Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Little Italy / University Village

116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7411)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 76 times today

For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.

A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant

2. El Che Steakhouse & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2097)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • West Loop

Booked 34 times today

Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

3. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(8930)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 76 times today

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

4. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14905)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 62 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

A photo of Bar Siena - West Loop restaurant

5. Bar Siena - West Loop

4.6

Exceptional(3274)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 33 times today

Perfectly Centralized In Chicago's West Loop 'Restaurant Row', The Two-Story, 8,000-Square-Foot Restaurant Is The Sibling Of DineAmic Hospitality'S River North Staple Eatery, Siena Tavern. Bar Siena Offers Diners The Perfect & Approachable Setting To Enjoy Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, And Weekend Brunch. The Menu Features An Expansive Italian Street Food And Pizza Bar Selection, All Served Within The Streets Of Fulton Market. Our Team Of Hospitality Professionals Are Thrilled And Dedicated To Host Your Next Dining Experience, Private Event Or Catering Function!

6. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7290)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 45 times today

RL Restaurant is described as a vibrant bar scene due to its modern club atmosphere and diverse cocktail list. Reviews mention the 'trendy atmosphere', 'unique cocktail menu', 'outstanding martinis' and 'great energy' creating a lively and inviting environment. The 'warm, inviting ambiance' and 'spectacular setting' are also praised, contributing to a vibrant bar scene.

7. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(3988)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 70 times today

Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

8. LUXBAR

4.6

Exceptional(2873)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 30 times today

The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

9. Duck Duck Goat

4.8

Exceptional(5591)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • West Loop

Booked 81 times today

Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.

10. The Palm Court

4.6

Exceptional(4996)

Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 74 times today

For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.Reservations are heavily encouraged. Tea service seating duration is 90minAdults $79/ $82 with Carolers / Kids $35 (3-12)

‘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

K
Kushagra
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was amazing, service was good and prompt really loved the whole ambiance , quality and quantity of food. Definitely recommend
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Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
M
MaiaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
A wonderful evening at El Che to kick off the holiday season. Special shoutout to Olivia and Julio for making sure everything was perfect and made for a memorable evening.
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El Che Steakhouse & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
•
4.7
A
Aphrodite
New York City •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great classic Chicago steakhouse. Loud and fun with great service. Special shout out to bar staff who take care of hundreds of people a night effortlessly. Been coming for 30 years.
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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.7
L
Lisa
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We came over to check in about 15 mins before our reservations and we were seared immediately. Everyone was so friendly and polite. The place was decorated beautifully. We love the fairies that come around to the table no matter how old you are. They were so sweet and make the experience even more enjoyable. Our waiter was wonderful so attentive, never having to look for him, always refilling our glasses and providing prompt and friendly service. Food came out quick and was very good. We never felt rushed. We were able to go by the tree and take pictures. It was just a fabulous time. We had our first experience there last year and now we’ve made this an annual tradition. We look forward to many more years to come.
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The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
P
PatVIP
Chicago / Illinois •68 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Delicious brunch items and one of the best bloody Mary's I have ever had. Our server was fantastic!
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Bar Siena - West LoopPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Loop
•
4.6

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Little Italy / University Village

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116 restaurants available nearby

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

2. El Che Steakhouse & Bar

3. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4. Girl & the Goat

5. Bar Siena - West Loop

6. RL Restaurant

7. Gibsons Italia

8. LUXBAR

9. Duck Duck Goat

10. The Palm Court

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