The Dawson

Name: The Dawson
Address: 730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, 60654
Telephone: (312) 243-8955
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2291 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 22, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 62 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 243-8955

Delivery

Order online

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–1:00 am Sat 10:30 am–1:00 am Sun 10:30 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 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

Location
730 West Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60654
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 stop<br />CTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stop<br />CTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stop<br />CTA 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

Popular dishes

Chilled Oysters
devilish mignonette, lemon
- 6 For$22.00
Hamachi Crudo$21.00
mint-jalapeno salsa, persian cucumber, pickled chile, shoyu vinaigrette
Chistorra & Patatas Bravo$16.00
basque style chorizo, fried yukon chips, aleppo pepper, parmesean, chilli aioli
Grilled Octopus***$25.00
black garlic vinaigrette, pickled shimeji, piparras, charred lemon
Sticky Duck Wings** ***$19.00
salsa macha, honeycomb, pickled ginger, lime, scallion, toast
Mussels$20.00
gochujang, coconut broth, pickled fresno, toast, charred lime
Buffalo Cauliflower**$12.00
sweet and tangy buffalo, almond, breadcrumb, blue cheese dip
Empanadas$12.00
housemade chorizo, chihuahua cheese, serrano-dill aioli
Chicken Fried Lobster$24.00
banana pepper, spicy ranch, lemon
Wisconsin Cheese Curds$12.00
beer battered, curry ketchup

Wood-Fired Grill

house specialties made over open fire

Coal Fired Carrots**$12.00
sunchoke hummus, pimento relish, sherry glaze, mint
Shishito Peppers$12.00
black mojo, crispy fresno, curly scallion, charred citrus
Lamb Chops$48.00
grapes, olive, mint, lamb jus
The Dawson Burger* ***$18.00
lettuce, tomato, pickle, griddled onion, american & cheddar cheese, satyr sauce, brioche bun
Grilled Fish Tacos***$48.00
perfect to start or share; market fish, chile cascabel salsa, guacamole, creamy coleslaw, flour tortilla
Catalpa Grove Pork Chop*$34.00
braised lentil, apple, bacon, crispy shallot & garlic, demi glace
Wagyu Skirt Steak* **$48.00
macha potato, santa maria salsa
Chef's Cut of the Day*
frites, truffle garlic aioli
- MP

Salads

Add to Any Salad: steak $21, chicken $8, shrimp (shellfish) $16

Beets** ***$16.00
fennel, citrus, sumac, arare, poppy seed vinaigrette, pine nut crunch
Baby Gem$16.00
grilled baby gem lettuce, point reyes blue cheese, roasted tomato, bacon, buttermilk vinaigrette
Super Green$16.00
tuscan kale, spinach, arugula, avocado, quinoa, pepita, green goddess

Entrées

Rigatoni$24.00
Housemade fennel sausage, vodka sauce, grana padano, basil. Available Vegetarian
Halibut***$36.00
asparagus, cherry tomato, lemon beurre blanc
Butter Chicken Pot Pie$24.00
peas, carrot, yogurt, garam masala curry, housemade naan crust
Lamb Shank$34.00
basmati rice, almond, pickled cucumber, dates, chile, herbs, lamb jus
Coconut Curry**$24.00
cashew curry, crispy cashew, cauliflower, ginger, basmati rice

Seasonal Cocktails

$15

Day Dreams & Bubbles
vibrant - tart - spritzer; grey goose vodka, strawberry, rhubarb, lemon, fever tree tonic
Peas & Quiet
bright - tart - pisco sour; control pisco, sugar snap pea, st. germain, lillet blanc, citrus cordial
24 Karrot
fresh - crushable - margarita; espolon blanco, ilegal mezcal, carrot, lemon, turkish honey, aleppo
Kentucky Sun
lush - floral - old fashioned; basil hayden bourbon, falernum, gentian liqueuer, lemon
Trinidad Tango**
rich - herbal - tiki; lustau east india sherry, angostura, lime, orgeat

GHG Single Barrel Selections

Russel's Reserve, Lawrenceburg, KY$12.00
rich - chocolate - spice
Maker's Mark, Loretto, KY$12.00
french oak - caramel - toasted nuts
Whistlepig 12 Year Bespoke, Shoreham, VT$16.00
marsala cask - honey - lemon balm
Herradura "King of Kentucky", Jalisco, Mexico$12.00
reposado tequila aged in king of kentucky barrels

Spirit-Free Options

Pomegranate Mule$8.00
pomegranate juice, orange oil, ginger beer
Dawson Bramble$8.00
seedlip grove 42, seasonal fruit, lime
Bubbles Please$6.00
TOST sparkling 'rose wine'

Rosé All May

75 In Pink$14.00
dry - floral - french; hangar | rosé vodka | cocchi rosa | sparkling rosé
Frosé$14.00
rich - floral - frozen rosé; la neveran rosé | st. germain | aelred melon | honey | lime

The Rotating Drip

Easy Speak$16.00
velvety - rich - manhattan; aberfeldy scotch, cynar, chai tea tincture

Dawson Classics

Some Like It Hot$15.00
tart - refreshing - spicy; tequila, lime, orange, agave, habanero
G.T.O.$15.00
bright - herbacious - The Dawson favorite; gin, carpano classico, grapefruit, lime, thyme, hops

Draft Beer

Right Bee, 'Rosé' - Cider - Chicago, IL (6%)$9.00
Off Color 'Beer for Tacos' - Margarita Gose - Chicago, IL (4.8%)$8.00
Cruz Blanca 'La Floradita' - Rosé Wheat- Chicago, IL (5%)$9.00
Dovetail 'Lager' - Lager - Chicago, IL (4.8%)$8.00
Krombacher 'Pils' - Pilsner - Germany (4.8%)$8.00
Metropolitan 'Dynamo' - Vienna Lager - Chicago,IL (5.8%)$8.00
Moody Tongue 'Orange Blossom' - Belgian Blonde Ale - Chicago, IL (5.4%)$10.00
Dovetail 'Hefeweizen' - Wheat - Chicago, IL (4.8%)$8.00
Hubbard's Cave 'Hopsurd' - NE IPA - Niles, IL (8.5%)$10.00
Moor's 'Session Ale' - IPA - Chicago, IL (5%)$9.00
3 Floyds 'Robert The Bruce - Scottish Ale - Munster, IN (7.5%)$9.00

What 2,291 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time do I brunch at the Dawson and I will be back!
m
my925
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall3food3service3ambience4
I've been to The Dawson a few times - this last visit was not very impressive. Our server was not very attentive - we had to ask the food runners for things multiple times and get a manager's attention to order. Fish tacos were not nearly as good as I remember them being and are definitely overpriced. Octopus was not cooked well enough and still had the gelatinous layer between the skin and meat which was texturely gross to everyone at my table. Elotes and Super Green salad were both good. Sadly, overall an expensive dinner that was not really worth it.
r
rmndll
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We just moved to the area & decided to try out The Dawson for my birthday dinner. They offered us complimentary champagne & received such great service! The food was amazing, the drinks were TOO good & the ambiance was perfect for our date night/birthday dinner. Definitely coming back & recommending friends & family to visit!
r
rlern
Chicago
125 reviews
vip
4.0
125 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
excellent service, very friendly staff, and a great outdoor space. the food was very good, but, a very limited menu
K
Kimberly
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed this place so much! The food , the drinks and the staff were amazing! Love to be back soon!
D
Deborah24
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience3
The food and service needs ton of work. The food was very lacking.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
Food was amazing! Love the drinks. Perfect birthday dinner, provided us complimentary champagne and ice cream to celebrate.
EM
EMA1
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Chose it because it belongs to the same group as other of our favorites in the city. The Dawson did not disappoint. Attentive service, nice ambiance, excellent selections. The menu had several delicious options, we sampled several (delicate fish, excellent meat cuts, etc). Congratulations to The Gage Group, another great local.
DJ
DavidJC
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always good experience at the Dawson
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day and birthday
o
olga
Chicago
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience5
Great ambiance/design and service, food/drinks were fine nothing amazing for the price. Improvement on food would make it a must go.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was great! Food delicious and service was good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service & food was amazing. Emily the manager made sure to take great care of us.
TD
TrisD
Chicago
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Loved the vibe.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter was beyond accommodating! My irish coffee was a bit strong and when I asked for creamer to lighten it- he brought me a brand new drink instead. Such a fab experience!
SD
StefaniD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommend The Dawson! One of the best restaurants in Chicago.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service! We had a table of 5 and everyone was happy with EVERYTHING!
AN
AndrewN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and our server was knowledgeable and friendly
a
aacreativ
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
This was my second time visiting the Dawson and just like the first time everything was excellent. The service the food and the drinks! We ordered the buffalo cauliflower, the sticky duck wings, fried lobster and the fish tacos. Everything was delicious and our server Justin was great as well. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient and answered all of our questions. Next time I’m in town, I will definitely be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was so delicious and waiter was amazing
EH
Eddie2Hands
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Lisa, gave us tremendous recommendations as this was our first time dining at The Dawson. Loved the modern farmhouse ambience and design. We all loved the different spaces to dine. The owner, Bill, came around to welcome us and check on our experience. Nice touch. The food was very, very good. Portion sizes were appropriate. We will dine here again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, wait staff was amazing! 4 stars for Jonathan!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Special recognition to Matt our server for making our anniversary memorable. His recommendations we perfect for brunch.
H
Harcm
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely brunch.
T
Travelaholic
Chicago
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service. Outstanding food. Definitely going back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Alfonso is a great server and we loved having brunch here for a mother daughter weekend together!
O
Outalot
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience2
Very slow service and overpriced for what you get.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We celebrated our anniversary at the Dawson and had such a lovely experience! Our waiter brought us champagne to start off, and had a great recommendation for wine. Other staff was constantly coming by to fill our water and wine glasses. Gorgeous space and easy to read menu without too many options (which I love). The food was unique with lots of Indian-fusion types of items (my favorite). I gave four stars on food because the spice and uniqueness was wonderful, however, there was overall flavor missing - hard to explain. I’d still go back and try other dishes. I really loved the variety of the rooms and patio, too. I know I’ll be back for cocktails in the summer!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Food was fantastic, everything great. Only comment is about the burger being undercooked. I ordered it medium but it was very pink, more like rare for both myself and dining partner who also ordered the burger.
RK
RajeK
Atlanta
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Women supply chain event!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was the second time we have dined at The Dawson, and on both occasions everything was outstanding. We'll surely be back.
d
dori
Chicago
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for my husband's 65th birthday and could not have made a better choice. The food and service were truly outstanding. We will surely be back many times. Highly recommend!!!!
BT
BeeTee
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing experience here. Tried six dishes, everything was absolutely fantastic. The cauliflower and the wagyu in particular were amazing. The cocktails are very creative and quite stiff. It is a bit pricy so it will have to stay a special occasion venue for us sadly.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Ambience was great. Service was extremely well. Very limited vegetarian options.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely loved the date here. The oysters were amazing, but most importantly our waiter was the nicest waiter I have ever had ever.
KW
KirstenW
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The wait staff and hostess was amazing. Delicious food and great ambience!
C
Charles123
Chicago
117 reviews
vip
5.0
117 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just outstanding - I cannot recommend enough. We’ve been in a funk recently with Chicago restaurants but no longer! The Dawson will be our new go-to. Charred broccoli appetizer, empanadas, hamachi crudo, skirt steak, cheesecake dessert - all terrific. Plus, great martinis. Love the spice, details and care that goes into everything they prepare. Also, the service was wonderful. Our server was so friendly and kind. Will be back!!!!
MC
MlkChoc1
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
This place is great! I would like for them to have more vegetarian entre options and to revisit their Brussels sprouts recipe. But that’s minimal, overall excellent choice.
K
Kdb12
Phoenix
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service by Lisa. Went out of her way to make our group feel special. They were busy, but our drinks were kept full and the food choices were very good.
SD
SeanD
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
They had no apple juice for brunch!!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from The Dawson using the Order Online button. The Dawson also 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 4.8 stars by 2291 OpenTable diners.

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