Best Casual Restaurants in River West

439 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

4.8

Exceptional(2721)

Price: Expensive

• American • River West

Booked 35 times today

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.

A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant

2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(83)

Price: Expensive

• Brewery • West Loop

Booked 52 times today

Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.

3. Recess

4.5

Awesome(1463)

Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 7 times today

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.

A photo of City Hall - Chicago restaurant

4. City Hall - Chicago

(0)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Town

Wait, what? There’s already a City Hall in Chicago? How long has it been open? What do they even do in there? Oh… that City Hall is the official seat of government of the City of Chicago. This City Hall is the unofficial seat of great bar food, stiff drinks, rock and roll, and gorgeous events. Come to this City Hall. You’ll have a much better time. City Hall is a new bar and event venue serving up good times and zero red tape in a lively, relaxed atmosphere in Chicago's West Loop.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

5. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1469)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 209 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

6. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2255)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 153 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

7. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14817)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 175 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.

A photo of Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

8. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(884)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 54 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

9. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3023)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 57 times today

Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.

10. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9249)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Lincoln Park

Booked 192 times today

Cancellation policy: For parties of 5+ you need to cancel by 9am on the day of your reservation, otherwise it is a $25 fee. For smaller parties, please give us one hour in advance, in the event of a last minute cancellation or no show it is a $25 fee. Located in Lincoln Park, the All-Season Courtyard and Dining Rooms at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! are open with our new AIRPHX Air Filtration System. Your health is our top priority in all that we do. Steps we are taking: disposable and digital menus, continuous sanitation procedures & hand washing.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Ezgi
Miami - Dade •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Had an amazing dining experience at Portofino today! The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The service was attentive and friendly, making the experience even better. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely return!
More info
Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
A
allison
Denver / Colorado •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Had a fantastic meal from start to finish. Special thanks to the management for their amazing customer service.
More info
The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
•
4.8
A
Ana Cristina
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The brewery is so awesome. The food was excellent, especially the cheese curds. I got the burger is it delicious! The beer was good too! I got the sorry about the parking which the name was hilarious due to them not having a parking lot
More info
Guinness Open Gate Brewery - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Brewery• West Loop
•
4.5
I
Ismail I
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Great experience at Recess !!! Good food , drinks , atmosphere and the service was impeccable.
More info
RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.5

Best Casual Restaurants in River West

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439 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

2. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

3. Recess

4. City Hall - Chicago

5. Pizzeria Portofino

6. Alla Vita

7. Girl & the Goat

8. Costera Cocina Tulum

9. Cabra - Chicago

10. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

See what locals rave about

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