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The Dawson
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Dawson
8.4
The Dawson is a sprawling River West meeting point with a big all-season patio, a wood-fire-leaning American menu, and an ambitious cocktail program. Brunch, burgers, and shareable plates make it a favorite for groups who want a scene without sacrificing food quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Dawson Burger, Chorizo hash, Wood-grilled chicken
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A big, design-forward indoor–outdoor space where wood-fired American cooking meets serious cocktails.
Who should go: Groups and brunch crews who prioritize patio and drinks.
When to visit: Weekend brunch and warm-evening dinners on the patio.
What to order: Dawson Burger, chorizo hash, a house cocktail from the seasonal list.
Insider tip: Target patio reservations in shoulder seasons when it’s warm enough for outside but easier to book.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks is possible but limited during peak hours; nearby paid garages along Halsted and Grand are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and boots are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished, especially at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but the main room and patio get loud during peak brunch and dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio seating on warm nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, except on sunny patio days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — salads, veggie starters, and a few mains can be made meat-free on request.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items can be adapted, but menus skew more vegetarian than fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are GF or can be modified; notify the server for guidance on substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and fire-lit interior feel warm and atmospheric without being overly formal, though peak brunch can feel more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially indoors or on weekdays — but expect a wait for prime brunch or patio slots; the bar is a good fallback for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for earlier meals and brunch — spacious seating and outdoor areas work well for families, but late evenings trend more adult-social.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, patio-focused gatherings, and brunch or cocktail outings where ambiance matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, strictly vegan dining, or a quick in-and-out meal without crowds.
The Dawson
8.7
The Dawson’s weekend brunch leans into wood-fire, cocktails, and patio energy in the Fulton River corner of 60654. Menus balance comfort staples, pastry-leaning starters, and burgers with a bar program that makes it feel as much like a day-drinking spot as a restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nutella Stuffed French Toast, Croque Monsieur Forestier, Sticky Duck Wings as a starter
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Wood-fired, cocktail-driven brunch with one of the stronger patios in 60654.
Who should go: Groups who want real food plus serious brunch cocktails.
When to visit: Late morning into early afternoon on nice-weather weekends.
What to order: Nutella French toast, Croque Monsieur, sticky duck wings to share.
Insider tip: Target patio reservations on mild days; inside, request a booth away from the bar if you prefer lower noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in the Fulton River District; metered spots nearby plus paid garage options within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — brunch-polished; jeans and casual layers are fine but many guests lean slightly dressy for patio seating.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is fine at standard tables, but bar and patio areas get louder during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal since brunch is the main draw, but 15–30 minutes is possible during warm-weather evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is calmer and more relaxed than weekends.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, pastry items, and a few mains can be made vegetarian with modifications.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items may work with substitutions; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free friendly options and modifications are available; ask staff to flag celiac-safe preparations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and booth seating feel relaxed but polished, and the cocktails add a celebratory brunch vibe without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties early in the day, but expect a wait during prime patio weather; reservations are strongly recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families during earlier brunch hours; strollers fit best outdoors and the room becomes louder as the day progresses.
Best For
Better for: Groups that want a social, cocktail-forward brunch with strong patio energy and wood-fire comfort dishes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key brunch or strictly health-leaning menus — consider calmer cafés or lighter breakfast spots instead.
The Dawson
8.3
The Dawson is a sprawling, multi-level tavern best known for one of the city’s most substantial courtyard patios, backed by wood-fired American cooking and strong cocktails. It functions as an all-day hangout, from brunch and burgers to late-night drinks under string lights.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Dawson Burger, Sticky duck wings, Breakfast poutine
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A huge, foliage-covered courtyard patio anchors a cocktail-forward American tavern.
Who should go: Brunch crews and casual date nights wanting a big patio.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or warm evenings when the courtyard is buzzing.
What to order: Dawson Burger, sticky duck wings, breakfast poutine.
Insider tip: Request courtyard seating specifically—bar tables and sidewalk spots feel like a different, less immersive experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street and metered parking in the surrounding blocks; spots can be competitive on weekends — rideshare is common during peak times.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual layers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evenings and dates.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at most tables, but the courtyard can get loud during peak brunch and dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 40–70 minutes without a reservation, longer on warm patio-weather nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except during peak sunny-weather lunch hours on the patio.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, appetizers, and brunch items can be ordered vegetarian or modified.
Vegan options: Limited — a small handful of dishes can be customized, but menus skew more comfort-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes — a number of mains and sides can be prepared gluten-free on request; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the courtyard patio and cocktail program create an upbeat but comfortable setting; choose earlier evening or weekday times if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are commonly seated at the bar or on the patio during non-peak hours, but expect a wait on warm weekends and during prime brunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during daytime and brunch — the space is large and relaxed, though evenings skew more adult-social and can be loud for very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-group patio hangs, relaxed brunch gatherings, and casual date nights with strong cocktails and a standout outdoor setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, highly specialized dietary menus, or a strictly indoor dining environment.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday4pm - 11pm
Wednesday4pm - 11pm
Thursday4pm - 11pm
Friday4pm - 12am
Saturday10:30am - 12am
Sunday10:30am - 9pm