The Chew Chew

4.8

1775 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Great for creative cocktails

The Chew Chew is celebrating 28 years of great food & hospitality in the heart of Riverside, IL directed by original Chef/Owner Scott Zimmer. Located one-mile east of Brookfield Zoo, 5 miles northwest of Midway Airport and 10 miles west of Downtown Chicago. There is a Metra Train stop on our block for safe & easy access in/out of the City. We feature a multi-level dining room, vibrant full-bar & a cozy outdoor patio May-October (weather permitting). Happy Hour daily 4-6pm with beer, wine & cocktail specials. Make sure to try one of our famous Jumbo Martinis during your visit! We appreciate all the great reviews & voting us Chicago's #1 Neighborhood Restaurant on Open Table. If you cannot find a reservation online, please call us direct 708-447-8781. We look forward to serving you.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, American
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(708) 447-8781
Website
http://www.thechewchew.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Scott Zimmer
Catering
Full-Service, Carry-Out, Deliveruy
Private party facilities
The restaurant has a second level mezzanine for groups up to 50 people.

Location
33 East Burlington, Riverside, IL 60546
Neighborhood
Riverside
Cross street
We are between Harlem & First Avenue on the south side of Burlington St
Parking details
Directly on Burlington Street and city lot nearby.
Public transit
Steps away from the Burlington Northern (Metra) train station in Riverside. After exiting the Metra, walk one block east on Burlington Street. Our front door will be on your right side. Look for our black awning over the sidewalk.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

BACON-WRAPPED DATES$11.95
mexican chorizo-stuffed, arrabbiata-tomato sauce
POKE TUNA STACK$17.95
sushi-grade tuna, avocado, cucumber, puffed-rice chips
FRIED CALAMARI + PICKLES$16.95
cocktail sauce, zesty chili aioli, lemon
BRUSSELS SPROUTS$10.95
candied pecans, asiago cheese, citrus vinaigrette
GRILLED MINI-LAMB CHOPS$15.95
garlic confit, fresh rosemary, fig balsamic, lemon
- Three$15.95
- Six$27.95
PORK BELLY SLIDERS$12.95
red wine mustard, cabbage slaw, garlic pickle, pretzel rolls
STEAMED EDAMAME$8.50
sesame oil, lemon, sea salt flake
GRILLED CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS$18.95
cucumber, bean sprouts, wonton chips, macadamia nuts, dipping sauces
POTSTICKERS OF THE DAY
hand-folded dumplings, spicy-sweet soy, chili crunch, pickled ginger

SOUP OF THE DAY

BAKED ONION SOUP$9.95

GREENS + BOWLS

HOUSE SALAD$7.95
baby lettuce, genoa salami, tomato, olive, sweet onion, basil vinaigrette
CAESAR SALAD$10.95
heart of romaine, house dressing, garlic croutons, asiago cheese
CHOPPED WEDGE$13.95
iceberg lettuce, apple wood bacon, whipped gorgonzola, cherry tomato cucumber, sweet onion, bleu cheese dressing
WARM FARMER BOWL$19.95
baby lettuce, asparagus, cauliflower, avocado, feta cheese, fingerling potato tomato, sweet onion, boiled egg, basil vinaigrette, balsamic syrup
CRAB + AVOCADO BOWL$27.95
baby lettuce, lump crab meat, creamy dill dressing, avocado, asparagus, cucumber, tomato, spring onion, citrus vinaigrette

FLATBREAD

TOMATO + FRESH MOZZARELLA$15.95
baby ribbons, tomato sauce, asiago cheese
ITALIAN SAUSAGE + PEPPERONI$17.95
mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil ribbons, asiago cheese
APPLE WOOD BACON + GOAT CHEESE$18.95
sunflower pesto, fingerling potato, caramelized onions, balsamic syrup

MAIN DISHES

8oz CHIMICHURRI STEAK$32.95
grilled-skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, hand-cut fries, bearnaise aioli
8oz STEAK DIANE$36.95
filet mignon, brandy, mushroom, demi-glace, mashed russets, baby carrots
16oz DOUBLE-CUT PORK CHOP$24.95
grain mustard-bacon gravy, sweet potato, french beans, beer-battered onion
10oz SEARED JUMBO SCALLOPS$36.95
sweet corn risotto, asparagus, lemon-beurre blanc, crispy sage, asiago
10oz BLACKENED CREOLE CHICKEN$21.95
avocado butter, french beans, mashed russets, corn-jicama pico de gallo
8oz GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON$25.95
forbidden rice, asparagus, mushroom, lemon-buerre blanc, spring onion
12oz CRAB-STUFFED RAINBOW TROUT$26.95
hand-cut fries, house tartar sauce, cabbage slaw, lemon
8oz MACADAMIA NUT CHICKEN$23.95
mango-lime butter, sweet potato mash, broccolini, fresh fruit salsa

BURGERS + TACOS

10oz DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER$17.95
cheddar, garlic pickle, sweet onion, mustard, basil mayo, brioche bun hand-cut fries add bacon 3. | sunny egg 3. | (GF) bun 2.
- Bacon$3.00
- Sunny Egg$3.00
- GF Bun$2.00
9oz FISH TACOS$24.95
avocado butter, corn-tíla de gallo, salsa verde, ancho-chili sauce cabbage slaw, flour tortillas or -Butter lettuce (GF)
8oz PRIME RIB FRENCH DIP$21.95
havarti cheese, caramelized onions, creamy horseradish hand-cut fries, au jus add truffled mushrooms 5.
- Truffled Mushrooms$5.00

PASTA + RICE

SHRIMP + SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA$24.95
creole-style rice, blackened shrimp, chicken, andouille, spring onion
SMOKED-GOUDA *MAC + CHEESE*$20.95
lumacconi pasta, bacon, tomato, spring onion, asiago, zesty bread crumbs
RIGATONI + VODKA SAUCE$16.95
basil ribbons, asiago cheese, zesty bread crumbs
SWEET CORN RISOTTO + ASPARAGUS$20.95
lemon-beurre blanc, crispy sage leaves, asiago cheese

SIDES

TRUFFLE FRIES$9.95
CAULIFLOWER$9.95
BABY CARROTS$9.95
BROCCOLINI$9.95
CABBAGE SLAW$7.95
ASPARAGUS$9.95
FRENCH BEANS$9.95
FORBIDDEN RICE$11.95
MASHED POTATO$7.95
ONION RINGS$9.95

COCKTAILS

EL PRIMO MARGARITA$14.00
milagro reposado, grand marnier, tacua, sour, agave
MOSCOW MULE$11.00
titos, ginger beer, mint, lime, copper mug
CUCUMBER GIN + TONIC$11.00
fords, fresh cucumber, tonic, lime
BOURBON & BERRIES$12.00
makers mark, strawberry, sour, oak, chilim rim
SAZERAC$12.00
templeton rye, absinthe, peychauds, sugar, twist
BURLINGTON SOUR$12.00
templeton rye, sour mix, wine, brandy cherry
NEW FASHIONED$12.00
maker's mark, bitter's, pale ale, orange, brandied cherry
BACK PORCH LEMONADE$12.00
stoli vodka, lemonade, raspberry puree, sugar rim
MOJITO$12.00
bacardi rum, fresh mint leaves, sour, lime

MARTINIS

CHEW CHEW BLUE$16.00
gorgonzola olives, dry vermouth (vodka or gin)
GODFATHER$16.00
stoli vanil, greek marnier, amaretto, brandy cherry
FRENCH KISS$16.00
stoli citrus, pineapple, chambord, prosecco, lemon
DOWN + DIRTY$16.00
olive juice, dry vermouth, olives (vodka or gin)
COSMOPOLITAN$16.00
stoli citrus, triple sec, sour, cranberry, lemon
ESPRESSO$16.00
stoli vanil, kahlua, espresso, lemon
GREEN APPLE$16.00
stoli, apple liquor, sour, apple slices
POMEGRANATE$16.00
stoli citrus, cointreau, fresh sour, lime

SELTZER

BERRY SPRITZ$10.00
stoli vodka, watermelon, blackberry, orange twist
IRISH DANCER$10.00
tullamore dew irish whiskey, ginger ale, fuji apple
OLD SAN JUAN$9.00
bacardi rum, gooslings rum, mango, pineapple, lime
RANCH WATER$9.00
cabo wabo tequila añejo agave nectar, fresh sour, lime

DRAFT BEER

BUCKLEDOWN CACTUS PANTS$6.00
light lager 4.5%
UPLAND WHEAT ALE$9.00
belgian witbier 4.7%
POLLYANNA AMBER PINTS$9.00
amber ale 5.7%
LEFT HAND MILK STOUT$6.00
nitro stout 6.0%
HOPEWELL FIRST PILS$9.00
czech pilsner 5.1%
3 FLOYDS GUMBALLHEAD$9.00
wheat pale ale 5.6%
LAGUNITAS LITTLE SUMPIN'$9.00
wheat ipa 7.5%
BUCKLEDOWN BELT + SUSPENDERS$9.00
ipa 7.0%

BOTTLES + CANS

GOOSE ISLAND 312$6.00
MILLER LITE$5.00
MODELO$6.00
COORS LIGHT$5.00
KROMBACHER (NA)$5.00
HEINEKEN$6.00
STELLA ARTOIS$6.00
ORIGINAL SIN CIDER$5.00
FAT TIRE$6.00
BLUE MOON$5.00

MOCKTAILS

APPLE-GINGER FIZZ$10.00
zero-proof whiskey, ginger beer, apple slices, cinnamon, lime, copper mug
STRAWBERRY-MINT MOJITO$9.00
zero-proof rum, fresh sour, mint syrup, strawberry puree, seltzer, lime, mint
FIRE & ICE$9.00
zero-proof tequila, habanero syrup, o.j., sour, seltzer, grenadine, salted rim

What 1,775 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Contemporary American
Near West
Best Overall
Near West
Best Food
Near West
Best Service
Near West
Best Ambiance
Near West
Best Value
Near West
Kid-friendly
Near West
Healthy
Near West
Great for fine wines
Near West
Great for outdoor dining
Near West
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Chew Chew is a neighborhood gem known for its "excellent service" and "consistently outstanding food." Guests rave about the creative menu, including the "spectacular Creole chicken" and "amazing redfish tacos." The restaurant offers a welcoming ambiance, perfect for date nights or family gatherings, with attentive staff ensuring a delightful dining experience.

1,775 Reviews

T
Therese
Chicago
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Holiday family celebration. Service was excellent as always. The 4yr old and grandpa were a little noisy at the end. Thanks for putting up with us.
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
VIP
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service and food were excellent; the staff could not have been more attentive. Highly recommend this restaurant.
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P
Pam
VIP
Chicago
51 reviews
5.0
51 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been going to The Chew Chew for probably 10 years now. This visit was like most of the others - excellent food, excellent service, excellent atmosphere. It's a great local gem!
Is this helpful?
D
Donald
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Chew Chew is always a nice place to dine. I had the crab stuffed rainbow trout, while my wife had the scallops with risotto. Both were delicious!
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B
Barbara
VIP
Chicago
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As usual we had a very lovely experience at Chew Chew. We always sit at a table in the bar area. This time we went for the Thursday oyster special. We also had a cauliflower crust flatbread all just delicious. We always enjoy their cocktails too. We go out to eat often and Chew Chew is one of our favorites
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A
Alan
VIP
Chicago
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A fabulous menu, again. Great choices. The best restaurant in the area.
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N
Nancy
Chicago
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was excellent, and our server was outstanding…engaging, made helpful suggestions from which we ordered additional selections, appropriately friendly and attentive.
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D
Daniel
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was spot on- especially the salmon entree.
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B
Betty
Chicago
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Chew Chew is a neighborhood gem. Never a bad meal. Service is really great, and Scott, the host, always takes great care of us.
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D
Donald
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We really enjoy dining at The Chew Chew. The food is delicious! My crab stuffed rainbow trout was excellent! Our server was very attentive, too.
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FAQs

The Chew Chew offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (708) 447-8781.

The Chew Chew is rated 4.8 stars by 1775 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

33 East Burlington, Riverside, IL 60546

Additional information

Cross street
We are between Harlem & First Avenue on the south side of Burlington St
Neighborhood
Riverside
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Directly on Burlington Street and city lot nearby.
Public transit
Steps away from the Burlington Northern (Metra) train station in Riverside. After exiting the Metra, walk one block east on Burlington Street. Our front door will be on your right side. Look for our black awning over the sidewalk.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Scott Zimmer
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thechewchew.com/
Phone number
(708) 447-8781
Catering
Full-Service, Carry-Out, Deliveruy
Private party facilities
The restaurant has a second level mezzanine for groups up to 50 people.

The Chew Chew

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

CHEW CHEW BLUE

CAESAR SALAD

RIGATONI + VODKA SAUCE

START + SHARE

BACON-WRAPPED DATES$11.95

POKE TUNA STACK$17.95

FRIED CALAMARI + PICKLES$16.95

BRUSSELS SPROUTS$10.95

GRILLED MINI-LAMB CHOPS$15.95

PORK BELLY SLIDERS$12.95

STEAMED EDAMAME$8.50

GRILLED CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS$18.95

POTSTICKERS OF THE DAY

SOUP OF THE DAY

BAKED ONION SOUP$9.95

GREENS + BOWLS

HOUSE SALAD$7.95

CAESAR SALAD$10.95

CHOPPED WEDGE$13.95

WARM FARMER BOWL$19.95

CRAB + AVOCADO BOWL$27.95

FLATBREAD

TOMATO + FRESH MOZZARELLA$15.95

ITALIAN SAUSAGE + PEPPERONI$17.95

APPLE WOOD BACON + GOAT CHEESE$18.95

MAIN DISHES

8oz CHIMICHURRI STEAK$32.95

8oz STEAK DIANE$36.95

16oz DOUBLE-CUT PORK CHOP$24.95

10oz SEARED JUMBO SCALLOPS$36.95

10oz BLACKENED CREOLE CHICKEN$21.95

8oz GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON$25.95

12oz CRAB-STUFFED RAINBOW TROUT$26.95

8oz MACADAMIA NUT CHICKEN$23.95

BURGERS + TACOS

10oz DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER$17.95

9oz FISH TACOS$24.95

8oz PRIME RIB FRENCH DIP$21.95

PASTA + RICE

SHRIMP + SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA$24.95

SMOKED-GOUDA *MAC + CHEESE*$20.95

RIGATONI + VODKA SAUCE$16.95

SWEET CORN RISOTTO + ASPARAGUS$20.95

SIDES

TRUFFLE FRIES$9.95

CAULIFLOWER$9.95

BABY CARROTS$9.95

BROCCOLINI$9.95

CABBAGE SLAW$7.95

ASPARAGUS$9.95

FRENCH BEANS$9.95

FORBIDDEN RICE$11.95

MASHED POTATO$7.95

ONION RINGS$9.95

COCKTAILS

EL PRIMO MARGARITA$14.00

MOSCOW MULE$11.00

CUCUMBER GIN + TONIC$11.00

BOURBON & BERRIES$12.00

SAZERAC$12.00

BURLINGTON SOUR$12.00

NEW FASHIONED$12.00

BACK PORCH LEMONADE$12.00

MOJITO$12.00

MARTINIS

CHEW CHEW BLUE$16.00

GODFATHER$16.00

FRENCH KISS$16.00

DOWN + DIRTY$16.00

COSMOPOLITAN$16.00

ESPRESSO$16.00

GREEN APPLE$16.00

POMEGRANATE$16.00

SELTZER

BERRY SPRITZ$10.00

IRISH DANCER$10.00

SMOKED-GOUDA MAC + CHEESE$20.95