Best Dinner Places to Eat in River Grove

"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Park. Culinary mastermind Grant Achatz uses his three-Michelin-star restaurant in Lincoln Park as a stage. Sit back and enjoy the show, a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures, temperatures and notions of “normal” cuisine, while somehow remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution."

"Chicago's only three-star restaurant continues to reign supreme in the city. It's easier to compare Chef Grant Achatz's dishes to art than it is to describe them simply as food. Alinea is open for reservations as well as take-home meals."

"A Randolph Street stalwart that dishes out Midwestern-influenced Mediterranean fare with a killer wine list to match. Why we love it: We have to believe that there are very few restaurants in the world that are as consistently special as avec. It's the kind of spot that makes us swell with pride for our dining scene, the kind of place we can't help but flock to even though there are plenty of newcomers to try."

"For sit down kid-friendly options at Navy Pier, try the tasty cheeseburgers at Billy Goat Tavern or a classic slice of deep dish pizza from Giordano’s. Tiny Tavern has a great section for kids aptly named “Tiny Mates,” featuring hot dogs, chicken tenders and ice cream sundaes for children under 10. Counter service restaurants such as Potbelly, Ozzie Pops & Pretzels and Ben & Jerry’s offer quick-stop treats and bites for children, too."

"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."

"The small but mighty Museum of Contemporary Photography has a permanent collection. Many works such as old photographs, contemporary works, a large Dorothea Lange collection are in this museum. Farm Security Administration photos from the same period are the hidden gem of this place."

"Park in the West Loop, Mako is an exclusive omakase restaurant that touts just 12 seats, with an additional 10 seats in the back. “Mako is an evolution of Juno [in Lincoln Park],” says Park. “It allows our customers to enjoy what we create in a more intimate way that’s a bit more upscale and special occasion.” Intimate and truly reminiscent of Japan’s best sushi eateries, Mako’s 25-course menu (which sets you back $175) comes with a satisfying array of BK favorites — including sashimi, nigiri, king crab with uni miso, A5 wagyu, arctic char, and aka anago (sake marinated saltwater eel)."

"Named after a speedy breed of shark known for its precision, Mako earned its first Michelin star within months of opening. Chef B.K. Park’s omakase restaurant in the West Loop is now offering takeout options with ordering available on Tock. The eight-course omakase takeout set features creative nigiri alongside luxurious items such as octopus with yuzu vinaigrette and seaweed aioli, king crab with eight-grain rice, oyster with tosaka aioli, A-5 wagyu spring roll, and duck dumplings."

"Park who has served loyal customers for years at his Lincoln Park restaurant, Juno. Focusing on omakase, Park cut loose inside his West Loop sushi den, providing a superb sushi experience that few Chicago restaurants have ever offered. For takeaway, it’s not quite chef’s whim, but the sushi comes in special wooden boxes with compartments for each course."

"Bua Hana is a contemporary and casual Forest Park eatery serving Japanese and Thai creations, including some top-notch sushi. Diners can mix and match from what's essentially three..."