Where is Sixteen located?
Sixteen is located inside Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago at 401 N. Wabash Ave. in downtown Chicago. The Four-Star restaurant’s 92-story building — the second tallest in the city after the Willis Tower — is a breathtaking addition to the skyline. Head up to the 16th floor, where you can enjoy the view of the Chicago River along with your breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner at this aptly named restaurant. If you take a leisurely stroll after your Four-Star meal, you’ll find classic Chicago attractions close by, such as Magnificent Mile shopping, Millennium Park and the Art Institute. And with several “L” (the elevated train) stations blocks away, you’ll have no trouble catching a ride home or off to your next adventure.
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Sixteen has about 20 tables throughout the restaurant, as well as semi-private dining rooms for larger groups. We found the space to be an ideal size — it’s not so large that you feel lost in the crowd, but it’s not so small as to be stuffy. If you want to come for breakfast or lunch, we’re guessing you won’t need a reservation, since the dining room only filled up about halfway when we visited for an afternoon meal. However, the restaurant can and does fill up for dinner, as this Chicago hotspot on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is a frequent favorite among travelers and locals alike. You can ensure a spot at one of the 20 tables by making a reservation through the restaurant directly, through the Trump’s concierge or online at the hotel’s website.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The interior design at Sixteen is elegant, sophisticated and makes the most of its location on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, across from the Chicago River. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows offers spectacular views of the water and some of Chicago’s most beautiful architecture along the river. A dark wood wall with a large, dramatic mirror sits opposite the windows. Armrests on the cream leather chairs are also made of dark wood. Matching tall cream chairs line a hand-molded bronze bar. A brilliant Swarovski crystal chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, and below are floors made of Saint-Croix limestone from France. The entryway doesn’t skimp on awe, either — wine bottles encased in glass form the side walls. It all adds an elegant element to the dining experience at the Four-Star restaurant.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Located in Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago just blocks from the Loop, the heart of Chicago’s downtown, Sixteen offers an innovative, ever-evolving menu in a chic urban setting. Here are five things you should know about Sixteen:
1. The dinner menu changes frequently, almost daily, so you’ll be surprised with new dishes every time you dine at this Chicago restaurant. For a real adventure, go for the blind tasting menu and put your table at the mercy of the chef’s whims (sounds scary, but you won’t be disappointed).
2. An entire wall of the restaurant consists of floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you an amazing view of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building clock tower. Even while you dine inside, you won’t really be separated from the city.
3. All the dishes at Sixteen are presented with great care and concocted with remarkable attention to detail. For example, we ordered a raspberry-based dessert and it incorporated the berries three different ways: The white chocolate vanilla tart was topped with raspberries, mini raspberry meringues and a sweet raspberry sauce.
4. The service is very attentive. The staff is polite and gets the timing of the meal just right — no course ever felt too fast or too slow.
5. Kids are welcome at Sixteen. In fact, the restaurant goes out of its way to cater to the little gourmands. A special children’s menu with tot-friendly treats like pizza bagels and mac and cheese comes decorated with either princesses or Transformers.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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One of the best reasons to dine at Sixteen is its wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer incredible views of Chicago. From any table in the Four-Star restaurant, you can see the ferries puttering up and down the Chicago River, the incredible architecture of the city skyline and the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan. You can also get a glimpse of Navy Pier and get a free show; fireworks shoot off there on Wednesday nights in the summer. After dinner, we recommend taking a walk around the outside terrace and checking out all the buildings surrounding Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, where Sixteen is located. Of course, this is all weather-permitting, since Chicago winters are brutal and best enjoyed from the comfort of the indoors.
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If you have to wait for a table at Sixteen, relax in the small seating area just outside of the restaurant by the front desk. You’re also welcome to chill at the Bar at Sixteen, which opens at 11 a.m. and offers such specialty cocktails as the Sweet 16, made with Grand Marnier, Benedictine, rose hip liqueur and grapefruit juice. Or quench your thirst with the Drunken Monk. This delicious libation is made with pineapple and mint, muddled and shaken with Patron Silver tequila, Green Chartreuse and topped off with a sea-salt rim. If it’s a sunny day in the Windy City, head out to this Chicago restaurant’s seasonal terrace for some fresh air and a spectacular view of the city skyline. It’s so nice out there, you may not want to come back inside when your table is ready.
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When you need some good drinks, get started early at the bar at Sixteen; it opens at 11 a.m. every day. The bar inside the Four-Star restaurant serves up specialty cocktails like the Sweet 16, which is made with Grand Marnier, Benedictine, rose hip liqueur and grapefruit juice. Or ask the bartender to mix you up the Exotic Ginger. It’s a blend of Belvedere vodka, St-Germain, Cointreau, muddled ginger, white cranberry juice and fresh lime. The bar also offers classic cocktails, such as Manhattans and Sidecars, as well as an abundance of beers and wines by the glass. If you feel a bit peckish after a drink or two, order a salad, soup, pizza or burger off the bar menu. Just be sure to follow it up with one of liquor-laden desserts, like Mai Tai push pops or milk chocolate frozen bananas with pi"e;a colada fondue. Since you are in bar, the extra dose of liquor the perfect way to end the night.
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Although Four-Star restaurant Sixteen caters to grown-up palates, it does a remarkable job of pleasing younger taste buds, too. The cute kids’ menus are decorated with either princesses or Transformers, and they feature such kid-friendly treats as peanut butter and jelly with a fruit cup or chicken fingers. While you nurse a beer, your son or daughter can sip on a special kiddie “mocktail” like the Shirley Temple or Flower Power, which is made with rose nectar, cranberry juice and club soda. Need an incentive to get your kids to finish dinner? Sixteen makes simple, no-fail desserts, such as chocolate pudding and fresh baked cookies, which are sure to make the little ones smile.
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The desserts at Sixteen are carefully crafted by pastry chef Sarah Kosikowski, who started making confections at the Chicago restaurant in 2009. The selection of sweets changes frequently, but some of chef Kosikowski’s recent creations include the caramelia chocolate torchon with kaya coconut milk jam, tainori financier and brown butter sorbet and the cherry kefir panna cotta with red poppy flower mousse, cherry blossom syrup and fromage blanc sorbet. All her desserts look almost too good to eat. But you’ll won’t be able to resist the intricately detailed dishes that combine each ingredient in a balanced and complementary way.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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When you need some good drinks, get started early at the bar at Sixteen; it opens at 11 a.m. every day. The bar inside the Four-Star restaurant serves up specialty cocktails like the Sweet 16, which is made with Grand Marnier, Benedictine, rose hip liqueur and grapefruit juice. Or ask the bartender to mix you up the Exotic Ginger. It’s a blend of Belvedere vodka, St-Germain, Cointreau, muddled ginger, white cranberry juice and fresh lime. The bar also offers classic cocktails, such as Manhattans and Sidecars, as well as an abundance of beers and wines by the glass. If you feel a bit peckish after a drink or two, order a salad, soup, pizza or burger off the bar menu. Just be sure to follow it up with one of liquor-laden desserts, like Mai Tai push pops or milk chocolate frozen bananas with pi"e;a colada fondue. Since you are in bar, the extra dose of liquor the perfect way to end the night.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sixteen changes its dinner menu almost daily, and the breakfast and lunch menus are revamped seasonally. If you’re one of those people who likes to know what you’re getting into, you might want to call the restaurant before you head out so you can mull over your dining options in the car. Here are five examples of the kind of inventive, delicious dishes you can expect from this Four-Star Chicago restaurant:
1. Truffle Texas Toast. For breakfast, you might find the truffle Texas toast with lobster, spinach, a poached egg, roasted tomato and hollandaise sauce on the menu. It’s a hearty yet decadent way to start off your morning.
2. Monkfish. The cobb bacon-wrapped monkfish with black garlic purée, fava beans, hearts of palm, shellfish and ale jus is artful without being fussy. It’s perfectly presented with a few splashes of sauce on the side.
3. Cantaloupe Soup. The cantaloupe soup takes a classic hors d’oeuvre — prosciutto-wrapped melon — and makes it sippable. Champagne sorbet is a refreshing extra, making the dish the perfect way to kick-start your meal.
4. Chocolate Vanilla Tart. End your meal with the white chocolate vanilla tart. The fruity dessert incorporates tasty raspberries in three different ways. Not only is it topped with fresh raspberries and a crispy raspberry meringue, but it is served with just a little swipe of Sixteen’s housemade raspberry sauce.
5. Specialty Cocktails. Don’t miss the specialty cocktails at the Bar at Sixteen. One to try is the sweet and spicy Caliente Cooler, which is a blend of jalape"e;o and watermelon that’s finished with Hendrick’s gin, St-Germain and a splash of soda.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The menu at Sixteen delivers a variety of contemporary American food, with selections rotating regularly so there’s always something new to try at the Chicago restaurant. Breakfast and lunch menus change with the seasons, while the dinner menu is updated almost daily. You can mix and match menu items, such as croissants, Yukon fried potatoes and fresh strawberries to create a custom breakfast; or go for one filling dish like the eggs Benedict with Irish bacon and hollandaise sauce. The lunch menu offers à la carte options as well as a three-course tasting menu. Order the tasting menu and you’ll be treated to an appetizer, entrée and dessert, as well as a non-alcoholic cocktail, like a Pomegranate Plum Cooler, made of pomegranate, plum tea and fresh citrus.
Some of the sort of dishes you can expect at dinner include the cantaloupe soup with prosciutto, pressed melon and champagne sorbet; prime New York strip made with confit fingerling potatoes, sweet onion purée and summer vegetables; and cobb bacon-wrapped monkfish with black garlic purée, hearts of palms, fava beans, shellfish and ale jus.
The desserts at Sixteen are made by pastry chef Sarah Kosikowski, who is famous for her attention to detail in sweets like the white chocolate vanilla tart topped with fresh raspberries and served with a smear of raspberry sauce and mini raspberry meringues. If raspberries aren’t your thing, try other fruity finishes, like a tart cherry shortcake with white chocolate almond rocher and vanilla ice milk, or oven-roasted apricots with pistachio cream cake and lemon verbena namelaka. They are the perfect way to cap off a meal at the Four-Star restaurant.
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Sixteen’s servers, who are dressed in ties and white button-down shirts, look snappy. And that’s just what the service is like at this Chicago restaurant: Snappy. During our meal, the courses were timed perfectly, and we never felt like we were waiting on anything. The servers were polite and helped set a mood that made us feel at ease from the moment they took our order. Plus, we appreciated how they always made sure we were finished eating before taking our plates. The great service — the type that anticipates your every need — is one of the many reasons the restaurant earned a Four-Star rating.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The pastry chef at Sixteen is Sarah Kosikowski, whose brag-worthy background includes a James Beard Award nomination in the “Rising Star Chef” category. Before joining the Sixteen team at in 2009, Kosikowski worked at Michael Mina restaurant, served as executive pastry chef at Fleur de Lys and directed pastry production at Wynn Las Vegas. Prior to her Las Vegas gigs, she spent time in California at The French Laundry, Citizen Cake and Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco’s Dining Room. Now she treats the Second City to her intricately detailed desserts. The white chocolate vanilla tart we had during our visit to Sixteen was designed with great care. It incorporated raspberries in three different but complementary ways: Fresh raspberries on top of the tart, a smear of raspberry sauce and mini raspberry meringues.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sixteen plays a mix of classical music and light jazz that’s not too loud and not too soft in the background of the fine-dining restaurant. That is to say, a lull in the conversation won’t become dead air, but you also won’t be struggling to communicate over a blaring sax solo. We found the music to be just right for the setting — it was sophisticated and elegant, just like the rest of the Four-Star Chicago restaurant. The music sets the mood and then lets other elements, such as the food and incredible views of the Chicago River, take center stage.
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Sixteen is neither crowded nor deserted, and its midsize dining room keeps the noise level at a comfortable medium. When we visited for lunch, the room was filled with a low, conversational murmur. A mix of classical and light jazz music fills in the background and keeps the Chicago restaurant from descending into any uncomfortable silences. The dining room was only about half full at lunchtime, but Sixteen gets more animated during dinnertime and out on the popular seasonal terrace. You’ll find that the restaurant lends itself well to a peaceful dining atmosphere, with a noise level that will never get high enough to disturb your meal.
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Sixteen has around 20 tables in its dining room that are spread out just enough to keep you from getting too up close and personal with your neighbors and servers. The Four-Star Chicago restaurant is outfitted with an appropriate amount of seating for the space — there’s no cramming just to fit in more customers. Even the semi-private dining rooms that can be rented out by groups are the perfect balance of intimacy and taking part in the larger dining experience: There’s plenty of privacy for you and your friends or family, but you won’t feel cut off from the rest of the restaurant.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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One of the best reasons to dine at Sixteen is its wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer incredible views of Chicago. From any table in the Four-Star restaurant, you can see the ferries puttering up and down the Chicago River, the incredible architecture of the city skyline and the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan. You can also get a glimpse of Navy Pier and get a free show; fireworks shoot off there on Wednesday nights in the summer. After dinner, we recommend taking a walk around the outside terrace and checking out all the buildings surrounding Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, where Sixteen is located. Of course, this is all weather-permitting, since Chicago winters are brutal and best enjoyed from the comfort of the indoors.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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At Sixteen, the best tables are any of the spots next to the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. The 16th-floor restaurant inside Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago overlooks the Chicago River, which is framed by some of the world’s best architecture, and beyond it, the vast waters of Lake Michigan. From a seat by the window, you can watch boats go by, complete with gape-mouthed tourists, or see the sun set over the lake as you enjoy your meal. If you can’t manage to get this prime real estate, don’t worry. Every table at the Four-Star restaurant has a pretty unobstructed sightline to the breathtaking view.
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As the day goes on, the price range goes up at Sixteen. At breakfast, you can get pancakes for $14, two eggs any style for $17 or, for something a little more decadent, the truffle Texas toast with lobster, spinach, poached egg, roasted tomato and hollandaise sauce for $26. For lunch, order a three-course tasting menu for about $38, which includes an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert, as well as a thirst-quenching non-alcoholic cocktail like the Pomegranate Plum Cooler (made from pomegranate, plum tea and fresh citrus). For dinner, expect to spend at least $50 per person if you order à la carte;opt for a tasting menu and you will pay between $110 and $240.
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Sixteen calls its private dining rooms “semi-private,” which is a good thing if you want to party. There’s plenty of privacy for you and your friends or family, but you won’t feel cut off from the buzz of the rest of the restaurant. You can stay indoors in the Bridges Room or River Room, or make it an alfresco affair at the popular Terrace at Trump, which is open seasonally. Booking one of the spaces (which fit 12 to 30 people) also entitles you to the semi-private dining experience: Choose a three-, four- or five-course menu; or if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the blind tasting menu and leave your party’s taste buds in the chef’s capable hands. For an additional cost, add a cheese course, wine pairings, truffles, hors d’oeuvres, petit fours or an intermezzo sorbet (to get that onion taste out of your mouth before dessert) to your meal. Make a reservation by calling the restaurant directly or online by visiting Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago website to get the party started.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If you have to wait for a table at Sixteen, relax in the small seating area just outside of the restaurant by the front desk. You’re also welcome to chill at the Bar at Sixteen, which opens at 11 a.m. and offers such specialty cocktails as the Sweet 16, made with Grand Marnier, Benedictine, rose hip liqueur and grapefruit juice. Or quench your thirst with the Drunken Monk. This delicious libation is made with pineapple and mint, muddled and shaken with Patron Silver tequila, Green Chartreuse and topped off with a sea-salt rim. If it’s a sunny day in the Windy City, head out to this Chicago restaurant’s seasonal terrace for some fresh air and a spectacular view of the city skyline. It’s so nice out there, you may not want to come back inside when your table is ready.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The interior design at Sixteen is elegant, sophisticated and makes the most of its location on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, across from the Chicago River. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows offers spectacular views of the water and some of Chicago’s most beautiful architecture along the river. A dark wood wall with a large, dramatic mirror sits opposite the windows. Armrests on the cream leather chairs are also made of dark wood. Matching tall cream chairs line a hand-molded bronze bar. A brilliant Swarovski crystal chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, and below are floors made of Saint-Croix limestone from France. The entryway doesn’t skimp on awe, either — wine bottles encased in glass form the side walls. It all adds an elegant element to the dining experience at the Four-Star restaurant.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sixteen has about 20 tables throughout the restaurant, as well as semi-private dining rooms for larger groups. We found the space to be an ideal size — it’s not so large that you feel lost in the crowd, but it’s not so small as to be stuffy. If you want to come for breakfast or lunch, we’re guessing you won’t need a reservation, since the dining room only filled up about halfway when we visited for an afternoon meal. However, the restaurant can and does fill up for dinner, as this Chicago hotspot on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is a frequent favorite among travelers and locals alike. You can ensure a spot at one of the 20 tables by making a reservation through the restaurant directly, through the Trump’s concierge or online at the hotel’s website.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Whether or not you need a reservation at Sixteen depends on the time of day you’re planning on going to the Chicago fine dining restaurant. A reservation shouldn’t be necessary for breakfast or lunch — when we were there, the lunchtime crowd only filled about half of the tables. However, you will probably want to call in advance or make an online reservation for dinner, as this Four-Star restaurant is a popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Plan ahead to make sure you get your ideal date and time, so you won’t miss out on mouth-watering dishes like pork belly and tenderloin with polenta, roasted peach and mustard greens.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Located in Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago just blocks from the Loop, the heart of Chicago’s downtown, Sixteen offers an innovative, ever-evolving menu in a chic urban setting. Here are five things you should know about Sixteen:
1. The dinner menu changes frequently, almost daily, so you’ll be surprised with new dishes every time you dine at this Chicago restaurant. For a real adventure, go for the blind tasting menu and put your table at the mercy of the chef’s whims (sounds scary, but you won’t be disappointed).
2. An entire wall of the restaurant consists of floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you an amazing view of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building clock tower. Even while you dine inside, you won’t really be separated from the city.
3. All the dishes at Sixteen are presented with great care and concocted with remarkable attention to detail. For example, we ordered a raspberry-based dessert and it incorporated the berries three different ways: The white chocolate vanilla tart was topped with raspberries, mini raspberry meringues and a sweet raspberry sauce.
4. The service is very attentive. The staff is polite and gets the timing of the meal just right — no course ever felt too fast or too slow.
5. Kids are welcome at Sixteen. In fact, the restaurant goes out of its way to cater to the little gourmands. A special children’s menu with tot-friendly treats like pizza bagels and mac and cheese comes decorated with either princesses or Transformers.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Those planning an outing that requires group dining should check out the three semi-private dining rooms at Sixteen. You can take the party indoors in the Bridges Room or River Room, or make it an alfresco affair at the popular Terrace at Trump, which is open seasonally. All three spaces, which can fit 12 to 30 people, don’t cut you off from the rest of the restaurant, but provide enough privacy for you to catch up with friends or co-workers without fear of interruption. The semi-private dining experience offers you a choice of three-, four- or five-course meals, as well as add-ons like a cheese course, truffles or wine pairings. Call Sixteen ahead of time for a reservation to ensure that the staff will have room to seat you and your flock of foodies.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sixteen is located inside Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago at 401 N. Wabash Ave. in downtown Chicago. The Four-Star restaurant’s 92-story building — the second tallest in the city after the Willis Tower — is a breathtaking addition to the skyline. Head up to the 16th floor, where you can enjoy the view of the Chicago River along with your breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner at this aptly named restaurant. If you take a leisurely stroll after your Four-Star meal, you’ll find classic Chicago attractions close by, such as Magnificent Mile shopping, Millennium Park and the Art Institute. And with several “L” (the elevated train) stations blocks away, you’ll have no trouble catching a ride home or off to your next adventure.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You can snag a reservation at Sixteen several different ways, the simplest of which would be to just call the Four-Star restaurant directly. If you’re staying at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which houses Sixteen on its 16th floor, the concierge can also get you a table. Those who are technologically minded can book a reservation at the Chicago restaurant on the hotel’s own website by inputting your name, phone number, the desired date and time of your meal, and your party number.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If you’ve decided to take on Chicago’s streets by car, you will find both valet and self-parking at Sixteen. For those who are just dining at the restaurant, the flat rate for valet or self-parking is (of course) $16. Self-park hourly rates for those staying at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which houses the fine-dining restaurant, start at $8 for the first 30 minutes up to $46 for 12 to 24 hours. Hourly rates for the valet parking start at $18 for the first hour up to $55 for 12 to 24 hours. Public transit options also abound-all the “L” train lines have a station within five blocks of the Four-Star restaurant.
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If you want to feel like a bona fide Chicagoan — and beat the downtown city traffic — you can take almost any line of Chicago’s “L” trains (the elevated trains) to get to Sixteen. Get off at the Grand station on the Red Line, at Merchandise Mart on the Brown Line or at Clark/Lake for Blue, Green, Pink and Orange lines — all are just blocks away from the Four-Star Chicago restaurant. If you’re more comfortable behind the wheel, drive up Lake Shore Drive to the Randolph Street/Wacker Drive exit. Take Wacker to Wabash and turn right. When you pull up to Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which houses Sixteen, you’ll have the option of self-parking or giving your keys to the valet to handle it for you.
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Sixteen is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. This Chicago restaurant serves up morning selections like Italian-style breakfast sandwiches to early birds starting at 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Lunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and it extends to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Take the girls out for Sunday brunch between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. You’ll be able to catch up over cocktails, since the bar also opens at 11 a.m. daily.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You won’t find a whole lot of denim at Sixteen, where the dress code ranges from smart casual to a little dressier for evening. Don’t worry about getting all decked out for breakfast or lunch — a collared shirt works for the guys and an office-appropriate dress for the ladies will suffice during the day at the Chicago restaurant. Expect to show off a little more for dinner. While sport coats and ties aren’t required, most men wear them anyway; women typically don dresses or trousers with a nice top. You’ll want to put your best face forward when dining at the Four-Star restaurant.
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If you want to feel like a bona fide Chicagoan — and beat the downtown city traffic — you can take almost any line of Chicago’s “L” trains (the elevated trains) to get to Sixteen. Get off at the Grand station on the Red Line, at Merchandise Mart on the Brown Line or at Clark/Lake for Blue, Green, Pink and Orange lines — all are just blocks away from the Four-Star Chicago restaurant. If you’re more comfortable behind the wheel, drive up Lake Shore Drive to the Randolph Street/Wacker Drive exit. Take Wacker to Wabash and turn right. When you pull up to Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which houses Sixteen, you’ll have the option of self-parking or giving your keys to the valet to handle it for you.
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If you’ve decided to take on Chicago’s streets by car, you will find both valet and self-parking at Sixteen. For those who are just dining at the restaurant, the flat rate for valet or self-parking is (of course) $16. Self-park hourly rates for those staying at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which houses the fine-dining restaurant, start at $8 for the first 30 minutes up to $46 for 12 to 24 hours. Hourly rates for the valet parking start at $18 for the first hour up to $55 for 12 to 24 hours. Public transit options also abound-all the “L” train lines have a station within five blocks of the Four-Star restaurant.
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Sixteen is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. This Chicago restaurant serves up morning selections like Italian-style breakfast sandwiches to early birds starting at 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Lunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and it extends to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Take the girls out for Sunday brunch between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. You’ll be able to catch up over cocktails, since the bar also opens at 11 a.m. daily.
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You won’t find a whole lot of denim at Sixteen, where the dress code ranges from smart casual to a little dressier for evening. Don’t worry about getting all decked out for breakfast or lunch — a collared shirt works for the guys and an office-appropriate dress for the ladies will suffice during the day at the Chicago restaurant. Expect to show off a little more for dinner. While sport coats and ties aren’t required, most men wear them anyway; women typically don dresses or trousers with a nice top. You’ll want to put your best face forward when dining at the Four-Star restaurant.
