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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in South Side

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477 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Virtue restaurant
1. Virtue
4.9
Exceptional(856)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Hyde Park
Booked 61 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 El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
2. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2214)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 64 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 Steakhouse & Bar delivers an authentic taste of Argentina in the heart of Chicago, seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
3. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2488)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 170 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
4.5
Awesome(1772)
Price: Expensive
• American • Hyde Park
Booked 113 times today
Located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, Chemistry is Chicago's premier Black-owned Steakhouse! Enjoy the most delicious steak while experiencing excellent white-glove service. Chemistry exemplifies black excellence at its finest. When the creator of Chemistry first started dating, he wondered "If there were only a place that was breathtaking upon entry, amazing live bands and DJ's, delicious photographable food, good service, along with a place to get up and dance," he’d show up as much as his pockets could afford. However that place didn’t exist, until now. Chemistry, the perfect mix of a high-end late-night steakhouse, booming brunch spot, and tantalizing nightlife vibes all created to be the perfect place to experience love! *Large Parties over 12 are unable to make an online reservation. Please email your request to reservations@chemistrychicago.com Please note: We are not open for dinner service on Friday nights
A photo of Bar Mar restaurant
5. Bar Mar
4.7
Exceptional(1170)
Price: Moderate
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 202 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.
A photo of Moody Tongue Brewing Company restaurant
6. Moody Tongue Brewing Company
4.7
Exceptional(0)
Price: Very Expensive
• Brewery • South Loop
Booked 22 times today
Founded in 2014 in Chicago by cousins Jared Rouben (Brewmaster) and Jeremy Cohn (CEO), Moody Tongue is built on the philosophy of culinary brewing, appealing to those with a discerning palate or, as Rouben describes, a "moody tongue." Utilizing his extensive culinary background and brewing education, Rouben approaches brewing with a chef's mindset. In 2019, the brewery relocated and expanded to launch two dining concepts: (1) a lively, à la carte restaurant, THE BAR, and (2) an elevated, intimate fine dining restaurant, THE DINING ROOM, helmed by Executive Chef James Bingham. Since opening, Moody Tongue has been honored to receive stars in the Chicago MICHELIN Guide in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.Please note: our tasting menu is exclusively available in The Dining Room; our a la carte menu is exclusively available in The Bar.For parties with 7+ guests, please e-mail contact@moodytongue.com for reservation inquiries as well as information regarding Semi-Private and Private Events.
A photo of The Gage restaurant
7. The Gage
4.8
Exceptional(12204)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 163 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 Bronzeville Winery restaurant
8. Bronzeville Winery
4.4
Awesome(145)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Bronzeville
Booked 28 times today
Bronzeville Winery is a destination where exceptional food, fine wine, and vibrant energy come together. The menu offers seasonal small plates, artisanal cheese boards, seasonal large plates, and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for every palate. From indulgent Sunday brunch to curated wine and whiskey tasting flights, each visit is a celebration of flavor and creativity. Located just moments away from U Chicago , Hyde Park and 3 minutes from Lake Shore Drive.BW sets the perfect mood with live music every Wednesday and Sunday & DJs for the vibe Thursday - Saturday. Stop by for Happy Hour Wednesdays & Thursdays from 4–6 or gather for unforgettable celebrations, birthdays & dates —whether it’s a party of 30 or a buyout for 200 guests.As the 2023 Jean Banchet Award Winner for Best Hospitality, Bronzeville Winery offers an unmatched combination of warm service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a soulful connection to Chicago’s rich cultural heritage.
A photo of Cindy's Rooftop restaurant
9. Cindy's Rooftop
4.5
Awesome(53)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 89 times today
Perched atop the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel under a glass atrium, Cindy's welcomes guests with sweeping views of Millennium Park, the ever-changing blues of Lake Michigan, and beyond. Providing a remarkable backdrop for Top Chef contestant Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss and her inspired menu featuring local wild and seasonal produce and fresh seafood. With vibrant service, an all-season terrace, and an extensive beverage menu that intertwines naturally with the dishes, every detail of your experience is thoughtfully crafted to make a lasting memory. For private events: please reach out to cindysevents@caa.bokagrp.com.
A photo of 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar restaurant
10. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar
4.6
Exceptional(1360)
Price: Expensive
• Caribbean • Hyde Park
Booked 32 times today
14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar is a casual dining experience serving a fusion of Caribbean dishes from some of your favorite vacation destinations. Conveniently located in Chicago's Hyde Park, our intimate space, friendly staff, and delicious creations are sure to become a favorite. At 14 Parish our goal is to bring a bit of paradise to everyday life!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sarah
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything was delicious. Service was gracious and generous. Only wish was that the menu offered a cider :)
    More info
    VirtuePrice: Expensive• Southern• Hyde Park
    •
    4.9
  • Destiny
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We came here to celebrate our anniversary and got the meatballs,ricotta dumplings,pizza,and chicken Parmesan and everything was out of this world delicious!! I would say my one and only complaint was that the waiter asked if we wanted a dessert and I thought that the one we picked was gonna be on the house because it was our anniversary but they ended up giving us a scoop of ice cream for free and honestly if I would’ve known they were gonna give us the ice cream I would’ve never ordered the dessert cause it was just so much food and the dessert was pricey Other than that everything was delicious and service was perfect!
    More info
    Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • VanithaVIP
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food was good - portions on the smaller side - but the food was fresh, flavorful and interesting ( ceviche with sweet potato- for example) Really pretty space - and cocktails were solid and heavy pour!
    More info
    Bar MarPrice: Moderate• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.7
  • JohnVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •87 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always a great place for carnivores! Creative cocktail menu. Service is always at the top of its game. Noisy but the food quality says “so what.” We’ll be back!
    More info
    El Che Steakhouse & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Laneeka
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Chemist was great helped pick out drink, came dancing with the birthday sign for me 10/10 will definitely visit again
    More info
    ChemistryPrice: Expensive• American• Hyde Park
    •
    4.5

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