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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Little Italy / University Village

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110 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
1. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14837)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 113 times today
Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
2. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2064)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 45 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
3. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(8852)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 99 times today
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Bar Siena - West Loop restaurant
4. Bar Siena - West Loop
4.6
Exceptional(3260)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 83 times today
Perfectly Centralized In Chicago's West Loop 'Restaurant Row', The Two-Story, 8,000-Square-Foot Restaurant Is The Sibling Of DineAmic Hospitality'S River North Staple Eatery, Siena Tavern. Bar Siena Offers Diners The Perfect & Approachable Setting To Enjoy Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, And Weekend Brunch. The Menu Features An Expansive Italian Street Food And Pizza Bar Selection, All Served Within The Streets Of Fulton Market. Our Team Of Hospitality Professionals Are Thrilled And Dedicated To Host Your Next Dining Experience, Private Event Or Catering Function!
A photo of Gibsons Italia restaurant
5. Gibsons Italia
4.8
Exceptional(3896)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 126 times today
Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of LUXBAR restaurant
6. LUXBAR
4.6
Exceptional(2842)
Price: Moderate
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 104 times today
The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
7. RL Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(7225)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 75 times today
RL Restaurant is described as a vibrant bar scene due to its modern club atmosphere and diverse cocktail list. Reviews mention the 'trendy atmosphere', 'unique cocktail menu', 'outstanding martinis' and 'great energy' creating a lively and inviting environment. The 'warm, inviting ambiance' and 'spectacular setting' are also praised, contributing to a vibrant bar scene.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
8. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5560)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 141 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.
A photo of Momotaro restaurant
9. Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(3845)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 99 times today
Momotaro is a multi-level Japanese restaurant located in the West Loop. Led by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro has had the honor of being named Restaurant of the Year in both Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social. Under Kato’s leadership the restaurant has come to define the balance between traditional values and modern technique, blending the two in a science and art that has resulted in an authentic, innovative menu. The restaurant, designed by the world renowned AvroKO, also contains the subterranean Izakaya at Momotaro (a laid back, lively lower-level bar and restaurant reminiscent of the neon-lit haunts of trendy Tokyo neighborhoods) and an elegant second floor private space that overlooks the main dining room.
A photo of Barrio restaurant
10. Barrio
4.3
Awesome(2875)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 53 times today
Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Oscarvip
    Chicago / Illinois •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The Girl and the Goat always exceeds expectations, even when my expectations are sky high! Thank you! We had the Pig Face, String Beans, Goat Belly, and Steak. The dishes all exploded with flavors. The balance of seasonings, use of citrus, vinegar and other elements of the dishes played well and makes the culinary experience here amazing. The cocktails were yummy as well. The Peach-Te-quilla was light and refreshing. The Spicy Fat Boy had a ton of flavor. To finish the night, we had the Toffee Pumpkin cake and a neat pour of the Pappy Family Reserve. The Pappy was a treat and made a great night even more special! Thanks to Stephanie and all the team at the Goat. You are all AMAZING!
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Luis
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Not one dish disappointed. Everything was incredible! Would recommend to everyone.
    More info
    El Che Steakhouse & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • John and Jenvip
    Chicago / Illinois •142 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Gibsons is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! My recent visit was nothing short of exceptional. I started with an Old Fashioned, which was perfectly crafted. My wife and I shared a loaded wedge salad, a New York Strip, and a double baked potato – all of which were delicious and cooked to perfection. For dessert, we indulged in a cookie with ice cream, paired with a glass of 20-year Tawny. The evening was made even more special by the fantastic piano player, who added a wonderful ambiance to our dining experience. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.7
  • Chrisvip
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always have dinner at a Gibsons restaurant, usually the Rosemont location. It’s not that the ambience in Rosemont is bad, but we fell in love with Gibsons Italia. A bit more modern in its decor with the same excellent food and a fabulous view! My new favorite Chicago restaurant!
    More info
    Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • Rick
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 22 Nov 2024
    Surcharge added to the bill, not sure purpose..so reduced tip
    More info
    Bar Siena - West LoopPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.6

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