John Hancock Building - Chicago

There really isn't much to see in the John Hancock Building, but the main attraction is the restaurant, the Signature Room on the 95th floor. This restaurant offers the best views of Chicago. I know I said that about the Sears Tower, but in the John Hancock Building you can actually SEE the Sears Tower!

The Signature Room is a formal restaurant and it attracts many people from many walks of life. When my fiance and I visited Chicago, we knew we had to eat there. After getting all dressed up, we had somewhere to go! Calling ahead, we realized that reservations could be made, but there was no guarantee for a window seat, probably the most sought-after seat of all restaurants in Chcago. We decided to take a chance anyway, so we went up 95 floors and stood in line for quite some time. Our stipulation for eating there was that if we couldn't get a window seat, we weren't going to eat there, because what's the use of eating there if we didn't have a view, right? Unfortunately when our names were called, we were told we wouldn't get a seat at the window, so we gently declined.

While we were waiting in line, however, some of the girls around us were chatting about the amazing views from the ladies restroom in the restaurant, so I had to check it out. I think there was more of a line to capture the views than there was a line for the actual bathroom. The views are spectacular from those windows, and on a clear night you can see for miles!

The John Hancock Building's Signature Room can make for a very romantic evening, and even though I didn't eat there, I will highly recommend it. The environment is great, and the views are truly amazing!

I will, however, recommend the Cheesecake Factory at the foot of the John Hancock Building. After our let-down on the 95th floor, we came down and ate outdoors at the Cheesecake Factory. This restaurant also has a wonderful environment, and probably for half the price of the Signature Room. If it's just the view you are after, head into the ladies restroom for a quick picture and then slip out, but if it's the total romance that you are looking for, the Signature Room is is the place to be! It's a win-win situation!

Tips on the Signature Room:
-Even if you have reservations, expect waiting in line on a Friday or Saturday evening.