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Best Fun Restaurants in River West

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466 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Dawson restaurant
1. The Dawson
4.8
Exceptional(2729)
Price: Expensive
• American • River West
Booked 39 times today
The Dawson is a fun restaurant due to its great ambiance and service. Reviewers love the 'beautiful atmosphere' and 'great cocktails'. The food is also praised for being 'unique and original', and the service is 'excellent'. The restaurant is said to be 'enjoyable whether seated inside or outside' and is 'super fun in the summer'.
A photo of Piccolo Sogno restaurant
2. Piccolo Sogno
4.7
Exceptional(6973)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River West
Booked 74 times today
Piccolo Sogno is a blast! With its fresh, rustic Italian cuisine, it's like a taste of Italy in Chicago. Customers rave about the outstanding service and wonderful ambiance. The al fresco dining in the hidden garden patio is a particular hit. It's the perfect place for a fun, casual dining experience with friends or family. Plus, their impressive all-Italian wine list is a treat!
A photo of PERILLA fare - West Loop restaurant
3. PERILLA fare - West Loop
4.6
Exceptional(417)
Price: Expensive
• Korean • West Town
Booked 27 times today
Located in the West Loop of Downtown Chicago, PERILLA fare offers Korean American cuisine centered around a communal dining experience inspired by classic Korean flavors and traditional ingredients. With an emphasis and focus on quality and premium selection of meats for Korean BBQ, Chef Andrew Lim and the team proudly works with local farms and quality importers to provide our guests with an adventurous culinary experience. We offer an expansive beverage list which includes handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, a curated wine list, and hand selected imported sojus and makgeolli. Our menu accommodates all dietary restrictions with a focus on vegetarian options including locally sourced mushrooms. We are excited to welcome you in to our warm and inviting space featuring artwork from local artists. Located in River West / Fulton Market area
A photo of Recess restaurant
4. Recess
4.6
Exceptional(1465)
Price: Expensive
• American • West Loop
Booked 12 times today
Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.
A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant
5. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(108)
Price: Expensive
• Brewery • West Loop
Booked 62 times today
Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.
A photo of Erie Cafe restaurant
6. Erie Cafe
4.8
Exceptional(172)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 22 times today
Erie Cafe is a premier destination of River North for steaks, chops, and homestyle Italian favorites since 1994. The 1940s club-like atmosphere, elegant bar, and lush outdoor dining is the gem of the neighborhood. Erie Cafe serves the finest aged steaks butchered daily from whole primal cuts, homemade ravioli, specials, and desserts daily for both lunch and dinner. This Chicago Classic is 3rd generation family-owned and operated.
A photo of RPM Seafood restaurant
7. RPM Seafood
4.7
Exceptional(1661)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • River North (Chicago)
Booked 100 times today
Introducing RPM Seafood, a dramatic multi-level restaurant overlooking the iconic Chicago River featuring the truest expression of the world’s best fish and seafood.The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Italian, it marks the third collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.
A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
8. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7471)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 285 times today
For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
9. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(1563)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 167 times today
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.
A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
10. il Carciofo
new
4.8
Exceptional(77)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 127 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mike
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Food was excellent, Service was outstanding. Wine selection was great. I would recommend this spot for an intimate dinner and for a family gathering.
    More info
    Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
    •
    4.7
  • Ellen
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    As soon as we arrived the hostess made a point to tell us there was a 2 hour limit to the table and if we weren’t finished and they needed the table we would have to move . This was news to us as open table makes No mention of this at all. Apparently guiesss management is addressing this with open table. Also if you’ve already gone to the Guinness brewery in Dublin please be aware this is nothing like that. The beef stew served with au jus broth instead of a hearty beef gravy as usual. Salads and burgers were good. Fried cheese curds amazing ! Service was outstanding
    More info
    Guinness Open Gate Brewery - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Brewery• West Loop
    •
    4.5
  • Margaret
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    My sister and her kids were late and everyone was super accommodating when they got there!
    More info
    The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
    •
    4.8
  • Maggie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    Amazing good, knowledgeable waitstaff, def try the scallion pancakes, kimchi fried rice, soondubu stew, and self-grill a meat in the table inset grill (rec’d heritage pork belly)
    More info
    PERILLA fare - West LoopPrice: Expensive• Korean• West Town
    •
    4.6
  • Gabrielle
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 30, 2024
    Had a lot of fun! It was our first time there and we didn’t know what to expect but it was definitely worth it! We’ll be back again for more brunch and possibly a happy hour or two.
    More info
    RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    •
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in River West

Discover an array of vibrant and enjoyable dining experiences in Chicago's River West neighborhood, perfectly suited for those searching for a "fun" culinary adventure. This bustling area is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants that offer not only delicious food but also engaging atmospheres that promise a memorable night out. Whether you're in the mood for innovative cocktails, unique and original dishes, or simply a lively place to dine al fresco, River West has something to excite every palate. The dining scene here is characterized by its creative flair and commitment to quality, making it a standout destination for both locals and visitors. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on excellent service and a beautiful setting, ensuring every meal is enjoyable. Perfect for gatherings with friends or family, these establishments cater to all looking for fun times and great food in a dynamic urban setting. Explore River West for an unforgettable dining experience where fun meets fabulous cuisine.

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