Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Midway

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

ChicagoNear WestSouth SuburbsWest Suburbs

Areas

BurbankBurr RidgeDowntown / LoopLa GrangeLittle Italy / University VillageOak Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

44 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7792)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 25 times today

For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(15081)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 228 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.

3. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(4202)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 154 times today

Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

4. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1313)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 30 times today

The Florentine is a lively spot with great ambiance. Reviews rave about the 'good ambience', 'nice seating', and 'quiet but lively setting'. The bar area is loved by many, with one reviewer stating 'eating at the bar is just as enjoyable and comfortable as a table'. The restaurant also serves 'great drinks' and accommodates kids, making it an ideal place for families and groups.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

5. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12365)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 106 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.

6. BLVD Steakhouse

4.3

Awesome(3006)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • West Loop

Booked 71 times today

BLVD Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood's Sunset Blvd—the golden era's famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. Our space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood, offering sophisticated yet approachable service with a chef-driven menu of prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other seasonal favorites from Celebrity Chef/Partner Joe Flamm. Outside, our massive full season patio with a sprawling bar evokes an enchanted ‘secret garden’ look and feel with lush greenery, linen curtains, luxe upholstery, and romantic string lighting.

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant

7. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(14440)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 142 times today

Since 1984, Shaw’s Crab House has earned its status as a Chicago icon with its unwavering commitment to quality and warm, dedicated staff. This generational restaurant embodies timeless seafood traditions inspired by America's coastal crab houses, creating a classic dining experience that stands the test of time. Signature dishes include King Crab Legs, oysters from both coasts, hand-rolled sushi, fresh fish, and more. After 40 years of excellence, Shaw's was ranked #8 in Chicago Magazine's Best Chicago Restaurants of 2024.The restaurant's 1940s-style design features two distinct dining rooms: the lively, casual Oyster Bar and the elegant, white-tablecloth Main Dining Room. Guests who reserve "Hightop" seating will dine in the Oyster Bar, while "Standard" seating is for the Main Dining Room.Located in the heart of River North, Shaw’s is just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable seafood experience.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

8. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6366)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 93 times today

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

9. Barrio

4.6

Exceptional(2932)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 48 times today

Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.

10. il Porcellino

4.8

Exceptional(4346)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 108 times today

Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Stacey
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Server was amazing, very attentive without hovering; bus service / water refills were wonderful; shareables were tasty; happy hour ambience was fun! Looking forward to trying full dinners on next visit. Only negative was our six-top round was all the way in back of bar next to kitchen so restaurant personnel knocked into our chairs throughout our stay…we had reservation and place was empty when we were seated (just before 5 o’clock crowd) so they could have put our party in a more appropriate space for our size.
More info
LUXBARPrice: Moderate• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was incredible and the dessert was the best tiramisu I’ve ever had!!!
More info
Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was fabulous and while traditional pasta dishes, they really elevated with interesting spices and layers of flavor. The service was A+ and gave her a 30% tip.
More info
Daisies ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Logan Square
•
4.8
A
angela
Tahoe / Reno Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful, knowledgable wait person who made ecellent recommendations,, amazing food.
More info
Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I always love visiting this iconic restaurant when i am in Chicago. While dining and drinking a delicious latte there are great views of the city! The food is delicious and we especially enjoy the homemade cinnamon rolls on Sunday!
More info
The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6

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