Best Contemporary American Restaurants in River West

80 restaurants available nearby

1. Recess

4.6

Exceptional(1465)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 13 times today

Recess, nestled in Chicago’s bustling West Loop, is a standout for Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service with its vibrant and playful atmosphere. Described as an "adult playground," Recess is the ultimate spot for creatively fun and tasty drinks, making it a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Reviewers rave about their experience, noting the "great drinks" and "stellar service" that define the establishment. One guest celebrated the "best drinks in the city" at this lively locale. The combination of a large, inviting patio, innovative cocktails, and engaging games like giant Jenga and Connect 4, ensures every visit is memorable and exhilarating. Whether you're there for a sunny afternoon or a lively evening, Recess delivers an exceptional bar experience that's both enjoyable and uniquely Chicago.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14907)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 183 times today

Girl & the Goat in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a treasure trove of comfort food that transcends the ordinary. Since its opening in 2010, this bustling eatery has mastered the art of crafting dishes that are as soul-satisfying as they are innovative. Patrons rave about the unique twists on traditional comfort dishes, like the unforgettable goat empanadas and the indulgent pork shank, which one diner described as the "star of the show." The atmosphere is described as fun and lively, perfect for both casual diners and culinary adventurers alike. Reviewers consistently highlight not only the food's exceptional quality but also the top-notch service and welcoming vibe. One glowing testimonial said it best: "Seriously the best meal I’ve ever had. I wake up from a dead sleep thinking about this food." Girl & the Goat stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking comfort food with flair in Chicago.

3. HIDE + SEEK

4.4

Awesome(341)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 47 times today

HIDE + SEEK in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a gem for cocktail enthusiasts, offering a blend of comfortable elegance and innovative drink options. This cocktail bar stands out for its "fresh takes on classic cocktails" and has swiftly become a favorite for its unique beverage program. Patrons rave about the "amazing cocktails" and the high-quality service, creating a memorable ambiance that's both welcoming and sophisticated. One review exclaims, "The drinks were absolutely delicious!" highlighting the skill and creativity behind each concoction. Whether it's for a lively happy hour or a sophisticated night out, HIDE + SEEK promises an exceptional cocktail experience that makes every visit special.

4. Boka

4.8

Exceptional(7170)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lincoln Park

Booked 91 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, Boka stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. Since its inception in 2003, this Michelin-starred gem has captivated diners with its dedication to seasonality and locally sourced ingredients. Under the helm of celebrated Chef Lee Wolen, Boka has consistently been a place of culinary innovation and excellence, earning accolades such as “Chef of the Year.” Patrons rave about the "immaculate and relaxed experience" offering glowing testimonials like, "The food is simply delicious with a combination of flavors that you'll never forget." Whether it’s the highly recommended duck or the eight-course tasting menu, each dish is crafted to perfection, ensuring a memorable dining adventure. Boka's ability to blend exquisite flavors with impeccable service makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the finest in Contemporary American dining.

5. Sepia

4.8

Exceptional(5378)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 29 times today

At Sepia, located in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, the essence of American cuisine is celebrated with a delightful modern twist. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's inventive approach shines in a menu that is both seasonal and driven by the highest quality ingredients. Guests rave about the "terrific" brunch and the "mind-blowing" steak tartare, noting that each dish is "full of flavors and highly creative." Sepia's ability to provide "outstanding" service and an "amazing" culinary experience makes it a must-visit destination. Regulars and newcomers alike are urged to "do yourself a favor and rsvp now!" as Sepia continues to set the standard for sophisticated yet approachable American dining.

6. Terrace 16

4.4

Awesome(2190)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Near North

Booked 65 times today

Terrace 16 in Near North, Chicago, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a menu that allows "ingredients to speak simply and powerfully for themselves." Situated on the 16th floor with a panoramic view of iconic Chicago landmarks, this rooftop gem offers an ever-changing array of dishes that shine with freshness and innovation. Guests rave about experiences that combine "spectacular" food with "out of this world" evening views, making it a must-visit destination. The restaurant's dedication to quality is echoed in reviews, with patrons noting the food's ability to be both "classy and sassy." Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere or the meticulously crafted dishes, Terrace 16 delivers an unforgettable dining experience that is quintessentially Chicago.

7. Andy's Jazz Club

4.7

Exceptional(5080)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • River North (Chicago)

Booked 119 times today

Nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, Andy's Jazz Club offers a delightfully unique dining experience combining soulful jazz with heartwarming Comfort Food. Patrons consistently praise the quality and taste of dishes like the "delicious strip steak" and "handmade pasta," highlighting both as unexpectedly impressive for a jazz venue. The atmosphere is described as cozy and nostalgic, perfect for enjoying classics like ravioli with portobello and lemon butter sauce, which comes highly recommended. As one reviewer raved, it's "food to die for" in a setting where every performance enhances the meal, creating an unforgettable culinary and auditory experience.

8. The Franklin Room

4.9

Exceptional(1894)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • River North (Chicago)

Booked 43 times today

At The Franklin Room in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, seafood lovers rejoice! Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, this restaurant offers a tantalizing seafood menu that has diners raving. Guests particularly adore the "spicy bourbon mussels" and the "Chilean sea bass," with one patron describing it as "incredible." This local gem stands out for its commitment to quality and freshness, ensuring each seafood dish is both delicious and memorable. Coupled with its cozy speakeasy ambiance and stellar service, The Franklin Room promises a dining experience that is not only satisfying but truly remarkable. Whether you are a local or just visiting, make sure to indulge in their seafood offerings for a taste of authentic Chicago culinary excellence.

9. Brasero

4.8

Exceptional(347)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Town

Booked 77 times today

Brasero in West Town, Chicago, is a beacon of Contemporary Latin cuisine, celebrated by the Robb Report as one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country. Chef John Manion’s mastery of wood-fired Latin cooking delivers an unforgettable dining experience with dishes like flame-roasted chicken slicked in garlic-chili oil, and steaks perfected over an open fire. Patrons rave about "absolutely DIVINE entrees" and the moqueca bursting with fresh seafood. Each dish is complemented by an impressive selection of drinks, including caipirinhas and locally brewed, Latin-inspired beers. Brasero not only promises an exceptional meal but also a vibrant atmosphere, making every visit memorable.

10. NoMI

4.7

Exceptional(3110)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 40 times today

NoMI, nestled in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast/Streeterville neighborhood, offers a breathtaking culinary journey through French cuisine with a modern twist. With its prime location above North Michigan Avenue, diners at NoMI can savor stunning views of Water Tower Place and the vibrant cityscape. Critics and guests alike rave about the authenticity and quality of its dishes. One diner enthused, "The food is excellent!!! Our server was Amazing!!!" while another shared, "Everything is very fresh. It’s all well-prepared. Everything was delicious." From the well-crafted sushi to the delightful desserts, every dish showcases the finesse of French culinary art. Whether for a special occasion or a casual outing, NoMI promises an enchanting dining experience with its superb service, elegant ambiance, and, importantly, its exquisitely authentic French offerings.

‘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

D
David
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Extremely good at all levels. Innovative food and imaginative wine pairings.
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SepiaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
C
Cara
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wow! Amazing! So glad I was able to snag reservations! Want to go back and try more. Tried the Green beans, poke, goat belly and pork belly. We loved it all. Amazing textures and flavors.
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Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
A
AndrewVIP
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
No words can describe the amazing experience we had at Boka. The professionalism from the staff and the “flavor bombs” from all of the dishes we had were second to none. Thank you!!
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BokaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lincoln Park
•
4.8
J
Jason
Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Nick our server was fabulous. Kitchen was out of a number of dishes and some of the wines were unavailable. Must speak in raised voice to be heard. Filet au poivre was fabulous and the lobster gnocchi was excellent. Pear and kale salad was an amazing starter. Highly recommend a visit.
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HIDE + SEEKPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.4
G
Gabrielle
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 30, 2024
Had a lot of fun! It was our first time there and we didn’t know what to expect but it was definitely worth it! We’ll be back again for more brunch and possibly a happy hour or two.
More info
RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.6

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River West

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in River West

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80 restaurants available nearby

1. Recess

2. Girl & the Goat

3. HIDE + SEEK

4. Boka

5. Sepia

6. Terrace 16

7. Andy's Jazz Club

8. The Franklin Room

9. Brasero

10. NoMI

See what locals rave about

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