Best Business Lunch Restaurants in River North (60654)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
High-energy riverfront steakhouse with in-house dry-aging and city views.
Notable Picks
8.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Chicago Cut Steakhouse is a riverfront power steakhouse where in-house dry-aged USDA Prime, big sides, and skyline views anchor deal-making lunches and dinners. Suits use it for closing lunches, board celebrations, and high-end client steak nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
USDA Prime bone-in ribeye, Lobster Mac 'n Cheese, Truffled scalloped potatoes
What makes it special: High-energy riverfront steakhouse with in-house dry-aging and city views.
#2
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.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Since 1979, Mr. Beef has been a River North Italian beef institution where thin-sliced beef, hot giardiniera, and old-school crinkle-cut fries define the experience. With fame renewed by "The Bear," the combo of a dipped beef sandwich and a pile of salty fries remains one of the neighborhood’s essential cheap meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian beef sandwich with fries, Beef and sausage combo with cheese fries, Chicago-style hot dog with fries
What makes it special: Classic counter-service Italian beef stand where fries and beef are pure Chicago nostalgia.
#4
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
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
La Grande Boucherie brings a Parisian brasserie-and-steakhouse hybrid to a dramatic Belle Époque space overlooking Dearborn. Under chef Michael Taus, the kitchen now backs the grand room with improved escargots, steak frites, and rich desserts plus a well-priced lunch and brunch program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boeuf Bourguignon, Prime Steak Frites, Crème Brûlée
What makes it special: Huge Art Nouveau brasserie marrying French classics with Chicago steakhouse energy.
8.3
The Kitchen American Bistro is a polished riverfront room for globally inspired shared plates, burgers, and cocktails with a professional but relaxed tone. Office groups use it for client lunches that feel modern without being stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Kofta, Hand Cut French Fries, Lollipop Wings
What makes it special: Modern riverfront bistro balancing shareable plates, cocktails, and city views.
#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.