Best Restaurants for People Watching in River North (Chicago)

45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

1. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(206)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 39 times today

Legal Sea Foods Chicago is now open along the vibrant Riverwalk in the bustling River North neighborhood at the famous Marina Towers. Legal's first Midwest location features two floors of upscale casual New England vibes with sweeping riverfront views and an outdoor space. The brand-new restaurant features a large main dining room, bar area, private event space, and outdoor terraces. Serving New England specialties such as Boston's best Clam Chowder and Half Pound Lobster Rolls, as well as new signature dishes and local favorites. Legal Sea Foods combines New England's coastal fishing traditions with modern culinary flair. A taste of New England in the Mid-West.

2. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4169)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 122 times today

Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

3. Mercadito - River North

4.5

Awesome(6254)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 124 times today

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

A photo of Sunda New Asian – River North restaurant

4. Sunda New Asian – River North

4.6

Exceptional(7400)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 71 times today

Located in the bustling River North dining scene, 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. Join us for weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm, or stop by during happy hour Monday to Friday from 4-6pm featuring $6 bar bites, handrolls, and beer, $9 cocktails and wine, and $10 sake. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

5. bar avec

4.3

Awesome(65)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)

Enjoy our open-air rooftop offering sweeping views of Chicago’s magnificent skyline while indulging in delicious cocktails and sharable plates.

A photo of The Kitchen American Bistro - Chicago restaurant

6. The Kitchen American Bistro - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(1806)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 47 times today

The Kitchen American Bistro in River North offers an imaginative array of globally-inspired shared plates & killer drinks crafted in a stylish, casual space.

7. Osteria Via Stato

4.7

Exceptional(3472)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 18 times today

Osteria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant follows the Italian tradition of seasonally prepared dishes featuring local ingredients and artisanal producers paired with an all Italian wine list. Open for Lunch, Tuesday - Friday at noon - 2PM.Join us for Happy Hour everyday for 1/2 priced pizzas and glasses of wine, Sunday - Thursday at 5PM - 6PM, Friday - Saturday at 4:30PM - 5:30PM.

A photo of Weber Grill - Chicago restaurant

8. Weber Grill - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(6883)

Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 88 times today

Come and enjoy over seventy years of grilling expertise in a comfy and friendly environment. Featuring cuisine cooked on authentic Weber charcoal grills as well as thoughtfully crafted salads, sandwiches and more. Weber Grill Restaurant has something for everyone, come dine with the brand you trust, Weber!

9. Celeste

4.3

Awesome(181)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 3 times today

**For Rooftop Garden and Disco reservation, please visit our website at celestedisco.com**Celeste is a modern, refined interpretation of the classic American drinking establishment. Our four levels are each inspired by nuances in architecture, art movements, social clubs, and a breakdown of the barriers between art and life. A carefully curated space, upscale cuisine, and imaginative cocktails create the essence of Celeste.Reservation Types:Whiskey Bar High-Top:On the first floor, The Bar is a nod to classic neighborhood bars. This space offers a casual atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends during happy hour while indulging in elevated spirits, modern American cuisine, and an expanded whiskey list.Open Wed-Sat at 5pmDeco Supper Club:Located on the second floor, Deco Supper Club pays homage to the glamorous architectural history of Chicago at the turn-of-the-century with a drink menu spotlighting craft cocktails.Open Thurs-Sat at 7pm.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

10. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(8818)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 110 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Johnvip
Chicago / Illinois •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Burger still undercooked on the second try, but the view, the salt water taffy at the front of the house, and the dipping sauces for the shrimp cocktail balanced things out.
More info
Legal Sea Foods - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4
M
Margaret
Southwest Florida •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This is my second time going here this year and I will recommend it to anyone. The food and cocktails are excellent and unique. The environment is quite loud but really beautifully decorated.
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Sunda New Asian – River NorthPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
D
Diane
Chicago / Illinois •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Dinner was terrific. Started with excellent cocktails, Caesar salad and cheese bread. There were four of us and everyone enjoyed their entrées. The best part of the evening was our server, Lynn, who was knowledgeable and professional. If you go to this restaurant ask for her!
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il PorcellinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
T
tonyvip
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I had great experience there. The food was top tier and the waitress was excellent. I’ve been there a few times and every time I go back the food is good. I would recommend this place to friends. I give this place a 10/10. The drinks was so good too.
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Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
E
eric
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 12 Oct 2024
The food was far better than I even expected and the service was outstanding. It’s hard to beat this beautiful location.
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bar avecPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
•
4.3

Best Restaurants for People Watching in River North (Chicago)

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45 restaurants available nearby

1. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

2. il Porcellino

3. Mercadito - River North

4. Sunda New Asian – River North

5. bar avec

6. The Kitchen American Bistro - Chicago

7. Osteria Via Stato

8. Weber Grill - Chicago

9. Celeste

10. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

See what locals rave about

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