Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Downtown / Loop

108 restaurants available nearby

1. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3822)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 38 times today

Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

2. Remington's

4.6

Exceptional(3220)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 59 times today

Remington's in downtown Chicago has a lively bar scene with a great selection of drinks. According to reviews, the bartenders are cool and the cocktails are fantastic. Patrons often enjoy their meals in the bar area, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

A photo of The Berghoff Restaurant restaurant

3. The Berghoff Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(2479)

Price: Moderate

• German • Downtown / Loop

Booked 61 times today

---The Berghoff Restaurant is a Chicago landmark, serving German-style cuisine and culture since 1898. One of the oldest family-run businesses in the nation, now run by the fourth generation, Pete Berghoff. Today's Berghoff menus have evolved to add newer, lighter, and more contemporary dishes, but it's still the same old Berghoff, down to the famous root beer. In December 2018, the Berghoff family opened Adams Street Brewery, aptly named after the street they have called home for over a century, to nod to their brewing roots and commemorate the restaurant's 120th anniversary.

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.) restaurant

4. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)

4.4

Awesome(4321)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown / Loop

Booked 47 times today

McCormick & Schmick's in Chicago is known for its vibrant bar scene, according to customer reviews. Customers highlight the 'good Happy Hour drink and food selection in the bar area', the 'awesome bartender', and the 'bar had great drinks'. The atmosphere, service, and quality of food are all highly praised, creating a lively and enjoyable bar experience.

A photo of Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave. restaurant

5. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

4.6

Exceptional(747)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lakeshore East

Booked 46 times today

Nestled on the corner of Wabash and Lake, Elephant & Castle is your go-to British pub in the heart of Chicago's vibrant theatre and shopping districts. Just steps from the iconic Chicago Theatre and two blocks from the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, we offer classic British pub fare like fish and chips, hearty breakfasts, and live sports on big screens. Whether you're stopping by for happy hour, catching a football match, or grabbing a bite before a show, Elephant & Castle delivers an unforgettable pub experience right in downtown Chicago.

A photo of Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place restaurant

6. Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place

4.6

Exceptional(3236)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 61 times today

What began in Chicago in 1978 is now one of the most award-winning steakhouses around. For over 30 years, Morton's The Steakhouse has been on a mission to provide "The Best Steak… Anywhere." Focusing on quality, consistency and genuine hospitality, Morton's seeks to provide not only memorable cuisine, but a memorable experience. With fresh, succulent seafood and famed USDA prime-aged steak, it's no surprise that Morton's has thrilled diners all over the world. For a glimpse of a higher standard of steakhouse, come see the legendary Morton's experience for yourself.

7. The Grillroom

4.7

Exceptional(3131)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 22 times today

The Grillroom is a lively spot in the heart of Chicago's Loop & Theatre District, known for its excellent cocktails, great food, and fantastic service. Many reviews mention it as a 'great place for drinks' and a 'perfect restaurant pre-theater dining'. The restaurant's warm ambience, classy steakhouse charm, and consistent high-quality food and service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

8. 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.

9. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(3872)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 163 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.

10. LUXBAR

4.6

Exceptional(2834)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 85 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.

‘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

L
Lacy
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Service was amazing, food was stellar. Honest 10/10, can we get one in St Louis so I can be fat and happy?
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Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.Price: Moderate• American• Lakeshore East
•
4.6
J
Janvip
Chicago / Illinois •72 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is a go to American restaurant, consistent food, a new menu recently that continues to have many options, good service. Love the ambience, not too noisy and it at the height of the bar scene time would ask to sit in the back to have a reduced noise.
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Remington'sPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
V
Viola
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I was there with 5 friends that I hadn't seen in a while. We had the best time. Sue, our serve, Sue,was excellent. The food was delicious, as was the beer and wine. Berghoff isn't a place that immediately comes to mind, but I am always so pleased when we visit.
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The Berghoff RestaurantPrice: Moderate• German• Downtown / Loop
•
4.5
JK
JennK
Nashville •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Acanto on Michigan Ave was the perfect choice for dinner before a concert at the Auditorium Theater. Within walking distance to the venue. Acanto had many gluten free options that were necessary for our visit. Food was fresh and so flavorful. Service was outstanding. Highly recommend.
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AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.8
R
Rickvip
Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 13, 2024
Excellent pre-theatre dinner. Prices very reasonable with adequate variety. Our server Yuliza was terrific and helped make the dinner memorable.
More info
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)Price: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown / Loop
•
4.4

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Downtown / Loop

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Downtown / Loop

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108 restaurants available nearby

1. Acanto

2. Remington's

3. The Berghoff Restaurant

4. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)

5. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

6. Morton's The Steakhouse - Chicago - Wacker Place

7. The Grillroom

8. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

9. Gibsons Italia

10. LUXBAR

See what locals rave about

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