Best Southern American Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

292 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(6771)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 100 times today

Nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Chicago, The Walnut Room offers a truly authentic Vegetarian dining experience that captivates both the palate and the heart. Celebrated as a local tradition since 1907, this iconic venue inside Macy's on State Street shines with its commitment to quality and service. Patrons frequently praise its "delicious" offerings and the "wonderful atmosphere" that make every dining experience memorable. Highlights from the Vegetarian menu include creatively crafted dishes that emphasize freshness and flavor, making it a prime destination for those seeking a culinary delight. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "The food is always delicious. The service is always great. And just a lovely place to dine." Whether it’s the charm of the historic setting or the exquisite Vegetarian cuisine, The Walnut Room is a must-visit for those seeking exceptional dining in Chicago.

2. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(11932)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 67 times today

The Gage in Downtown Chicago is a haven for comfort food enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic and innovative flavors. Praised for its "terrific service and amazing food," this restaurant offers a menu that delights with dishes such as the indulgent chicken fried lobster and perfectly cooked Scotch eggs, which one patron from England described as "cooked to perfection." The Gage's ability to maintain high standards, even on busy days like St. Patrick's Day, speaks volumes, with reviews highlighting their "phenomenal food" and seamless service. This spot is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience where every meal is crafted with care and served in a lively, welcoming atmosphere, making it a "must visit" in Chicago's dining scene.

3. Roanoke

4.3

Awesome(1397)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 72 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.

4. Remington's

4.6

Exceptional(3226)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 30 times today

At Remington's in the heart of Chicago's bustling Downtown/Loop area, near Millennium Park, American cuisine is elevated to an art form. Celebrated for its "fabulous food, service, and ambiance," this gem consistently impresses with its array of dishes like "the best French dip in the city" and the much-raved-about "lobster deviled eggs." Patrons often highlight not just the food but the atmosphere, describing it as a place where "everything was simply wonderful." Whether it's for a casual meal or a special occasion, Remington's delivers a quintessentially American dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, high-quality American fare in a vibrant setting.

A photo of The Berghoff Restaurant restaurant

5. The Berghoff Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(2488)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 8 times today

The Berghoff Restaurant, a cherished landmark in Downtown Chicago, masterfully blends its rich heritage with contemporary American flair. Steeped in a tradition that dates back to 1898, The Berghoff stands out for its ability to innovate while maintaining the soul of its original German cuisine. Diners rave about the "excellent food" and the "vibrant atmosphere" that make every visit memorable. The addition of newer, lighter dishes to the menu showcases a seamless integration of contemporary tastes with classic styles. Guests consistently celebrate the "fantastic food" and the exceptional service, making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of contemporary American cuisine with deep historical roots.

6. Atwood

4.3

Awesome(4548)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 22 times today

Atwood, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Chicago, is your go-to destination for exceptional comfort food, blending traditional flavors with modern flair. Executive Chef David Fingerman masterfully crafts all-day American favorites that consistently delight guests, as one reviewer exclaims, "We have never had a more delicious waffle. The berries and whipped butter were so yummy. It made my day!" Praised for its "beautiful ambiance in a historic building" and "amazing service," Atwood offers a dining experience where every meal feels like a special occasion. Whether it's the highly recommended breakfast burrito or the indulgent cheeseburger and Caesar salad, Atwood's menu is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, comforting cuisine.

A photo of Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar restaurant

7. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar

4.4

Awesome(1120)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 10 times today

Nestled within the iconic Carbide & Carbon building on Michigan Avenue, Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar offers a slice of Paris right in the heart of Chicago. Celebrated for its "elegant architecture" and "fabulous staff," this modern French restaurant delights its guests with a menu that brilliantly melds classic French flavors with contemporary flair, crafted under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Marcel Heiduk. Patrons rave about the "divine oysters" and the "perfectly served escargot," highlighting the authenticity and quality of the offerings. Whether it's enjoying a leisurely brunch or savoring the happy hour specials, Venteux provides a "stellar" dining experience that keeps diners coming back. As one satisfied guest puts it, this place is truly a "neighborhood gem" in Downtown Chicago.

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.) restaurant

8. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)

4.4

Awesome(4328)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 31 times today

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood in Chicago's bustling Downtown Loop is a seafood lover's haven, known for its fresh, authentic offerings and daily-changing menu. Patrons rave about the "exquisite oysters" and the "delicious sea bass," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to sourcing sustainable and regionally-inspired seafood. From Wild Isles Salmon to Hawaiian seafood flown in from the Honolulu Fish Auction, each dish reflects a dedication to quality and freshness. The restaurant's signature oysters, sourced from their own private beds, are a must-try. Guests consistently praise the "wonderful service" and the vibrant ambiance, making it an ideal spot for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.

A photo of Sweetwater Tavern and Grille restaurant

9. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

4.6

Exceptional(1276)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 11 times today

At Sweetwater Tavern and Grille, located in the bustling Downtown Loop of Chicago, you're guaranteed a culinary journey through authentic American cuisine. This vibrant venue prides itself on delivering modern twists on classic American dishes, perfectly paired with an array of craft beers and seasonal cocktails. Patrons rave about the "delicious" Nashville hot chicken and the "marvelous" Top Sirloin with broccolini, highlighting the quality and creativity of the menu. The atmosphere is consistently described as "upbeat," making it an ideal spot for everything from a quick lunch to a leisurely dinner. With glowing reviews like "Food was great, server was fast and friendly," and "This place is a 10 out of 10," Sweetwater Tavern and Grille stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch American fare in the heart of Chicago.

A photo of Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave. restaurant

10. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

4.6

Exceptional(751)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lakeshore East

Booked 15 times today

Nestled on the corner of Wabash and Lake, Elephant & Castle is your go-to British pub in the heart of Chicago's vibrant theatre and shopping districts. Just steps from the iconic Chicago Theatre and two blocks from the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, we offer classic British pub fare like fish and chips, hearty breakfasts, and live sports on big screens. Whether you're stopping by for happy hour, catching a football match, or grabbing a bite before a show, Elephant & Castle delivers an unforgettable pub experience right in downtown Chicago.

‘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

R
Ramonavip
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food and service was great. Prefer to be seated upstairs and will make the request next visit
More info
Yardbird Table & Bar - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Contemporary Southern)• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
N
Neil
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall we enjoyed our meal (second visit for some of us). We specifically visited on Tuesday to take advantage of the half price Champagne and $1 oysters. It was unfortunate that by 8pm they had run out of oysters (especially as it was not that busy)....if you are going to have such a promotion you need to ensure customers can take advantage of it. The BBQ was all tasty and sides were good (one of my fellow diners commented that the sweet potato fries were amongst the best she's had). The drinks were also fun...from the cocktails to the whiskey flights! I'm sure we will be back....just hoping they have ample supply of oysters next time!
More info
Briny Swine - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Lincoln Park
•
4.3
A
Annavip
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food was amazing. Chef Lamar had a wonderful selection available for the soft opening. We had the beef tartare with chicken skins (highly recommend), the fried green tomato with burrata, the half chicken, and salmon. We each had two cocktails, one of which had fat washed mezcal to mellow out the after sting. My only note is we realized in hindsight our drinks were not that strong. Overall, amazing experience!
More info
ETC.Price: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.9
A
Ashley
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 21, 2024
Loved it ! The food and drinks 10/10. We had a great server his name was Chaz he knew everything about the menu didn’t steer us wrong at all. The pasta was great and everything came out in a timely manner. Will be visiting here again in the future.
More info
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• River North (Chicago)
•
4.1
J
Jenvip
New Orleans / Louisiana •16 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
We were a little underwhelmed considering we had heard great things before coming here. Service was great and the cocktails we each had were amazing, but the food was just average.
More info
Chicago qPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.4

Explore OpenTable

Downtown / Loop

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

292 restaurants available nearby

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

2. The Gage

3. Roanoke

4. Remington's

5. The Berghoff Restaurant

6. Atwood

7. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar

8. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)

9. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

10. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable