Before summer slips away and autumn leaves start blowing through the Windy City, make sure to get out on the water.
No boat? No problem! The Chicago River has plenty of places for dining and drinking in the views of the waterfront. A night along the river will leave you with lasting memories of why you love Chicago. You’ll need those warm memories once winter kicks in again!
Smith & Wollensky
Known for their beautifully aged steaks, the view here of the Chicago River is also a cut above. Adjacent to the Loop on bustling State Street, Smith & Wollenky’s two-story restaurant offers an impressive view of the river and features a large outdoor patio, open during pleasant weather, spring through fall. 318 N. State St. (On the River at Marina City), 312-670-9900
Chicago Burger Company
Looking for more casual fare? The name pretty much says it all. This is a burger joint with a million-dollar view. In addition to classic burgers, they also offer healthier options like turkey and veggie burgers, and a leafy Caesar salad. You can also enjoy a relaxing evening sipping on cocktails (including the Colorado Cooler and Strawberry Lemon Mojito) and munching on appetizers at their new waterfront venue, CBC Lounge. Want a little more to eat? You can still order from Chicago Burger Company and they’ll bring the food right over. 301 E. North Water St. (Riverwalk level), 312-464-1000
Bridge House Tavern
Three blocks west of Michigan Avenue, on the northeast corner of Clark Street, this is the only restaurant along the main branch of the Chicago River where you can dock a boat for free. The vibe is “polished casual” and you can order cocktails and appetizers or enjoy a full meal. 321 N. Clark St. (River Level), 312-644-0283
Cyrano’s Cafe & Wine Bar
This charming pastel-colored shack on the south side of the river, just east of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, makes for a simple yet classy night out. Metal patio tables and chairs are set up along the river to enjoy the twinkling lights of the city. You can’t get any closer to the water, but there’s no indoor area, so if the weather’s not great, they might close for the night. Beers cost $4 on Mondays, half off appetizers after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, half off mixed drinks on Wednesdays, half off your second bottle of wine on Thursdays. Open May through October. 233 E. Lower Wacker Drive, 312-616-1400
Japonais
No plain patio furniture here. Instead, think sexy and uber hip. Imagine lounging on a day bed, sheltered by sheer drapes, watching the boats along the north branch of the Chicago River float by. If you’ve got a yen for sushi, head over to this tranquil oasis, but don’t forget the outdoor space is only open for dinner (unlike the indoor restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner). 600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-9600
South Branch
Guess where this al fresco hot spot is? You guessed it: the south branch of the Chicago River. The bustling outdoor patio between the Adams and Monroe Street Bridges is the place for the apres-work crowd, drawing heavily from the surrounding Loop buildings. It’s directly across the river from Union Station, making it easy to stop by and have a beer or glass of wine before catching the train home. Closed on weekends. 100 S. Wacker Drive, 312-546-6177
Elle on the River
Chicago’s newest waterfront restaurant has a distinctly tropical vibe with its spiked fruity punches and Mediterranean-style menu that includes specialty mahi mahi tacos, with ingredients. Located in River North, between the State and Wabash Bridges, this is the casual outdoor option to the Langham Hotel’s upscale Travelle restaurant. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-9988
The Terrace at Trump
Jaw-dropping views of the skyline and Chicago River are waiting for you on the 16th floor of the Trump Hotel Chicago. Open from 2 p.m. until midnight, this rooftop patio serves tapas items, sandwiches and shareable seafood platters, as well as dessert. There are also imaginative crafted cocktails, including drinks served in ice sculptures. Just keep in mind those liquid works of art start at $65. Cheers! 401 N. Wabash, 312-588-8030
