The Lakefront Restaurant

4.7

1062 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for scenic views
Charming
Good for special occasions

The Lakefront Restaurant is an upscale tavern located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the historic Theater on the Lake building. We offer seasonal Midwestern fare featuring the freshest choice ingredients and a beverage program highlighting craft beers, spirits, and a diverse wine list.

We are open year-round, and invite you to enjoy the casual elegance of our intimate tables, communal seating, lounge area, and our warm-weather Skyline Patio -- all while taking in the stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Visit us during the fall and winter months for happy hour and other day daily specials.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(312) 414-1313 ext. 2
Website
https://theateronthelake.com/restaurant/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
Private party contact
Margaret Amerpohl: (312) 414-1313

Location
2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood
Lincoln Park
Cross street
Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
Parking details
Self-Parking Monday - Friday until 4pm, $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
Public transit
CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Pour Your Own Bottomless Mimosas with Bubbles!
Multiple dates available
Come meet Bubbles and pour your own Bottomless Mimosas! Bubbles is a refurbished Piaggio Ape, pronounced “Ah-Peh” (Italian for “bee”) now serving prosecco! Bottomless Mimosas are available Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 3pm for only $20! Enjoy your prosecco with either orange juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple and peach! Make your reservation today or reach out to Maggie at maggie@theateronthelake.com for groups over 12 people.

What 1,062 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Lakefront Restaurant offers stunning views of the city and lake, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors. Guests praise its "great atmosphere," "attentive service," and "delicious menu choices." Ideal for family outings or special occasions, this spot combines a beautiful setting with a welcoming ambiance.

1,062 Reviews

J
Joel
VIP
Chicago
175 reviews
4.0
175 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We have been several times and. have always had a good experience. Going in winter makes it a lot quieter.
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P
Patrick
VIP
Chicago
80 reviews
5.0
80 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An absolute joy to dine here. We went to the Zoo Lights first and then had an amazing dinner here. Just a 5-10 minute walk from the east gate of the zoo. The service was so great, the food was amazing! For a downtown restaurant, the prices seemed to be reasonable- Would be on my list of places to go again!
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M
Marikaye
VIP
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We came at night after a trip to zoo lights so couldn’t see the Lakeviewbut the food was good and the staff was very attentive. At first there was confusion because it seemed they were only seating parties that had reservations, which we did. But once we were seated and our server came everything was fine. The fish and chips and roast beef, French dip type sandwich were great.
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K
Kevin
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Food was good and prices are reasonable. The place is more of a bar with tables around the outside.
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G
Glenn
VIP
Chicago
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant was empty and for good reason yelp said it was closed and the staff Didn’t care it was cold no people no heat Food was just OK nothing that would want you to come back for a week before Christmas and they were empty. The only reason we were there is because All the other restaurants in the area were booked up for the night ( week before Christmas) with large and small groups. It is a shame such a great place and location and lousy food with a bad beer selection. They should close and open in the spring With a revised menu it would take me about Hour to right a new and better menu with items that would serve people better Hell at lest put a chile on the menu for the winter and a couple of soups they cheap to make and if you waste them you don’t lose much , flat breads for the bar I could go on But nothing will change because they don’t want it to (Not worth going back ) we only go when everything else is booked . (lettuce entertain you restaurants would do great here )
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F
Frank
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The most beautiful location, great food, and terrific service!
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B
Barbara
VIP
Chicago
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and nice lake front atmosphere! Lots of food and good!
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G
Gautam
VIP
Miami
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and drinks in a lovely location with a beautiful view. The service is also good.
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J
Jeremiah
Mobile
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great atmosphere! The service was so good. Perfect brunch spot
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E
Edward
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Attentive service, stylish setting. Food is good, though the menu options aren’t deep. The specials featured halibut and sirloin which our party ordered and enjoyed. Views of the city are unique and beautiful, as it’s rare to be on the east side of LSD for dining. We enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights then had a 13 minute walk to the restaraunt. Enjoyable meal.
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FAQs

The Lakefront Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1062 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

Cross street
Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
Neighborhood
Lincoln Park
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Self-Parking Monday - Friday until 4pm, $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
Public transit
CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://theateronthelake.com/restaurant/
Phone number
(312) 414-1313 ext. 2
Private party facilities
The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
Private party contact
Margaret Amerpohl: (312) 414-1313

The Lakefront Restaurant

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Experiences

Pour Your Own Bottomless Mimosas with Bubbles!

Menu

What 1,062 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Lakefront Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is The Lakefront Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information