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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in South Side

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111 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
1. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7411)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 76 times today
For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
2. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2097)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 33 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of The Florentine restaurant
3. The Florentine
4.4
Awesome(1304)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 22 times today
The Florentine is a lively spot with great ambiance. Reviews rave about the 'good ambience', 'nice seating', and 'quiet but lively setting'. The bar area is loved by many, with one reviewer stating 'eating at the bar is just as enjoyable and comfortable as a table'. The restaurant also serves 'great drinks' and accommodates kids, making it an ideal place for families and groups.
A photo of Acanto restaurant
4. Acanto
4.8
Exceptional(3852)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 24 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 HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen restaurant
5. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(413)
Price: Expensive
• Vietnamese • Pilsen
Booked 29 times today
Experience elevated Vietnamese Cuisine in a an atmosphere that is chic, approachable, warm & inviting. Chef Thai & Danielle Dang’s critically acclaimed restaurant celebrates Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, Pilsen. Five times recognized MICHELIN Bibb Gourmand & four James Beard nominations.Enjoy Chef Thai's famous Caramelized Fish Sauce Wings, his signature Whole Fried Fluke and one of the New York Times favorite dishes, HaiSous' Grilled Oysters ! Guests may also enjoy a special and seasonal Grand Tasting Tour, 3 curated courses with the option of an optional wine pairing or join us at the bar for Happy Hour.The more guests you bring, the more dishes you get to try! Great for groups.
A photo of The Berghoff Restaurant restaurant
6. The Berghoff Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2527)
Price: Moderate
• German • Downtown / Loop
Booked 22 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.
A photo of Proxi restaurant
7. Proxi
4.7
Exceptional(2398)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • West Loop
Booked 14 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 Remington's restaurant
8. Remington's
4.7
Exceptional(3254)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 33 times today
Remington's in downtown Chicago has a lively bar scene with a great selection of drinks. According to reviews, the bartenders are cool and the cocktails are fantastic. Patrons often enjoy their meals in the bar area, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant
9. Fogo de Chao - Chicago
4.1
Excellent(4676)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 183 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.
A photo of Burger Bar Chicago restaurant
10. Burger Bar Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(643)
Price: Moderate
• Burgers • South Loop
Booked 4 times today
American Ranchers know a thing or two about beef. When they tell us that Prime is the best, we just go with the flow and serve up the biggest, baddest Prime burgers around.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • MaiaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    A wonderful evening at El Che to kick off the holiday season. Special shoutout to Olivia and Julio for making sure everything was perfect and made for a memorable evening.
    More info
    El Che Steakhouse & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Lisa
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We came over to check in about 15 mins before our reservations and we were seared immediately. Everyone was so friendly and polite. The place was decorated beautifully. We love the fairies that come around to the table no matter how old you are. They were so sweet and make the experience even more enjoyable. Our waiter was wonderful so attentive, never having to look for him, always refilling our glasses and providing prompt and friendly service. Food came out quick and was very good. We never felt rushed. We were able to go by the tree and take pictures. It was just a fabulous time. We had our first experience there last year and now we’ve made this an annual tradition. We look forward to many more years to come.
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6
  • DavidVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Acanto never disappoints. The service, ambiance, wine, and food were fabulous! What a great crew! Angelica was the best server ever. The sommelier was knowledgeable and shared her love of wines. The expediting and bus staff were quiet and efficient. All good.
    More info
    AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Shellie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    A Culinary Experience! I went for a pre theater holiday dinner with family. The food was truly amazing with every bite! Every dish was perfectly presented and had layers of texture and taste to please every palate. The waiter, Scott was knowledgeable, funny and accommodated our every request. The bartender made one of the best Old Fashion I've ever tasted and served with a beautiful twist! The ambience is intimate, elegant and warm. But even as I entered the restaurant, Andrew (Beverage Manager) made me feel welcomed and told me the incredible journey that led to the Impeccable Floretine. This is a must try and try again spot for Chicago foodies! Try the gnocchi or the orecchiette, you won't be disappointed!
    More info
    The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.4
  • John
    Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We enjoyed the sampling menu. It was well curated and the wine pairings were spot on. Great food, great service, and wonderful space. Well done!
    More info
    HaiSous Vietnamese KitchenPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Pilsen
    •
    4.7

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