Best Southwest American Restaurants in Lower West Side

325 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7489)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / Loop

Booked 309 times today

Nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Chicago, The Walnut Room offers a truly authentic Vegetarian dining experience that captivates both the palate and the heart. Celebrated as a local tradition since 1907, this iconic venue inside Macy's on State Street shines with its commitment to quality and service. Patrons frequently praise its "delicious" offerings and the "wonderful atmosphere" that make every dining experience memorable. Highlights from the Vegetarian menu include creatively crafted dishes that emphasize freshness and flavor, making it a prime destination for those seeking a culinary delight. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "The food is always delicious. The service is always great. And just a lovely place to dine." Whether it’s the charm of the historic setting or the exquisite Vegetarian cuisine, The Walnut Room is a must-visit for those seeking exceptional dining in Chicago.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14909)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 148 times today

Girl & the Goat in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a treasure trove of comfort food that transcends the ordinary. Since its opening in 2010, this bustling eatery has mastered the art of crafting dishes that are as soul-satisfying as they are innovative. Patrons rave about the unique twists on traditional comfort dishes, like the unforgettable goat empanadas and the indulgent pork shank, which one diner described as the "star of the show." The atmosphere is described as fun and lively, perfect for both casual diners and culinary adventurers alike. Reviewers consistently highlight not only the food's exceptional quality but also the top-notch service and welcoming vibe. One glowing testimonial said it best: "Seriously the best meal I’ve ever had. I wake up from a dead sleep thinking about this food." Girl & the Goat stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking comfort food with flair in Chicago.

3. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12015)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / Loop

Booked 170 times today

The Gage in Downtown Chicago is a haven for comfort food enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic and innovative flavors. Praised for its "terrific service and amazing food," this restaurant offers a menu that delights with dishes such as the indulgent chicken fried lobster and perfectly cooked Scotch eggs, which one patron from England described as "cooked to perfection." The Gage's ability to maintain high standards, even on busy days like St. Patrick's Day, speaks volumes, with reviews highlighting their "phenomenal food" and seamless service. This spot is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience where every meal is crafted with care and served in a lively, welcoming atmosphere, making it a "must visit" in Chicago's dining scene.

4. Swift & Sons

4.7

Exceptional(4594)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 94 times today

Swift & Sons, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a beacon of culinary excellence renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Patrons consistently rave about the freshness and quality of the seafood, with one guest highlighting, "The fish was really good, which was the first time I have ordered it there." This sentiment underscores the restaurant's commitment to providing top-tier seafood dishes alongside their famous steaks. The ambiance and stellar service complement the dining experience, making Swift & Sons a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. As another diner put it, "Loved the filet mignon and oysters; food was phenomenal." This establishment promises not only a meal but an unforgettable seafood adventure.

A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant

5. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4.7

Exceptional(1093)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 132 times today

The Oakville Grill & Cellar in Chicago's bustling West Loop is a gem for lovers of authentic Californian cuisine. Celebrated for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, the restaurant showcases the finest ingredients sourced from exclusive partnerships with farms and wineries in California and the Midwest. Diners rave about the "excellent food and wine," with standout dishes like the "branzino with Brussels sprouts" and the "Wagyu hanger steak." The ambiance is described as "always great" and the service "exceptional," making every meal memorable. Whether it's for the "gooey lemon cake" or the "best Caesar salad ever," The Oakville Grill & Cellar is highly recommended for an authentic taste of California right in the heart of Chicago.

6. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(163)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Town

Booked 43 times today

Elina's in West Town, Chicago, is a beacon of Mediterranean excellence, offering an intimate dining experience that consistently delights patrons. Celebrated for its "amazing food" and "perfect ambiance," Elina's captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on Italian culinary traditions. Guests rave about dishes like the "best pasta and calamari I’ve ever had" and the "fantastic" rigatoni vodka, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. The cozy setting, complemented by "great music and service," creates an unforgettable atmosphere, making every meal a special occasion. Whether it's the "mouthwatering croutons" of the Caesar salad or the "deliciously sweet" limoncello spritz, Elina's stands out as a must-visit for Mediterranean cuisine lovers in Chicago.

7. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(845)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 104 times today

Avec West Loop in Chicago's vibrant West Loop neighborhood captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Midwestern twist on Mediterranean classics. Celebrating over 20 years of culinary excellence, avec is renowned for its wine-focused dining and communal seating, fostering an intimate and interactive atmosphere. Customers rave about the uniquely inventive dishes, with one diner exclaiming, "The food is excellent but the quarters a bit cramped in this location. Don’t miss the short rib hummus and the chorizo dates." Another highlights the exceptional service and unforgettable flavors, stating, "Incredible food and service. Easy going service with loads of knowledge and great direction for first-time diners." Avec continues to impress with its consistent quality and innovative menu, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Contemporary American dining experience in Chicago.

8. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7300)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 73 times today

Nestled in the chic Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, RL Restaurant offers a quintessential American dining experience that reflects the sophisticated style of Ralph Lauren. Celebrated for its classic American cuisine, the menu features Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites such as the exquisite lobster roll and perfectly grilled steaks, making every meal a delightful journey through America’s rich culinary landscape. Patrons consistently praise the ambiance and service with remarks like "the service is outstanding every single time" and "the food was outstanding." Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual elegant dinner, RL Restaurant stands out as a top choice for those seeking an authentic and high-quality American dining experience in Chicago.

A photo of Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

9. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(920)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 71 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

A photo of Frida Room - Pilsen restaurant

10. Frida Room - Pilsen

4.8

Exceptional(65)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Pilsen

Booked 17 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, Frida Room is a treasure trove of American cuisine with a delightful twist of modern Mexican flair. Diners rave about their weekend brunch, describing dishes like the "delicious pancakes and veggie omelet" and "the best hamburgers and enchiladas in Chicago" as must-tries. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with one patron noting, "the food was super tasty and their coffee was delicious!" Frida Room's ambiance, combined with its exceptional service, makes every meal a memorable experience, ensuring it stands out as a premier destination for authentic American breakfast and lunch favorites.

‘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

M
MattVIP
Indiana •29 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time visiting and we were impressed. The guac and tacos were great, as was the service. Was not very crowded for lunch but I suspect very popular for dinner
More info
Broken English Taco Pub - Lake StreetPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
G
Greg
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time at Ceiba, will not be the last. Fantastic presentation and service and loved the food. That’s a pretty good trifecta. 👍
More info
CeibaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Lincoln Park
•
4.9
M
Matthew
Chicago / Illinois •14 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
Overall our experience here was a good one. Does feel like some items are a little overpriced (the margarita pitcher for example). Our server was quite pleasant but it seemed like maybe they were a bit understaffed as we had to wait quite some time for an initial greeting, getting our bill, etc. We'd probably eat here again if someone suggested it but not somewhere I'd make a special trip for.
More info
Big Star - WrigleyvillePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Wrigleyville
•
4.4
D
Devon
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Antonio was awesome. He took excellent care of us. Great chips and salsa. Great margaritas. Great vibes.
More info
Big Star Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.6
A
Angelica
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
Jeremy was a great host! He was very welcoming, the food, drinks and ambience were all great! Will return!
More info
Pilsen YardsPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Pilsen
•
4.7

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Lower West Side

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Lower West Side

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325 restaurants available nearby

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

2. Girl & the Goat

3. The Gage

4. Swift & Sons

5. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

6. Elina's

7. avec West Loop

8. RL Restaurant

9. Costera Cocina Tulum

10. Frida Room - Pilsen

See what locals rave about

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