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Waldorf Astoria Chicago Welcomes Back Bernard’s

Waldorf Astoria Chicago - Bernards restaurant bar luxury hilton hotel
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Chicago’s beloved haunt returns paying tribute to the past through moments grounded in the present

CHICAGO – Chicago’s premier luxury hotel, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, is pleased to announce the return of the iconic cocktail lounge Bernard’s in the Gold Coast. Bernard’s, a beloved Chicago haunt, is the Chicago destination for a night out, offering a craft beverage program rooted in classic cocktails, as well as modern iterations, alongside artisanal wines and rare spirits. 

Bernard’s has re-emerged with a design rooted in rich, dark colors, classic forms, tweeds from the Scottish Highlands and equestrian influences. The timeless, yet modern design extends into the thoughtfully curated cocktail and beverage menu, which strikes a balance between revered classics that pay tribute to the past and innovations that provide a moment in the present. Guests may peruse time-honored favorites like the Sazerac alongside signature twists such as The Southernmost, mixed with Belvedere, lime juice, condensed milk, and brulée foam. The beverage menu is rounded out with Champagne, wines and fine spirits, including a curated selection of vintage Armagnac from Bhakta Spirits dating back to 1888. Guests can choose from a variety of decadent snacks including Caviar Service with traditional accoutrements and house-chips, Duck Confit Croquettes, and other tasty nibbles.

Miguel Sanchez Borrego. Waldorf Astoria Chicago - Bernards restaurant bar luxury hilton hotel

Leading the beverage program at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is cocktail and couture manager, Miguel Sanchez Borrego. Originally from Jerez, Spain, Borrego moved to the United States just six years ago to enhance his cocktail skills and techniques and was promoted to lead bartender at Conrad Fort Lauderdale. In his new role at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Borrego is leveraging his extensive spirit and beverage expertise to developing curated cocktail programs and concepts across all of Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s food and beverage outlets that create a desirable and luxurious nightlife environment.

"For those returning to the beloved cocktail lounge after an extended hiatus, the hope is that the reimagined Bernard’s not only pays homage to the original, but creates a personalized experience today, building a landmark for tomorrow."

Linh Pham

Food and beverage director, Waldorf Astoria Chicago

“Our re-introduction of Bernard’s as part of our larger property renovation is grounded in the perfect delivery of classic cocktails showcased with exquisite spirit expressions,” said Linh Pham, food and beverage director, Waldorf Astoria Chicago. “For those returning to the beloved cocktail lounge after an extended hiatus, the hope is that the reimagined Bernard’s not only pays homage to the original, but creates a personalized experience today, building a landmark for tomorrow.”

Bernard’s is open Sunday-Thursday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. and Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.

For more information about Waldorf Astoria Chicago, or to book a reservation, please visit www.waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com

Media Contact

Jill Katzfor Waldorf Astoria Chicagojill@jklspr.com
Laura FordHilton Laura.ford@Hilton.com845-274-2267

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,300 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 138 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No.1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 200 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.


About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 34 iconic properties that create a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on X and Instagram.   


About Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago, a 60-story hotel and residence designed by architect Lucien Lagrange emulating   the   grand   hotels   of   Paris   in   the   1920s, is   located   in   the   historic   Gold   Coast neighborhood adjacent to the most exclusive shops, restaurants, nightlife, recreation/beach, and businesses. Through innovations in service and technology, the 214-room hotel creates an energetic and fashion forward luxury experience complete with an award-winning 14,000 square-foot spa & health club; 24-hour in-room dining; and nearly 8,000-square-feet of meeting, private dining, and event space inclusive of the cobblestone courtyard. A newly completed renovation unveiled new premier cocktail and lounge settings including Peacock Lounge and the re-introduced Bernard’s bar, Brass Tack, a new restaurant and private dining venue, an updated lobby and refreshed guestrooms and suites, including a new Astoria Suite and redesigned Presidential Suite. To explore Waldorf Astoria Chicago, please visit www.waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com or call (312) 646-1300. Follow on social media at instagram.com/wachicago/, facebook.com/WaldorfAstoriaChicago, and twitter.com/Waldorf_Chicago