We may be miles away from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some top-notch waterfront views. Besides the gorgeous beaches, we have our famous riverwalk nearby. From bohemian hideouts by the river to beachy hangouts by the lake, these 12 stunning Chicago riverwalk restaurants are open for outdoor dining and offer a beautiful spot for drinks or dinner.
1. Beatnik On The River
This is probably the only bohemian oasis Chicago Riverwalk restaurant where you can enjoy a range of eclectic dishes and drinks as eclectic as its retro patio decorations. The dinner menu is teeming with mouthwatering international dishes from Latinamerican Huitlacoche Arepas ($19), with duck confit, grilled corn, green mole, and mustard greens, to Mediterranean Fatoush Salad ($14) with Persian cucumber, baby kale, kalamata olives, Parsley, fried pita, lemon vinaigrette!
You can read the full menu here.
2. Chicago Cut Steak House
Sipping on a glass of Pinot Noir while enjoying a buttery-soft steak is even more enjoyable when done al-fresco and by the river. At Chicago Cut Steakhouse, you’ll enjoy some of the best steaks in the city paired with an extraordinary wine list featuring options from around the world.
You can read the full menu here.
3. Pizzeria Portofino
Spend an afternoon on the Italian Riviera without moving from the Chicago Riverfront! An excellent Italian riverfront option, Pizzeria Portofino offers delectable hand-stretched pizzas and refreshing Italian wines that will transport you to the Italian Riviera in just a sip and a bite!
You can read the full menu here.
4. Porter Kitchen & Deck
At Porter Kitchen & Deck, you’ll be able to enjoy some excellent new American bites, such as their signature steak frites ($24) or their Porter cheeseburger ($17) with one-year aged cheddar, prime beef, and onion jam. Their drink menu offers a wide variety of summer-inspired concoctions.
You can read the full menu here.
5. River Roast
This gorgeous riverside enclave is one of our favorite Chicago Riverwalk restaurants, which is perfect for cozying up while enjoying soul-warming bites! As the name suggests, River Roast offers a New American take on British classics with its wide variety of meat, fish, and veggies that are roasted and carved tableside. If you choose to go for brunch on the weekends, you’ll also be able to catch a live show by some of Chicago’s finest acoustic musicians!
You can read the full menu here.
6. RPM Seafood
This riverside eatery is a must if you’re a seafood fan. RPM Seafood has a double-decker terrace and is said to be one of the best Chicago Riverwalk restaurants for seafood. They offer a variety of options, all the way from platters of chilled oysters ($19) to Wild Alaskan Halibut ($39) and King Crab Mac n’ Cheese ($36)!
You can read the full menu here.
7. Gibsons Italia
This three-story steakhouse in the West Loop offers awesome homemade pasta dishes, premium steak cuts, and other Italian delicacies. From Italian Meatballs ($13) to an incredible Ravioli Carbonara ($40), you can be sure you’ll be heading home more than satisfied. Pair that with a side of gorgeous Chicago riverfront views, and you’ve got the recipe for a delightful evening!
You can read the full menu here.
8. City Winery Riverwalk
We can’t compile a list of waterfront spots without mentioning City Winery’s Riverwalk location between State and Dearborn. A smaller version of the City Winery, this riverwalk patio offers the same charm, incredible locally-made wine, and delicious food. Now open seven days a week, 11 am – 9 pm, Monday through Sunday.
9. Raised
At Raised, you get a little bit of everything. The indoor/outdoor Raised rooftop offers scintillating views from three floors above ground level, and yet you’re not too high up to feel like you’re far away from the city’s pulse. This Chicago rooftop overlooking the river that still offers the vibrant energy you get being in the mix of downtown Chicago. You can gaze out at sweeping views of the river and Chicago’s sensational skyline from one of the best spots in the city.
Seasonal menus, a trendy urban aesthetic, and a fantastic array of sharing options mean it’s the perfect waterside spot to hang out with friends.
You can read the full menu here.
10. Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk
One of the trendy Chicago riverwalk restaurants, Beat Kitchen is a casual waterfront restaurant that features a full-service bar and cocktail menu. Grab one of their inventive tacos, a thin-crust pizza, or gooey mac ‘n’ cheese, and devour the homemade comfort food by their riverside terrace.
You can read the full menu here.