Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in River North (Chicago)

115 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant

1. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(14349)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 124 times today

Since 1984, Shaw’s Crab House has earned its status as a Chicago icon with its unwavering commitment to quality and warm, dedicated staff. This generational restaurant embodies timeless seafood traditions inspired by America's coastal crab houses, creating a classic dining experience that stands the test of time. Signature dishes include King Crab Legs, oysters from both coasts, hand-rolled sushi, fresh fish, and more. After 40 years of excellence, Shaw's was ranked #8 in Chicago Magazine's Best Chicago Restaurants of 2024.The restaurant's 1940s-style design features two distinct dining rooms: the lively, casual Oyster Bar and the elegant, white-tablecloth Main Dining Room. Guests who reserve "Hightop" seating will dine in the Oyster Bar, while "Standard" seating is for the Main Dining Room.Located in the heart of River North, Shaw’s is just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable seafood experience.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

2. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12304)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 95 times today

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

3. Barrio

4.5

Awesome(2907)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 28 times today

Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

4. Quartino - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(11052)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 124 times today

Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.

5. Ema - River North

4.7

Exceptional(4563)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)

Booked 111 times today

A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

6. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4284)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 96 times today

Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

7. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6314)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 69 times today

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant

8. SUSHI-SAN - River North

4.8

Exceptional(1336)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 108 times today

Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.

A photo of Untitled Supper Club restaurant

9. Untitled Supper Club

4.5

Awesome(2868)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 29 times today

Dress Code: Business Casual is expected - No Shorts, Tee Shirts, Athletic Attire, sandals, gym shoes are permitted. Final decisions are based on the sole discretion of management. *Please notate if you have a room or entertainment preference. Requests cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate.*With its vintage, Prohibition Era-inspired design, Untitled has been a darling of Chicago nightlife and fine dining since opening in 2011. The sumptuous 18,000 square-foot restaurant, bar and live entertainment space hosts the largest selection of American whiskies in the world .Their dining menu includes shareable bites, perfect pastas and beautifully creative desserts; with eight Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, their cuisine is sure to satisfy any palette. The best part? While you dine and drink the night away, you can enjoy world-class entertainment with weekly music and titillating cabaret-style performances from Chicago's finest.Untitled is a 21+ establishment.

A photo of Gene and Georgetti restaurant

10. Gene and Georgetti

4.7

Exceptional(6087)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 44 times today

Gene and Georgetti is Chicago's original steakhouse since 1941. This family-owned establishment housed in Chicago's third oldest building serves the finest prime-aged steaks and chops, pastas, & signature dishes invented here such as The Garbage Salad and Chicken alla Joe. Our curated wine list originates from our roots in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy - we concentrate on Italian varietals that complement our classic Italian steakhouse menu.Securely processed credit card info is required to secure a reservation. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hrs will be charged $25 pp. As a reminder we do have a 15 minute grace period to honor your reservation, past that time your reservation will be forfeit.Valet parking after 3pm is $15 cash.Our dress code is Smart Business/Cocktail Chic - you never know who you might see at G & G!Gene & Georgetti can accommodate your party of up to 100. We look forward to welcoming you to G&G, where classic never goes out of style.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Linda
Memphis •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We tried the 3 course lunch special. I had the lobster bisque which was great, while my husband enjoyed the seafood gumbo. We both enjoyed the horseradish encrusted cod. I had the coleslaw with mine. It was very flavorful. I’m just sorry the Crème Brûlée nor the Key Lime pie were ready this early.
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Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
S
Shaina
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had brunch and everything was so good! Service was great, love their blue corn tortillas and fundido and the nachos were insane!
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BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
K
KaitlynVIP
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great spot for some good Italian food and at an affordable price. We enjoyed our meal and the food came out pretty fast. Everything tasted delicious
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Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
J
Julie
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This Italian restaurant is a true gem! The drinks were exceptional, with each one perfectly crafted and bursting with flavor, setting the tone for an unforgettable meal. The food was just as impressive—authentic, fresh, and full of bold, delicious flavors that showcase true Italian culinary expertise. From start to finish, the experience was flawless, with a warm ambiance and attentive service that made us feel right at home. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy incredible drinks and food in a welcoming setting!
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RPM Italian - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
E
ELDARVIP
Chicago / Illinois •51 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 7, 2025
Ēma offers a vibrant menu filled with delicious cold and hot mezzes, fresh salads, and expertly grilled kebabs. The ambiance is serene and inviting, making it a great spot for both casual and celebratory meals. Service is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall delightful experience.
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Ema - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7

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River North (Chicago)

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in River North (Chicago)

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115 restaurants available nearby

1. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

2. RPM Italian - Chicago

3. Barrio

4. Quartino - Chicago

5. Ema - River North

6. il Porcellino

7. Mercadito - River North

8. SUSHI-SAN - River North

9. Untitled Supper Club

10. Gene and Georgetti

See what locals rave about

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