First time at The Dawson for a birthday dinner! The restaurant has beautiful aesthetics, definitely can tell the outdoor patio is perfect for summer. The set up of the restaurant is open plan inside so it is a little loud with everyone's voices carrying throughout and on top of that the music is pretty loud. Other than that the ambience is great here. The food and drinks were also great! And when they found out it was a birthday celebration they gave a complimentary cheesecake which was a great touch. read more

Came here on a Friday night for a GNO and everybody loved it!! Maybe it's bc we got pretty lit off of 2 pitchers of sangrias. :) We ordered a lot. Like, a lot. The sticky duck wings were my favorite. I'd come back here just for them! The chicken fried lobster was okay but nothing to write home about. My lamb shank entree rocked my socks off, no joke. The squash polenta was even tasty and I don't even like polenta usually! The charred cauliflower was very lovely, and perfect for sharing. Carrots were a hit but I thought they were a touch undercooked. Also, don't snooze on the chicken Milanese bc it's juicy AF! I usually don't eat chicken breast if given a choice bc it's dry and lean (give me the fats!!) but this chicken was tender and juicy! Definitely a great value meal! For dessert we had a chocolate cake, a kuchen, and a ginger tart of some sort...? (Sorry, by the time dessert came, I was not the most sober.) The kuchen was so simple yet buttery and delightful! We all loved it the best. The other two weren't bad, just not at the kuchen level. The ambience and decor here is beautiful too! It was pretty loud upstairs on a Friday but I can see this place being good for date night. read more

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I enjoyed dinner here in the private space upstairs for a rehearsal dinner, and the food was fantastic. The asparagus, steak, salmon, mashed potatoes, and cheesecake were all executed beautifully. The service was good, but could have been a bit more friendly. read more

Used to be our favorite restaurant and the Fish Tacos were the draw. Wow - what a difference five years make. The fish though moist and cooked to perfection - it was bland with little seasoning. Served with 4 tacos but accompanied by a miserly portion of guacamole (based on the color not made in house). The dish used to be a 10+ now I would say about a 6. My son ordered a medium rare steak that was over cooked but the manager comped it. The real disappointment was the lack of service. Our server was friendly but inattentive. Never checked on us the entire time other than taking the order and bringing the check. Our server did provide attention to the larger party. Not only will I not return but I would share this experience with anyone who asks so they can lower their expectations. read more

The Dawson - Bill - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had reservations for brunch and got seated right away. The server was great. He was very energetic and professional. He knew when to check on us and timed everything perfect. My wife ordered their Chicken & Waffles. The chicken wa served on top of a cornbread waffle and then topped with a fried egg and sawmill gravy on the side. The chicken itself was very juicy and tender and perfectly fried. The gravy was different than most but complemented the dish very well. This is a dish I wouldn't hesitate ordering again. I ordered their chilaquiles. It was served with crispy tortilla chips mixed in with their salsa brava. The salsa was tasty with just the perfect amount of heat. It was topped with two fried eggs, cilantro and onion and avocado on the side. You can also order a protein with this dish for an additional charge like chorizo, chicken or steak but unless their serving it with skirt steak, I usually just order this without a protein. Overall I had a great brunch and really loved the service. I definitely see myself returning in the near future. read more

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What an absolutely GORGEOUS dining space. I've been to The Dawson once years ago for a New Year's Eve party, but didn't get the full on dining experience I received this past weekend. I truly had a wonderful time! The space alone deserves 5 stars. It is modern while still cozy and romantic. I absolutely love the large stairwell and windows upon entering. I haven't dined in the outdoor area, but after seeing the photos here on Yelp, I will absolutely be back this summer to experience the magical garden space! We arrived at 7:30pm on a Saturday evening and were quickly seated thanks to our reservation. The hostesses working were incredibly sweet and welcoming. One noticed I had a dirty menu (before I even realized) and quickly replaced it with a fresh one. Our server (I wish I wrote down his name!) was the BEST. Seriously all the staff we interacted with were easygoing, happy to be there, and knew the menu very well. I love that the menu has seasonal cocktails with photos to match. I ended up going with the some like it hot, The Dawson's take on a spicy margarita complete with orange, agave, and habanero. I LOVED this. It was the perfect balance of refreshing and spicy. To start, we shared the meatballs and buffalo cauliflower (which is technically a side, but made the perfect app). Loved both of these! The meatballs were Moroccan inspired and served with warm and delicious pita bread. My friend and I split the burger and super green salad because ~balance~. The burger came highly recommended from our server and it was OUTSTANDING. Honestly, the salad was nothing special, but it was a good excuse to eat some greens. Absolutely loved my time here overall, and cannot wait to be back! read more

The Dawson - Buffalo Cauliflower - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's been a minute since I checked out The Dawson. Came for an early brunch with a friend and really liked the majority of the menu. Ended up going for the Ricotta Pancakes. They were both sweet and a little savory due to the corn in the pancakes which actually worked pretty well with the dish. They were fluffy and light and pretty great all around. The best part of the brunch was when the hostess stopped by to gift us a couple of adorable mocktails! It was so sweet and unexpected. Little gestures like that will always make me want to return. read more

The Dawson - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Review is for brunch only. The chicken and waffle was different. The cornmeal waffle was a bit gritty and not soft and fluffy (some may like this, I didn't). The chicken was crispy and moist. The best part was the flavor of the gravy, but it was a bit thin and runny. The worst part was only getting half of a waffle. Their rendition of diner classic was underwhelming. Bacon, eggs, toast with potato hash. The toast was a thin slice of French bread; there was not enough room for the whipped butter (it was good butter). The hash was the type that's baked on a sheet pan and sliced per order, which lacked the crunchiness when it's freshly fried in a pan. The food was really three stars, but the staff was nice and I can see the potential so I'm giving it four stars. read more

The Dawson - Burger - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is very average and nothing special, and the prices are quite high for what you get.

Always love this place. The menu changes but I have yet to be disappointed. Keep up with the good work! This place has a charming little yard, I give to the environment/vibes. This time I went with a friend and her toddler, they brought a child seat to us right away. The service did get a little slow as they get busier. I would definitely come back here again. read more

The Dawson - Smoked Salmon Toast, soooo good! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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this place is huge, chic, and has a nice patio - what's not to like? the service was good and the food was excellent. i ordered the wood-fired oysters. the oysters were HUGE and the morita butter on them was fire. slightly spicy and so flavorful. i was sucking every last drop! the toast was great too. my friend really enjoyed her rigatoni. read more

The Dawson - wood-fired oysters - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Dawson was the best! It's gorgeous, we sat on the patio and had the best time celebrating my best friends birthday. Everyone was incredible and so kind to us, truly top service! They really took great care of us and I couldn't be happier, I'd love to stop by some other time since their patio is so cute. I got the elote, burger and fries and it was really good. Elote is always my favorite and I ate it all LOL it was a large portion to share. My friend got the steak frites and said it was really good and cleaned his plate too. My friend got the siracha butter chicken and it was cooked perfectly and came off the bone easily and the sauce was so good. I can't wait to be back! read more

Beautiful space and very friendly service. However I was pretty disappointed by my Woodland Mushroom scramble. Very bland and boring. However the saving grace was the side of twice fried potatoes. Everyone else's food in my party looked and tasted much better than mine so I would def recommend skipping the mushroom scramble and trying something else. read more

The Dawson - Woodland Mushroom Scramble - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We ordered both The Dawson Burger and the Butter Chicken Pot Pie. Dawson Burger - A very high quality burger. We ordered these two dishes to share and they were kind enough to cut the burger in half and deliver it on separate plates. Very flavorful. Butter Chicken Pot Pie - Delicious. The best part was the Naan bread on top. This was a unique dish and we both really enjoyed it. read more

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The Dawson has easily become one my favorite Chicago restaurants for many reasons. For starters, the ambiance is warm, inviting and mature (but not in a snobbish-sense). The staff are extremely friendly and professional. The waiters are very knowledgeable about the food and drink menus and thus able to give solid recommendations. And the food, the food is AMAZING. Every dish arrived to our table steaming hot, full of flavor and in just enough time for us to finish our first round of drinks. The quality of lobster blew my mind. It was sweet, tender and juicy, with a beautiful, crispy and perfectly seasoned breading. The pasta was heavenly. Homemade rigatoni noodles and a skillfully made vodka sauce with the perfect amount of heat. The drinks were equally as delicious. I cannot wait to come back! read more

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Joined my friend and her dad for dinner on a Thursday. Service was great, staff was super friendly an attentive. We shared the empanadas which were tasty but super flaky. I wasn't too hungry so I went with the buffalo cauliflower which were yummy and a spritz drink that I forgot the name of. My drink was good, but a tiny bit too sweet. I ended the night with the blueberry cheesecake. Definitely interested in trying it again some other time. read more

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This is THE spot of you want to go have an amazing brunch! I suggest you either call to make reservations or show up early, as this place is super popular! The ambiance is super chill, kinda farmhouse/chic and the outdoor space is incredible. Now the food....amazing! I suggest you go hungry and try all the aiming stuff they have to offer. I ordered a mimosa to start, then moved on to chicken fried sandwich! It comes with fries, which were crispy and light! The chicken sandwich was crispy and juicy, full of flavour! I wish I had korea room to try other items, but I definitely will go back! Parking is street/public. Price point is decent with what you expect to pay for quality food! I definitely recommend going here for brunch/dinner or any occasion! read more

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This place is amazing, especially after their renovation. It's a wonderful place with an outdoor fireplace and lots of fresh air. The upstairs bar, "the dead rabbit" is also cool. I enjoyed a Sunday Funday listening to Steam Irish Quartet. I ordered the Shepherds Pie and ate every bit of it. Delicious!! Food and drinks and service, all amazing! read more

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Overall the food and beverages on my first visit at the Dawson were really good! We started with the shareable I Pearly Know Her cocktail, which was the perfect drink for fall - it tasted SO seasonal and delicious! We also shared the pumpkin bread and cinnamon roll, both of which were also quite tasty. I got the breakfast sandwich for my entree and even though it was a bit challenging and messy to eat, it was savory and very good. Cons of this visit: while pouring our drinks the waiter spilled some of our shareable drink and said he'd bring more but did not, my friend's second cocktail had a hair in it and had to be replaced, and the temperature control in the area we were seated wasn't great - it was cozy at times and then would get so cold you needed to put your coat back on. In spite of these things, I still give the restaurant a 7.5/10 or roughly 4 stars. read more

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Ambiance, ambiance, ambiance! That was the theme of The Dawson. The patio was lovely and as the sun set behind the skyscrapers of Chicago, it became all the more wonderful. The twinkling lights, beautiful vegetation, and the centerpiece: the show-stopping, quaint fireplace sitting at the back of the patio. This up scale, but not quite high end, restaurant hosted a wide range of parties the night I was there. From birthday parties, old friends catching up, girls night out, and romantic date nights, The Dawson can accommodate all. While the food at The Dawson was very good, it came up just a bit short for my party and I. Each dish we ordered had a minor issue that stopped it from being elite level new-American cuisine. The green goddess salad was a bit too tart, mac and cheese too peppery, lobster roll had a few pieces of shell, and the twice fried potatoes not quite as crispy as we thought they were going to be. The appetizers we ordered were very good. We had the Brussel sprouts and mussels and they were the highlights of the meal. I really struggled giving The Dawson 3 stars, but I also didn't think it deserved 4 stars. A more just review would be 3.5/5 stars. Overall, I'd return to The Dawson for the patio, but not sure I would come back for the food. read more

Great spot to enjoy the fleeting warm summers w/covered outdoor seating. Enjoyed all the food and drinks (even attention to bring glencarin glass for whiskey)! Lobster fried chicken is a must order! read more

This place is really really cute and that's all I can say about this place that is positive. Except maybe the fries. The fries are good, just overpriced. I did come during covid though so I'm sure there was an up charge. I came with a couple of friends and we all got cocktails. None of us were very impressed with the flavors or strength. I got the fried chicken sandwich. I rather eat one from shake shack to be honest. Lacked flavor. read more

The Dawson - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Was very much looking forward to dining here since I heard amazing things about their supposed sister restaurant 'the gage'. I love the location and ambiance with the dim lighting and candles. The service was okay. Our server's name was Andre and he recommended a lot of different items and talked about them in elaborate detail which ended up in him basically regurgitating the entire menu. So that was a bit difficult to dissect but his recs were good. Ok the food! Really good. I recommend the duck wings, brioche and the rigatoni. My friend got the chicken fried lobster, which tasted fine, not great. I asked the server where they get their lobster from and he didn't know. However my biggest complaint is their lack of variety of tequila. All of their tequila based cocktails are made with mezcal. I asked our server if certain drinks can be substituted with literally any other kind of tequila, but he said all the cocktails are pre batched? Not used to that especially coming from a supposed 4-star restaurant - a Chili's maybe. Lastly, we asked the server to split the check down the middle. Might've been a miscommunication but the bill was not split 50/50 when he brought it. All in all, an okay experience. Ready to try the gage now read more

3.4 stars for the food, rounding up for the cool vibe and service. The Dawson has one of the better patios in the area. They really invested in creating a fun atmosphere. The chef is a pro at plating. I'd say the dishes are solid overall in terms of flavor and execution. Drinks are what they do best. If you're looking to chill out with a few friends over cocktails and appetizers this is a terrific option. read more

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Looove !!!!! Food was fresh! I lived the scenery of the restaurant. Would love to go again to dine.

