Best French Fries Restaurants in River North (60654)
6 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.
8.7
Bavette’s is a dimly lit steakhouse with clear French bistro DNA, known for dry-aged beef, classic cocktails, and a room that feels both bustling and romantic. Massive review volume and long-running popularity make it one of River North’s most reliable spots for celebratory steak-and-red-wine dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye Steak Frites, Roasted Bone Marrow, Chocolate Cream Pie
What makes it special: French-leaning steakhouse with top-tier cocktails and consistently packed rooms.
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.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Al's has been serving Italian beef since 1938, and the River North location pairs its Big Beef sandwiches with fries that are crisp enough to stand up to jus and peppers. Open late most nights, it’s a go-to for fast, filling beef-and-fries orders before or after downtown plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Beef sandwich with fries, Italian sausage and beef combo with fries, Chicago-style hot dog with fries
What makes it special: Historic Italian beef brand where late-night beefs and fries stay fast and consistent.
#5
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
#6
No Vacancy
7.7
No Vacancy is a sleek, sports-forward bar where the NV Burger, fried chicken sandwiches, and wraps all land with generous portions of curly russet fries. Open late with plenty of screens, it’s a modern hangout for game nights when you want bar food that treats fries as a core feature, not an afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
NV Burger with curly fries, Side Chick fried chicken sandwich with curly fries, Loaded curly fries with sauce
What makes it special: A new-school sports bar where curly fries anchor burgers, wraps, and late-night snacking.