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The Dawson, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

The Dawson

4.5 (2809)
$31 to $50
American
730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 32 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for brunch
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

  • Dawson City Limits - Live Bands

    Multiple dates available
    This season, The Dawson brings back Dawson City Limits — a summer series celebrating live music, laid-back vibes, and wood-fired dining. Join us each week for open-air performances, seasonal cocktails, and courtyard energy all summer long. Live Music & DJ Sessions Wednesdays 6–9PM: Local bands bring the vibe to the courtyard plus half off select wine bottles. Fridays 8–11PM: Start your weekend al fresco with DJ sets.
    Dawson City Limits - Live Bands Photo

  • Dawson City Limits - Patio DJs

    Multiple dates available
    This season, The Dawson brings back Dawson City Limits — a summer series celebrating live music, laid-back vibes, and wood-fired dining. Join us each week for open-air performances, seasonal cocktails, and courtyard energy all summer long. Fridays 8–11PM: Start your weekend al fresco with DJ sets. Wednesdays 6–9PM: Local bands bring the vibe to the courtyard plus half off select wine bottles.
    Dawson City Limits - Patio DJs 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

Ask Concierge
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Menu

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

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,809 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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Dawson offers "exceptional service & cuisine," with a "beautiful patio" perfect for outdoor dining. Guests enjoy the "impeccable" food and "terrific ambiance" ideal for special occasions. The restaurant is praised for its attentive staff and "unique cocktails." It's a top choice for brunch, dinner, and celebrations.
2,809 Reviews

  1. Patrick VIP

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    1.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    By far the worst restaurant experience I have ever had in the city. We sat for 30 minutes before anyone came up to us. Waited another 30 minutes for a drink to come. The food was fine, but they couldn’t get 90% of it right. My girlfriend and her friends split a pitcher of drink. We had to remind the staff 10 minutes later that they only brought 2 glasses, not 3, after they said they were bringing an extra. I think what might be the worst part is, after we complained about service 4 times, no one seemed to care. Sad establishment with a sad excuse for management. I am not one to write a review but I wanted to write this to warn people about what they might experience.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Cate

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and drinks for brunch, with even better service and atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Alyson VIP

    Chicago / Illinois18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience as per usual. Our server, Sean, was kind and we never felt rushed. The daily special was delicious and the outdoor patio seating was beautiful.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kenje VIP

    Orlando / Central Florida East27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great pre-concert dinner at The Dawson. Perfect patio for a summer afternoon in Chicago. Food was delicious. Service was attentive. Great place.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Julia VIP

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really lovely patio with great service and food. Highly recommend sitting outside if possible.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Pam

    Toronto / Ontario3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our nature loving group enjoyed the covered patio with trees and stone fireplace…a great outdoorsy, comfortable feel. Food was very good. Service very friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    1.0

    Dined on July 5, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Our service was neglectful but friendly during taking the order and presenting the bill. Never checked to see how our dining experience or food satisfaction was. Steak over cooked the manager assisted with having another steak brought to us. The fish tacos used to be the best - moist and cooked to perfection but they lacked seasoning. The entire meal was a disappointment and the lack of service was the insult to injury. This was my last time eating there and I removed my bookmark. Chicago is a gastro pub and you can find a higher quality of food and service - a HARD pass for me! Management was courteous and comped our meal.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Ebby VIP

    Chicago / Illinois4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great location for brunch or dinner!! The patio is so cute and lovely :) Will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Laura

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always exceptional service & cuisine! Definitely a date night go-to every week!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Julie

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My food was very overpriced for value. I was expecting a thick cut sourdough and instead I got a flimsy, soggy piece of bread I could get from the grocery store. Otherwise cure patio and great service.

    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 4.5 stars by 2809 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
9:30 PM
Booked 32 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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