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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Near North

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114 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(14413)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • River North (Chicago)
Booked 120 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.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(11080)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 117 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(12346)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 99 times today
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.
A photo of Barrio restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2924)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 43 times today
Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.
A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(17698)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • River North (Chicago)
Booked 107 times today
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a vibrant bar scene according to reviews. Patrons have mentioned the 'lively vibe', 'great food and cocktails', and the 'well arranged bar area' that allows for 'before dinner cocktails'. It's a go-to spot for celebrations in a classy environment with 'excellent cocktails' and 'attentive and fun wait staff'. The restaurant is also described as 'festive' with 'festive ambiance'.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4316)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 112 times today
Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4586)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Booked 136 times today
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.
A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Chicago restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2230)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 32 times today
La Pizza & La Pasta features two of the best-loved Italian dishes: Napoli-style pizza and al dente pasta. Enjoy our seasonal selection just steps away from our expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers). To create our traditional but innovative dishes, our chefs cook with both fresh pasta made daily in-house and air-dried, bronze-extruded pasta from Campania, Italy. Eataly has teamed up with the experts at Rossopomodoro, a Napoli-based pizza company, to bring you traditional Neapolitan pizza. Creamy mozzarella, charred yet elastic crust, and sweet San Marzano tomatoes are the basis for the most traditional Pizza.
A photo of Steak 48 - Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7713)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 77 times today
At Steak 48, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. Our diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Located in River North, on bustling Wabash Avenue, Steak 48 brings a contemporary atmosphere to Chicago's dining scene. Visitors will be welcomed in the entryway with a view of our 3,000-bottle wine vault and chic decor. The lower floor features a lively bar where guests can enjoy something from our extensive wine, whiskey, bourbon, or signature cocktail list.
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1357)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 115 times today
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
‘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
  • Adina
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    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.
    More info
    Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • Dawn
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My husband and I were there on Valentines Day and it was a great experience. I love the music and dim lighting. Service and staff were great!
    More info
    BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • AlexanderVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I want to extend a huge thank you to every single member of the Shaw’s team for making our Valentine’s Day celebration so special. Valentine’s Day is one of the most chaotic nights in the restaurant world, but the service at Shaw’s was absolutely flawless. A special shoutout to our server, Manny, who struck the perfect balance between being attentive and giving us space to enjoy our evening. The food and coursing were, as always, immaculate, and the crème brûlée paired with an espresso martini was the perfect way to end our meal. Thank you again, Manny, and the entire Shaw’s team for such a memorable experience!
    More info
    Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • SusanVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The service and food were outstanding. We were celebrating a family birthday and the team reached out ahead of time to find out specifics and make the evening even more special!
    More info
    RPM Italian - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • Ria
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Absolute classic. We have been going to the latest trendy places and had forgotten how great this classic steakhouse is. Amazing crab claws, steak, and sea bass. Our waiter, Christopher, was attentive and just the right amount of charming. Delicious desserts to top off the evening. We’ll be back soon.
    More info
    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
    4.9
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