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The Dawson, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

The Dawson

4.6 (2799)
$31 to $50
American
730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Lively
  • Charming
  • Hot spot
The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    River West
  • Cross street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stopCTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • 4th of July Grill on the Patio

    $40.00 per person

    Jul 4, 2025 only
    This 4th of July, we’re turning up the heat—literally. Join us on the patio at The Dawson for an all-you-can-eat backyard cookout, Dawson City Limits style. For $40, load up on grill classics and smoky summer favorites: 🍔 Classic Burgers (LTO, cheddar) 🌭 Smoked Bratwursts with sourdough buns & spicy mustard 🐖 Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian rolls 🥩 Slow-Cooked Brisket with cherry BBQ & slaw 🌶️ Mini Sonoran Dogs wrapped in bacon & loaded 🌽 Elotes, Smoked Mac & Cheese, and Watermelon Feta Salad. 🎧 DJ EvieTheCool keeps the party going from 8–11PM.
    4th of July Grill on the Patio Photo

  • 4th of July DJ EvietheCool

    Jul 4, 2025 only
    Kick off your 4th of July weekend with DJ EvietheCool on the patio 8-11pm.
    4th of July DJ EvietheCool Photo

  • Charm Bar Brunch

    $0.00 - $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jul 12, 2025 only
    Brunch just got charmed. Swing by The Dawson patio for a one-day pop-up with Adorn512 Jewelry, onsite from 12–3PM, where you can build your own custom jewelry while sipping bottomless mimosas. A $10 charge secures your spot and will be applied toward your jewelry purchase. Brunch runs 10:30AM–3:30PM with Southern brunch specials, country tunes, and a little sparkle to your Smokeout weekend.
    Charm Bar Brunch Photo

Private dining

Offers

  • Why limit happy to an hour?

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Fri - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Join us every Tuesday - Friday 4-6pm for happy hour for special features including $10 cocktails, $10 wines, $6 beers, and specially priced bites.

    Why limit happy to an hour? Photo

Ask Concierge
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Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Menu

The Dawson's menu was last updated on 5/12/2023.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,799 people are saying

The Dawson reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Dawson offers a "wonderful experience," highlighted by exceptional service and a "great atmosphere." It's perfect for special occasions with "fantastic" birthday celebrations and "amazing" brunches. The outdoor patio and "well-crafted" menu are highly praised, while standout dishes include the "chicken fried lobster" and "bottomless brunch." Despite occasional service hiccups, The Dawson remains a "neighborhood gem."
2,799 Reviews

  1. Ebby VIP

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great location for brunch or dinner!! The patio is so cute and lovely :) Will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Laura

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always exceptional service & cuisine! Definitely a date night go-to every week!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Julie

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My food was very overpriced for value. I was expecting a thick cut sourdough and instead I got a flimsy, soggy piece of bread I could get from the grocery store. Otherwise cure patio and great service.

    Is this helpful?

  4. william VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great time good food wayyyy too loud. Recommend but beware of noise

    Is this helpful?

  5. Vince VIP

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The DAWSON is one of my favorite Chicago restaurants! The food, the service and the ambiance is impeccable! Day or night you will be thoroughly satisfied!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jennifer

    Chicago / Illinois22 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service and atmosphere is great. The food was average and overpriced. A $30 curry with no protein should have noodles and not just broth and bok choy. How much would it cost to give more noodles, I paid credit card fee and healthcare fee. So Watered down drinks and noticing that corners are cut affects the value. It’s not horrible but too many solid choices in Chicago to try again. Covid is over people and prices are still pandemic levels so give me value if you charge these fees because it is noticed. I obviously knew the prices before I made the reservation and my expectations are high at this price point. Service was very good, a man from Ireland was serving us while he visits this summer. He leveled up our dinner and try to get at his table if you get the chance.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Autumn

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    3.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was just okay. Service was excellent. I’d be willing to try again but different food items of course. I had the chicken and waffles. The waffles tasted like corn bread. Chicken was not very flavorful but was juicy

    Is this helpful?

  8. Tara

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Overall nice. We had a reservation. We asked to sit outside for Father’s Day. There were plenty of empty tables, but the host said they were available, even though another employee suggested she clean a table for us. Then we were sat inside, and saw the table outside sit empty for our entire meal. Felt like a host power play.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Drew VIP

    Chicago / Illinois5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We celebrated my wife’s birthday here and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming - the staff went out of their way to make the evening feel special. Every dish we ordered was delicious, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. The atmosphere was relaxed but still felt like a real treat. We couldn’t have picked a better spot to mark the occasion. Highly recommend and looking forward to coming back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Morgan VIP

    Chicago / Illinois11 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 11, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Our recent visit to the Dawson was a mixed bag, but I'd still return. Food came out quickly. Martinis were well-made with a great touch of blue cheese olives, though my other cocktail wasn't good. The coconut curry was just okay. Our favorites were the chicken fried lobster and tortellone. Value was just okay. While the rest of the staff was fabulous, our waiter gave off bad vibes, seemed disinterested, and didn't know the menu well. Perhaps he was new, but it really impacted our experience. Despite the poor service from our specific waiter, the standout dishes and quick food delivery make me willing to come back.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Dawson offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Dawson also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 243-8955.

The Dawson is rated 4.6 stars by 2799 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. River West

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Dawson

730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Neighborhood
    River West
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stopCTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
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