columbia yacht club vs chicago yacht club

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Want to share the love of the water with friends? There’s a club for everybody no matter what you’re looking for. Explore the yacht clubs at each harbor.

Columbia Yacht Club

Founded 1892.

Columbia Yacht Club

Review Highlights

“ Alright, I am a member here and have been eating here since I was old enough to consume solids. ” in 9 reviews

“ During the summer you eat on the bow of the boat with Lake Shore Drive and the whole city skyline before you. ” in 8 reviews

“ (unless your more of the McDonalds crowd) Laid back bar, and a great chef in one of the cities most beautiful settings. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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111 N Lake Shore Dr

Chicago, IL 60601

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Whether you own a vessel or just love being on the water, you will find that Columbia's diversity offers something for everyone. Unparalled skyline views combined with our gourmet food and year-round social activities make Columbia Yacht Club one of Chicago's most fun and unique clubs. The Sailing School offers classes for students of all ages through its Junior and Adult Sailing Programs. The Sailing School 's Classes are open to both non-members and members of the Club. Our Clubship has several great locations available to use for hosting parties, meetings, and weddings. Offering stellar views of both Chicago and Lake Michigan, our unique Clubship venue combined with our Chef's phenomenal food makes Columbia a perfect event location. The Membership is comprised of boat owners as well as non-boat owners, and we have Junior Members, Honorary Life Members, and everyone in between! Please email [email protected] for any inquiries about Columbia Yacht Club. …

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Overall rating

The Columbia Yacht Club was established in 1892 and has been based on the former ice-cutting Canadian ferry the MV Abegweit since 1983. I have visited this spot several times over the years since it has been freely accessible as an Open House Chicago venue (usually access is for Members Only). Poke around all the old ferry's interiors, some spaces are tight while others are a bit fancier. Enjoy the lovely views of Chicago from one of the decks.

See all photos from Bill M. for Columbia Yacht Club

Perfect location with an amazing view . We had a business lunch and the service and food was great . There's a huge cocktail menu and tons of things on the menu with options that are vegan , vegetarians and gluten free . We ate outside and then had a drink inside at the bar to cool down . Reminds me of an old school supper club .

View from lunch

One of my favorites in Chicago. My kids are members so it's an easy pace to visit for great service and excellent food. Sit outside on a warm night and enjoy the beautiful view. The bar is super fun on weekdays and they have a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday night. They have a broad menu that's sure to please everyone. They also have a beautiful tent for special events. Definitely try it!!

See all photos from Susan S. for Columbia Yacht Club

I was impressed with this place. Had a colleagues retirement party here. The staff was very professional, great with getting folks drinks and trays of food out. Even though the boat was docked it's a beautiful looking ship. The club chairs, wood, breezes off the lake.

See all photos from Grant A. for Columbia Yacht Club

I've been to Columbia Yacht Club many times for wedding, bday, date night and just get together with friends on random Tuesday night for $1 oysters stroll, I must say I've never been disappointed. Food here is average, atmosphere is above average and staff is just beyond words. We came with group of 20 for a private law school. Even though our event ended at 8pm staff was so friendly they kept the room open another two hours and didn't try to kick us out. They gave us boxes for take home on a catering event, allowed us to grab extra beer and wine before closing. We than moved the party from private room to main bar area which was just as fun and friendly. I think membership is definitely worth it if you're into boating and enjoy being in the water. I come for the ambiance, it's unbeatable.... someday I'll join as member till than thanks to all my awesome friends for the invite!

Fantastic food and everyone that works at the club make you feel like family. Best dining and social experience in Chicago.

We both had the deconstructed Paella. Don't get the deconstructed Paella it's not that good and borders on tasteless. Coincidentally, two weeks before this visit we were at a party where the hostess served Paella. Her dish was outstanding. The on-site sommelier is awesome! Make sure to ask for his assistance when choosing a beverage. Service is second to none at this location.

What a fun place. A friend took me while I am on a work trip and it was the treat/highlight of the trip. The facility is so cool and has a very low-key vibe. The decks seem so inviting - what a place to watch the lake, sunset, boating, birds and fireworks in summer. (BEST view of the fireworks - was kind of magical.) Dinner in the bar was loud and boisterous in a very good way. The waitstaff is OUTSTANDING - super friendly and charming and helpful. Food was pretty good for a boat! If I lived here, I'd want to be a member... tomorrow.

This club has fantastic lake views, wonderful service, and it seems the staff always has the ability to tell the lake shore story of this legendary ship-turned-club. There are places that do, in fact, smell like a ship. It was a negative for my guests, but a positive for those wanting to enjoy the experience of being on an actual ship. The food was more innovative than expected, but I am more a sucker for great environment and service than food. I was not disappointed in the the least.

See all photos from Andrew A. for Columbia Yacht Club

The best view of the city, Amazing staff and good food. I wont lie and say it's cheap but you are never left unsatisfied regardless what ever you get on the menu. The Abegweit (the name of the ship) is beautiful and has so much history behind it, if you have some time I definitely recommend taking a walk on the upper deck and seeing the city.

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111 N Lake Shore Dr

Chicago, IL 60601

Columbia Yacht Club, which houses the Columbia Sailing School, is located where the end of Randolf Street meets Lake Michigan at the North end of Monroe Harbor. It is conveniently located near walking and bike paths, Divvy stations, public transportation, and directly on scenic Lake Shore Drive. Downtown Chicago can be a little difficult to navigate if you are unfamiliar with the levels below the surface.

From the South Suburbs

Take the Stevenson (I-55) north to Lake Shore Drive. Take Lake Shore Drive North to Randolph. Stay in the middle lane of the exit ramp, drive through the light to the service drive under Lake Shore Drive. Member parking is directly under the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive; non-member parking is at the end of the service drive in the DuSable Harbor parking lot.

From the West Suburbs

Take the Eisenhower (I-290) towards the Loop, where the Eisenhower turns into Congress Parkway until it ends at Columbus Drive (Buckingham Fountain is straight ahead). Turn left (north) on Columbus Drive, at Randolph Street turn right (east). Stay in the middle lanes and go under Lake Shore Drive. At the last light on Randolph (if you went any further you’d be in the Lake) turn left (north). Member parking is directly under the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive; non-member parking is at the end of the service drive in the DuSable Harbor parking lot.

From the North Suburbs

Take the Kennedy (I-90, I-94) to Ohio Street, exit east (the only way to go from exit). Take Ohio through the city to Fairbanks (turns into Columbus Dr.). Turn right (south) on Fairbanks and drive to Randolph (you will be under a bridge at this point). Turn left (east) on Randolph. At the last light on Randolph (if you went any further you’d be in the Lake) turn left (north). Member parking is directly under the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive; non-member parking is at the end of the service drive in the DuSable Harbor parking lot.

From Southbound Lake Shore Drive

Exit at Randolph, stay in the left lane, turn left at the light. At the last light on Randolph (if you went any further you’d be in the Lake) turn left (north). Member parking is directly under the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive; non-member parking is at the end of the service drive in the DuSable Harbor parking lot.

The lot directly adjacent to the ship is for Columbia Yacht Club members only, who pay for a seasonal parking pass (people without a pass will likely be towed). You may access the DuSable Harbor Parking lot by entering the frontage road off lower Randolph Street. The city of Chicago regulates parking - a credit card machine assesses lot fees. For alternative parking you can use  Field Harbor , reasonably priced for the downtown area.

Cab or Car Share

The address to Columbia Yacht Club is 111 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago IL 60601. It is easiest to get dropped off in the circle at the end of Randolph Street and the lakefront. 

There are bike racks to lock up your bike just east of the gang ramp of the main entrance of the ship MV Abegweit.

Summer Season

If you do wish to come in, you are welcome to pull into the Columbia parking lot for 15 minutes while you drop off your sailor. If you leave your vehicle unattended in the traffic circle, it is at your own risk.

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