The ambience is very nice. We opted to sit outdoor so we were able to experience the patio seating area. The weather was nice so we were able to enjoy the warm weather where it wasn't too hot. There was a bar located outside as well along with the seating area. The Dawson has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Our waiter was on top of it and made our visit very pleasant. He was quite knowledgeable with the menu and was able to get me to get the cocktail that they made it all in house. Now down to the nitty gritty - the food. Nothing super specular about the food. It didn't give me the WOW factor and we got a couple of things to try too. I thought it was just OK Chicken Fried Lobster: I felt that this was a bit overpriced but it was pretty good with the sauce Tres Leches French Toast: This wasn't bad and super unique and you definitely needed the sauce Skillet: Super plain I needed some hot sauce and ketchup Chi -Baby: It was okay, nothing spectacular Overall okay food but the ambience was nice so more for chill vibes. read more

The Dawson - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Another hipster place is this restaurant at the busy ass intersection of Grand, Halsted, and Milwaukee. If seeking to avoid parking and traffic hassles, this luckily is right next to the Blue Line, making it a good reason to hop off. The Dawson has a brunch type of menu, heavy on cocktails and lighter on food of substance. Expense is the main complaint. Vegetarians also won't find a lot. For happy hour we went to this cool bar. It wasn't that busy, so we got seats, and decided to also get something to eat. The cocktails seem to be the main thing. For me the coolest one was the Peas And Quiet. It's $15 for most cocktails, more than the food we ordered was. Fuck the price, but we had to try a cocktail. I thought this one had a cool name. That was enough of a reason to order this. It's a pisco sour, garnished with a snap pea pod. This is made with citrus cordial, Control Pisco, Lillet Blanc, and St. Germain, high quality stuff. She had some kind of spritzer drink. The food is lacking for vegetarians. About the only thing they have at all was the Fruit Plate. It's $12 for some fruit slices. There's a nice variety. Among the fruit is slices of guava and papaya. The rest of the menu is very meaty with burgers and steaks. It may have a few vegetable appetizers. There's nothing though for an entire meal. Good taste for what they do have. I can't complain about the quality, but the price for sure is way too high for certain items. They could use a few more choices that don't have animal products. read more

The Dawson - Peas And Quiet With Fruit Plate - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good was phenomenal. Pricing was fairly priced. Didn't take photos of the baked oysters but SO tasty. Highly highly recommend! read more

The Dawson - Lamb Shank. Meat fell off the bone. Incredible - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Abraham and Anna were very attentive and accommodating. Excellent food, amazing atmosphere, and great location. We had the oysters and burgers and loved both. read more

The Dawson - Father's Day Special - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great place to sit outside in the summertime and enjoy good drinks, great apps, and an awesome atmosphere with friends. We found the apps and shared plates to be way better than the entrees so I would definitely stick with just those next time. We started with the elote as well as the peaches and cream. The elote was pretty good but the peaches and cream dish was delicious. Sweet and savory and much different than other cheese apps I've had before. I had the ahi tuna entree which was very good. The fish was cooked very well but the rice was an odd texture and was very sweet. My friend had the burger which was good, not great. Overall, we had a great experience and I will definitely go back to soak up summer on the patio with drinks and apps! read more

This is a contemporary American spot with some excellent food. The menu varies by season but I have been several times over the last three years and every time was satisfied. The most memorable dishes were the fish tacos (good for sharing, fresh and delicious) and the pork chop. Depending on when you try to go you may not be able to just walk in and be seated. There are several different spaces indoor and outdoor and can be reserved for events as well. The last time I was there it was so busy the bartender got pulled to also be our server, which was a little difficult because he would be occupied making drinks for long stretches but this was probably a one-off. The only reason it is not a 5 for me is that I am not that excited by the drink options. Despite this, I have returned several times so don't let that stop you! Overall, good spot for a date or a group, also able to do events. The food is very tasty but the drinks were not particularly memorable to me. read more

$46 for two drinks before tip??? Come on. Food was good not great. Way too expensive for what you get. Went for restaurant week. Had the duck salad, shank and apple pie dessert. read more

The Dawson's patio embodies summer and the customer service is excellent. I visited The Dawson with a few friends from business school for brunch and loved the bohemian atmosphere with wooden tables, potted plants and a pergola. There is also paid and free parking available nearby. I appreciated the QR code menus, social distancing, and enforcement of masks when not seated at the table. Some of the food was delicious and some ok. I loved the cheese curds, but personally didn't enjoy the chicken and waffles. The cocktails were very good as well. However, the reason I will come back again and again is the fantastic service. Paul, our server, was friendly, helpful, patient, attentive and went above and beyond to make our visit amazing. He even helped us take a photo outside of the restaurant to take it with our masks off. If you visit on the weekend, I hope your server is Paul! He's amazing! In the end, for about $45 each, we had an amazing time! read more

