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Gilt Bar
ZipPicks Awards
Best American in River North
Best French Fries in River North
Best Happy Hour in River North
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
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
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A moody, candlelit tavern where cocktails and comfort-minded New American plates share equal billing.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning a lively, dimly lit dinner.
When to visit: Prime evening slots for full buzz and bar energy.
What to order: Roasted bone marrow, truffle pasta, shared butterscotch pudding.
Insider tip: Book bar or lounge seating if you want the most atmospheric view of the room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; nearby River North garages within a short walk and limited metered street parking — plan extra time, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy (dark jeans and a jacket or elevated casual wear fits the room).
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours — conversation is possible at closer tables or the lounge but can be difficult near the bar.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner if you’re flexible.
Weekday lunch: Typically not applicable (primarily a dinner-focused destination).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of vegetarian appetizers and pasta-style plates depending on seasonal menu rotation.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes skew rich and dairy-forward; ask staff about simple modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options and modifications available; communicate restrictions with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, cocktails, and buzzy room create a romantic but relaxed vibe, especially at a two-top or lounge table.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins may find seats at the bar or lounge if you’re patient, but peak weekends strongly favor advance reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s an adult-leaning, late-evening crowd with low lighting and louder noise; better suited for teens and older rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Moody, cocktail-driven dinners with rich comfort-leaning plates in a lively, date-friendly atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, early family dining, or a menu centered on lighter, health-focused dishes.