Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Loop

42 restaurants available nearby

1. Atwood

4.2

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 25 times today

Atwood proudly offers alluring libations and a wildly guest-pleasing menu filled with your favorite all-day American cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef, David Fingerman. Whether for happy hour cocktails, a theater dinner, or the date of a lifetime, Atwood is Chicago’s premier spot to mix, mingle and delight in the joys of food and drink.Atwood’s soaring dining room is strikingly modern with white marble surfaces, glossy subway-tiled walls, and massive windows ideal for watching the State Street shoppers stroll by.

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

2. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

3.9

Excellent(262)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 38 times today

Legal Sea Foods Chicago is now open along the vibrant Riverwalk in the bustling River North neighborhood at the famous Marina Towers. Legal's first Midwest location features two floors of upscale casual New England vibes with sweeping riverfront views and an outdoor space. The brand-new restaurant features a large main dining room, bar area, private event space, and outdoor terraces. Serving New England specialties such as Boston's best Clam Chowder and Half Pound Lobster Rolls, as well as new signature dishes and local favorites. Legal Sea Foods combines New England's coastal fishing traditions with modern culinary flair. A taste of New England in the Mid-West.

3. RL Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(7347)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 112 times today

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

4. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12286)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 116 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.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

5. Quartino - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(11035)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 129 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.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(8989)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 121 times today

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

7. Cabra - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(3062)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 74 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.

A photo of Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town restaurant

8. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

4.8

Exceptional(608)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • River North (Chicago)

Booked 57 times today

Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian for entry. A valid ID is required for guests age 21+.A chic, outdoorsy pizza haven located in Old Town. Happy Camper boasts a décor that includes Airstream trailers, neon renditions of the Great Lakes, warm wooden accents, and tire swing seating around the bar. A wide variety of colorful pizzas and delicious appetizers await you.F*ckin' Charity Bingo on Sundays at 1:30pm is sat on a first come first serve basis. All reservations will be sat in the non-bingo area.We cannot guarantee inside or outside seating.Neighborhood ordinances require our patio to close by 12am. Your table is weather permitting. If there is inclement weather, Happy Camper reserves the right to cancel your reservation. If you are dining when inclement weather occurs your food will be packed and given your bill. You are more than welcome to head to the bar afterward.

9. The Evie

4.8

Exceptional(809)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 59 times today

Led by a team of lifelong Chicago restaurant figures, The Evie is a locally-owned upscale dining destination located at the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Led by Partner George Archos (Wildberry Café), Chef-Partner Nick Nitti (Forno Rosso, Lucia Rose, Cucina 3 Italian), and Executive Chef Phil Rubino (Spiaggia, L2O, Cicchetti), the restaurant provides city locals and visitors a place to unwind and indulge while overlooking iconic Michigan Avenue. Named after George’s mother and daughter, the concept puts family at the forefront, with an emphasis on warm, Midwestern hospitality. Evie offers full lunch/dinner and weekend brunch, presenting a menu of reimagined American classics and city favorites, spotlighting dishes like chef-crafted sushi rolls, freshly baked breads, Chicago-style Wagyu hotdogs, and USDA prime steaks. Complementing the menu, our dynamic beverage program weaves together seasonality and elegance, featuring an array of classic and craft cocktails, sake, beer & wine.

A photo of Jake Melnick's Corner Tap restaurant

10. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

4.5

Awesome(320)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 50 times today

Come for the wings, stay for the party! Jake Melnick's Corner Tap has been a neighborhood favorite since opening its doors in 2002. The menu features mouth-watering BBQ dishes, classic American pub-fare and world-famous chicken wings – named the “Top Chicken Wings in the U.S.” by the Today Show. Relax and sip on local craft beers while you catch the game or enjoy a casual night out. The cozy indoor dining room and picturesque patio make it the perfect choice any time of year.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Elizabeth JeanVIP
Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Perfect spot for our pre show dinner! Great food, drinks, service, and atmosphere.
More info
AtwoodPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.2
S
Stella
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was my first time at Quartino, and I'll for sure come back! Food was delicious and our server (Nicole) was great!! 5-star service!!
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Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was a lovely venue for a birthday celebration. Our adult children recommended it and we were not disappointed. The food was good but small portions. For those of us who are big eaters, it could have been a slightly larger serving of the pasta dish I ordered. Our waiter recommended the carrot cake and boy was it fabulous. Best we’ve ever had! We will definitely return and recommend this restaurant to our friends.
More info
RPM Italian - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
G
ginger
Wisconsin •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I recently dined at the Ralph Lauren Restaurant in Chicago and had an exceptional experience. Our server, John, was truly spectacular—attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. He made sure our dining experience was perfect from start to finish. We were lucky to have a beautiful window view, which added to the overall ambiance and made our meal even more enjoyable. The food was exquisite, and the elegant setting made for a memorable evening. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion or a lovely night out in the city!
More info
RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.8
L
LindaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •130 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Jan 2025
Spectacular location overlooking the Chicago River. Exceptional seafood as you would expect from a Boston-based seafood restaurant. The Express Lunch is an exceptional deal.
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Legal Sea Foods - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
3.9

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Loop

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42 restaurants available nearby

1. Atwood

2. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

3. RL Restaurant

4. RPM Italian - Chicago

5. Quartino - Chicago

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

7. Cabra - Chicago

8. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

9. The Evie

10. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

See what locals rave about

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