Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Downtown / Loop

116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7712)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 53 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.

2. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3862)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 35 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 The Berghoff Restaurant restaurant

3. The Berghoff Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(2551)

Price: Moderate

• German • Downtown / Loop

Booked 37 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.

4. Remington's

4.7

Exceptional(3265)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 56 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 Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant

5. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(822)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 23 times today

Tucked away in a beautiful historic building located at 203 N. Wabash sits the ever-evolving and delectable Miss Ricky's. Serving up brunch and dinner seven days a week featuring some of Chicago's best fresh and from scratch Italian dishes by Executive Chef Mike Alaridi. Whether you're dining solo or with a large group, Miss Ricky's can accommodate your desired experience. To book a table visit www.missrickys.com *For private dining options e-mail Tricia.moore@virginhotels.com

A photo of Sweetwater Tavern and Grille restaurant

6. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

4.6

Exceptional(1293)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 29 times today

A vibrant bar and restaurant offering modern American food complemented by craft beer, seasonal cocktails, and an upbeat atmosphere. Sweetwater is the perfect destination for lunch, dinner, after-work drinks, and late night celebrating.

A photo of Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave. restaurant

7. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

4.5

Awesome(770)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lakeshore East

Booked 32 times today

Nestled on the corner of Wabash and Lake, Elephant & Castle is your go-to British pub in the heart of Chicago's vibrant theatre and shopping districts. Just steps from the iconic Chicago Theatre and two blocks from the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, we offer classic British pub fare like fish and chips, hearty breakfasts, and live sports on big screens. Whether you're stopping by for happy hour, catching a football match, or grabbing a bite before a show, Elephant & Castle delivers an unforgettable pub experience right in downtown Chicago.

A photo of Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place restaurant

8. Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place

4.6

Exceptional(3285)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 58 times today

What began in Chicago in 1978 is now one of the most award-winning steakhouses around. For over 30 years, Morton's The Steakhouse has been on a mission to provide "The Best Steak… Anywhere." Focusing on quality, consistency and genuine hospitality, Morton's seeks to provide not only memorable cuisine, but a memorable experience. With fresh, succulent seafood and famed USDA prime-aged steak, it's no surprise that Morton's has thrilled diners all over the world. For a glimpse of a higher standard of steakhouse, come see the legendary Morton's experience for yourself.

A photo of Pizano's Pizza & Pasta - Madison restaurant

9. Pizano's Pizza & Pasta - Madison

4.6

Exceptional(334)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 21 times today

Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta blends classic Italian recipes and fresh takes on traditional fare in one satisfying menu. The son of Pizzeria Uno founder and deep dish creator Rudy Malnati Sr., Pizano’s owner Rudy Malnati Jr. knows what makes an Italian dish truly delicious; high-quality ingredients, authentic recipes, and excellent service. Bowls of seafood marinara and chicken alfredo share menu space with bubbling deep dish pizza and Pizano’s award-winning thin crust pizza, a favorite of critics and visitors alike, including Oprah Winfrey, who featured the restaurant on her show. Located in the heart of Jeweler’s Row, the Madison Street location embodies historic Chicago dining, as timeless songs by Sinatra and Martin fill the air while diners gaze at numerous photos of famous athletes and entertainers line deep, rich wooden walls.

10. The Grillroom

4.6

Exceptional(3151)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 28 times today

The Grillroom is a lively spot in the heart of Chicago's Loop & Theatre District, known for its excellent cocktails, great food, and fantastic service. Many reviews mention it as a 'great place for drinks' and a 'perfect restaurant pre-theater dining'. The restaurant's warm ambience, classy steakhouse charm, and consistent high-quality food and service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

‘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

H
Harriet
Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Friendly, efficient service and great food. And, high points for low noise level!
More info
Miss Ricky's TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
K
Karen
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Very impressed with the food and service at Remingtons. It was our first time, we went before a show. We had the ribeye and loaded potato and Brussels sprouts plus shrimp appetizers. Everything was fantastic. It’s a lovely atmosphere and service was spot on.
More info
Remington'sPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.7
F
Fred
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Went before seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Food was great. Goulash, Jager Schnitzel, a beer flight, Berghoff Root Beer and salted caramel cheesecake to end the night. Can’t wait to get back!
More info
The Berghoff RestaurantPrice: Moderate• German• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
R
Rosy
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lex our server was fabulous from start to finish! He explained the starters and entrees beautifully. We got the braised short ribs which were flavorful and tender just as described. It was our first time, from the host warmly greeting us while they gave the kids a stuffie each. The girls ordered from the kids menu which gave them a beautiful mug to take home! The fairy that went our granting wishes was truly magical! And to top it all off they took complimentary family photo to remember the outing. Definitely will be back and start a new family Christmas tradition! Thank you again Lex and staff for making it a very special and memorable evening!
More info
The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
E
Elizabeth
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jan 1, 2025
Lovely ambiance; great service and delicious food. And a Olive Oil Cake to die for!
More info
AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Downtown / Loop

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Downtown / Loop

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

116 restaurants available nearby

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

2. Acanto

3. The Berghoff Restaurant

4. Remington's

5. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

6. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

7. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

8. Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place

9. Pizano's Pizza & Pasta - Madison

10. The Grillroom

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable