The Walnut Room, located in the Macy’s on State Street (formerly Marshall Field’s) in Chicago’s Loop, was the first restaurant in a department store when it opened in 1907. Originally known as the South Tea Room, patrons began calling it The Walnut Room due to the extensive walnut paneling covering the walls.

The restaurant, known for its delicious chicken pot pies and french onion soup, attracts thousands of families during the holiday season with a 45-foot tall Christmas tree that nearly reaches the ceiling of the two-story restaurant.

During the non-holiday season, a large fountain sits in the middle of the room. Macy’s executives recently announced the rehab of the fountain, which has never operated for fear of damaging a Tiffany-designed ceiling underneath. The entire fountain was disassembled and restored with new wiring and plumbing.

Executives plan to turn on the fountain for the first time this Saturday at 12:15 p.m.

Learn more:
Walnut Room fountain to flow for first time in 125 years - Crain's Chicago Business
Macy’s on State Street