Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Lincoln Park
The Lakefront Restaurant, Chicago, IL

The Lakefront Restaurant

4.7
4.7
1087 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 8 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
The Lakefront Restaurant is an upscale tavern located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the historic Theater on the Lake building. We offer seasonal Midwestern fare featuring the freshest choice ingredients and a beverage program highlighting craft beers, spirits, and a diverse wine list.

We are open year-round, and invite you to enjoy the casual elegance of our intimate tables, communal seating, lounge area, and our warm-weather Skyline Patio -- all while taking in the stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Visit us during the fall and winter months for happy hour and other daily specials.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–20:00
  • Phone number
    (312) 414-1313 ext. 2
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
  • Area
    Lincoln Park
  • Cross Street
    Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
  • Parking details
    Self-Parking Monday - Friday until 4pm, $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
  • Public transit
    CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,087 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Lakefront Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with "fantastic service," "excellent food," and "spectacular views" of Lake Michigan. Guests rave about its "unique location" and "beautiful ambiance." While some found the food average, the overall atmosphere and friendly staff make it a must-visit, especially during happy hour and brunch.

1,087 Reviews
  1. Lee

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The hostess was very polite and sat us right away. Our waitress was exceptional. She was very pleasant and helpful. We asked if whe would take a photo of us and she readily agreed. Overall, it was a very nice experience and we will return.

    Is this helpful?

  2. RebeccaV VIP

    Chicago11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and awesome staff! The view was beautiful. We found our go-to spot!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Liz

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love the seasonal menus. Always great service and amazing food.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Brandon

    Chicago1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was ok, nice presentation but overall not amazing, service was pretty slow, it’s a really pretty building but over all not as good as I’d hoped. Desert was the highlight.

    Is this helpful?

  5. DeAnna VIP

    Chicago50 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was excellent. The perfect place for mom’s birthday dinner!!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Karla

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 8 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everyone was super friendly, professional, and polite. Our waitress was so sweet and patient. Overall it was a wonderful experience.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Karen

    Chicago5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    a perfect spot for a get together for a small birthday celebration. Quiet enough to hear your tables conversation. Sitting and looking south to the skyline is the perfect vibe. The food is great. The staff attentive but not annoying. Hope to get back there for another family birthday

    Is this helpful?

  8. Casey

    Chicago7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 6 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was tasty...it did take a very long time to get our food My beef was not warm...it was cool .I s. Assuming it was plated and not served as we waited a very long time. We all ordered Beef tenderloin...so there was no waiting on one dish...so the cold main course is on the service.. Now you know.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Bobby

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 3 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Every dish and cocktail that we tried was absolutely top notch. We were trying their Restaurant Week menu. Regular menu had very reasonable prices. My wife and I would definitely come again!

    Is this helpful?

  10. John VIP

    Chicago200 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love the location and the staff. Views are great. Food could be better. Not enough variety and the brunch menu is pretty boring and not enough flavor.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Lakefront Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1087 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 8 times today
Google Map for The Lakefront Restaurant

2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
  • Area
    Lincoln Park
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–20:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Self-Parking Monday - Friday until 4pm, $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
  • Public transit
    CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (312) 414-1313 ext. 2
  • Private party facilities
    The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo