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The Dawson, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

The Dawson

4.6 (2779)
$31 to $50
American
730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for brunch
  • Good for groups
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

  • The Dawson x Moody Tongue Communal Dinner

    $85.00 per person

    May 22, 2025 only
    Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars as The Dawson teams up with the award-winning Moody Tongue brewery for a courtyard feast like no other. This springtime communal dinner features a whole pig roast paired with three expertly selected Moody Tongue beers, including a special appearance by the Moody Tongue Brewmaster Jared Rouben. Start with grilled East Coast oysters in al pastor butter and chorizo empanadas with Oaxaca cheese. Then dig into our centerpiece: a slow-roasted pig glazed with mezcal and served alongside smoked mac & cheese, grilled chili-lime corn, wood-fired carrots, and vibrant Mexican street fruit. Top it all off with a decadent dessert by Pastry Chef Kymberli DeLost-Cuschieri, thoughtfully paired with a final Moody Tongue brew. 3 beer pairings included. Additional beverages available for purchase. Limited seating. Courtyard vibes. Smoky aromas. Unbeatable flavors.
    The Dawson x Moody Tongue Communal Dinner 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

Concierge
AI Beta

Ask Concierge and find out exactly what you need to know about The Dawson.

Menu

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

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,779 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Dawson offers "great food and top tier service" with a "warm and inviting ambiance," ideal for dates or gatherings. Highlights include the "best bread we've ever had," duck wings, and vibrant brunch options. Despite a pricier menu, it's "worth visiting" for its festive atmosphere and standout dishes like the Dawson burger and wood-fired pork chop.

2,779 Reviews

  1. Kendall VIP

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server was so kind and the entire staff did an amazing job! We will be back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Raymond

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great brunch and wonderful server! An enjoyable Mother's Day experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Micah

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had Mother’s Day brunch and it was outstanding! A bit expensive but the food was great and the service was even better. 100% recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rich

    San Francisco1 review

    1.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    It wasn’t busy at 1245 on a Saturday but the food took an hour for 2 burgers. Maybe the private event took all the attention but that’s not a valid excuse for the slow service. The subpar burgers were too charred and way too expensive($26). The ambience inside is lackluster but even if the weather was nice enough for the patios, I’d still be disappointed. I recommend going almost anywhere else. I don’t plan on coming back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Ericka

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love this place.. the oysters are top tier! The vibe was so elegant. If I could give it 10 stars I would

    Is this helpful?

  6. elisabeth

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We came to dinner with 2 young children. Taylor was our server and she was phenomenal, graciously dealing with the odd requests from the kids, cleaning up a spilled lemonade before I could even ask for another napkin, and ensuring 2 shared entrees came out on 4 separate plates. It was a birthday dinner and she nailed the timing and candles. She really made sure we had a great time. Thanks Taylor & the Dawson!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Matthew VIP

    Milwaukee11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome brunch! Highly recommend! We found parking no problem at all

    Is this helpful?

  8. Lisa

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Have been wanting to try this spot and was happy to get a reservation! Had steak frites and sides. The Mac and cheese was so good. The carrots the potatoes and the harvest salad was so delicious as well. I should asked for my steak done a little bit more but that was on me. Lol. Great ambiance and service. The espresso martini was perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lewis VIP

    Chicago29 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We did the Easter dinner. It was clear that food was just left over from brunch. The meats were dry,  the whipped cream they were putting on the crêpes was sitting in a bucket of melted water that was at room temperature. Yes, I stuck my finger in the water to check. Very disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  10. sarah

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and drinks and amazing service! Thank you to the team at The Dawson for your support of our daughter’s 18th birthday party with her friends. You helped us reach our goal of having the girls enjoy their dinner while my partner and I enjoyed a separate dinner and easily paid both checks! My daughter and her friends had a great time! Thank you!!!!!

    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 2779 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 24 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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