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 Cafe, 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 7th floor men's department of Saks. A sleek, modern restaurant invites patrons with a great view of Michigan Ave. While the decor 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!
(5)
Luca P.
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.
(4)
Will T.
Sophie's is a delightful intimate restaurant on the 7th 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.
(3)
Damaris C.
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 decor 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.
(4)
Melody W.
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.
(5)
John K.
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.
(5)
Tim L.
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.
(3)
Heli M.
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 Yelp 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 entree. 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.
(5)
Steve S.
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.
(4)
Melanie S.
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).
(4)
Stephanie W.
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!
(4)
Leslie B.
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 decor 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!
(4)
Joanne S.
What a great restaurant: food, presentation, service, view. This is the perfect place. Don't hesitate.
(5)
Adrienne T.
Although the views from this restaurant were spectacular, I wasn't blown away by my meal. We came for lunch and I ordered the grilled cheese with cappuccino of crimini mushroom soup, which was accompanied by truffle fries. My friend ordered the jumbo lump crab cake and a side of forest mushrooms. My grilled cheese didn't taste any different than my own homemade version and my fries lacked truffle flavor. I ordered the mushroom soup instead of the tomato (which normally comes with the grilled cheese) because I was told it was amazing. Unfortunately, I felt like I was drinking mostly mushroom infused Half and Half. Also, my friends JUMBO crab cake looked more MINI than anything and she wasn't blown away by the taste either. Despite the fact that the food was not worth the price, I thought the service and atmosphere at Sophie's were quite nice.
(3)
Jasmine L.
TOP NOTCH! Located on the beautiful new 7th level of the downtown flagship Saks Fifth Avenue, I would describe Sophie's as elegant and classy. Sophie's is an upscale, relaxing and elegant dining environment. They take great pride in the food presentation and have impeccable standards and great attention to detail! Way to go! This is a MUST SEE for lunch and worth every $$$!
(5)
Christine C.
drinks were tasty (blackberry mojito & hubby got something with bourbon), food was cooked to perfection (tuna and shrimp tempura), staff was amazing and engaging, atmosphere was pretty. the location threw me off but it was like finding a diamond in the rough.
(5)
Chris M.
We had an outstanding experience. The staff, the food and atmosphere were all fabulous! This was our first visit but certainly won't be our last. The brunch options are diverse and delicious. They serve a basket of breads and muffins with a variety of spreads - very nice touch. They also offer a child's menu of options.
(5)
Emann B.
I'm having a superior brunch with craft cocktails, exceptional service, in a stylin' setting. Am I at Balsan? No. NoMi? Naw. Fred's? Not even close. I'm at the super chic Sophie's nestled in the northeast corner of the best men's store on the avenue, the new spectacular seventh floor at Saks. What a fantastic experience! We started off with thick home baked slices of fresh bread accompanied by seasoned butter, artichoke tapenade, and a sweet fruit compote. Just fantastic. Next came the mushroom and truffle pita, rich, savory, golden-edged and crispy. With a side salad, this would have made a satisfying meal. Next the most perfectly cooked and well seasoned salmon: crispy skinned and meltingly rare on the inside. And the sauce? Heavenly! All well balanced by roasted carrots and potatoes. My best mate's club sammy was declared tasty and filling. Our excellent server recommended we round out our lovely experience with the coconut bread pudding. Golden sweet perfection in a cute yellow ramekin, topped by crisp sugar shards and a flecked vanilla cream. Must. Go. Back. Again and again!
(5)
Bryan E.
Dining room looks nice, but the bar is in the middle of the mens clothing area. Nice menu, attentive staff. Unless your shopping, stick to the lunch menu or as of 9/4/14 the weekend dinner hours. But the 'bites' are delicious and the bartender makes a good drink. Great whiskey and scotch selection. Fun foodie food, fun purest drinks. Worth a shot if your walkin' the drive.
(5)
Sheila N.
Best crab cakes ever! Great view of Michigan Avenue! Great place for lunch and shopping!
(5)
John L.
Tried Sophie's today for the first time. Wow very impressed! Great menu with attention to detail and very good service. Get a window table and your lunch will be even more enjoyable. We think this new dining spot inside the new Saks men's department rivals some of the best lunch spots in downtown Chicago! Bravo Sophie's.
(5)
Viv C.
Went there for Sunday brunch with Gilt coupon deal. It's a hidden gem in the magnificent mile. Really good view, quite, good quality of food, and excellent services. Lobster roll and the steak and eggs for our Sunday brunch; overall it's very enjoyable. In Sunday morning, enjoying your brunch without waiting in line and quietly elegantly enjoy each bite of food, isn't the best thing in the world? I would visit again for their brunch to start my beautiful day.
(5)
Kelly K.
Came here for lunch and was not super impressed. The scallops to start were by far the best part of the whole meal. I do have to say that they have the perfect lunch sized portions, but the service took FOREVER. And it wasn't even busy in the restaurant. I think they're trying to compete with Fred's for the upscale lunch crowd. I may keep it on the list, but this won't be a go to spot.
(3)
Comensal A.
Tasty food, nicely presented. Bright, airy space. Congenial, helpful staff. Teeny-tiny portions (to be fair, we bought the "Chef's Week" special menu, and the portions may have been downsized for this promotion). Sak's prices. All in all, good pricey fun. Standouts included "cappuccino" of cremini mushroom soup (smooth, rich, indulgent), roasted salt-crusted baby beets (lovely, well-balanced), and salmon (fresh, perfectly cooked, witty presentation with roasted veggies). Asparagus truffle risotto was also delicious, as was roasted red pepper soup with crab. Dessert, triple chocolate cake, was just OK -- and oh!, so miniscule. There's a lot to like here. The menu is very appealing, certain to have something good for every taste. The cooking was top-notch: very fresh ingredients, cooked epertly, commendable flavor combinations and balance. The wines by the glass are good choices and fairly priced. Everyone was helpful and, for the most part, showed good training and appropriate polish (our server could have been a bit more reserved, but that's no big deal). I recommend Sophie's if you're looking for a lovely $100-ish lunch for two...
Great view and service. Loved the steak! But the lobster roll was not fresh. Excellent place to relax after shopping. Will go there again soon.
(4)
Meredith K.
I felt like I was in a secret chic little spot. Great views of the city located in the back of the Men's Dept at Saks. The drawback has to be that after a few cocktails, walking through any dept in Saks can be dangerous for the wallet. As luck would have it, we were here for Chef's Week. That was totally unplanned. It is a little on the pricey side, but for $22 we had a lovely lunch. I got there a bit early so started with a bourbon smash which was sweet and refreshing. Very nice. My friend who's just getting into the brown liquors had one as well. Then we shared the salted beet salad and roasted pepped and crab soup. This is when a few glitches happened. Before the bread guy came around we were served a cup of the mushroom soup. What a delicious and happy accident! Wow that was heavenly. Then the bread guy came around where you get 3 pots of figs, butter and olive tapenade. Also delicious. Our roasted pepper soup and salad then arrived. The salad should be renamed as it really featured arugula. There were little bits of roasted beets in there but not the main ingredient as the menu would have you believe. The pepper soup was very delicious but was not as good as that mushroom soup. If you're downtown shopping and its a yucky day, you should pop in for a cup of that. It will set you right! The we shared the asparagus risotto and the salmon. Both were perfectly seasoned and spring colors! The risotto was a nice bright green. The salmon had just enough curry to enhance it without over powering it. Then for dessert we both had the chocolate cake with peanut butter mouse. WOW. It was superb without making you feel disgusting. I would come here again. Soon I hope!
(5)
Dan K.
Love love love this place. As a loyal patron of Fred's at Barney's for the last couple years, I was anxious to see what Saks had in store for us. And wow, they pulled out all the stops. The portions here are larger than they are at the competitor's restaurants (think Fred's and Zodiac) and they are more varied. My friend and I had the squash soup, red pepper soup, club sandwiches and the ice cream sandwich. All were amazingly delicious. The staff was eager to please and attentive. The location is fabulous and you can overlook all the action of beautiful Michigan Avenue while having a nice lunch. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Heather F.
The crabcake appetizer is AMAZING!!!! I order it with the side of mushrooms and it is the best lunch. Great to have such a wonderful atmosphere while shopping. I recommend Sophie's to all my friends!! You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Scott E.
The service and food were OK from a limited menu. The ambiance doesn't work; there needs to be more separation from the men's clothing department within Saks. Most of the tables look out upon clothes racks.
(2)
Jeffrey W.
The service was impeccable from the moment we were greeted by the Host Chris. The space is elegant and the food was perfect in flavor and presentation. The staff was considerate and no plates were removed from the table until they were sure our entire party was finished. My new favorite lunch spot on Chicago's Mag Mile.
(5)
Noah C.
Sophies is very classy and has romantic ambiance. My girlfriend got the blackberry mojito which was refreshing. The food was great. For starters I got the tuna avacado shrimp maki, walnut salted beet salad and a spring salad. For the main entre I got the tuna melt and my girlfriend got the cheeseburger. All very fresh and filling.
(5)
Michael H.
Sophie's is owned by Centerplate, a company with a CEO who abuses dogs. They see no reason to fire him. I see no reason to spend money on them.
(1)
Kristin R.
Crab cake is to die for and chocolate dessert was divine. Very friendly service too.
(5)
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Address :Saks Fifth Avenue,700 N Michigan Ave, 7th Fl
Chicago, IL, 60611
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Paid Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Francis D.
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 Cafe, 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 7th floor men's department of Saks. A sleek, modern restaurant invites patrons with a great view of Michigan Ave. While the decor 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!
(5)Luca P.
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.
(4)Will T.
Sophie's is a delightful intimate restaurant on the 7th 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.
(3)Damaris C.
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 decor 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.
(4)Melody W.
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.
(5)John K.
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.
(5)Tim L.
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.
(3)Heli M.
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 Yelp 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 entree. 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.
(5)Steve S.
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.
(4)Melanie S.
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).
(4)Stephanie W.
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!
(4)Leslie B.
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 decor 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!
(4)Joanne S.
What a great restaurant: food, presentation, service, view. This is the perfect place. Don't hesitate.
(5)Adrienne T.
Although the views from this restaurant were spectacular, I wasn't blown away by my meal. We came for lunch and I ordered the grilled cheese with cappuccino of crimini mushroom soup, which was accompanied by truffle fries. My friend ordered the jumbo lump crab cake and a side of forest mushrooms. My grilled cheese didn't taste any different than my own homemade version and my fries lacked truffle flavor. I ordered the mushroom soup instead of the tomato (which normally comes with the grilled cheese) because I was told it was amazing. Unfortunately, I felt like I was drinking mostly mushroom infused Half and Half. Also, my friends JUMBO crab cake looked more MINI than anything and she wasn't blown away by the taste either. Despite the fact that the food was not worth the price, I thought the service and atmosphere at Sophie's were quite nice.
(3)Jasmine L.
TOP NOTCH! Located on the beautiful new 7th level of the downtown flagship Saks Fifth Avenue, I would describe Sophie's as elegant and classy. Sophie's is an upscale, relaxing and elegant dining environment. They take great pride in the food presentation and have impeccable standards and great attention to detail! Way to go! This is a MUST SEE for lunch and worth every $$$!
(5)Christine C.
drinks were tasty (blackberry mojito & hubby got something with bourbon), food was cooked to perfection (tuna and shrimp tempura), staff was amazing and engaging, atmosphere was pretty. the location threw me off but it was like finding a diamond in the rough.
(5)Chris M.
We had an outstanding experience. The staff, the food and atmosphere were all fabulous! This was our first visit but certainly won't be our last. The brunch options are diverse and delicious. They serve a basket of breads and muffins with a variety of spreads - very nice touch. They also offer a child's menu of options.
(5)Emann B.
I'm having a superior brunch with craft cocktails, exceptional service, in a stylin' setting. Am I at Balsan? No. NoMi? Naw. Fred's? Not even close. I'm at the super chic Sophie's nestled in the northeast corner of the best men's store on the avenue, the new spectacular seventh floor at Saks. What a fantastic experience! We started off with thick home baked slices of fresh bread accompanied by seasoned butter, artichoke tapenade, and a sweet fruit compote. Just fantastic. Next came the mushroom and truffle pita, rich, savory, golden-edged and crispy. With a side salad, this would have made a satisfying meal. Next the most perfectly cooked and well seasoned salmon: crispy skinned and meltingly rare on the inside. And the sauce? Heavenly! All well balanced by roasted carrots and potatoes. My best mate's club sammy was declared tasty and filling. Our excellent server recommended we round out our lovely experience with the coconut bread pudding. Golden sweet perfection in a cute yellow ramekin, topped by crisp sugar shards and a flecked vanilla cream. Must. Go. Back. Again and again!
(5)Bryan E.
Dining room looks nice, but the bar is in the middle of the mens clothing area. Nice menu, attentive staff. Unless your shopping, stick to the lunch menu or as of 9/4/14 the weekend dinner hours. But the 'bites' are delicious and the bartender makes a good drink. Great whiskey and scotch selection. Fun foodie food, fun purest drinks. Worth a shot if your walkin' the drive.
(5)Sheila N.
Best crab cakes ever! Great view of Michigan Avenue! Great place for lunch and shopping!
(5)John L.
Tried Sophie's today for the first time. Wow very impressed! Great menu with attention to detail and very good service. Get a window table and your lunch will be even more enjoyable. We think this new dining spot inside the new Saks men's department rivals some of the best lunch spots in downtown Chicago! Bravo Sophie's.
(5)Viv C.
Went there for Sunday brunch with Gilt coupon deal. It's a hidden gem in the magnificent mile. Really good view, quite, good quality of food, and excellent services. Lobster roll and the steak and eggs for our Sunday brunch; overall it's very enjoyable. In Sunday morning, enjoying your brunch without waiting in line and quietly elegantly enjoy each bite of food, isn't the best thing in the world? I would visit again for their brunch to start my beautiful day.
(5)Kelly K.
Came here for lunch and was not super impressed. The scallops to start were by far the best part of the whole meal. I do have to say that they have the perfect lunch sized portions, but the service took FOREVER. And it wasn't even busy in the restaurant. I think they're trying to compete with Fred's for the upscale lunch crowd. I may keep it on the list, but this won't be a go to spot.
(3)Comensal A.
Tasty food, nicely presented. Bright, airy space. Congenial, helpful staff. Teeny-tiny portions (to be fair, we bought the "Chef's Week" special menu, and the portions may have been downsized for this promotion). Sak's prices. All in all, good pricey fun. Standouts included "cappuccino" of cremini mushroom soup (smooth, rich, indulgent), roasted salt-crusted baby beets (lovely, well-balanced), and salmon (fresh, perfectly cooked, witty presentation with roasted veggies). Asparagus truffle risotto was also delicious, as was roasted red pepper soup with crab. Dessert, triple chocolate cake, was just OK -- and oh!, so miniscule. There's a lot to like here. The menu is very appealing, certain to have something good for every taste. The cooking was top-notch: very fresh ingredients, cooked epertly, commendable flavor combinations and balance. The wines by the glass are good choices and fairly priced. Everyone was helpful and, for the most part, showed good training and appropriate polish (our server could have been a bit more reserved, but that's no big deal). I recommend Sophie's if you're looking for a lovely $100-ish lunch for two...
(4)Shanti N.
Impeccable service and quality at the new Sophie's in Saks. Sometimes a person wants an upscale experience as a prelude to doing some serious wallet damage. I was pleased by my lunchtime venture here today. To start, I was graciously led to a table in the back of the restaurant, in what I found to be a prime, secluded spot. This was a refreshing change from some dining establishments, where the solo diner is often shoehorned in less than salubrious quarters. The fact that I was outfitted, head to toe in Kate Spade gear most likely helped, but I would like to think that the same standard of gracious service would have held up even if I had dressed more casually. Since I had already determined that today was the day to treat myself, I ordered a glass of the Prosecco. The server managed to score even more brownie points, as he mentioned that the Prosecco was not available, but would offer me a glass of sparkling wine--of an even higher quality--at the same charge ($9/flute). I decided to sample what was on offer, and am glad that I did, as this was a superior pour. Knowing that I would be trying on a variety of dresses after lunch to find just the right outfit for an upcoming charity benefit, I opted for a light bite. This is where Sophie's really excels. Having perused the menu, and noticing a crab cake appetizer and a crab cake entrée (sandwich), I made up my mind that I was going with the appetizer portion. At no point did any of the servers look at me askance, or try to upsell me. This was appreciated, and speaks to the high level of service and customer orientation here. The crab cake was perfectly prepared and plated, and I would definitely order this again. Also, the provided bread and trio of accompaniments were inspired (my favorites were the seasoned butter and kalamata olive-artichoke spread). The chutney one might have been seasonal, but I was not a fan. I found the value here to be on par with Nordstrom Café, and without having to endure being jostled by tourists. With the prompt and efficient service and excellent lunchtime people watching, I will certainly make it a point to return here when I am looking to elevate my shopping excursions from the customary fetch-and-carry expeditions to the realm of memorable experiences.
(4)Jing Z.
Great view and service. Loved the steak! But the lobster roll was not fresh. Excellent place to relax after shopping. Will go there again soon.
(4)Meredith K.
I felt like I was in a secret chic little spot. Great views of the city located in the back of the Men's Dept at Saks. The drawback has to be that after a few cocktails, walking through any dept in Saks can be dangerous for the wallet. As luck would have it, we were here for Chef's Week. That was totally unplanned. It is a little on the pricey side, but for $22 we had a lovely lunch. I got there a bit early so started with a bourbon smash which was sweet and refreshing. Very nice. My friend who's just getting into the brown liquors had one as well. Then we shared the salted beet salad and roasted pepped and crab soup. This is when a few glitches happened. Before the bread guy came around we were served a cup of the mushroom soup. What a delicious and happy accident! Wow that was heavenly. Then the bread guy came around where you get 3 pots of figs, butter and olive tapenade. Also delicious. Our roasted pepper soup and salad then arrived. The salad should be renamed as it really featured arugula. There were little bits of roasted beets in there but not the main ingredient as the menu would have you believe. The pepper soup was very delicious but was not as good as that mushroom soup. If you're downtown shopping and its a yucky day, you should pop in for a cup of that. It will set you right! The we shared the asparagus risotto and the salmon. Both were perfectly seasoned and spring colors! The risotto was a nice bright green. The salmon had just enough curry to enhance it without over powering it. Then for dessert we both had the chocolate cake with peanut butter mouse. WOW. It was superb without making you feel disgusting. I would come here again. Soon I hope!
(5)Dan K.
Love love love this place. As a loyal patron of Fred's at Barney's for the last couple years, I was anxious to see what Saks had in store for us. And wow, they pulled out all the stops. The portions here are larger than they are at the competitor's restaurants (think Fred's and Zodiac) and they are more varied. My friend and I had the squash soup, red pepper soup, club sandwiches and the ice cream sandwich. All were amazingly delicious. The staff was eager to please and attentive. The location is fabulous and you can overlook all the action of beautiful Michigan Avenue while having a nice lunch. We will definitely be back!
(5)Heather F.
The crabcake appetizer is AMAZING!!!! I order it with the side of mushrooms and it is the best lunch. Great to have such a wonderful atmosphere while shopping. I recommend Sophie's to all my friends!! You will not be disappointed.
(5)Scott E.
The service and food were OK from a limited menu. The ambiance doesn't work; there needs to be more separation from the men's clothing department within Saks. Most of the tables look out upon clothes racks.
(2)Jeffrey W.
The service was impeccable from the moment we were greeted by the Host Chris. The space is elegant and the food was perfect in flavor and presentation. The staff was considerate and no plates were removed from the table until they were sure our entire party was finished. My new favorite lunch spot on Chicago's Mag Mile.
(5)Noah C.
Sophies is very classy and has romantic ambiance. My girlfriend got the blackberry mojito which was refreshing. The food was great. For starters I got the tuna avacado shrimp maki, walnut salted beet salad and a spring salad. For the main entre I got the tuna melt and my girlfriend got the cheeseburger. All very fresh and filling.
(5)Michael H.
Sophie's is owned by Centerplate, a company with a CEO who abuses dogs. They see no reason to fire him. I see no reason to spend money on them.
(1)Kristin R.
Crab cake is to die for and chocolate dessert was divine. Very friendly service too.
(5)