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The Lakefront Restaurant, Chicago, IL

The Lakefront Restaurant

4.7
4.7
1091 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
19:00
Booked 16 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
The Lakefront Restaurant is an upscale tavern located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the historic Theater on the Lake building. We offer seasonal Midwestern fare featuring the freshest choice ingredients and a beverage program highlighting craft beers, spirits, and a diverse wine list.

We are open year-round, and invite you to enjoy the casual elegance of our intimate tables, communal seating, lounge area, and our warm-weather Skyline Patio -- all while taking in the stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Visit us during the fall and winter months for happy hour and other daily specials.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–20:00
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
  • Area
    Lincoln Park
  • Cross Street
    Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
  • Parking details
    Self-Parking Monday - Friday until 4pm, $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
  • Public transit
    CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,091 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Lakefront Restaurant charms with "great food and awesome staff," offering "spectacular views" of the lake. Guests love the "seasonal menus" and "wonderful experience," with standout service from servers like Catalina and Frannie. Although some found menu options limited, the "beautiful location" and "excellent service" make it a favorite.
1,091 Reviews
  1. Jeanne VIP

    Chicago6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great first time experience tonight for dinner, starting with valet super friendly welcome, hostess also very welcoming, our waiter Rick was fantastic, so helpful, insightful, took care of every detail with a wonderful spirit. Food was wonderful! Beautiful venue. Highly recommended

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 21 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Catalina was very nice and the food was delicious. Value for the food was very affordable and the view during lunch was awesome.

    Is this helpful?

  3. ReynaN VIP

    St. Louis4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 20 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful view and great food! Tasty dishes and delicious drinks

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 14 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server, Frannie, was fabulous!! We had the most amazing time! Thank you, Lakefront Restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  5. RebeccaV VIP

    Chicago11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and awesome staff! The view was beautiful. We found our go-to spot!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lee

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The hostess was very polite and sat us right away. Our waitress was exceptional. She was very pleasant and helpful. We asked if whe would take a photo of us and she readily agreed. Overall, it was a very nice experience and we will return.

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  7. Liz

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love the seasonal menus. Always great service and amazing food.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Brandon

    Chicago1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was ok, nice presentation but overall not amazing, service was pretty slow, it’s a really pretty building but over all not as good as I’d hoped. Desert was the highlight.

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  9. DeAnna VIP

    Chicago50 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was excellent. The perfect place for mom’s birthday dinner!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Karla

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everyone was super friendly, professional, and polite. Our waitress was so sweet and patient. Overall it was a wonderful experience.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Lakefront Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1091 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
19:00
Booked 16 times today
Google Map for The Lakefront Restaurant

2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
  • Area
    Lincoln Park
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–20:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Self-Parking Monday - Friday until 4pm, $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
  • Public transit
    CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Private party facilities
    The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
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