Chicago Riverwalk Restaurants: The Ultimate Guide
The Chicago River is a picturesque way to see the city and explore the various communities in Chicago. As you sail by kayak or boat along the river, you’re likely to work up an appetite. Having a meal at one of the best Chicago Riverwalk restaurants is a great way to tour the city if you’re visiting or explore more of Chicago if you’re a resident. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or prefer a more refined dining experience, here are a few eateries to check out.
Batter & Berries
2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-7710
This trendy Lincoln Park breakfast eatery recently made its debut in the Michigan Avenue Marketplace. It’s a great place to get a healthy serving of biscuits and gravy, but if you’re in the mood for a sweeter meal, you can choose from the array of French toast options Batter & Berries has to offer. You can also enjoy your breakfast with a steaming cup of rich, flavorful coffee.
Chiya Chai
2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7541
This Nepalese restaurant in Logan Square offers some of the best tea in the city. Chiya Chai also has a Michigan Avenue Marketplace satellite location. You can choose from seven flavors of chai, along with coffee and lassis. South Asian food offerings include masala chicken pies and mouth-watering samosas.
Metropolitan Brewing
3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0494
When you’re traveling along the Riverwalk, you can make the experience even more enjoyable with a cold brew from Metropolitan Brewing. The eatery is known for its delicious German lagers, from Dynamo Copper lager to Jet Stream wheat beer. The space is ideal for weddings and corporate celebrations, and the floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to see the stunning waterfront view.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
300 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-1800
Chicago natives are known for their love of meat and potatoes, and Chicago Cut Steakhouse does not disappoint. This is one of the best Chicago Riverwalk restaurants for a succulent steak with all the side dishes you enjoy. The steaks are dry-aged for over a month for exceptional flavor, and the bone-in rib eye is a favorite among diners. This eatery is also popular among local business tycoons, celebrities, and athletes.
The Northman Beer & Cider Garden
233 E. Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
(773) 382-6165
The Northman Beer & Cider Garde is a dog-friendly beer garden that seats over 500 people, so it’s the perfect location for your special event. You can choose from an array of beers and ciders that are available in a bottle, can, or on tap. The eatery also offers traditional pub fare like pretzels, doner kebab sausages, and baked Camembert cheese for you to enjoy with your brews.
River Roast
315 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 822-0100
Few things are more satisfying than a delicious piece of chicken, and that’s just what you’ll find at River Roast. You can order the whole chicken, which is carved table side, or opt for the fire-roasted fish or flavorful roast beef. River Roast also offers a weekend brunch that features live blues music to enjoy with your meal.
City Winery
11 W. Riverwalk South, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 229-5593
This City Winery is the second location in the city, and if you’re traveling the Riverwalk by boat, you can pull up to this trendy bar or restaurant and enjoy rose all throughout the day. City Winery offers light bites like paninis or an array of cheeses and meats. While this is a great eatery to visit during the warmer months of the year, City Winery also offers a climate-controlled bubble dome to keep you warm and comfortable in the fall or winter.
RPM Seafood
317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 900-9035
This swanky seafood restaurant is brought to Chicago diners due to a joint venture from celeb couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The trendy eatery is two stories and offers lovely views of the Chicago River. Menu options include seafood towers, quality fish entrees, and an impressive cocktail list. RPM Seafood also offers Pizzeria Portofino on the river level if you’re in the mood for a more casual meal.
Smith & Wollensky
318 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 670-9900
Smith & Wollensky offers some of the most beautiful views of the Riverwalk along with USDA prime beef with savory sides. If you’re not in the mood for steak, you’ll love the seafood tower with a Caesar salad or Greek Spinach Salad. Smith & Wollensky also has an impressive dessert menu that includes a warm skillet chocolate chip cookie, New York-style cheesecake, and a daily selection of sorbet and ice cream.
Gibsons Italia
233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 414-1100
Gibsons Italia is a three-story steakhouse that features USDA Prime Angus beef and several delicious Italian entrees like the seven-year-aged risotto and gold-extruded pasta. You can enjoy your meal on the patio as you take in the Riverwalk view and you’ll be protected from the weather when you dine outside due to the eatery’s retractable roof.
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