Best Restaurants with Bar Seating in River North (Chicago)

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodIndianMexicanJapanese

Regions

ChicagoNear West

Neighborhoods

Albany ParkBerwynBucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleLakeview / East Lakeview

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

20 restaurants available nearby

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

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

4.8

Exceptional(14440)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 156 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.

2. Bar Moxy

4.5

Awesome(33)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Say hello to Bar Moxy & Zombie Taco - River North's favorite spot for craft cocktails and tacos--where the taco dreams you never knew you had, will finally come true. So live a little, and let us give you something to taco 'bout.

3. Nobu Chicago

4.5

Awesome(2191)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 144 times today

OPEN FOR LUNCH 7 Days a weekCentrally located in Chicago's West Loop, Nobu Chicago playfully blends elements of old world Japanese and new world utilitarian.

4. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(1088)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 137 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.

5. Tavern on Rush

4.5

Awesome(3683)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steak • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 56 times today

Tavern On Rush is the premier dining destination for steaks & seafood in Chicago. The upscale, contemporary steakhouse features multi-level seating, private dining, a bustling bar, and Chicago's favorite outdoor patio.

A photo of The Allis- Soho House Chicago restaurant

6. The Allis- Soho House Chicago

4.4

Awesome(399)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Loop

Booked 42 times today

The Allis is a public outlet located on the ground floor of Soho House Chicago set in a relaxed and welcoming social space for group dining, meetings, and date nights.Serving modern European dishes drawing inspiration from British Brasseries along with classic and seasonal cocktails. On Fridays through Sunday from 1pm to 4.30pm, we offer an elevated afternoon tea experience. Enjoy tea and Champagne paired with pastries and savory bites. Afternoon Tea is only available to book through the OpenTable experience.Additionally, The Allis offers a traditional Sunday roast, served from 1 PM – 5 PM, at a price of $75 for 2 people. Reservations for the roast can be made through OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 312-521-8000, walk-ins are also welcome.The Allis Bar is named after the family that commissioned the restaurant's historic building in 1907 and features bar and patio seating.

7. Atwood

4.2

Awesome(4562)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 17 times today

Atwood proudly offers alluring libations and a wildly guest-pleasing menu filled with your favorite all-day American cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef, David Fingerman. Whether for happy hour cocktails, a theater dinner, or the date of a lifetime, Atwood is Chicago’s premier spot to mix, mingle and delight in the joys of food and drink.Atwood’s soaring dining room is strikingly modern with white marble surfaces, glossy subway-tiled walls, and massive windows ideal for watching the State Street shoppers stroll by.

8. HIDE + SEEK

4.5

Awesome(423)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 55 times today

Nestled in the heart of Randolph Row, HIDE+SEEK brings comfortable elegance and playful design to West Loop. Our creative American shared plates menu incorporates touches from Spain, France, and Italy. The beverage program follows suit, and features fresh takes on classic cocktails and hand selected wines. Please note: We are cashless and accept all major credit, debit cards, and Apple Pay.

9. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(922)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • West Loop

Booked 98 times today

avec, a wine-focused restaurant in Chicago, features Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics. Inspired by the sun-drenched wine regions of the Mediterranean, avec West Loop has been a Chicago favorite for over 20 years. Originally conceived as a wine bar, avec is the second concept from celebrated one-off hospitality, with communal and bar seating—it is a high-energy, intimate, and interactive experience.For parties of 6 or more, please call us at 312-377-2002.

10. Dearly Beloved

4.3

Awesome(110)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Dining Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 26 times today

Dearly Beloved is a beautiful mixture of cocktail bar, restaurant and journey of the senses. The new venture from Machine Hospitality Group aims to challenge your taste buds through textures, scents, and a symphony of flavors with unconventional, globally inspired ingredients. With a beverage program curated by master mixologist, Aneka Saxon and a vegetable-forward menu from Executive Chef Kristofer Lohraff, Dearly Beloved is ideal for an intimate evening with friends or a unique date night spot. The stylistically sinister ambience puts the guest experience at the forefront for a memorable night.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

JS
JosephS
Wisconsin •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great steak and sides, fantastic and professional service.
More info
Tavern on RushPrice: Expensive• Steak• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was delicious and fresh except for 1 nigiri which was kind dry. It is beautiful inside. Went on a first date and it was wonderful
More info
Nobu ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
•
4.5
A
AnnVIP
Cincinnati / Dayton •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent service, drinks and food. Always the best place to bring a group after work.
More info
Bar MarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
D
David
New York City •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 3, 2025
Amazing food and fantastic service - you must go here for the best seafood in Chicago 👍👏👏
More info
Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
D
DianneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 21, 2024
It was a cool fun place for late night drinks. Not a lot of food options, but the selection of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages was awesome. I like the vibe of the bar. It offered a lot of creative board games and there are a lot of seat choices, which are all very comfortable for hanging out with friends and even on a date. It offers a relaxing atmosphere in the middle of the city hustle. :)
More info
Bar MoxyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

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