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South Branch Tavern & Grille
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
South Branch Tavern & Grille
8.0
South Branch Tavern & Grille is a big, riverfront New American tavern built for Loop office crowds, with a sprawling patio, long beer list, and a menu that runs from burgers and tacos to big salads. It anchors after-work drinks, corporate lunches, and game-day gatherings when you want something livelier than a white-tablecloth steakhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bang Bang Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Cowboy Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A large-format riverfront tavern where New American comfort food, TVs, and a big patio all collide in one space.
Who should go: Office groups wanting beers, TVs, and crowd-pleasing plates.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour when the patio and bar are humming.
What to order: Bang Bang Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Cowboy Salad.
Insider tip: On nice days, request patio seating along the river rail; for big games, the interior bar offers better sightlines to the screens.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking; availability improves after office hours and on weekends. No consistent on-site valet.
Dress code: Business casual; office attire and neat jeans are common, especially on weekdays.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — patio and bar areas can be lively during happy hour and game times; quieter tables are usually inside away from the bar.
Weekend wait: Often minimal to moderate wait, but can fill up on nice patio-weather days or during major games.
Weekday lunch: Can be busy with corporate groups; short wait or reservation recommended during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, snacks, and a handful of mains can be ordered vegetarian or modified on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be customized, but options are more sparse than vegetarian.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free; confirm substitutions with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than an intimate first date — the energy skews lively, especially near the bar and TVs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially outside of peak weekday lunch or major game times; reservations are smart for large groups or patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime and early evenings; spacious seating and approachable menu items work well for older kids, though later hours can feel more bar-forward.
Best For
Better for: Large office groups, after-work drinks, riverside patio seating, and game-day gatherings with a broad, crowd-pleasing menu.
Skip if: You want a quiet, fine-dining experience, a romantic date setting, or a restaurant with extensive vegan or specialty-diet offerings.
South Branch Tavern & Grille
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
South Branch is a large, riverside tavern where the Butcher Burger and South Branch Burger sit alongside salads, tacos, and shareable bar plates. Since 2011, Loop regulars have used it for business lunches and after-work rounds when they want a substantial burger with craft beer and skyline views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butcher Burger, South Branch Burger, Turkey Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A high-volume riverside tavern where hefty burgers share space with one of the Loop’s liveliest patios.
Who should go: Teams and clients wanting burgers with river views.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or golden-hour happy hour on the patio.
What to order: Butcher Burger, South Branch Burger, fries and a local draft.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead for patio tables on sunny days; walk-ins get pushed to the bar when the riverfront fills up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily nearby garages along Wacker and Lake; limited street parking and fills quickly during office hours. Plan for paid garage parking, especially on weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual; office attire and neat jeans are common, but client-lunch appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is workable indoors at lunch, louder on the patio and during happy hour.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal since it’s more of a weekday destination, but expect short waits when the patio is busy in warm months.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes at peak corporate lunch hours without a reservation; faster for small parties or bar seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, veggie-forward sides, and customizable burgers/sandwiches can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and sides can be adapted, but most mains require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free on request; ask your server about bun swaps and fryer considerations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than a romantic first date — the energy skews corporate and social, especially on the patio and during happy hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small groups, but expect waits at peak lunch and on sunny patio days. The bar and high-tops are your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — kids are fine earlier in the day or outdoors, but crowds and noise lean adult during happy hour and evening drinks.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, client lunches, and burger-and-beer meals with river views — especially when patio seating matters.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, chef-driven burgers, or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus — other Loop spots will fit those needs better.
South Branch Tavern & Grille
8.2
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
A big riverfront tavern built for Loop groups where fries are the default side for handhelds—best when they’re fresh and paired with a burger or taco plate on the patio. It’s a “stay awhile” spot: start with an appetizer, then keep the fries moving alongside drinks as the table settles in.
Must-Try Dishes:
French fries, South Branch burger, Bang Bang shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Riverfront patio energy with fries as the go-to side engine.
Who should go: Office groups who want food plus a patio.
When to visit: Sunny weekday afternoons or early happy hour.
What to order: Fries, a burger, shrimp tacos.
Insider tip: If you’re seated outside, order fries immediately—timing matters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; limited metered street parking nearby and nearby public garages around the river. Street spots are difficult during weekday afternoons and happy hour.
Dress code: Smart casual. Office attire, jeans, and polos are all common—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours, especially on the patio and during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30-60 minutes without a reservation, longer if the patio is full on nice days.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait outside the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - fries, salads, and a few meatless starters are available.
Vegan options: Limited - fries and select salads with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited - salads and some proteins without buns; cross-contamination possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or daytime dates than intimate evenings. The energy is social and lively, which can feel distracting if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch or early happy hour. For prime patio seating on sunny days, expect a wait or arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early hours. The menu is approachable, but evenings skew more adult with bar energy.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, office outings, and riverfront hangs where fries function as an easy, shareable side alongside drinks.
Skip if: You want fries as the main event or a quiet, focused dining experience—this is more about atmosphere and pacing than precision frying.
South Branch Tavern & Grille
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A Loop workhorse that’s genuinely useful for groups—big, lively, and built for private parties without feeling tucked away. It’s at its best when you treat it like an after-work spread: a couple of shareables, one or two mains, and keep the order familiar so timing stays smooth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bang Bang Shrimp, Fish tacos, New England clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A downtown group-friendly room with a true private dining setup for business and socials.
Who should go: Work groups, celebrations, and big tables
When to visit: Weekdays after 4pm for peak energy
What to order: Bang Bang Shrimp, fish tacos, chowder
Insider tip: Book the private dining room early—weekday windows go fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Nearby public garages within a few blocks; street parking is limited and competitive during weekday evenings. Rideshare is often easiest after work hours.
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual—office attire fits right in, jeans are fine but avoid anything too casual late in the day.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—fine for group conversation, less ideal for quiet one-on-one talks.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you arrive early evening
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days, brief lines possible around noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, sides, and a few vegetarian-friendly mains that can work as a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads and sides with modifications; not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly options available; staff can guide you, but there is no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s lively and group-oriented, which can make focused conversation harder. Better once you’re past the getting-to-know-you stage.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at lunch or right after opening. For weekday evenings or larger groups, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening—kids are welcome, though the atmosphere skews adult and after-work later at night.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, business gatherings, and private events where space, energy, and service flow matter more than culinary experimentation.
Skip if: You’re looking for an intimate dinner, a quiet conversation, or a chef-driven food experience—choose a smaller, more focused dining room instead.
South Branch Tavern & Grille
7.8
A big, river-adjacent tavern that shines as a patio-first happy hour: quick drinks, shareable starters, and a crowd that feels like the Loop letting off steam. Keep the order snackable—one spicy-leaning veg plate, one crispy starter—and you’ll get the best value-to-fun ratio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kung Pao Cauliflower, Salt and Pepper Calamari, Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A riverfront patio tavern where shareables and drinks are the whole point.
Who should go: Coworkers who want patio drinks and easy snacks
When to visit: Weekdays at 4pm to claim prime outdoor seats
What to order: Kung pao cauliflower, calamari, fried chicken sandwich
Insider tip: Grab a patio table first, then send one person to order for speed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; easiest options are nearby garages in the West Loop Gate area, with street spots filling quickly after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans, sneakers, and workwear are all common, especially during happy hour.
Noise level: Loud during peak happy-hour hours, especially outside; conversation is easy early, tougher once the patio fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak patio weather; shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait most days; brief lines possible right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several shareable plates and salads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of veggie-forward options can be modified, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free friendly choices available, but cross-contact is possible in a tavern kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual first meetup than an intimate date—great energy and easy ordering, but it can get loud and crowded.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially if you arrive right at opening or mid-afternoon; patio tables go fastest, so arrive early and be flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes; during happy hour it skews adult and bar-focused, making it less ideal for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-group happy hours, patio drinking, and casual snacks with river-adjacent energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet conversation, a food-driven meal, or a more polished cocktail-focused experience.
South Branch Tavern & Grille
7.9
A big river-adjacent tavern that works when you want a high-energy happy hour with reliable kitchen output and room for groups. The taco play here is the seafood-leaning set—best as a shareable bar order alongside a round while you ride the patio-or-bust vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ahi tuna tacos, Kung pao cauliflower, Calamari
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: River-corridor tavern energy with a taco option that holds up at happy hour.
Who should go: After-work groups chasing patio seats
When to visit: Weekdays at 4pm to claim tables
What to order: Ahi tuna tacos, kung pao cauliflower, a beer round
Insider tip: Go early for outdoor seating—later turns into standing-room vibes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking along Wacker Drive and nearby side streets; paid garages in the river corridor are the most reliable option after work hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and work attire are standard; no need to dress up unless you’re coming straight from the office.
Noise level: Loud during peak happy hour, especially near the bar and patio; conversation is easier earlier in the afternoon or indoors away from TVs.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak times if the patio is open; faster turnover inside.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – vegetable-driven options like kung pao cauliflower and salads; tacos can work if you order selectively.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable sides and salads with modifications; not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some salads and protein-forward dishes work, but cross-contact is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, high-energy vibe. It’s more sports-bar and group-driven than intimate, so it works better for low-pressure drinks than conversation-heavy dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially if you arrive right at 4pm on weekdays. Later in the evening, expect to wait or stand until a table opens, particularly if the patio is in demand.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—there’s plenty of space and familiar menu items. During happy hour and evenings, the bar-heavy atmosphere makes it less ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, patio-first happy hours, and sports-bar energy with reliable food that can handle volume.
Skip if: You want a quieter taco-focused experience, a date-night setting, or a more refined cocktail-and-food pairing.
South Branch Tavern & Grille
7.6
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
A riverfront tavern that becomes a solid “steak-and-a-drink” date when you want something casual, fast, and outdoors-forward. Treat it as patio-first: grab a prime burger or skirt steak plate, add one shareable, and keep the night moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Skirt Steak, South Branch Burger, Bang Bang Shrimp
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: A big river patio that turns a simple steak bite into a vibe.
Who should go: Couples who want casual patio drinks and food.
When to visit: Spring–fall weekdays right after work.
What to order: Grilled skirt steak, South Branch burger, bang bang shrimp.
Insider tip: Go early for patio seating—later turns into a loud after-work crush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; metered street parking nearby is limited, with garages within a few blocks. Expect difficulty after 5:30pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and clean sneakers are fine; business-casual works well after work.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak happy hour; patio is lively and can get noisy, indoor seating is slightly calmer.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for patio seating in warm weather without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short waits under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a few salads, sides, and meat-free starters, but not a vegetarian-driven menu.
Vegan options: Limited - possible with modifications to salads or sides.
Gluten-free options: Limited - some grilled proteins and salads; cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and casual. It’s better for drinks and a simple meal than a long, intimate dinner conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially indoors or earlier in the evening. Patio seating fills quickly during good weather, so arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early dinner hours. The vibe skews adult and bar-forward later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Casual riverfront drinks, outdoor seating, and an easy steak-or-burger date that doesn’t feel heavy or formal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic steakhouse experience or a destination dinner with refined service and pacing.