Best Casual Restaurants in South Side

243 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2260)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 201 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

2. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(819)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • West Loop

Booked 77 times today

avec, a wine-focused restaurant in Chicago, features Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics. Inspired by the sun-drenched wine regions of the Mediterranean, avec West Loop has been a Chicago favorite for over 20 years. Originally conceived as a wine bar, avec is the second concept from celebrated one-off hospitality, with communal and bar seating—it is a high-energy, intimate, and interactive experience.For parties of 6 or more, please call us at 312-377-2002.

3. Roanoke

4.3

Awesome(1392)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 96 times today

Roanoke Restaurant, located in the Loop, is a local favorite known for its excellent service and top-tier culinary offerings. The menu highlights artisan comfort food, signature rotisserie dishes, and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant's design features luxurious finishes, copper accents, and warm lighting inspired by the rotisserie and brick oven in the open kitchen. Whether you're enjoying happy hour at the bar, dining by the fireplace for a more intimate experience, or joining the vibrant lunch crowd, Roanoke is an ideal spot to gather with colleagues, friends, or family. The restaurant also offers large event spaces that can accommodate up to 250 people.Guests can enjoy parking validation at the 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, park for free with a $25 meal purchase. Be sure to bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.

4. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(926)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 114 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

5. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(11926)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 149 times today

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

6. Sepia

4.8

Exceptional(5337)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 23 times today

Seamlessly melding refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Sepia has the feel of an instant classic. The stylish space is warm and inviting, comfortable yet lively. The easy elegance of the room serves as the perfect backdrop for the inventive American cuisine. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's product-driven, seasonal menu showcases the purity and quality of the ingredients, letting both the ingredients and his passion for what he does shine through. Sepia celebrates tradition – with a modern twist.To book reservations of 10 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com!

A photo of CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto restaurant

7. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

4.8

Exceptional(290)

Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • West Loop

Booked 13 times today

CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto in Chicago's West Loop – where expertly distilled spirits meet exquisite sushi. Enjoy our seasonal cocktails and a standout Omakase experience featuring dry-aged fish from Japan. Choose your ambiance: the lively front lounge with a beautifully lit bar and historic distilling tanks, or the serene back dining room with eclectic décor and an Omakase bar. Daily happy hour, whiskey/sake flights, and a patio setting provide diverse experiences. Open for lunch and Sundays, we cater to all occasions. Join us for unmatched culinary excellence and spirited adventures.

A photo of 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar restaurant

8. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1281)

Price: Expensive

• Caribbean • Hyde Park

Booked 15 times today

14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar is a casual dining experience serving a fusion of Caribbean dishes from some of your favorite vacation destinations. Conveniently located in Chicago's Hyde Park, our intimate space, friendly staff, and delicious creations are sure to become a favorite. At 14 Parish our goal is to bring a bit of paradise to everyday life!

9. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3825)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 53 times today

Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant

10. Fogo de Chao - Chicago

4.2

Awesome(4653)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 165 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lauravip
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
One of the best dinners I’ve had in Chicago! Avec is truly a magical experience, and the food is divine!
More info
avec West LoopPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• West Loop
•
4.8
J
Joy
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fantastic pre-show dinner! The roasted salmon on pesto mashed potatoes was the best I’ve ever had. Wonderful waiter who brought our food in a timely manner without making us feel rushed. Definitely recommend!
More info
RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.3
S
Stephen
Atlanta Metro •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our waiter was wonderful and personable and forthcoming, he was quick with Service for both drinks and bringing the meal and attentive, but not over-bearing. He was great at making food recommendations. We had a great time and highly recommend the restaurant !. The flourless chocolate cake was to die for.
More info
The GagePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.7
D
Denise
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Alla Vita never disappoints. The pre fixe menu has perfect portions and pairing options. Our server Monica was delightful and attentive, presentation was beautiful and the food was (as always) delicious!!
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
J
Jeffrey
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Beautiful restaurant with very good food and creative drinks. While the smash burger looks unassuming when placed in front of you the second you pick it up you know it's something special. It has some serious weight to it and it tastes really and I mean really good. My wife had the steak salad and loved it. The sangria was very good as well. Overall a great dinning experience.
More info
Bar MarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6

Best Casual Restaurants in South Side

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243 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

2. avec West Loop

3. Roanoke

4. Bar Mar

5. The Gage

6. Sepia

7. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

8. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar

9. Acanto

10. Fogo de Chao - Chicago

See what locals rave about

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