Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in River North (60654)
6 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
8.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Chicago Cut is a riverfront power steakhouse known for in-house dry-aged USDA Prime beef, big portions, and skyline views from the patio and windows. It runs from business lunches to late steak-and-wine nights, leaning more boisterous than hushed.
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
RPM Seafood
8.7
RPM Seafood is a multi-level, riverfront seafood house with expansive terraces overlooking the river and downtown skyline. Diners build upscale meals around seafood towers, crudo, and grilled fish in a polished setting that leans special-occasion more than casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grand Seafood Tower, Charcoal-grilled black bass, Wild Alaska halibut with brown butter
What makes it special: Multi-level riverfront seafood house where towers, whole fish, and skyline views all land at once.
#3
PERILLA fare
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Perilla Fare is a Bib Gourmand–recognized Korean American spot with a cozy patio, tabletop grilling, and a menu that moves from scallion pancakes to jjampong and LA galbi. It’s a destination in the Fulton River District for groups who want interactive grilling with serious cooking chops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled LA galbi, Bibimbop, Fire chicken rice bowl
What makes it special: Communal Korean barbecue with chef-driven plates and strong review-backed consistency.
8.4
Perched along the riverwalk, Pizzeria Portofino focuses on hand-stretched pizzas, coastal-leaning salads, and spritzes with a strong patio-first mentality. The combination of waterfront views, shareable pies, and approachable pricing makes it a go-to for casual Italian lunches and group dinners in warm weather.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Charred pepperoni pizza, Mediterranean salad
What makes it special: Riverfront pizza and spritzes with a resort-like patio setting.
#5
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.
#6
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.