Best Casual Restaurants in River West

268 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

4.8

Exceptional(2735)

Price: Expensive

• American • River West

Booked 42 times today

The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.

2. Recess

4.7

Exceptional(1466)

Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 4 times today

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.

3. Rose Mary

4.8

Exceptional(3333)

Price: Expensive

• Croatian • West Loop

Booked 236 times today

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.

A photo of Club Lago Restaurant restaurant

4. Club Lago Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(494)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 1 time today

Opening its doors in 1952, Club Lago has anchored the corner of Superior and Orleans since before the neighborhood River North grew up around it. Serving classic Northern Italian specialties from the Garfagnana Valley in Tuscany to steaks, chops and signature sandwiches too, the Lago's staff will recommend the perfect entree for whatever mood you're in. Third generation owners GianCarlo and Guido are pouring the wine or serving the veal--it's a family affair. Time warp back to the fifties with a glass of chianti in a plush booth in the bar or hold court at one of the tables in the back; Club Lago's ideal for the first date, a meal before the theater or a game, or whenever you're looking to relax to great food and be a regular in a family joint. Some call it "retro," we call it home. Benvenuti, come on in!

5. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(172)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Town

Booked 46 times today

Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

6. Pizzeria Portofino

4.8

Exceptional(1599)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 175 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

7. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2334)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 212 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

8. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14954)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 242 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

A photo of Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market restaurant

9. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

4.6

Exceptional(234)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • West Loop

Booked 79 times today

Located in Chicago’s culinary destination, Fulton Market, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

10. Cira

4.7

Exceptional(1793)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • West Loop

Booked 93 times today

Cira is a modern, Mediterranean restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. The menu is made up of shareable plates designed to fill your table and your stomach, inspired by the countries that make up the Mediterranean Basin. Set in the lobby of the Hoxton Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, the restaurant boasts a sun-soaked full-service lounge and coffee bar, and is transformed into an ambient, moody hub of dining and drinking as the sun sets.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Korinna
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a great experience. My company team loved the ambiance, food and service. I love that the management team and Gage hospitality made it easy to arrange the reservation for our large party. I recommend the Dawson for date nights, special occasions as well as corporate events. Shout out to Rebecca and Stephanie! Thank you to their whole team.
More info
The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
•
4.8
D
Dale
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wonderful food and service. We will definitely return!
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Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
•
4.8
M
MorganVIP
Toledo •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
EXCEPTIONAL. Wonderful server that was so kind and attentive. Food was coursed out flawlessly and everything was flavorful and exceeded all my expectations. This place is a five minute drive away from me, and I cannot believe it took me so long to get in and have a meal. Already eagerly awaiting my next visit to Elina’s.
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Elina'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Town
•
4.8
M
MeganVIP
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
A great place to meet up with friends for a fun, casual brunch with good food and cocktails or to get a group together to watch a game!
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RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.7
K
Kathleen
Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 Jan 2025
This is a unique dining experience and the food is wonderful..
More info
Club Lago RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in River West

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268 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

2. Recess

3. Rose Mary

4. Club Lago Restaurant

5. Elina's

6. Pizzeria Portofino

7. Alla Vita

8. Girl & the Goat

9. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

10. Cira

See what locals rave about

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