Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Fun Restaurants in South Side

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

456 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
1. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(6732)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 295 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 Virtue restaurant
2. Virtue
4.8
Exceptional(550)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Hyde Park
Booked 51 times today
Stationed in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Virtue is a Southern American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality & kindness. We’ve worked hard to create a warm, honest & thoughtful space. We pride ourselves on unpretentious service, timing & most importantly providing great value. At Virtue we use heritage techniques to create some familiar flavors, & some new ones. We hope to see you soon.
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
3. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2260)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 201 times today
Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.
A photo of Chemistry restaurant
4. Chemistry
4.4
Awesome(1547)
Price: Expensive
• American • Hyde Park
Booked 91 times today
Chicago's premier black-owned steakhouse. Located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood! Enjoy the finest steak while experiencing excellent white glove service. Chemistry exemplifies black excellence at its finest.**Please Note** We are not open for dinner service on Friday night. ALL RESERVATIONS ARE 90 MINUTES WITH A 15 MINUTE GRACE PERIODLarge Parties over 12: Are unable to make an online reservation. Please Email your request to reservations@chemistrychicago.com
A photo of The Gage restaurant
5. The Gage
4.7
Exceptional(11926)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 149 times today
The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.
A photo of VU Rooftop Lounge restaurant
6. VU Rooftop Lounge
4.0
Excellent(260)
Price: Moderate
• American • China Town
Booked 1 time today
Vu Rooftop Bar offers an amazing atmosphere with beautiful views of the Lake and Downtown, making it a fun place to visit. Reviewers mention the great food, good vibes, and the fantastic ambiance. The restaurant's unique rooftop setting, with outdoor terraces and enclosed spaces, adds to its appeal. It's a perfect spot for friends, family, or even a date, as one reviewer put it.
A photo of avec West Loop restaurant
7. avec West Loop
4.8
Exceptional(819)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 77 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.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
8. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2063)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 72 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of Bar Mar restaurant
9. Bar Mar
4.6
Exceptional(926)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 114 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.
A photo of Lips - Chicago restaurant
10. Lips - Chicago
4.9
Exceptional(964)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • South Loop
Booked 6 times today
JOIN US AT LIPS CHICAGO FOR THE #1 DRAG SHOW CHICAGO'S ONLY TRUE LA CAGE DRAG SHOW PALACE EXPERIENCELips is the Ultimate in Drag Dining! Dinner, Drinks, and Fabulous Entertainment!SHOW SCHEDULEThursdays - Dinner with the DivasFridays & Saturdays - Glitz & Glam La Cage ShowSaturday Afternoon - Dragalicious BrunchSunday Afternoon - Dragalicious Gospel BrunchPER PERSONThursday - $36.95(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)Saturday Brunch - $42.95(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)Friday & Saturday - $49.95(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)Sunday Brunch - $42.95(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)*Pricing above does not include drinks, tax, or tip.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Moises
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Good service Great customer service by all of them!!
    More info
    ChemistryPrice: Expensive• American• Hyde Park
    •
    4.4
  • Beth
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a FANTASTIC experience at the Walnut Room! The room is magical and we were visited by fairy princesses. Everyone enjoyed their food and the service was great! Everything was perfect! Our visit this year was much approved upon to last year. Maybe it just was too busy at the time. It's always very special!
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Angela
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was my first time dining here and it was amazing. I ordered the short rib and it was so tender, you could cut through it with a fork. The macaroni and cheese was absolutely delicious. The BEST Mac I’ve had from any restaurant hands down!! Tastes like what your grandma would make for Thanksgiving dinner. The cornbread was so moist and super delicious. I started to order more lol. My friend and I shared the red velvet cake because we were too full to get one to ourselves and it was the perfect balance. Not too sweet at all which was great!! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    VirtuePrice: Expensive• Southern• Hyde Park
    •
    4.8
  • Stephen
    Atlanta Metro •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our waiter was wonderful and personable and forthcoming, he was quick with Service for both drinks and bringing the meal and attentive, but not over-bearing. He was great at making food recommendations. We had a great time and highly recommend the restaurant !. The flourless chocolate cake was to die for.
    More info
    The GagePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Denise
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Alla Vita never disappoints. The pre fixe menu has perfect portions and pairing options. Our server Monica was delightful and attentive, presentation was beautiful and the food was (as always) delicious!!
    More info
    Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo