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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in South Loop

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116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Burger Bar Chicago restaurant
1. Burger Bar Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(647)
Price: Moderate
• Burgers • South Loop
Booked 8 times today
American Ranchers know a thing or two about beef. When they tell us that Prime is the best, we just go with the flow and serve up the biggest, baddest Prime burgers around.
A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant
2. Lou Malnati's - South Loop
4.5
Awesome(119)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • South Loop
Booked 16 times today
No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located on South State Street in the South Loop of Chicago, Lou’s South Loop is convenient to the McCormick Center, Soldier Field and Grant Park. Enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. A cozy experience awaits ... whether you’ve been at a sporting event, sightseeing, or out for a night of jazz, Lou Malnati’s South Avenue is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.
A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
3. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7712)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 56 times today
For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.
A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
4. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(8990)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 124 times today
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
5. RL Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7344)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 116 times today
RL Restaurant is described as a vibrant bar scene due to its modern club atmosphere and diverse cocktail list. Reviews mention the 'trendy atmosphere', 'unique cocktail menu', 'outstanding martinis' and 'great energy' creating a lively and inviting environment. The 'warm, inviting ambiance' and 'spectacular setting' are also praised, contributing to a vibrant bar scene.
A photo of LUXBAR restaurant
6. LUXBAR
4.6
Exceptional(2887)
Price: Moderate
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 100 times today
The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
7. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14957)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 224 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 El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
8. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2120)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 70 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of Gibsons Italia restaurant
9. Gibsons Italia
4.8
Exceptional(4041)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 141 times today
Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of The Florentine restaurant
10. The Florentine
4.4
Awesome(1307)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 15 times today
The Florentine is a lively spot with great ambiance. Reviews rave about the 'good ambience', 'nice seating', and 'quiet but lively setting'. The bar area is loved by many, with one reviewer stating 'eating at the bar is just as enjoyable and comfortable as a table'. The restaurant also serves 'great drinks' and accommodates kids, making it an ideal place for families and groups.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rosy
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Lex our server was fabulous from start to finish! He explained the starters and entrees beautifully. We got the braised short ribs which were flavorful and tender just as described. It was our first time, from the host warmly greeting us while they gave the kids a stuffie each. The girls ordered from the kids menu which gave them a beautiful mug to take home! The fairy that went our granting wishes was truly magical! And to top it all off they took complimentary family photo to remember the outing. Definitely will be back and start a new family Christmas tradition! Thank you again Lex and staff for making it a very special and memorable evening!
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Daniel
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    everything from the bar to the dinning area's is old school and perfect. the only bad thing is the restrooms are upstairs, reason to burn some calories after such an amazing meal!!!
    More info
    Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.7
  • ginger
    Wisconsin •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I recently dined at the Ralph Lauren Restaurant in Chicago and had an exceptional experience. Our server, John, was truly spectacular—attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. He made sure our dining experience was perfect from start to finish. We were lucky to have a beautiful window view, which added to the overall ambiance and made our meal even more enjoyable. The food was exquisite, and the elegant setting made for a memorable evening. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion or a lovely night out in the city!
    More info
    RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.8
  • Ashley
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    It’s nearly impossible to find restaurants that cater to gluten free, keto, and vegetarian requirements. Burger Bar hit all three and did it so well. I only wish we had one close to us! Pros: - our server Kevin was super knowledgeable about what was gluten free on the menu - dedicated gluten free fryer for french fries! Cons: - it was pretty loud (my ma is mostly Deaf) — I am not blaming them for this, it’s more of a warning! If you want somewhere quiet for your family, this probably isn’t the place - house made chips weren’t gluten free
    More info
    Burger Bar ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Burgers• South Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Tim
    St. Louis •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Our waitress was amazing and food was awesome! Highly recommend this place.
    More info
    Lou Malnati's - South LoopPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• South Loop
    •
    4.5

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