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Best Fun Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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29 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Izakaya at Momotaro restaurant
1. The Izakaya at Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(879)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 41 times today
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.
A photo of Robert's Pizza and Dough Company restaurant
2. Robert's Pizza and Dough Company
4.8
Exceptional(2139)
Price: Expensive
• Pizzeria • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 118 times today
Robert's Pizza and Dough Company serves it's award winning thin-crust artisanal pizzas with fresh and unique ingredients.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | West Loop (Union Park) restaurant
3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | West Loop (Union Park)
4.7
Exceptional(949)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Loop
Booked 29 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Starbucks Reserve® Chicago Roastery restaurant
4. Starbucks Reserve® Chicago Roastery
4.8
Exceptional(26)
Price: Expensive
• Café • River North (Chicago)
Booked 10 times today
The World's Largest Starbucks.A spectacular destination. Our passion for craft, innovation, and discovery comes to life in an ever-evolving menu of coffee, cocktails and food.An immersive and thoughtfully designed experience, this one-of-a-kind space will bring your event to life in a uniquely memorable way.
A photo of RAMEN-SAN - River North restaurant
5. RAMEN-SAN - River North
4.8
Exceptional(270)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 63 times today
Ramen-san is a bold and energetic neighborhood joint that slings hot noodles, ice-cold beer and rare expressions of Japanese whisky all to the tune of the best ’90s hip-hop in town. It respects the traditions but keep things uniquely untraditional in its yuzu sake bombs, crispy dumplings, spicy kimchi fried ramen and more. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining seven days a week.
A photo of Ghost Donkey - River North restaurant
6. Ghost Donkey - River North
4.6
Exceptional(34)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • River North (Chicago)
Booked 19 times today
A warm and inviting space with a healthy dose of city grit, Ghost Donkey is rich with vibrant colors and a carefree, fun-loving attitude that evokes notions of Mexican celebration. A true high-low nightlife destination with elevated mezcal and tequila-focused cocktails, classic bites with just enough twist to keep your palette guessing, and an extensive mezcal and tequila list. Ghost Donkey creates an experience-driven, unforgettable moment for every guest that joins the fiesta. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Mexican Hospitality while savoring sips of agave-based spirits. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the show, or break out a dance move underneath the sway of the swinging lights.
A photo of Grapes & Grains restaurant
7. Grapes & Grains
4.7
Exceptional(41)
Price: Expensive
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • West Loop
Booked 10 times today
GG, as it is affectionately referred to in the neighborhood, is a piano bar located in the heart of West Loop, featuring Chicago's top talent. Exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, chesterfield couches, and intimate lighting pay sexy homage to Old Chicago. The main floor boasts 2,500 square feet of gorgeous lounge space complete with a baby grand piano and sabrage room providing the most lively of atmospheres. Guests can reserve a live music experience on select evenings or learn the nuances of whiskeys and wines at one of our monthly masterclass events.Experience live music performances at GG Wednesday through Sunday. Be entertained on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Fridays 7:00PM-1:30AM, Saturdays 7:00PM-2:30AM, and Sundays 6:00-9:00PM, with no minimums and no live music fee. First come first serve seating and standing room available after 9pm on Fridays & Saturdays.
A photo of VU Rooftop Lounge restaurant
8. VU Rooftop Lounge
4.3
Awesome(271)
Price: Moderate
• American • China Town
Booked 1 time today
Vu Rooftop Bar offers an amazing atmosphere with beautiful views of the Lake and Downtown, making it a fun place to visit. Reviewers mention the great food, good vibes, and the fantastic ambiance. The restaurant's unique rooftop setting, with outdoor terraces and enclosed spaces, adds to its appeal. It's a perfect spot for friends, family, or even a date, as one reviewer put it.
A photo of Bub City restaurant
9. Bub City
4.6
Exceptional(1532)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • River North (Chicago)
Booked 32 times today
Bub City is the destination for barbecue, whiskey and live country music and is open for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late night dining. The Southern spot offers house-smoked BBQ, more than 125 different whiskeys from well-known and independent distilleries throughout the country and live country music.
A photo of Benihana - Chicago, IL restaurant
10. Benihana - Chicago, IL
3.8
Excellent(2637)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown / Loop
Booked 52 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
‘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.

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