The Dearborn
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Stopped in for lunch midweek and the place was jumping! The hostess let us know it would be a bit of a wait since we requested a booth. The wait was shorter than expected and we were fortunate to get Carson as our server. Carson was personable, informative and professional. The food was excellent and the prices were commensurate with the excellent quality. All of the staff worked well together. A highlight was when we passed on dessert but, Carson knowing we were celebrating a birthday surprised us with a cookie and candle and card from the restaurant. Whike this may seem like a small gesture, it was greatly appreciated and certainly a reason we will highly suggest to friends, family and colleagues to go to the Dearborn and ask for Carson!
The service was wonderful - very engaging staff who seemed to enjoy and take pride in their work. Of course we came here specifically for the fish and chips, but we also split a huge order of Parker house rolls, which were amazing. Those rolls are perfect. The disappointment was the fish itself. While the crunch and flavor were perfect, the texture of the fish itself was watery and mushy. It didn't hold up at all against the crunchy coating. I would not order it again, but I would go back to try something else. I'm hoping I just had an anomaly. The tartar sauce and fries were good. Clean place in a good location, too.
The most delicious soup I've ever had; I will literally be back to Chicago simply for their Spicy Chicken & Mushroom Soup. I can see why these fish and chips beat Bobby Flay! And the pizza was great. Kind attentive service - my water glass was never empty! And it was HOT; I was drinking a ton! Ambience is gorgeous. Totally recommend.
I'll be thinking about my experience at The Dearborn for a long time! This past Sunday morning, I had wanted to grab a quick coffee before seeing some sights. As it happened, the cafe I wanted to check out was mobbed with a line down the street, and my boyfriend expressed wanting a full meal. A quick look at the map confirmed we were close to The Dearborn, and they were opening in about 10 minutes. Perfect. We detoured to view the Chicago Picasso and waited until open to walk in. Upon arrival, there were already several parties waiting to be seated, which is a clear indicator of the restaurant's popularity. We were seated not long after along the row of seated half booths in the room behind the bar. Our server, Melissa, was soooo friendly and lovely. She gave us some suggestions on other spots to visit too. We were both planning on starting with the horchata carajillo cocktail, but Melissa sold me with their brunch punch of the day - pineapple gin, yuzu, raspberry syrup, lemon, and soda water. Both cocktails were incredible, and my boyfriend and I were both buzzing before 11 am haha. *We did also order coffees - their cappuccino was delightful. In terms of food, we decided to start with the croissant monkey bread. As you can see, I took a bite before we even put the sauce on top - it was that irresistible. For potentially the first time ever, my boyfriend and I equally shared a dish. Typically, he eats faster and more than me, but I made sure to keep up - it was way too good to miss out. For my meal, I ordered the four cheese tavern-style pizza (fontina, gruyere, gouda, mozzarella, chives, garlic butter), and my boyfriend selected the fried perch benedict. I tried a bite of his, and it was lovely, but I was more focused on my pizza. To be clear, the pizza is 14 inches and easily could have been shared by both of us. In fact, he did indeed eat all of the leftovers later that night. This was hands down our favorite dining experience during our long weekend in Chicago, and I need to revisit on a future trip to try their famous fish & chips.
OMG! Walk, run, sprint here to get the FISH N CHIPS THAT ACTUALLY BEAT BOBBY FLAY. The executive chef and now chef partner, Aaron Cuschieri, is absolutely amazingly talented. I am used to really good fish and chips... I've never had better fish and chips than Tom Douglas's Mr. Fish in Seattle, UNTIL NOW!!!! Wow, wow wow wow! Do not pass GO, do not read the menu, just order the darn fish and chips! It might be a whole heart attack on a plate... But it doesn't matter... You can walk all of Chicago and burn it off. I decided to work out before I came here for this big splurge and I'm so glad I did. I can see that this is the theater district... And you could come here before a show fish and chips and have the best night of your entire life! I can't wait to try more of this chef's food! I'm BEYOND INSPIRED! ps great beers here toooooi!
My coworker and I went for lunch. It's a very upscale looking restaurant but some people were causally dressed and others professionally dressed. The hostess advised without reservations we could sit near the bar. So we did. The service was great. The food was great. I will return for sure!
