What is the best Romantic restaurant in Loop?

Porter Kitchen & Deck is our top pick for Romantic restaurants in Loop, scoring 8.5/10. Riverfront New American cooking with a whiskey-forward bar and a true deck overlooking the skyline.

Any insider tips for Porter Kitchen & Deck?

Book the deck or window tables for sunset; inside, the bar rail often has last-minute space when reservations are gone.

When should I visit Porter Kitchen & Deck?

Sunny weekdays for deck lunches or golden-hour drinks.

Who should go to Porter Kitchen & Deck?

Teams hosting clients or colleagues who want river views.

Any insider tips for Bar Mar?

Sit at the central bar under the octopus sculpture for full energy.

What should I order at Bar Mar?

Hamachi cones, oysters and ceviche, buttery lobster roll.

When should I visit Bar Mar?

Prime happy hour or early evening before the loudest rush.

Who should go to Bar Mar?

Seafood-focused groups wanting cocktails, ceviche, and buzz.

Any insider tips for Canal Street Eatery and Market?

Ask for fries right away—then add food as you go.

When should I visit Canal Street Eatery and Market?

Late lunch for the calmest ordering flow.

Who should go to Canal Street Eatery and Market?

Loop lunchers who want a sure-thing side.

Any insider tips for Beatnik on The River?

Request a lower-level patio table when booking; those seats usually get the strongest river feel and best people-watching.

What should I order at Beatnik on The River?

Baba ganoush, chicken musakhan, branzino al pastor.

When should I visit Beatnik on The River?

Golden-hour drinks or weekend brunch for maximum scenery.

Who should go to Beatnik on The River?

Groups and couples prioritizing vibes and river views.

Best Romantic Restaurants in Loop (60606)

Q: What should I order at Porter Kitchen & Deck?

Filet Sliders, Lobster Roll, Fried Chicken Sandwich.

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Porter Kitchen & Deck

Riverfront New American cooking with a whiskey-forward bar and a true deck overlooking the skyline.

Notable Picks

#1 Porter Kitchen & Deck

8.5

$$ The Loop

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings Outdoor Dining Oasis Trendy Table Hotspots

Porter Kitchen & Deck pairs New American classics and a deep whiskey list with some of the Loop’s best river views from both dining room and deck. It’s a go-to for client lunches, post-work cocktails, and group dinners that feel like an occasion without leaving the office corridor.

Must-Try Dishes: Filet Sliders, Lobster Roll, Fried Chicken Sandwich

What makes it special: Riverfront New American cooking with a whiskey-forward bar and a true deck overlooking the skyline.

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#2 Bar Mar

8.4

$$$ The Loop

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Happy Hour Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved Business Lunch Power Players

Bar Mar is José Andrés’ seafood-centric restaurant on the ground floor of the Bank of America Tower, built around oysters, ceviches, and luxed-up classics like lobster rolls. Office crowds and destination diners use it for lively dinners, cocktails, and pre-theater seafood in a bright, nautical room.

Must-Try Dishes: Lobster Roll, Hamachi Cones, Sea Scallops

What makes it special: High-energy José Andrés seafood bar with modern takes on classics.

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#3 Canal Street Eatery and Market

8.1

$$ West Loop Gate

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Quick Bites Champions Group Dining Gatherings Hidden Gems Heaven

An Italian-leaning eatery/market in the BMO Tower corridor where fries show up as the reliable side move for sandwiches and burgers—simple, salty, and built for dipping into house aioli. It works best as a flexible lunch basecamp: grab a sandwich, keep fries hot, and add a slice or small plate if you’re lingering.

Must-Try Dishes: Fries, Canal Burger, Rigatoni

What makes it special: Office-corridor eatery where fries and sandwiches stay dependable.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Beatnik on The River

7.8

$$$ The Loop

Vibes: Date Night Magic Brunch Bliss Spots Outdoor Dining Oasis Trendy Table Hotspots

Beatnik On The River is a boho-chic cocktail and Mediterranean-leaning restaurant perched over the Chicago River, known more for transportive decor and views than for purist regional cooking. Guests mix mezze, globally inflected mains, and elaborate drinks on patios and lounges that feel designed for date nights and group hangs.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken musakhan, Branzino al pastor, Baba ganoush with warm bread

What makes it special: Riverfront, plant-filled rooms and patios that frame mezze, Mediterranean-influenced plates, and cocktails against one of the Loop’s most theatrical backdrops.

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