Best Wine Bars in Lower West Side

25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(6838)

Price: Expensive

• Wine bar • Downtown / Loop

Booked 428 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.

2. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4181)

Price: Moderate

• Wine bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 131 times today

Il Porcellino in River North, Chicago, is renowned not just for its classic Italian-American dishes but also for its exceptional Wine Bar, making it a must-visit for wine lovers. The wine program at Il Porcellino is "fun and approachable," featuring a meticulously curated selection that emphasizes Italian vintages, perfect for pairing with their hearty, homemade pastas and antipasti. Diners consistently rave about the atmosphere and the quality of both the food and wine; one guest highlighted, "Wine was excellent; it was our first time there and didn’t have any expectations, it was a succulent surprise." This spot truly provides a delightful dining experience with an authentic Italian flair and a wine list that complements every dish beautifully.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

3. Quartino - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(10922)

Price: Moderate

• Wine bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 145 times today

Quartino Ristorante in Chicago's bustling River North neighborhood is a gem for authentic Italian pizzeria cuisine. Known for its Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, the restaurant offers a slice of Italy with every bite, emphasizing the use of traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. Diners rave about the experience, noting the pizza as a standout dish, with one review highlighting, "Pizza always is great and chocolate cake for birthday dessert was spectacular!" Quartino's vibrant atmosphere and shared plate concept make it perfect for those looking to enjoy a slice in good company. Its consistent praise for delicious, authentic food and inviting ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Italian fare in Chicago.

4. Hawksmoor Chicago

4.5

Awesome(311)

Price: Moderate

• Wine bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 58 times today

Hawksmoor Chicago, nestled in the historic LaSalle Drive Cable Car Powerhouse in River North, has quickly made its mark as a premier steakhouse destination. Praised for elevating Chicago's steak scene to "a new level," Hawksmoor delights diners with its perfectly grilled châteaubriand and a variety of expertly cooked steaks that let the "meat speak for itself." Reviewers rave about the "amazing food" and the ambiance that combines historical charm with contemporary elegance. The exceptional service and attention to detail, from the "full fat old fashioned" to the "bone marrow gravy," ensure every visit is memorable. As one reviewer summed up, "This place is the definition of exceptional hospitality," making Hawksmoor a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier steakhouse experience in Chicago.

A photo of Dolce Arte - The Art of Food restaurant

5. Dolce Arte - The Art of Food

4.7

Exceptional(13)

Price: Moderate

• Wine bar • Bridgeport

Booked 1 time today

Dolce Arte - The Art of Food in Bridgeport, Chicago, is a beacon of café culture, offering a delightful experience with its authentic Italian pastries and world-renowned LavAzza coffee. Patrons rave about the "amazing food" and the "excellent coffee," which stand as testaments to the café's commitment to quality and authenticity. One reviewer exclaimed, "Latte was amazing and the pastries were phenomenal!!!" The café's ambiance is equally praised, with its spacious, sunny setting that invites guests to relax and enjoy their visit. Whether it's grabbing a quick coffee or indulging in a leisurely brunch, Dolce Arte provides a perfect blend of superb cuisine, welcoming service, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Bridgeport.

6. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3830)

Price: Expensive

• Wine bar • Downtown / Loop

Booked 40 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Chicago's Loop, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar offers an exceptional Wine Bar experience that is a cut above the rest. Celebrated for its "dynamic wine program" that has earned a 3-star rating from World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator, Acanto is the go-to destination for wine aficionados. Patrons rave about the extensive selection, with one guest praising "the best pasta sauce imaginable," and another emphasizing the "perfect pairing" of their wine choice with the delectable Italian dishes. The ambiance is described as "perfect for a date night," making Acanto a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and sophisticated dining experience right across from Millennium Park. Whether it's for a casual happy hour or a refined dinner, the combination of exquisite wines and seasonally-driven Italian cuisine ensures a memorable outing.

7. Nettare

4.7

Exceptional(34)

Price: Very Expensive

• Wine bar • West Town

Booked 8 times today

Nettare in West Town, Chicago, is a gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a local twist. Celebrating the Midwest and Great Lakes region, Nettare's menu is a tribute to the area's culinary heritage, featuring farm-fresh vegetables, locally sourced meats, and freshwater fish. Patrons rave about the quality and execution of the dishes, with one diner exclaiming, "Every single dish was awesome!" The restaurant's ambiance and service also receive high praise, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Whether it's the "Something Like A Tasting Menu" or the innovative cocktails like the martini with giardiniera, Nettare ensures a delightful and unique dining experience that highlights the best of American flavors right in the heart of Chicago.

8. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1297)

Price: Expensive

• Wine bar • Downtown / Loop

Booked 23 times today

Nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Loop Financial district within the JW Marriott, The Florentine stands out as a paragon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Its menu, celebrated for its simplicity and emphasis on superior ingredients, features top-notch imported Italian pastas, cheeses, salts, and meats alongside finely sourced local farm produce. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one noting, “The grilled octopus appetizer was FANTASTIC!” and another lauding the “absolute quality service, food, and libations.” Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a large gathering, The Florentine delivers an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of authentic Italian fare with a modern twist.

9. Coquette

4.1

Excellent(8)

Price: Moderate

• Wine bar • West Loop

Booked 1 time today

Step into Coquette in Chicago’s trendy West Loop, and discover a true gem of modern French cuisine. This charming bistro and wine bar, described as a "pink Parisian dream," offers a delightful fusion of traditional French dishes with contemporary flair under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Marcos Campos and his team. Coquette takes pride in its unique live-fire cooking and state-of-the-art dry aging system, ensuring each dish, from duck to steak, bursts with unmatched flavor and tenderness. Patrons rave about the "top-notch" service and the ambiance that’s "immediately transporting you to France." The eclectic menu paired with a playful wine list celebrating France's bold winemakers makes Coquette an irresistible spot in Chicago. As one diner put it, it’s "the single best meal I've had in the last three years," making Coquette a must-visit for an authentic and exquisite French dining experience.

A photo of Francesca's on Chestnut restaurant

10. Francesca's on Chestnut

4.5

Awesome(2677)

Price: Moderate

• Wine bar • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 66 times today

Francesca's on Chestnut, nestled in Chicago's prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, has become a beacon for those seeking exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Patrons consistently laud the atmosphere and the quality of service at the bar, with one guest exclaiming, "The bartender was terrific!!!" The restaurant offers a perfect pre-dining spot where friends can gather for beautifully crafted cocktails and engaging conversation in a vibrant yet comfortable setting. Reviews highlight the seamless service and the skillful bartenders, making it a standout choice for an evening out. Whether it's for a casual drink or a special celebration, Francesca's provides a memorable bar experience with its unique blend of top-notch service, inviting ambiance, and a drink menu that complements its rustic Italian cuisine.

‘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

B
Becky
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had one of the best dining experiences EVER!! We go to restaurants a lot. The service, atmosphere and food was beyond outstanding. We will be back for sure!! And try their Arancini...we have had some before from other places and this ruined us in the best way possible. We won't be able to have it anywhere else except for here.
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AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.8
M
Miravip
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our dinner was fantastic. We loved everything. The new specials were a great addition. The new burrata dish was fresh and delicious. The mushroom pasta special was particularly good. Different mushrooms made a difference in the dish. Finally, the tiramisu and chocolate cake was perfectly made and served in different ways. Hector treating us like we were VIPs even though we only come once a year. Thank you!
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il PorcellinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
J
Jessie
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food is absolutely delicious. Especially the scallops which is my favorite. Very tender and fresh. The waitress was very friendly introduced the menu and checked on us frequently. Overall excellent experience.
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Hawksmoor ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
D
Debora
Phoenix / Arizona •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were seated 10 minutes early for our 1pm reservation. Out server arrived at our table immediately and greeted us. We put in drink orders then when she came with those we ordered our appetizer and meal. We thought it might take a bit of time as the place was full but it was all out quickly. Ordered thr pot pie and braised beef and both good. This is where service got slow but I think they seated 3 or 4 new tables in her area at once so she was busy. Ordered thr mint cheesecake and that was amazing. Bill was $80 plus tax so not really bad for 2 people to have a nice meal with drinks and dessert. The tree and Christmas decorations were beautiful and we lucked out and were seated near the tree. Will make it a tradition each year to go back. Lucked out on the reservation because we missed it when it opened. So glad we got one!
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The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
P
Penny
Charlotte •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
My husband and I have moved to the Asheville, NC area and only come back to the Chicago area once a year to see family. We have been missing Quartino, especially because they can accommodate my lactose intolerance. This year, we decided that we had to go to downtown Chicago just so we could go the Quartino and Eataly. It was even worth the horrible traffic getting downtown!
More info
Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

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25 restaurants available nearby

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

2. il Porcellino

3. Quartino - Chicago

4. Hawksmoor Chicago

5. Dolce Arte - The Art of Food

6. Acanto

7. Nettare

8. The Florentine

9. Coquette

10. Francesca's on Chestnut

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