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You can snag a reservation at Sixteen several different ways, the simplest of which would be to just call the Four-Star restaurant directly. If you’re staying at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which houses Sixteen on its 16th floor, the concierge can also get you a table. Those who are technologically minded can book a reservation at the Chicago restaurant on the hotel’s own website by inputting your name, phone number, the desired date and time of your meal, and your party number.
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Whether or not you need a reservation at Sixteen depends on the time of day you’re planning on going to the Chicago fine dining restaurant. A reservation shouldn’t be necessary for breakfast or lunch — when we were there, the lunchtime crowd only filled about half of the tables. However, you will probably want to call in advance or make an online reservation for dinner, as this Four-Star restaurant is a popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Plan ahead to make sure you get your ideal date and time, so you won’t miss out on mouth-watering dishes like pork belly and tenderloin with polenta, roasted peach and mustard greens.
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Located in Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago just blocks from the Loop, the heart of Chicago’s downtown, Sixteen offers an innovative, ever-evolving menu in a chic urban setting. Here are five things you should know about Sixteen:
1. The dinner menu changes frequently, almost daily, so you’ll be surprised with new dishes every time you dine at this Chicago restaurant. For a real adventure, go for the blind tasting menu and put your table at the mercy of the chef’s whims (sounds scary, but you won’t be disappointed).
2. An entire wall of the restaurant consists of floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you an amazing view of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building clock tower. Even while you dine inside, you won’t really be separated from the city.
3. All the dishes at Sixteen are presented with great care and concocted with remarkable attention to detail. For example, we ordered a raspberry-based dessert and it incorporated the berries three different ways: The white chocolate vanilla tart was topped with raspberries, mini raspberry meringues and a sweet raspberry sauce.
4. The service is very attentive. The staff is polite and gets the timing of the meal just right — no course ever felt too fast or too slow.
5. Kids are welcome at Sixteen. In fact, the restaurant goes out of its way to cater to the little gourmands. A special children’s menu with tot-friendly treats like pizza bagels and mac and cheese comes decorated with either princesses or Transformers. -
Those planning an outing that requires group dining should check out the three semi-private dining rooms at Sixteen. You can take the party indoors in the Bridges Room or River Room, or make it an alfresco affair at the popular Terrace at Trump, which is open seasonally. All three spaces, which can fit 12 to 30 people, don’t cut you off from the rest of the restaurant, but provide enough privacy for you to catch up with friends or co-workers without fear of interruption. The semi-private dining experience offers you a choice of three-, four- or five-course meals, as well as add-ons like a cheese course, truffles or wine pairings. Call Sixteen ahead of time for a reservation to ensure that the staff will have room to seat you and your flock of foodies.
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Sixteen calls its private dining rooms “semi-private,” which is a good thing if you want to party. There’s plenty of privacy for you and your friends or family, but you won’t feel cut off from the buzz of the rest of the restaurant. You can stay indoors in the Bridges Room or River Room, or make it an alfresco affair at the popular Terrace at Trump, which is open seasonally. Booking one of the spaces (which fit 12 to 30 people) also entitles you to the semi-private dining experience: Choose a three-, four- or five-course menu; or if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the blind tasting menu and leave your party’s taste buds in the chef’s capable hands. For an additional cost, add a cheese course, wine pairings, truffles, hors d’oeuvres, petit fours or an intermezzo sorbet (to get that onion taste out of your mouth before dessert) to your meal. Make a reservation by calling the restaurant directly or online by visiting Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago website to get the party started.
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As the day goes on, the price range goes up at Sixteen. At breakfast, you can get pancakes for $14, two eggs any style for $17 or, for something a little more decadent, the truffle Texas toast with lobster, spinach, poached egg, roasted tomato and hollandaise sauce for $26. For lunch, order a three-course tasting menu for about $38, which includes an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert, as well as a thirst-quenching non-alcoholic cocktail like the Pomegranate Plum Cooler (made from pomegranate, plum tea and fresh citrus). For dinner, expect to spend at least $50 per person if you order à la carte;opt for a tasting menu and you will pay between $110 and $240.
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One of the best reasons to dine at Sixteen is its wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer incredible views of Chicago. From any table in the Four-Star restaurant, you can see the ferries puttering up and down the Chicago River, the incredible architecture of the city skyline and the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan. You can also get a glimpse of Navy Pier and get a free show; fireworks shoot off there on Wednesday nights in the summer. After dinner, we recommend taking a walk around the outside terrace and checking out all the buildings surrounding Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, where Sixteen is located. Of course, this is all weather-permitting, since Chicago winters are brutal and best enjoyed from the comfort of the indoors.
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The interior design at Sixteen is elegant, sophisticated and makes the most of its location on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, across from the Chicago River. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows offers spectacular views of the water and some of Chicago’s most beautiful architecture along the river. A dark wood wall with a large, dramatic mirror sits opposite the windows. Armrests on the cream leather chairs are also made of dark wood. Matching tall cream chairs line a hand-molded bronze bar. A brilliant Swarovski crystal chandelier hangs from the center of the ceiling, and below are floors made of Saint-Croix limestone from France. The entryway doesn’t skimp on awe, either — wine bottles encased in glass form the side walls. It all adds an elegant element to the dining experience at the Four-Star restaurant.
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Sixteen has about 20 tables throughout the restaurant, as well as semi-private dining rooms for larger groups. We found the space to be an ideal size — it’s not so large that you feel lost in the crowd, but it’s not so small as to be stuffy. If you want to come for breakfast or lunch, we’re guessing you won’t need a reservation, since the dining room only filled up about halfway when we visited for an afternoon meal. However, the restaurant can and does fill up for dinner, as this Chicago hotspot on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is a frequent favorite among travelers and locals alike. You can ensure a spot at one of the 20 tables by making a reservation through the restaurant directly, through the Trump’s concierge or online at the hotel’s website.
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At Sixteen, the best tables are any of the spots next to the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. The 16th-floor restaurant inside Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago overlooks the Chicago River, which is framed by some of the world’s best architecture, and beyond it, the vast waters of Lake Michigan. From a seat by the window, you can watch boats go by, complete with gape-mouthed tourists, or see the sun set over the lake as you enjoy your meal. If you can’t manage to get this prime real estate, don’t worry. Every table at the Four-Star restaurant has a pretty unobstructed sightline to the breathtaking view.
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If you have to wait for a table at Sixteen, relax in the small seating area just outside of the restaurant by the front desk. You’re also welcome to chill at the Bar at Sixteen, which opens at 11 a.m. and offers such specialty cocktails as the Sweet 16, made with Grand Marnier, Benedictine, rose hip liqueur and grapefruit juice. Or quench your thirst with the Drunken Monk. This delicious libation is made with pineapple and mint, muddled and shaken with Patron Silver tequila, Green Chartreuse and topped off with a sea-salt rim. If it’s a sunny day in the Windy City, head out to this Chicago restaurant’s seasonal terrace for some fresh air and a spectacular view of the city skyline. It’s so nice out there, you may not want to come back inside when your table is ready.
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Sixteen plays a mix of classical music and light jazz that’s not too loud and not too soft in the background of the fine-dining restaurant. That is to say, a lull in the conversation won’t become dead air, but you also won’t be struggling to communicate over a blaring sax solo. We found the music to be just right for the setting — it was sophisticated and elegant, just like the rest of the Four-Star Chicago restaurant. The music sets the mood and then lets other elements, such as the food and incredible views of the Chicago River, take center stage.
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Sixteen is neither crowded nor deserted, and its midsize dining room keeps the noise level at a comfortable medium. When we visited for lunch, the room was filled with a low, conversational murmur. A mix of classical and light jazz music fills in the background and keeps the Chicago restaurant from descending into any uncomfortable silences. The dining room was only about half full at lunchtime, but Sixteen gets more animated during dinnertime and out on the popular seasonal terrace. You’ll find that the restaurant lends itself well to a peaceful dining atmosphere, with a noise level that will never get high enough to disturb your meal.
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Sixteen has around 20 tables in its dining room that are spread out just enough to keep you from getting too up close and personal with your neighbors and servers. The Four-Star Chicago restaurant is outfitted with an appropriate amount of seating for the space — there’s no cramming just to fit in more customers. Even the semi-private dining rooms that can be rented out by groups are the perfect balance of intimacy and taking part in the larger dining experience: There’s plenty of privacy for you and your friends or family, but you won’t feel cut off from the rest of the restaurant.
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Sixteen’s servers, who are dressed in ties and white button-down shirts, look snappy. And that’s just what the service is like at this Chicago restaurant: Snappy. During our meal, the courses were timed perfectly, and we never felt like we were waiting on anything. The servers were polite and helped set a mood that made us feel at ease from the moment they took our order. Plus, we appreciated how they always made sure we were finished eating before taking our plates. The great service — the type that anticipates your every need — is one of the many reasons the restaurant earned a Four-Star rating.
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Sixteen changes its dinner menu almost daily, and the breakfast and lunch menus are revamped seasonally. If you’re one of those people who likes to know what you’re getting into, you might want to call the restaurant before you head out so you can mull over your dining options in the car. Here are five examples of the kind of inventive, delicious dishes you can expect from this Four-Star Chicago restaurant:
1. Truffle Texas Toast. For breakfast, you might find the truffle Texas toast with lobster, spinach, a poached egg, roasted tomato and hollandaise sauce on the menu. It’s a hearty yet decadent way to start off your morning.
2. Monkfish. The cobb bacon-wrapped monkfish with black garlic purée, fava beans, hearts of palm, shellfish and ale jus is artful without being fussy. It’s perfectly presented with a few splashes of sauce on the side.
3. Cantaloupe Soup. The cantaloupe soup takes a classic hors d’oeuvre — prosciutto-wrapped melon — and makes it sippable. Champagne sorbet is a refreshing extra, making the dish the perfect way to kick-start your meal.
4. Chocolate Vanilla Tart. End your meal with the white chocolate vanilla tart. The fruity dessert incorporates tasty raspberries in three different ways. Not only is it topped with fresh raspberries and a crispy raspberry meringue, but it is served with just a little swipe of Sixteen’s housemade raspberry sauce.
5. Specialty Cocktails. Don’t miss the specialty cocktails at the Bar at Sixteen. One to try is the sweet and spicy Caliente Cooler, which is a blend of jalape"e;o and watermelon that’s finished with Hendrick’s gin, St-Germain and a splash of soda. -
The pastry chef at Sixteen is Sarah Kosikowski, whose brag-worthy background includes a James Beard Award nomination in the “Rising Star Chef” category. Before joining the Sixteen team at in 2009, Kosikowski worked at Michael Mina restaurant, served as executive pastry chef at Fleur de Lys and directed pastry production at Wynn Las Vegas. Prior to her Las Vegas gigs, she spent time in California at The French Laundry, Citizen Cake and Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco’s Dining Room. Now she treats the Second City to her intricately detailed desserts. The white chocolate vanilla tart we had during our visit to Sixteen was designed with great care. It incorporated raspberries in three different but complementary ways: Fresh raspberries on top of the tart, a smear of raspberry sauce and mini raspberry meringues.
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The menu at Sixteen delivers a variety of contemporary American food, with selections rotating regularly so there’s always something new to try at the Chicago restaurant. Breakfast and lunch menus change with the seasons, while the dinner menu is updated almost daily. You can mix and match menu items, such as croissants, Yukon fried potatoes and fresh strawberries to create a custom breakfast; or go for one filling dish like the eggs Benedict with Irish bacon and hollandaise sauce. The lunch menu offers à la carte options as well as a three-course tasting menu. Order the tasting menu and you’ll be treated to an appetizer, entrée and dessert, as well as a non-alcoholic cocktail, like a Pomegranate Plum Cooler, made of pomegranate, plum tea and fresh citrus.
Some of the sort of dishes you can expect at dinner include the cantaloupe soup with prosciutto, pressed melon and champagne sorbet; prime New York strip made with confit fingerling potatoes, sweet onion purée and summer vegetables; and cobb bacon-wrapped monkfish with black garlic purée, hearts of palms, fava beans, shellfish and ale jus.
The desserts at Sixteen are made by pastry chef Sarah Kosikowski, who is famous for her attention to detail in sweets like the white chocolate vanilla tart topped with fresh raspberries and served with a smear of raspberry sauce and mini raspberry meringues. If raspberries aren’t your thing, try other fruity finishes, like a tart cherry shortcake with white chocolate almond rocher and vanilla ice milk, or oven-roasted apricots with pistachio cream cake and lemon verbena namelaka. They are the perfect way to cap off a meal at the Four-Star restaurant. -
The desserts at Sixteen are carefully crafted by pastry chef Sarah Kosikowski, who started making confections at the Chicago restaurant in 2009. The selection of sweets changes frequently, but some of chef Kosikowski’s recent creations include the caramelia chocolate torchon with kaya coconut milk jam, tainori financier and brown butter sorbet and the cherry kefir panna cotta with red poppy flower mousse, cherry blossom syrup and fromage blanc sorbet. All her desserts look almost too good to eat. But you’ll won’t be able to resist the intricately detailed dishes that combine each ingredient in a balanced and complementary way.
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Although Four-Star restaurant Sixteen caters to grown-up palates, it does a remarkable job of pleasing younger taste buds, too. The cute kids’ menus are decorated with either princesses or Transformers, and they feature such kid-friendly treats as peanut butter and jelly with a fruit cup or chicken fingers. While you nurse a beer, your son or daughter can sip on a special kiddie “mocktail” like the Shirley Temple or Flower Power, which is made with rose nectar, cranberry juice and club soda. Need an incentive to get your kids to finish dinner? Sixteen makes simple, no-fail desserts, such as chocolate pudding and fresh baked cookies, which are sure to make the little ones smile.
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When you need some good drinks, get started early at the bar at Sixteen; it opens at 11 a.m. every day. The bar inside the Four-Star restaurant serves up specialty cocktails like the Sweet 16, which is made with Grand Marnier, Benedictine, rose hip liqueur and grapefruit juice. Or ask the bartender to mix you up the Exotic Ginger. It’s a blend of Belvedere vodka, St-Germain, Cointreau, muddled ginger, white cranberry juice and fresh lime. The bar also offers classic cocktails, such as Manhattans and Sidecars, as well as an abundance of beers and wines by the glass. If you feel a bit peckish after a drink or two, order a salad, soup, pizza or burger off the bar menu. Just be sure to follow it up with one of liquor-laden desserts, like Mai Tai push pops or milk chocolate frozen bananas with pi"e;a colada fondue. Since you are in bar, the extra dose of liquor the perfect way to end the night.