Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in South Loop

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

ChicagoNear West

Neighborhoods

Downtown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleLincoln ParkLittle Italy / University VillageLogan SquareOak Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

59 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. LUXBAR

4.7

Exceptional(3007)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 126 times today

The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.7

Exceptional(15297)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 206 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

3. Gibsons Italia

4.9

Exceptional(4456)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 155 times today

Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

4. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1322)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 18 times today

The Florentine is a lively spot with great ambiance. Reviews rave about the 'good ambience', 'nice seating', and 'quiet but lively setting'. The bar area is loved by many, with one reviewer stating 'eating at the bar is just as enjoyable and comfortable as a table'. The restaurant also serves 'great drinks' and accommodates kids, making it an ideal place for families and groups.

5. Barrio

4.5

Awesome(2985)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 67 times today

Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

6. Mercadito - River North

4.5

Awesome(6463)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 164 times today

Located in the heart of River North, Mercadito is a topdestination for modern Mexican cuisine andhandcrafted tequila and mezcal cocktails. Our menufeatures fresh takes on traditional dishes, includingsignature tacos, guacamole, ceviche, andmore—perfect for sharing and savoring.Downstairs, Mercadito’s Lounge offers a hidden,speakeasy-style escape with a chic, intimate vibe.Guests can enjoy the full menu in this cozy setting,complete with dim lighting, plush booths, and elevatedcocktails.Join us for bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a vibrantdining experience in the city’s premier Mexicanrestaurant.

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant

7. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(14542)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 153 times today

Since 1984, Shaw’s Crab House has earned its status as a Chicago icon with its unwavering commitment to quality and warm, dedicated staff. This generational restaurant embodies timeless seafood traditions inspired by America's coastal crab houses, creating a classic dining experience that stands the test of time. Signature dishes include King Crab Legs, oysters from both coasts, hand-rolled sushi, fresh fish, and more. After 40 years of excellence, Shaw's was ranked #8 in Chicago Magazine's Best Chicago Restaurants of 2024.The restaurant's 1940s-style design features two distinct dining rooms: the lively, casual Oyster Bar and the elegant, white-tablecloth Main Dining Room. Guests who reserve "Hightop" seating will dine in the Oyster Bar, while "Standard" seating is for the Main Dining Room.Located in the heart of River North, Shaw’s is just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable seafood experience.

A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant

8. Le Colonial - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(8115)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 106 times today

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.

9. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4443)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 112 times today

Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

10. Quartino - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(11258)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 125 times today

Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.

‘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

A
Andrew
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Had an awesome dinner at Barrio. The food was incredible! Every dish was packed with flavor and really hit the spot. The atmosphere was just as good with a fun, lively vibe that made the whole experience even better. Our server was fantastic, super friendly and on top of everything without being overbearing. For the quality of the food and service, the value was absolutely there. Definitely recommend!
More info
BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
S
ScottVIP
Charlotte •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great Food! Love the outdoor patio as the noise level inside was intense
More info
Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.7
C
CydneyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It was so lovely, the staff is friendly and welcoming our server was perfect. The view is breathtaking and the ambience is very pleasing chairs are comfortable seating not to close to other tables. Our food was delicious we had a pasta dish and steak yummy . The mushrooms were so good , it is perfect for a special occasion or anytime. I will definitely put it on my short list .
More info
Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.9
D
DerrickVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
First time there. Food and service were incredible! Our new favorite!
More info
The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.4
K
Kylee
1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Service was great and the atmosphere was amazing I had and amazing lunch!
More info
LUXBARPrice: Moderate• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.7

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Neighborhood
Vibrant bar scene

South Loop

Elmwood Park
Oak Lawn
Portage Park
Winnetka
Westmont
Lake Bluff
Belmont Central / Cragin
Evergreen Park
South Loop
Lincoln Park
Blue Island
Downtown / Loop
Naperville
Aurora
Hillside
North of Foster / Rogers Park
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Palatine
Albany Park
Schaumburg