Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Side

70 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bronzeville Winery restaurant

1. Bronzeville Winery

4.4

Awesome(51)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Bronzeville

Booked 26 times today

Bronzeville Winery, located in the vibrant South Side of Chicago, stands out as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts seeking authenticity and quality. This unique establishment not only showcases a rotating wine list from Women, Minority, and African American-owned labels but also pairs these exquisite selections with a dynamic, seasonal menu. Guests rave about the "immaculate vibes" and "elevated" dining experience, emphasizing the perfect marriage of fine wines and reimagined comfort foods. One diner highlighted, "The wine flights were excellent! There wasn't a single glass we didn't enjoy!" making it clear that Bronzeville Winery is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the finer nuances of a well-curated wine bar.

2. Sepia

4.8

Exceptional(5334)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 25 times today

At Sepia, located in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, the essence of American cuisine is celebrated with a delightful modern twist. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's inventive approach shines in a menu that is both seasonal and driven by the highest quality ingredients. Guests rave about the "terrific" brunch and the "mind-blowing" steak tartare, noting that each dish is "full of flavors and highly creative." Sepia's ability to provide "outstanding" service and an "amazing" culinary experience makes it a must-visit destination. Regulars and newcomers alike are urged to "do yourself a favor and rsvp now!" as Sepia continues to set the standard for sophisticated yet approachable American dining.

A photo of Moody Tongue Brewing Company restaurant

3. Moody Tongue Brewing Company

4.8

Exceptional(0)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • South Loop

Booked 20 times today

Moody Tongue Brewing Company in Chicago's South Loop is a beacon of brewery excellence, celebrated for its inventive "culinary brewing" approach. Brewmaster Jared Rouben, with his rich culinary background, crafts beers that are not just drinks but an integral part of the dining experience, often described as "exquisite works of art" by patrons. This philosophy has earned Moody Tongue two prestigious Michelin Stars consecutively in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Guests rave about the harmonious beer pairings that enhance each dish, with comments like "the beer pairing amplified it" underscoring the meticulous attention to how beverages complement the food. Whether it's the lively atmosphere of THE BAR or the refined elegance of THE DINING ROOM, Moody Tongue promises an exceptional journey through flavors, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique dining and drinking experience.

4. Roanoke

4.3

Awesome(1387)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 63 times today

Discover the essence of Contemporary American cuisine at Roanoke, nestled in the vibrant Downtown / Loop area of Chicago. Celebrated for its luxurious setting and a culinary showcase featuring a rotisserie and brick oven, Roanoke delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons rave about the diverse menu, highlighting dishes like the "outrageously huge and delicious turkey club" and the "rotisserie chicken - so delicious!" The ambiance, complemented by copper accents and warm lighting, creates the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Whether it's a cozy dinner by the fireplace or a lively gathering with friends, Roanoke promises an excellent service and a menu that has "something fresh for everyone." Join us for a meal where each dish is a testament to refined American cooking.

5. Virtue

4.8

Exceptional(540)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Hyde Park

Booked 54 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Virtue stands out as a beacon of Southern American cuisine. Renowned for its genuine hospitality and exceptional service, Virtue has crafted a space that embodies warmth and kindness. With a focus on heritage culinary techniques, the menu offers both familiar and innovative flavors that resonate deeply with diners. Glowing reviews often highlight not just the flavorful, authentic dishes like the "perfectly seasoned short ribs" and the "delicious blackened catfish," but also the impeccable service and inviting ambiance. As one reviewer raves, "The food was phenomenal and is worth every penny." Whether it’s the carefully crafted drinks, the beautifully presented plates, or the overall dining experience, Virtue consistently delivers top-quality Southern comfort food that truly stands out in Chicago's culinary scene.

6. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(817)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 81 times today

Avec West Loop in Chicago's vibrant West Loop neighborhood captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Midwestern twist on Mediterranean classics. Celebrating over 20 years of culinary excellence, avec is renowned for its wine-focused dining and communal seating, fostering an intimate and interactive atmosphere. Customers rave about the uniquely inventive dishes, with one diner exclaiming, "The food is excellent but the quarters a bit cramped in this location. Don’t miss the short rib hummus and the chorizo dates." Another highlights the exceptional service and unforgettable flavors, stating, "Incredible food and service. Easy going service with loads of knowledge and great direction for first-time diners." Avec continues to impress with its consistent quality and innovative menu, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Contemporary American dining experience in Chicago.

7. Lips - Chicago

4.9

Exceptional(961)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • South Loop

Booked 8 times today

JOIN US AT LIPS CHICAGO FOR THE #1 DRAG SHOW CHICAGO'S ONLY TRUE LA CAGE DRAG SHOW PALACE EXPERIENCELips is the Ultimate in Drag Dining! Dinner, Drinks, and Fabulous Entertainment!SHOW SCHEDULEThursdays - Dinner with the DivasFridays & Saturdays - Glitz & Glam La Cage ShowSaturday Afternoon - Dragalicious BrunchSunday Afternoon - Dragalicious Gospel BrunchPER PERSONThursday - $36.95(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)Saturday Brunch - $42.95(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)Friday & Saturday - $49.95(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)Sunday Brunch - $42.95(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)*Pricing above does not include drinks, tax, or tip.

8. Francois Frankie

4.6

Exceptional(160)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 7 times today

Francois Frankie, nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago's Loop, is a culinary gem where French American cuisine is celebrated with flair and finesse. The restaurant, known for its enchanting carousel bar and exquisite decor, offers a delightful blend of classic French dishes and modern American flavors. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the menu, with highlights including "the best cheeseburger in the city" and perfectly executed steak frites. The atmosphere is equally praised, described as "a beautiful restaurant with an amazing decor and a great ambiance." Whether it's the escargot or the mussels, every dish is crafted to perfection by Executive Chef Matt Ayala, making Francois Frankie a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional French American dining experience.

9. Grill on 21

4.5

Awesome(192)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • River North (Chicago)

Booked 18 times today

Grill on 21, located in the vibrant River North district of Chicago, is a modern gem that redefines American cuisine with flair and sophistication. Nestled within The LaSalle Hotel, this restaurant is celebrated for its perfect blend of tradition and contemporary tastes. Diners are treated to a menu that emphasizes quality, locality, and seasonality, ensuring each dish not only tastes good but is responsibly sourced. Patrons rave about the "delicious" dishes, with special mentions to the "steak frites to die for" and the "perfectly cooked" salmon. The ambiance is complemented by live jazz, adding to the upscale yet inviting atmosphere. With "exceptional service" frequently highlighted in reviews, Grill on 21 is the go-to destination for those seeking a top-tier American dining experience in Chicago.

10. South Branch

4.7

Exceptional(1240)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 26 times today

Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Chicago's Loop, South Branch offers a quintessential American dining experience with unparalleled views of the Chicago River and the bustling cityscape. Known for its exceptional service, patrons consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff, with shoutouts to servers like Amberly and Mihaela for their outstanding service. The menu boasts classic American flavors, with dishes like the Southern Chicken sandwich and Baja fish tacos receiving glowing reviews. Diners rave about the “delicious” food and “excellent view,” making South Branch a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch or a special evening by the river, South Branch encapsulates the best of American cuisine in a setting that's both scenic and lively.

‘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

J
Jeanne
Cincinnati / Dayton •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Wonderful food!! Large portions. Very fresh. Kind and timely server. Ambience casual yet upscale vibe. Lively. Will definitely be back!
More info
RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.3
C
Catherine
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
You can't go wrong at Avec. I have eaten here a dozen times and have never had bad service or something I didn't enjoy eating. Ever. It is all top-notch. The wine program is genius. There is something new and exciting to try from all over Europe. You can trust that what is offered has been well thought out and works with the food overall.
More info
avec West LoopPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• West Loop
•
4.8
M
Maurice
London •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
What a fabulous dining experience. Sat at a table in front by the window and glad we did. Not nearly as noisy as in main part of restaurant, and more importantly the table was much larger for four. Our server (Alex) was a 5 star guy and the food was so good. The meal almost doubled in price due to the wine pairing and didn’t mind at all. Will definitely be going back.
More info
SepiaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
K
Krystal-Flora
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I had such a lovely time at brunch with my friends. The food was good and the bottomless mimosas were indeed bottomless. The ambiance was enjoyable and the staff were very nice and attentive
More info
Bronzeville WineryPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Bronzeville
•
4.4

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Side

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70 restaurants available nearby

1. Bronzeville Winery

2. Sepia

3. Moody Tongue Brewing Company

4. Roanoke

5. Virtue

6. avec West Loop

7. Lips - Chicago

8. Francois Frankie

9. Grill on 21

10. South Branch

See what locals rave about

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