Best Casual Restaurants in South Side

244 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2305)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 157 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.

2. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(844)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • West Loop

Booked 95 times today

avec, a wine-focused restaurant in Chicago, features Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics. Inspired by the sun-drenched wine regions of the Mediterranean, avec West Loop has been a Chicago favorite for over 20 years. Originally conceived as a wine bar, avec is the second concept from celebrated one-off hospitality, with communal and bar seating—it is a high-energy, intimate, and interactive experience.For parties of 6 or more, please call us at 312-377-2002.

3. Roanoke

4.3

Awesome(1451)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 78 times today

Roanoke Restaurant, located in the Loop, is a local favorite known for its excellent service and top-tier culinary offerings. The menu highlights artisan comfort food, signature rotisserie dishes, and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant's design features luxurious finishes, copper accents, and warm lighting inspired by the rotisserie and brick oven in the open kitchen. Whether you're enjoying happy hour at the bar, dining by the fireplace for a more intimate experience, or joining the vibrant lunch crowd, Roanoke is an ideal spot to gather with colleagues, friends, or family. The restaurant also offers large event spaces that can accommodate up to 250 people.Guests can enjoy parking validation at the 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, park for free with a $25 meal purchase. Be sure to bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.

4. Sepia

4.8

Exceptional(5378)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 25 times today

Seamlessly melding refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Sepia has the feel of an instant classic. The stylish space is warm and inviting, comfortable yet lively. The easy elegance of the room serves as the perfect backdrop for the inventive American cuisine. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's product-driven, seasonal menu showcases the purity and quality of the ingredients, letting both the ingredients and his passion for what he does shine through. Sepia celebrates tradition – with a modern twist.To book reservations of 10 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com!

A photo of CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto restaurant

5. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

4.8

Exceptional(304)

Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • West Loop

Booked 37 times today

CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto in Chicago's West Loop – where expertly distilled spirits meet exquisite sushi. Enjoy our seasonal cocktails and a standout Omakase experience featuring dry-aged fish from Japan. Choose your ambiance: the lively front lounge with a beautifully lit bar and historic distilling tanks, or the serene back dining room with eclectic décor and an Omakase bar. Daily happy hour, whiskey/sake flights, and a patio setting provide diverse experiences. Open for lunch and Sundays, we cater to all occasions. Join us for unmatched culinary excellence and spirited adventures.

6. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3854)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 52 times today

Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

A photo of 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar restaurant

7. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1291)

Price: Expensive

• Caribbean • Hyde Park

Booked 31 times today

14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar is a casual dining experience serving a fusion of Caribbean dishes from some of your favorite vacation destinations. Conveniently located in Chicago's Hyde Park, our intimate space, friendly staff, and delicious creations are sure to become a favorite. At 14 Parish our goal is to bring a bit of paradise to everyday life!

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant

8. Fogo de Chao - Chicago

4.1

Excellent(4685)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 176 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

9. Proxi

4.7

Exceptional(2398)

Price: Expensive

• Global, International • West Loop

Booked 33 times today

Proxi offers Modern American Cuisine with cooking that reflects the diversity, innovation, and openness of American culture. Proxi showcases seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting, emphasizing open-fire cooking. Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood along Restaurant Row, Proxi, designed by award-winning Meyer Davis, unites an award-winning team to transport its guests around the world, beginning with cuisine and extending to an eclectic beverage program focused on worldly inspirations and diverse, exotic ingredients. Casual, yet fast-paced service guides Proxi’s international culinary experience, with fine-dining standards and in-depth product knowledge leading the charge, balanced by genuine energy and enthusiasm.

A photo of The Berghoff Restaurant restaurant

10. The Berghoff Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(2530)

Price: Moderate

• German • Downtown / Loop

Booked 32 times today

---The Berghoff Restaurant is a Chicago landmark, serving German-style cuisine and culture since 1898. One of the oldest family-run businesses in the nation, now run by the fourth generation, Pete Berghoff. Today's Berghoff menus have evolved to add newer, lighter, and more contemporary dishes, but it's still the same old Berghoff, down to the famous root beer. In December 2018, the Berghoff family opened Adams Street Brewery, aptly named after the street they have called home for over a century, to nod to their brewing roots and commemorate the restaurant's 120th anniversary.

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.
More info
SepiaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
S
susanneVIP
Chicago / Illinois •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
All of the food we tried was delicious! The service we received was amazing. Even the boys loved it and want to know when we will be going back. Highly Recommended!
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
M
MARIE
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This year, we spent several months in the United States, Roanoke was the one that we preferred and we were lucky to be able to dine there again on Christmas Eve. It was EXCELLENT and the server was fine. A very good place !
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RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.3
H
Helena
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 20, 2024
The experience was sublime. Lauren the manager, the hosts and bartender slash server Megan…all professional and thoughtful. The food was remarkable and the suggestions were well described. The kitchen delivered! Short Rib Hummus, the Wild Mexican Prawns and the Whole Branzino…my thumbs would fall off because of how much I’d like to say. We ordered two cocktails, whiskey & bourbon based, as well as red wine. The wine selection is comprehensive. I will be returning soon!
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avec West LoopPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• West Loop
•
4.8
A
Adnan
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 20, 2024
Great service, great food, great drinks! Our server made some great nigiri selections for us to pair with our rolls, as well as tons of knowledge and suggestions on the drinks based on our tastes. Made our work holiday dinner a huge success!
More info
CH Distillery | Jinsei MottoPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• West Loop
•
4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in South Side

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244 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

2. avec West Loop

3. Roanoke

4. Sepia

5. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

6. Acanto

7. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar

8. Fogo de Chao - Chicago

9. Proxi

10. The Berghoff Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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