Best Restaurants for Groups in River West

We tried this restaurant last night and had the best time. The food was amazing, but what was really amazing was our server Rene and the staff. The staff was so on top of it, and the food came out so fast. It was our friend's birthday, and we were trying to surprise her. We had ordered a cake but needed to figure out a way to get it there without her noticing. When my other friend called the restaurant, they were able to hold the cake for us in the morning and then bring it to the table as a surprise. Rene was already informed by staff, so when we arrived, he was already in on the plan. At the end of dinner, the cake was brought out, and it was such a nice surprise. Special thanks to Rene and the staff at Quartino—you are all amazing.

The food here is amazing!! We order the avocado dip, chorizo queso dip, salchipapas, goat empanadas, salmon ceviche, and steak saltado! Everything was delicious, food exceeded expectations. The ambience and service was great! I felt transported to somewhere warm and out of wintery chicago.

Food is excellent. I was hoping for a bit more from the front of house. Valentine’s Day is a busy night and there I am happy to receive service from the bartender. I also could have navigated the menu better on my own end, but above and beyond service might have helped deliver an elite dining experience.

Our first time at Lyra was really wonderful. The service was excellent. Our server Tassos was fantastic as were the runners and all the others involved in taking care of us. The food was incredible. We had the breads and spreads, octopus, lamb gyros and the Loukoumodes (Greek donuts). Everything we ordered was delicious and the flavors were just so fresh and bright. The made in house pita is perfection. The flavors of everything were familiar yet modern and new at the same time. The space is gorgeous. We went on an absolutely freezing, February night and felt like we were a world away. We had a fairly early 6pm reservation on a Thursday and by the time we were leaving about 7:45pm the entire restaurant was filled and really buzzing with great energy. There were only two of us and we will go back soon to be able to experience more of the menu. This is definitely one of our new favorites in Chicago. Well done by everyone involved at Lyra.

10/10 experience!! Ashton was our server and I’m glad we got waited on by him!!! Such a cool person and he did an amazing job!! I brought my girlfriend here for an early Valentine’s Day celebration and I don’t regret it at all. We loved the ambiance and especially the food. We started off with the Costera Guacamole and it was amazing I love the little spice it had. For entrees she had the Pollo al horno and I had the Carne asada cooked medium well and we shared a side of French fries and Arroz con Frijoles. We enjoyed everything the carne was so juicy and tender we enchilada that was included was very good as well I loved the sweet molé. I pretty much cleaned up the plate. For desserts we got surprised by Ashton with a mango sorbet and it was delicious thanks again Ashton !! We also had the Coconut flan and it was absolutely delicious as well!!! We will definitely be back and ask for Ashton !!