Best Restaurants for People Watching in Irving Park

38 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Barcocina - Lakeview restaurant

1. Barcocina - Lakeview

4.1

Excellent(948)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 7 times today

Barcocina is a progressive Mexican concept showcasing twists on original Latin flavors. The menu emphasizes shared plates to give our guests the ultimate Eat, Drink, and Socialize experience. Barcocina offers a one of a kind drink menu that features sweet, smoky, and spicy takes on classics, as well as innovative mixology.

2. Osteria Langhe

4.8

Exceptional(1165)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Logan Square

Booked 16 times today

A cozy neighborhood restaurant located in the bustling neighborhood of Logan Square that focuses on the wine and cuisine of the Piemonte region of Italy. Featuring a 100% Piemontese wine list, fresh handmade pasta, and typical Piemontese dishes like Vitello Tonnato, Plin, Risotto, and white truffles during their peak season in the fall/winter. Nationally and internationally recognized as the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (every year since 2018), Time Out Magazine's Top 100 Best Dishes (for Plin), Gambero Rosso Best Wine Program, Gambero Rosso Best Italian Restaurant, and others.

3. Americano

4.3

Awesome(119)

Price: Expensive

• Global, International • Lincoln Park

Booked 12 times today

Americano is a homage to worldwide culinary classics, elevated through careful sourcing of the highest quality ingredients. A room with sensibility, design, and community. Featuring a brass-rail cocktail lounge, marble bar, a textured dining room, and an expansive patio just off of Chicago's incredible, Lincoln Park.Our team, fueled by passion and creativity, has crafted a unique atmosphere where design meets comfort. Join us and feel the warmth of community as you indulge in our incredible bites and sip on the finest wines.

4. Wood

4.5

Awesome(2070)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 11 times today

From the kitchen to the bar, everything we serve is defined by a passion for exploring unique flavor combinations. Wood is more than a name: our wood-fired oven is at the heart of it all, enhancing a dynamic menu of small-plate, American fare, made with the peak midwest farm produce each season has to offer. Though the dishes regularly change, they are defined by a few constants: meat is butchered in-house from humanely-raised animals; vegetables are drawn from local family farms; and all pastas and sausages are freshly made. Lead by our talented Executive Chef Devin Kreller, who is a 6-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, Chef Devin uses French-dominated cooking techniques combined with multicultural inspirations such as Asian and Italian to create new dishes. Located in the heart of Chicago Boystown, we're known for our brunches, and house butchered meats. Come see why our restaurant has been around for 12 years. For reservations over 10 guests, please call us at (773) 935-9663.

A photo of Barrel Cheese & Wine restaurant

5. Barrel Cheese & Wine

4.0

Excellent(30)

Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 3 times today

Barrel cheese & wine is your new perfect favorite spot for a date night. Fireplace, wine racks, special cocktails and absolutely delicious food!

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(8834)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 119 times today

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

7. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7213)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 112 times today

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

A photo of Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town restaurant

8. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

4.8

Exceptional(597)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • River North (Chicago)

Booked 21 times today

Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian for entry. A valid ID is required for guests age 21+.A chic, outdoorsy pizza haven located in Old Town. Happy Camper boasts a décor that includes Airstream trailers, neon renditions of the Great Lakes, warm wooden accents, and tire swing seating around the bar. A wide variety of colorful pizzas and delicious appetizers await you.F*ckin' Charity Bingo on Sundays at 1:30pm is sat on a first come first serve basis. All reservations will be sat in the non-bingo area.We cannot guarantee inside or outside seating.Neighborhood ordinances require our patio to close by 12am. Your table is weather permitting. If there is inclement weather, Happy Camper reserves the right to cancel your reservation. If you are dining when inclement weather occurs your food will be packed and given your bill. You are more than welcome to head to the bar afterward.

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

9. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(210)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 24 times today

Legal Sea Foods Chicago is now open along the vibrant Riverwalk in the bustling River North neighborhood at the famous Marina Towers. Legal's first Midwest location features two floors of upscale casual New England vibes with sweeping riverfront views and an outdoor space. The brand-new restaurant features a large main dining room, bar area, private event space, and outdoor terraces. Serving New England specialties such as Boston's best Clam Chowder and Half Pound Lobster Rolls, as well as new signature dishes and local favorites. Legal Sea Foods combines New England's coastal fishing traditions with modern culinary flair. A taste of New England in the Mid-West.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

10. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6256)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 61 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Ann
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding food and service. The menu is much more interesting than the typical Italian restaurant. We’ll be back!
More info
Osteria LanghePrice: Expensive• Italian• Logan Square
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4.8
K
Karen
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our server was excellent - very nice and helpful with ordering. We were not in a hurry and he did not rush us. The food was casual and good. The atmosphere was very festive for Christmas and welcoming. I would recommend Americano! Great location too!
More info
AmericanoPrice: Expensive• Global, International• Lincoln Park
•
4.3
J
Julie
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wood is fast becoming one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! There menu is ever-changing and highly unique. The cocktails are also exceptional. Our server last night was fabulous!
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WoodPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Lakeview / East Lakeview
•
4.5
J
Jason
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Great friendly service that made my birthday celebration feel special. Mescal margaritas are the best. Tuna poke tacos are delicious.
More info
Barcocina - LakeviewPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Lakeview / East Lakeview
•
4.1
P
Payal
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Oct 20, 2024
Barrel, cheese & wine was amazing! I can’t say enough about the service, food and atmosphere. I hosted a party for 12 and the team was so accommodating. They went above and beyond for us and made our party one we will remember for a long time. As far as food goes, I’d recommend everything on the menu. But the feta spread was amazing! For me, the one thing that stood out is that they didn’t have any hidden fees. There were no surprises or special charges bc of our party size and I think that’s so hard to find these days. I can’t wait to go back.
More info
Barrel Cheese & WinePrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Lakeview / East Lakeview
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4

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Irving Park

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Irving Park

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38 restaurants available nearby

1. Barcocina - Lakeview

2. Osteria Langhe

3. Americano

4. Wood

5. Barrel Cheese & Wine

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

7. RL Restaurant

8. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

9. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

10. Mercadito - River North

See what locals rave about

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