time there they took time to make recommendations for meals and were patient with all of our questions
3. Food — damn.good. I had the french onion burger w/​truffle fries and it probably was the best burger/​fries combination i’ve ever eaten. sweet, salty, juicy — there’s a lot of flavors that play around in your mouth and they all go together well. ordered the crab cakes as an appetizer and it was better than the crab cakes i had in maryland. it comes with some kind of tomato-​ey sauce on the bottom that really goes well with the crabcakes.
4. Cost — a bit on the pricey side and I don’t really dine in the city much so I don’t know what else to compare it to, but for a quiet in and out this place is hard to top.

My friends and I were looking for a restaurant near our hotel and stumbled across this upscale restaurant located on the top floor of Saks. We were greeted and seated immediately. Small restaurants with less than 10 tables. Very modern and elegant place!
I ordered the sunny side burger: angus beef, applewood smoked bacon, wisconsin cheddar, and sunny side up egg served with a brioche bun. We didn’t wait long before our food was served. The burger tasty and full of flavor but the fries were a bit oily and salty. My friends also ordered mimosas which put some damage to our bill.
Overall, its an upscale casual brunch spot but definitely not worth it. The bill for the six of us was $ 250. (The $ 11 mimosas probably didn’t help) Decent food but I would much rather spend this money at The Publican or Purple Pig for brunch. Most likely won’t be returning to Sophie’s.

Sophie’s has got to be one of the best semi-​hole in the walls around the magnificent mile! While everyone flocks to Pierrot Gourmet or the Nordstrom Café, it looks like the small, elegant, and exquisite restaurant on top of Saks remains relatively quiet. I came here for a lazy Sunday brunch and left with a food coma and a desire to come back.
[Ambiance — 5/​5] Sophie’s is nestled in the corner of the 7^th floor men’s department of Saks. A sleek, modern restaurant invites patrons with a great view of Michigan Ave. While the décor plays towards Saks’ upscale image, the restaurant is by no means pretentious, and welcoming to everyone from families to the average joe wandering the mile.
[Food — 5/​5] Seeing as I came for brunch, I had to try the Chicken and waffles. The chicken and waffles were by far the best chicken and waffles I’ve had! Moist, flavorful waffles with crispy tender chicken… what more can you want!!! My girlfriend had the Croque Madame, and despite the resulting clogged arteries, it too was a delicious way to start the day. Buttery rich toast, savory ham, cheesy gooey goodness, a runny egg & crispy truffle fries. Be prepared to take a mid-​afternoon nap after your meal! Overall the food was fantastic, and far exceeded my expectations! nevermind that the restaurant is within a department store
[Service 4/​5] The service when we went was pretty good. There was only one server, who was fairly attentive, but also only a handful of people dining. If it wasn’t a Sunday brunch, and Sophie’s was busier, the service may be seen as somewhat slow.
[Value 4/​5] While the food was outstanding, the prices clearly reflect the ambiance & location. It’s no diner brunch, but a lot of quality for the price!

Sophisticated brunch.
I went to Sophie’s for a brunch with a friend. The restaurant is very elegant and offer a nice view over Michigan Avenue and the lake.
The brunch started with a bread basket coupled with some spreads. The selection of breads was quite diverse, although the spreads did not meet the expectations created by the description of the waiter.
I ordered the lunch special with a tomato soup, a salad, and a chicken waldorf sandwich. Both the quality and the amount of food were quite satisfactory for the price.
Service was a little below expectation for the fine atmosphere.
Recommended for a business brunch.

My boyfriend took me to Sophie’s for Valentine’s Day and I loved it. I am usually a picky eater and never finishes my food, but I loved everything I ate and was able to finish everything!
They had a Valentine’s Day 3 course meal menu. I got the Lobster Bisque, Seafood, and Berry Dessert. It was delicious. I wish I had seconds. Also the view from the restaurant is beautiful. Are can see down Michigan Ave at the Water Tower, Macy’s, and the Hancock Tower, which was lite in pink on Valentine’s Day.
Overall, I loved my experience and would recommend everyone to give it a try.

A great option in Saks! Was able to get a last minute reservation — and quality of food and selection was great! Well priced 3 course fixed menu as well! Also offers great views of the city. Worth a stop even if you aren’t shopping. We went for dinner on a Friday and there were not many people there — so you can go and avoid crowds!

What a great restaurant: food, presentation, service, view. This is the perfect place. Don’t hesitate.

Sophie’s was the highlight of my dining experience while in Chicago! Every other restaurant take notes from this, adorably quaint intimate little restaurant.
Hidden on the top floor of Saks off of the Magnificent Mile is Sophie’s: a swanky, upscale, All-​American eatery that pulls off an excellent balance between casual dining and sophistication like no other. The view alone is reason enough to check it out. Where else are you going to look down on Lake Michigan, Michigan avenue, the Sears Tower and the bustle of cabs and tourists running about while sipping coffee and eating a delicious meal in a calm, quiet atmosphere?
And the food? Works of art! I mean everything we ordered was plated almost too pretty to eat. (Note that I said «almost»). Our party started with the crab cake and calamari appetizers that were recommended to us from other Unilocal reviewers. Spot on. Flavorful, generously portioned, fresh and done exceptionally well. I selected the tuna melt, sweet potato fries and tomato bisque soup for an entrée. Sounds simple enough, but OH EM GEE. This was the best meal I had all week… and trust me it had some stiff competition in the mix while on vacation. I don’t know what kind of crack they put in that soup or sandwich or fries, but I was sold.
The service? We were greeted promptly, they took and hung our coats, and escorted us to the best table in the house alongside windows facing a breathtaking view of the city. Our waiter was polite and helpful with suggestions and was attentive without being pushy. Perhaps the most memorable about his service was when he accidentally dripped the tiniest drop of coffee on my boyfriend while picking up a few dishes from our table. He not only was super apologetic, he went out of his way to actually dampened a fresh towel to assist him in wiping it off. Above and beyond. Service like that really stands out in my book.
Best of all… one would expect (and be willing) to pay the price for such an experience, over the top service, and top notch food but no… it’s surprisingly reasonable. For appetizers, 4 entrees, coffee, and various beverages we ran up a tab of about $ 150. Not too shabby considering it was one of our highlights of the trip. Whether for a date, weekend brunch (Sundays only), or business meeting, Sophie’s is a must.

Mother-​in-​law was in town and wanted to do a special holiday lunch. We didn’t want to even attempt to deal with the madhouse @ the Walnut Room so I decided on Sophia’s and we loved it!
Located on the top floor of Sak’s, it’s a bit of a hidden gem and that’s okay considering it’s a small restaurant. We started off with cocktails. I had the Sophie’s Sonnet which was like a mimosa but with a much more refreshing taste. I had the Designer Club with the truffle fires. The club was fresh, crisp & tasty. The fries were incredible! My partner had the lobster roll and also loved it. His mom had the apple & brie grilled cheese which she also enjoyed. They surprised with a «sweet bites» platter to celebrate my partner and his mother’s birthdays. Nice touch, guys!
The only «dings» I would give Sophie’s was that staff (and a few customers) seemed a bit pretentious. And that’s fine but the manger who walked around was verging on «snooty». There was also a table of four girls next to us who ordered glasses of wine but the staff brought out half finished bottles of wine and presented them to the girls. That seemed strange to me because usually restaurants simply bring out the filled glasses. To present half empty bottles that were used for other tables and then fill the glasses at the table just seemed weird.
Aside from the snooty manger and the weird wine presentation, Sophia’s was a great lunch choice for us and we will definitely be back.

Sophie’s is a delightful intimate restaurant on the 7^th floor of Saks Fifth Ave. It’s perfect for a light meal and provides a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave. There are some great views of the lake, too, looking down Superior or up Michigan Ave.
I can’t speak to the menu too much since I was there for a private event — a light breakfast the day after a wedding. The scrambled eggs, muffins and yogurt fruit parfaits were tasty and the service was top notch, what you’d expect at Saks.
For something a little different give it a try.

Went for my birthday with a few friends.
Brunch menu is a little limited in choices, but I did get their brunch burger which was good as well as their coconut cream bread for dessert. Kids have a few plate options to choose from. The décor is elegant, yet cute.
You can stick to casual attire for dress code and great view of the east side of the city along with Lake Michigan.
This is the place to come get a spectacular view with some friends or even a date would work here.

Confession: I hate shopping. Yep, I’m a girl and I hate to shop. It feels like punishment. But I do love to eat (it’s pretty much the opposite of shopping for me), so if a restaurant I want to try just happens to be inside a store? Well, that’s okay. Generally I’m a fan of in-​store restaurants.
Sophie’s is located inside the tony Saks Fifth Avenue on Michigan Avenue, and no surprise, it’s skewed heavily in favor of a well-​heeled female clientele – the very definition of «ladies who lunch.» Now I’m not a lady who «lunches,» but I do like to eat lunch (there is a distinct difference) and I like to visit upscale places every now and then, among women who carry purses that are probably equal to my monthly mortgage payment.
The room, which overlooks Michigan Avenue, is decorated in soft neutral colors. The atmosphere is fairly sedate; lots of very chic, stick-​thin women picking at salads and talking in hushed tones.
The cocktail list was impressive, using lots of seasonal ingredients. I opted for a rhubarb basil gimlet which was highly enjoyable. Meals begin with some crisp crackers and bread, and a trio of spreads. I don’t recall exactly what they were, but there was a caponata, a flavored butter, and a third one (which may have been sweet as opposed to savory) that I didn’t get to try. It’s a nice, light starter.
The lunch menu (they’re also open for breakfast and Sunday brunch) has a good variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and lighter fare, all well-​prepared and beautifully presented.
I chose a Cobb salad, which featured mostly traditional components, which is always a welcome relief. I hate Cobb salads that stray too much from the original version. Theirs added some perfectly blanched haricot verts, which added some needed crunch. It was a lovely salad.
Dessert was also memorable: a deconstructed strawberry shortcake. A pile of juicy strawberries in a puddle of sauce, a cornmeal biscuit, and a mound of fluffy whipped cream. That pretty much sums up the dessert of my dreams.
Service was a touch overbearing for my comfort, but I’m sure the staff is trained to err on the side of «helpful.» Sophie’s is a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. It definitely earns its stripes among other department store restaurants of this caliber (Zodiac Room, Fred’s).

Had a lovely ladies lunch here a few weeks ago! I’m almost surprised Saks hadn’t opened a restaurant prior to Sophie’s. Tucked away upstairs and in the back corner of the store, the clean décor and big windows make the atmosphere of Sophie’s very pleasant and calming. The beautiful view of Michigan Avenue doesn’t hurt either!
Probably the reason women go nuts over Sophie’s is their bread service. Small trays are brought to every table that have dishes of herb butter, an olive tapanade, and a sweet preserve. Then, you’re able to choose what types of bread you’d like, whether it’s a rosemary cracker, white, or wheat baguettes. This was a really lovely way to start the meal and everyone enjoyed knoshing on the bread while we waited for our food. We ordered a variety of items, but I ended up going with the Cobb salad which was really tasty and delicious. All of the ingredients were very fresh and the roasted turkey was particularly flavorful. My dining companions went with items such as the chicken caesar, unique because of the kale and yogurt dressing, and the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Everyone was pleased and the service was nice, if not a little overbearing.
Overall, very pleasant, but pricey lunch for sure. However, if you’re dining at Sak’s, I suppose that’s to be expected. Lovely ladies lunch, definitely recommend if you’re in the area!