The Dawson - Chicken and waffles - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What's great spot! I got the Coconut Curry it has great flavor! We went for St Patrick's day so they had great energy and decor. Awesome patio, massive space and great service! I will be back for another visit! read more

The Dawson - St Patrick's day decor - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I absolutely could not believe how bad our NYE was at this restaurant. This place had high expectations for. First the appetizers ran out and we had one option out of three which was oysters. Many of my party were looking g forward to a different option. Then the service was very slow in general even though it was a prefixed menu. The best part of the "ticket" we purchased was the dj NYE party upstairs. Not only was the music horrible but the DJ DID NOT DO A COUNTDOWN OR PAUSE THE MUSIC for a literal nye party. I couldn't believe that people at the bar had to yell the countdown and he didn't stop the music, do a count down or anything. He literally missed the entire point of the New Year's Eve party that was the countdown to the new year. Please do not waste your time booking nye here or any event. They clearly cannot handle it and do not have the capacity to plan it regardless of event price. read more

We had a late lunch here after a morning of pampering and all I can say is this place has major vibes! We came in on a Saturday afternoon without reservations and were immediately seated. After trying the menu I'd recommend reserving a table because I can guarantee you we got lucky getting in so easily. The food was outstanding! I mean it! The grilled fish tacos were so simple and elegant yet perfectly seasoned and flavorful and the accoutrements complimented it without taking over. The grilled elote is peeled table side and deserves a video every time it's done. The empanadas were just okay in my opinion, presentation was major though. I ordered the butter chicken pot pie because I've never had an Indian inspired pot pie and I love naan. The naan topping was light and flaky and all the veggies stood out in the dish. So amazing! I also sampled my friend's rigatoni and the vodka sauce will keep you eating past full if you don't exercise restraint. Our waiter Manny was a complete delight, He knew the menu well and gave great recommendations! Kudos to him! I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu! read more

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Everything was great. Our food, server and the atmosphere were great. We sat in the outdoor seating and it was beautiful. Our food came out quick and was delicious. read more

Been to Chicago many, many times, first time here though. And it was amazing!!! Taylor was our waitress and she was absolutely amazing. My steak was cooked perfectly! The entire staff was top tier! 10/10, definitely recommend!! read more

I couldn't help but think about Jack Dawson from Titanic when I visited The Dawson.... and indeed, The Dawson is just as charming as Jack Dawson. The space is so cute and aesthetic that they actually offer wedding receptions. The outdoor fireplace, string lights, and all the stone and brick create a quaint rustic fairytale-like ambiance. Patio dining here is a quintessential Midwest summery vibe. The Dawson has a nice cocktail and beer selection. The food is mostly classic American fare (burgers, steak, fish tacos) with a slight international twist (patatas bravas, shishito peppers, elotes). (+) Celebrating You (Pride month cocktail special, $16): This mezcal-based cocktail had an unexpected but fun spicy watermelon concept. (++) Right Bee Rose Cider ($9): I loved this drinks! Unlike most ciders, this was not sweet at all. It's easy to drink and very similar to a rose (my friend loved it even though she usually doesn't like beer). (+) Buffalo cauliflower ($12): Not bad but not outstanding; this dish mostly tastes the same everywhere. (++) Shishito peppers ($12): Mmm this was tasty. It has a strong smokey charred taste, tossed with contrasting flavors of tart citrus and chili peppers. (+) Wisconsin cheese curds ($12): This arrived in a cute presentation with a little newspaper funnel and a wooden board. You can't get closer to comfort food than fried cheese! It was yummy, though the beer taste in the beer batter was faint. Our server was very friendly and even offered two small samplers when I couldn't decide on which beer to order. However, I was frankly disappointed by a false promise--it took him awhile to take our drink orders, and he kept apologizing and repeating that our first round of drinks would be on the house.... But the charge for the drinks ended up on the receipt anyway. Of course I didn't say anything, but I would have much preferred it if he had just never promised treating us to drinks if he wasn't planning to follow through. Overall, it was an okay dining experience. The food and drinks were satisfactory, and the ambiance was so neat and memorable. read more

The Dawson - Cute rustic ambiance! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food service and ambiance get 5 stars Beautiful location inside and very friendly bartenders. Clean and tidy , good music, cool people , it's quite and cozy to have drinks and chat ! Highly recommend this place read more

The Dawson - Friday afternoon cocktail! Lovely place - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois