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  5. River West
The Dawson, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

The Dawson

4.8
4.8
2725 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 40 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Lively
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
  • Location
    730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Area
    River West
  • Cross Street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stop<br />CTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stop<br />CTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stop<br />CTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Mistletoe & Mischief Holiday Pop-Up

    29 Nov 2024 - 22 Dec 2024
    This holiday season, delight in not just one, but two exceptional experiences at The Dawson. Along with our regular indoor dining option we are offering a whimsical pop-up , ‘Mistletoe & Mischief,’ nestled within the enclosed and temperature-controlled patio structure. Immerse yourself in kitsch-themed cocktails, a special menu of food and drinks, over-the-top décor, and a Christmas soundtrack, creating a festive escape like no other. Full menu also available. BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT AT MISTLETOE & MISCHIEF Whether it's an office party, family gathering, or a festive reunion with friends, our versatile space and curated experiences promise to make your event one-of-a-kind. Email events@gagehospitality.com for more information.
    Mistletoe & Mischief Holiday Pop-Up photo

  • NYE 4-Course Prix Fixe

    USD 95.00 per person

    31 Dec 2024 only
    Join us this New Year's Eve for a celebratory 4-Course Prix Fixe for $95 with optional sommelier selected $45 wine pairings. REGULAR MENU NOT AVAILABLE. A la carte version of the prix fixe menu will be available at the bar.
    NYE 4-Course Prix Fixe photo

Offers

  • Why limit happy to an hour?

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Fri - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    Join us every Tuesday - Friday 4-6pm for happy hour for special features including $10 cocktails, $10 wines, $6 beers, and specially priced bites.

    Why limit happy to an hour? photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,725 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Dawson offers a delightful dining experience with a "great happy hour atmosphere" and "amazing cocktails." Guests love the "wonderful space" featuring an indoor-outdoor vibe and a "beautiful patio." The food consistently impresses, from the "chicken fried lobster" to the "wood-fired pork chop." Exceptional service, particularly from server Taylor, enhances the experience, making The Dawson a favorite for both brunch and dinner.

2,725 Reviews

  1. Beth

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and attentive service. The Christmas pop-up in the patio area was cute.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Erika

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Way too dark and moody. Otherwise great service and good food

    Is this helpful?

  3. Quinton

    Alabama

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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

    Is this helpful?

  4. Christopher

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 23 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always exceptional and this time was no exception. I had the wood fired pork chop and it was honestly the best pork chop I’ve ever had. The grilled octopus was a generous portion and very juicy with a good amount of chew. Their barrel pick bourbons are also really good. One of my favorite places in the city.

    Is this helpful?

  5. allison

    Denver

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Had a fantastic meal from start to finish. Special thanks to the management for their amazing customer service.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ria

    Chicago

    68 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Dawson is a firm favorite for us – brunch or dinner, inside, patio or in the covered area, always good!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Ed

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Had not been at the Dawson to eat in a few years. Was as good as I remember and definitely would visit again

    Is this helpful?

  8. John

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We celebrated two birthdays and had such amazing service and hospitality! Highly recommend going there to celebrate any occasion or just for a lovely meal

    Is this helpful?

  9. Patrice

    Chicago

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The duck wings! Amazing and drinks were really good. I have been here for both brunch and dinner and both were great!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Catherine

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We were rarely asked if we needed anything — a drink, food, more water, anything — constantly had to flag the bartender down. When the food arrived, I didn’t have silverware and when I asked for it, it was brought to me without a napkin so I had to get up and find my own napkin. One of the dishes we ordered was never put through so it came out over 30 minutes after our other dishes. Plates were never cleared from the bar. A really poor experience for a $180 tab before tip.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

The Dawson offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Dawson also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 243-8955.

The Dawson is rated 4.8 stars by 2725 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 40 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Dawson

730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross Street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Area
    River West
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stopCTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
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