The Chew Chew

4.9

1801 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 11 times today

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

The Chew Chew is celebrating 28 years of great food & hospitality in the heart of Riverside, IL directed by original Chef/Owner Scott Zimmer. Located one-mile east of Brookfield Zoo, 5 miles northwest of Midway Airport and 10 miles west of Downtown Chicago. There is a Metra Train stop on our block for safe & easy access in/out of the City. We feature a multi-level dining room, vibrant full-bar & a cozy outdoor patio May-October (weather permitting). Happy Hour daily 4-6pm with beer, wine & cocktail specials. Make sure to try one of our famous Jumbo Martinis during your visit! We appreciate all the great reviews & voting us Chicago's #1 Neighborhood Restaurant on Open Table. If you cannot find a reservation online, please call us direct 708-447-8781. We look forward to serving you.

Order delivery or takeout

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, American
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(708) 447-8781
Website
http://www.thechewchew.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Scott Zimmer
Catering
Full-Service, Carry-Out, Deliveruy
Private party facilities
The restaurant has a second level mezzanine for groups up to 50 people.

Location
33 East Burlington, Riverside, IL 60546
Area
Riverside
Cross Street
We are between Harlem & First Avenue on the south side of Burlington St
Parking details
Directly on Burlington Street and city lot nearby.
Public transit
Steps away from the Burlington Northern (Metra) train station in Riverside. After exiting the Metra, walk one block east on Burlington Street. Our front door will be on your right side. Look for our black awning over the sidewalk.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

BACON-WRAPPED DATESUS$11.95
mexican chorizo-stuffed, arrabbiata-tomato sauce
POKE TUNA STACKUS$17.95
sushi-grade tuna, avocado, cucumber, puffed-rice chips
FRIED CALAMARI + PICKLESUS$16.95
cocktail sauce, zesty chili aioli, lemon
BRUSSELS SPROUTSUS$10.95
candied pecans, asiago cheese, citrus vinaigrette
GRILLED MINI-LAMB CHOPSUS$15.95
garlic confit, fresh rosemary, fig balsamic, lemon
- ThreeUS$15.95
- SixUS$27.95
PORK BELLY SLIDERSUS$12.95
red wine mustard, cabbage slaw, garlic pickle, pretzel rolls
STEAMED EDAMAMEUS$8.50
sesame oil, lemon, sea salt flake
GRILLED CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPSUS$18.95
cucumber, bean sprouts, wonton chips, macadamia nuts, dipping sauces
POTSTICKERS OF THE DAY
hand-folded dumplings, spicy-sweet soy, chili crunch, pickled ginger

SOUP OF THE DAY

BAKED ONION SOUPUS$9.95

GREENS + BOWLS

HOUSE SALADUS$7.95
baby lettuce, genoa salami, tomato, olive, sweet onion, basil vinaigrette
CAESAR SALADUS$10.95
heart of romaine, house dressing, garlic croutons, asiago cheese
CHOPPED WEDGEUS$13.95
iceberg lettuce, apple wood bacon, whipped gorgonzola, cherry tomato cucumber, sweet onion, bleu cheese dressing
WARM FARMER BOWLUS$19.95
baby lettuce, asparagus, cauliflower, avocado, feta cheese, fingerling potato tomato, sweet onion, boiled egg, basil vinaigrette, balsamic syrup
CRAB + AVOCADO BOWLUS$27.95
baby lettuce, lump crab meat, creamy dill dressing, avocado, asparagus, cucumber, tomato, spring onion, citrus vinaigrette

FLATBREAD

TOMATO + FRESH MOZZARELLAUS$15.95
baby ribbons, tomato sauce, asiago cheese
ITALIAN SAUSAGE + PEPPERONIUS$17.95
mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil ribbons, asiago cheese
APPLE WOOD BACON + GOAT CHEESEUS$18.95
sunflower pesto, fingerling potato, caramelized onions, balsamic syrup

MAIN DISHES

8oz CHIMICHURRI STEAKUS$32.95
grilled-skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, hand-cut fries, bearnaise aioli
8oz STEAK DIANEUS$36.95
filet mignon, brandy, mushroom, demi-glace, mashed russets, baby carrots
16oz DOUBLE-CUT PORK CHOPUS$24.95
grain mustard-bacon gravy, sweet potato, french beans, beer-battered onion
10oz SEARED JUMBO SCALLOPSUS$36.95
sweet corn risotto, asparagus, lemon-beurre blanc, crispy sage, asiago
10oz BLACKENED CREOLE CHICKENUS$21.95
avocado butter, french beans, mashed russets, corn-jicama pico de gallo
8oz GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMONUS$25.95
forbidden rice, asparagus, mushroom, lemon-buerre blanc, spring onion
12oz CRAB-STUFFED RAINBOW TROUTUS$26.95
hand-cut fries, house tartar sauce, cabbage slaw, lemon
8oz MACADAMIA NUT CHICKENUS$23.95
mango-lime butter, sweet potato mash, broccolini, fresh fruit salsa

BURGERS + TACOS

10oz DOUBLE CHEESEBURGERUS$17.95
cheddar, garlic pickle, sweet onion, mustard, basil mayo, brioche bun hand-cut fries add bacon 3. | sunny egg 3. | (GF) bun 2.
- BaconUS$3.00
- Sunny EggUS$3.00
- GF BunUS$2.00
9oz FISH TACOSUS$24.95
avocado butter, corn-tíla de gallo, salsa verde, ancho-chili sauce cabbage slaw, flour tortillas or -Butter lettuce (GF)
8oz PRIME RIB FRENCH DIPUS$21.95
havarti cheese, caramelized onions, creamy horseradish hand-cut fries, au jus add truffled mushrooms 5.
- Truffled MushroomsUS$5.00

PASTA + RICE

SHRIMP + SAUSAGE JAMBALAYAUS$24.95
creole-style rice, blackened shrimp, chicken, andouille, spring onion
SMOKED-GOUDA *MAC + CHEESE*US$20.95
lumacconi pasta, bacon, tomato, spring onion, asiago, zesty bread crumbs
RIGATONI + VODKA SAUCEUS$16.95
basil ribbons, asiago cheese, zesty bread crumbs
SWEET CORN RISOTTO + ASPARAGUSUS$20.95
lemon-beurre blanc, crispy sage leaves, asiago cheese

SIDES

TRUFFLE FRIESUS$9.95
CAULIFLOWERUS$9.95
BABY CARROTSUS$9.95
BROCCOLINIUS$9.95
CABBAGE SLAWUS$7.95
ASPARAGUSUS$9.95
FRENCH BEANSUS$9.95
FORBIDDEN RICEUS$11.95
MASHED POTATOUS$7.95
ONION RINGSUS$9.95

COCKTAILS

EL PRIMO MARGARITAUS$14.00
milagro reposado, grand marnier, tacua, sour, agave
MOSCOW MULEUS$11.00
titos, ginger beer, mint, lime, copper mug
CUCUMBER GIN + TONICUS$11.00
fords, fresh cucumber, tonic, lime
BOURBON & BERRIESUS$12.00
makers mark, strawberry, sour, oak, chilim rim
SAZERACUS$12.00
templeton rye, absinthe, peychauds, sugar, twist
BURLINGTON SOURUS$12.00
templeton rye, sour mix, wine, brandy cherry
NEW FASHIONEDUS$12.00
maker's mark, bitter's, pale ale, orange, brandied cherry
BACK PORCH LEMONADEUS$12.00
stoli vodka, lemonade, raspberry puree, sugar rim
MOJITOUS$12.00
bacardi rum, fresh mint leaves, sour, lime

MARTINIS

CHEW CHEW BLUEUS$16.00
gorgonzola olives, dry vermouth (vodka or gin)
GODFATHERUS$16.00
stoli vanil, greek marnier, amaretto, brandy cherry
FRENCH KISSUS$16.00
stoli citrus, pineapple, chambord, prosecco, lemon
DOWN + DIRTYUS$16.00
olive juice, dry vermouth, olives (vodka or gin)
COSMOPOLITANUS$16.00
stoli citrus, triple sec, sour, cranberry, lemon
ESPRESSOUS$16.00
stoli vanil, kahlua, espresso, lemon
GREEN APPLEUS$16.00
stoli, apple liquor, sour, apple slices
POMEGRANATEUS$16.00
stoli citrus, cointreau, fresh sour, lime

SELTZER

BERRY SPRITZUS$10.00
stoli vodka, watermelon, blackberry, orange twist
IRISH DANCERUS$10.00
tullamore dew irish whiskey, ginger ale, fuji apple
OLD SAN JUANUS$9.00
bacardi rum, gooslings rum, mango, pineapple, lime
RANCH WATERUS$9.00
cabo wabo tequila añejo agave nectar, fresh sour, lime

DRAFT BEER

BUCKLEDOWN CACTUS PANTSUS$6.00
light lager 4.5%
UPLAND WHEAT ALEUS$9.00
belgian witbier 4.7%
POLLYANNA AMBER PINTSUS$9.00
amber ale 5.7%
LEFT HAND MILK STOUTUS$6.00
nitro stout 6.0%
HOPEWELL FIRST PILSUS$9.00
czech pilsner 5.1%
3 FLOYDS GUMBALLHEADUS$9.00
wheat pale ale 5.6%
LAGUNITAS LITTLE SUMPIN'US$9.00
wheat ipa 7.5%
BUCKLEDOWN BELT + SUSPENDERSUS$9.00
ipa 7.0%

BOTTLES + CANS

GOOSE ISLAND 312US$6.00
MILLER LITEUS$5.00
MODELOUS$6.00
COORS LIGHTUS$5.00
KROMBACHER (NA)US$5.00
HEINEKENUS$6.00
STELLA ARTOISUS$6.00
ORIGINAL SIN CIDERUS$5.00
FAT TIREUS$6.00
BLUE MOONUS$5.00

MOCKTAILS

APPLE-GINGER FIZZUS$10.00
zero-proof whiskey, ginger beer, apple slices, cinnamon, lime, copper mug
STRAWBERRY-MINT MOJITOUS$9.00
zero-proof rum, fresh sour, mint syrup, strawberry puree, seltzer, lime, mint
FIRE & ICEUS$9.00
zero-proof tequila, habanero syrup, o.j., sour, seltzer, grenadine, salted rim

What 1,801 people are saying

The Chew Chew reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Chicago / Illinois
Neighbourhood gem
Chicago / Illinois
Contemporary American
Near West
Best Overall
Near West
Best Food
Near West
Best Service
Near West
Best Ambience
Near West
Best Value
Near West
Child-friendly
Near West
Innovative
Near West
Healthy
Near West
Neighbourhood gem
Near West
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Chew Chew delights with a diverse menu and standout seasonal specials. Guests rave about the "best gluten free flatbread," "amazing trout," and "perfectly cooked scallops." Service is consistently praised as "attentive" and "friendly." Located in a charming neighborhood, it's a "hidden gem" offering a memorable dining experience.

1,801 Reviews

B
Betty
Chicago31 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The Chew Chew has always given a good dining experience. We never have to wait a long time to be served. They seem to always have enough wait staff to accommodate their patrons. The food is good and the drinks excellent. It's our regular "go to" place.
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SS
SusanS
Chicago5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 5 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our favorite restaurants. Never disappoints!
Is this helpful?
LM
LtngMD VIP
Chicago33 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was very busy so the server was not at our table frequently. However, she was efficient and very pleasant. Food was good but not exceptional. thankfully we were seated ina corner so we escaped most of the noise.
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M
Mark
Chicago29 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Mardi Gras menu is the best!! Blackened Red Fish outstanding, as usual. Excellent service, ambience and food.
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K
Karin
Chicago9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food in a cozy atmosphere…had the calamari, chimichurri steak and poke bowl. The cocktails were also delicious!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have been going to The Chew Chew for over 20 years and it is one of my favorites. Great good, service and ambiance.
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s
stanley
Chicago103 reviews
4.0
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Went to chew chew and everything was good. Even though we had reservations we had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated it it was worth it. The food was delicious and our waiter Gene was great. We shall be back.
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J
Jane
Chicago17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every time we come here we have a great meal with great service. First, the chopped wedge was fabulous with a lovely whipped gorgonzola. Wow! The only note we'd make was that the scallops with risotto was a tad salty. Other than that, they were quite nice and cooked perfectly so as not to go tough/rubbery. The trout was delicious and a plate of broccolini was crisp and particularly delicious. A simple thing but worth noting. Always a nice experience here.
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R
Raymond
Chicago2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
we sat in a booth by the kitchen which was noisier that I would have liked.
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M
Monik
Chicago5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great customer service always. The food is made fresh and high quality. A great family or date night restaurant!
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FAQs

The Chew Chew offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (708) 447-8781.

The Chew Chew is rated 4.9 stars by 1801 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

13 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

33 East Burlington, Riverside, IL 60546

Additional information

Cross Street
We are between Harlem & First Avenue on the south side of Burlington St
Area
Riverside
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Directly on Burlington Street and city lot nearby.
Public transit
Steps away from the Burlington Northern (Metra) train station in Riverside. After exiting the Metra, walk one block east on Burlington Street. Our front door will be on your right side. Look for our black awning over the sidewalk.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Scott Zimmer
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.thechewchew.com/
Phone number
(708) 447-8781
Catering
Full-Service, Carry-Out, Deliveruy
Private party facilities
The restaurant has a second level mezzanine for groups up to 50 people.

The Chew Chew

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

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Additional information

CHEW CHEW BLUE

CAESAR SALAD

RIGATONI + VODKA SAUCE

START + SHARE

BACON-WRAPPED DATESUS$11.95

POKE TUNA STACKUS$17.95

FRIED CALAMARI + PICKLESUS$16.95

BRUSSELS SPROUTSUS$10.95

GRILLED MINI-LAMB CHOPSUS$15.95

PORK BELLY SLIDERSUS$12.95

STEAMED EDAMAMEUS$8.50

GRILLED CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPSUS$18.95

POTSTICKERS OF THE DAY

SOUP OF THE DAY

BAKED ONION SOUPUS$9.95

GREENS + BOWLS

HOUSE SALADUS$7.95

CAESAR SALADUS$10.95

CHOPPED WEDGEUS$13.95

WARM FARMER BOWLUS$19.95

CRAB + AVOCADO BOWLUS$27.95

FLATBREAD

TOMATO + FRESH MOZZARELLAUS$15.95

ITALIAN SAUSAGE + PEPPERONIUS$17.95

APPLE WOOD BACON + GOAT CHEESEUS$18.95

MAIN DISHES

8oz CHIMICHURRI STEAKUS$32.95

8oz STEAK DIANEUS$36.95

16oz DOUBLE-CUT PORK CHOPUS$24.95

10oz SEARED JUMBO SCALLOPSUS$36.95

10oz BLACKENED CREOLE CHICKENUS$21.95

8oz GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMONUS$25.95

12oz CRAB-STUFFED RAINBOW TROUTUS$26.95

8oz MACADAMIA NUT CHICKENUS$23.95

BURGERS + TACOS

10oz DOUBLE CHEESEBURGERUS$17.95

9oz FISH TACOSUS$24.95

8oz PRIME RIB FRENCH DIPUS$21.95

PASTA + RICE

SHRIMP + SAUSAGE JAMBALAYAUS$24.95

SMOKED-GOUDA *MAC + CHEESE*US$20.95

RIGATONI + VODKA SAUCEUS$16.95

SWEET CORN RISOTTO + ASPARAGUSUS$20.95

SIDES

TRUFFLE FRIESUS$9.95

CAULIFLOWERUS$9.95

BABY CARROTSUS$9.95

BROCCOLINIUS$9.95

CABBAGE SLAWUS$7.95

ASPARAGUSUS$9.95

FRENCH BEANSUS$9.95

FORBIDDEN RICEUS$11.95

MASHED POTATOUS$7.95

ONION RINGSUS$9.95

COCKTAILS

EL PRIMO MARGARITAUS$14.00

MOSCOW MULEUS$11.00

CUCUMBER GIN + TONICUS$11.00

BOURBON & BERRIESUS$12.00

SAZERACUS$12.00

SMOKED-GOUDA MAC + CHEESEUS$20.95