Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge Reviews

I’m a frequent guest of the Mesler and I have to say... Anyone looking for a place to stay, eat, drink, or just enjoy themselves, please come to the Mesler at the Sophy Hotel!!! A huge shout out to the diligent management staff who ALWAYS go over and beyond with excellent service! Thank you, Michael! Thank you, Ryan! It’s so refreshing to find somewhere with great customer service...

Went for dinner, three meat eaters and a vegetarian who was happy with plenty of options. The food was good and reasonably priced and there's a good wine list with a range of prices. They also have a more casual bar menu (and the bar has a lovely long fireplace, nice for a Chicago winter evening). Street parking can be tough, but their valet parking (the restaurant is in the Hotel Sophy) is quite reasonable ($7 for two hours).

I dined Solo at the Hyde Park Chicago hotel location. I was somewhat hesitant about going solo. I was greeted by the MOST cheerful person I think I’ve ever met 🤣🙏. Her name was Taylor. She made me smile and feel very welcome. The ambience of this place is incredible. The food is CHEFS 💋 KISS. I am definitely going back and planning on bringing friends. I certainly hope that Taylor is there to be my hostess again. Her charming personality definitely makes a huge impact!! The food was superb. I dined Solo but Taylor made me feel right at home!

From the hostess to the server and everyone who walked by our table making sure everything was good, we were very impressed. At the top of my list is the lobster roll!! Yummy!

i enjoy myself everytime i come here. The workers are so inviting, friendly, and very professional. Their names are Symone, Freddie, and Reese. The food will never fail to satisfy me, the scenery is very beautiful.

April was an amazing hostess at a pretty fantastic restaurant! The food was incredible. I had the spicy chicken sandwich with house salad, Moscow Mule and lemon tart. All top picks! The service was outstanding and our servers, Alex and Don made sure we were well taken care of. The management staff was also amazing. Couldn't have asked for a better family meal after graduation! Will definitely be back!

When I say I LOVE this place I really mean it .. Shout out to Julian Valentine.. Julian went above and beyond making sure that my guest and I where well informed of the food and drinks menu options. His recommendation for food and drinks were spot on. Julian is the kind of managers add value to ANY business that's striving for success. GREAT job Mesler staff and management team. HIGHLY Recommended!!

I love Mesler. The food is delicious, the vibe is the perfect mix - great music, beautiful space - and the staff is incredible. A huge thank you to April and Janae at the hostess stand for being so friendly and making sure we were comfortable until we got seated.

Yesterday, on Wednesday, I had a really lovely bartender Who made excellent margaritas. He kept the vibe of the bar, so, light, and Fun. Everyone was ordering drinks, and he was just so pleasant and helpful. This is my second time there and my second time getting drinks. Served by the bartender Alejandro. He is very very charming, and when I spoke my drink, he was very helpful and it made me another. I definitely recommend the bar and the drinks are really really good.

Unfortunately, I'm writing a negative review, just days after a positive experience. I visited the bar, it was myself and 1 other guest sitting at the bar. The bartender Billy handed me a menu and disappeared (insight). He continued to make drink orders for other guests in the restaurant area, which is understandable to a certain degree. However, after literally 15min past, he comes take my order. I ordered a draft beer. Billy proceeded to pour my beer, then Billy stops mid of preparing my beer and starts making other drinks. My beer sat for a total of 4min before Billy finished preparing my beer. He then serves after I acknowledge jokingly that "I'll need another beer as long as it has been sitting, it's going to be warm." Giver me a beer with a header I've never been served. Does help that the beer was flat. Billy was unapologetic and proceeded doing him. It's unfortunate that I've experienced this, because I'm a weekly visitor and never experienced this. Billy please be more attentive to all your guests. It's unacceptable when it's slow and you can't wait on guest in a timely manner.

Fabulous on all counts! Thoughtful menu & superb cuisine. Warm, welcoming atmosphere and super service. We’ll definitely be back.

I live in Hyde Park, we wanted to find a venue for colleagues and friends from work. It was my first time and was EXCELLENT. I want to give a special shout out to Don who answered the phones and greeted us. He was extremely accommodating and made us feel at home immediately. Thank you, Don! Jay our waitress was also outstanding. We will be back for sure!

I Can always expect good energy and excellent drinks from bartenders Arlene and Desire. The food is tasty but pretty limited choices.

Happened onto Mesler brunch on a winter Sunday morning around 10 without a reservation. After a brief 5-10 minute wait, our party of 3 was seated. Service was very friendly and reasonably paced. HUGE stack of buttermilk pancakes, good French toast with a nice selection of berries, and tasty chilaquiles were our choices. Total tab (with side of 2 eggs for the pancakes) came to about $60 with two hot teas. Will definitely visit here again. Lovely looking outdoor patio bar area will be one to check out in warmer weather.

Great food...horrible service. Really that is all there is to it. Improve your service and you will be worthy of those prices.

The atmosphere is elegant and very inviting. The very l-o-n-g fireplace is what drew me. There is a separate entrance for Mesler or you can enter from the hotel side. There’s seating at the bar, along the length of the street side windows, and an area of low tables and chairs on either side of the fireplace. It was quiet when we arrived but gradually filled up with a mix of couples, students, families, young and older people having appetizers, working on laptops (there’s plenty of outlets), holding small meetings or simply friends gathering over cocktails. The staff are young, service-oriented and knowledgeable. The ladies room is new and the stall doors go all the way to the floor. Flushing the toilet is also a new experience! There’s one shared sink with two faucets. A very nice use of space. The Sophy hotel is definitely worth checking out and the Mesler is worth taking the time to experience it for yourself.

Teshia was amazing and I can’t wait to see her again! Teshia was very attentive and subserviant and attentive. Thanks Teshia! Can’t wait to see you again!

My wife and I were exhausted from having just moved and unloaded my son belongings into his apartment in the Hyde Park area and as we were late checking in we noticed that there was a a restaurant/bar/lounge in the lobby of SOPHY hotel. We are starved as we had forgotten to eat during the move in but it was late and they were shutting down the kitchen. We asked Thomas the restaurant's general manager if there was anyway he could accommodate us with just a couple of adult beverages and something to snack on. He took us to the bar and introduced us to Nicki our delightful bartender and then to our pleasant surprise brought us full menus and invited us to order whatever we wanted in that he he had spoken with the kitchen cooks and they were willing to prepare our meals. I had the lobster roll with fries and my wife ordered the Caesar salad with salmon and they both were delicious! The food and beverage selections were great. They treated us like we were "regulars" and told us about the brunch they serve in the mornings. We highly recommend Mesler whether you are staying at the SOPHY or happen to be in the Hyde Park area for an event.

This was my first experience at the restaurant. I stopped in for breakfast during my hotel stay and thoroughly enjoyed the ambience and food. Ingredients were clearly, fresh and preparation was well executed. I chose a Denver omelette with a side of sourdough toast. The omelette came with flavorful ingredients, and a side of greens. Service was pleasant and readily available. Seating is comfortable, the restaurant has abundant, natural light and outdoor dining is available.

We had some very good hamburgers at Mesler. The ‘fine dining’ was not as good (more an expensive 3 star experience), but the more casual lounge dining was definitely good. So, if you want a delicious burger, go for it!

I love coming to the Mesler restaurant, me and my family stops by frequently, we love the art, we love what the restaurant brings so far as costumer service, everyone is very friendly, but the manager Larry, he blatantly disrespects his worker right in front of me and other costumers. He did it as if no one was in the restaurant, He was cussing and fussing at the person behind the bar, as if he was a child. Very disappointed ☹️

3 nights at the Sophy with 2 breakfasts' and a dinner at Meslers. The food was uniformly good to very good. Portions were adequate, presentation and service quite good, and entrees tasty.. The dining room is well appointed and pleasant. So, what's the beef? The last breakfast, we were led through an almost empty room to a table at the rear, with a view of the kitchen. Less than 20% of the room was occupied, but we said nothing, thinking it might fill with reservations (even at 9:30AM!) But no, it never got more than 40-50% full. Now, I usually don't mind watching cooks cook or folks wash dishes, but this was a bit strange, and put a damper on our last meal here. I don't think I offended the rather stern young person seating us, but we left perplexed, and a bit sad. Maybe think about this in the future.

We had a lunch meeting at the Mesler during our stay the service April provided was wonderful. She was attentive to our needs made adjustments to were we were sitting and warm friendly and Kind. Finally the art work and beautiful design interior space was icing on the cake! The restaurant and hotel staff were equally accommodating I will highly recommend this restaurant. THANKS APRIL! VernL

I knew I was in for a treat from the moment I walked in the door. The hotel lobby is a beautiful piece of art and the front desk staff was very customer friendly. I walked my way back to the restaurant bar and was greeted by its staff. It was my first time in, and it wouldn't be my last. The crafted drinks were tasty, and my dinner was deeeeeelish thanks to the Manager Julian who seems to be super knowledgeable about the menu and gave me his recommendations for dinner, and it was a slam dunk!!!!! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST. IM TELLING ALL MY FRIENDS

Food was good, perhaps very good, but the menu was very limited, the service was abysmal and the prices were ridiculously high. Would not recommend.

Mesler really is my Cheers. I love the familiar faces just as much as the new energy the lounge is creating. I’ve been coming here for the last four years, and although they had a rough spot a few months ago, I can definitely see a transition for the better and it feels good to witness it. From Arlene, my absolute favorite waitress who knows my order the moment I walk through the door and somehow always has the best suggestions, to Chef Greg, whose wit, humor, and calm demeanor set the tone for a welcoming environment, this place truly feels like home. And now with Chef Malcom stepping into the mix? I’ve heard nothing but greatness about him. He’s definitely a chef to watch, and I can’t wait to see and taste what he brings to Mesle

I really enjoyed my stay at the Sophy Hyde Park. Teshia is the example of what excellent customer service is. I stayed an entire week and she provided a level of professionalism that is memorable. Also, I want to compliment her support staff that equally displayed excellence. Thanking Jermaine the parking lot attendant, Zachary and Chris for making my stay enjoyable. I will most certainly return and encourage others to stay at this hotel. Thanks to these individuals the Sophy & Mesler Bar is now my favorite part of Chicago.

We love the food here. We live nearby and come often. The brucn is delicious. Weekday lunches and dinners are great too! The home made pastas are amazing. The soup of the day varies, but usually amazing as well. There is a great cocktail menu, which changes periodically. Another plus (for my teen) are the interesting mocktails on the menu. Over the years, the restaurant has gotten more popular, and it can be very busy. Sometimes, the staff can seem a little harried, but we always come back because we love the food.

Great service and conversation from April the host and Nieka the bartender. Go see them at the bar!!!

April and Noni were so helpful, this was my second visit but my husbands first they really made it a special day including our server Kevin.. Awesome Staff. Roslyn

Had the best time celebrating my daughter’s graduation! April was amazing! Don- amazing! Allen- amazing! Everyone was on point!

Visited Mesler just off of looking at the menu. Little did we know that Mesler provided superior customer service, fabulous drink options, delicious meal choices and special desserts. Our server was about to start school at the University of Chicago so, unfortunately you won't get him but what wonderful service he provided. I believe his name was Dustin. The ambiance of the room was every bit as enjoyable as the meal.

Last night I had my Birthday dinner in the dining room with my spouse and adult children We each had a different appetizer to share and a different entrée. Only one could be classified as "good", the rest were excellent. All the appetizers were outstanding. A wonderful take on Chicago style deviled eggs. The sauce on my seafood dish was perfectly balanced. Wine choices were excellent. Our shared deserts were excellent. Our waiter LaMar was attentive, helpful and was a key part our excellent dining experience, as was all the staff

Awesome food, great drinks, lovely ambiance in the lobby. One of my favorite places to eat for a good dinner. And thank you April and Janae for the amazing service.

Mesler Kitchen recently, and I must commend the restaurant manager Nia for her exceptional leadership and dedication. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, a testament to her effective management style. The restaurant was ran smoothly during a busy evening. It was impressive to receive good service,food, and drinks effortlessly coordinate between the kitchen and front-of-house staff, maintaining a high level of service even when the restaurant was at full capacity.

More customer service training needed with new wait staff . My standard here was set by wait staff Neffatari. This new group of new age staff isvery different. Staged customer service is not customer service. Much improvement is needed. Meanwhile, I will selet dning spots. Attention to deail, more frequent folliw up missing.

Dined for lunch at the Sophy hotel. Wanted to try new restaurant with friend. Venus is very chic. Long fireplace in lounge is the center and looks great. Very inviting with great lighting and comfy couches. Restaurant behind bar. Fairly busy for lunch. Had the chicken and waffles and it was excellent. Waffles cooked with a great batter and maybe maple syrup infused. Didn’t need much of the accompanies syrup. Chicken breast well seasoned and juicy. Delicious. Not too big or small. Friend had veggie omelette with accompanied salad. Looked good and she said it tasted good as well. Atmosphere is nice. Service is good. Definitely check it out. Big downside is parking. Limited street parking. Friend is local to area so knew where to park. Visitors may have challenge. Think there’s valet.

This was my first time going to Mesler. Today was a perfect day. My experience here was amazing. The staff were so welcoming and inviting. I never felt like I was alone..very clean, well kept business. If you are ever in the area..you gotta by here. Ask for April, Kevin, or Janea. Just the entire staff. Omg. APRIL even suggested some other things for me to do in the area..if you are looking for a friendly, personalized outing. MESLER is it.

My wife and I celebrated our 47th anniversary while there. We both emjoyed great steaks. Very reasonably priced. Cooked to perfection. Wonderful meal!

My husband and I were staying at the Sophy Hyde Park for a couple of nights and decided to eat one night at the Mesler. What a great choice. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. We received great dining recommendations and attentive service from LaMar! I had the seafood stew which was delicious and generous in portion and my husband had osso buco which he loved. Highly recommend!

Good service and welcoming. April the hostess was attentive and accommodating. Twyla the bartender took care of me. Good spot to eat good and have a cocktail.

I had a wonderful time. Really great vibe and aesthetic, we even got to watch the game from the bar. Lamar was our bartender and he was great! Made us a few old fashioned cocktails and also made us feel very welcome. Will definitely be back!

I went with my bestfriend on a last minute whim. April the hotess was such a pleasure and great help! This place is stunning and the food is delicious! We ordered the crispy cauliflower, cesar salad and the bacatini seafood pasta! I will totally go here again! Especially on a date night 😄

My experience at the bar weekly is great, functional, phenomenal, stunning and peaceful and a sprinkle of fun. You can definitely thank -ARLENE MATTS

Lounge seating at The Mesler is a vibe. I had the Autumn Sonata and I’m still thinking about it, literally so good. Jay was our server and he was fun, charming, and knew exactly when to check in and when to let us just be. This is the kind of place you come for one drink and end up staying way longer than planned🤣

I came from out of town and I had heard great things about this place - so I wanted to try it out.. To put things in perspective its HOT in Chicago. Its 81 degrees outside. We thought we were escaping the Chicago Heat... nope... It was 82 degrees in this restaurant. SUPERRR HOT. A guy that calls himself a manager - Ryan, comes by the table to ask how we were doing.. We confided in him and let him know we were super duper hot.. He laughed it off and said "want some ice" - are you kidding me? I thought that he was joking - so I said in all seriousness.. its really hot. Is there something you can do like turn the AC down. He said "I'm not an engineer - with it being so hot outside, you should expect it to be hot in here.."  we are in a huge building so it's hard to keep it cool... I told him this is a hotel - we just left target, which is also a huge building and we were not dripping with sweat..this is not normal. Something has to be wrong. He repeats this is a large building and literally walks off, mid sentence.. WALKS OFF. He comes back maybe 10 minutes later with a cup of ice. He drops it on the table and keeps walking.. AM I BEING PUNKED? He was the most unapologetic, nonchalant and RUDE so-called manager I've ever met.. At least pretend to be concerned or  have compassion for your patrons that are PAYING to enjoy their time at your establishment.. It was literally the WORST EXPERIENCE IVE EVER HAD IN CHICAGO HANDS DOWN.. Super disappointed.

I had an absolutely amazing experience at The Messler. I came by myself and chose to sit at the bar, and from the moment I sat down, the service and atmosphere were perfect. Billy was my server, and he made the entire night feel effortless and enjoyable. I ordered the steak, and it was truly a 10 out of 10 cooked perfectly, full of flavor, and easily one of the best steaks I’ve had in a while. Billy also made me two cocktails, both excellent. I told him to surprise me with something, and he understood the assignment completely. The ambiance, the vibe, and the overall customer service were 10 out of 10 across the board. I will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food, great drinks, and a great experience, solo or not.

Since relocating to Chicagoland in 2021, Mesler's has been a consistent favorite of mine for Saturday Brunch. The food is always excellent! They serve the best pancakes that I have ever tasted in my 60 years of life. Moreover, the service is phenomenal. Nefatari is the absolute BEST server ever! She always greets me and my guests warmly with a pleasant smile and a willingness to accommodate our specific culinary preferences. The cultural wall art and music make it worth my drive from the northern suburbs. Well Done, Mesler's! Keep up the great work. I will see you again soon.

I’ve given this place multiple chances, hoping to support a local establishment, but the service continues to disappoint. Having only one bartender for a busy brunch crowd is completely unacceptable. Saturdays have consistently shown high traffic, yet the staffing remains inadequate. When you’re charging above-market prices for food and drinks, customers should at least expect reasonable service. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here. I truly wanted to enjoy this spot, but the lack of proper staffing makes it difficult to justify returning.

We went to Mesler after a conference at the University of Chicago Divinity School and it was great - delicious good, hospitable service. Alans helped us out to ensure we had a good experience. Highly recommend.

Loved Billy tasty drinks atmosphere was great food was great

Great experience! Our hostess, Taylor, was super friendly and welcoming. She greeted us with a smile, got us seated quickly, and made the whole experience feel smooth.

Saturday Brunch was absolutely delicious. Mesler's has the best pancakes in the world! The custom decor including art, music and literature display was rich and left me feeling truly welcomed. The service team, Hostess April and servers (I'm sincerely regret that I cannot remember their names.) were kind, knowledgeable and very attentive to every detail. Our visit was a treat to my elderly, visiting in-laws from South Carolina. April ensured that they were comfortable and and had a pleasant experience. Mesler's represented Chicago very well. Well Done Team Mesler! I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a phenomenal dining experience.

My friend & I came in on a Saturday afternoon after brunch. We wanted dessert & champagne and Mesler was the perfect vibe/location for us. From entry, the service was outstanding! OMG, the peach dessert was Amazing! Our dessert & champagne choices were suggestions from Nia and they were spot-on with what we were asking for. I've been to Mesler once before, for dinner, and I had to come back!

My husband and I were celebrating our honeymoon and when recently checked out of Sophy Hyde Park, were informed that there's a $5 Delivery Fee AND automatic 18% gratuity. We disputed the gratuity bc we already tipped. Nowhere on the In Room Dining menu did it show either charge, so be aware of this. Foodwise, we ate in the restaurant and ordered In Room Dining. Steaks were not cooked well. We ordered medium rare and medium and they were both medium well. The charred broccoli was definitely charred and the meat and cheese board had more pickled vegetables than meat and cheese. Overpriced and only gave us two types of meat and cheddar cheese and gouda cheese. The greens are delicious tho. Their burger, we ordered for In Room Dining, was ok, but the meat is not seasoned. French fries are well cooked. Service was decent for a Friday night and In Room Dining food arrived quick.

I had a great time at Mesler. Food and service were top tier! Thank you to the server assistant Max for attending to our needs. Will be back!

I have dined at the Mesler a few times. Every time I come it is a pleasurable experience. The food and ambiance was great. Symone and Freddie are absolutely the best. They were very attentive, polite and professional. You can’t go wrong with choosing the Mesler!

This is my second time at this location and I have to say that April and Don made this experience better than the last. Both experiences were great but April’s sense of humor brightened the day. Our server was kind & quick too!

I was impressed by the service of Jaylah and Khylah! They were attentive and went out their way to make our experience special! They went above and beyond the basic service. We’ll definitely be back! North Kenwood resident and Basketball rhyme sayer!

Caleb was an amazing bartender! He was extremely attentive, friendly, and made delicious drinks! 10/10, would recommend.

The fireplace, ambiance and service were excellent. Hotel restaurant had a great menu and drink selection. I had the seafood casserole and braised greens. Simply excellent! The food also came out in a timely manner. The seating is limited and no formal dining area, but I would definitely go back again and stay at the Sophy Hotel. The Moscato was just ok so try another wine or mixed drink.

Round 2! Trip advisor crew (see my Yelp previous review) me and my boo are back at it again. Last Friday, we went went back for a second time to Mesler Kitchen. I literally loved my meal, his salad was ok, could've been a little better the shrimp we had last time in the salad was amazing the chicken wasn't seasoned well in my opinion. The spicy chicken sandwich with added bacon as recommended by the server was. The hostess: April who greeted me upon my arrival and seating me at my table with my boyfriend. Everyone literally at this restaurant have been very polite and makes me want to come here all the time when I want to go out to eat. Our server: ChyiiNuh was also great too!!!!! She continued to check on us and make sure we enjoyed our food. Thank you so much ladies keep doing your thing and bringing all of the positive vibes and such a bright, upbeat and upscale environment.

My boyfriend and I went to dinner here the other day and we met sweetest hostess Taylor. She was so warm and smiled nonstop. Also, the food here is so good!!! we will be back very soon.

It was very laid-back cool and the food was superb the next time I go I will explore the cocktails more look delicious. And the place is clean the staff is very friendly and I appreciate the smiles also. Maurice really made Us feel at home!

I had never heard of this place but was in Chicago for a few nights and an old friend suggested we meet here for dinner and drinks. There was only a few reviews on Tripadvisor so I was a little reluctant to try this place but so glad we did. This place has a bright and modern atmosphere, which I really liked. There was four of us in our party and we started out with some mixed drinks. I had the Caipirinha Deviation which was great. For dinner all four of us ordered the Lobster Roll and that was great as well. We all liked this place and would be happy to stop in again and try something different next time.

I love the environment they set. The service was great as well. I meet a server and/or manager (Alexis) I think is her name) who was very polite and was very knowledgeable about the menu. She answered all my questions. The food was pretty good as well I would love to go back soon

Lauryn was a great waitress. For one of my few solo dinners she made me feel welcoming and seen. Definitely will visit again if I can request her again.

I just moved to the Hyde park area and decided to have a drink at Mesler. The host April was kind and showed great hospitality. I had an old fashion in which was made to perfection by Twyla the bartender. Not only was the drink good but the spicy chicken sandwich was off the chain. This was a welcoming experience and I’ll definitely be back!

We had dinner at Mesler in the Sophy Hyde Park hotel. The food, atmosphere and service were all excellent! The gem salad was a gem, the seafood with homemade pasta was honestly full of lobster, shrimp, mussels, and the brussels sprouts were so tasty I could eat them every day. Emily was an exceptionally friendly, helpful and efficient server. And the atmosphere is trendy and modern - perfect for a group of friends or romantic night out.

The Mesler is set in the Sophy Hotel, which is worth a trip just for the amazing aesthetic, including a sleek l, modern design and an out of this world, bespoke art collection that begs for an impromptu selfie photo shoot for Insta. Beyond this, the food and service at the Mesler is second to none. The gracious welcome starts when you arrive, as you will likely be greeted by April, a pleasant and accommodating hostess who makes you feel right at home. The trend continues at your table (*Note: I’ve had Emily as a server twice and she is a superstar. She comes across authentically and is always right on time with menu recommendations and overall delivery). I’ve been a patron at the Mesler for over two years and the consistency of the food quality is ultimately what keeps me coming back. I love the shrimp and grits (seasoned just right without the sauce being too heavy, salty or overbearing; can be made with or a ih Out sausage or substituted for chicken sausage, which is fire!!) Also, the crab cake with egg (on menu as a Benedict, but I like a scramble), including pea shoot salad has become my new staple. It light and flavorful and leaves room for the stellar light and fluffy pancakes that I enjoy as dessert with a cup of coffee. While I’m a brunch girl, I’ve also had lunch at the Mesler and the turkey burger is a solid bet. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t highlight the amazing bartenders. The guava margarita is like heaven on earth. Finally, my ultimate barometer for a solid restaurant is quality and consistency over time in an inviting atmosphere that keeps me coming back again and again. Needless to say, The Mesler delivers.

The Hostess, Taylor, is the best. High quality customer service throughout my friends and I entire evening. The food, drinks, and atmosphere are top tier and the hostess experience was the cherry on top.

