Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Savoring Summer at the Waldorf Astoria: Oysters, Champagne, and Serendipitous Encounters

There’s something magical about summer afternoons in Chicago, when the city hums with energy and every rooftop, garden, and terrace seems to invite you in. Our recent escape led us to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—the Waldorf Astoria—for an experience that felt both indulgent and rare: an afternoon of oysters and champagne in their outdoor setting.

The Waldorf Astoria doesn’t often open its terrace for such leisurely affairs, which made our visit feel especially exclusive. Imagine the perfect summer breeze, sunlight reflecting off the city skyline, and a glass of champagne in hand, its bubbles sparkling as vibrantly as the conversation around us. Each oyster, fresh and briny, paired beautifully with the crisp elegance of the bubbly, creating a sensory dance that was equal parts refreshing and decadent.

What made the afternoon even more delightful wasn’t just the food and drink, but the people we met. The setting encouraged conversation, and we found ourselves talking to new faces, sharing laughs, and discovering stories from across Chicago and beyond. It’s moments like these—when strangers become companions over shared tastes and shared sun—that make summer in the city feel so alive.

By the time we reluctantly left, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the Waldorf Astoria’s terrace. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience, a rare peek into the kind of sophisticated summer afternoon that feels almost cinematic. If you ever get the chance to enjoy oysters and champagne at the Waldorf Astoria, seize it—it’s a perfect way to embrace the elegance of Chicago in the summertime.

May 22,2021