Best Fun Restaurants in Near North

462 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Three Dots and a Dash restaurant

1. Three Dots and a Dash

4.7

Exceptional(1850)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 39 times today

With a secret alleyway entrance, Three Dots and a Dash is a speakeasy-style take on the traditional island bar—ready to transport you to the glamorous bygone eras of Trader Vic, Stephen Crane and Don the Beachcomber. Descend underground to discover a subterranean hideaway featuring a rum-soaked menu of more than two dozen classic, modern and original tropical cocktails and a selection of island fare. We are a 21+ venue.

A photo of JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North restaurant

2. JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North

3.5

Very Good(2746)

Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 43 times today

JoJo’s ShakeBAR is a next-generation restaurant and bar, and River North’s next go-to spot for hangouts, first dates, and family affairs. Its’ modern, yet familiar, diner experience is grounded in nostalgia and focuses on creative desserts and elevated diner favorites.Outdoor Patio Seating is available for reservations and walk-ins. In the case of inclement weather, our team will do our best to accommodate outdoor patio reservations inside, but indoor seating is not guaranteed. Reservations Are Highly Recommended & Walk Ins Are Available Based Upon Availability.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

3. Quartino - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(11024)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 134 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.

4. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4266)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 97 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.

5. Tanta

4.7

Exceptional(5080)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 46 times today

Tanta is a blast, with a fun and lively atmosphere that reviewers rave about. It's not just about the delicious Peruvian cuisine, but the whole vibe. One reviewer mentioned the 'great cocktail menu and wide range of interesting Peruvian and Peruvian inspired dishes'. Plus, the Chef's Tables offer a unique dining experience, allowing you to see the chefs at work. Whether you're upstairs or downstairs, the ambiance is always described as 'lively'.

6. Tzuco

4.7

Exceptional(830)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 64 times today

Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.

A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant

7. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

4.9

Exceptional(17629)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 149 times today

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a fun place to be! It's known for its lively vibe and great food, as per the reviews. The extensive seafood selection, hand-carved prime steaks, and Florida Stone Crab claws are a hit. The ambiance is also praised, making it a perfect spot for special celebrations. The service is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall dining experience.

8. Siena Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(6067)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 86 times today

Entirely Rooted In A "From Scratch" Approach, We Present Upscale, Classic Italian Fares, Straight From Top Chef Alum, Fabio Viviani. Siena Tavern'S Extensive Wine List And Our Highly Contemporary Design, Interspersed With Rustic Details, Elevates The Genuine Italian Dining Experience While Simultaneously Maintaining Authenticity. Farm To Fork, Refined And Redefined.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

9. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12276)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 128 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 Hubbard Inn - River North restaurant

10. Hubbard Inn - River North

3.8

Excellent(180)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 7 times today

Located among an ever growing number of River North restaurants in Chicago, Hubbard Inn creates a unique dining experience with delicious options for brunch, dinner, late night dining and everything in between.Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner for two, a table for a large group, or a late night restaurant, Hubbard Inn is the perfect option for out-of-town guests and locals on the hunt for dinner and drinks or a quick bite to eat!

‘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

L
Luke
Cincinnati / Dayton •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food & drinks and ambience. Will be back again and again!
More info
Three Dots and a DashPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
T
Tara
Minneapolis - St. Paul •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My family (6 kids and hubby) come every year over the holidays and JoJo’s has become our family tradition! From 6 to 15, my kids love this place and so do my husband and I. Thanks for making our annual celebration memorable, JoJo’s!
More info
JoJo's ShakeBAR - River NorthPrice: Moderate• American• River North (Chicago)
•
3.5
S
SallyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Never had Peruvian food before. The waiter was very helpful explaining the menus and the drinks. Love that fish bowel gin drink!! We shared everything and trued lots of dishes. Everything was grea!! We will be back, and our guest too!!
More info
TantaPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
D
Doug
Charlotte •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I can’t say enough for the ambience and the setting. It brought me back to my early days of growing up as an Italian American and the food we ate. Everything was delicious, especially the homemade ravioli’s. The background music, (Martin and Sinatra) was over the top. The bolognese was to die for. This is a must stop to have dinner. Top Italian restaurant in Chicago!
More info
il PorcellinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
M
MattVIP
Orlando / Central Florida East •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Booked here at the last minute dinner was amazing. The pizza was very, very good. The short rib was Devine. We also had the charcuterie board and the apricot sauce should be jarred and sold in stores. It was amazing.
More info
Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

Best Fun Restaurants in Near North

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

462 restaurants available nearby

1. Three Dots and a Dash

2. JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North

3. Quartino - Chicago

4. il Porcellino

5. Tanta

6. Tzuco

7. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

8. Siena Tavern

9. RPM Italian - Chicago

10. Hubbard Inn - River North

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable