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The Dawson, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

The Dawson

4.7
4.7
2767 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 27 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for groups
  • Charming
The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Area
    River West
  • Cross Street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stopCTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Additional
    Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Experiences

  • Tuscan Wine Dinner with Chef Troy Jorge

    US$165.00 per person

    3 Apr 2025 only
    Join us for an exquisite evening of Tuscan flavors, expertly crafted by guest chef Troy Jorge of Acanto in collaboration with our very own Chef Andrew Sikkelerus. Together, they’ve curated a menu that showcases the finest ingredients and flavors of Tuscany, perfectly paired with exceptional wines. Amuse/Passed Canapé Crispy Wagyu Cappelleti, Black Garlic Dolce Paired with Zardetto, Prosecco Brut NV First Course Poached Holland White Asparagus Rhubarb Marmalade, Cured Egg Yolk, Brioche Crostini Paired with Zardetto, Prosecco Brut NV Second Course Scallop Crudo Lemon Citronette, Fresno Pepper, Toasted Pistachio, Micro Fennel, The Bestest Olive Oil Paired with Rocca Di Frassinello, Maremma Toscana Vermentino 2023 Third Course Spinach & Lemon Ricotta Tortelloni Wild Boar Ragu, Grana Padano Crema Paired with San Giorgio Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte 2019 Fourth Course Wood Grilled Ribeye Cap Cippolini Agrodolce, Garlic Confit, Black Truffle Reduction (Sauce Périgueux), Arugula Paired with Podere Poggio Scalette, Alta Valle della Greve Il Carbonaione 2020 Dessert Nutella Tartlet Nutella Budino, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Fresh Banana, Toasted Hazelnut, Black Truffle Paired with Lemoncello
    Tuscan Wine Dinner with Chef Troy Jorge photo

  • Easter Feast

    US$75.00 per person

    20 Apr 2025 only
    Celebrate Easter in style with our extravagant brunch feast with seatings from 10am to 7pm. Indulge in a lavish spread for $75 per person, while kids under 12 dine for $20. Enjoy an incredible array of offerings, including freshly baked pastries, fresh fruit, brunch favorites, and carving stations including herb-crusted leg of lamb, honey-glazed ham, prime rib (after 4pm) and much more. Add on bottomless mimosas to make the day unforgettable. View the full menu at the-dawson.com/easter. Price is for food only. Beverage, tax and service are additional. 2hr seating limit.
    Easter Feast photo

Private dining

Offers

  • Why limit happy to an hour?

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Fri - 16:00 - 18:00
    Join us every Tuesday - Friday 4-6pm for happy hour for special features including $10 cocktails, $10 wines, $6 beers, and specially priced bites.

    Why limit happy to an hour? photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,767 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Dawson offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with "great ambience" and "amazing service." Its menu features standout dishes like "grilled oysters" and "duck wings," complemented by "excellent cocktails." The outdoor patio is a favorite, described as "beautiful" and "like a secret garden." Guests appreciate the "friendly staff" and return for memorable occasions, though some have noted inconsistencies in food quality and service.

2,767 Reviews

  1. John VIP

    Chicago5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been here many times and we always love coming with friends and family. It’s a great laid-back atmosphere with great food and great service.

    Is this helpful?

  2. BirgittaS

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were impeccable. Great ambience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Robert VIP

    Chicago28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 18 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My friends and I came in on St Patrick’s Day and we all loved the food and our overall experience at The Dawson. Our server was quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable about wine and was able to give some great guidance. Thanks so much!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sue VIP

    Chicago13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful as ALWAYS - all around! Never disappoints!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Justin

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always great. Some like it hot is my personal favorite. Grilled Oysters are a must try as well

    Is this helpful?

  6. Zachary

    Milwaukee8 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    As someone who has been coming for close to a decade now, The Dawson is usually a great spot for a great St. Patrick's Day celebration and dining in general, but this not only the worst time I have had at the restaurant - it was also one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had in my many years of dining out n Chicago. 8:00 PM res for 4 that paid $10 per head as part of the live music celebration. Arrived at the restaurant - party was sat in a back corner of the upstairs space where we could neither see or hear the band. Waiter took about 10 minutes to get to our table to take our drink order. Drinks took about 20 minutes to come to the table. Placed food order at this time. 3 fish & chips + 1 lamb stew. Dishes took 40 minutes to be delivered to the table. The 3 fish & chip dinners were all tasted only to discover that the exterior batter was not fully cooked through and still raw on the inside. Flagged down the waiter after trying for 10 minutes and asked that they be sent back. The waiter suggested the kitchen re-fry the fish for some reason? Pretty sure that is a health code violation if they cut open with a bite taken out. Placed an order for 3 new fish & chip dishes. Took another 40 minutes to come out (pushing 10PM by this point with the lamb stew cold from waiting on the other meals to come back) only for the same exact uncooked batter issue to still be present in all 3 dishes. Informed the waiter and decided to just eat the fish in the middle. Thankfully we were comped on those 3 dishes, but man what an overall disappointment all around. Don't know if something was just off overall, but really soured on this place at the moment.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Dangerus VIP

    Chicago18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Was there on 3/15 Sat on the balcony and listened to Irish band . Great food and cocktails. After dinner went to the bar for night cap. Friendly staff and bartender knows how to make a proper cocktail

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Washington DC4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was top tier!! I would definitely come back here when I’m visiting again.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great accommodations for large group. Diverse food menu so everyone can get something they like.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Heather

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always love stopping in for a bite. Great place. I enjoy it every time

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Dawson offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Dawson also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 243-8955.

The Dawson is rated 4.7 stars by 2767 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 27 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Dawson

730 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross Street
    Grand Avenue and Halsted Street at the Grand/Halsted/Milwaukee intersection
  • Area
    River West
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Blue Line - Grand Avenue stopCTA Bus - Grand Avenue/Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Milwaukee Avenue / Halsted Street stopCTA Bus - Halsted Street / Grand Avenue stop
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Website
    http://www.the-dawson.com/
  • Phone number
    (312) 243-8955
  • Private party facilities
    The Dawson is the gathering place in River West for globally-inspired American cuisine, award-winning libations and inviting decor. Featuring multiple spaces on two levels, including an expansive courtyard, The Dawson offers many options and is an event host's dream location.
  • Private party contact
    Events Manager: (312) 372-4001
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