As a long-time Chicago diner who was through the doors when The Dearborn first opened, I've watched its menu evolve over the years. Very few people are as deeply familiar with the Chicago dining scene as I am fortunate to be--a gift and a curse that makes me hold local institutions to a high standard. Unfortunately, The Dearborn's execution hasn't kept pace. The underlying issue is consistent visit after visit: the kitchen continuously delivers dishes that are underseasoned and devoid of depth. I appreciate high-quality ingredients and subtle flavor profiles, but the plates here routinely leave me wanting. During a recent visit, we ordered two staples: the celebrated Fish & Chips and the Shrimp & Grits. Though advertised by our server as authentic New Orleans style, both the shrimp and the grits were remarkably bland. The flavors were so muted that we ended up asking for extra seasoning or hot sauce just to give the dish some life. The ingredients were undeniably fresh, the cooking was technically sound, and the service was fine. However, as a high-traffic spot catering heavily to tourists, the kitchen seems focused on playing it safe for mass appeal. It works for a broad audience, but for anyone who truly knows Chicago food, it falls short, and I can't say I look forward to returning. 2.51 stars all things considered.
Many items on the menu I would of liked to try. I chose the Triple BLT and it was meaty and delicious! Service was excellent as well.
WOW! We had such a great dinner at The Dearborn. The restaurant is lively, cheery with a fun atmosphere. Our server Melissa was great and checked on us regularly. We ordered a variety of dishes to share among 5 people. Do not miss the Parker House rolls! Holy warm baked buttery deliciousness. We also loved the Japanese curry poutine (which was a surprise!), the market salad and the gnocchi. We also tried several cocktails, including the Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches and the Spanish G&T.
Staff took such good care of us and actually got us moved to a much better window booth where we enjoyed some fantastic fish and chips
The next brunch spot you have to try in Chicago is The Dearborn! The aesthetic here is upscale Irish tavern, with amazing vibes and service! I came here for brunch & most definitely need to come back for dinner! Their fish & chips beat Bobby Flay, & it's no surprise they did! This dish is perfection! The cod is fresh & flaky, and the batter has just the right crisp. The dish itself is huge & all the accompaniments are exactly what you want. The beignets are so fluffy and great for sharing a sweet treat to start or end your meal. The corned beef hash is packed with traditional Irish flavors and tastes delicious! You need to come here asap!
Service was great! I sat outside which was a risk with it being 4 pm and lots of cars and walkers but overall was pleasant. Fish & Chips were very good but I wouldn't say the best I've ever had. Given the claim I had really high expectations, but again very very good. The batter was light, crisp and not soggy. The flavor and lightness of the slaw was my favorite part; not soggy from sitting in dressing. Curry sauce was tasty but I mainly used it to dip my fries in. The cocktail was smoky (in a good way) but I did want it to be more tequila forward (personal preference).
Brunch at The Dearborn - solid! Skip the appetizer rolls, they were just meh. But the fish and chips and burger? Chef's kiss. Add an espresso martini (or two) and you're set. Will be back!
