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The Bellevue

1031 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
$$$

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

The Bellevue 8.1
Gold Coast
Occupying the former Tavern on Rush corner, The Bellevue pairs a two-story dining room with a sizable sidewalk café just off Mariano Park. Contemporary American plates, seafood towers, and a full bar make it a flexible choice for brunch, business meals, and late-night people-watching on the triangle.
Must-Try Dishes: Italian Beef Wontons, Seafood Tower, Prime Rib
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Gold Coast corner restaurant with big sidewalk café and classics.
Who should go: Business diners and locals wanting polished but flexible American menus.
When to visit: Afternoon into golden hour for patio people-watching and drinks.
What to order: Italian Beef Wontons, Seafood Tower, Prime Rib.
Insider tip: Ask for patio facing Mariano Park for liveliest triangle views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically offered during peak meal periods; street parking is limited and competitive around Mariano Park, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished attire fits the Gold Coast crowd; jeans are fine if styled neatly.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — patio and bar areas can get energetic, but seated tables generally allow conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio-facing tables in warm weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually brief or no wait, except during peak business lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, vegetable-forward starters, and a few mains can be adapted on request.
Vegan options: Limited — expect a small number of modifiable items rather than dedicated vegan dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some items and seafood preparations can be made gluten-free; confirm with server for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the corner setting, patio views, and flexible menu make it a strong pick for a relaxed but upscale first date, especially outdoors during warm months.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for indoor seating outside peak times; patio and prime view tables are heavily requested, so reservations are recommended if you’re timing around dinner or weekend brunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — staff is accustomed to families earlier in the day and at brunch, though evenings skew more adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor people-watching, business-friendly meals, and flexible American menus with seafood and steaks in a high-energy Gold Coast setting.
Skip if: You want quiet, intimate dining, cutting-edge chef tasting menus, or highly specialized dietary programs.
The Bellevue 8.3
Gold Coast
The Bellevue occupies the high-visibility Rush Street triangle with an all-day menu that runs from salads and pizzas to seafood towers and prime rib. At lunch, the sidewalk and corner banquettes work well for semi-formal business meetups where people-watching is a feature, not a bug.
Must-Try Dishes: Italian Beef Wontons, Seafood Tower, Prime Rib
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 6.5 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A high-energy Gold Coast corner with flexible menus and strong people-watching.
Who should go: Groups combining business talk with a more social setting.
When to visit: Early afternoon on weekdays, after the initial lunch rush.
What to order: Italian Beef Wontons, Seafood Tower, Prime Rib.
Insider tip: Ask for a patio or window table off the main walkway if you want easier conversation and fewer interruptions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; paid garages along Rush/State are the most reliable. Street parking is scarce and competitive during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — business attire and polished jeans are common; lean slightly dressy for client lunches.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is workable indoors at smaller tables; patio and corner banquettes can feel louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio or corner seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually short waits or seated on arrival; brief delays during 12–1pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, pastas, and a few shareables can be ordered vegetarian with minor modifications.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and vegetable sides can be adjusted, but few fully vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free on request; confirm modifications with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to social-business or group meals than an intimate first date — the room is lively and people-watching-heavy rather than quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at weekday lunch; for patio or prime corner seats, a reservation greatly improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families during daytime or early evening; the vibe trends adult-social later at night and on busy weekends.
Best For
Better for: Semi-formal business lunches, mixed-occasion groups, and patio people-watching with a wide, flexible menu.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, cutting-edge cuisine, or extensive vegan/gluten-free specialization.