With the second-highest concentration of art galleries in the U.S. and a slew of electrifying nightclubs, Chicago’s River North has garnered a glowing reputation as the city’s unequivocal center of cool.1 Booming with revolutionary architecture and steeped in rich history, the art and design district has shifted from a mecca of manufacturing to a place to see and be seen.
River North might be emblematic of Chicago as a whole—it’s chic, it’s trendy, and it’s at once historical and progressive—but you’ll find far more than deep-dish pizzas and Vienna beef hot dogs in this buzzy enclave. Whether you’re in the mood for fine Greek fare or stick-to-your-ribs chicken and waffles, River North positively teems with stand-out eateries. So, if you are looking for the best restaurant in the area, here are five of the most remarkable.
#1 Avec
“With” is an apt word to describe this hub of Southern European cuisine—it’s an optimal spot to get together with your crew or extended family, just as its excellent collection of wine options means you can find the pour that will pair perfectly with your meal.
James Beard-award-winning chef Paul Kahan and his gastronomical partner Perry Hendrix are the brains behind this lively affair, where small plates have huge tastes and the camaraderie makes a Wednesday night feel like a holiday.2
Nearly every dish on Avec’s menu is downright splendid but a few of the most memorable boil (or broil, fry, or bake) down to:
- Tender pieces of roasted sweet potato swimming in Za’atar buttermilk and crowned with Vidalia onion, bulgur, and avocado
- Sweet and soft Medjool dates packed with chorizo, wrapped in bacon, and served with a piquillo tomato-pepper sauce
Here, the almonds are flavored with lavender, the sorbet is infused with mango and cardamom, and the vinos evoke the sun-splashed shores of Portugal—yes, even in the midst of a glacial Chicago winter.
#2 Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
If you’re looking to try out some of the best River North bars and would love nothing more than a succulent slice of filet mignon but could do without the stuffiness of traditional, white-cloth steakhouses, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf might just become your next go-to—whether you’re in Chi-Town for a weekend or have recently settled in the area.3
Boasting the ideal balance between fun and refined, this vibrant venue features delectable French food in a sultry, opulent setting. Roasted bone marrow with caramelized red onion jam, butcher-cut ribeye steak frites with melt-in-your-mouth Bearnaise, and dry-aged Porterhouse with a peppercorn crust are just three of the items on Bavette’s tantalizing menu.
Not big on meat? Swan-dive into their truffle mac and cheese and a side of button mushrooms enhanced with garlic and cream sherry. Either way, leave ample room for dessert: Their cherry-topped Hot Fudge Sundae Royale will take you back to your preteen glee. Just be sure to make a rez at Bavette’s in advance—tables here go fast.
#3 Doughnut Vault
Doughnuts for dinner? If cold pizza is acceptable for breakfast, then why not? Besides, a nationwide treasure that’s nestled in an old bank vault is something everyone should savor.
You’ll find a bevy of enticing doughnut flavors at this River North mainstay, like:
- Buttermilk Old Fashioned
- Chestnut Glazed
- Coconut Cream
- Lemon Poppyseed
- Gingerbread
Couple one (or two, or three) of these sumptuous treats with a piping hot macchiato and you’ll be in hog heaven.
#4 Celeste
Chicago is globally renowned for its iconic architecture but you needn’t admire these gems from the city’s bustling streets alone. Celeste is tucked into a historical building designed by the father of contemporary American architecture Louis Sullivan and features high glamor on every one of its three levels:4
- The Pub – Located on the first floor of Celeste, The Pub is the boisterous little brother in the bunch, featuring flat-screen televisions to watch a game and pints of retro Miller High Life (or Revolution Anti Hero IPAs for the more discerning set). It’s practically the perfect place to hangout at happy hour. On Friday and Saturday nights, this kick-back bar turns into a happening nightclub that bounces with dancers getting their groove on to Nu-Disco. Arrive before the kitchen closes so that you can nosh on steak sliders with arugula and jalapeno aioli.
- The Deco Room – Step back in time on the second floor, where you can relish cocktails crafted by veritable artists (think: a spin on the espresso martini with Amargo De Chile, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and toasted marshmallows, and a “Hemingway” daiquiri) and exquisite vintages. Nibble on pickled onion, goat cheese, and chorizo flatbread as you take in the turn-of-the-century architectural details.
- The Roof Garden – Chicago’s extraordinary skyline takes center stage at this gorgeous rooftop terrace, where a retractable glass roof permits guests to have a rockin’ good time no matter the weather. If you’re looking for delicious food, tangy lemon bowtie pasta is tempered with heavy cream, while steak tacos are elevated with lime and cotija cheese. Really, though, it’s the vistas here that thrill the senses.
#5 Tanta Chicago
Peruvian cuisine may not be on your radar but it’ll leave an indelible mark after you chow down on the dynamic dishes at Tanta Chicago, one of the most alluring restaurants in River North.
Pair a tart and tasty Pisco Sour with Peru’s national dish, cebiche, which brims with sweet potatoes, cancha, cilantro, and onions, before persuading your dining partner (or inner ascetic) to also order carne empanadas with Hucatay sauce and Peruvian chocolate semifreddo with rose and berries. The ultra-fresh ingredients at this luscious venue ensure that even the toughest critic will be thoroughly satisfied with their delicious food.
Find your favorite (gastro) haunt with Common
When it comes to restaurants, River North, Chicago runs the gamut from laidback to luxurious. Whether you’re on the prowl to discover new eateries in the city you’ve called home for decades or have been contemplating a move to Chicago, trust that you’ll be bowled over by its dynamite selection of venues.
If you fall into the latter camp, Common is here to streamline the process. Our all-inclusive coliving spaces are that rare blend of beautiful and attainable. Plus, with fully-furnished units, regular cleanings of shared spaces, and on-site laundry, you’ll have more time to explore Chicago’s thriving dining scene. If you’ve upgraded from roommate living, check out our studios, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments at The 8o8 by Common — you’ll have access to the same great amenities in an excellent location, with a space that’s all your own.
Sources:
- Chicago Traveler. River North Gallery District. https://www.chicagotraveler.com/shopping/river-north-gallery-district/
- Avec Restaurant. Menu. http://www.avecrestaurant.com/menu-river-north
- Michelin Guide. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf. https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/bavette-s-bar-boeuf
- Bonhomme Hospitality. Celeste. https://www.bonhommehospitality.com/celeste
- Eater. Where to eat in River North. https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-bars-river-north-chicago