I met a friend after work at The Dearborn in Downtown Chicago. We both enjoyed our meal. She had the fish and chips and I had a cheeseburger. Both were great. I also loved my mocktail but I can't remember the name. Thankfully I got a reservation because there were a lot of people dining after work. There may have been broadway play happening across the street too. But even with the crowd, my friend and I could hear our conversation which was great because we had plenty to catch up on! read more
I usually come here for work lunches because my office is across the street. Recently came for the brunch with my family and we loved it. The options all looked so good and we had a hard time choosing what we wanted. Stand-out entrees had to be the two tavern style pizzas we ordered - loved the one with prosciutto and egg drizzle especially. Our server was very kind and helpful. I think the lunches here are good too but I would definitely come back for the brunch with friends again. read more
5 months ago
The fish and chips was one of the best I had. The fish was a good piece of fish. Flakey yet soft and not so breakable, thick and juicy, like a piece of fish "steak"! The crust is close to a tempura base but not so thin and airy. It has good crunch batter like. The people in my party were envious of my entree. I'll be back to get it again. They are good for desserts too. Our server was very nice and attentive. read more
1 year ago
Met up with some friends for drinks and dinner after work (in that order), and we decided on The Dearborn. A fun laid back American gastro pub vibe with excellent service. The menu was filled with things I wanted to try so we started with three appetizers. The STICKY CATALPA GROVE FARMS PORK RIBS were sweet and crispy and I wish we had ordered two. The SALMON TATAKI was raw and seasoned well Salmon shavings. The last of the three was BURRATA plate with beats and tomatoes- very refreshing. Finally I ended with filet mignon and brussel sprouts. The food was excellent and I was so full I had to pass on dessert! I had a great time and I'm sure you will as well. read more
9 days ago
Came here for the fish and chips! We got two huge pieces of fish that were super flaky with a crispy breading. We both upgraded to the truffle fries and those were the only disappointing part of the meal. They didn't have a ton of truffle flavor or Parmesan and I would've loved an aioli or something other than ketchup for dipping. read more
5 months ago
We stopped in here for some light bites and drinks over the Thanksgiving weekend. A laid back vibe and the bar area is great for an in and out situation with tvs available to watch the game. The food was great and great and friendly. read more
1 year ago
5 stars all the way. We were in Chicago for my teens birthday & a concert, made a reservation for lunch. They gave her a sweet birthday card & a cookie with a lit candle, made her day! Note in your reservation if you're celebrating a birthday or special event! She had the protein bowl & raved about it. I had the burger & fries, DELICIOUS. The booths were really spacious & large windows to people watch. I also noticed some booths in another area with curtains for privacy which was cool. read more
2 months ago
Wonderful place to stop for; pre show , post show, brunch, girls night out, family days , business meetings! The space is so well designed and the menu , really does cover all scenarios. An elegant bar & lounge area is offered with sophisticated drinks options. Nice private booth seating. Table seating also. Always stellar service at The Dearborn. The Burgers are incredible. Their salads are amazing. Their fish & chips are delicious. Their fun chicken items on the menu are different and very tasty. The space is so designed , it's wonderful when they open it up in the summer & have live music for brunch! Their outdoor patio is great , especially if you are a people watcher. It's fun. They have so many wonderful options on the menu, and again; great service. If you drive, there are many parking garages , they have one in the building entrance is on the West side of building, directly across from the Daley Center. Spot hero App is helpful as well. CTA is available underground as well. read more
Business owner information
Kayla L.
Hi! Thanks so much for the kind words and for making The Dearborn a…
First visit to The Dearborn and it was really good. I dined alone and they say me at a nice comfortable booth seat. It was fairly quiet which was perfect. I ordered the Dearborn burger with fries ($22) and a soda ($4). They did add an "(operational feed" of 3.25%...not sure what that's all about. The burger is quite tasty and moist. The fries are served crispy on the outside and soft on the inside just as they should be. The staff is friendly and my server today was Jeremy and he did a great job, was friendly, attentive and personable. This was the perfect restaurant for me today. read more
5 months ago
Great flavorful wings. Truffle pizza adding mushrooms was good - however the mushrooms were overpowering/overtook the pizza. read more
My partner and I stumbled across The Dearborn on a long weekend trip to Chicago. We had dinner plans figured out for every other night of the trip, except our first night. So we just walked around downtown for a couple hours looking at Yelp reviews and seeing what caught our eye. We ended up going with The Dearborn after seeing multiple menu items which caught our eye. No regrets in our decision at all! Overall it was a very positive experience. We went on a Tuesday night around 5:30pm without a reservation and were seated immediately. The restaurant did fill it quickly up after that, so I think a reservation would be recommended. The decor inside is fun and gives crossover vibes of 'old timey pub' and 'romantic' at the same time. Our server was fantastic. I cannot remember her name but she walked us through the menu and gave a steady stream of insightful menu recommendations. She was super friendly and attentive. For food we started with the Midwest Fried Chicken. For mains we got the Fish & Chips and the Burger Wellington. We also shared an order of the Parmesan Truffle Fries. For dessert we got the Profiteroles & Pistachio. All of the food was fantastic. Not a single complaint about anything we ordered. In a city full of highly rated restaurants - The Dearborn definitely impresses. During our next visit to the city, we'll be returning without hesitation. read more
