Dining at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago — FireLake, Blu Bar and pool snacks
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar is the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago’s main on-site restaurant, serving locally inspired American dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. For quicker options the lobby-level Blu Bar offers Starbucks and Lavazza coffee, grab-and-go items and a weekend modern tea; seasonal poolside/Aqua Bar service provides light bites and drinks when the rooftop pool is open.
In this guide
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar — what to expect
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar is the hotel’s signature American grill concept focused on wood-fired cooking and Midwest ingredients. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Marcin Sobusiak.
Service covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and a weekend brunch. The restaurant also offers craft cocktails and locally sourced beers at the bar; dress is casual.
- Cuisine: American/Midwestern, wood-fired meats, freshwater fish and seasonal produce
- Hours (posted listings): generally open 6:30 AM–10:00 PM; weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays
- Reservations: accepted via OpenTable; larger parties are recommended to contact the restaurant directly
| Meal | Typical availability (sources vary) |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Morning service; OpenTable and hotel listings note early start times (e.g., 6:30–11:00 AM) |
| Weekend Brunch | Served Saturday–Sunday; brunch hours and buffet details listed on the restaurant site |
| Dinner | Evening service; hours listed through about 10:00–10:45 PM on some listings |
FireLake signature dishes and menu highlights
Menu notes and signature items appear across listings rather than a single posted menu in the dossier. Known signature entrees include a Hunter Crusted Filet Mignon, Pan-Roasted Salmon, and a High Plains Buffalo Burger prepared using the restaurant’s smoker and rotisserie.
FireLake also runs special services such as Afternoon Tea (reservations required) and weekend brunch features that have offered buffet options and bottomless mimosa promotions on some pages.
- Hunter Crusted Filet Mignon — listed as a signature dish
- Pan-Roasted Salmon — wood-fired and regionally focused
- High Plains Buffalo Burger — produced via smoker/rotisserie
| Offer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Afternoon Tea | Offered on select days; requires reservation |
| Weekend Brunch | Buffet and à la carte options appear on restaurant pages |
| Happy Hour | Some listings show Monday–Thursday happy hour specials in late afternoon |
Blu Bar and quick grab-and-go options
Blu Bar is the lobby-level coffee and casual bar serving Starbucks beverages, breakfast sandwiches, Lavazza coffee and other to-go options. It’s intended for quick breakfast, snacks and casual coffee service without a reservation.
The lobby bar has also offered a weekend 'modern tea' service on some listings, and Lavazza coffee service runs daily.
- No reservations required for Blu Bar
- Good option for grab-and-go breakfasts if you don’t want full sit-down dining
- Serves premium coffee and light snacks throughout the day
| Service | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Starbucks & Lavazza coffee | Morning and all-day coffee service |
| Breakfast sandwiches / to-go | Quick option instead of sit-down breakfast |
| Modern tea (weekends) | Listed on some pages as a weekend offering |
Poolside and Aqua Bar service
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago has a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool with a hot tub and a year-round indoor lap pool; seasonal bar and light-bite service is provided at the rooftop pool and an Aqua Bar serves refreshments by the pool when it’s open.
Outdoor pool service and hours are weather dependent. Pool hours and availability vary by season and source listings; check with the hotel front desk or concierge before planning poolside dining.
- Pools at the property: a year-round indoor two-lane lap pool, plus a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool and hot tub
- Rooftop pool bar/service: available when the outdoor pool is open (seasonal)
- Pool hours vary by source; some listings show daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, others list extended seasonal hours
| Pool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor lap pool | Open year-round |
| Outdoor rooftop pool + hot tub | Seasonal; bar and service open weather permitting |
| Poolside food/drink | Light bites and bar service provided when outdoor pool is operating |
Practical dining tips — reservations, hours and family needs
If you need a specific time (weekend brunch or dinner), make an OpenTable reservation for FireLake; larger parties should contact the restaurant or hotel directly. Blu Bar and lobby grab-and-go items do not require reservations.
The hotel is family-friendly: children 17 and under are covered under the family rate policy and FireLake offers kids' meals for lunch and dinner. Note that breakfast is usually a paid extra; grab-and-go options are available in the lobby.
- Reservations: FireLake via OpenTable; parties >6 should contact the restaurant
- Kids: kids’ meals available at FireLake; the property welcomes children of all ages
- Urban Fee: a nightly Urban Fee covers Tier 1 Wi‑Fi and access to pools and fitness areas — it does not include restaurant meals
| Common question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a reservation for brunch? | Weekend brunch is popular—reserve on OpenTable if you want a set time |
| Are kids welcome? | Yes; FireLake has kids' meals and the hotel’s rates include children 17 and under under family policy |
| Is breakfast included? | No; breakfast at FireLake is a paid meal though grab-and-go options are available in the lobby |
Pairing dining with your room or event
If you’re staying in a suite or room type and planning in-room dining or private events, the hotel’s catering team provides in-house catering for meetings and weddings across the property’s event spaces. The Atlantic Ballroom and other meeting rooms offer full catering support.
Room-service style full restaurant deliveries are not listed in the dossier, but in-room spa services are available through Windy City Massage and concierge staff can help with restaurant or catering arrangements. Room names you may book include 1 King Bed, Deluxe; Premium High Floor Room; One Bedroom Ambassador Suite; Premium Corner, Balcony Room; and One Bedroom Ambassador Deluxe Suite, Balcony.
- Catering and private-event menus provided for meeting and wedding bookings
- Concierge can arrange restaurant reservations and spa treatments (Windy City Massage)
- Mention any dietary restrictions when you make a reservation or event order
| Room type (examples) | When to choose it for dining convenience |
|---|---|
| 1 King Bed, Deluxe | Standard guest room near lobby dining and Blu Bar |
| One Bedroom Ambassador Suite | More space if you plan private in-room meetings or small gatherings |
| Premium Corner, Balcony Room | Balcony and corner views if you expect to enjoy in-room meals with a view |
