Best Restaurants for People Watching in South Loop

42 restaurants available nearby

1. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7290)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 43 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.

2. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3048)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 26 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 Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

3. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(244)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 25 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.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

4. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(8931)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 62 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.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

5. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12247)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 76 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 Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town restaurant

6. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

4.8

Exceptional(604)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • River North (Chicago)

Booked 12 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.

A photo of Rosebud Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

7. Rosebud Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3507)

Price: Expensive

• Steak • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 24 times today

*Rosebud Steakhouse is a special occasion restaurant, with an UPSCALE BUSINESS CASUAL Dress Code Policy. For clarification please review the policy at https://rosebudsteak.com/dress-code/ and we thank you for your courtesy. Welcome to a rare steakhouse, well done! Rosebud Steakhouse knows a thing or two about the fine art of cooking. Located on Walton Street, a stone's throw from Michigan Avenue, this relaxing hideout is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable meal paired with a glass of wine from our impressive wine list. The extensive menu features prime steaks by Meats by Linz, fresh seafood and Italian specialties. The beloved hamburger, voted number one in the city of Chicago by the Chicago Tribune, graces our dinner menu. Rosebud Steakhouse invites you to enjoy an unforgettable fine dining experience in a romantic setting. Rosebud Steakhouse is a Creative Hospitality Concepts restaurant. Visit our second location, coming soon to, Munster, Indiana.

8. The Evie

4.8

Exceptional(776)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 53 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

9. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

4.5

Awesome(316)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 17 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.

10. Bar La Rue

4.6

Exceptional(191)

Price: Expensive

• French American • West Loop

Booked 10 times today

Bar La Rue celebrates French-American cuisine with an inventive cocktail program in the heart of Fulton Market. The stylish space boasts a beautiful all-season, street-side, walk-in-friendly pergola bar and dining area, perfect for a cozy patio experience. The menu incorporates French plays on approachable American comfort foods, offering an inviting setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you're enjoying cocktails at the bar, celebrating birthdays, or planning a romantic date, Bar La Rue provides a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MaryAnnVIP
Chicago / Illinois •71 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
RPM Italian is our favorite Italian restaurant. Period. Always delicious with standard favorites like Eggplant Parmesan and Risotto. Tonight - Christmas Eve - we had the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It did not disappoint. Fabulous dinner. Excellent service.
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RPM Italian - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
C
CassandraVIP
Chicago / Illinois •95 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Best clam chowder anywhere! Crab cake appetizer was all crab, no filler and tasty. Came with salad so was quite filling as my main course. The stuffies were delicious-2 in the order and a unique northeastern treat. Others in my party commented on size of Cesar and house salads-big enough to share. They loved the cod and halibut. I love the location on the river. A great addition to Chicago.
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Legal Sea Foods - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
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4
A
Aphrodite
New York City •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great classic Chicago steakhouse. Loud and fun with great service. Special shout out to bar staff who take care of hundreds of people a night effortlessly. Been coming for 30 years.
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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.7
L
lynetteVIP
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food is good. Outdoor space is a bit too noisy but the view is great though
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Cabra - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• West Loop
•
4.7
C
CaitlinVIP
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This is our favorite place in the city for many reasons. The drinks, the food, the look and feel of it, but the number one reason we keep coming back is the people who work at RL. It was a wildly busy evening this last time we came in and while many would have folded, the team went out of their way to take care of us. And that’s what sets this place apart. You’re cared for here. We were listened to and made comfortable. It ended up being a wonderful evening all thanks to obviously the food and drink, but mainly each employee we came in contact with. Come for the lush martinis, the perfect dover sole, the rich wood and dim lights but keep coming back for the people.
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RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.9

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South Loop

Best Restaurants for People Watching in South Loop

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42 restaurants available nearby

1. RL Restaurant

2. Cabra - Chicago

3. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

5. RPM Italian - Chicago

6. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

7. Rosebud Steakhouse - Chicago

8. The Evie

9. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

10. Bar La Rue

See what locals rave about

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