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RL Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
RL Restaurant
8.7
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
RL Restaurant, attached to the Ralph Lauren flagship on the Mag Mile, delivers classic American club fare—steaks, lobster rolls, and composed salads—in a wood-paneled dining room that feels timelessly tailored. It functions as both a power-lunch address and a special-occasion destination, with service calibrated for lingering meals rather than quick turns. Pricing is steep, but the experience leans heavily into atmosphere and ritual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, RL Burger, Chopped Vegetable Salad
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Clubby Ralph Lauren decor pairs with polished, old-school American cooking.
Who should go: Shoppers and executives wanting a classic, dressed-up Mag Mile meal.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening for smoother pacing and service.
What to order: Start with chopped salad, then RL Burger or lobster roll.
Insider tip: Book well ahead for prime-time weekend slots; walk-ins fare best at lunch or off-hours at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily garage parking in nearby Mag Mile lots; limited street parking and occasional valet during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — blazers, dresses, and polished attire fit the room; jeans are acceptable if styled upscale.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak periods, but conversation at a table is still manageable.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Often manageable with minimal wait, though peak retail season can fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — composed salads, vegetable sides, and a few mains can be made meat-free on request.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and sides may be modifiable, but menu skews classic American with dairy and butter.
Gluten-free options: Reasonable flexibility — staff can guide substitutions on salads, steaks, and seafood preparations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate, clubby dining room creates a refined and romantic tone, especially for a more formal or milestone-style date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins fare best at lunch or early evening; dinner without a reservation usually means waiting for bar or patio openings when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens are fine for special occasions, but the space is tailored toward adults, business diners, and celebratory meals rather than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere, polished service, and classic American presentations in an iconic Mag Mile setting — ideal for business lunches, milestone dinners, and stylish date nights.
Skip if: You want casual pricing, fast turns, or trend-driven cuisine; diners seeking experimental cooking or relaxed neighborhood vibes may prefer alternatives.
RL Restaurant
8.6
Attached to the Ralph Lauren flagship, RL serves classic American fare—steaks, seafood, and composed salads—in a clubby, wood-paneled room open until 11 p.m. Most guests treat it as a polished, late-night extension of Michigan Avenue shopping, with a bar that stays busy after typical dinner hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Bisque, RL Burger, Lobster Club Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A fashion-house dining room where late-night burgers, martinis, and lobster bisque meet a clubby, fireside setting.
Who should go: Shoppers and couples wanting a dressy, late dinner.
When to visit: 8–11 p.m. for softer lighting and full bar buzz.
What to order: Lobster bisque, RL Burger, lobster club sandwich.
Insider tip: Bar seats are easier to snag than dining room reservations and still feel like the full RL experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is typically available at the Ralph Lauren flagship entrance during dinner hours; nearby garage parking along Michigan Avenue and Rush Street is the most reliable option; street parking is scarce after 6 p.m.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets, blazers, and dresses are common; dark denim is acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — the bar carries a steady buzz, but conversation at tables is generally comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for bar or lounge seating without a reservation; the main dining room is often fully booked.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated with little to no wait, though peak retail hours can cause brief delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads and vegetable-forward plates, with additional items available via modifications.
Vegan options: Limited — the kitchen can adjust salads and sides, but there is no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items can be prepared gluten-free on request; staff can advise, though there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the clubby wood-paneled room, warm lighting, and attentive service create a polished, intimate feel that works well for classic, conversation-friendly dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the bar and lounge often seat walk-ins, especially later in the evening; arrive early or closer to 9–10 p.m. to improve your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids during daytime or early dinner, but not ideal for young children or strollers; there is no kids’ menu and the room skews adult and formal.
Best For
Better for: Polished late-night dining near Michigan Avenue with classic American dishes, strong martini-and-bar energy, and a refined, fireside atmosphere.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, a very casual or budget-friendly meal, large-group seating, or a quiet, low-energy dining room.