Great food, terrible management. They used to have excellent service and a manager that worked hard to communicate they cared about customers. He left. Now they have a woman manager that has brought the same old lousy Hyde Park “you should be so lucky to be here, I’m the boss” attitude to the restaurant. I’ve eaten here perhaps 75 times? Just came in 6:29 on a Sunday. Was told they closed at 7, bur “last seating was 6:30p”. I saw perhaps 7 tables open… Last time I was there, we ordered their best bottle of wine. The waiter had the affect of of service, but spilled drops of wine with every pour. He came by the table _once_ in 1.5 hours, to drop the bottle of wine off to spill while pouring. Far better off going to Ascione Bistro. Food almost as good, but ownership, waiters, staff WAY BETTER. A pity they have good food and now abysmal service and attitude like the other Hyde Park fast food restaurant. Ascione is your best bet…

My sister and brother-in-law invited me out to breakfast and to my great surprise they took me to Mesler Kitchen. My family and I had been there before for dinner and had a great experience. I was pleasantly surprised that the waitress Nef was there to serve us. Nef is very professional, pleasant with a beautiful smile. The service she provided us was first class. The ambiance of the restaurant if so beautiful and uplifting. Couple this with great food and service, it makes you want to come back time after time. Looking for a great treat, Mesler Kitchen is your place.

Mesler has always provided amazing service and today was no different. Lauryn W is the kindest and ensured on a frigid morning I had a nice breakfast with a warm smile! The morning vibe is relaxing and a perfect place to work remotely or just enjoy a quiet meal. Thank you Lauryn!

Had a great time celebrating my friend and enjoying the great food served by Tom! Impeccable customer service. I’ll be back!

Stopped into the Messler for a quick drink with a friend while in town. The bar was busy, however, April saw to it that we were seated in a timely manner. The service, ambiance, and drinks were great. Shout out to April for the amazing service.

We had a group of 3 for food and drinks on a Monday evening. We first sat in the lounge and had the wings as a starter and drinks. Our waitress was Bee and she was fantastic; professional, yet friendly and explained everything in a very competent manner. She transferred us to the dining area. There we had Josh as our waiter. He was also very professional and knowledgeable, helping us by recommending our sides. We had a very pleasant evening and will definitely go back.

I come every Sunday for brunch I’m always taken care of by the team. Taylor and Arlene always make it feel like home for me and my guest.

We decided to eat here after church as we were staying there. Great food. We did the hot menu items around the country -chicken and waffle and shrimp and grits. They were really good. Interesting spice, flavorful. Recommend stop if in Hyde park especially if you are staying at Sophy. You don’t need to go far for excellent food.

I had as distasteful an encounter with a manager that I have ever had. I was charged for something I did not eat and when I questioned him, he was rude, offensive and made the situation worse. He affirmatively offended me.

This is a special place. Have drinks at the lovely bar, a meal in the beautifully designed dining room or outside on the covered patio. Walking in we felt like we were in NYC, or SF, or downtown Chicago instead of Hyde Park. We went for lunch and it was not crowded. The menu ranged from salads to burgers to lobster rolls. We tried the lobster rolls and at $25 a piece they were worth it. Very relaxing and a special treat any day.. Service was outstanding. Two lobster rolls, 2 glasses of wine and a generous tip came to $90.

This Restaurant has a great atmosphere; the lounge and tables blend seamlessly. Food proportions were not too large or small. Perfect for appetizers and desert. All food and staff were professional, courteous and kind. Teshia stood out to us, who took our picture for our Anniversary. Price is not for budget customers but well worth the price.

Very relaxed. Delicious options, menu was high-quality but unpretentious. Very reasonable prices for a hotel restaurant.

I had a great time and the food was lovely. I want to give a special shout out to my server. I believe her name was Naima or Naje. The black girl she was very nice

I had dinner here with colleagues during a visit in Chicago. The food was good. The service was excellent. I had the rigatoni and sausage pasta. The appetizer of cauliflower was EXTREMELY delicious! Not too crazy about the deviled eggs.

April, the host was an amazing during stay in Chicago. Her professionalism and willingness to accommodate my celebrity guest Timon Kyle Durrett from "Queen Sugar ". George is an amazing manager that engages with the guests with impeccable style and professionalism

Attentive service, great outdoor experience, satisfying shrimp and pasta dish. Pago white wine also served chilled and fresh.

If the Reader will kindly view my recent Review of the Sophy Hotel Hyde Park, you will see that I have an extremely high regard for this boutique Hotel. The Mesler is located inside that Hotel and, unfortunately, does not get even close to an equal rating. The Mesler has the great opportunity to be THE dining choice for the Hyde Park area. The location is perfect, the dining room and bar are both beautifully appointed an decorated and the atmosphere of the Lobby rea could not be more inviting. However, the Hostess Desk personnel, the Servers and the Bar Tenders are not very well trained and seem unhappy to be working there. We were at the Hotel for six nights, eating at the Mesler on four occasions. Each time, the service and attitude left much to be desired. The Manger of The Mesler needs to mark on a whole new attitude-check for his Staff - for certain. Their lack of caring and professionalism is even more apparent when compared to the exceptional trading and attitude expressed all the time by the Hotel’s Staff. While the food at the Mesler was “OK”, it is far from outstanding. The menu is just a mish-mash of the excepted: four pasta dishes, some burgers, a few salads and a very limited soup cycle. They could - and should do much better. Recently, a new Executive Chef has been named for the Mesler. He has the gear opportunity to design a signature Menu which will catapult this place from “OK” to aw “Awesome”! There is no other dining option in the neighborhood to give them any worthwhile competition. If the new Chef can find the right identity for the Mesler, they will flourish and be incredibly well-received by the locals and by the Hotel’s Guests. I would urge this Chef to choose a venue: Italian, steaks, seafood —- something - and to offer up a tasty and varied - and delicious- Menu sure to be outstanding and long-lasting. Hopefully, when we next return to the Sophy, The Mesler will have amped into something special. —- not just an “OK” lace to dine.

I just wanted to publicly acknowledge the exceptional service I received at this restaurant from Precious and Jinnah!! These two ladies are extremely fun, professional, courteous, and an enjoyment to interact with while dining. I hope their supervisor is made aware of their services and reward these ladies. FIVE STAR rating for them both and nothing less!! Keep winning and much success within this organization, Precious and Jinnah!! -DaVon R.

