Best Hot Spot Restaurants in South Side

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear West

Neighborhoods

BerwynBucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleLincoln ParkLittle Italy / University Village

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

Wheelchair access

58 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. Bar Mar

4.7

Exceptional(1163)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 127 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.

A photo of HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen restaurant

2. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(516)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Vietnamese • Pilsen

Booked 68 times today

Experience elevated Vietnamese Cuisine in a an atmosphere that is chic, approachable, warm & inviting. Chef Thai & Danielle Dang’s critically acclaimed restaurant celebrates Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, Pilsen. Five times recognized MICHELIN Bibb Gourmand & four James Beard nominations.Enjoy Chef Thai's famous Caramelized Fish Sauce Wings, his signature Whole Fried Fluke and one of the New York Times favorite dishes, HaiSous' Grilled Oysters ! Guests may also enjoy a special and seasonal Grand Tasting Tour, 3 curated courses with the option of an optional wine pairing or join us at the bar for Happy Hour.The more guests you bring, the more dishes you get to try! Great for groups.

A photo of Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place restaurant

3. Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place

4.6

Exceptional(3348)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 37 times today

What began in Chicago in 1978 is now one of the most award-winning steakhouses around. For over 30 years, Morton's The Steakhouse has been on a mission to provide "The Best Steak… Anywhere." Focusing on quality, consistency and genuine hospitality, Morton's seeks to provide not only memorable cuisine, but a memorable experience. With fresh, succulent seafood and famed USDA prime-aged steak, it's no surprise that Morton's has thrilled diners all over the world. For a glimpse of a higher standard of steakhouse, come see the legendary Morton's experience for yourself.

4. Tapas Valencia

4.8

Exceptional(2493)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • South Loop

Booked 26 times today

Located in Chicago’s South loop, we offer creative Spanish tapas, unique cocktails, and a lively atmosphere with walls adorned in multi-colored mosaic artwork reminiscent of the art of the great Spanish artists Joan Miro and Antoni Gaudí! Whether you’re dining with friends and family, exploring on a first date, or planning your next big event, Tapas Valencia is the perfect backdrop for any occasion. We carry on the tradition of great food and service that was started at our original location, Mesón Sabika in Naperville.

5. The Grillroom

4.5

Awesome(3189)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 7 times today

Treat yourself to expertly crafted dishes, bold flavors and a stylish vibe at our modern Steakhouse in the heart of Chicago. We proudly serve Allen Bros. award winning steaks, the freshest seafood, pastas, and more. Enjoy steak and style all just steps away from the top hotels, theaters, shopping and the bustling business district.Having dinner before a show or event? 🎭We are located directly across the street from the CIBC theater & within close proximity to several surrounding venues including the Cadillac Palace Theater, Nederlander Theater and Chicago Theater. To ensure the dinner experience standards we pride ourselves on, please allow at minimum 1.5 hours for your reservation with us.• For 7:00 PM shows: please be seated by 5:45 PM• For 7:30 PM shows: please be seated by 6:15 PM• For 8:00 PM shows: please be seated by 6:45 PM After these times, pre-theater guests are welcome to enjoy offerings at the bar. We look forward to making your time with us special!

A photo of Viaggio Ristorante and Lounge restaurant

6. Viaggio Ristorante and Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(2597)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 35 times today

Viaggio Ristorante and Lounge is a hit among the locals in Chicago's West Loop. Known for its authentic Italian dining experience, it's praised for its excellent food and service, and warm ambiance. As one reviewer put it, 'the food is always wonderful, service is amazing and ambience is awesome!' Another added, 'once you try this spot, it will become a regular choice on your entertainment schedule.' The restaurant's commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients in its menu, which includes regional Italian pastas, meats, fishes, and desserts, is also highly appreciated.

7. Francois Frankie

4.5

Awesome(216)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 16 times today

Francois Frankie is an American Brasserie featuring a rotating carousel bar and food from Executive Chef Matt Ayala in the heart of Chicago's Loop area. Perfect for dinner before the theater, the menu highlights French classics like escargot, steak tartare, mussels and steak frites, alongside contemporary American fare, including one of the city''s best cheeseburgers.

A photo of Sweetwater Tavern and Grille restaurant

8. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

4.6

Exceptional(1313)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 32 times today

A vibrant bar and restaurant offering modern American food complemented by craft beer, seasonal cocktails, and an upbeat atmosphere. Sweetwater is the perfect destination for lunch, dinner, after-work drinks, and late night celebrating.

9. Tuscany on Taylor

4.8

Exceptional(2254)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy / University Village

Booked 19 times today

Tuscany on Taylor is the original Tuscany restaurant opened in 1990 in the heart of Little Italy. A comfortable trattoria, Tuscany serves Northern Italian favorites including: homemade pastas, pizzas from our wood-burning ovens, signature Italian chicken dishes, grilled veal and other authentic dishes. Private party space available.

10. Girl & the Goat

4.7

Exceptional(15171)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 186 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AllenVIP
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Exactly what I was expecting from this restaurant. Fantastic, anticipatory, staff, clean, beautiful restaurant with accommodating host. Anyone in the business can tell you that finding quality staff is one of the largest challenges of the industry right now I didn’t say that they had it dialed in. He is fresh and beautifully related, top to bottom. It was a fantastic experience.
More info
Bar MarPrice: Moderate• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
C
Cindy
Philadelphia County •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food is always exemplary and consistent. Service tonight was extraordinary. It’s become a go to spot for special evenings out. First rate .
More info
HaiSous Vietnamese KitchenPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Pilsen
•
4.7
T
Tara
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We consistently love this place; Easter brunch was no exception. Goody bags for the kids and the Easter bunny who was quite entertaining was a fun bonus!
More info
Tapas ValenciaPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• South Loop
•
4.8
K
Kim
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Fantastic service, excellent food. The steaks are top-notch. We also appreciated our server’s attention to time as we were heading to a show afterwards. Will come again!
More info
The GrillroomPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Loop
•
4.5
J
JeffreyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •124 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Perfectly cooked steak and an overall wonderful evening out.
More info
Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker PlacePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6

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