360 Chicago: Is a Drink with a View Really Worth It?

Thinking about going up 360 Chicago, that place in the John Hancock Center, and grabbing a drink at Bar 94, the one that’s up there? I mean, it seems like a very touristy thing to do, but hey, maybe it’s seriously amazing. So, let’s check it out and see if this whole experience lives up to the hype, and if it’s something you might actually want to spend your money on.

First Impressions: Getting to the Top

Okay, first thing’s first. I mean, you walk into the John Hancock Center – sorry, it’s now called 875 North Michigan Avenue, but really, who calls it that? You go through security, which, actually, is usually pretty quick. From there, you get in line to buy tickets, that sometimes feels a bit like waiting for a rollercoaster. Of course, if you already bought tickets in advance, then good for you; you can go right ahead. And then it’s up, up, up in the elevator. The ride is super quick. You kinda feel your ears pop, just a little, like when you’re taking off on an airplane.

When you actually step out on the 94th floor, the very first thing you see is that view, and you know, that, clearly, is a pretty amazing part. No kidding, it seriously hits you all at once. You can look out over Lake Michigan, and on a bright day, the water just looks unbelievably blue. Turn around and, wow, there is that skyline going on forever. You begin pointing out all the different buildings, thinking you might be able to see your house. The observation deck itself, yeah, it’s what you’d expect: big windows, helpful signs pointing out landmarks, and quite a few people holding up their phones, that, I suppose, is pretty normal these days.

The View: Seeing Chicago From Above

Seriously, let’s talk about the views from 360 Chicago. The place is up so high, you see, that it makes the whole city look like a toy set laid out underneath you. The lake spreads out so far, in some respects it kind of feels like you’re looking at the ocean, especially when it’s a bright, sunshiny day and the water’s that deep, clear blue. To the south, you’ve got the whole downtown area. To the north, the shoreline stretches as far as you can see, so you might start to try to make out different suburbs. You can spot Wrigley Field way up there.

A neat idea is to visit during different times of the day. I mean, the daytime view, of course, is expansive and clear, and that shows you just how big the city basically is. As the sun begins to set, the city turns all golden, that’s when the buildings really start to sparkle. Seeing Chicago all lit up at night? That’s totally something else. It’s seriously romantic, in a way. Each visit gives you something a bit different. It feels like experiencing the city in a whole new way each time, a new vibe entirely. Now, I will say, if you are scared of heights, then this is possibly not for you, right?

Sipping at Altitude: Bar 94

Okay, let’s talk about Bar 94. Of course, it’s called Bar 94 since it’s on the 94th floor, pretty straightforward, actually. That being said, I had somewhat average expectations. Tourist attraction bars usually aren’t much, are they? So, I was, very, very, surprised. First, the view, that arguably, is killer, no doubt about that. The setup is nice, a little bit fancy. The chairs are comfy, so, you know, you’re going to relax while taking in that crazy view.

Let’s get down to brass tacks. No, it isn’t exactly cheap. Then again, where in Chicago actually is? The drinks themselves, I feel, were shockingly okay. They definitely put a bit more effort into them than just your usual rail mixer. They’ve got local beers and some signature cocktails named after Chicago stuff, like your Chicago Fire. The bartenders, I must say, seemed to know what they were doing. If you are just going to do it for a soda, I guess that’s alright. It certainly makes for some cool Instagram pics.

So, let’s recap. Going to Bar 94 certainly takes the whole 360 Chicago visit up a notch. The drinks are okay, the atmosphere is seriously cool, and the view is completely unmatched. Is it very cheap? Not really. But if you’re down to chill out for a bit while staring out over all of Chicago, maybe you will enjoy it. In my opinion, it might be worth considering.

Tilt: Is it Really Worth the Extra Money?

Let’s talk about “Tilt.” If you haven’t heard, it’s this thing where a section of the observation deck actually tilts outward, so you are hanging over Michigan Avenue from 94 floors up. Some people seem to think it is seriously the best part of the whole visit, whereas others claim it’s nothing more than an expensive gimmick. Me? I would say I lean a little towards gimmick. First, you have to pay extra for it, so you can add that to your already pricey ticket. Next, the line could be very, very long. So, you will just be standing around waiting for your 20-second thrill.

That being said, I would probably try it once, to be fair. It’s arguably a total rush. Looking straight down at the street below while you’re tilted out at that crazy angle certainly gets your heart racing, you know? Is it absolutely essential? No, not at all. The views from the observation deck are good, I will say. For an extra thrill, though, if you have some spare change lying around, Tilt definitely gives you something different, no question about that.

Making the Most of Your Visit

If you are planning a trip up to 360 Chicago, here are some things to maybe think about. First off, I suggest buying your tickets online ahead of time, especially if you plan to visit when everyone else is also going. This way, you’re very likely to miss the ticket line. The time of day makes a big difference, like I mentioned. Seeing the city during daylight provides clarity. Twilight offers a spectacular transition, and at nighttime, the lights become seriously dazzling. All times provide unique pictures. Plan ahead a little for timing to optimize your experience.

Okay, this might sound stupid, but check the weather. I mean, if it’s pea-soup-level fog outside, you probably won’t see much from the 94th floor. Also, take some time checking out the displays that talk about Chicago history and architecture. You learn a couple of interesting things, really. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to take everything in, especially if you plan on hanging out at Bar 94. The amount of time probably goes quickly. Remember to fully soak everything up.

So, Is 360 Chicago Worth It?

So, to recap. 360 Chicago, including a visit to Bar 94, could be very cool. Is it cheap? No, probably not. Do you get some amazing views of the city and Lake Michigan? Positively! Having a cocktail up there adds something to the experience, maybe, too. “Tilt” is certainly up for debate; it’s cool, but is arguably also a gimmick. Buy your tickets beforehand. Be sure to pick a clear day to visit, so you will make the very most of the whole shebang.

For many, especially if you’re visiting Chicago, it offers that seriously cool, iconic viewpoint that’s hard to beat, so maybe you want to visit it.