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: 4.6

4.6

2463 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 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 243-8955

Other options

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–12:00 am Sat 10:30 am–12:00 am Sun 10:30 am–9:00 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

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

Fruit Plate$10.00
seasonal fruit, candied ginger
Berry Parfait$10.00
fresh berry, orange yogurt, honey, fruit & nut granola
Super Green Salad$16.00
tuscan kale, spinach, arugula, avocado, quinoa, pepita, green goddess
Wisconsin Cheese Curds$12.00
beer battered, curry ketchup
Chicken Fried Lobster$27.00
banana pepper, spicy ranch, lemon
Brunch Empanada$12.00
sweet potato, scrambled egg, queso fresco, seasonal jam
Bacon Flight$21.00
hungarian bacon, maple braised bacon, jowl bacon, biscuit, butter, seasonal jam

Brunch Mains

Nutella Stuffed French Toast$17.00
fresh berry, whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar
Chicken & Waffle$21.00
honey rosemary chicken, cornbread waffle, fried egg, country gravy
Huevo Ranchero$16.00
corn tortilla, refried beans, salsa roja, avocado, queso fresco, egg
Shrimp & Grits$21.00
shrimp, bacon jam, anson mills grit, fine herbs
Breakfast Poke Bowl$23.00
ahi tuna, persian cucumber, egg, avocado, quinoa, fresno, edamame, carrot, jasmine rice, ponzu vinaigrette
Stuffed Pepper$15.00
chorizo, chihuahua, guajillo, sunny side up egg
Croque Monsieur Forestier$15.00
woodland mushroom, gruyère, mornay, egg
Bologna Sandwich$15.00
dijon, fried egg, american cheese, sesame bun
The Dawson Burger$21.00
american cheese, griddle onion, satyr sauce, house pickles, tomato, sesame bun

Pastries

Warm Banana Bread**$9.00
sweet cream frosting, caramelized hazelnut, vanilla pineapple butter
Country Style Biscuit$10.00
buttermilk biscuit, seasonal jam, whipped butter

Satyr Scrambles

twice fried potatoes, '1979' multigrain, seasonal jam, butter

Smoked Salmon$22.00
egg, crème fraîche, trout roe
Woodland Mushroom$18.00
egg, chive
Speck Ham$20.00
egg, hollandaise, chive

Sides

Mac & Cheese$10.00
hook's cheddar, bacon, scallion
Bacon$6.00
Twice Fried Potatoes$8.00
garlic aioli, herbs
Sausage$6.00

Seasonal Cocktails

Two of a Kind$16.00
bison grass vodka, pineau des charentes, williams pear, bitters, lemon
Greenhouse Gimlet$16.00
bombay dry gin, manzanilla sherry, dill, caraway, lime, greek yogurt clarification
My Cherry Amor$16.00
ilegal mezcal, blood orange aperitif, citrus, black cherry bubbles
Spritz Magnifique$16.00
bianco aperitivo, st. germain, cavaillon melon, lemon, bubbles
Satyr Sangria
spanish rosé, pisco, guava, citrus
- per glass$15.00
- Pitcher$65.00

Recovery Mode

Pancho's Bloody Mary$15.00
chef's secret mix + chicago spirit vodka
Tiny-Tini$5.00
espresso martini... but make it mini
- Ready for a Buzz? Make It Full-Sized$16.00
Peach-Ee Keen Mimosa$12.00
lychee, peach, citrus, bubbles
- For the Table Carafe of Juice + Bottle of Bubbles$55.00

Spirit-Free

Coconut Cadillac$13.00
lyre's amaretti, chai tea, coconut, pineapple, cinnamon
Bubbles Please$6.00
tost sparkling 'rose wine'
GTO$13.00
seedlip spice 94, mallorca melon, citrus, hopped bubbles, thym
Wellbeing 'Hellrasier' Na Amber Ale$8.00

Beer

Eris 'Pedestrian' Dry Cider - Chicago, IL (5.6%)$8.00
Middle Brow 'Yard Work' Kolsch Brewed w/ Clover Honey - Chicago, IL (4%)$8.00
Alarmist 'Crispy Boy' Pilsner - Chicago, IL (4.9%)$7.00
Stella Artois - European Lager - Belgium (5%)$7.00
Around the Bend 'Vera' Nitro, Pistachio Cream Ale - Chicago, IL (5.2%)$8.00
Dovetail - Vienna Lager - Chicago, IL (5.1%)$8.00
Forbidden Root 'Peach Wit' Witbier w/ Peaches & Botanicals - Chicago, IL (5.1%)$8.00
Perennial 'Saison de Lis' Belgian-Style Saison - St. Louis, MO (5%)$8.00
Half Acre 'Fuzz Country' Wheat Pale Ale - Chicago, IL (5.2%)$8.00
Warpigs 'Foggy Geezer' Hazy IPA - Munster, IN (6.8%)$8.00
Pollyanna 'Lexical Gap' West Coast IPA - Lemont, IL (7.2%)$8.00
Ravinia 'Baldwin' Porter - Highland Park, IL (6.3%)$7.00

What 2,463 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Great for outdoor dining
Chicago
Great for outdoor dining
Chicago
Lively

Sort by

PG
PGLL2003
Washington DC
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner! Great staff, everyone so gracious and professional. Delicious food and tasty cocktails. A fun and interesting wine list. Lovely outdoor dining
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My son and I go weekly and always have a good time, good food and good service. I love that they recognize us whenever we go!
LD
LDanovia
Chicago
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. We made reservations to return before we left!
M
Michelle
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is such a great spot that does not disappoint. It is enjoyable whether you are seated inside or outside. The staff is friendly and inviting and makes you feel welcome and are helpful with the menu items and ordering. Had an excellent family brunch for Mother's Day and will return when not a special occasion.
J
Jules
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience for brunch at the Dawson. Only minor complaint is that it’s a bit loud.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience1
Why on earth were we put by the bathroom/service table on Mother’s Day with plenty of tables available lol
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience4
They changed the recipe for their GTO ‘signature drink’ and ruined it in the process. None of the ingredients used were in the old recipe. I’m not sure why they changed it or why they’re calling the new imposter a GTO, but it’s not even close. The food is good. Nothing that will blow you away, but certainly isn’t bad either. But it was the old GTO that we loved and kept coming back for, and now they’ve absolutely ruined it. We asked if they could make it the “old way” and they came back and said they didn’t have the thyme simple syrup, and would have to substitute with rosemary simple syrup. Lazy. This is a restaurant, and simple syrup is super easy to make. -For the staff to say they “couldn’t” was bs. It was their polite way of saying they just didn’t want to. Which considering the circumstances, is pure laziness. -Why is this annoying? Because any half-decent restaurant has water, sugar, and I know they had thyme bc they garnished the drink with it (by request). -You literally just have to boil a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar until the sugar is no longer visible, and then add your seasoning/garnish of choice to diffuse it. It still wouldn’t have been the same as the original recipe, but it would’ve been way closer and way better without the halfass approach to a drink this restaurant previously mastered and then bastardized by replacing it with some trans-citrus tea that identifies as a GTO. It’s just not the same.. at all, aside from the name. Which honestly seems like it was left on the menu to trick people, which is an even bigger slap in the face. Why even change a house specialty like that let alone completely swap out 100% of the ingredients? Better yet, why give some totally different drink recipe the same name? What the heck?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
The halibut was delicious, perfectly prepared. Didn’t think I’d like the white anchovies on my caesar salad but it was really good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Loved the experience, host was nice, greeted my partner and me. Waiter was amazing, you asked for something he would bring it right away, he didn’t hover at the table which I loved only came when we needed something. Only thing that was it was a bit nosy but other than that i would go again!
AK
ArielK
Memphis/West TN
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Service was slow and it was pretty noisy on the patio, where we were seated.
G
Grace
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience3
The music was so loud on the patio and the drinks were expensive but great French fries and nice waiter!
JT
JanT
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
good food, friendly staff, sloppy handling of wine, music really too loud for good conversation over dinner
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
Service was slow and unprofessional, didn’t make up for it with the food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
I didn’t realize that they had a fire and remodeled, the food was excellent, the service lagged a little bit, but I would absolutely return. Great outdoor space
JS
JenniferS
Chicago
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We had a very nice early dinner before a play. We started with Tuna ceviche and then had pasta and halibut. All were outstanding. We finished with a piece of chocolate cake which was awesome too. We will be back.
BN
BrianaN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was extremely welcoming and accommodating. They brought us champagne to celebrate my husband’s birthday, and one staff member noticed that I don’t drink alcohol and gave me a flute of sparkling juice. We enjoyed the steak frites and the pea pasta, and the strawberry rhubarb dessert was delicious. I actually left my credit card at the restaurant, and a staff member called me to let me know! I really appreciate that.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Phenomenal service. Will be going there again soon
SG
StephenG
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The new Dawson is better than the previous version. I really like it.
PC
PaulC
Chicago
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Amazing food although the desserts were not as good as the appetizers or entrees. It was very busy and kind of loud when I was there on a Friday night for dinner. The service was Great!!! Overall a great place to dine if you don’t mind it being kind of loud.
HS
HannaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I was able to reserve a table for a large group (travelling for work) same-day. The process was simple, service was excellent and the food/beverage selection left no one hungry. Upscale vibe without being too pricey, server have great wine recommendations, manager (Jimmy) stopped by to check in on the table. Highly recommend this place!
TD
TrisD
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and all staff was friendly and attentive.
JH
JenH
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food and service were excellent but the music was too loud to have a conversation.
HF
HeatherF
Chicago
25 reviews
vip
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Very attentive staff and good service. Louder than I expected but we got used to it. Lovely time had by all.
TS
TheShop
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great table, location and the manager or owner came to say hello to us - he and others were all very friendly and genuine people.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience3
I use to like the The Dawson. The food was very disappointing. Very overpriced for just ok food.
M
Mark
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first visit and it was quite superb - from the moment we entered to the moment we left we were treated kindly the whole time - plus the food and beverages were excellent!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Northern MI
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience5
The service was incredibly slow for being an empty restaurant
c
chicagolucy
Chicago
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
everyone & everything was fabulous 💜 thank you 💞 (wish one of my favorite salads was still on the menu but alas, updates… still love u!! 💖
J
James
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 12, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
This is our go-to spot, mainly because of the chicken fried lobster. Great place to go when it's a sunny, Summer day in Chicago.
B
Bran
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and drinks were all delicious. A little on the expensive side but overall worth it!
LC
LizC
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food! Would love to go back soon!
CD
ChristinaD
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated Easter brunch with family here. What a friendly server we had. The food was fabulous. Highly recommend the bacon flight and biscuits
K
Klaasneus
Chicago
62 reviews
vip
5.0
62 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
D'Awsome! Our name for The Dawson. Equally awesome is the "Sticky Duck Wings" which I mispronounced "Stucky Dick Wings" – zero alcohol involved. We were helpless with laughter – server included! The evening was off to a riot. Chicken Fried Lobster is another must-have – once we realized that no chicken was involved. 🤣 It's a synonym for "Southern-fried" which sounds infinitely better than "battered". Other awesome plates and drinks on our table: Bar Harbor Mussels, Coconut Curry with steak (droolingly good), chocolate cake (incredible) and Wellbeing Hellraiser NA amber ale. The people at reception are always warm and friendly and so are the servers who really know their menu. It makes such a difference to have both owners Branko Palikuca and Billy Lawless around and have a nice chat with them. Team D'Awesome, you have literally risen from the ashes. So happy you are open again – better than ever!
SA
SARA
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall lovely ambiance. Definitely loud on re-opening night (4/7). Very light / low volume wine pours for the price. Small food portions for the price.
A
Average
Chicago
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great to go back to this heat establishment
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
My first time here and it was awesome! Enjoyed the food and drinks. I plan to come back soon as I was told they are adding wood fired oysters to the menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We dined on the restaurant's first day of reopening and were given complementary champagne. The server was excellent and the food was delicious. The only negative was that a surcharge was added to the bill.
G
Gage
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Their ever rotating seasonal menu always delights. So happy to have this amazing establishment in our neighborhood
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The place is great. However they had a fire right as we we were finishing. The stuff handled it very well
f
fritz
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Perfect for any occasion

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 4.6 stars by 2463 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(312) 243-8955

Other options

Order online

730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

Cross street
Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
Neighborhood
River West
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 10:30 am–12:00 am Sun 10:30 am–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
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

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

The Dawson

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Private dining

Additional information

Tuna Ceviche

Grilled Octopus

Halibut

To Start

Fruit Plate$10.00

Berry Parfait$10.00

Super Green Salad$16.00

Wisconsin Cheese Curds$12.00

Chicken Fried Lobster$27.00

Brunch Empanada$12.00

Bacon Flight$21.00

Brunch Mains

Nutella Stuffed French Toast$17.00

Chicken & Waffle$21.00

Huevo Ranchero$16.00

Shrimp & Grits$21.00

Breakfast Poke Bowl$23.00

Stuffed Pepper$15.00

Croque Monsieur Forestier$15.00

Bologna Sandwich$15.00

The Dawson Burger$21.00

Pastries

Warm Banana Bread**$9.00

Country Style Biscuit$10.00

Satyr Scrambles

Smoked Salmon$22.00

Woodland Mushroom$18.00

Speck Ham$20.00

Sides

Mac & Cheese$10.00

Bacon$6.00

Twice Fried Potatoes$8.00

Sausage$6.00

Seasonal Cocktails

Two of a Kind$16.00

Greenhouse Gimlet$16.00

My Cherry Amor$16.00

Spritz Magnifique$16.00

Satyr Sangria

Recovery Mode

Pancho's Bloody Mary$15.00

Tiny-Tini$5.00

Peach-Ee Keen Mimosa$12.00

Spirit-Free

Coconut Cadillac$13.00

Bubbles Please$6.00

GTO$13.00

Wellbeing 'Hellrasier' Na Amber Ale$8.00

Beer

Eris 'Pedestrian' Dry Cider - Chicago, IL (5.6%)$8.00

Middle Brow 'Yard Work' Kolsch Brewed w/ Clover Honey - Chicago, IL (4%)$8.00

Alarmist 'Crispy Boy' Pilsner - Chicago, IL (4.9%)$7.00

Stella Artois - European Lager - Belgium (5%)$7.00

Around the Bend 'Vera' Nitro, Pistachio Cream Ale - Chicago, IL (5.2%)$8.00

Dovetail - Vienna Lager - Chicago, IL (5.1%)$8.00

Forbidden Root 'Peach Wit' Witbier w/ Peaches & Botanicals - Chicago, IL (5.1%)$8.00

Perennial 'Saison de Lis' Belgian-Style Saison - St. Louis, MO (5%)$8.00

Half Acre 'Fuzz Country' Wheat Pale Ale - Chicago, IL (5.2%)$8.00

Warpigs 'Foggy Geezer' Hazy IPA - Munster, IN (6.8%)$8.00

Pollyanna 'Lexical Gap' West Coast IPA - Lemont, IL (7.2%)$8.00

Ravinia 'Baldwin' Porter - Highland Park, IL (6.3%)$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Dawson offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Dawson restaurant rated?

Is The Dawson currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation