Best Restaurants with a Happy Hour in River West

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorth Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AndersonvilleBronzevilleBucktown / Wicker ParkChina TownCiceroDowntown / Loop

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

284 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

4.7

Exceptional(2759)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • River West

Booked 43 times today

The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.

A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant

2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(149)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Brewery • West Loop

Booked 44 times today

Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.

3. Recess

4.6

Exceptional(1468)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 14 times today

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

4. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6365)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 81 times today

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

5. Aba - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(2808)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • West Loop

Booked 279 times today

Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and BalHarbour, FL. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter styleof cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, andGreece. The bar program showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy ChickenThigh, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Grilled Salmon Kebab and more. The bar programshowcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.

6. Tre Dita

4.7

Exceptional(1029)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 140 times today

Led by Chef Evan Funke, Tre Dita, Italian for "three fingers", pays homage to the precise measurement of bistecca Fiorentina. Whether you're booking in the dining room at Tre Dita or Bar Tre Dita, you will enjoy the full menu of antipasti, handmade pastas, signature entrees and steaks. The full cocktail, wine list and dessert menu is also available in both locations.Please note that Tre Dita only accepts reservations 7 days in advance.

7. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1313)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 29 times today

Located in the JW Marriott Chicago, in the city’s bustling Loop Financial district, The Florentine offers an elegant yet accessible interpretation of seasonal Italian cuisine.Characterized by simplicity and paramount ingredients, the menu showcases top imported Italian pastas, cheeses, salts and meats as well as ingredients from local farms.The Florentine offers semi-private and private dining spaces, accommodating anywhere from an intimate dinner for six, to a cocktail reception for 130. Our large private dining room can seat 60, or be divided into two smaller rooms holding 20-30 guests. Semi-private dining for large groups is also available.

A photo of Prime & Provisions Steakhouse restaurant

8. Prime & Provisions Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(5778)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 73 times today

In A World Of All-Natural Cleanses, Organic Stores And Paleo Diets, Prime & Provisions' Beef Program Contributes To The Clean-Eating Lifestyle By Serving 100% All Natural Linz Heritage Usda Prime Black Angus Beef. We Are Proudly The First Steakhouse In Chicago To Offer Beef From The "Never-Ever" Program Which Linz Heritage Angus Prides Itself On.

9. BLVD Steakhouse

4.3

Awesome(3006)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • West Loop

Booked 69 times today

BLVD Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood's Sunset Blvd—the golden era's famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. Our space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood, offering sophisticated yet approachable service with a chef-driven menu of prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other seasonal favorites from Celebrity Chef/Partner Joe Flamm. Outside, our massive full season patio with a sprawling bar evokes an enchanted ‘secret garden’ look and feel with lush greenery, linen curtains, luxe upholstery, and romantic string lighting.

A photo of Doc B’s Restaurant - River North restaurant

10. Doc B’s Restaurant - River North

4.7

Exceptional(872)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 25 times today

Set in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, Doc B's Restaurant + Bar serves food made from scratch daily. Incorporating the highest-quality ingredients, the menu includes a variety of entree-sized salads,"very special” entrees, crave-worthy burgers and sandwiches, signature Wok Out Bowls™, indulgent desserts and so much more. Doc B’s also impresses with an extensive craft beer, wine and spirits selection in addition to signature cocktails. No matter what occasion, the expansive menu truly offers something for everyone. With each location having its own personality, Doc B’s Chicago (River North) is located next to Nordstrom on the corner of Grand and Wabash and offers an expanded selection of house cocktails as well as a weekday happy hour.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Service was mediocre and the chick had no flavor but the atmosphere and ambience was amazing. Excellent beers as well. Just come here to drink, the kitchen needs a bit of work.
More info
Guinness Open Gate Brewery - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Brewery• West Loop
•
4.6
L
LeshaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our experience at Aba was incredible, all of the food was so fresh and flavorful. Our waiter was so so friendly and even gave us a free app to try. It was a day to celebrate and the experience just made our celebrations 10x’s better. We can’t wait to go back again!
More info
Aba - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• West Loop
•
4.8
C
Champagne
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It was a birthday celebration today and me and my family had good time…Michelle was a very good waitress
More info
Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food was top tier!! I would definitely come back here when I’m visiting again.
More info
The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
•
4.7
S
Sergio
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
Went for the superbowl, had a good time could use some more servers that’s my only issue
More info
RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Happy hour

River West

Downtown / Loop
Wheeling
Algonquin
Brookfield
Lincoln Park
Lombard
Cicero
Roscoe Village
Lakeview / East Lakeview
Oak Brook
Dyer, IN
Pilsen
Albany Park
Glenview
West Dundee
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Palatine
Humboldt Park
Wilmette
Crete