Best Fun Restaurants in Near North

457 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Three Dots and a Dash restaurant

1. Three Dots and a Dash

4.7

Exceptional(1802)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)

Booked 55 times today

With a secret alleyway entrance, Three Dots and a Dash is a speakeasy-style take on the traditional island bar—ready to transport you to the glamorous bygone eras of Trader Vic, Stephen Crane and Don the Beachcomber. Descend underground to discover a subterranean hideaway featuring a rum-soaked menu of more than two dozen classic, modern and original tropical cocktails and a selection of island fare. We are a 21+ venue.

2. Tanta

4.7

Exceptional(5053)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 72 times today

Tanta is a blast, with a fun and lively atmosphere that reviewers rave about. It's not just about the delicious Peruvian cuisine, but the whole vibe. One reviewer mentioned the 'great cocktail menu and wide range of interesting Peruvian and Peruvian inspired dishes'. Plus, the Chef's Tables offer a unique dining experience, allowing you to see the chefs at work. Whether you're upstairs or downstairs, the ambiance is always described as 'lively'.

3. il Porcellino

4.7

Exceptional(4166)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 98 times today

Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

4. Siena Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(5993)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 105 times today

Entirely Rooted In A "From Scratch" Approach, We Present Upscale, Classic Italian Fares, Straight From Top Chef Alum, Fabio Viviani. Siena Tavern'S Extensive Wine List And Our Highly Contemporary Design, Interspersed With Rustic Details, Elevates The Genuine Italian Dining Experience While Simultaneously Maintaining Authenticity. Farm To Fork, Refined And Redefined.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

5. Quartino - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(10909)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 161 times today

Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.

6. Tzuco

4.6

Exceptional(748)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 69 times today

Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

7. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(12170)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 156 times today

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

A photo of JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North restaurant

8. JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North

4.1

Excellent(2610)

Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 149 times today

JoJo’s ShakeBAR is a next-generation restaurant and bar, and River North’s next go-to spot for hangouts, first dates, and family affairs. Its’ modern, yet familiar, diner experience is grounded in nostalgia and focuses on creative desserts and elevated diner favorites.Outdoor Patio Seating is available for reservations and walk-ins. In the case of inclement weather, our team will do our best to accommodate outdoor patio reservations inside, but indoor seating is not guaranteed. Reservations Are Highly Recommended & Walk Ins Are Available Based Upon Availability.

A photo of TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago restaurant

9. TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(3190)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 66 times today

TAO Asian Bistro in Chicago is a fun, energetic dining spot with amazing food and great ambience. Reviewers loved the fantastic atmosphere, friendly staff, and the occasional light shows. The restaurant's unique multi-level design and visual art treasures add to the excitement. It's a perfect spot for a fun, upbeat dinner with friends or for a romantic evening, especially on New Year's Eve.

10. Ema - River North

4.7

Exceptional(4530)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)

Booked 123 times today

A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's 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

C
csnyder023
Cincinnati / Dayton •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Lulu was very knowledgeable and attentive. We loved her guidance throughout the meal and would absolutely request her again! The food was divine and the wine selection was vast. I haven’t been back since 2018 and am so glad we got to visit this trip! We will be back :)
More info
Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5
T
Tovar
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had the pu pu platter plus some sides, everything was really nice plated and yummy, my favorite thing forever is the curry. The holiday drinks were really cute and i also like that they have zero proof drinks that are delicious and also come in a cool glass.
More info
Three Dots and a DashPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
D
dinersdriveinsdivesvip
Toronto / Ontario •68 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I visit Tanta everytime I come to Chi-Town. Love the cuisine and vibe. The cebiche is so fresh, great w the yuca chips. Had the pulpo which was super tender and flavorful. Also the Nikkei and the mussels, which my wife loved. Service was great. Will hopefully return soon
More info
TantaPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
D
Dan
Utah •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
Wonderful restaurant, great food and low prices. The garlic bread was amazing. Very classical Italian.
More info
il PorcellinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
L
Lia
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Nov 2024
The short rib and mushroom risotto was delicious, we paired it with the gnocchi which was a fantastic choice. It was loud, but there seemed to be a party happening in the area adjacent to us.
More info
Siena TavernPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7

Best Fun Restaurants in Near North

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457 restaurants available nearby

1. Three Dots and a Dash

2. Tanta

3. il Porcellino

4. Siena Tavern

5. Quartino - Chicago

6. Tzuco

7. RPM Italian - Chicago

8. JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North

9. TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago

10. Ema - River North

See what locals rave about

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