Best Dinner Places to Eat in Chicago River

"Though Chicago is a city that prides itself on tradition, it is also a city that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Enter Alinea, a Michelin-starred restaurant that has consistently been named one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world. Since its opening, Alinea has redefined what fine-dining can be and nothing exemplifies that better than its edible balloon made from green apple taffy."

"Experimental , Molecular Gastronomy"

"West LoopThis long-revered Mediterranean-influenced fixture from One Off Hospitality has held it down as one of the area’s go-to date night spots since opening its minimalist doors back in 2003, well before many of us could even define romance. And not much has changed -- the wine list is still spectacular, the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates are still iconic, and a reservation for the intimate front patio is still highly coveted."

"One Off is also responsible for The Publican and Pacific Standard Time. These are all good date restaurants in Chicago. Plan the perfect outfit for your date in Chicago."

"Go to this Euro-style wine bar when you're feeling gregarious; the rather stark space has seating for only 48 people, and it's a tight fit....Read More"

"VU Rooftop Bar is quite a new addition to the Chicago rooftop scene, opening in fall of 2018. This 13,000-square-foot rooftop bar, set 22 floors above the bustling McCormick Place, comes with a stylish indoor lounge, two rooftop terraces, three bars and some amazing and panoramic views over both the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Swanky, modern and spacious, here you can enjoy a locally driven beverage program and Chef Nolan Narut dishes, served nightly and as weekend rooftop brunch."

"True to its name, the views at VU are epic from 22 stories above street level. Once you've secured a seat, order from a selection of classic cocktails (like the gin-based Last Word or the refreshing cherry mule) before ordering a few bites for the table. With three bars and two patios spread across 13,000 square feet, there's plenty of room to spread out and relax in the sun."

"Grab a seat on one of the couches around the ritzy South Loop spot’s fire pits, or reserve space in one of the igloos set up for winter."

"I was a bit skeptical of this place because I hadn't heard of egg-heavy Indian food. But the curries and other dishes are quite delicious and great ..."

"Logan Square With a hop-heavy lineup of IPAs including double, Belgian, black, and session IPAs, Pipeworks started out in a tiny Chicago space in 2012 which was originally geared towards brewing one-offs for beer nerds in the niche market. Now with a goal of releasing a new beer every week, the hyper prolific brewer is one of the more recognizable yet underappreciated Chicago craft brewers. With plans to open a brewpub in Logan Square in 2019 (where it will face stiff competition), knowing about Pipeworks still feels like being letting in on your cooler big brother’s secret."

"Merrit Lewis and Beejay Oslon didn’t follow the traditional route of attending brewing school before opening up their own brewery in Chicago. Instead, the two friends traveled to Belgium and worked for free at De Struise Brouwers. When the pair returned, they crowdsourced funds and opened Pipeworks Brewing Company in 2012."

"Get in the spring mood with a pint from Pipeworks (the artwork will get your juices creative flowing!). Place your contact-free Pipeworks Brewing Co. pick-up order ahead of time and don’t forget to tip!"

"P.F. Chang’s is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Northbrook thanks to its from-scratch pan-Asian-influenced cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients. Signature dishes ..."

"This River North restaurant is all about customary styles of Japanese comfort food, from robata-style dishes, to bold, clever riffs on familiar sushi offerings. Bamboo-skewered items are grilled over traditional Japanese binchotan charcoals from the seaside village of Wakayama, resulting in smoky, bite-sized takes on Chilean sea bass, American wagyu steak, and chicken wings. Sushi enthusiasts should go straight for rolls like the smoked eel (with avocado, cabbage, and karashi aioli) or the spicy tako (with Spanish octopus, spicy tuna, and jalapeno)."

"1043 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 One of Chicago’s most sophisticated Italian eateries, Carmine’s Chicago has a downtown address to complete the luxurious scenery. Head to the terrace to people watch or for a quiet romantic meal with your partner. Carmine’s Chicago serves huge portions of food."

"Carmine’s is a classy restaurant with romantic terrace seating that is in a prime area for people-watching. It serves enormous portions, making it ideal for diners who like to shar..."

"Il Culaccino – Chicago Italian Restaurant has a full-service restaurant, bar, outdoor patio, and offer carryout, private events, and catering. A part of Franco’s Restaurant Group, IL Culaccino’s idea includes a luxurious casual dining restaurant, full-service bar, outdoor patio, and a vast list of fine and award-winning wines. Il Culaccino offers catering and private events."