The Lakefront Restaurant

4.7

1088 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 5 times today

About this restaurant

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
Website
https://theateronthelake.com/restaurant/
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.

Location
2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
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

Private dining

What 1,088 people are saying

The Lakefront Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

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.

1,088 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server, Frannie, was fabulous!! We had the most amazing time! Thank you, Lakefront Restaurant!
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L
Lee
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined 7 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.
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RV
RebeccaV VIP
Chicago11 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 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!
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L
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.
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B
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.
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D
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!!
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K
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.
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K
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
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C
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.
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B
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!
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FAQs

The Lakefront Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1088 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 5 times today

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

Website
https://theateronthelake.com/restaurant/
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.

The Lakefront Restaurant

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Private dining