Best Southern American Restaurants in River West

283 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

4.8

Exceptional(2729)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • River West

Booked 33 times today

Nestled in the bustling River West neighborhood of Chicago, The Dawson shines as a premier destination for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Patrons rave about the "interesting cocktails" and the vast drink menu that complements the vibrant dining experience. The multi-level venue, complete with one of Chicago's finest patios, offers a "lively and lovely" atmosphere that is perfect for savoring their signature drinks like the spicy guava margarita, "Some Like it Hot." With glowing reviews highlighting the "fantastic food and service," The Dawson ensures a memorable outing with "bottomless mimosas" during their acclaimed burlesque brunch, making it a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch bar and lounge experience in the heart of the city.

2. Recess

4.6

Exceptional(1465)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • West Loop

Booked 9 times today

Recess, nestled in Chicago’s bustling West Loop, is a standout for Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service with its vibrant and playful atmosphere. Described as an "adult playground," Recess is the ultimate spot for creatively fun and tasty drinks, making it a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Reviewers rave about their experience, noting the "great drinks" and "stellar service" that define the establishment. One guest celebrated the "best drinks in the city" at this lively locale. The combination of a large, inviting patio, innovative cocktails, and engaging games like giant Jenga and Connect 4, ensures every visit is memorable and exhilarating. Whether you're there for a sunny afternoon or a lively evening, Recess delivers an exceptional bar experience that's both enjoyable and uniquely Chicago.

A photo of City Hall - Chicago restaurant

3. City Hall - Chicago

(0)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Town

City Hall in Chicago's West Town is the place to be if you're looking for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service in a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its "stiff drinks" and a lively setting, this venue has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors. The bar scene here is acclaimed for its creativity and variety, offering everything from classic cocktails to unique creations that cater to all tastes. Guests rave about the "super cool spot" atmosphere and the quality of both the drinks and service, with one reviewer mentioning, "The drinks were strong and the menu is vast!" Whether you're in for a casual drink or a grand event, City Hall's bar and lounge area provides a perfect blend of fun and sophistication, making every visit a memorable one.

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

4. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7439)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 325 times today

Nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Chicago, The Walnut Room offers a truly authentic Vegetarian dining experience that captivates both the palate and the heart. Celebrated as a local tradition since 1907, this iconic venue inside Macy's on State Street shines with its commitment to quality and service. Patrons frequently praise its "delicious" offerings and the "wonderful atmosphere" that make every dining experience memorable. Highlights from the Vegetarian menu include creatively crafted dishes that emphasize freshness and flavor, making it a prime destination for those seeking a culinary delight. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "The food is always delicious. The service is always great. And just a lovely place to dine." Whether it’s the charm of the historic setting or the exquisite Vegetarian cuisine, The Walnut Room is a must-visit for those seeking exceptional dining in Chicago.

5. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14906)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Loop

Booked 178 times today

Girl & the Goat in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a treasure trove of comfort food that transcends the ordinary. Since its opening in 2010, this bustling eatery has mastered the art of crafting dishes that are as soul-satisfying as they are innovative. Patrons rave about the unique twists on traditional comfort dishes, like the unforgettable goat empanadas and the indulgent pork shank, which one diner described as the "star of the show." The atmosphere is described as fun and lively, perfect for both casual diners and culinary adventurers alike. Reviewers consistently highlight not only the food's exceptional quality but also the top-notch service and welcoming vibe. One glowing testimonial said it best: "Seriously the best meal I’ve ever had. I wake up from a dead sleep thinking about this food." Girl & the Goat stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking comfort food with flair in Chicago.

6. Swift & Sons

4.7

Exceptional(4590)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • West Loop

Booked 90 times today

Swift & Sons, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a beacon of culinary excellence renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Patrons consistently rave about the freshness and quality of the seafood, with one guest highlighting, "The fish was really good, which was the first time I have ordered it there." This sentiment underscores the restaurant's commitment to providing top-tier seafood dishes alongside their famous steaks. The ambiance and stellar service complement the dining experience, making Swift & Sons a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. As another diner put it, "Loved the filet mignon and oysters; food was phenomenal." This establishment promises not only a meal but an unforgettable seafood adventure.

7. Bar La Rue

4.6

Exceptional(192)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • West Loop

Booked 49 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.

A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant

8. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4.7

Exceptional(1092)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • West Loop

Booked 125 times today

The Oakville Grill & Cellar in Chicago's bustling West Loop is a gem for lovers of authentic Californian cuisine. Celebrated for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, the restaurant showcases the finest ingredients sourced from exclusive partnerships with farms and wineries in California and the Midwest. Diners rave about the "excellent food and wine," with standout dishes like the "branzino with Brussels sprouts" and the "Wagyu hanger steak." The ambiance is described as "always great" and the service "exceptional," making every meal memorable. Whether it's for the "gooey lemon cake" or the "best Caesar salad ever," The Oakville Grill & Cellar is highly recommended for an authentic taste of California right in the heart of Chicago.

9. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(843)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Loop

Booked 87 times today

Avec West Loop in Chicago's vibrant West Loop neighborhood captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Midwestern twist on Mediterranean classics. Celebrating over 20 years of culinary excellence, avec is renowned for its wine-focused dining and communal seating, fostering an intimate and interactive atmosphere. Customers rave about the uniquely inventive dishes, with one diner exclaiming, "The food is excellent but the quarters a bit cramped in this location. Don’t miss the short rib hummus and the chorizo dates." Another highlights the exceptional service and unforgettable flavors, stating, "Incredible food and service. Easy going service with loads of knowledge and great direction for first-time diners." Avec continues to impress with its consistent quality and innovative menu, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Contemporary American dining experience in Chicago.

A photo of Beatrix - Fulton Market restaurant

10. Beatrix - Fulton Market

4.7

Exceptional(2635)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • West Loop

Booked 93 times today

Beatrix is a neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, The Loop and Oak Brook neighborhoods. The restaurant is the brainchild of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Founder Rich Melman, Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs and Chef Partners Andrew Ashmore, Rita Dever and Susan Weaver. The menu features healthy meets delicious options, and is known for its iconic coffee and bakery counter, including signature cookies, in-house pastry favorites and our house blends from Beatrix Coffee Roasters, featuring Light, Dark, Espresso and Decaf roasts.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

Z
zenaiya
Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
It was amazing . I’ve been wanting to go there for a minute. My boyfriend took me after a long 9 hour shift. I couldn’t be anymore grateful. The service was 10/10. Barely waited 10 minutes for our food . Will be back again ! Thank you for having us .
More info
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Southern• River North (Chicago)
•
4.1
J
JosephVIP
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great service, great food, great wine selection...and they remembered me form a visit a month ago.
More info
Chicago qPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.3
L
LaKia
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was my first time at Yardbird and we had a great time. My bf loves bourbon and we opted for the “Dealer’s Choice” bourbon flight. Leni our server was amazing and she took the experience seriously. It was a joy to watch her and her crew select the options and even more of a joy for my bf to try them. When we go back, we would definitely request her service.
More info
Yardbird Table & Bar - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
C
Cynthia
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
My daughter and I dined there last night and we were really impressed all the way around. From being greeted at the door (he was fabulous) and our server was equally fabulous. I sat and watched the servers and they were "on-point". There wasn't a glass that wasn't filled immediately, a plate taken away when meal completed in the most timeliest facet. The decor was great - felt like a really vibrant atmosphere and the food, the food, the food was the best. I enjoyed this experience and will definitely refer my friends but more importantly will be back. Chef's Kiss! This is a restaurant you don't want to skip.
More info
ETC.Price: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.7
B
bruce
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 6, 2024
Great food at a reasonable price with great service. Catfish, burger, and wings were exceptional. Hoppin John and Mac and cheese were great.
More info
The DeltaPrice: Moderate• Southern• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.1

Explore OpenTable

River West

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in River West

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

283 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

2. Recess

3. City Hall - Chicago

4. The Walnut Room - Chicago

5. Girl & the Goat

6. Swift & Sons

7. Bar La Rue

8. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

9. avec West Loop

10. Beatrix - Fulton Market

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable