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!
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
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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
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
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