Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Chicago River

"Though Chicago is a city that prides itself on tradition, it is also a city that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Enter Alinea, a Michelin-starred restaurant that has consistently been named one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world. Since its opening, Alinea has redefined what fine-dining can be and nothing exemplifies that better than its edible balloon made from green apple taffy."

"Experimental , Molecular Gastronomy"

"West LoopThis long-revered Mediterranean-influenced fixture from One Off Hospitality has held it down as one of the area’s go-to date night spots since opening its minimalist doors back in 2003, well before many of us could even define romance. And not much has changed -- the wine list is still spectacular, the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates are still iconic, and a reservation for the intimate front patio is still highly coveted."

"One Off is also responsible for The Publican and Pacific Standard Time. These are all good date restaurants in Chicago. Plan the perfect outfit for your date in Chicago."

"Go to this Euro-style wine bar when you're feeling gregarious; the rather stark space has seating for only 48 people, and it's a tight fit....Read More"

"Amazingly attentive service, funky vibe, great location, with a huge assortment of food and drink. The service here was so great - we got plenty of atten..."

"Check out this delightful rooftop deck overlooking Evanston’s Central Street. Their Mexican cuisine-with-a-twist is something to be savored, from the Sweet Potato and Green Chili Latke with apple salsa and citrus crema to the Roasted Cauliflower Queso served with crisp tostones (fried plantains). I recommend a Mezcal Paloma to wash it all down under the twinkly lights."

"West LoopWhile the pandemic has undoubtedly left its ugly mark on traditional fine dining, Alinea Group mastermind chef Grant Achatz has kept his penchant for executing feats of molecular gastronomy brilliance alive and well over at this long running West Loop cocktail bar-slash-innovation hub. Snag a reservation and settle in for a la carte creations or an intricate three-course tour of top shelf tipples engineered to tickle the imagination alongside a host of creative bar bites. (Batched and bottled to-go options are also available.)How to book: Reserve and order take-out via Tock."

"Located in the Fulton Market, no doubt, Aviary is also one of the swankiest bars of the Chicago that will further add value to your overall cocktailing experience of the Chicago. When Grant Achatz organizes a cocktail bar, it goes without saying that it wouldn’t be an ordinary. cocktail bar which can be found at every other corner of the Chicago."

"Home to some of the best and most imaginative cocktails in the world, The Aviary is more than your regular bar or lounge, it's an experience in drinking that delivers unique beverages through interactive means. From elaborate containers, sensory experi...[Learn more]"

"For free things to do in Chicago with a historic perspective, visit Hull House. Once a settlement house, it is now a memorial to Jane Addams, the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She created innovative programs for immigrants."

"Jane Addams was a remarkable person and a Nobel Peace Prize-winner. Step inside Chicago’s first settlement house and learn the story behind the social reformer. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is featured in Living Landmarks of Chicago."

"Pizza lovers can have it both ways at River North's newest restaurant. Tree House offers both wood-fire Neapolitan pies and crispy-crusted Detroit-style pizzas. The menu reads like an Italian cuisine "greatest hits" list, filled with options like fried calamari, pasta, steak frittes, a juicy burger and more."

"A two-story contemporary pub that is seated right across from Millenium Park, guaranteeing you nice views with your good food and drinks."

"BridgeportSeasoned beef, lovingly breaded and fried for the ultimate crispy outside-tender inside combo is an unparalleled delight for the senses. As if that weren't enough, this revered South Side staple has been stuffing their perfected protein inside pillowy Turano French bread and layering the whole mess with gooey mozzarella and hot giardiniera since 1946. No wonder it’s been dubbed the best sandwich in the world by multiple publications.How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out and delivery online."

"Loyal locals have been going to Ricobene’s for old school Italian-American fare since 1946. The restaurant’s signature item is the breaded steak sandwich, a sandwich that some proclaim is the best in the world. It’s a messy and satisfying combination of breaded steak, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and giardiniera on a French roll."

"A photo posted by Infatuation Chicago (@infatuation_chi) on Jul 25, 2016 at 9:59am PDT. A favorite of Anthony Bourdain's, this pizza place's real attraction is the sandwiches. They've got your classic chicken parm, meatball, and Italian sausage sandwiches, but Ricobene's is famous for their breaded steak sandwich."

"Restaurants Hot dogs Grand Boulevard. Founded by local musician Bobby Morelli and his daughter Brooklyn, the Hot Dog Box operates out of a shipping container in the Boxville Marketplace, located right off the Green Line in Bronzeville. Following in the footsteps of creative encased meats purveyors like Hot Doug's and Chicago's Dog House, the father-and-daughter duo is known for it's speciality sausages, such as a filet mignon steak dog covered in bourbon BBQ sauce and a pickle mignon steak paired with truffle peanut butter sauce."

"You’re probably ready for a hot dog, but are you also ready for an adorable story to go with it?. The Hot Dog Box was co-founded by Bobby Morelli and his nine-year-old daughter, Brooklyn. And just like this isn’t any old restaurateur team, this isn’t any old hot dog stand, either: You’re in for a gourmet sausage experience, such as the Bronzeville Bourbon Steak Dog, whose filet mignon frank is topped with veggies, bacon, bourbon barbeque sauce and sport peppers."

"The Hot Dog Box owes much to the gourmet slingers of Chicago’s past, including encased meat master Doug Sohn. At the same time, this tiny space in Bronzeville is blazing its own path with tubular creations such as a filet mignon sausage. Bobby Morelli and his 9-year-old daughter have teamed up to breathe some life into the city’s hot dog scene."

"Located inside the serene Waldorf Astoria hotel, the spa was designed like a Greco-Roman European Spa. It's spacious (14,000 sq. ft) and includes a state-of-the-art fitness facility, impressive lap pool and separate men's and women's locker rooms, each with a Eucalyptus Steam Room, Dry Sauna, Jacuzzi and relaxation lounge. You're bound to find something appealing among the wellness offerings and experiences are tailored for each guest's needs: customized facials, men's services, treatments for hands and feet and even eyelash extensions."

"Until teleportation is possible, we’ll take a shortcut to Turkey through the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Their signature cleanse includes a coffee, olive stone and lemon scrub, followed by a rhassoul clay wrap, for a full hammam experience in 120 minutes. Afterward, we like to relax in the elegant lounge, but you’re also welcome to use the state-of-the-art fitness center."

"The Waldorf Astoria Spa is probably the most indulgent spa on this list. This 14,000 sq ft Greek-inspired spa offers an array of attractive treatment options. From salons to pools and even a health club, this spa has got you covered."

"Spavia Day is a lovely, welcoming spa that desires to treat each guest with an exceptional experience. Their warming staff presents the most attentive service, and treatment options are affordable. So whether you’re seeking products and selections in beauty, body treatments, skin care, or massages, you won’t leave disappointed with this choice."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. At Spavia, you can go for massages, spa treatments, body treatments, skin care, beauty treatments and much more. Think of this as the most luxurious spa treatment ever!"

"Spavia is open, but due to regulations, they might not be able to provide all of their usual services. They offer massages, waxing, skincare, and body treatments for both men and women."