Best Restaurants for People Watching in South Side

44 restaurants available nearby

1. Virtue

4.8

Exceptional(556)

Price: Expensive

• Southern • Hyde Park

Booked 46 times today

Stationed in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Virtue is a Southern American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality & kindness. We’ve worked hard to create a warm, honest & thoughtful space. We pride ourselves on unpretentious service, timing & most importantly providing great value. At Virtue we use heritage techniques to create some familiar flavors, & some new ones. We hope to see you soon.

2. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(929)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 69 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.

3. Atwood

4.3

Awesome(4547)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 42 times today

Atwood proudly offers alluring libations and a wildly guest-pleasing menu filled with your favorite all-day American cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef, David Fingerman. Whether for happy hour cocktails, a theater dinner, or the date of a lifetime, Atwood is Chicago’s premier spot to mix, mingle and delight in the joys of food and drink.Atwood’s soaring dining room is strikingly modern with white marble surfaces, glossy subway-tiled walls, and massive windows ideal for watching the State Street shoppers stroll by.

4. Sociale - Chicago

4.3

Awesome(614)

Price: Moderate

• American • South Loop

Booked 1 time today

Sociale reflects fun, friendly, fresh, neighborhood inspired dining. Literally translated from the Italian word for "social", this concept delivers diverse and elevated comfort foods, accented by a community-focused casual setting. Accompanying these bold flavors are our handcrafted beverages and wine offerings from around the world.

5. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3034)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 50 times today

Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(8847)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 110 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.

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

7. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(212)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 31 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.

8. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7224)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 76 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

9. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

4.8

Exceptional(597)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • River North (Chicago)

Booked 31 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 Mercadito - River North restaurant

10. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6256)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 75 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

B
Bhartivip
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food! Not one bad thing on the menu. Our server was amazing and was so polite and professional. Ordered for 2 of us - Hamachi Crudo, oysters, and the Octopus to share. Also shared a lobster roll. The server was so nice and offered us a complimentary Cava with our desert. We ordered the sticky toffee pudding. Planning on coming back to try more from the menu!
More info
Bar MarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
S
Stevie
Baltimore / Maryland •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We ordered many items, and they were all Delicious!! I highly recommend Virtue and will be returning.
More info
VirtuePrice: Expensive• Southern• Hyde Park
•
4.8
D
davidvip
New Orleans / Louisiana •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent dining experience along with superb service - a hidden gem in Chicago
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Cabra - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• West Loop
•
4.7
P
PJvip
Chicago / Illinois •17 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was tasty and presently well. Service was slow and server needed to be asked more than once for standard items such as tableware and cream for coffee
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AtwoodPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.3
A
Alison
Baltimore / Maryland •27 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 25, 2024
Tapas were excellent. Service was very attentive. Drinks were okay.
More info
Sociale - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• American• South Loop
•
4.3

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Best Restaurants for People Watching in South Side

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44 restaurants available nearby

1. Virtue

2. Bar Mar

3. Atwood

4. Sociale - Chicago

5. Cabra - Chicago

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

7. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

8. RL Restaurant

9. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

10. Mercadito - River North

See what locals rave about

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