Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in South Loop

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

ChicagoNear West

Neighborhoods

Downtown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleIrving ParkLakeview / East LakeviewLincoln ParkLittle Italy / University Village

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

62 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7792)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 27 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. LUXBAR

4.6

Exceptional(2943)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 121 times today

The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

3. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1313)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 26 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.

4. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(4202)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 158 times today

Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

5. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(15081)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 194 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

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

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

4.8

Exceptional(14441)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 152 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.

7. Barrio

4.6

Exceptional(2933)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 76 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.

8. The Palm Court

4.6

Exceptional(5138)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 36 times today

For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.Reservations are heavily encouraged. Tea service seating duration is 90minAdults $78 / Kids $35 (3-12)

A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant

9. Le Colonial - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(8005)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 100 times today

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

10. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12365)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 119 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.

‘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
Stacey
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Server was amazing, very attentive without hovering; bus service / water refills were wonderful; shareables were tasty; happy hour ambience was fun! Looking forward to trying full dinners on next visit. Only negative was our six-top round was all the way in back of bar next to kitchen so restaurant personnel knocked into our chairs throughout our stay…we had reservation and place was empty when we were seated (just before 5 o’clock crowd) so they could have put our party in a more appropriate space for our size.
More info
LUXBARPrice: Moderate• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Service was incredible and the dessert was the best tiramisu I’ve ever had!!!
More info
Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
A
angela
Tahoe / Reno Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wonderful, knowledgable wait person who made ecellent recommendations,, amazing food.
More info
Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I always love visiting this iconic restaurant when i am in Chicago. While dining and drinking a delicious latte there are great views of the city! The food is delicious and we especially enjoy the homemade cinnamon rolls on Sunday!
More info
The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
M
Marek
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 21, 2025
The service was really professional . Food very tasty.
More info
The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.4

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Vibrant bar scene

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Lincoln Park
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