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The Lakefront Restaurant, Chicago, IL

The Lakefront Restaurant

4.7
4.7
1097 Reviews
$30 and under
American
2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 11 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
The Lakefront Restaurant is an upscale tavern located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the historic Theater on the Lake building. We offer seasonal Midwestern fare featuring the freshest choice ingredients and a beverage program highlighting craft beers, spirits, and a diverse wine list.

We are open year-round, and invite you to enjoy the casual elegance of our intimate tables, communal seating, lounge area, and our warm-weather Skyline Patio -- all while taking in the stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Visit us during the fall and winter months for happy hour and other daily specials.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 414-1313 ext. 2
  • Website
    https://theateronthelake.com/restaurant/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
  • Location
    2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
  • Neighborhood
    Lincoln Park
  • Cross street
    Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
  • Parking details
    $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
  • Public transit
    CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

The Lakefront Restaurant's menu was last updated on 4/19/2025.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,097 people are saying

The Lakefront Restaurant 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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Great for scenic views

  • Chicago

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Lakefront Restaurant offers "beautiful views" and "great food" at "excellent prices." Guests consistently praise the "amazing" service, with standout servers like Tim, Bailey, and Rick. The atmosphere is "beautiful" and perfect for any occasion, from brunch to special celebrations. Valet parking is available, enhancing the "wonderful" dining experience.

1,097 Reviews

  1. Stephen

    Chicago6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My family gathered here for Easter dinner. This was our second year we did this and it was outstanding each time. Everything was wonderful from the valet parking to the desserts. The view is beautiful and so uplifting. We love this restaurant and look forward to our next visit.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Wendy

    Chicago8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a great evening - our waitress was fun - food was good. Fun Saturday night

    Is this helpful?

  3. Susan VIP

    Chicago23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    5 stars for service!! Our waiter, TIM, could not be friendlier or more efficient! My friend was gifted her yummy Aperol-Spritz cocktail for her birthday, and Tim even put a "floating" birthday candle in it! So fun! The food came out fast and was tasty. We were there to take in a Fever Candlelight performance and closed out our bill early to cue up for the performance at a moment's notice when the doors would open. But a rare thing happened ... Tim continued to come by AFTER the bill and tip were paid, just to make sure we were still happy. And he even came over to let us know the the show doors were opening so we could head over to get a place in line. Thank you Tim! PS: We absolutely loved getting valet parking and the guys out here were super cool too!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jennifer

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The location is beautiful, and brunch options were delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kristie VIP

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a wonderful time and a wonderful meal. With a fantastic view

    Is this helpful?

  6. Dianne

    Tampa2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful View!! Great food at excellent prices. Excellent service and atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Lindsey

    Chicago2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was awesome! Bailey was great and the view is one of Chicago’s best!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jeanne VIP

    Chicago6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great first time experience tonight for dinner, starting with valet super friendly welcome, hostess also very welcoming, our waiter Rick was fantastic, so helpful, insightful, took care of every detail with a wonderful spirit. Food was wonderful! Beautiful venue. Highly recommended

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Catalina was very nice and the food was delicious. Value for the food was very affordable and the view during lunch was awesome.

    Is this helpful?

  10. ReynaN VIP

    St. Louis4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful view and great food! Tasty dishes and delicious drinks

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Lakefront Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1097 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. Lincoln Park

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 11 times today
Google Map for The Lakefront Restaurant

2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Fullerton & Lake Shore Drive, East of Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront
  • Neighborhood
    Lincoln Park
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    $15 valet parking (cash only) is available in the front circle drive. Pricing for events may vary. Easy Uber/Lyft/taxi drop-off. Paid parking is available at Lincoln Park Zoo and Diversey Harbor parking lot located on the northeast corner of Cannon and Fullerton. Free street parking is also available along Cannon Drive.
  • Public transit
    CTA bus routes #76, #151, and #156
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    https://theateronthelake.com/restaurant/
  • Phone number
    (312) 414-1313 ext. 2
  • Private party facilities
    The Lakefront Restaurant is located in the historical prairie-style building, Theater On The Lake. The building has flexible room options for any event, including full buyouts of the building, private rooms, and simi private area within The Lakefront Restaurant.
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