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    River Roast

    4.0 (1.4k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    RIVER ROAST ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Live music
    Moderate noise

    Recommended Reviews - River Roast

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    Reviews With Photos

    Happy Hour Burger
    Kari O.

    (Kari's Rating 7.75/10) Came here on a Friday for a quick happy hour bite and was happily surprised with how everything was. They had a nine dollar sangria, which was really delicious, it didn't really taste like there was a lot of alcohol, but was refreshing and sweet. The burger was relatively average (a good sharing size) it came with this pimento cheese sauce -which I thought really put it over the top. Unfortunately, the chips that it came with didn't really taste like potato, but just pain oily. The pretzel wasn't that bad, but it also came with a side of the pimento cheese and I thought it was pretty heavy and repetitive because it was on two items. Overall, I think this is a great place and I can definitely see it being crowded over the summer when the patio is open, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to come here.

    Liza G.

    Beautiful views of the river! This is such a great date night spot, or fun girls night out. We had reservations, but decided to sit at the bar. Our service was outstanding! They had a fun Valentine's Day themed menu going on (all pink everything), which made the evening feel even sweeter. Oh and, the pull apart bread they serve to the table is phenomenal. What I tried: - strawberry margarita-esque cocktail with a pop rocks rim, so tasty and fun! - ribeye vday special with crispy potatoes and arugula 8/10 - mac and cheese 8/10 - fried chicken bites 9/10 Can't wait to come back during patio season!

    Marissa R.

    I was excited to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and see the river dyeing at River Roast, but the event didn't quite live up to the hype. The biggest surprise was that it actually wasn't crowded, which normally wouldn't be a bad thing, but it made the atmosphere feel a little flat. With a DJ and all the decorations, I expected a much more energetic vibe, but it just wasn't as fun or lively as anticipated. Food options were also extremely limited. The brunch stations were basically egg sandwiches and monkey bread, with no meat-free option available, which felt like a big miss for a ticketed event. The upstairs area got pretty hot, there was very little seating, and construction nearby blocked much of the river view. Since the river dyeing is the main reason people book these events, the obstructed view was disappointing. Unlimited green drinks were a nice touch, but overall the event felt underwhelming for the price. With better food variety, seating, and a clearer view of the river, this could be a much stronger St. Patrick's Day experience.

    Claudia M.

    We were meeting some friends at a bar to watch a game. My husband found River Roast and said we should eat there before waking to the bar. We got lucky and went on the last day of Restaurant Week in Chicago. We got to try the RW menu. It was amazing! They offer three courses for 60$ on RW, full portions too. My husband had the apple salad with blue cheese, I had the burrata for the first course. For the second course my husband tried the brazed beef and I tried the rainbow trout. Delicious. For dessert I tried the salted caramel cheesecake. Yummy! My husband had the chocolate cake. Absolutely amazing, all of it. They have a complimentary coat check. The server was so friendly, good vibes. The restaurant looks like an English pub, lots of wooden tables. Very nice space. You might get lucky and get a table with a window to the Chicago River. Gorgeous.

    The steak frites
    Gia G.

    The food was decent overall, but nothing mind-blowing. We got the steak frites, branzino, and roast chicken. The branzino was good but it doesn't come with a side so just know that going in. The steak needed more seasoning and the chimichurri didn't add much. Fries were just fries. The roast chicken was okay but we would have preferred a Costco rotisserie chicken. Vibes and ambiance was good. Service was good too!

    Richard N.

    The service was impeccable. The food was good, but again, the service levels was fantastic!

    Pull apart rolls and charcuterie board
    Shahrooz E.

    Still one of my absolute favorites on the city! You can't beat the view of the river, great service and for the price... excellent value considering it's in the heart of the city! I feel in love with their chicken a decade ago and it's still my favorite thing on the menu!

    Let's get this party started!!
    Jada C.

    This is the establishment that I chose for my husband's birthday dinner after reading all about it on Yelp. I saw the delicious menu offerings, ambiance, and river views, and wanted to witness for self. It was a party of 6 of us, we made a reservation and showed up on time. Upon entry, we were greeted briefly by the hostess upstairs. Once you walk in, you actually go downstairs to an open, pretty dining area to your left and water views to your right. It was very, very, very nice and scenic in there. We were greeted by our table person, Juan. He seemed very busy as everyone else di. They weren't crowded. He tried his best overall. The only main concern that I have with this place, they have a door that they keep open all day and night, and it doesn't close until the restaurant closes. It was very chilly in there, VERY chilly, we're in Chicago, and on the water! Please close the door! Juan said he would check with the manager, and we never got an update. Someone from my party asked a hostess, and she said they couldn't close the door. Nevertheless, everyone loved their food ordered. We had the following. RR Pull Apart Rolls Lemon Drop Peach Martini Golden Gobbets Roast Chicken B.L.A.T. A la Carte Salmon Grilled Asparagus Oysters on the Half Shell Ahi Tuna Tartare Chocolate Cake We genuinely enjoyed our food. It came out well plated, hot, well prepared, flavorful, and plentiful. I would highly recommend this place, just bring a coat, not a jacket, a coat! A fireplace would have done us well! I want to put that in a suggestion box! A fireplace. Huge thanks to Juan for making Hubby's birthday special by bringing out dessert, Hubby enjoyed it, and we helped him !! Lol

    RR Skillet (with sausage)!

