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  5. River West

The Dawson

4.8
4.8
2426 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
  • Logo image for Uber Eats
Private dining

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

  • 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

  • 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

What 2,426 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Chicago

    Great for outdoor dining

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    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
  2. fritz

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Perfect for any occasion
  3. Drayj

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Too loud. Food is good.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience5
    Love the Dawson. But wasn’t their night. Brussel sprouts were undercooked, entre was wrong and server forgot about us.
  5. JM12

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    To no fault of anyone, a loud large party sat next to us so taking my older mother who flew into town from the east coast to celebrate my birthday - this ruined our night a bit. Service was attentive. Overall, food was good, not great. The ceviche was great*.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Tucson

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good food and drinks, cute ambiance for friends going out or a date night
  7. MoKak

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and an enjoyable and lively atmosphere that was not TOO crazy.
  8. jonW

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Duck wings were outstanding food very high standard cool place a little pricey but well worth a visit
  9. MikeB

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a fantastic place. Great drinks, very fun wine list and small but high quality menu. Table of 3 and we all loved our dishes. I personally had the fish tacos and what a wonderful dish...big piece of striped bass, beautifully presented, and well seasoned; trust me you will not go home hungry. I will be back for another dinner and look forward to doing brunch one Sunday. I almost forgot...Dan was our server, what can I say "Dan's the Man" he was awesome and really made dinner fun!
  10. JayDub

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, drink, and service. I went for the first time yesterday, but it won’t be my last. The Dawson has a great vibe and is fantastic for a date night, happy hour, or just a cool place for dinner and drinks. I was delighted to find out Dawson had the same ownership as my favorite restaurant Citrine in Oak Park.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome service and delish eats, what more can you ask for?? Also LOVE the rustic vibe.
  12. Samantha

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The perfect place for a girls night out dinner - amazing food, amazing drinks, fun & lively ambiance! The Dawson always hits it out of the park.
  13. SamIam

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Birthday but never got birthday dessert or anything. Awesome place in general
  14. nolakira

    Chicago

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Lovely brunch - very accommodating for our kiddo
  15. GiaG

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is delicious! Service was fantastic. Fried lobster, mimosas, chicken & waffle, and huevous rancheros were all on point! A bit pricey, but worth it for the most part. I will come back!
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Great food, but prices higher than what we got. 2 people with 1 entree each and 1 shared small app and no alcohol > $75. It was fine, but just not that impressive. Will definitely go back, but will probably choose somewhere else for a quick friends catch up in the future.
  17. Ben13

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was Steel, and he was amazing. The perfect amount of attentive for a business meeting.
  18. DavidL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great breakfast spot for friends and family. Highly recommend to anyone who likes a relaxed but fancy brunch experience.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was very delicious from the food to cocktails and beautiful atmosphere. Our server Steele was attentive and gave great recommendations.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, great food, great atmosphere!
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A bit pricey, but the food was good.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a lovely restaurant. Sat in a heated outside deck and had 5 wonderful dishes to share. The scallops with the corn salsa and crema were the star of the show. Everything else was fresh and yummy. Staff was very pleasant and helpful. Will go there again.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Service was just ok, didn’t match the restaurant atmosphere
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had a great dinner with family. Food was good and service was excellent. The server made a few recommendations that were great!
  25. TDub725

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I would give every category five stars, but we waited to be serviced, and the manager came over to take our order. After the mishap, the service was excellent. We began with the fried lobster, which was amazing. For our meal we tried the banana foster pancakes and diner breakfast. Everything was delicious. I’d go back for brunch and look forward to trying dinner.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful experience. The heated outside patio was so toasty and warm. The food was so much we had leftovers, we ordered a bit of everything on the menu and it was just so good! Can’t wait to go back from happy hour and dinner.
  27. KarenB

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The food was pretty good. I ordered the chicken. Staff were super friendly and attentive. Love going to this place.
  28. SueR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful from accommodating last-minute changes to answering questions about valet and parking - having my people seated when I was running a few minutes late - not a problem. The appetizers - outstanding - I understand the octopus was the best ever. The main dishes - outstanding. I was the token vegan in the group so had the coconut curry - outstanding and a substantial option above a salad. The ambiance is fantastic, perfect. It started quiet since we had an early seating, but noise level was moderate once nearby tables were seated. Still, you could hear the person diagonally across the table. The waitress had a wonderful smile and matching personality while serving us. The staff did all the right things at all the right times. Will be back!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Fort Lauderdale

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Nice patio on a good day, food is acceptable but nothing is really great. Server was nice but got most of the orders wrong.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Super fun in the summer. GREAT cocktails. Food is a bit pricey for what you get, but it is good finger food.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food was surprisingly good. Carrots were great
  32. JeremyJ

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for a 60th birthday party, but there was a wide range of people going to as young as 1. This was the perfect restaurant to accommodate.
  33. kelkaty

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Loved everything until I saw a rat! Although, being outside in a city that’s not uncommon…it’s still a GREAT place!!
  34. RebecaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Justin was just amazing! Very knowledgeable on the menu and drinks. Super friendly and welcoming. Definitely coming back!
  35. Grace

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    cocktails were the perfect balance of alcohol and mixer, food was well worth the money and very upscale, service was excellent
  36. 1515fish

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food in a relaxed setting, good for any occasion. Chill vibe.
  37. Ryan

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a pretty large party come in for a birthday brunch and had the best experience we could ask for, great food, great vibes, and our server was phenomenal. 10/10 would recommend.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Dawson accommodated our large bday group w amazing service, foods and drinks. Cannot wait to return.
  39. Anis

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience4
    Service took forever and the food was not special at all for the price
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time! Highly recommend their brunch. Can’t wait to go back!!

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 2426 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
  • Logo image for Uber Eats
Google Map for The Dawson

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

  • 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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