Summer in Chicago is always incredible, and I just found a way to make it extra special! The Veuve Clicquot Courtyard Experience at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. It’s an elegant, playful and delicious outdoor happy hour filled with endless pours of Veuve Clicquot champagne, delicious charcuterie, and live music. La Cour de Champagne, or The Court of Champagne is tucked inside of the Peacock Gardens of the Waldorf. I felt like I was in my own peaceful sanctuary somewhere in the South of France. I have lived in Chicagoland my whole life, and while this was my first visit to the Waldorf, I can assure you that it won’t be my last. Between the remarkable staff, the bubbles, and being immersed in Veuve Clicquot’s iconic sunny colors, we left feeling blissful and relaxed. Keep reading to read my full review of the Veuve Clicquot Courtyard at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago.
The Location
It was a sunny Saturday at the end of June when my friend Monica and I made our way to The Waldorf Astoria Chicago. This luxurious five star hotel is located in the Gold Coast at 11 E Walton Street. The Gold Coast Neighborhood is a fantastic place to spend a day or even a long weekend whether you live in Chicago, or are visiting from out of town. Here you will find some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city. The lake front path is also easily accessible from the Gold Coast which is a huge plus.
Speaking of the Lake Front Path. Riding a bike or running alongside Lake Michigan on the path is one of my favorite things to do in Chicago! It will allow you to enjoy Lake Michigan while also admiring Chicago’s world class skyline, which I happen to believe is the greatest in the world. Also read my Top things to do in Chicago article.
La Cour de Champagne in the Peacock Gardens
We met outside of the Hotel, and there, in the corner of the Peacock Gardens of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, we found La Cour de Champagne. A French-Inspired Outdoor dining area. It felt like an escape from the hustle and bustle that was just a stone’s throw away, yet somehow we felt like we were in a different world.
The Veuve Clicquot Courtyard x Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Clicquot Courtyard was styled in the iconic colors of Veuve Clicquot. From the charming bistro tables and chairs to the striped umbrellas and beach loungers. This experience was a great reminder of the cheerful elegance of Veuve Clicquot! The yellow and orange colors of Veuve always exude such joy, and there at the Waldorf, it was hard not to feel like I had been transported to a Beach Club in Nice on the Mediterranean Sea.
A French Inspired Escape in the City
If you know me, then you know that The South of France is my Happy Place! So I guess it’s no surprise that The Clicquot Courtyard felt both relaxing and joyful. We were immediately greeted by the staff, and once we were situated at a bistrot table, Deng from the Waldorf Astoria Chicago came by with that first pour of the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label.
It wasn’t long before the violinist started playing La Vie en Rose, and between the Champagne, the music, I went into a blissful state of mind that usually only comes when I’m sitting on a beach in Europe.
What We ate and Drank
The Champagne: Yellow Label Veuve Clicquot
The Veuve Clicquot Courtyard experience includes endless pours of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne served in Veuve Clicquot’s legendary bright orange goblets. I have always loved how Veuve marries sophistication with a playful vibe, and the Clicquot Courtyard’s apéro hour struck all the same chords- yet this experience added an extra sparkle.
If you are looking to take your happy hour up a notch, you can upgrade your experience with a Kaviari Caviar Service , Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé, or Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Champagne.
The Charcuterie
It wasn’t long before the staff brought out a charcuterie board for us to enjoy. We were particularly impressed with their attention to detail because we both have food allergies. Monica has a nut and tree nut allergy, and I am allergic to gluten in North America. I am happy to report that everyone was so accommodating! I was delighted to learn that The Waldorf Astoria and Brass Tack both have Gluten Free crackers, and bread.
The charcuterie board had a wonderful assortment of top notch offerings. There was a salami, prosciutto, dried apricots, bleu cheese, and 2 types of mild white cheeses that I found myself reaching for the most. Well, besides the fig preserves, sweet butter and the honeycomb of course! I encourage you to make good use of these flavorful delights because they were definitely the stars of the show. I do love a condiment that brings the food to the next level, and these were magnifique!
Now, was the honeycomb sticky no matter what utensil I used? Absolutely. Was it worth it? If given One thousand chances to make a different choice, please know that I would eat the honeycomb every single time. And all of this paired with the Champagne was a real treat!
The Service at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Service at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago was exceptional! We never had to wait long for a champagne refill, and not only did the staff check on us to make sure we were having a wonderful time, but they led with so much kindness. Many thanks to Deng, Luis, and Fre for your warmth and hospitality! We felt so welcome, and they really created a relaxing and fun environment, and for that I am grateful.
We absolutely loved the violinist! The songs she played gave us Bridgerton vibes! I do love Instrumental versions of Pop Music. I also enjoyed the French tunes that she played- especially “La vie en rose” which was ever so fitting as we sipped on champagne.
Why You Should Go
If you love Champagne, sitting on outdoor patios, and enjoying all that the city of Chicago has to offer, then you must book your ticket for the Veuve Clicquot Courtyard x Waldorf Astoria Chicago Experience. Also, if you wish you could get away to a beach in the South of France this summer, but it’s just not in the cards, this experience is a special way to give your next happy hour that “je ne sais quoi” that you are craving.
75 minutes of Champagne, Charcuterie and Music would fit right in at the end of a shopping day on the Gold Coast. It would also be the perfect start to a night out that starts with a Champagne Happy Hour before moving on to one of Chicago’s magnificent restaurants in the area. Who doesn’t love a progressive dinner?
Brass Tack Chicago
However, if you aren’t looking to go far after your Champagne apéro hour, I recommend staying at the Waldorf for dinner at Brass Tack.
The Details- The Veuve Clicquot Courtyard
Location: The Waldorf Astoria Chicago 11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611
Season: Summertime in Chicago. Ends August 30th, 2026
Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-6:15pm and 7-8:15pm. Sunday from 3-4:15pm
Best For: Couples, champagne lovers, celebrations, summer getaways, romantic evenings, and the beginning of a fabulous night on the town
Dress Code: Smart casual
Reservations: Tickets are required. Must be 21+. Book online- tickets are going fast!
Price: Each ticket is $125. A Caviar add on and a Veuve Clicquot upgrade is available for an additional price
What’s Included: Ticket includes a 75 minute happy hour with a shared charcuterie board, endless pours of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne, and live music.
On the Move: The Veuve Clicquot Courtyard
Many thanks to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago for such a lovely experience. We hope you keep bringing back this French Inspired Veuve Clicquot experience for many more years to come. We will definitely be back! And may thanks to Monica for coming along for the art direction, the chats, and some fun in the sun. Cheers to the Waldorf Astoria, Chicago, Veuve Clicquot, friendship, and Summer in the the great city of Chicago!
Meet Julie Anne, our enthusiastic writer who believes every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. Passionate about local food, wine, fashion, and history, she dives into each city’s culture to bring you authentic, inspiring stories. She started writing in 2020 for Dutchbloggeronthemove. When not traveling, Julie Anne teaches music in Chicago, IL, and advocates for students with special needs. Stay tuned for her unique insights and adventures!
