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RL Restaurant

4.2 (1.1k reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

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RL RESTAURANT · YELP ASSISTANT

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RL RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Classy
Upscale
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - RL Restaurant

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Reviews With Photos

Brian M.

Stopped in for lunch on a weekday. The place was packed with people. We were fortunate to get Terry as our server. Terry knew the menu inside out and was professional, informative and personable. The RL burger was huge and delicious. The salmon was fresh and tasty. The Moody Tongue brew hit the spot and the Brussels sprouts were perfection.

Inside
Munsanje M.

Had a girls night out here and it did not disappoint at all! Even with our reservation, we still had to wait 20 mins to be seated so that was a bit annoying but the service and food made up for it. We split a Cesar salad, calamari, and a burger. The burger was HUGE and so flavor as were all the appetizers!! I actually wasn't expecting everything to be delicious since it's right downtown but completely worth the hype. Our server was the sweetest and those blue cheese olives in our martini were delish! Not to mention, the actually restaurant itself had the best cozy, old money vibes that I just loved.

Ann L.

Mixed reviews of RL so had to check it out myself. Solo date today but had exciting news that needed immediate celebration even if alone. First off very classy, elevated, upper east side manhattan vibe. Old school interior wood and decor. Absolutely loved it. So naturally I wasn't expecting too much from the food.....but boy was I wrong. Needed an iron boost so went all in with oyster appetizer followed by a medium rare prime filet mignon. Oysters were very fresh and vanished in no time. The filet mignon???? Chef's kiss! Perfectly caramelized crust and tender inside. Wow. This also came with a roasted whole garlic which melted into a mash with each bite. Every bite of filet was paired with a garlic clove and enjoyed together. The staffer told me this pairing is new in Chicago which they started to do two months ago. All I can say is thank you. The steak also comes with a side of crispy onion rings which were fabulous. Best dish ever!!!! This is an absolute must try for anyone visiting. Coming back pronto

Prime Filet Mignon (10 oz.) sliced
Clare D.

This is an amazing restaurant with a great filet mignon and escargots. Your steak comes with onion rings and a choice of three sauces. Go with the horseradish one and you will not be disappointed. A surprise plus is the roasted garlic. It is an amazing accompaniment to the steak. The escargot came with toast points. You can use these for dipping into the incredible oil and spices the escargots are bathing in. Total decadence. Our server catered to our special needs that day. We asked for our steak to be sliced and he accommodated us. Excellent service! The restaurant's ambiance is first rate. It's decorated nicely and feels very warm and inviting. A five star restaurant experience all the way.

The three piece of cake we got for her birthday
Rosie p.

I came here with my 10 friends for my friend's birthday party. We had an amazing and magnificent time. I felt like I was in a movie because of wonderful it looked inside and out. We had a wonderful time. The food was delicious. Erwin was one of our waiters along with Jeff. Both the waiters were wonderful. They made this experience amazing Erwin also gave mea crumber and some of my friends. They have a beautiful souls inside and out. because it was my friend's birthday. We got a free chocolate cake square Definitely recommend to anyone. Will be coming back. Thank you for the amazing experience Erwin and Jeff.

The menu
Leung Y.

We got seated almost immediately since we have our reservation. It took another 6 minutes from seating before the waiter come and about our drink preference (bottled or tap). The seating was extremely crowded and noisy. Another few minutes before we get our bread baskets. The menu choice is extremely limited. 15 minutes later and still no one taking our order. The specials of the day was only directed to my spouse. Mind you that this was a 2 person reservation only (it's not a big party). I tried the bread basket. I took one bite and decided it is not even worth my effort of chewing, let alone the calories. That cheese crisp is not even crispy with one bite. The bread is not warm and is very dry. The butter is hard chunk cut out. The appetizer is decent. It is under seasoned but at least it is hot and coated correctly. The sauces with it was below average. 30 minutes later, our main is still not in sight. Another 10 minutes, our main came. We got the fried fish and salad with chicken. The dish is much better than the salad. The salad is crispy. The chicken is overly salty and dried. We also got the chocolate brownie, not a fan. As someone has a sweet tooth to put down the fork, you can imagine. Among all the restaurants we tried in Chicago, in terms of ambience, food, and service, Cindy's rooftop and the Shanghai Terrace are so much better. Seriously why can't there be any more good food and service at restaurants like Fred's at Barney's in the old days, or Eleven Madison Park anymore? The only reason I would think I would recommend this place is if someone is a big RL fan. This is almost like one of those restaurants in a theme park, all appearance and not taste.

Dining area
Samuel S.

Definitely one of my favorites in this great city of Chicago. The staff is always pleasant and happy to serve you. From the valet person to your waiter everyone is excellent. My favorites from the menu are the calamari, the walleye, the perch, and the RL burger. The sides are family style and the sautéed garlic spinach and of the course the fries are my go to. I love this place. Perfect for drinks and conversation.

Espresso martini
Abbey P.

The food was top tier. The ambiance is so cute inside too it felt like we were sitting in someone's living room and the waiter made us feel right at home. It is so cozy you won't want to get up from your booth to leave. The burger was one of the best I've ever had in the city and the filet was cooked to perfection.

Inside
Kailey M.

Perfect cozy winter spot. We were seated in the main dining room in the beautiful booths. We ordered the RL burger, mini Reuben's and lobster roll. Everything was good - the Reuben's were a fun touch on the menu and perfect for sharing. I did order a glass of wine and I swear it was champagne, but I was able to send it back. Overall it was quite pricey for what we ordered. But we came more for the vibes anyways.

Dinner
Heather M.

RL is a really fun experience. The food is fabulous, and the service was good. It's upscale, so you definitely get the feeling of being pampered there. We had a large group, and our server made sure we had fresh cocktails and wine often. We had a great time and would go again. Reservations are a must.

Pigs in a Blanket
J E.

I had heard good things about RL, so when given the chance to have a business lunch here, I was happy to attend. Checking in we were given a table in the main dining room and seated way before this place got completely packed, about 20 minutes later. The dining room reminded me of an upscale RL store, with wood walls, bookcases, and similar upscale library style décor. Service was great... helpful, very professional, and friendly. The menu was filled with many great options and just when I thought I selected what I wanted, our server told us about their specials, which included a sea bass sandwich, so I went for that instead! We started with their pigs in a blanket - They were GOOD!! The mustard that accompanied them really added a nice touch to the flavor and the dough they were wrapped in was flaky and tasty. Next up was a bowl of their tomato bisque, again - RALLY GOOD!! The goat cheese in it added a nice, sharp flavor for each bite. The sea bass sandwich was excellent too! The jalapeño on it added a nice spice and the fish was so very soft, flaky, and flavorful! The bun was incredible too... Overall, a great sandwich! I look forward to returning... Highly recommend making a reservation and joining them!

This is probably my favorite restaurant in the world. Everything about it is perfect--from the food and the décor to the exceptional service. What I love most about the food is how they take dishes that feel familiar and comforting and turn them into something elegant, special, and completely unique. Everything we've tried has been incredible. The atmosphere is just as special. The décor transports you to another era and makes the entire experience feel like so much more than just going out to dinner. My husband and I have been here four times now, and we make a point of coming back every time we visit Chicago. The service has always been exceptional, but if you're lucky enough to have Alberto or Jose taking care of you at the bar, they are THE BEST! They are incredibly attentive, warm, and genuinely kind--and they even remember you when you come back, which makes the experience feel even more special. I cannot recommend this place enough. 100% a must when you're in Chicago. Don't miss it!

Can you imagine a better Shrimp Cocktail?
Lawrence M.

How can this place still deliver tremendous fare, perfectly crafted drinks and wonderfully personal service after all these years??? Really not sure how, but they manage! The shrimp cocktail was plump and fresh, the BLT salad was huge and the bacon (really more like pork belly) was tasty and juicy. Love this place........never tire of it. Carly was the most amazing server....her first day and she killed it! Cheers!

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Ask the Community - RL Restaurant

Possible to make any of the steak dishes without dairy/ butter due to allergies?

How dressy do you have to be for lunch?

Casual- everyone is dressed how you are up to evening, dressy date attire!

Does the salad fill you up or is it just another appetizer/starter?

The salad is a good size portion. You can have it as a meal.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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So enGAGEing…read more.. After walking around Chicago Loop area and all the selfies at The Cloud Gate in Millennium Park taking a break would be nice as that was a great highlight of my time in Chicago which wasn't close to being over yet and having it right across from the park it was very convenient and a great spot that gave it the tavern/gastropub vibe. With the timing they were also celebrating Oktoberfest as well with Bratwurst and Bavarian Pretzel I opted for a Half Sandwich and Soup of the Day which was Pumpkin and what an absolute comforting bite even with the hotdog I had earlier and my Salmon BLT sandwich was a winner for sure. Everyone's dish looks absolutely amazing along with the service. It was great and I am so glad that we made this stop as it seems to have something for everyone to enjoy at a great price. Highly recommended especially with a lot of walking to give this place a try that's right across from Millennium Park. Thank you!

"It's Octoberfest somewhere in the world!!!"…read more Wanting some food after wandering Millennium Park and other surrounding spots The Gage was in the right location! I think this Establishment gets a great Happy Hour Crowd as well as a great Visitor crowd... Loud and Bustling! We got seated, we got served, we ate and moved on but before hand we dined on a bratwurst sandwich which was covered in their homemade sauerkraut and mustard. Oh what a meal. My travel partner and I shared the sandwich and boy! was that a good decision because it was a lot of food to have for a lunch on the run Service was great. Food was good. Yup! Place to go if you're hanging around the Millennium Park or DT Chicago area.....

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One of my favorite places to grab a drink. Located in the lobby of and gorgeous Palmer House Hilton…read morehotel, the art and amazing ceiling are stunning to look at. It's also decorated with a gorgeous Christmas tree for the holidays. Very relaxed vibe and some TVs showing sports too. Lots of seating options. Luis has taken care of my table a few times and he's fantastic! He provides excellent service. I love the brownie. Bertha's brownie is a must try. Bertha Palmer actually invented the brownie in the late 19th century and they keep her signature recipe. It's so delicious!! Made with lots of butter. The cherry sauce with it is so good too. The drinks are delicious! During the holiday season, I enjoyed the Meet Me At Midnight, Cheer Spritz (mocktail), and the Vanilla Chai White Russian. All were amazing but wow, the chai White Russian was so good and beautifully presented. I love meeting friends for drinks here. On the regular menu, some of my favorites are Island Time, if you like rum, and Hot Pants if you like tequila.

While walking back to my cousin's condo, we passed by the historic Palmer House and decided to stop…read moreinto the Lockwood Restaurant. We came for one reason--the famous Bertha's Brownie--and it definitely lived up to the hype. Rich, creamy, and wonderfully decadent, it's a must-try for any chocolate lover. The service was friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant visit. Even if you're only stopping in for dessert, it's worth taking a moment to admire the Palmer House's beautiful, ornate interior. The elegant architecture and historic charm make the experience feel extra special.

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Yes, please. I would like a reservation for each day of the week. Creative menu with skill in the…read morekitchen. Be sure to call for reservations. Lots of energy in the dining are.

My husband and I were here in 2018 and it was phenomenal. When we had an opportunity to visit…read moreChicago again, my husband made reservations here for their Tiniest Goat menu and experience. This menu was anything but tiny and delivered big on EXPERIENCE. Last time, we saw Chef Izard expediting the line and everything ran like a well-oiled machine. This time, Chef Izard wasn't here but her restaurant still ran with the same precision and impeccable eye for quality of food, service, and ambiance. Our server was Luis (and his team) and we sat at the kitchen bar. We were greeted with genuine warmth and a champagne toast. We will remember Luis and will ask for him again. The menu items on this six-course Tiniest Goat experience were ANYTHING but tiny. The flavors were even BEYOND what we'd come to expect having eaten here previously and at Chef Izard's LA rooftop dining experience. The menu items were a fusion of Chicagoat, Asian, and California fresh! The braised goat with persimmons was an unexpected delight, as was every single course. We've had great goat empanadas here before. My husband lived in the DR before where he'd thought he had the best goat ever, but Chef Izard's team surpassed his high expectations. Chef Preston was personable and made the experience unlike we'd had before in the best possible ways. It was interactive. We got to experience firsthand what we saw last time only closer up, which was a team that works exceptionally well with each other AND truly loves what they do. They were also having fun and kind to one another. Well Done, BRAVO!

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4.1(17 reviews)
0.6 mi•The Loop

It was a long day, and this was convenient since we're staying at the hotel. The staff was great:…read moreused to dealing with hungry kids, and addressed their needs first, which was greatly appreciated. We all enjoyed our food and my hazy IPA was great. I popped back in the next night to grab a glass I'd wine to take back to my room.

Since we were staying at the Royal Sonesta hotel, we decided to have brunch downstairs at Hoyt's…read moreinstead of going elsewhere. We got there around 8am on 06/18/26 and the place was kind of empty. We stood for awhile waiting to be seated. Finally a lady said she would take us to a table but that they were all dirty. We kind of looked at each other puzzled. She kept mentioning that they were dirty and weren't cleaned yet but seated us at a high top that hadn't been cleaned and tried to clean it herself. We wanted a window seat so we accepted it. It seemed fine after she cleaned it. It was just a strange way to bring us into the restaurant before the tables were cleaned. We could have stood by the door and waited some more. But the service and food were very good! Our server was Jose, who was excellent while checking on us several times to make sure everything was good. The vanilla latte that he recommended was delicious! I ordered the 3 Egg Ham 'n Cheese Omelet with mushrooms and my daughter had the Eggs Benedict. Both were cooked perfectly and seasoned correctly. Yummy! For dessert, we shared the delicious Cinnamon Roll Waffle, made perfectly, of course. We were surprised when we received our check, which was $92 for breakfast plus 20% tip. Anywhere else It would be around $65 but we were here on vacation. We were in Chicago for another 5 days but we did not come back here. There were many other breakfast places on the Riverfront that were equally good and much less expensive. My rating was 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

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RL Restaurant - newamerican - Updated November 2026

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