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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Old Town

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116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
1. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7773)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 12 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 Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
2. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(9036)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 98 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 LUXBAR restaurant
3. LUXBAR
4.6
Exceptional(2917)
Price: Moderate
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 78 times today
The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
4. RL Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7405)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 51 times today
RL Restaurant is described as a vibrant bar scene due to its modern club atmosphere and diverse cocktail list. Reviews mention the 'trendy atmosphere', 'unique cocktail menu', 'outstanding martinis' and 'great energy' creating a lively and inviting environment. The 'warm, inviting ambiance' and 'spectacular setting' are also praised, contributing to a vibrant bar scene.
A photo of Boka restaurant
5. Boka
4.8
Exceptional(7269)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Lincoln Park
Booked 61 times today
Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.
A photo of The Palm Court restaurant
6. The Palm Court
4.6
Exceptional(5126)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 48 times today
For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.Reservations are heavily encouraged. Tea service seating duration is 90minAdults $78 / Kids $35 (3-12)
A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant
7. Le Colonial - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(7978)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 94 times today
Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.
A photo of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant
8. Mon Ami Gabi
4.8
Exceptional(8208)
Price: Moderate
• French • Lincoln Park
Booked 74 times today
Honoring classic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Our menu features simple French food including Steak Frites, fresh seafood, exquisite bites, and French rolling wine carts. Valet is located at the corner of Lincoln Park West and Belden for $17 cash or Zelle. During the holiday season, for all parties of 9 or more, we ask our guests to call the restaurant directly to book a reservation.Did you know that you can use Lettuce gift cards for carryout and delivery? Just place your order through Lettuce website, the LettuceEats app or any Lettuce restaurant website.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
9. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2164)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 64 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 Tavern on Rush restaurant
10. Tavern on Rush
4.5
Awesome(3667)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 45 times today
Tavern On Rush is the premier dining destination for steaks & seafood in Chicago. The upscale, contemporary steakhouse features multi-level seating, private dining, a bustling bar, and Chicago's favorite outdoor patio.
‘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
  • ShannonVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was amazing! I usually don’t order chicken at fine dining restaurants but so glad I did. Best chicken I’ve ever had. Our server, Kevin, was super personable and fun. Highly recommend!
    More info
    BokaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lincoln Park
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. always a must stop when i’m in Chicago!! The filet sliders are so good. Drinks are fantastic! Our server Alycia was super nice, she rocks! ASK FOR ALYCIA!!! Will be back soon!
    More info
    LUXBARPrice: Moderate• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.6
  • Gayle
    Phoenix / Arizona •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Service was outstanding, especially considering our reservation was at 9pm and the staff was working the dinner service for many hours. Unbelievably service oriented. Food was exceptional, as always. The place was packed, and as a result the decibel level was high. It was expensive, but we really enjoyed being taken care of on the night before Valentine’s Day.
    More info
    RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.8
  • Bradley
    St. Louis •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Gibson’s is one of our favorite “special occasion” places (Valentine’s Day, milestone birthday, etc.). Fantastic food and service. Elvis was a great server and we look forward to our next visit.
    More info
    Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.8
  • Ryan
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I took my mom for a Valentine's Day lunch. We went around 3 PM, and even though my reservation was at 3:30 PM the staff were nice enough to let me in. Granted it was a low volume of people eating at the time. We were sat near the windows which added to the ambience of our visit. The music made it feel like we were in an old fancy jazz club. I had the French onion soup and the chicken sandwich while my mom had the Walnut turkey club sandwich. Both sandwiches came with well seasoned fries. The food was delicious and our waitress, Annette, was very attentive and sweet. Overall we had a great experience and would definitely go again. I would highly recommend the Walnut Room.
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6

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