Best Restaurants for People Watching in Midway

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3033)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 34 times today

Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

2. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(210)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 23 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.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

3. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6256)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 62 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.

4. Virtue

4.8

Exceptional(551)

Price: Expensive

• Regional American (Southern) • Hyde Park

Booked 48 times today

Stationed in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Virtue is a Southern American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality & kindness. We’ve worked hard to create a warm, honest & thoughtful space. We pride ourselves on unpretentious service, timing & most importantly providing great value. At Virtue we use heritage techniques to create some familiar flavors, & some new ones. We hope to see you soon.

5. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4173)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 110 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.

6. Bar La Rue

4.6

Exceptional(165)

Price: Expensive

• French American • West Loop

Booked 34 times today

Bar La Rue celebrates French-American cuisine with an inventive cocktail program in the heart of Fulton Market. The stylish space boasts a beautiful all-season, street-side, walk-in-friendly pergola bar and dining area, perfect for a cozy patio experience. The menu incorporates French plays on approachable American comfort foods, offering an inviting setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you're enjoying cocktails at the bar, celebrating birthdays, or planning a romantic date, Bar La Rue provides a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

7. The Publican

4.5

Awesome(5894)

Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 48 times today

A homage to oysters, pork and beer, Executive Chef Paul Kahan's eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare in a space evocative of a European beer hall.

8. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(926)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 111 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of Bar Siena - West Loop restaurant

9. Bar Siena - West Loop

4.6

Exceptional(3258)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 43 times today

Perfectly Centralized In Chicago's West Loop 'Restaurant Row', The Two-Story, 8,000-Square-Foot Restaurant Is The Sibling Of DineAmic Hospitality'S River North Staple Eatery, Siena Tavern. Bar Siena Offers Diners The Perfect & Approachable Setting To Enjoy Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, And Weekend Brunch. The Menu Features An Expansive Italian Street Food And Pizza Bar Selection, All Served Within The Streets Of Fulton Market. Our Team Of Hospitality Professionals Are Thrilled And Dedicated To Host Your Next Dining Experience, Private Event Or Catering Function!

10. Petite Vie

4.8

Exceptional(259)

Price: Moderate

• French • Western Springs

Booked 21 times today

Nestled in the heart of downtown Western Springs, Petite Vie offers a menu curated with classic French dishes infused with Chef Paul Virant's signature flair. Spending time researching in France for inspiration, Virant has crafted every dish with meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for tradition. Seating 65 guests, Petite Vie’s intimate space exudes the warmth and comfort of a traditional French brasserie, while seamlessly blending modern design elements. A collaboration between Virant, his wife Jennifer and long-time friend and designer Jody Tate, every detail at Petite Vie tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful curation. Featuring French intricacy and layering, the space is a canvas of artistic expression, with artwork curated from both local talents and treasures acquired during the team's time in Paris. Framed prints, commissioned paintings, and a round antique mirror passed down through generations, adorn the walls, adding layers of intrigue.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Evelyn
New Orleans / Louisiana •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everyone at Mercadito was very kind and accommodating. We enjoyed our experience. Great food for everyone.
More info
Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
J
John
Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
il Porcellino NEVER disappoints! Wish I could remember the name of our server because she gets an 11 out of 10. Food 11/10. Atmosphere 10/10. Happy we chose to dine here for our anniversary! Thanks for the Prosecco, Hector!
More info
il PorcellinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
D
davidvip
New Orleans / Louisiana •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent dining experience along with superb service - a hidden gem in Chicago
More info
Cabra - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• West Loop
•
4.7
M
Michaelvip
Chicago / Illinois •283 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent Seafood. Tonight I had one of my favorites again, yellowfin tuna. Boston cream pie for dessert. As great as the food is, the service is better. Hats off to my bartender Nick for always going above and beyond to make sure my evening is enjoyable.
More info
Legal Sea Foods - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4
A
Angela
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was my first time dining here and it was amazing. I ordered the short rib and it was so tender, you could cut through it with a fork. The macaroni and cheese was absolutely delicious. The BEST Mac I’ve had from any restaurant hands down!! Tastes like what your grandma would make for Thanksgiving dinner. The cornbread was so moist and super delicious. I started to order more lol. My friend and I shared the red velvet cake because we were too full to get one to ourselves and it was the perfect balance. Not too sweet at all which was great!! I will definitely be back!
More info
VirtuePrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Hyde Park
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Midway

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Cabra - Chicago

2. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

3. Mercadito - River North

4. Virtue

5. il Porcellino

6. Bar La Rue

7. The Publican

8. Bar Mar

9. Bar Siena - West Loop

10. Petite Vie

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