Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in River North (60654)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ema
High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
Notable Picks
#1
Ema
8.9
Ema is Lettuce Entertain You’s bright River North Mediterranean room, built around Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California-style mezze, hummus, and kebabs in the lobby of the Hyatt Place. High-volume, multi-platform reviews and a steady local following make it one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots for shareable small plates and vegetable-forward spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hummus with Lamb Ragu, House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Lamb Kefta Kebabs
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
#2
Siena Tavern
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Siena Tavern leans into a loud, party-friendly take on modern Italian, pairing housemade pastas and pizzas with big-format cocktails and a DJ-adjacent vibe. Since 2013 it has anchored Kinzie’s going-out strip for groups who want sharable plates and a social scene in one stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu beef meatball, Rigatoni alla vodka, Gnocchi with truffle cream
What makes it special: High-energy Italian spot where big meatballs, pizzas, and cocktails drive the night.
#3
Barrio
8.3
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Barrio is a sprawling, rustic-industrial space for creative tacos, big-format platters, and a deep tequila list. It leans social and loud, functioning as a go-to for birthdays, office outings, and game-day groups that want shareable plates and approachable flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada, Carnitas Fried Rice, Taco Tower
What makes it special: Large-format Mexican spot with build-your-own tacos and strong tequila service.
#4
Nonnina
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Nonnina feels like a modernized neighborhood red-sauce spot, serving big bowls of pasta, meatballs, and cutlets in a space that balances after-work energy with family friendliness. A separate counter next door handles quick slices and sandwiches for daytime traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla vodka, Prime beef meatballs, Chicken Parmesan
What makes it special: Modern red-sauce cooking with both sit-down dining and a neighboring slice counter.
8.1
Avli River North serves contemporary Greek fare in a multi-level space anchored by an expansive, flower-lined patio that channels island energy in the middle of the city. Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it a popular choice for Greek mezze, lamb chops, and cocktails with four-legged company.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Saganaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Short Rib Pastitsada
What makes it special: Modern Greek cooking with a big patio and shareable feasts.
Worthy Picks
Vibes:
Pet Friendly Paradise
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery is a two-level craft beer bar and gastropub with 30+ taps, hearty bar food, and plenty of TVs for sports. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and often stocked with water bowls, making it a strong play when you want serious beer lists, frites, and a place for your dog to hang during the game.
Must-Try Dishes:
MAC + CHEESE with gruyère, smoked gouda and white cheddar, Bratwurst on a pretzel roll, Buttermilk Fried Chicken
What makes it special: A serious craft beer–focused gastropub with a dog-friendly patio, strong bar food, and enough TVs to double as a sports hang.