Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Loop

36 restaurants available nearby

1. Atwood

4.2

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 15 times today

Atwood proudly offers alluring libations and a wildly guest-pleasing menu filled with your favorite all-day American cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef, David Fingerman. Whether for happy hour cocktails, a theater dinner, or the date of a lifetime, Atwood is Chicago’s premier spot to mix, mingle and delight in the joys of food and drink.Atwood’s soaring dining room is strikingly modern with white marble surfaces, glossy subway-tiled walls, and massive windows ideal for watching the State Street shoppers stroll by.

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

2. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(258)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 43 times today

Legal Sea Foods Chicago is now open along the vibrant Riverwalk in the bustling River North neighborhood at the famous Marina Towers. Legal's first Midwest location features two floors of upscale casual New England vibes with sweeping riverfront views and an outdoor space. The brand-new restaurant features a large main dining room, bar area, private event space, and outdoor terraces. Serving New England specialties such as Boston's best Clam Chowder and Half Pound Lobster Rolls, as well as new signature dishes and local favorites. Legal Sea Foods combines New England's coastal fishing traditions with modern culinary flair. A taste of New England in the Mid-West.

3. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7321)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 108 times today

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

4. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12275)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 133 times today

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

5. Quartino - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(11022)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 139 times today

Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(8981)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 107 times today

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town restaurant

7. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

4.8

Exceptional(606)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • River North (Chicago)

Booked 46 times today

Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian for entry. A valid ID is required for guests age 21+.A chic, outdoorsy pizza haven located in Old Town. Happy Camper boasts a décor that includes Airstream trailers, neon renditions of the Great Lakes, warm wooden accents, and tire swing seating around the bar. A wide variety of colorful pizzas and delicious appetizers await you.F*ckin' Charity Bingo on Sundays at 1:30pm is sat on a first come first serve basis. All reservations will be sat in the non-bingo area.We cannot guarantee inside or outside seating.Neighborhood ordinances require our patio to close by 12am. Your table is weather permitting. If there is inclement weather, Happy Camper reserves the right to cancel your reservation. If you are dining when inclement weather occurs your food will be packed and given your bill. You are more than welcome to head to the bar afterward.

8. The Evie

4.8

Exceptional(798)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 59 times today

Led by a team of lifelong Chicago restaurant figures, The Evie is a locally-owned upscale dining destination located at the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Led by Partner George Archos (Wildberry Café), Chef-Partner Nick Nitti (Forno Rosso, Lucia Rose, Cucina 3 Italian), and Executive Chef Phil Rubino (Spiaggia, L2O, Cicchetti), the restaurant provides city locals and visitors a place to unwind and indulge while overlooking iconic Michigan Avenue. Named after George’s mother and daughter, the concept puts family at the forefront, with an emphasis on warm, Midwestern hospitality. Evie offers full lunch/dinner and weekend brunch, presenting a menu of reimagined American classics and city favorites, spotlighting dishes like chef-crafted sushi rolls, freshly baked breads, Chicago-style Wagyu hotdogs, and USDA prime steaks. Complementing the menu, our dynamic beverage program weaves together seasonality and elegance, featuring an array of classic and craft cocktails, sake, beer & wine.

A photo of Rosebud Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

9. Rosebud Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3521)

Price: Expensive

• Steak • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 20 times today

*Rosebud Steakhouse is a special occasion restaurant, with an UPSCALE BUSINESS CASUAL Dress Code Policy. For clarification please review the policy at https://rosebudsteak.com/dress-code/ and we thank you for your courtesy. Welcome to a rare steakhouse, well done! Rosebud Steakhouse knows a thing or two about the fine art of cooking. Located on Walton Street, a stone's throw from Michigan Avenue, this relaxing hideout is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable meal paired with a glass of wine from our impressive wine list. The extensive menu features prime steaks by Meats by Linz, fresh seafood and Italian specialties. The beloved hamburger, voted number one in the city of Chicago by the Chicago Tribune, graces our dinner menu. Rosebud Steakhouse invites you to enjoy an unforgettable fine dining experience in a romantic setting. Rosebud Steakhouse is a Creative Hospitality Concepts restaurant. Visit our second location, coming soon to, Munster, Indiana.

A photo of Beatrix - River North restaurant

10. Beatrix - River North

4.6

Exceptional(5353)

Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 142 times today

Beatrix is a neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market and Oak Brook neighborhoods. The restaurant was created by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Founder Rich Melman, Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs and Chef Partners John Chiakulas, Rita Dever and Susan Weaver. The menu features healthy meets delicious options, and is known for its iconic coffee and bakery counter including signature cookies, in-house pastry favorites and house blends from our very own, Beatrix Coffee Roasters. Beatrix is open daily for coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sarai
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Love it, and I would most definitely go back. The food was great , and drinks on point our server was so nice and friendly, and the manager made sure everything was running smooth for our visit,
More info
RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
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4.9
J
JoshVIP
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Absolutely amazing experience last night. Our services was phenomenal and the food was out of this world. We have been coming to RPM Italian whenever we are in town and this has been our best meal yet. The Gluten Free Pasta is the best in the City as it’s homemade fettuccine. Just a fantastic experience.
More info
RPM Italian - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
L
LindaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •130 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Spectacular location overlooking the Chicago River. Exceptional seafood as you would expect from a Boston-based seafood restaurant. The Express Lunch is an exceptional deal.
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Legal Sea Foods - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4
M
MattVIP
Orlando / Central Florida East •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Booked here at the last minute dinner was amazing. The pizza was very, very good. The short rib was Devine. We also had the charcuterie board and the apricot sauce should be jarred and sold in stores. It was amazing.
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Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
A
Amy
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 22, 2024
Delicious food, great service and yummy drinks! It’s in a beautiful old building and had a bustling and lively atmosphere. Service was helpful and friendly. We stayed the Staypineapple Hotel so we ate a couple times at the Atwood and every meal was delicious I had the grilled cheese and the savory waffle which exceeded my expectations. The Brussels sprouts and cauliflower were seasoned and grilled perfectly.
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AtwoodPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.2

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Loop

Price

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Top Rated

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36 restaurants available nearby

1. Atwood

2. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

3. RL Restaurant

4. RPM Italian - Chicago

5. Quartino - Chicago

6. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

7. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

8. The Evie

9. Rosebud Steakhouse - Chicago

10. Beatrix - River North

See what locals rave about

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