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River Roast
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Riverside tables and shareable roasts make it a natural fit for celebratory groups.
Who should go: Groups wanting river views with hearty, shareable American plates.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening for best light on the river.
What to order: Whole roasted chicken, river roast beef, an order of potatoes.
Insider tip: Book outdoor seating during patio season; the riverfront tables change the feel of the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages within a 1–3 block walk. Valet is offered during busy evenings and weekends, but availability and pricing can vary by season — plan to budget for a garage if you’re visiting at peak times.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most groups lean slightly dressy, especially for evenings and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is doable at smaller tables inside, quieter on the patio when weather allows.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak season; large groups should book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except on sunny patio days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, mainly salads, sides, and a few mains — best for mixed groups rather than fully vegetarian dining.
Vegan options: Limited — customization is possible on a few dishes, but dedicated vegan entrées are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Several proteins and sides can be prepared gluten-free on request; notify your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for social dates or celebratory dinners than quiet, intimate first dates — the room leans lively and group-oriented, with a more relaxed vibe on the patio.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small parties outside of peak hours, but walk-ins during brunch or warm-weather evenings may wait — arrive early or request patio seating in advance if it’s a priority.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families during daytime and brunch — the shareable plates and river views work well for older kids; evenings can feel louder and more adult-leaning.
Best For
Better for: Scenic riverfront seating, large-format roasts for sharing, and group-friendly celebrations with a patio that feels special in good weather.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, fully vegan dining, or a quick casual meal rather than a slower, share-style experience.
River Roast
8.3
River Roast sits directly on the Chicago River, pairing a large multi-level patio with contemporary American tavern fare and dramatic whole roasts carved tableside. It’s a go-to for groups who want river views, shareable meats, and a casual-but-polished atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole roasted chicken, Roast beef carved tableside, Crab Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Riverside patios frame whole roasted meats carved tableside with skyline views.
Who should go: Groups wanting shareable roasts and riverfront seating.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or golden hour for best patio energy.
What to order: Whole roast chicken, roast beef, Crab Toast.
Insider tip: Ask for a lower-level patio table closest to the river for quieter views away from the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot — closest options are nearby River North garages and limited paid street parking; valet is sometimes offered during peak evenings but is not guaranteed.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean polished due to the riverfront setting.
Noise level: Moderate to loud on the patio and during peak brunch; indoor dining room is conversational earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, except on sunny patio days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, sides, and a few mains can be made vegetarian, but the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — expect a small number of naturally vegan or modifiable options.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; confirm with staff for specific preparations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the river views and patio seating create a memorable setting, though the vibe is more lively and social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are more feasible for indoor or bar seating; patio tables and prime brunch times are usually reservation-dependent.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the patio and shareable plates work well for families, but it’s busiest and louder during brunch and warm-weather evenings.
Best For
Better for: Large-group patio meals, riverfront views, and shareable roasts that feel celebratory without full fine-dining formality.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, a strictly vegetarian/vegan experience, or guaranteed last-minute patio seating.
River Roast
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
River Roast is a riverside social house where whole roasted meats, tavern fare, and skyline views turn business lunches into shareable feasts. Companies lean on it for group lunches, client events, and semi-private riverfront gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Roasted Chicken, Chicken and Waffles, Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Large-format roasts and river views ideal for sharing with groups.
Who should go: Teams hosting clients or celebrating milestones with shareable platters.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing and service.
What to order: Whole roasted chicken, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Reserve patio or river-level seating for impact in warmer months.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; several paid garages within a 1–3 block walk; valet offered during peak dinner and event periods.
Dress code: Business casual — blazers and polished tops common; jeans acceptable if neat.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is workable at lunch, louder during peak evenings and large-group events.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially in warm weather when patio seating is in demand.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait with a reservation; walk-ins usually accommodated unless there’s a large private event.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, vegetable sides, and a few mains can be ordered vegetarian with guidance from staff.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items may be adapted; best to ask the server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several proteins and sides can be prepared gluten-free; staff can flag safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for business meals or social group outings — the atmosphere leans lively and communal rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at weekday lunch or off-peak times; for patio seating, large groups, or busy evenings, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids — spacious seating and shareable plates work well, but noise and crowds can feel overwhelming for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large-format shareable platters, corporate lunches, and riverfront patio gatherings where views and group service matter.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, a strictly vegan menu, or a small-plate experience with heavy dietary customization.
River Roast
8.3
River Roast is a riverfront American tavern where whole roasted meats are carved table-side against skyline views, making it a natural fit for multi-generational outings. Families use it for birthdays and visiting relatives when they want hearty roasts, kids’ fries, and plenty of room to spread out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef, Whole Chicken, Crab Toast
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Table-side roasts and big river views turn family meals into an occasion.
Who should go: Families celebrating with hearty platters and skyline scenery.
When to visit: Weekend lunch or early dinner for calmer riverfront energy.
What to order: Whole Chicken, Roast Beef, Crab Toast to start.
Insider tip: Reserve a river-facing table and plan to share one roast rather than over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking; valet is sometimes offered during peak evenings but availability can vary.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for the riverfront setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is workable at earlier seatings, but can get louder during peak evenings and large-group meals.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially in good-weather patio seasons.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, with occasional short delays on sunny riverfront days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — salads, sides, and a few starters can work, but mains are roast-focused.
Vegan options: Limited — menus skew heavily toward meat and dairy; expect only 1–2 workable items with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free or modified on request; confirm with your server for specific roasts and sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to groups and family celebrations than intimate first dates — the room is lively and the portions are designed for sharing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at off-peak times, but prime weekend and patio hours book up — walk-ins should expect a wait or bar seating first.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious seating, shareable platters, and simple sides make it comfortable for kids; earlier seatings are best for families.
Best For
Better for: Large family gatherings, visiting relatives, and occasions where table-side roasts and river views make the meal feel celebratory.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, a vegetarian- or vegan-leaning menu, or a small-plate experience rather than hearty shared platters.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 8pm
Tuesday11:30am - 8pm
Wednesday11:30am - 8pm
Thursday11:30am - 8pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm