The first time I visited the Walnut Room at Chicago’s State Street Macy’s at Christmas was almost 25 years ago, and I was instantly enchanted. In fact, I haven’t missed Christmas at the Walnut Room since. It’s one of my favorite Chicago restaurants to visit during the holidays, and here’s why.
Big News for 2025: After nearly 20 years, Macy’s has officially restored the historic name – it’s now “The Marshall Field’s Walnut Room” again, complete with a commemorative plaque at the entrance. This beloved Chicago tradition continues its 118-year legacy as America’s first department store restaurant, and this year brings a special Marshall Field’s heritage theme honoring the original owner of the State Street store.
Quick Facts About the Marshall Field’s Walnut Room
📍 Location: 7th floor, Macy’s State Street, 111 N State St, Chicago
📅 2025 Season: November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026
💰 Price Range: $16-$25 per entrée
🎫 Reservations: Required | Opens Sept 25 at 9 AM on OpenTable
🚇 Transit: Randolph/Wabash L stop
⭐ Don’t Miss: Mrs. Hering’s Chicken Pot Pie ($16)
🎄 2025 Theme: Marshall Field’s Heritage (green, blue & gold)
PRO-TIP: Chicago is known for its vibrant holiday spirit, and there’s nothing like the Walnut Room at Christmas time to put you in the holiday spirit. Sure, the official Chicago Christmas Tree is beautiful, but the towering Walnut Room, so large it has to be suspended from the ceiling, is a true Chicago tradition.
Why Visit
The Marshall Field’s Walnut Room isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a Chicago tradition that’s been creating family memories since 1907. Here’s why it’s worth the (admittedly competitive) reservation:
- The History: America’s first department store restaurant, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, opened when Marshall Field himself wanted to give shoppers – especially women – a respectable place to dine without leaving the store.
- The Setting: Stunning Circassian walnut paneling, ornate Austrian chandeliers, and that spectacular 45-foot Great Tree suspended from the ceiling.
- The Tradition: The Great Tree has been the centerpiece every holiday season since 1945 – that’s 80 years of Chicago holiday magic.
- The Fairy Princesses: Storybook princesses flutter through the dining room daily, “granting wishes” with their wands. Kids and adults alike love it.
What’s New for 2025
The Name Returns
After die-hard Chicagoans spent 20 years stubbornly calling it “Marshall Field’s” anyway, Macy’s made it official. The restaurant is now “The Marshall Field’s Walnut Room” with a commemorative plaque honoring the department store’s vital role in Chicago history.
2025 Great Tree: Marshall Field’s Heritage Theme
This year’s 45-foot suspended tree celebrates Marshall Field’s legacy with:
- Classic Colors: Green, blue, and gold ornaments
- Giant Shopping Bag: Oversized replica of the iconic green Marshall Field’s bag
- Frango Chocolates: Oversized boxes of the beloved mint chocolates
- Green Clocks: Multiple reproductions of the famous Marshall Field’s street clock throughout the dining room
The clock motif extends to garlands and wreaths throughout the entire room, creating a nostalgic celebration of the store’s 150+ year Chicago history.
What to Eat
Can’t-Miss Signature Dish
Mrs. Hering’s 1890 Original Chicken Pot Pie ($16)
The restaurant’s most famous dish, served continuously for 130+ years. Flaky, buttery crust with tender chicken, vegetables, and rich gravy. Visitors call it “the best chicken pot pie in the world.”
Other Menu Highlights
- Asiago-Crusted Chicken ($20)
- French Onion Soup – Classic Walnut Room staple
- Holiday Turkey – During the season with all the trimmings
- Walnut Room Salad – Fresh and crisp with house-made dressing
Drinks & Desserts
Cocktails:
- Walnut Old Fashioned (signature drink)
- Poinsettia Champagne Cocktails
- Gruvi Bubbly Rosé (non-alcoholic, $8)
- Hot Chocolate ($10)
Desserts:
- Frango Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Pie ($10) – The iconic treat in dessert form
- Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Holiday Yule Log
- Make-Your-Own Ice Cream Snow People (kids love this)
Don’t Forget: Frango chocolates are available for purchase throughout – perfect gifts or souvenirs.
How to Score a Reservation
Reservations are notoriously competitive, but here’s your strategy:
When They Open
September 25 at 9:00 AM for the entire holiday season on OpenTable
How to Book
- Download the OpenTable app NOW (before reservation day)
- Create your account in advance with payment info saved
- Be logged in at 8:55 AM on Sept 25
- Search “The Walnut Room” or “Marshall Field’s Walnut Room”
- Prime times sell out in minutes – be ready to click fast
- Use the “Notify Me” feature (white button) for sold-out times
- Be flexible – weekday mid-afternoons are much easier to book than weekend dinners
Walk-In Option
Limited high-top seating at the Wine Bar accepts walk-ins (full menu available). Check with the host, but don’t count on it during peak times.
No Reservation?
A “selfie spot” outside the restaurant entrance offers Great Tree views for photos without a reservation.
Santa Breakfast Buffets
Three special Sunday morning buffets with Santa in December from 8:15-11:00 AM. All-you-can-eat breakfast includes scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon, muffins, and more. Kids meet Santa and take photos beneath the Great Tree.
Warning: These book even faster than regular reservations. If you want this, be ready on Sept 25.
Getting There
Address: 111 N State Street, 7th Floor (inside Macy’s)
Phone: (312) 781-3139
Neighborhood: Loop/Theater District
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Public Transit (Best Option)
- Pink, Green, Orange, Purple, Brown Lines: Randolph/Wabash stop
- Blue Line: Washington stop (1 block)
- Red Line: Lake stop (1 block)
Take the express elevators near Randolph and State (in handbag department) to the 7th floor. Need help navigating Chicago’s EL? Use our guide to navigating public transportation in Chicago!
Parking
- Discounted: Randolph/Wabash garage (get validation at Macy’s Visitor Center)
- Valet: Available on Wabash
Pro Tip: The building takes up a whole block. Remember which door you came in – it’s easy to get lost.
Practical Info
Reservation Policies:
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early
- Canceled if you’re 15+ minutes late
- No guaranteed table assignments
- Party size 1-5 = standard reservation
- Party size 6-20 = large party (credit card hold required)
- Party size 21+ = contact restaurant directly
Dietary Needs: Gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available. Tell your server. (Note: Not a dedicated allergen-free kitchen)
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with elevator access
Holiday Hours: Open Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day
Complete Your Chicago Holiday Experience
While you’re at Macy’s:
- Window Displays: Free, spectacular, and worth dedicated viewing time
- Santaland (5th floor): Separate reservation required
- Seven floors of holiday shopping
Within walking distance:
- Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza (German Christmas market)
- Chicago Christmas Tree at Millennium Park
- Theater District for shows
- The Bean at Millennium Park
2025 Holiday Windows
This year’s display is called “The Most Wonderful Stories Start Here” featuring:
- Marshall Field’s green clock
- Frango Chocolates
- Animated reindeer and elves
- Elaborate gift displays
Free to view along State Street through New Year’s.
Quick Tips
✓ Book the second reservations open (Sept 25, 9 AM)
✓ Order the chicken pot pie – it’s what they’re famous for
✓ Arrive 15-20 minutes early to see the window displays
✓ Bring your camera – photo opportunities are incredible
✓ Try the Frango ice cream pie for dessert
✓ Consider weekday afternoons if weekend prime time is booked
✓ Get parking validation at the Visitor Center
✓ Plan 1.5-2 hours for your meal
Why the Name Matters
For Chicagoans who never stopped calling the store “Marshall Field’s,” this name restoration feels like coming home. Marshall Field pioneered revolutionary retail concepts including his motto “Give the lady what she wants.” His department store shaped Chicago’s retail landscape for 150 years. The 2025 name change acknowledges that connection and honors the legacy customers who kept the Marshall Field’s spirit alive even when the corporate name changed.
The Bottom Line
The Marshall Field’s Walnut Room is Chicago’s most beloved holiday dining tradition for good reason. The combination of old-world elegance, the spectacular Great Tree, 130-year-old recipes, and pure holiday magic creates an experience you can’t replicate anywhere else.
The 2025 season is extra special with the historic name restoration and Marshall Field’s heritage theme. Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th consecutive year, the magic remains. And, if the tree inspies you, you can always cut your own Christmas Tree at one of these amazing Christmas tree farms near Chicago!
Reservations open at Macy’s on September 25 at 9 AM at or on OpenTable.
EXPERT TIP: The holidays are my favorite time to be in the city, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve offers some exciting activities and things to do to make special memories.
Walnut Room Frequently Asked Questions
A: Reservations open Sept 25 at 9 AM for the entire season. Prime times (weekend dinners) sell out in minutes. Book immediately.
A: No, but there’s a selfie spot outside the restaurant with tree views.
A: No formal dress code, but many guests dress up for the elegant atmosphere.
A: $16-$25 per entrée. The famous chicken pot pie is $16. Very reasonable for downtown Chicago.
A: Absolutely! Kids’ menu available, fairy princesses visit tables, and commemorative mugs available for $5. Weekday lunches are slightly less crowded.
A: Nope. The restaurant is open to everyone.
Have you visited The Marshall Field’s Walnut Room? Share your tips and memories in the comments!
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