Best Casual Restaurants in River West

435 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

4.8

Exceptional(2723)

Price: Expensive

• American • River West

Booked 41 times today

The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.

A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant

2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(85)

Price: Expensive

• Brewery • West Loop

Booked 47 times today

Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.

3. Recess

4.5

Awesome(1464)

Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 4 times today

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.

A photo of City Hall - Chicago restaurant

4. City Hall - Chicago

(0)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Town

Wait, what? There’s already a City Hall in Chicago? How long has it been open? What do they even do in there? Oh… that City Hall is the official seat of government of the City of Chicago. This City Hall is the unofficial seat of great bar food, stiff drinks, rock and roll, and gorgeous events. Come to this City Hall. You’ll have a much better time. City Hall is a new bar and event venue serving up good times and zero red tape in a lively, relaxed atmosphere in Chicago's West Loop.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

5. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1480)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 83 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

6. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2265)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 88 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

7. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14835)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 125 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 Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

8. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(894)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 65 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

9. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3034)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 43 times today

Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.

10. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9261)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Lincoln Park

Booked 143 times today

Cancellation policy: For parties of 5+ you need to cancel by 9am on the day of your reservation, otherwise it is a $25 fee. For smaller parties, please give us one hour in advance, in the event of a last minute cancellation or no show it is a $25 fee. Located in Lincoln Park, the All-Season Courtyard and Dining Rooms at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! are open with our new AIRPHX Air Filtration System. Your health is our top priority in all that we do. Steps we are taking: disposable and digital menus, continuous sanitation procedures & hand washing.

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From verified diners like you

M
Mariannevip
Southwest Florida •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We were in the Barrel Room and our server Jamie (sp) was excellent. Great service. Very nice !
More info
Guinness Open Gate Brewery - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Brewery• West Loop
•
4.5
R
Ritu
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Pizza Portofino is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic bread and truffle pizza (request hot honey, trust me) are GAME CHANGER. I went with a few friends and we all agreed that they both redefined garlic bread and pizza (at least in Illinois) respectively. Great service and great vibes!
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Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
Q
Quinton
Alabama •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I went for brunch. This was my first dining experience at the Dawson, and it was great! Amazing atmosphere, and all of the food was tasty. Before going, I did read that parking was difficult, but I didn’t have much trouble. Upon walking up to the restaurant, I also noticed a sign offering valet, so that will definitely be valuable next time
More info
The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
•
4.8
M
Michelle
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Such a great place to spend a Saturday brunch! I was celebrating my birthday and it was perfect. The games on the tables made it even more fun with everyone!
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RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.5

Best Casual Restaurants in River West

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435 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

3. Recess

4. City Hall - Chicago

5. Pizzeria Portofino

6. Alla Vita

7. Girl & the Goat

8. Costera Cocina Tulum

9. Cabra - Chicago

10. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

See what locals rave about

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