Best American Restaurants in River North (60654)
10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Gilt Bar
A moody, candlelit tavern where cocktails and comfort-minded New American plates share equal billing.
Notable Picks
#1
Gilt Bar
8.8
Gilt Bar is a dimly lit River North staple for rich New American plates, classic cocktails, and a buzzy, date-friendly room. Locals use it for steak, pasta, and bone marrow nights that feel celebratory without slipping into formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted bone marrow, Truffle pasta, Butterscotch bread pudding
What makes it special: A moody, candlelit tavern where cocktails and comfort-minded New American plates share equal billing.
8.5
The Franklin Room is a whiskey-focused American tavern with low lighting, leather booths, and a menu of hearty tavern fare. Since opening in 2015, it’s become a go-to in River North for groups and dates who want serious cocktails alongside steak and seafood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime rib dinner, Fish and chips, Whiskey-glazed short rib
What makes it special: A whiskey-rich, wood-paneled tavern that balances strong cocktails with polished, classic American plates.
#3
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
What makes it special: A big, design-forward indoor–outdoor space where wood-fired American cooking meets serious cocktails.
#4
Beatrix
8.4
Opened in 2013 by Lettuce Entertain You, Beatrix is an all-day New American café that leans into brunch plates, salads, and a strong bakery and coffee counter. High-volume, steady reviews keep it a default for River North breakfast meetings, solo lunches, and casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy chicken tinga, Smashed avocado toast with poached eggs, Chicken Bebe
What makes it special: A busy, reliable all-day spot where New American comfort plates meet lighter, health-leaning options.
#5
River Roast
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brunch Bliss Spots
River Roast sits along the Chicago River with big-format roasts, live music at times, and a dining room that leans social more than formal. It’s where parties share carved meats and cocktails while taking advantage of one of the neighborhood’s more scenic patios.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole roasted chicken, River roast beef, Fried fish sandwich
What makes it special: Riverside tables and shareable roasts make it a natural fit for celebratory groups.
8.3
True Food Kitchen brings a health-forward, seasonal New American menu to a bright River North corner space. Bowls, salads, and pizzas skew vegetable-heavy, drawing office workers and weekend diners who want lighter plates without losing the sense of going out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Edamame dumplings, Butternut squash pizza, Ancient grains bowl
What makes it special: A plant-forward, seasonal New American menu that still feels like a proper sit-down meal.
#7
The Smith
8.1
The Smith’s River North outpost delivers a busy American brasserie experience with a big menu, raw bar, and strong brunch business. It’s a crowd-pleasing choice when you need something that works for burgers, mac and cheese, and steaks in one room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mac and cheese, The Smith burger, Brick pressed chicken
What makes it special: A lively, East Coast-style brasserie with a big American comfort menu and strong brunch and dinner appeal.
Worthy Picks
#8
CBR
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Located off the lobby of the Royal Sonesta, CBR is a modern New American hotel restaurant that punches above typical lobby fare. Guests and nearby office workers lean on it for short rib plates, sandwiches, and cocktails in a relaxed, polished room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised short rib, Avocado chicken sandwich, Steak frites
What makes it special: A contemporary hotel dining room that feels more like a neighborhood restaurant than lobby filler.
#9
City Nikki's
7.8
Opened in 2025, City Nikki’s is a late-night River North bar with DJs, garage-door windows, and a menu built around burgers, pizzas, and bar snacks. It’s more about energy than polish, but the smash burgers and cookie skillets keep the food side worthwhile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash burger, Chicken Caesar wrap, Cookie skillet dessert
What makes it special: A colorful, music-driven bar where late-night drinks come with legit bar food.
#10
Shamrock Club
7.7
Operating since 1989, Shamrock Club is a true River North dive bar that doubles as a neighborhood grill for burgers and steak sandwiches. Cheap drinks, late kitchen hours, and a compact patio make it one of the area’s rare options that feels built for regulars, not just visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
8 oz rib-eye steak sandwich, Charbroiled burger, Brisket sandwich
What makes it special: A long-running, old-school neighborhood bar in a neighborhood better known for polished cocktail lounges.