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Doc B's Restaurant + Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Doc B's Restaurant + Bar
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Doc B's Restaurant + Bar in River North serves a broad New American menu of composed salads, burgers, bowls, and shareable starters in a polished-but-casual space just west of Michigan Avenue. The large menu is unusually consistent, making it a reliable move for groups with mixed tastes and workday lunches that need to feel a notch above quick service. Strong bar service and long hours make it a convenient fallback for many downtown diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cajun Turkey Burger, Knife & Fork Cobb Salad, The Number Six Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A broad, dialed-in American menu that rarely misses for mixed groups.
Who should go: Co-workers or visitors needing a crowd-pleasing Mag Mile-adjacent spot.
When to visit: Midweek lunches or early dinners before the prime-time rush.
What to order: Share candied bacon, then Cajun Turkey Burger and Knife & Fork Cobb.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth deeper in the room if you want to talk business without bar noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — most guests use nearby River North garages or paid street parking; meter parking is limited during peak hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for business lunches and evenings
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is doable at booths, but bar-adjacent tables can feel loud during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime hours
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though larger groups may queue briefly around noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, bowls, and veggie-forward entrées can be ordered meat-free
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable dishes, but expect to request substitutions
Gluten-free options: Good support — many items can be prepared gluten-free on request and are clearly flagged on the menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual or low-pressure first dates — the space is polished and comfortable, though the energy can run lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside of peak weekend dinner hours — walk-ins are commonly seated at the bar or high-tops, but larger parties should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — staff is accommodating and the menu is broad enough for older kids and teens, though it’s not themed or geared specifically toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Consistent execution across a large menu, business-casual lunches, and mixed-preference groups who want something reliable near Michigan Avenue
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, romantic setting or a chef-driven menu with highly specialized dishes
Doc B's Restaurant + Bar
8.7
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Doc B's Fresh Kitchen in River North is a polished, from-scratch American restaurant where oven-roasted chicken wings share the menu with entree salads, burgers, and bowls. The 700° roasted wings with chimichurri or teriyaki show up frequently in delivery favorites, making this a reliable sit-down option for wings near Michigan Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oven Roasted Chicken Wings, Oven Roasted Teriyaki Chicken Wings, Truffle Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A high-volume River North spot where crisp oven-roasted wings meet a broader from-scratch American menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting quality wings alongside salads, burgers, and cocktails.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating or weekends before peak dinner rush.
What to order: Oven Roasted Chicken Wings, Oven Roasted Teriyaki Wings, Truffle Fries.
Insider tip: Pair the wings with a salad or bowl and share fries to keep the check in line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — expect limited street parking in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is doable at most tables, but peak dinner hours can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though larger groups may benefit from calling ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salads, bowls, and meat-free sides; some entrees can be modified.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but most dishes require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several menu items are marked or can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the space feels polished and lively without being overly formal, making it a solid choice for a casual-but-nice first date where you can still hold a conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, especially earlier in the evening or at off-peak times, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners or larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and teens — the menu has approachable options and spacious booths, but the buzzy atmosphere skews more adult during peak dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want high-quality wings alongside a broader American menu with salads, bowls, and cocktails in a polished setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a late-night sports-bar wing experience, ultra-casual pricing, or a menu focused primarily on wings and bar snacks.
Doc B's Restaurant + Bar
8.2
Next to Nordstrom at the Shops at North Bridge, Doc B's runs a tighter, modern American menu where a surprisingly serious burger lineup shares space with salads and bowls. It’s a flexible option for evenings when you want something a step up from fast food but still casual enough for a quick late burger before heading back to the hotel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Backyard Burger, Dragon Burger, Traditional Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A mall-adjacent modern American spot with a deeper burger section than you’d expect and reliable hours for late-evening shopping-area meals.
Who should go: Shoppers and hotel guests wanting a quality burger without a full steakhouse scene.
When to visit: Weeknights 7–9 p.m. for easier seating and steady kitchen pace.
What to order: Backyard Burger, Dragon Burger, and sweet potato fries to share.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar for faster service and treat the burger as the main event rather than grazing across the broader menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking available at The Shops at North Bridge (attached structure); limited street parking nearby in the evening.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished due to the mall/Hotel corridor setting.
Noise level: Moderate — bar and dining room carry some energy, but conversation is manageable at most two-tops.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation during peak shopping and hotel traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside convention rush periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, bowls, and a few non-burger mains can be ordered vegetarian or easily modified.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of bowls and salads can be adapted; confirm dressings and sauces with the server.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many burgers and plates can be served without a bun or with modifications; ask for guidance on fryers and sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first date — the space feels lively but not formal, and the burgers and cocktails keep the focus on conversation rather than ceremony.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, and bar seating is a reliable backup. Arrive earlier in the evening or aim for weeknights to minimize waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — booths and straightforward menu items work well for families, though the vibe skews more adult during later evening hours.
Best For
Better for: A quality late-evening burger in a comfortable, modern setting that’s quicker and more casual than a steakhouse but a step up from fast-food counters.
Skip if: You’re seeking a destination burger experience with chef-driven extremes, a quiet white-tablecloth dinner, or a purely budget fast-casual meal.