Dine at a top Chicago American restaurant with a 4.6 rating. Enjoy river views, great service, and delicious dishes. Reservations recommended.
Vibrant social house for refined, modern American tavern fare like whole roasted chicken, fish & beef, plus scenic river views.
This popular Chicago establishment, located along the riverfront, offers a vibrant dining experience with a 4.6-star rating from over 5,000 guests. Diners frequently praise the attentive and professional service, noting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the menu features a range of American classics, stand-out dishes often include perfectly cooked pork and a truly exceptional chocolate dessert. The lively setting, complete with outdoor seating and occasional live music, makes it a favored spot for groups and those seeking a memorable meal in the heart of the city. Reservations are a good idea.
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 (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
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
Set your restaurant preferences in your profile to see how well this restaurant matches your dining style.
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
Service was top notch from start to finish—attentive, professional, and friendly. The food overall was good, though not outstanding. The mussels were disappointing, with nearly half not fully open, something that should have been caught before leaving the kitchen. The staff handled it well and made it right. The pork dish was fantastic, cooked perfectly with great flavor, and the chicken was solid but not memorable. The chocolate dessert, though, was absolutely awesome—rich, smooth, and the highlight of the meal. If you are in the area, solid choice especially when warm along the river. I would not make a special trip across town. Great spot on the river walk! We used the valet in front, and they were able to seat us a little earlier than our reservation. Very friendly staff. The food was great, and we enjoyed a bottle of wine. The macaroni was delicious and pimentos and breadcrumbs were a nice touch. We walked outside after dinner to soak in the views! River Roast is a great place to relax and eat while enjoying the river view. The inside feels modern and comfortable, and the outdoor seating is one of the best parts of the experience. The food tasted fresh, portions were good, and the menu had enough variety to satisfy different tastes. Service was consistent, friendly and not slow. I think this is a perfect place for lunch or dinner if you want a nice view and a calm atmosphere in the middle of Chicago.
Find the Restaurant
Sign in to boost this restaurant with your daily points
Sign In to PromoteOne-time purchase — points apply immediately to this restaurant
💡 Tip: Subscriptions are 90% cheaper per point!
November 10, 2025
Service was top notch from start to finish—attentive, professional, and friendly. The food overall was good, though not outstanding. The mussels were disappointing, with nearly half not fully open, something that should have been caught before leaving the kitchen. The staff handled it well and made it right. The pork dish was fantastic, cooked perfectly with great flavor, and the chicken was solid but not memorable. The chocolate dessert, though, was absolutely awesome—rich, smooth, and the highlight of the meal. If you are in the area, solid choice especially when warm along the river. I would not make a special trip across town.
November 1, 2025
Great spot on the river walk! We used the valet in front, and they were able to seat us a little earlier than our reservation. Very friendly staff. The food was great, and we enjoyed a bottle of wine. The macaroni was delicious and pimentos and breadcrumbs were a nice touch. We walked outside after dinner to soak in the views!
November 8, 2025
River Roast is a great place to relax and eat while enjoying the river view. The inside feels modern and comfortable, and the outdoor seating is one of the best parts of the experience. The food tasted fresh, portions were good, and the menu had enough variety to satisfy different tastes. Service was consistent, friendly and not slow. I think this is a perfect place for lunch or dinner if you want a nice view and a calm atmosphere in the middle of Chicago.
October 16, 2025
What an amazing experience! I sat on the patio overlooking the river — the view of the city and skyline is just beautiful. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The White Bean Soup, Pull Apart Rolls, and the Half Chicken (their specialty) were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere inside is also stylish and well cared for. A must-try spot in Chicago — I’ll definitely be back!
October 30, 2025
From booking our event with Jena to relaxing beside the river, our experience at River Roast was outstanding from start to finish. My team brought a group of 40 leaders to Chicago and treated them to dinner here, and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The private dining space had a wonderful atmosphere — elegant yet comfortable — and the carpeted room made it easy to enjoy conversations without competing with background noise. The service team was attentive and friendly, and every detail of the evening ran smoothly. The riverside location added an extra touch of charm, especially as the city lights came on. We couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience for our group — thank you to Jena and the entire River Roast team for making it memorable!
Features and amenities that make River Roast special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Chicago.
Traditional Italian specialties plated in a stylish, elegant restaurant with a whimsical vibe.
View RestaurantPosh destination for elevated Mediterranean fare and cocktails, plus a lounge-style rooftop patio.
View RestaurantSmall plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
View RestaurantStylish American hangout serving seasonal dishes and cocktails in architectural digs.
View RestaurantUpscale steakhouse with a New American menu in an ornate, dimly lit wood & brick setting.
View RestaurantHot spot where Stephanie Izard serves up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen.
View RestaurantHigh-style eatery serving Italian dishes and American steaks with a vast wine list, fireplace, and a roof deck.
View RestaurantSwanky, hip steakhouse with a nightclub vibe featuring high-end beef & seafood, plus DJs.
View RestaurantPancakes & other big portions of American eats draw hungry folks to this breakfast-lunch cafe.
View RestaurantChef Grant Achatz draws foodies with New American tasting menus featuring highly creative plates.
View RestaurantFamous pork and wine specialist, highlighting the flavors of Italy, Greece, and Spain, with an open kitchen and a chic setting.
View RestaurantTraditional steakhouse fare and seafood in a stylish, modern setting with booths and fireplaces.
View RestaurantPo' boys, gumbo & jambalaya, plus cocktails, in a hip venue with red leather booths & chandeliers.
View RestaurantLively eatery with colorful decor, festive vibe & food from South America, Spain & the Caribbean.
View RestaurantHip, stylish rooftop bar/eatery at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel with choice seasonal fare.
View RestaurantChain with a British pub feel serving beers on tap & classic fare, such as fish ’n’ chips.
View RestaurantCreative global eats and tropical cocktails, served in a funky-ornate setting with riverfront seats.
View RestaurantFrom transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Chicago.
Excellent public transportation with L trains, buses, and Metra. Walking is perfect for exploring downtown, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Chicago adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.
Pair dinner at River Roast with these top-rated experiences in Chicago.