Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Lakeshore East

116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant

1. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(14339)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 137 times today

Since 1984, Shaw’s Crab House has earned its status as a Chicago icon with its unwavering commitment to quality and warm, dedicated staff. This generational restaurant embodies timeless seafood traditions inspired by America's coastal crab houses, creating a classic dining experience that stands the test of time. Signature dishes include King Crab Legs, oysters from both coasts, hand-rolled sushi, fresh fish, and more. After 40 years of excellence, Shaw's was ranked #8 in Chicago Magazine's Best Chicago Restaurants of 2024.The restaurant's 1940s-style design features two distinct dining rooms: the lively, casual Oyster Bar and the elegant, white-tablecloth Main Dining Room. Guests who reserve "Hightop" seating will dine in the Oyster Bar, while "Standard" seating is for the Main Dining Room.Located in the heart of River North, Shaw’s is just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable seafood experience.

2. Andy's Jazz Club

4.7

Exceptional(5111)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 101 times today

Admission is charged to all guests entering the venue and goes toward the musical entertainment that all will be enjoying while inside the club. All dining tables are good for 1 musical performance only. Please choose your reservation time according to your desired performance time. Andy's Jazz Club is a unique as a Jazz Room that offers full dining. We hope for a quiet room during all performances. We do ask that all guests be courteous to the artists while performing and keep conversation volume down during shows.

3. STK – Chicago

4.1

Excellent(6434)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 119 times today

STK – Chicago is described as a 'trendy and sophisticated' spot with a 'vibrant bar scene.' With a live DJ playing 'top40, pop and dance remixes,' it's 'not a quiet ambient music restaurant.' The restaurant has a 'great bar atmosphere' and 'good times.' A reviewer noted that 'if you are looking for a place to chat and have dinner, this is not the place,' but if you're looking for 'upbeat' and 'fun,' this is 'a very nice place.'

A photo of Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant

4. Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(9215)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 65 times today

Riverfront dining in the heart of the Windy City. Join us for a magnificent meal on the water and let the good times flow. Ideal for gatherings of all sizes with easy access to parking, major hotels, and convention centers.

A photo of Michael Jordan's Steakhouse restaurant

5. Michael Jordan's Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(5427)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 46 times today

At Michael Jordan's Steak House, we are stewards of legacy rooted in heartfelt hospitality. From the sear on each cut of our Legendary Steak Flight to rolling each piece of our Wagyu Short Rib Truffle Pasta, we strive for the same greatness, spirit and soul that Michael demonstrated on the court. Join us for a romantic date night for a seafood tower garnished with oysters, shrimp and lobster. For a more cozy atmosphere, join us at the bar for a round of our signature cocktails and spirit-free drinks like the Jump Man, Airpresso Martini or Banana Old Fashioned. Break away from a typical brunch with 1-hour bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys alongside Breakfast Burgers. No greater care is taken with private, fine dining in our historic space as we play a part in crafting unforgettable celebrations— from birthdays to anniversaries and every night in between. Rest assured, our team of all-stars will curate an exceptional group dining experience through our 23-Layer Cake for dessert.

6. Labriola Chicago

4.5

Awesome(2510)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 57 times today

Celebrate with us at Labriola, located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, where every bite is a celebration of flavor!Enjoy award-winning pizzas and Italian American favorites in a stylish, casual setting. Start with Bruschetta or Toasted Ravioli, then savor Artisan Pizzas, Tagliatelle Bolognese with freshly made pasta, Skirt Steak & Fries, or Richie’s Lemon Chicken. Pair your meal with expertly crafted cocktails, and don't miss happy hour.Elevate your celebrations in our spacious private event spaces, perfect for any occasion. Contact chicago@labriolacafe.com to book.Our beautiful, dog-friendly patio seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our catering services are perfect for office events and special gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste of Labriola’s finest. Join us and experience the vibrant dining experience that Labriola offers!

A photo of Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant

7. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(822)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 23 times today

Tucked away in a beautiful historic building located at 203 N. Wabash sits the ever-evolving and delectable Miss Ricky's. Serving up brunch and dinner seven days a week featuring some of Chicago's best fresh and from scratch Italian dishes by Executive Chef Mike Alaridi. Whether you're dining solo or with a large group, Miss Ricky's can accommodate your desired experience. To book a table visit www.missrickys.com *For private dining options e-mail Tricia.moore@virginhotels.com

A photo of House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Chicago restaurant

8. House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Chicago

4.2

Awesome(2231)

Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 28 times today

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar in Chicago is a vibrant bar scene because of its live music and friendly atmosphere. Customers praise the 'nice pub atmosphere' with 'talented guitar entertainments'. The restaurant is also commended for its 'good place to listen to live music', 'excellent food and atmosphere', and 'great entertainment'. It is also noted as a 'great venue all around', with 'fantastic music' and 'great music'.

A photo of Sweetwater Tavern and Grille restaurant

9. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

4.6

Exceptional(1293)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 29 times today

A vibrant bar and restaurant offering modern American food complemented by craft beer, seasonal cocktails, and an upbeat atmosphere. Sweetwater is the perfect destination for lunch, dinner, after-work drinks, and late night celebrating.

10. The Hampton Social - Streeterville

4.5

Awesome(2310)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 47 times today

The Hampton Social - Streeterville is the perfect place to imbibe and enjoy the feeling of summer days. Located in the heart of the Streeterville neighborhood in Downtown Chicago - steps away from shopping on Michigan Avenue. The Hampton Social offers our signature "Rosé All Day" lounge, a lively bar, a second floor covered outdoor terrace, main dining rooms and private dining spaces. Known for our lively dining experiences featuring exceptional coastal-inspired food, cocktails and live music in a beautifully designed atmosphere.Open for Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Matthew
Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We've lived in Chicago for 20 years and this was our first time dining at Shaw's and boy was it worth the wait! Everything was just perfect. It's a really hard balance, from a service perspective, to be available but also not intrusive. The staff here pulls that off flawlessly! The food was also very good (be sure to get the Au Gratin potatoes as a side). Just an awesome meal, will be back again for a special occasion.
More info
Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
J
Jeff
Mississippi •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was a wonderful experience! Great steaks and the 23 layer Chocolate Cake is to die for!
More info
Michael Jordan's SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.6
G
Genise
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Its always a good time at STK Chicago. The customer service is outstanding and the food speaks for itself!
More info
STK – ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.1
S
ShaLynne
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was amazing, the band that played that night did an amazing set! I love the service as well!
More info
Andy's Jazz ClubPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
M
MichaelVIP
Houston •97 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Our server Hector was excellent; he visited with us and was extremely friendly and helpful. The food was excellent as usual.
More info
Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Lakeshore East

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

116 restaurants available nearby

1. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

2. Andy's Jazz Club

3. STK – Chicago

4. Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago

5. Michael Jordan's Steakhouse

6. Labriola Chicago

7. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

8. House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Chicago

9. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

10. The Hampton Social - Streeterville

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable