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    River North Bistro

    4.1 (57 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    RIVER NORTH BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Dogs allowed

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    Ham, Swiss, and hollandaise omelet. Delicious. The link sausage was the star of the show
    Michelle M.

    Everything we had was excellent. The link sausage was the star of the show. Very fair pricing. Bumpy service but we will visit again

    Rie U.

    TLDR: service was good and food was solid but it's a hotel restaurant prices for sure. Also, some of the breakfast items look identical! We ordered the American Breakfast, Avocado & Goat Cheese, and Wild Mushroom Toast and they all came out looking like the photo below. We were so confused for a second! Apparently, bc the egg goes on top of the toast with stuff on it, everything looks the same lol. Anyway, our food was pretty good but portions are smaller (compared to other brunch places). Service was spot on. It's definitely hotel restaurant prices, imo.

    Expresso
    Danielle M.

    Loved the pancakes here! After yoga on the rooftop, we came down for brunch and drinks. I was surprisingly pleased! We did not expect to enjoy such a flavorful meal! The eggs were good, loved that salsa that came on top! Pancakes were to die for! Fluffy and delicious! Tequila expresso, was one of the best I've ever had. Took one star because the service was a bit slow; found ourselves constantly looking for our waiter, initially and at the end of our meal however I will say, once we ordered, that food came quick! I'd definitely return! Waiter was helpful and easy on the eyes! Good space for everyone!

    Croissant Sandwich
    Erin D.

    Came to breakfast as it was included with my hotel reservation. Seated very quickly, orange juice really good and fresh! Croissant sandwich was good, would've liked more bacon/meat. Pairs well with the garlic aoli sauce. Potatoes cooked very well and seasoned! Indoor and outdoor seating, very nice and quiet ambiance.

    Corn & Cheddar Fritters
    Jacqueline L.

    The place was empty at 5pm on a Wednesday. Servers were nice. The happy hour menu seemed like it was geared more for summer and had not been updated for the fall/winter season. (Aperol spritz was one of the drinks featured) The food left much to be desired. Very mediocre. Nice place, cute decor, good service, but the food and drinks need improvement.

    Truffle & Wild Mushroom Scramble
    Annie K.

    Good service, cute outdoor patio. The patio was quite full so it seems business has picked up, but we were able to be seated right away. This was my second visit for brunch. The first time was several months ago when I believe the restaurant was fairly new. At that time the restaurant was pretty but the food was great and also very reasonably priced. This time, however, the food was just ok - the house potatoes were great but the granola tasted slightly overtoasted and our scramble a bit dry/overcooked. If I remember correctly, it seems the prices have increased as well, though I can't say for certain. Hopefully next time, the food will be as good as we remembered it being the first time we went, because we could always use more good brunch options in the neighborhood!

    Side of Avocado
    Kate N.

    Walked in on a Sunday at noon and was able to snag a table inside. Tomas, the manager, was quick to greet us and make sure we were spoken to because the hostess had stepped away. Although they seemed understaffed a bit because he also had to take our orders and seat us- we would've never noticed! He was quick to take orders, refill drinks, and bring our check. All around great service. As for the food, we were very happy with everything we ordered. I had the Ham & Swiss Omelet with avocado on the side and my friends got Steak & Eggs and the American breakfast. The Ham& Swiss omelette was a great size and delicious- and the breakfast potatoes were just as good. The avocado was fresh and an appropriate amount for a side order. My friends both loved their orders and said they would definitely order the same things again when we come back. As a plus, the interior was nice, modern, and very clean. Will definitely be back!

    Egg Scramble
    Faheem A.

    After checking out of our Hotel Eurostar we decided to try River North Bistro. We tried the Hot Honey Chicken which was pretty standard- though we didn't really taste any "heat" or any honey. This dish was still acceptable as it was crunchy and had flavor. Our second course was the Egg Scramble which was pretty good.... We should've added some sort of meat to it as that's all it was personally missing. The service was superb. We didn't wait long for anything and they extremely quick with everything. I will definitely be back to check out more of their menu.

    Unsweetened TeA
    William P.

    Came here for a nice afternoon brunch with my two best friends. Seated quickly without a reservation, served water promptly. We all ordered the American Breakfast, came with Cholula and ketchup. The eggs were perfectly scrambled. Potatoes were well seasoned and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I got the turkey sausage, it was juicy and slightly sweet. The bacon was well cooked and crisp, you get 3 per order. The ice tea was really good, unsweetened but had flavor to it that made it just right. Staff will attentive, took a bit of time to get our check. The ambiance was fresh and modern.

    The Doctor and GM Tomas
    Denyce M.

    Came here for brunch, stayed for the bottomless mimosas. At $22 a pop, this is a very good deal for a downtown location. I was happy that they allowed you to select the juice of your choice (OJ, cranberry or pineapple). Food was good, Lake Benedict (smoked salmon, poached eggs, béarnaise, house made biscuit). This also came with potatoes, which were nicely seasoned. Biscuit was nice and tender and the béarnaise sauce was very good. I also got a "side" of pancake, which was one....should have gotten a full order as it was very good and my daughter dipped into it. The cake was nice and fluffy and the coloring was great. I am picky about pancakes and like a certain brown coloring for them and this one was perfect. My hubby go the steak and eggs and said it was nicely prepared. My daughter got the Truffle and Wild Mushroom scramble with potatoes (scrambled eggs, truffle oil, sautéed wild mushrooms, sautéed leeks). She cleaned her plate, so you can say she enjoyed it :-) She said that the flavors were light and the dish itself was just the right amount of food. Service was great, with the server being attentive. He kept those carafes of mimosas coming. The time limit for mimosas was 1.5 hours, but we were not rushed or stopped from our quest to get hydrated. We also met the GM, Tomas, who was also very nice and helpful, doing things in and outside of the restaurant. There is a lovely covered outdoor seating area. Would have sat out there as it looked inviting but the wind was too crazy that day. We will definitely be back as they offer a Happy Hour from 4-6 pm, Sun-Thurs. Happy Hour on a Sunday? Count me in.

    Ham & Swiss Omelet
    Allison J.

    Great brunch spot! We ordered an omelette and the mushroom toast and both were really good. The bottomless mimosas were a great value, and they made sure to keep them coming the whole time. The server was super nice and made sure we got everything we needed. The outside seating was super cute and perfect for a summer morning.

    Bacon & Swiss Omelet
    Josh F.

    Great little place for breakfast! I had the bacon and Swiss omelette. It was delicious and huge! The potatoes were also good. And, coffee was delicious. The wait staff was very attentive. Inside it is very classy. In total, the bill was around $30 with tip. Not too bad for a sit down restaurant right off Michigan Avenue. I would definitely eat here again.

    Nice ambiance
    Rafael S.

    Went for breakfast. Nice welcome, good solid tasty food. Try the Truffle & Wild Mushrooms Scramble, also the Croissant Breakfast sandwiches. Could improve in having better coffee though. Efficient service although the server was alone. Still was nice and timely. Quiet airy ambiance with lots of natural light. Would definitely return.

    Truffle Seared Chicken Breast (subbed for Whipped Garlic Potatoes!)

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    6 months ago

    It wasn't crowded when i went. Food selection was good, quality, taste, presentation, and service were all very good. I'd go back again.

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    Thanks for the awesome review!

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    10 months ago

    Great Happy Hour menu here. We sat outside at their nice patio. And Kevin took care of us!

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    Thank you for your great review!

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    Thanks for the love!

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    3 years ago

    Food was good ! Service was fast & efficient . Nice music playing in the background & beautiful greenery if done outside !

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    King of Cups

    King of Cups

    4.4
    (131 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    What a nice, moody, intimate bar. I came here for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised at how…read moreit's an actual discounted happy hour menu! You know it is these days - most places just knock a dollar off and call it a day. This one is legit! I'd say you should make a reservation for prime time to ensure you'll have a seat. However when it's early no big deal to just pop by. I enjoyed the plum Moscow mule (not too sweet!) and the espresso martini. Both are on draft which made me nervous from past experiences at other places. However, these were great and I LOVED their espresso martini. The bartender was kind and the vibes were off the charts. Check this place out next time you're in Lincoln Park!

    The best way I can describe King of Cups is to say this place is a VIBE. The theme is all-in on…read moreMedieval, from the lighting to chandeliers, candles, mirrors, chairs, drapes, and even changing digital paintings. It is definitely unique, creative, and a massive differentiator from any other cocktail bar I've been to. Now, let's talk cocktails! The creativity of the interior extends into the menu. Unlike some places that just make variations of existing classics (except for items specifically so named, like the Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini), all of their cocktails are unique and interesting. Time for a punch card? I ordered the Maximillian the Imposter. While I'm not typically a fan of banana (except for banana bread), I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to try something 'flaming'. Flaming it was! The preparation of the drink involved a surprising amount of fire. I initially thought this was just for show, but no, this translated into a noticeable smoky flavor. Beyond that, the drink was strong, not overly sweet, and an all-around delight. There was one bartender on the night I was here, and while it was busy, I was still able to get my drink in a reasonable amount of time. I also feel as though they have reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and the market rates. King of Cups gets busy, and for good reason: they are an all-around phenomenal place, from the drinks to the vibe, and everything in between. If you're someone who likes a seat rather than fighting through a crowd, get a reservation! See you there!

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    Bar and seating
    Bar and seating
    Espresso martini
    Espresso martini
    Plum Moscow mule

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    Plum Moscow mule
    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9
    (1.7k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$$

    My friends were wanting to get fondue so we searched online and found Geja's cafe. We came on a…read moreSunday night. The atmosphere was nice and cozy. It was dimly lit inside and there was a guitarist playing music. We decided to do the 3 course Prince Geja's combination. The first course included swiss Gruyère cheese fondue with assorted breads, vegetables and fruits. After that they brought out Prince Geja's combination which was beef, lobster tail, shrimp, chicken breast, and sea scallops which you were able to cook in the boiling hot broth. I really liked how there was 8 different side sauces brought out so you could add some more flavor to the meat and seafood. The last course was chocolate fondue served with marshmellows and a side of fire. It was as if you were making smores because it also came with some graham cracker sprinkles. It also came with some fruits to dip into the chocolate fondue as well. The service was great. It was nice they had a coat check. Our server was very knowledgeable and guided us through the experience.

    A dimly lit, cramped, dark, and friendly space rests a fondue restaurant made for a night out with…read morefriends, date night, or just a desire for melted cheese. A guitarist sits somewhere against a brick wall and plays music lightly but energetically. Service is friendly from start to finish and smiles are on everyone's faces. The menu is pretty easy to understand. You can get a three-course meal, or you can get each entree à la carte. You have two fondue candles in front of you, one for the cheese and dessert, and the other for the oil. We chose the three-course meal, and it was delightful. We started with the cheese appetizer. You get a basket of bread and fruit and we chose the seasonal cheese to dip. The oil for our meat was then left to heat, and we received a massive platter of veggies and meats for our main course. We chose the option for all selections of meat and seafood. After trying all the meats, I would opt for the lobster and shrimp. You can also substitute the oil for a broth. I would like to try the broth for next time. In one of the shakers, Gejas makes their own meat spice mix. It's recommended to put on the meats and even the desserts. It's a mix of tangy and savory and was a great compliment to the meal. We then chose the seasonal dessert, a white chocolate with vanilla cookies. Fruit, marshmallows, and churros to dip. We were so full by the time dessert came, but we enjoyed a few bites and took it home. The three-course meal, with five types of meat, came with about 10 pieces of meat. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but it truly is, with the apps, veggies, etc, your stomach will be full when you walk out of here. They also start the entire course with a mixed salad (so technically it's a four-course meal). It was very fairly priced, as well. Initially looking at the prices, you may think it's expensive, but it truly is a value with the amount of food they serve. This was rated as most romatic restaurant in Chicago. Its ambiance gives you the romantic feel, the guitarist adds to the atmosphere, and the staff is professional and friendly. This really was a great place and we enjoyed our time and meal.

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    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe

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    Gemini

    Gemini

    4.0
    (765 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    It's Summer Time Chi season in Lincoln Park. Extensive patio at Gemini is super inviting. Jacob our…read moreserver was exceptional in his engagement & making reco's on drinks and food. Even though half my party was late, I never felt rushed. The FKG mocktail was sweet and flavorful. The Spritzer was a good alcoholic next drink. Truffle Parm fries were a table fav. Burrata was smaller than I expected for $18. Enjoyed my beet salad with salmon. Will def be back and highly recommend!

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    Nice view inside restaurant
    Nice view inside restaurant
    Burrata crostini
    Burrata crostini
    Brussel sprouts

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    Brussel sprouts
    Le Mistral

    Le Mistral

    4.9
    (14 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    The service is just incredible. That's what stands out the most. We came after having a superb…read moredinner at S.K.Y. and out waitress transferred us to Le Mistral for dessert as we were hoping to end the night with another cocktail. The transition was seamless, the walk through the kitchen was very cool, everyone was very friendly and excited to see guests. Our dessert came quickly to Le Mistral instead of S.K.Y. and was superb. Our waiter at Le Mistral was very friendly, gave some good advice on the cocktails, and was consistently attentive. My cocktail was just OK - sherry-based martini. I don't normally like a martini but all the ingredients actually seemed very much up my alley - the sherry, benedictine, rose vermouth. But the olive just overpowered. And definitely not worth the price of $24... Would definitely return and try the food next time as well.

    We popped in on a Monday night for a nightcap after finishing up at Mon Ami Gabi across the lobby…read more Our experience was meh. I don't know if every Monday is Metal night, but it was that Monday - Black Sabbath, Nu-Metal, everything but the live goldfish. Perhaps they should advertise "Monday Metal at Mistral" if that is to be a regular thing. It does flow off the tongue. To be fair, there was a full house and the other patrons did not seem to mind. We were not looking to feel the noize, however, and so stayed for just one cocktail. Mine was a Sazerac adjacent mix, and it was very high quality. The decor is very low light, but the vibe is pretty basic - more Paint Your Dorm Room black than Parisian Opium Den black. A bit of a missed opportunity for romance.

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    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral

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    Esme

    Esme

    4.0
    (154 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    Esmé, consistently One of Our Favorites in Chicago…read more We went to Esmé last night on a Monday and were pleasantly surprised to see both an event happening in the bar and a solid number of diners in the dining room. Not many Michelin starred restaurants can pull that off on a Monday, but Esmé always seems to have energy. This place has become one of our most reliable favorites. They change the menu a few times a year in conjunction with rotating local artists, and the restaurant itself feels more like a refined art gallery than a traditional dining room with white walls, clean lines, simple and elegant. Last night was no exception to their usual excellence. The experience is really anchored by Chris Gerber, a longtime Chicago hospitality pro, and his team. They are flawless. This is true hospitality in every sense of the word. They usually keep two signature dishes, and for good reason. The caviar supplement sounds odd on paper, but in your mouth it is absolute perfection. The cod sounds simple, but it is anything but, rich, decadent, and always one of the highlights. Everything new on this menu was also outstanding. Every course had beautifully balanced sauces that made sense with the dish, and the presentations were creative without being gimmicky or over the top. The plating always ties in with the featured artist in a way that feels thoughtful, not forced. One tip. Be careful when choosing your beverage pairing. We did not read closely enough and ended up with the more inventive pairing that included cocktails and a beer. It was fun, but afterward we wished we had gone with the higher end wine pairing instead. Bottom line. Esmé remains one of the most consistent Michelin starred experiences in Chicago. It is not just very good. It is reliably excellent every single time.

    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

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    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Willow Room

    Willow Room

    4.2
    (430 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Loved everything. Delicious really great foods. Group of four, zero complaints. The service was on…read morepoint. Nice wine pour. Bright fun atmosphere. I thought for the quality and portions and fair prices this is a really great choice. Looking forward to returning.

    Chicago Restaurant week. I reviewed various dining options in search of a good place for dinner…read more Reddit gave me some ideas. I'd never been to Willow Room and liked that they had a four course dinner menu, with items I liked. I was able to make a reservation for a Saturday night at 8:15pm. PARKING Parking on Halsted on a Saturday night can be a nightmare, and it did take a minute to find street parking. North of the 1800 block is busier because there are several restaurants within a two block radius. Side streets are permit parking after 6pm. Meters on Halsted are $2.50/hr. ATMOSPHERE Willow Room was pretty packed. We had a reservation for 8:15pm and my party of two was seated right away. The restaurant features a full bar, dim lighting and is nice and roomy. They have banquette seating around the perimeter, in addition to tables in the middle. SERVICE Our server, who was very nice and accommodating during our dining experience, came by and gave us our menu's. I had already decided on the RW menu and after review, my friend was interested in the Beef Wellington (not on RW menu). Our server informed us that normally the whole table had to order off of the RW menu if one person does, but said she would check with the kitchen since this was the last day of RW. Luckily, we were able to proceed with ordering from different menu's. FOOD I ordered a raspberry Cosmopolitan. I'm a Riesling/Moscato girlie, but I tasted the Riesling and didn't like it. RW dinner was priced at $60. I ordered: First Course: Caesar Salad (Typical salad, was good) Second Course: Mussels (Tasted fine, came with a baguette) Third Course: Short Rib (Could've been slightly more tender and better seasoned. I've definitely had better. Wouldn't order again.) Fourth Course: Orange Ricotta Donuts (Donuts were very good. Three were served, a few more would have been more filling.) My friend ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and: Truffle Fries (Fries were very tasty. I would order again if I went back.) Beef Wellington (The breading was buttery and very good. The beef could've been more seasoned. I wouldn't order.) Key Lime Pie (Was not sweet and had no taste. When our server came back and saw it was uneaten, she offered to take it off the bill. It should be removed from the menu altogether.) The busboys and server were very attentive. Our water glasses were always filled. OVERALL The atmosphere was nice, our server was great. Of all the food we ordered, I would order the truffle fries and Cosmopolitan again. I did leave full and did take my leftover Short Rib to go. Main dishes needed more seasoning. I would dine here again and try a different menu (brunch/lunch), or Happy Hour if they offer it.

    Photos
    Willow Room
    Willow Room
    French 75

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    French 75

    River North Bistro - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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