Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in River North (Chicago)

117 restaurants available nearby

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

1. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12286)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 118 times today

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant

2. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(14338)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 136 times today

Since 1984, Shaw’s Crab House has earned its status as a Chicago icon with its unwavering commitment to quality and warm, dedicated staff. This generational restaurant embodies timeless seafood traditions inspired by America's coastal crab houses, creating a classic dining experience that stands the test of time. Signature dishes include King Crab Legs, oysters from both coasts, hand-rolled sushi, fresh fish, and more. After 40 years of excellence, Shaw's was ranked #8 in Chicago Magazine's Best Chicago Restaurants of 2024.The restaurant's 1940s-style design features two distinct dining rooms: the lively, casual Oyster Bar and the elegant, white-tablecloth Main Dining Room. Guests who reserve "Hightop" seating will dine in the Oyster Bar, while "Standard" seating is for the Main Dining Room.Located in the heart of River North, Shaw’s is just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable seafood experience.

3. Barrio

4.5

Awesome(2902)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 63 times today

Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.

4. Ema - River North

4.7

Exceptional(4562)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)

Booked 134 times today

A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

5. Quartino - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(11035)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 130 times today

Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.

6. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4270)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 99 times today

Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

7. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6306)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 115 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.

A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant

8. SUSHI-SAN - River North

4.8

Exceptional(1331)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 107 times today

Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.

A photo of Untitled Supper Club restaurant

9. Untitled Supper Club

4.5

Awesome(2863)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 53 times today

Dress Code: Business Casual is expected - No Shorts, Tee Shirts, Athletic Attire, sandals, gym shoes are permitted. Final decisions are based on the sole discretion of management. *Please notate if you have a room or entertainment preference. Requests cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate.*With its vintage, Prohibition Era-inspired design, Untitled has been a darling of Chicago nightlife and fine dining since opening in 2011. The sumptuous 18,000 square-foot restaurant, bar and live entertainment space hosts the largest selection of American whiskies in the world .Their dining menu includes shareable bites, perfect pastas and beautifully creative desserts; with eight Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, their cuisine is sure to satisfy any palette. The best part? While you dine and drink the night away, you can enjoy world-class entertainment with weekly music and titillating cabaret-style performances from Chicago's finest.Untitled is a 21+ establishment.

A photo of Gene and Georgetti restaurant

10. Gene and Georgetti

4.7

Exceptional(6085)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 64 times today

Gene and Georgetti is Chicago's original steakhouse since 1941. This family-owned establishment housed in Chicago's third oldest building serves the finest prime-aged steaks and chops, pastas, & signature dishes invented here such as The Garbage Salad and Chicken alla Joe. Our curated wine list originates from our roots in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy - we concentrate on Italian varietals that complement our classic Italian steakhouse menu.Securely processed credit card info is required to secure a reservation. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hrs will be charged $25 pp. As a reminder we do have a 15 minute grace period to honor your reservation, past that time your reservation will be forfeit.Valet parking after 3pm is $15 cash.Our dress code is Smart Business/Cocktail Chic - you never know who you might see at G & G!Gene & Georgetti can accommodate your party of up to 100. We look forward to welcoming you to G&G, where classic never goes out of style.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Matthew
Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We've lived in Chicago for 20 years and this was our first time dining at Shaw's and boy was it worth the wait! Everything was just perfect. It's a really hard balance, from a service perspective, to be available but also not intrusive. The staff here pulls that off flawlessly! The food was also very good (be sure to get the Au Gratin potatoes as a side). Just an awesome meal, will be back again for a special occasion.
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Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
S
Stella
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was my first time at Quartino, and I'll for sure come back! Food was delicious and our server (Nicole) was great!! 5-star service!!
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Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was a lovely venue for a birthday celebration. Our adult children recommended it and we were not disappointed. The food was good but small portions. For those of us who are big eaters, it could have been a slightly larger serving of the pasta dish I ordered. Our waiter recommended the carrot cake and boy was it fabulous. Best we’ve ever had! We will definitely return and recommend this restaurant to our friends.
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RPM Italian - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
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4.6
E
ELDARVIP
Chicago / Illinois •49 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Ēma offers a vibrant menu filled with delicious cold and hot mezzes, fresh salads, and expertly grilled kebabs. The ambiance is serene and inviting, making it a great spot for both casual and celebratory meals. Service is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall delightful experience.
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Ema - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
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4.7
E
Emmanuella
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Good food and service, good selection of drinks and food
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BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in River North (Chicago)

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117 restaurants available nearby

1. RPM Italian - Chicago

2. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

3. Barrio

4. Ema - River North

5. Quartino - Chicago

6. il Porcellino

7. Mercadito - River North

8. SUSHI-SAN - River North

9. Untitled Supper Club

10. Gene and Georgetti

See what locals rave about

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