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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in South Side

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112 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
1. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7620)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 171 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 El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
2. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2111)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 101 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 The Florentine restaurant
3. The Florentine
4.4
Awesome(1308)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 8 times today
The Florentine is a lively spot with great ambiance. Reviews rave about the 'good ambience', 'nice seating', and 'quiet but lively setting'. The bar area is loved by many, with one reviewer stating 'eating at the bar is just as enjoyable and comfortable as a table'. The restaurant also serves 'great drinks' and accommodates kids, making it an ideal place for families and groups.
A photo of Acanto restaurant
4. Acanto
4.8
Exceptional(3862)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 36 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 HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen restaurant
5. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(421)
Price: Expensive
• Vietnamese • Pilsen
Booked 62 times today
Experience elevated Vietnamese Cuisine in a an atmosphere that is chic, approachable, warm & inviting. Chef Thai & Danielle Dang’s critically acclaimed restaurant celebrates Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, Pilsen. Five times recognized MICHELIN Bibb Gourmand & four James Beard nominations.Enjoy Chef Thai's famous Caramelized Fish Sauce Wings, his signature Whole Fried Fluke and one of the New York Times favorite dishes, HaiSous' Grilled Oysters ! Guests may also enjoy a special and seasonal Grand Tasting Tour, 3 curated courses with the option of an optional wine pairing or join us at the bar for Happy Hour.The more guests you bring, the more dishes you get to try! Great for groups.
A photo of The Berghoff Restaurant restaurant
6. The Berghoff Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2544)
Price: Moderate
• German • Downtown / Loop
Booked 47 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.
A photo of Proxi restaurant
7. Proxi
4.7
Exceptional(2412)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • West Loop
Booked 29 times today
Proxi offers Modern American Cuisine with cooking that reflects the diversity, innovation, and openness of American culture. Proxi showcases seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting, emphasizing open-fire cooking. Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood along Restaurant Row, Proxi, designed by award-winning Meyer Davis, unites an award-winning team to transport its guests around the world, beginning with cuisine and extending to an eclectic beverage program focused on worldly inspirations and diverse, exotic ingredients. Casual, yet fast-paced service guides Proxi’s international culinary experience, with fine-dining standards and in-depth product knowledge leading the charge, balanced by genuine energy and enthusiasm.
A photo of Remington's restaurant
8. Remington's
4.7
Exceptional(3262)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 41 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
9. Miss Ricky's Trattoria
4.6
Exceptional(818)
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 Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant
10. Fogo de Chao - Chicago
4.1
Excellent(4697)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 134 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
‘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
  • Steve
    Denver / Colorado •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent varied menu but a little limited in options. Amazing flavors. Don't skip the chicken wings (unless you are sensitive to fish sauce). Didn't have time for dessert but wanted them all. Grilled seafood next visit. You won't be disappointed with HaiSous
    More info
    HaiSous Vietnamese KitchenPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Pilsen
    •
    4.7
  • Nancy
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We brought our two grandsons (ages 5 and 3) to the Walnut Room in Chicago on 1/3/2025, to experience the holiday decor. The "fairies" circulating around to each table were so engaging while chatting with our grandsons, and explaining how to "make a wish". Our server was very friendly and efficient, even under the pressure of a very busy day at the restaurant. The food was very good, and I was pleasantly surprised to see kids menu items available, which our grandsons thoroughly enjoyed. Two small glitches. . 1. Upon arrival, there were soiled napkins/food items on the floor next to one of the chairs at our table. I was disappointed at that mess. One of the "fairies" noticed this mess and got the staff to clean it up and 2. Our cocktails were served AFTER our food arrived. Despite these two small glitches, we had a wonderful time together, and on the way home, our 5 year old grandson told us he had the BEST DAY ever.
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Jamie
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Will be back!! It was delicious and nothing disappointed!
    More info
    El Che Steakhouse & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Elizabeth
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Lovely ambiance; great service and delicious food. And a Olive Oil Cake to die for!
    More info
    AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.8
  • LaurieVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •93 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 28, 2024
    Food was excellent! Scott was a very attentive server! Both Scott and his colleague Andrew Spence (who seated us and made great wine suggestions), were highly knowledgeable about the menu and we enjoyed speaking with them. It was a lovely evening and we’d definitely return. The truffle gnocchi, meatball appetizer, salmon, scallops, and filet were all outstanding!
    More info
    The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.4

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