Best Restaurants for People Watching in South Loop

45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Chicago restaurant

1. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

4.0

Excellent(204)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 40 times today

Legal Sea Foods Chicago is now open along the vibrant Riverwalk in the bustling River North neighborhood at the famous Marina Towers. Legal's first Midwest location features two floors of upscale casual New England vibes with sweeping riverfront views and an outdoor space. The brand-new restaurant features a large main dining room, bar area, private event space, and outdoor terraces. Serving New England specialties such as Boston's best Clam Chowder and Half Pound Lobster Rolls, as well as new signature dishes and local favorites. Legal Sea Foods combines New England's coastal fishing traditions with modern culinary flair. A taste of New England in the Mid-West.

2. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3023)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 44 times today

Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

3. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(8816)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 138 times today

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

4. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7209)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 110 times today

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

5. Mercadito - River North

4.5

Awesome(6254)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 97 times today

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

A photo of Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town restaurant

6. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

4.8

Exceptional(597)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • River North (Chicago)

Booked 50 times today

Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian for entry. A valid ID is required for guests age 21+.A chic, outdoorsy pizza haven located in Old Town. Happy Camper boasts a décor that includes Airstream trailers, neon renditions of the Great Lakes, warm wooden accents, and tire swing seating around the bar. A wide variety of colorful pizzas and delicious appetizers await you.F*ckin' Charity Bingo on Sundays at 1:30pm is sat on a first come first serve basis. All reservations will be sat in the non-bingo area.We cannot guarantee inside or outside seating.Neighborhood ordinances require our patio to close by 12am. Your table is weather permitting. If there is inclement weather, Happy Camper reserves the right to cancel your reservation. If you are dining when inclement weather occurs your food will be packed and given your bill. You are more than welcome to head to the bar afterward.

7. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4167)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 86 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.

8. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(923)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 92 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

9. The Evie

4.8

Exceptional(730)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 90 times today

Led by a team of lifelong Chicago restaurant figures, The Evie is a locally-owned upscale dining destination located at the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Led by Partner George Archos (Wildberry Café), Chef-Partner Nick Nitti (Forno Rosso, Lucia Rose, Cucina 3 Italian), and Executive Chef Phil Rubino (Spiaggia, L2O, Cicchetti), the restaurant provides city locals and visitors a place to unwind and indulge while overlooking iconic Michigan Avenue. Named after George’s mother and daughter, the concept puts family at the forefront, with an emphasis on warm, Midwestern hospitality. Evie offers full lunch/dinner and weekend brunch, presenting a menu of reimagined American classics and city favorites, spotlighting dishes like chef-crafted sushi rolls, freshly baked breads, Chicago-style Wagyu hotdogs, and USDA prime steaks. Complementing the menu, our dynamic beverage program weaves together seasonality and elegance, featuring an array of classic and craft cocktails, sake, beer & wine.

10. Bar La Rue

4.6

Exceptional(162)

Price: Expensive

• French American • West Loop

Booked 56 times today

Bar La Rue celebrates French-American cuisine with an inventive cocktail program in the heart of Fulton Market. The stylish space boasts a beautiful all-season, street-side, walk-in-friendly pergola bar and dining area, perfect for a cozy patio experience. The menu incorporates French plays on approachable American comfort foods, offering an inviting setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you're enjoying cocktails at the bar, celebrating birthdays, or planning a romantic date, Bar La Rue provides a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

V
Vanae’
St. Louis •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The restaurant was crowded. Yet the noise level was not overpowering. The greeters at the check-in were friendly. Our server, Peter Axelsen was awesome!!! He recommended a mocktail that was the best drink ever. We appreciated the restaurant managers stopping by our table to check on us twice. The food was superb.
More info
RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.9
B
Brianna
Seattle / Eastern Washington •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
All the servers were great and attentive. We were given great recommendations for what to get it being our first time there. We did end up ordering too much for us, but it was worth the try. The ambiance of the restaurant is chill and fun.
More info
Cabra - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• West Loop
•
4.7
LA
LABradvip
Los Angeles •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
You can always count on Gibson’s for a quality steak in a fashionable location. I was dining with a friend you had a short term dietary restriction. Our server, Lee, said they had nothing on the menu to meet it but he promised to check with the kitchen. Lee returned with the item, from a nearby restaurant, so our entire party didn’t have to change locations. Outstanding service!
More info
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.8
T
tonyvip
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I had great experience there. The food was top tier and the waitress was excellent. I’ve been there a few times and every time I go back the food is good. I would recommend this place to friends. I give this place a 10/10. The drinks was so good too.
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Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
L
Lisavip
Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I Enjoyed the atmosphere the food was delicious. The waitress was very nice and I will definitely come back again.
More info
Legal Sea Foods - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
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4

Best Restaurants for People Watching in South Loop

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45 restaurants available nearby

1. Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

2. Cabra - Chicago

3. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

4. RL Restaurant

5. Mercadito - River North

6. Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

7. il Porcellino

8. Bar Mar

9. The Evie

10. Bar La Rue

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