River North Chicago, a vibrant neighborhood known for its stunning architecture, upscale boutiques, and world-class dining scene. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and breathtaking views of the Chicago River, River North has become a go-to destination for both locals and tourists alike. When it comes to dining, River North offers a diverse array of culinary options, from fine dining to casual eats, and everything in between. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in River North Chicago, covering everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors and everything in between.
Classic American Cuisine
For a taste of classic American comfort food, look no further than The Purple Pig. This trendy restaurant serves up creative takes on traditional dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, but some popular items include their famous pig face, a slow-roasted pork dish served with pickled vegetables and a side of creamy polenta.
Another River North institution is The Gage, a modern American bistro located in the heart of the neighborhood. Their menu features a range of dishes, from seafood to steak, all made with the freshest ingredients and presented with a focus on presentation and flavor. Be sure to try their famous burger, a dry-aged beef patty topped with caramelized onions and cheddar cheese.
For a more casual dining experience, head to The Berghoff, a classic American restaurant that’s been serving up burgers, sandwiches, and salads since 1898. Their menu features a range of traditional dishes, including their famous Reuben sandwich, a corned beef and sauerkraut delight served on rye bread with Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing.
International Flavors
River North is also home to a diverse array of international restaurants, serving up flavors from around the world. One of the standout spots is Girl & the Goat, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. Their menu features a range of dishes, from seafood to meat, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with a focus on flavor and presentation.
Another popular international spot is SushiSamba, a fusion restaurant that combines Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors in a unique and delicious way. Their menu features a range of dishes, from sushi to grilled meats, all made with the freshest ingredients and presented with a focus on creativity and flavor.
For a taste of Italy, head to Spiaggia, a upscale Italian restaurant located in the heart of River North. Their menu features a range of dishes, from pasta to seafood, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with a focus on presentation and flavor. Be sure to try their famous risotto, a creamy dish made with Arborio rice and served with a side of sautéed vegetables. (See Also: Where to Eat in Cancun Mexico? Top Local Favorites)
Casual Eats
River North is also home to a range of casual eateries, serving up everything from tacos to pizza to burgers. One of the standout spots is Big Star, a taco joint that serves up creative takes on traditional Mexican dishes. Their menu features a range of tacos, including carne asada, chicken, and vegan options, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with a focus on flavor and presentation.
Another popular casual spot is Pizzeria Uno, a classic Chicago-style pizzeria that’s been serving up deep-dish pies since 1943. Their menu features a range of pizzas, including classic cheese, sausage, and pepperoni, as well as a range of salads and sandwiches.
For a more upscale casual experience, head to The Purple Onion, a modern American bistro that serves up creative takes on traditional dishes. Their menu features a range of dishes, from seafood to steak, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with a focus on presentation and flavor. Be sure to try their famous burger, a dry-aged beef patty topped with caramelized onions and cheddar cheese.
Breakfast and Brunch
River North is also home to a range of breakfast and brunch spots, serving up everything from eggs to pancakes to waffles. One of the standout spots is Wildberry Cafe, a popular breakfast spot that serves up creative takes on traditional dishes. Their menu features a range of items, including eggs benedict, pancakes, and waffles, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with a focus on flavor and presentation.
Another popular breakfast spot is The Bongo Room, a trendy cafe that serves up creative takes on traditional breakfast dishes. Their menu features a range of items, including eggs benedict, pancakes, and waffles, as well as a range of sandwiches and salads.
For a more upscale breakfast experience, head to The Allis, a modern American bistro that serves up creative takes on traditional breakfast dishes. Their menu features a range of items, including eggs benedict, pancakes, and waffles, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with a focus on presentation and flavor.
Desserts
River North is also home to a range of dessert spots, serving up everything from ice cream to cakes to pastries. One of the standout spots is Black Dog Gelato, a popular gelato shop that serves up creative takes on traditional flavors. Their menu features a range of flavors, including classic vanilla and chocolate, as well as more unique options like matcha and pistachio. (See Also: Where to Eat in Malvern? Top Local Favorites)
Another popular dessert spot is The Donut Vault, a trendy donut shop that serves up creative takes on traditional donuts. Their menu features a range of flavors, including classic glazed and chocolate frosted, as well as more unique options like maple bacon and strawberry basil.
For a more upscale dessert experience, head to The Berghoff, a classic American restaurant that serves up a range of traditional desserts, including cheesecake, creme brulee, and chocolate mousse.
Recap
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve taken you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in River North Chicago. From classic American cuisine to international flavors and everything in between, River North has something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience or a casual bite, River North has got you covered.
Some of the standout spots include:
- The Purple Pig for classic American comfort food
- The Gage for modern American cuisine
- Girl & the Goat for Mediterranean-inspired flavors
- SushiSamba for Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion
- Big Star for creative tacos
- Pizzeria Uno for classic Chicago-style pizza
- The Purple Onion for modern American cuisine
- Wildberry Cafe for creative breakfast dishes
- The Bongo Room for trendy breakfast options
- The Allis for upscale breakfast experience
- Black Dog Gelato for creative gelato flavors
- The Donut Vault for creative donuts
- The Berghoff for classic American desserts
FAQs
Where to Eat in River North Chicago?
Q: What are some of the best restaurants in River North Chicago?
A: Some of the best restaurants in River North Chicago include The Purple Pig, The Gage, Girl & the Goat, SushiSamba, Big Star, Pizzeria Uno, The Purple Onion, Wildberry Cafe, The Bongo Room, The Allis, Black Dog Gelato, The Donut Vault, and The Berghoff.
Q: What type of cuisine can I find in River North Chicago?
A: River North Chicago offers a diverse array of cuisines, including classic American, international flavors, casual eats, breakfast and brunch, and desserts. (See Also: Where to Eat Breakfast in New York? City’s Best Bites)
Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in River North Chicago?
A: Yes, many of the restaurants in River North Chicago offer vegetarian or vegan options, including The Purple Pig, Girl & the Goat, SushiSamba, Big Star, and Wildberry Cafe.
Q: Can I make reservations at the restaurants in River North Chicago?
A: Yes, many of the restaurants in River North Chicago take reservations, including The Purple Pig, The Gage, Girl & the Goat, SushiSamba, and The Berghoff.
Q: Are there any restaurants in River North Chicago that offer outdoor seating?
A: Yes, many of the restaurants in River North Chicago offer outdoor seating, including The Purple Pig, The Gage, Girl & the Goat, SushiSamba, and Big Star.
