Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Lakeshore East

113 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant

1. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(14309)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 64 times today

Since 1984, Shaw’s Crab House has earned its status as a Chicago icon with its unwavering commitment to quality and warm, dedicated staff. This generational restaurant embodies timeless seafood traditions inspired by America's coastal crab houses, creating a classic dining experience that stands the test of time. Signature dishes include King Crab Legs, oysters from both coasts, hand-rolled sushi, fresh fish, and more. After 40 years of excellence, Shaw's was ranked #8 in Chicago Magazine's Best Chicago Restaurants of 2024.The restaurant's 1940s-style design features two distinct dining rooms: the lively, casual Oyster Bar and the elegant, white-tablecloth Main Dining Room. Guests who reserve "Hightop" seating will dine in the Oyster Bar, while "Standard" seating is for the Main Dining Room.Located in the heart of River North, Shaw’s is just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable seafood experience.

2. Andy's Jazz Club

4.7

Exceptional(5077)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 42 times today

Admission is charged to all guests entering the venue and goes toward the musical entertainment that all will be enjoying while inside the club. All dining tables are good for 1 musical performance only. Please choose your reservation time according to your desired performance time. Andy's Jazz Club is a unique as a Jazz Room that offers full dining. We hope for a quiet room during all performances. We do ask that all guests be courteous to the artists while performing and keep conversation volume down during shows.

3. STK – Chicago

4.1

Excellent(6386)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 108 times today

STK – Chicago is described as a 'trendy and sophisticated' spot with a 'vibrant bar scene.' With a live DJ playing 'top40, pop and dance remixes,' it's 'not a quiet ambient music restaurant.' The restaurant has a 'great bar atmosphere' and 'good times.' A reviewer noted that 'if you are looking for a place to chat and have dinner, this is not the place,' but if you're looking for 'upbeat' and 'fun,' this is 'a very nice place.'

A photo of Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

4. Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(9163)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 84 times today

Riverfront dining in the heart of the Windy City. Join us for a magnificent meal on the water and let the good times flow. Ideal for gatherings of all sizes with easy access to parking, major hotels, and convention centers.

A photo of Michael Jordan's Steakhouse restaurant

5. Michael Jordan's Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(5397)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 26 times today

At Michael Jordan's Steak House, we are stewards of legacy rooted in heartfelt hospitality. From the sear on each cut of our Legendary Steak Flight to rolling each piece of our Wagyu Short Rib Truffle Pasta, we strive for the same greatness, spirit and soul that Michael demonstrated on the court. Join us for a romantic date night for a seafood tower garnished with oysters, shrimp and lobster. For a more cozy atmosphere, join us at the bar for a round of our signature cocktails and spirit-free drinks like the Jump Man, Airpresso Martini or Banana Old Fashioned. Break away from a typical brunch with 1-hour bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys alongside Breakfast Burgers. No greater care is taken with private, fine dining in our historic space as we play a part in crafting unforgettable celebrations— from birthdays to anniversaries and every night in between. Rest assured, our team of all-stars will curate an exceptional group dining experience through our 23-Layer Cake for dessert.

6. Labriola Chicago

4.5

Awesome(2492)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 47 times today

Celebrate with us at Labriola, located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, where every bite is a celebration of flavor!Enjoy award-winning pizzas and Italian American favorites in a stylish, casual setting. Start with Bruschetta or Toasted Ravioli, then savor Artisan Pizzas, Tagliatelle Bolognese with freshly made pasta, Skirt Steak & Fries, or Richie’s Lemon Chicken. Pair your meal with expertly crafted cocktails, and don't miss happy hour.Elevate your celebrations in our spacious private event spaces, perfect for any occasion. Contact chicago@labriolacafe.com to book.Our beautiful, dog-friendly patio seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our catering services are perfect for office events and special gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste of Labriola’s finest. Join us and experience the vibrant dining experience that Labriola offers!

A photo of House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Chicago restaurant

7. House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Chicago

4.2

Awesome(2230)

Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 5 times today

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar in Chicago is a vibrant bar scene because of its live music and friendly atmosphere. Customers praise the 'nice pub atmosphere' with 'talented guitar entertainments'. The restaurant is also commended for its 'good place to listen to live music', 'excellent food and atmosphere', and 'great entertainment'. It is also noted as a 'great venue all around', with 'fantastic music' and 'great music'.

A photo of Sweetwater Tavern and Grille restaurant

8. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

4.6

Exceptional(1286)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 6 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.

9. The Hampton Social - Streeterville

4.5

Awesome(2302)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 18 times today

The Hampton Social - Streeterville is the perfect place to imbibe and enjoy the feeling of summer days. Located in the heart of the Streeterville neighborhood in Downtown Chicago - steps away from shopping on Michigan Avenue. The Hampton Social offers our signature "Rosé All Day" lounge, a lively bar, a second floor covered outdoor terrace, main dining rooms and private dining spaces. Known for our lively dining experiences featuring exceptional coastal-inspired food, cocktails and live music in a beautifully designed atmosphere.Open for Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch

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

10. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

4.5

Awesome(763)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lakeshore East

Booked 10 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.

‘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

S
Sean
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent!!!! Food, Fun, Friendly, and a Party atmosphere. A must go to in 2025! Let the music play, and let’s have another round!
More info
STK – ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.1
T
Tatiana
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was amazing, the food exceed expectations, the server was so amazing, so kind, we went for my moms birthday and since we arrived to the end all staff was really special, thank you so much
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Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
F
Frank
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was really a great time. It was better than I expected. Highly recommend. If you go on a Wednesday or Thursday, you can stay after the late show and catch the jam session.
More info
Andy's Jazz ClubPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
K
Kathy
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Love the ambiance at Shaw’s! Great food and reasonably priced. Very attentive wait staff.
More info
Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
N
NAZUL
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I recently dined at MJ Steakhouse for anniversary celebration and while the food and drinks were good, they were quite expensive. The service was decent but didn’t reach top-tier expectations. As a Michael Jordan-themed restaurant, I was hoping for more MJ-related decor or unique touches that celebrate his legacy. Most guests are likely fans, so the lack of these elements was a bit disappointing.
More info
Michael Jordan's SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.6

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Lakeshore East

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Lakeshore East

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113 restaurants available nearby

1. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

2. Andy's Jazz Club

3. STK – Chicago

4. Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago

5. Michael Jordan's Steakhouse

6. Labriola Chicago

7. House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Chicago

8. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

9. The Hampton Social - Streeterville

10. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

See what locals rave about

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