    Five star service! This staff was ON IT! We were not disappointed on any front! We decided to stop by for lunch before our show at the Cadillac Palace Theatre! Perfect distance to the theater and just steps away from the Chicago River Walk! At RR, there was not a moment where a detail was missed! We had full waters at all times, plates cleared immediately, and kind interactions with staff! The food was absolutely incredible! We had the Pork Belly Bites as an appetizer, and my oh my- delicious! Everyone at the table was a fan! Our group had the Fried Chicken Sandwich, RR Burger, Chef's Breakfast, and RR Skillet (see image)! We left full and happy! One friend said "You know it is a good restaurant when you leave patting your belly and ready for a nap!"- Ha! Certainly true here! From the service, to clean bathrooms, to super sweet atmosphere- we loved it! A beautiful spot right on the Chicago River!! Would certainly recommend! Thank you RR!

    Aram L.

    Grabbed a weekend dinner here for our last evening in Chicago for its great location. We arrived right on time and were seated right away. The person helping us through our meal was friendly and helpful - overall good service. We got half a roasted chicken and roast beef (smaller size option) with a side of broccoli. Though the food itself was fine. Chicken tasted a touch dry and asked for medium on the beef though it definitely seemed medium rare. Casual fun vibes throughout which we enjoyed. Overall if you're looking for a place to eat by the river, it's worth a try here.

    The Burger
    Jill C.

    We went here for a dinner and hoped to be seated near the window. Didn't happen and the table offered was in the middle of the room, so we stayed at a smaller table at the bar. Great zero proof menu drinks. Burger was overcooked but ok. Sourdough cut up the roof of my sisters mouth. Tasty app with burrata, but entrees were disappointing. Fries were meh.

    Laura M.

    We had a dinner reservation at River Roast on the Chicago Riverwalk. We were running late, but they were accommodating to us having to push back our reservation. It was raining so we weren't able to eat outside. That was a bummer as we were looking forward to the scenic river city views, but you can't control the weather. River Roast has an open kitchen concept. It's fun to be able to watch the kitchen staff do their thing while enjoying your meal. We started with the Burrata, it came with a great spinach walnut pesto. We also ordered the Caesar Salad. They serve hand carved table side Roast Chicken. We saw them serve the Roast Chicken a few times, fun! We decided to order the Whole Branzino, which is a Mediterranean Sea Bass that's served with a Salsa Verde Tomato Herb topping. It was flaky and flavorful. We really enjoyed the herb topping with the fish. We also ordered a side of mushrooms. They were delicious, cooked in white wine with herbs. My son had the Mac & Cheese with a smoked pimento cheese sauce. It was so good! The service was good, the food was good, the atmosphere was good. River Roast is an upscale tavern that's on trend. It stopped raining toward the end of our dinner so we went outside on the patio before we left, beautiful river city views at night! Highly recommend.

    Chi A.

    It's hard to get on the patio for River Roast but I was smart to make a reservation a week in advance before my trip. They always have availability inside but I wanted to sit outside. My reservation was for Saturday at 12:30pm and but upon arrival, I was told I would still need to wait for a table outside. Despite the heat, I chose to wait for a table and sat at the bar in the meantime. The bartender made me an old fashion mocktail and in less than 7 minutes, my table was ready. The restaurant is right on the water so the view is amazing. They have large umbrellas outside to shield you from the heat but, they could use some mist fans to make it more enjoyable. The brunch menu is somewhat limited so I opted for the branzino (half), which came with nothing so I had to get a side of fries. The food came out quick but they were late on my fries. Food wasn't impressive and although my waitress was nice, she wasn't attentive enough. The best part of brunch was the view. The CHI has much better brunch options than RR.

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    8 days ago

    Very rude workers, they talk to you like you're stupid and give you the ugliest faces. I expected better

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    Nice place but hard to find, the coffee could have been better, nice ambiance and good service.

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    River Roast Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - River Roast

    Would you consider this a dressy or more casual place? Jeans, business casual or a bit of a dress up?

    It's a cute spot and honestly I saw people dressed up and some people were dressed down. I personally would go with dressy casual.

    What time do they serve brunch on the weekends?

    Unfortunately I don't know but I would guess their brunch is divine!!

    Do they take walk ins?

    It's been a few months since I've gone, but yes!

    How can I make reservations for outdoor seating?

    OpenTable app

    I saw on DO312 a picture of the Friday Fish Fry (with chips aka French Fries)...it stated available Fridays until March 30th. Is that still available during 2020?

    Not sure. When I go next time, I will find out. Blessings

    Is there a kids menu? High chairs?

    Not sure. Call and ask.

    Is the outdoor patio dog friendly?

    No definitely not. It's more or a nicer restaurant

    Does they have a full coffee bar here?

    Yes! Reid Bar serves coffee & espresso from 7:30-1:00pm Monday-Friday and 10:30-2:30pm Saturday-Sunday. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings it turns into a spirits bar.

    Do they have anything vegan-friendly?

    Yes..... they have something called A Boatload of Veggies. They also have salads that you could make vegan by asking them to leave out an ingredient or so. They also have a side of roasted potatoes.

    How much does the valet parking cost?

    Under 3 hours is $14, over 3 hours is $18 if I remember correctly.

    Is there outdoor seating where dogs are allowed? Would hate to miss the opportunity if dogs weren't welcome.

    Unfortunately, unless the dog is a service animal, they are not allowed on the patio.

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    King of Cups

    King of Cups

    4.4
    (131 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    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!

    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!

    Photos
    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)
    2.1 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
    (764 reviews)
    2.3 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!

    Photos
    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)
    2.5 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)
    2.4 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)
    2.0 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.

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    Willow Room
    Willow Room
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    French 75

    River Roast - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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