5 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
This is a nice spot to stop in while in Downtown Chicago. The ribs are excellent with a sweet and spicy sauce. I enjoyed the fish and chips as well but thought they had a tad too much salt. The service was amazing and the server was very knowledgeable on menu items. The restaurant is a decent size abut tables are packed in tightly. read more
15 days ago
1 year ago
Came on a Friday night (around 7:30pm). We got seated pretty fast but the food did take a while to come. The lights are really dim, and the bathroom is really clean. Our server was super nice and gave us sufficient enough time to order. Recommended drinks to my friends and made us feel welcomed. I got the Deerborn Burger with a side salad. I think it was ok, nothing that really made me feel like it worth $20+. Wasnt the biggest fan of the sauce on the salad but it did look good and I liked the salad toppings. Not sure if I would come again but that's just because I dont think most burger restaurants are that distinctive or worth the price. read more
2 years ago
Came here for lunch on a Friday and was able to get seated right away for a table of two. The restaurant is nicely decorated, displaying a sense of sophistication. The menu has a nice variety of foods. We ended up settling on the hot honey pizza, which was amazing. It was a thin style crust pizza, and the flavors blended together nicely. The service was kind and prompt. They answered our questions and the found came out quickly. I would recommend this spot to anyone in the area. read more
We went to the Dearborn because it had good reviews and it was across the street from our hotel while we were visiting Chicago. We had to make a reservation over a day in advance because this is the Theater District. We did get reservations before going to a play and it worked out great. I ordered a "basic" burger, The Dearborn Burger and my wife ordered Chicago's Finest Fish & Chips (billed as "the one that beat Bobby Flay"). Service was fast and timely so we had perfect timing to get to our play. My burger was very good. It's a basic American burger, and would have been better with a slice of red onion. But, it did have all the other qualities of a good burger: juiciness that runs down your hands, cheese melted everywhere and top quality ground beef. As to my wife's fish & chips, billing it a "the one that beat Bobby Flay is pretty gutsy. I don't like fish, so my wife was the decider on this one as to how good it REALLY was. Her response? She said it was probably the best fish and chips she had ever had. Ever. Definitely would recommend going here. Also would definitely recommend reservations. read more
9 months ago
The Dearborn is an amazing place in a great location. The staff all appear to be very happy to be there and are well dressed and friendly. The bar and restaurant area is super swanky, trendy but not kitschy. The materials used for the decor are high end. The food is impressive, I had the Ruben sandwich and it is perhaps the very best corned beef I've ever had and I've brined my own. we had our lunch at the bar and Dory and Mikayla were exceptional an very entertaining. I highly recommend this establishment if you are in the area. An additional incentive is that they have live music, we have enjoyed listening to Brooklyn Britches a lovey trio with a fetching chanteuse. read more
1 year ago
Stopped in for lunch midweek and was happy we were able to get a seat in the bar. Very lively place with delicious food and drinks. I would recommend a reservation because if they are that busy midweek at lunchtime, I'm sure they are busy for dinner and on the weekends. Lots of items to choose from and everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious. Our server was also very attentive, checking in on us every time she walked by. read more
2 months ago
Once again relied on yelp for a restaurant option and was not disappointed. Located on the corner of Dearborn and Randolph is a restaurant I have passed by for years, not sure why I never stopped in. The restaurant is elegant, but modern . We sat at a table for two. We were immediately greeted upon walking in and our server was to attentive, personable and nice. It had a modern elegance to it, but comfortable and casual. We started with the burrata appetizer with beets. It was excellent. I had a corned beef sandwich with a side salad. The corned beef was tender and juicy. My friend had a fried calamari BLT with a side of brussel sprouts. The brussels sprouts were the best she has had. They were crispy and topped with parmesan cheese and pepitas. The were tossed in a a champagne mustard seed vinaigrette . They were by far a 5 plus star. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by our lunch experience. If attending a play they are close to many of the theaters and offer validated parking. Why It Stands Out read more
5 months ago
1 year ago
The Dearborn was a good upscale American experience. They have a pretty small menu but every dish seemed to be well thought out. We both ordered the fish and chips since it was so highly rated. My husband loved it but I did not - I am not a big fish and chips lover and was hoping this one would turn it around for me ;) The service was friendly and we were given a cookie for my husbands birthday. I would recommend if you enjoy upscale American food. read more
Business owner information
Kayla L.
Hi there, thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad your…
5 months ago
Ordered the Shrimp and Grits and loved it. The portion felt huge. Had a Bloody Mary and would rate it an 9/10 only because I've had better, but it was still delicious. Ambiance was great. The general manager came to check on us which was nice. Waitress was helpful and kind. Definitely recommend if you are visiting Chicago. read more
3 months ago
I had the fish and chips. They use Icelandic cod fried with a light batter. You received two long strips of fish. Probably the most fish I've had but at a cost. It was also the most expensive fish and chips. I also ordered chocolate chip cookies. They contained both milk and dark chocolate chips. Came out real warm to the table. Quality food and service. Only drawback was being seated so close to the kitchen. read more
2 years ago
(G)o - go for the enormous fish and chips, harry potter themed cocktails, proximity to the theatre district, and loaded sandwiches (W)ow factor - it's a classic spot in the loop that makes you hungry every time you walk by (A)mbiance - feels like a fun brunch spot with attentive servers and it's always busy (M)enu - The restaurant week menu - pulled pork sandwiches - are huge, so be ready for leftovers! They're generous with fries too. I loved the market salad with strawberries. read more
Came in for happy hour before a show and this spot did not disappoint! The space is beautiful and lively, with comfy seating. We got burgers, which were super yummy paired with delicious, generous sides. While the happy hour drink selection was limited, we were happy with our choices! Our server, as well as the rest of the staff, was attentive and jovial. Definitely looking forward to coming back! read more
More info about The Dearborn
145 N Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60602
The Loop
Directions
(312) 384-1242
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http://thedearborntavern.com
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Ask the Community - The Dearborn
Hello, are you able to accommodate a nut/peanut/sesame allergy if we order friend chicken or the burger? thank you
Hi Steph, We absolutely can adjust to those allergies for those items. Just let us know in person,…
Hello, does the restaurant offer a special menu for kids?
Hi Amanda. Thank you for your question. We do have separate offerings for kids! The following are available for lunch and dinner: Burger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries, and Grilled Cheese with fries. We hope to see you soon!
Where can you park?
Hi Josh. Thank you for your inquiry. There is street parking located in the area, and there is also a parking garage nearby, located at 181 N. Dearborn Street. We hope to see you soon!
I see in categories you have "vegan options". What are they?
Be careful here. Fries are cooked in the same oil as the chicken and the brussel sprouts are cooked on the same grill as the meat. Unless you want a salad my answer would be "none".
Do you offer half portions for people that have had bariatric surgery?
Thank you for your inquiry. We offer a cup of soup and side versions of our Little Gem Caesar and Market Salad. If you have any additional questions, please call us directly at (312)384-1242.
Do you have outdoor seating?
Hi Lucy. Thank you for your question! Yes, we do have patio seating available, subject to availability. We hope to see you soon!
How long should a party of three expect to be seated on a Sunday for lunch?
This is a time dependent, a good rule of thumb is 45min or less.
What are the Happy Hour specials and what days and times please?
I don't believe they have a happy hour but it's a wonderful place to go, worth the money.
I see some comments about happy hour food and drink specials but do not see a separate menu on their website. Is there a happy hour menu on Friday or Sunday? If so, what are the hours? Thanks!
Hi, Fran! While we don't do drink specials for happy hour, we do have a small bites menu that's…
What is on the kid's menu? What is the price range?
Entrees for lunch are probably $15-25, but their menu also changes.
When does the lunch menu end and the dinner menu begin?
I'm not sure, but I believe brunch ends at 2 p.m.
Does the Dearborn have a happy hour menu? If he'd what is the details on the time and contents?
I don't think they do cuz I didn't see it on the menu.
It says this place is not good for kids. Why?
On the contrary! The Dearborn has a kid's menu that appeals to everyone. Aisles are wide enough to easily manage strollers, and we have many booster seats and high chairs for little ones!…
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