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The Dawson, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

The Dawson

4.8
4.8
2727 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
A photo of The Dawson restaurant

The Dawson

4.8
$31 to $50
American
River West

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Lively
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30–14:30
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
  • Location
    730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Area
    River West
  • Cross Street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stop<br />CTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stop<br />CTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stop<br />CTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Mistletoe & Mischief Holiday Pop-Up

    29 Nov 2024 - 22 Dec 2024
    This holiday season, delight in not just one, but two exceptional experiences at The Dawson. Along with our regular indoor dining option we are offering a whimsical pop-up , ‘Mistletoe & Mischief,’ nestled within the enclosed and temperature-controlled patio structure. Immerse yourself in kitsch-themed cocktails, a special menu of food and drinks, over-the-top décor, and a Christmas soundtrack, creating a festive escape like no other. Full menu also available. BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT AT MISTLETOE & MISCHIEF Whether it's an office party, family gathering, or a festive reunion with friends, our versatile space and curated experiences promise to make your event one-of-a-kind. Email events@gagehospitality.com for more information.
    Mistletoe & Mischief Holiday Pop-Up photo

  • NYE 4-Course Prix Fixe

    US$95.00 per person

    31 Dec 2024 only
    Join us this New Year's Eve for a celebratory 4-Course Prix Fixe for $95 with optional sommelier selected $45 wine pairings. REGULAR MENU NOT AVAILABLE. A la carte version of the prix fixe menu will be available at the bar.
    NYE 4-Course Prix Fixe photo

Offers

  • Why limit happy to an hour?

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Fri - 16:00 - 18:00
    Join us every Tuesday - Friday 4-6pm for happy hour for special features including $10 cocktails, $10 wines, $6 beers, and specially priced bites.

    Why limit happy to an hour? photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,727 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Dawson offers a delightful dining experience with a "great happy hour atmosphere" and "amazing cocktails." Guests love the "wonderful space" featuring an indoor-outdoor vibe and a "beautiful patio." The food consistently impresses, from the "chicken fried lobster" to the "wood-fired pork chop." Exceptional service, particularly from server Taylor, enhances the experience, making The Dawson a favorite for both brunch and dinner.

2,727 Reviews

  1. Caroline

    E. Tennessee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Dawson was so fun! The team was so kind and provided great service. The burger was delicious and so was the pasta. It was the perfect night out spot.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Alyssa

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Dawson is always an easy choice for me when I want to go somewhere with good food and a nice vibe, and that was still true this visit even when it was decked out for the holidays. My group loved the themed drinks and staple blood marys.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Nick

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every dish we ordered really hit. We unfortunately couldn’t save room for desserts. Jonathan was wonderful, attentive but not too much. He walked us through the menu perfectly and made our first visit great.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Ambar

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had so much fun in the Mistletoe and Mischief outdoor area. Each chair has it's own blanket, so you can keep warm, and the decorations create a great atmosphere. The themed drinks are delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Beth

    VIP

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 10 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and attentive service. The Christmas pop-up in the patio area was cute.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Erika

    VIP

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 8 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Way too dark and moody. Otherwise great service and good food

    Is this helpful?

  7. Quinton

    Alabama

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I went for brunch. This was my first dining experience at the Dawson, and it was great! Amazing atmosphere, and all of the food was tasty. Before going, I did read that parking was difficult, but I didn’t have much trouble. Upon walking up to the restaurant, I also noticed a sign offering valet, so that will definitely be valuable next time

    Is this helpful?

  8. Christopher

    VIP

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 23 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always exceptional and this time was no exception. I had the wood fired pork chop and it was honestly the best pork chop I’ve ever had. The grilled octopus was a generous portion and very juicy with a good amount of chew. Their barrel pick bourbons are also really good. One of my favorite places in the city.

    Is this helpful?

  9. allison

    Denver

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Had a fantastic meal from start to finish. Special thanks to the management for their amazing customer service.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Ria

    VIP

    Chicago

    69 reviews

    5.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Dawson is a firm favorite for us – brunch or dinner, inside, patio or in the covered area, always good!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Dawson offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Dawson also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 243-8955.

The Dawson is rated 4.8 stars by 2727 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

A photo of The Dawson restaurant

The Dawson

4.8
$31 to $50
American
River West

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Dawson

730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross Street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Area
    River West
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 16:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30–14:30
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stopCTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
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