Where To Eat In River North Chicago

Where To Eat In River North Chicago

River North is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its trendy bars, upscale boutiques, and mouth-watering restaurants. When it comes to dining, River North offers a diverse range of options to suit every taste and budget. From classic American comfort food to international cuisine, this neighborhood has it all. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in River North Chicago, helping you navigate the many options and find the perfect spot for your next meal.

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Overview of River North’s Dining Scene

River North’s dining scene is a reflection of the neighborhood’s eclectic vibe, with a mix of old-school eateries, trendy hotspots, and hidden gems. You’ll find everything from casual eateries serving up burgers and sandwiches to upscale restaurants offering fine dining experiences. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of international cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, Asian, and more.

Neighborhood Highlights

Some of the most popular areas to eat in River North include the bustling Hubbard Street, the trendy Randolph Street corridor, and the historic Erie Street district. Each of these areas offers a unique dining experience, with a range of options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or a quick bite on the go, River North has something for everyone.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the best restaurants in River North, highlighting the top spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. From classic Chicago institutions to modern eateries, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get started and explore the best places to eat in River North Chicago!

Where to Eat in River North Chicago: A Foodie’s Paradise

River North is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its trendy bars, upscale boutiques, and world-class restaurants. Whether you’re a foodie, a socialite, or just looking for a great meal, River North has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in River North, from classic Chicago eateries to trendy new spots.

Breakfast and Brunch Spots

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of River North’s top eateries.

  • The Original Pancake House: This beloved breakfast spot has been a River North staple for over 20 years, serving up fluffy pancakes, omelets, and waffles.
  • The Breakfast Club: This retro-style diner serves up creative breakfast dishes, like breakfast tacos and waffle sandwiches.
  • Bistro Bella: This cozy Italian bistro offers a delicious breakfast menu, featuring dishes like eggs benedetto and quiche Lorraine.

Lunch and Sandwich Shops

Grab a quick bite or meet a friend for lunch at one of River North’s many sandwich shops and eateries. (See Also: Where To Eat In Bedok)

  • Portillo’s: This Chicago institution is famous for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake.
  • Potbelly: This popular sandwich shop offers a wide variety of toasty sandwiches, soups, and salads.
  • Xoco: This casual Mexican spot serves up delicious street food-style dishes, like tacos, burritos, and soups.

Dinner and Fine Dining

River North is home to some of Chicago’s top restaurants, offering everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors.

  • Gibsons Italia: This classic Italian restaurant has been a River North staple for over 20 years, serving up delicious pasta dishes, seafood, and steaks.
  • The Purple Pig: This trendy restaurant offers a globally-inspired menu, featuring dishes like pork belly, seafood, and vegetarian options.
  • Siena Tavern: This upscale Italian restaurant serves up creative dishes, like seafood risotto and osso buco.

Celebrity Chef Restaurants

River North is home to several restaurants owned by celebrity chefs, offering a unique dining experience.

  • Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill: This Mexican restaurant, owned by Top Chef Master Rick Bayless, serves up delicious dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and grilled meats.
  • Giuliana Rancic’s RPM Italian: This upscale Italian restaurant, owned by E! News anchor Giuliana Rancic, offers a menu of creative pasta dishes, seafood, and steaks.
  • Billy Dec’s Sunda: This trendy Asian restaurant, owned by celebrity restaurateur Billy Dec, serves up creative dishes like sushi, noodles, and small plates.

Bars and Nightlife

River North is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with everything from trendy bars to dance clubs.

  • The Signature Room at the 95th: Located on the 95th floor of the Willis Tower, this upscale bar offers stunning views of the city.
  • The Roof on the Wit: This trendy rooftop bar offers creative cocktails and small plates, with stunning views of the city.
  • Hubbard Inn: This historic bar offers a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, with a cozy atmosphere.

Food Halls and Markets

River North is home to several food halls and markets, offering a variety of cuisines and shopping options.

  • Eataly: This Italian market and food hall offers a wide variety of Italian cuisine, including pasta, seafood, and gelato.
  • : This Latin-inspired food hall offers a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Brazilian, and Peruvian.
  • The French Market: This historic market offers a variety of French-inspired cuisine, including pastries, sandwiches, and cheeses.

Recap and Summary

River North is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and food halls to choose from. From classic Chicago eateries to trendy new spots, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a night out on the town, River North has it all. (See Also: Where To Eat In Georgetown Ontario)

In this article, we’ve explored the best places to eat in River North, from breakfast and brunch spots to dinner and fine dining. We’ve also highlighted the neighborhood’s celebrity chef restaurants, bars and nightlife, and food halls and markets.

So next time you’re in River North, be sure to check out some of these top eateries and experience the best of Chicago’s culinary scene.


Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in River North Chicago

What are the most popular restaurants in River North?

River North is known for its vibrant dining scene, and some of the most popular restaurants include The Purple Pig, Girl & the Goat, and Gilt Bar. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from Mediterranean to American contemporary, and are often crowded with locals and tourists alike.

Are there any good brunch spots in River North?

Absolutely! River North has plenty of excellent brunch options. Some popular spots include The Allis, which serves up creative dishes like eggs benedict with truffle hollandaise, and Bodega Brew Pub, which offers a build-your-own brunch bar. If you’re looking for something sweet, try The Breakfast Club, which serves up decadent pancakes and waffles.

Can I find affordable dining options in River North?

While River North is known for its upscale restaurants, there are also plenty of affordable options to choose from. Try Portillo’s for a classic Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich, or head to Xoco for delicious and affordable Mexican street food. You can also find great deals on lunch specials at many of the area’s restaurants. (See Also: Where To Eat In Duluth)

Are there any restaurants in River North with outdoor seating?

Yes, many restaurants in River North offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the city views on a nice day. Some popular options include The Rooftop at The Wit Hotel, which offers stunning views of the city, and Siena Tavern, which has a large outdoor patio area. Be sure to check with each restaurant for their outdoor seating availability and hours.

Do I need reservations for restaurants in River North?

It’s highly recommended to make reservations for popular restaurants in River North, especially on weekends or during peak dining hours. Many restaurants offer online reservations through platforms like OpenTable or Resy, or you can call the restaurant directly to book a table. This will ensure that you get a seat at your desired restaurant and avoid long wait times.

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