Best Restaurants for People Watching in Near North

44 restaurants available nearby

1. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4176)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 79 times today

Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

2. The Evie

4.8

Exceptional(745)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 78 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 Jake Melnick's Corner Tap restaurant

3. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

4.5

Awesome(308)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 36 times today

Come for the wings, stay for the party! Jake Melnick's Corner Tap has been a neighborhood favorite since opening its doors in 2002. The menu features mouth-watering BBQ dishes, classic American pub-fare and world-famous chicken wings – named the “Top Chicken Wings in the U.S.” by the Today Show. Relax and sip on local craft beers while you catch the game or enjoy a casual night out. The cozy indoor dining room and picturesque patio make it the perfect choice any time of year.

A photo of Sunda New Asian – River North restaurant

4. Sunda New Asian – River North

4.6

Exceptional(7399)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 71 times today

Located in the bustling River North dining scene, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Join us for weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm, or stop by during happy hour Monday to Friday from 4-6pm featuring $6 bar bites, handrolls, and beer, $9 cocktails and wine, and $10 sake. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

5. Osteria Via Stato

4.7

Exceptional(3470)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 16 times today

Osteria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant follows the Italian tradition of seasonally prepared dishes featuring local ingredients and artisanal producers paired with an all Italian wine list. Open for Lunch, Tuesday - Friday at noon - 2PM.Join us for Happy Hour everyday for 1/2 priced pizzas and glasses of wine, Sunday - Thursday at 5PM - 6PM, Friday - Saturday at 4:30PM - 5:30PM.

A photo of Weber Grill - Chicago restaurant

6. Weber Grill - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(6888)

Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 75 times today

Come and enjoy over seventy years of grilling expertise in a comfy and friendly environment. Featuring cuisine cooked on authentic Weber charcoal grills as well as thoughtfully crafted salads, sandwiches and more. Weber Grill Restaurant has something for everyone, come dine with the brand you trust, Weber!

A photo of 676 Restaurant and Bar restaurant

7. 676 Restaurant and Bar

4.3

Awesome(676)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 3 times today

Whether finishing your day or starting your night, 676 on the famous Magnificent Mile, a vibrant restaurant experience augmented with rustic touches and communal plates with a touch of Chicago. With unparalleled views of Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, the ambiance and crafted cocktails are a perfect balance for a pre-night out in Chicago, offering an exciting start and sophisticated finish to your evening. The fare is approachable, hand-made house charcuterie, Roman Style Pizza by Bonci, to bar bites, enjoy local food treated the way it was intended. 676 for the most magnificent moments on the mile.

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

8. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(212)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 31 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.

9. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7224)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 76 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 Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

10. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(8847)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 110 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
Valerie
New Mexico •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything about our experience was wonderful! Excellent and very personable waiter and staff, delicious food and cocktails. The Mag Mile Martini was amazing, the smoked carrots so yummy, and the BBQ pork chop hefty and perfectly cooked. The timing of drinks, starters, and entrees was unhurried but not slow. We will definitely be going back, and with friends.
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The EviePrice: Expensive• American• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
J
John
Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
il Porcellino NEVER disappoints! Wish I could remember the name of our server because she gets an 11 out of 10. Food 11/10. Atmosphere 10/10. Happy we chose to dine here for our anniversary! Thanks for the Prosecco, Hector!
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il PorcellinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
J
Jennifervip
Chicago / Illinois •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A great spot for a ladies night out. Matt, our server, was outstanding.
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Osteria Via StatoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
M
Margaret
Southwest Florida •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This is my second time going here this year and I will recommend it to anyone. The food and cocktails are excellent and unique. The environment is quite loud but really beautifully decorated.
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Sunda New Asian – River NorthPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
T
Tvip
Chicago / Illinois •19 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
I always have great food at Jake Melnick’s! The wait time for a table was extremely long for people who didn’t have a reservation, we did and we were seated right away. Who goes to a restaurant in Chicago on a Saturday night without reservations?! The service was outstanding. We always swing through Jake Melnick’s when we are in town, they have AMAZING wings.
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Jake Melnick's Corner TapPrice: Moderate• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.5

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Near North

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Near North

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44 restaurants available nearby

1. il Porcellino

2. The Evie

3. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

4. Sunda New Asian – River North

5. Osteria Via Stato

6. Weber Grill - Chicago

7. 676 Restaurant and Bar

8. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

9. RL Restaurant

10. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

See what locals rave about

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