AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago
Experience exceptional Balkan cuisine in Chicago with a 4.8-star rating. Discover generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. Reserve your table today!
Experience Mediterranean flavors by the Chicago River. This popular spot boasts a 4.1-star rating and vibrant atmosphere. Reserve your table today.
Creative global eats and tropical cocktails, served in a funky-ornate setting with riverfront seats.
Nestled along the Chicago River, this Mediterranean restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from nearly 3,000 patrons. The atmosphere is particularly noteworthy, with diners praising the upstairs bar area for its welcoming vibe and excellent service, even for spirit-free options. While the downstairs seating provides lovely river views, the overall sentiment suggests a place that excels in creating a memorable setting. The establishment is well-suited for groups, offers reservable tables, and features live music, making it a vibrant choice for an evening out. The $$$ price range positions it as a destination for a special occasion or a sophisticated meal.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
I visited this place with a group of friends, and our experience was a bit of a mix. We started upstairs in the bar area while waiting for our reservation, and that part was fantastic. Abby, our bartender, was super friendly, welcoming, and even made a really nice spirit-free drink. The appetizers were good, and the atmosphere upstairs was great—if the whole evening was like that, it would’ve been an easy 5 stars. When our table was ready, we were seated downstairs by the river. The views were beautiful, and the setting was lovely, but the service didn’t match what we experienced upstairs. Our server wasn’t very friendly and wearing sunglasses indoors felt odd. When we tried to order the same drinks we had upstairs, he told us they weren’t available. We asked if they could just bring them down, but got no real response. Later, after we had already ordered something else, those same drinks showed up from upstairs, which was confusing and frustrating. The food was just okay—not terrible, but nothing that stood out. Most of us ordered different dishes and agreed it was average at best. I had wanted a steak, but was told I could only get it cooked medium rare, which I’d never heard of before. I ended up choosing a different cut that was more like a stew-style steak—not what I had in mind, and I didn’t finish it. On top of that, the music was way too loud, which made it hard to have a normal conversation at the table. Overall, this place has a nice atmosphere and amazing staff upstairs (huge shoutout to Abby), but the food, service downstairs, and noise level left a lot to be desired. What a place. Great decor and view of the river. The waiter is a pro, memeorising 15 orders and making recommendations at the same time. Drinks were good and the dishes are flavorful. You need to make reservations as afterwork hours are very busy here. 8 of us were here and we ordered a bunch of things to share which worked out great. Beatnik by the River is all about the vibe! Sitting by the water feels amazing, especially if you can grab an outdoor table. The food is great! The octopus and hummus was a standout dish, unique and full of flavor, and the chicken musakhan was a delicious twist on a classic. The harissa shrimp added a nice kick, and the cheese flan was the perfect sweet ending to the meal. It does get pretty busy, so expect a bit of a crowd, but the service was solid. You're definitely paying for the atmosphere here, but it's worth it for a night out that feels special.
Find the Restaurant
September 25, 2025
I visited this place with a group of friends, and our experience was a bit of a mix. We started upstairs in the bar area while waiting for our reservation, and that part was fantastic. Abby, our bartender, was super friendly, welcoming, and even made a really nice spirit-free drink. The appetizers were good, and the atmosphere upstairs was great—if the whole evening was like that, it would’ve been an easy 5 stars. When our table was ready, we were seated downstairs by the river. The views were beautiful, and the setting was lovely, but the service didn’t match what we experienced upstairs. Our server wasn’t very friendly and wearing sunglasses indoors felt odd. When we tried to order the same drinks we had upstairs, he told us they weren’t available. We asked if they could just bring them down, but got no real response. Later, after we had already ordered something else, those same drinks showed up from upstairs, which was confusing and frustrating. The food was just okay—not terrible, but nothing that stood out. Most of us ordered different dishes and agreed it was average at best. I had wanted a steak, but was told I could only get it cooked medium rare, which I’d never heard of before. I ended up choosing a different cut that was more like a stew-style steak—not what I had in mind, and I didn’t finish it. On top of that, the music was way too loud, which made it hard to have a normal conversation at the table. Overall, this place has a nice atmosphere and amazing staff upstairs (huge shoutout to Abby), but the food, service downstairs, and noise level left a lot to be desired.
October 26, 2025
What a place. Great decor and view of the river. The waiter is a pro, memeorising 15 orders and making recommendations at the same time. Drinks were good and the dishes are flavorful. You need to make reservations as afterwork hours are very busy here. 8 of us were here and we ordered a bunch of things to share which worked out great.
September 29, 2025
Beatnik by the River is all about the vibe! Sitting by the water feels amazing, especially if you can grab an outdoor table. The food is great! The octopus and hummus was a standout dish, unique and full of flavor, and the chicken musakhan was a delicious twist on a classic. The harissa shrimp added a nice kick, and the cheese flan was the perfect sweet ending to the meal. It does get pretty busy, so expect a bit of a crowd, but the service was solid. You're definitely paying for the atmosphere here, but it's worth it for a night out that feels special.
November 9, 2025
Beatnik on the River is absolutely stunning! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere takes your breath away — the décor, music, and river views create such a vibrant, relaxed vibe. The food was phenomenal, full of flavor and beautifully plated, and the cocktails were perfectly crafted. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. I can’t wait to come back — truly one of the best dining spots in the city!
October 28, 2025
Beatnik on the River feels like you’ve stepped into another world—lush, vibrant, and full of character. The space is drenched in greenery and flowers cascading from the ceiling, blending perfectly with the river view outside. Every corner has its own mood, from the cozy candlelit interiors to the airy glass-lined patio that overlooks the water. It’s eclectic without feeling overdone, and somehow manages to be both relaxing and energizing at the same time. Perfect spot to unwind, grab a drink, and just soak in the atmosphere.
Features and amenities that make Beatnik On special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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