We were at the Sophy to meet a friend who was stating there. The lively bar scene made for great people watching while we waited and Nikki made us feel very welcome; a nice first impression. In the restaurant Michael was friendly and professional The food was very good and even our critical Italian friend loved his pasta!

From the moment I walked in I was immediately greeted by the Host Frederick. I let him know this was my first time and he advised me on some great options to try while directly me to my seat. The food was great and had an overall amazing experience. Can’t wait to return.

The Mesler is my absolute favorite place! My friend and I frequent the Mesler at least 2x a week and we’ve come to know majority of the staff. We’re often met with “Welcome home ladies” by the staff lol since we’re always there. The interior of this hotel/bar is absolutely gorgeous. You can’t go wrong with sitting by their amazing fireplace. Some of my favorite dishes are the Salmon, Sausage Rigatoni, Braised Greens and the Roasted Chicken. You also can’t go wrong with their dinner rolls! For dessert you have to try their homemade ice cream. My favorite is the Salted Carmel and Chocolate. When it comes to service, I have to give a shout out to Dell he is absolutely amazing! He is very attentive and provides great drink recommendations. He also makes a great Old Fashioned and Dirty Martini. Tommy also makes great drinks and is such a great personable guy. I also can’t forgot to acknowledge Porsha and Daryl who work the floor in the bar area. They are such friendly and professional individuals who always take great care of me when I sit in there section. If you haven’t already please visit the Mesler and enjoy great food/drinks and service from their wonderful staff! You won’t be disappointed!

My experience was everything and more Maurice helped me and my friends choose amazing cocktails and the cauliflower is definitely something to return for.

Julian at Mesler is one of the best managers and always enjoy dining and cocktails. I literally come to the Mesler based on the staff from the bar to the restaurant.

I was staying at the Sophy hotel last week in Chicago And I experienced the Mesler Kitchen . As a chef and a food stylist I am incredibly particular. As someone with celiac’s and a vegetarian it’s hard to please me and find meals. Staying at the hotel this was convenient but I ate there three more times because it was amazing. The food and the presentation and the atmosphere and the service were immaculate and spot on. The staff went out of their way to make sure my allergies were addressed . The presentation of the food was artful and the flavors decedent . The craft Cocktails were unique and flavorful. . We also had brunch on their beautiful outside patio which made me so much more comfortable even though I’m vaccinated. There’s stuff on above and beyond with Covid precautions and I felt very safe. I had the pleasure of having Alexander as my sever twice . He was patient and very savvy about my eating allergies and he was professional at every turn. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Chicago and I will be returning again and again when I visit.

I’ve been a Hyde Park resident and visitor all my life. I’ve seen many businesses on 53rd come and go. I was ecstatic to see that the Sophy Hotel and Mesler Kitchen opened up on 53rd for more food options. Unfortunately, I wish I had positive things to say about the service at this establishment. With a James Beard awarded restaurant right down the street (Virtue), it’s obvious the subpar service you receive at this restaurant. I’ve gone to this establishment numerous of times, and I always seem to have a problem with the service. Two months ago when I came to this establishment with my friend, it took about 30 minutes to be seated with a reservation and another 20 minutes to be greeted by a waiter and it seems as if the waiters aren’t trained. I had to ask for water and silverware, and my meal came before my cocktails. I had to wait 30 minutes for the sauce that came with my fries and by the time I received the sauce, the fries were cold. My friend knew the manager, so through her, I was able to get another order of fries. About a month ago I made a reservation for brunch only to still have to wait 25 minutes to be seated. What was unfortunate was that we were seated 25 minutes after my reservation and still had to wait another 20 minutes for our waitress to come over and greet us. When she finally came over, she told us that brunch ended in five minutes. I was shocked, considering we made reservations for brunch and were just about to miss it. I was also shocked to see a party of individuals who were walk-ins be sat and get their food order placed before my party, who made a reservation. Enjoy the food, but the service makes it difficult to want to return to this establishment. Since I now understood that the service here is subpar, a week ago I decided to do carry out. Unfortunately, there was a problem with my carry out as well. When I placed my order over the phone, I asked for extra aïoli sauce only to find that there was not extra aïoli sauce when I came to pick up my order then I had to wait another 15 minutes for them to make “fresh” sauce. I also asked for my chicken sandwich to not have blue cheese and substituted for cheddar only to still find there was blue cheese on my sandwich. So, I spent $20 on a meal that I was unable to eat. As a person who has worked in the food industry, it’s very disheartening to see so many of the staff be uninterested and unequipped to do their job effectively. I really wanted better for this establishment and it took me a very long time to write this negative review. I hope that someone from management reads this and genuinely tries to figure out how to train their staff better so that patrons have a better experience.

Came to The Mesler in Hyde Park for dinner and left very impressed. Everything was smooth and well paced from start to finish. Jay was our server and he was excellent, professional, warm, and knew the menu well! He suggested the Amish chicken and it was hands down the best party of the night, perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Solid food, strong service…..I WILL BE BACK!

January 16th 2019 myself (Mario) and my Fianace had the greatest experience dining at Mesler for dinner last. Our server Lamar Mason was fantastic!! He displayed the highest professionalism, he was very detail oriented and showed great hospitable service. We both had a great time and look forward to dining at Mesler more often. We're locals that live in the neighborhood and we will most definitely recommend Meslar and especially Lamar. I also wanted to note the consistency with Mealer as well. My reservation was for 8:00 P.M and I really admired how I received updates and confirmations because I would've forgotten the time. Overall I recommend Mesler and my Fiance wanted to thank Lamar for the great experience. 5 Stars *****

April met me at the door with a smile, and made my day,...l was there for a lunch meeting and it was awsome!! First class service,...great staff. You have to come here!!

This place is poorly managed, and everyone seems to just have a bad attitude. I asked the bartender on staff and they basically spilled all the tea, the management is terrible and this place has gone way way down. I do not recommend. I stopped coming here and now I remember why. Drinks were great, but the atmosphere not so much.

First off Maurice is hands down one of the best servers we have had in a long time! Extremely attentive, knowledgeable and pleasant! Now on to this food!!! 10’s across the board. Taste, presentation, temperature and portions were all above expectation. We had the Seafood Pasta, the crispy chicken and mash potatoes and the 5th ward burger with bacon. The seafood pasta did not skimp on the seafood offering lots of lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops and mussels in an amazing white sauce with cherry tomatoes!!!! The chicken was juicy and crispy at the same time lol amazing taste and the mushrooms and mash potatoes covered in just the right amount of au jus were so flavorful! The burger is ALWAYS a hit! Perfect portion and slightly charred with an incredible sauce and pickles. The bacon was not soggy nor too crispy, just right! We asked to upcharge to make the fries that came with the burger truffle and Maurice obliged without hesitation and they were soooooo good paired with the the garlic aioli. For drinks we had the Laureate which is their Sir Davis cocktail and it was EVERYTHING!!! The Beyhive would be proud. :-) All in all definitely a 10 out of 10 and we can’t wait to go back!!! *forgive us for the terrible pics we were too excited to eat*

The food and atmosphere are lovely. The service is so bad it overshadows what could be an excellent experience. Our server was inattentive, lacked knowledge of the entrees and was poorly trained. Our beverage order was incorrect. We had to seek out our server to order food. Even other staff who delivered our food did not even know which item it was when they dropped it off. We again had to track down our server to pay. We won’t be back.

Desire & Alejandro sang happy birthday to me! We had a brunch planned and it was amazing! Alejandro made us margaritas and they were PHENOMENAL!!!

So we live close by and have been to Mesler probably 20 times. I really think that Mesler offers the best restaurant food in Hyde Park, even better than Virtue, which seems overhyped. Mesler is consistently superb and never disappoints. Some of our favorites are roasted cauliflower, the Korean chicken wings and our #1 the Amish chicken, which is as good as any chicken you will ever have. Cocktails are great too!

Me and friends had an amazing dining experience. From Taylor at the entrance to our amazing server. This was amazing service. I will be back!

I love this place & the hotel. They are amazing here, Alejandro and Desire were the best, really good customer service and amazing personality. Definitely will be coming back just to see them again.

Beautiful settings - food was very good - service was top notch. Outdoor seating pre dinner was a nice experience!

April was so nice and accommodating!! Beautiful personality and a very welcoming spirit! It was such an amazing feeling to be seated by the best!! The drinks were off the chain! My favorite: lavender lemon drop drink. The chicken, fries, crab cake, and shrimp was very good. They were busy but it didn’t take long to get seated and food came out in a decent amount of time. My server was awesome as well. The ambiance of the restaurant was very clean and Vivint. Ladies the bathroom was clean 😆😆 overall I give them five stars ⭐️. Great team!! I’ll be back

I was at The Mesler last night and Jay was so accommodating to my gluten allergy. I had the gnocchi and zucchini pasta and it was amazing.

The Mesler exceeded our expectations! We went on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh and flavor filled . The service from Maurice was top tier 10/10 will recommend !!!

We stayed at the Sophy during our week-long visit in Chicago. Enjoyed the Mesler lounge and the restaurant several times. Outstanding service staff who are friendly, caring and professional. The food is superb. We especially enjoyed the bucatini and the lobster roll. The crispy cauliflower is a great appetizer. And we had more than our share of our new favorite mixed drink, the Frozen Scottish Orchid. Wonderful! Will look forward to returning to Chicago so we can stay at the Sophy and eat at Mesler's again soon.

I came tonight for the Taco Tuesday Event when I arrived the host stand was swamped. There was a young lady who I later found out was the hostess her name tag read Mimi or Mimo she was very pleasant and patient , shortly after another young lady approached all the guest and smoothed everything out I later found out that young lady was the manager. The manager directed the traffic very professionally and from the moment she sat me , watered my table, got us tacos after they told us they were out made us feel very well taken care of. Another employee told us printers were down and it was a crazy evening but nonetheless we had a wonderful experience. The manager was leading her team and putting out little fires the entire night with grace. Kudos to her I didn’t catch her name

Najmah made my visit very memorable. She is a hard worker and a very sweet server! I enjoyed my brief dinner while in the Hyde park area.

Second visit here! Maurice Coleman was amazing and made the experience truly great. The chicken sandwich, amazing. Highly recommend!

We had a great experience thanks to our waitress and bartenders Desire, Arlene & Alejandro! They made our drinks to perfection, they were so kind and professional!! I love coming to the Mesler because we know we’ll always have great service! Especially from these 3. 100/10 !

This place is such a good vibe. Julian is a superior host and manager. I've watched him work and everyone always feels welcome. The staff Allen, Angelo and Neika obviously like each other and it bleeds over into the atmosphere here. I come here at least once a week and it's very consistent. The ambiance is vibrant and magnetic. Love it.

I’ve been staying at the Sophy Hotel since it opened in 2018 and it’s always a A+ experience and environment… One of the cayalyst for the Sophy is the Mesler bar and restaurant. The Food and Service is amazing and has been consistent from the first time I experienced it. You can have a lively time with friends in the lounge, great sit down dining or an informal business catch up-The Mesler is the best on the South Side of Chicago. I highly recommend the Lobster Roll and dining with Simone, Lauren or Sasha will feed your soul because they are great host. Try the Mesler, you won’t be disappointed.

The Mesler is a true Hyde Park staple that not only has a fantastic food/drink menu but superb customer service! This is why I frequent the Mesler with my friend on a daily basis. I have to give a major shout out to the new manager Ryan! Ryan makes it a point to visit tables and make sure the customer is doing well and enjoying their overall experience at the Mesler. I’ve also seen him step in and bartend! Just yesterday the bar was out of olives, so my friend couldn’t order her dirty martini. Ryan went out and bought olives! He is certainly a class act! I tend to sit at the bar area and all of the bartenders and barbacks are very professional and do an amazing job at executing great cocktails. I’m so happy there’s a neighborhood bar/lounge that has a downtown feel but so close to home!

I am from DC in town for a wedding and enjoyed the entire experience. April set the tone, Jaylah did a great job and Nieka did an amazing job as a bartender and drinks were amazing. If you are ever in Chicago please come and enjoy great food, drinks, and environment.

We had an amazing experience at Mesler!! They accommodated our party of 12 on very short notice as we celebrated my daughter’s Master degree . The service was impeccable, the food was exceptional, and the ambience was perfect. Every detail made the celebration feel truly special. Highly recommend for any celebration or elevated night out !!!

Staying at the hotel and stopped into The Mesler for a quick dinner. The food was fresh and filling, and Jay was welcoming and attentive while I dined solo. I’d happily eat here again.

Nice space, good enough food, but terrible management and poor oversight of menu. Wait staff too busy chatting with each other to attend to patrons, manager ineffective in her response, and one of our gluten intolerant party was ill after eating steak that had been labelled gluten free (soya or Worcestershire sauce used in marinade?)

Stopped by in August to have a few drinks at the Mesler since I'd heard good things from my friends about it. Had an amazing time! My host Dani was so warm and hospitable, I just had to come back again. Would 100% recommend. Shout out to Dani and the whole staff!

On our stay we decided to have breakfast at the hotel restaurant The Denver omelette was very good. It came with a salad which surprised me as a breakfast choice but it was excellent and went well with the omelette. Our service was good and fast. Would definitely do breakfast there again

Great time great food and drinks. The manager Julian was second to none. We had extra people in our party on a crowded night and he made sure we all got seated in a timely manner and checked on us throughout the evening. Angelo made great drinks and the entire staff was professional and gracious.

Had a fantastic experience at The Mesler. The atmosphere is stylish yet comfortable, and the staff was warm and attentive without being overbearing. Especially Max, the curly haired service assistant who helped us. The food was creative and really well-executed—especially the seasonal dishes. Great spot for a relaxed but elevated night out. Would definitely come back.

Awesome restaurant! Nicole & April we’re wonderful hostesses. Great place for any occasion. The atmosphere was great and the service was excellent.

Mesler is such a cool spot. I love the decor. They have lots of art by local artists which gives an electic, fun look. The service and food were very good. We stopped here for lunch and to rest our feet.

A classy place with stylish decor and a stylish crowd. Service is friendly and the food is outstanding. I had the lamb chop special with rosemary sauce, asparagus and fava beans and polenta and it was possibly the best lamb chops I have ever eaten: high quality meat that was perfectly cooked. How great to have a place like this on the South Side!

Immediately upon walking in Love the Vibe!. We were so graciously welcomed by the delightful host person April. We sat at the bar and Nieka delivered the most satisfying old fashioned along with an espresso martini. We had the Cauliflower appetizer it was just outstanding every bite was scrumptious ! We had the most relaxing wonderful experience all the way, I cant wait to return!

I hosted a small celebration for my family and friends. The exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere made our event truly memorable. The staff went above and beyond to ensure my guests had a fantastic experience. I was truly blown away... the team at Mesler printed out a custome menu for us and had a marathon sign already up... all of those little details had such a major impact, I was not expecting any of those things... So thank you to the entire staff! Some of my guests had never been to the sophy/mesler and have already expressed that they would be returning and I will make sure to join them!

The Mesler is a very nice retreat. The fireplace area is beautiful and relaxing. Service is good - when I had a long wait for my tea I received it for free. A fun location.

Its a beautiful location near the University of Chicago campus. Food was great and staff was wonderful! Hosts Noni and Janae and server China were delightful!

I've passed by this hotel many times in Hyde Park, but I finally got to stay here and experience the Mesler restaurant as part of my stay. First, as a creative, this place was complete eye-candy for me and the artwork, attention to design details and awesome service made me wish I could have extended my stay. Our hostess, April, was friendly, attentive and accommodating. Her and the rest of the staff made our meal so enjoyable. The food was pretty dope too. I look forward to returning again very soon and will recommend this restaurant + hotel Sophy to anyone looking for a sophisticated, but friendly spot to stay and eat at in Chicago.

I went here with my wife recently to have a nice birthday dinner. The vibe is really nice and the staff was amazing! Our server Jaylah was friendly and made sure we were happy with all of our dishes, drinks etc. Julian Valantine, the manager was super accommodating even with last minute requests. We will definitely be back. This is a great gem of a spot for our neighborhood!

When all three of these things are hitting on all cylinders you can't go wrong. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Mesler Kitchen for dinner during our visit to Chicago during the Thanksgiving weekend. Our group of six was well taken care of with great service and by an attentive staff. We each enjoyed the dishes and drinks that we ordered. It is a beautifully appointed restaurant that made our dining experience wonderful. I would highly recommend this place on the southside of Chicago to both visitors and locals.

Mesler is the restaurant within the Sophy restaurant in Hyde Park, a recent addition to the 53rd Street strip. We went there for dinner with my parents. It's a more upscale place, and the decor is lovely, full of Chicago books and comfortable booth seats. I had the really delicious, top-notch Seafood Casarecce. I also enjoyed two cocktails: the second was a Hyde Park Cooler (one of their mocktails) with alcohol added, and I appreciated their help with that. My mom was also able to switch out the alcohol in her drink—the bar is very flexible. We did have a problem or two with the service juggling drinks for the four of us—at least one glass of wine was forgotten completely. But overall, our dinner there was pleasant and the service very good. It's an expensive splurge of a meal but enjoyable.

Excellent customer service. Excellent food! All around a good time I’ll be back for sure! The frozen cocktails were a must.

Our 1:00 lunch was excellent, and the quiet ambiance allowed our gathering of friends from Norway and MN to have good conversations. The staff was very attentive to the needs of two of our group with handicaps (one in a wheelchair). Janae and April at the front desk were very helpful as we entered and as we left. Menu options were varied and interesting, and the food was excellent. Al, our waiter, was very helpful, and checked on ingredients of items selected by one of our group who is lactose-intolerant. The décor was elegant and tasteful. We had a first-rate experience.

Amazing ambiance and beautiful place with great customer service from manager and waitstaff. Food was well prepared and delicious.

My mother wanted to have a celebratory birthday brunch someplace with an outdoor patio (since she did not want to risk eating indoors due to COVID). We arrived at Mesler's mid-morning, only to discover they didn't have enough servers to open the patio until later in the afternoon. All the wind left our sails and we weren't sure what we to do, but April, the hostess, came to the rescue by talking to the manager, who made a special exception to let our birthday brunch possible. Our meal was wonderful, and April's attentive and friendly service was extraordinary. We're so grateful to the staff for such great customer service, and for making my mother's birthday celebration so lovely and memorable.

Great dinner experience! Our waiter Frederick was amazing. Very friendly and helpful. Made the night! The food was also delicious. Highly recommend.