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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Near North

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63 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 142 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.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
2. Quartino - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(11112)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 138 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant
3. RPM Italian - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(12365)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 107 times today
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.
A photo of Barrio restaurant
4. Barrio
4.6
Exceptional(2932)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 48 times today
Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.
A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant
5. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
4.9
Exceptional(17770)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • River North (Chicago)
Booked 131 times today
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a vibrant bar scene according to reviews. Patrons have mentioned the 'lively vibe', 'great food and cocktails', and the 'well arranged bar area' that allows for 'before dinner cocktails'. It's a go-to spot for celebrations in a classy environment with 'excellent cocktails' and 'attentive and fun wait staff'. The restaurant is also described as 'festive' with 'festive ambiance'.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
6. il Porcellino
4.8
Exceptional(4346)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 108 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.
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
7. SUSHI-SAN - River North
4.7
Exceptional(1377)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 113 times today
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
A photo of Steak 48 - Chicago restaurant
8. Steak 48 - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(7768)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 73 times today
At Steak 48, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. Our diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Located in River North, on bustling Wabash Avenue, Steak 48 brings a contemporary atmosphere to Chicago's dining scene. Visitors will be welcomed in the entryway with a view of our 3,000-bottle wine vault and chic decor. The lower floor features a lively bar where guests can enjoy something from our extensive wine, whiskey, bourbon, or signature cocktail list.
A photo of Andy's Jazz Club restaurant
9. Andy's Jazz Club
4.8
Exceptional(5186)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 91 times today
Admission is charged to all guests entering the venue and goes toward the musical entertainment that all will be enjoying while inside the club. All dining tables are good for 1 musical performance only. Please choose your reservation time according to your desired performance time. Andy's Jazz Club is a unique as a Jazz Room that offers full dining. We hope for a quiet room during all performances. We do ask that all guests be courteous to the artists while performing and keep conversation volume down during shows.
A photo of Michael Jordan's Steakhouse restaurant
10. Michael Jordan's Steakhouse
4.6
Exceptional(5502)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 42 times today
At Michael Jordan's Steak House, we are stewards of legacy rooted in heartfelt hospitality. From the sear on each cut of our Legendary Steak Flight to rolling each piece of our Wagyu Short Rib Truffle Pasta, we strive for the same greatness, spirit and soul that Michael demonstrated on the court. Join us for a romantic date night for a seafood tower garnished with oysters, shrimp and lobster. For a more cozy atmosphere, join us at the bar for a round of our signature cocktails and spirit-free drinks like the Jump Man, Airpresso Martini or Banana Old Fashioned. Break away from a typical brunch with 1-hour bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys alongside Breakfast Burgers. No greater care is taken with private, fine dining in our historic space as we play a part in crafting unforgettable celebrations— from birthdays to anniversaries and every night in between. Rest assured, our team of all-stars will curate an exceptional group dining experience through our 23-Layer Cake for dessert.
‘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.

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