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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Lake View East

Bars and dinner spots

A bar that serves a proper dinner rather than just a few sad snacks to keep you drinking.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Matisse Tavern & Grill image 1
Matisse Tavern & Grill image 2
Matisse Tavern & Grill image 3
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Gastropub offers cozy atmosphere with heated outdoor patio open late into fall. Close seating creates an intimate vibe, complemented by extraordinary craft cocktails and a brilliant patio space. Music and warm lighting enhance the inviting energy throughout.

A lively vibe blends a dive bar atmosphere with five-star food and excellent service. Outdoor seating with heaters adds comfort, and the bar staff offers a warm, welcoming experience.

Dinner offers full flavor with speedy service even during busy times. The spot features a patio ideal for dinner and catching a movie.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the rosemary chicken."

"The bartenders here, like Jesler and David, are so knowledgeable and helpful."

"The food at these dinner spots was incredible and super fresh."

Good to know

1

The kitchen stays open late until around 1:00 or 1:30 a.m.

2

Happy hour offers 50% off appetizers on Sunday and Monday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

02
Felix: Modern American Dining image 1

Large dining room filled with lots of plants and a colorful accent wall creates a Caribbean vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly with a live DJ adding a fun touch. Bar area separates from dining room, keeping energy low key but vibe suits date nights and casual gatherings.

Bar offers a very nice spot to sit and relax. The Toscana Flatbread pairs well with drinks, making it a favored local hangout.

Dinner features a modern twist on American comfort food with a menu that surpasses brunch offerings. The atmosphere stays energetic yet comfortable, fitting for casual or special evenings.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is fantastic, I loved my meal."

"The cocktails here are awesome and delicious."

"The cocktails here are delicious and well done."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs weekdays with various food and drink specials.

2

Sunday brunch offers a $25 two-course meal deal.

3

Bottomless brunch is available on weekends.

03
Half Shell image 1
Seafood restaurant

Underground seafood spot with old-school charm and a cozy, no-frills atmosphere. Small bar and dining area complement an authentic fish shack style with an outdoor patio lively during warm days. The vibe suits casual meals and business talks alike.

Cold beer and king crab legs stand out at this dive bar. Anthony at the bar adds to the great atmosphere with good music and friendly service.

Dinner here offers a great meal with a solid reputation as a reliable dinner destination. The atmosphere suits special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"The grilled oysters here were excellent."

"I thought the crab legs at this seafood bar were the best I've ever had."

"I loved the food at this dinner spot; I will be returning."

Good to know

1

Half Shell is a cash-only establishment; bring cash to pay.

2

Happy hour features $1 oysters, making it a great time to visit.

3

There is no waiting area, so arrive early to secure a table.

04
Taco Max Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy, friendly atmosphere and a bar offering a wide range of margarita flavors. The place draws a lively crowd and features authentic dishes like fish tacos and carne asada with generous portions. Music complements the vibe, creating an inviting and energetic setting.

A full bar with a tequila bar stands out here. Seating includes both limited table and bar spots.

Dinner includes taco dinners with flavorful roasted pork and a rice and beans option. Meals cost around $12 and deliver consistent satisfaction.

People are saying

"The margaritas here are well-balanced and decently spicy."

"The margaritas, especially passionfruit, are incredible."

"The tacos at this dinner spot are so flavorful and moist."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Currently, the restaurant is BYOB while waiting for their liquor license.

3

They do not serve margaritas yet due to the pending liquor license.

05
Mordecai image 1
Brasserie

Small brasserie with mid-century modern decor offers a cozy, relaxed atmosphere without loud music. Guests enjoy creative cocktails and highly praised burgers and pasta. Open window booths provide a gentle breeze and views of nearby ice skating.

Cocktail bar offers a standout spot with drinks crafted by Isidro. Bartenders acknowledge guests, creating a welcoming vibe in this gastropub setting.

Dinner offers a quiet atmosphere on weekdays and a well-crafted cocktail menu alongside the food. The menu features consistently good dishes that suit both casual and special occasions.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and tasty."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"The food and cocktails here are creative and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with good value on drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are helpful but not required, especially on game nights.

3

Mordecai offers vegetarian options, but no specific vegan menu.

06
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar and large open space with oak detailing create an inviting setting. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly with brewing equipment visible, adding to the vibe. Multiple TVs and games make it a chill spot for groups and events.

Massive bar space features oak detailing and suits large events or watch parties. The bartender offers excellent beer flights, and the pub burger pairs well with drinks.

Dinner features a great atmosphere for special occasions like Valentineโ€™s Day and New Yearโ€™s Eve. The menu offers satisfying options that make it a solid choice for an evening meal.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"The food and drinks here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

07
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway image 1

Mexican restaurant offers lively atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating and a shaded outdoor patio. The space features a unique interior layout with multiple sections and views overlooking Broadway. Music tends to be loud, creating a noisy environment that energizes the crowd.

Bartenders like Juan and Alyssa provide friendly service and engage well with guests. The manager Adam stays attentive to the bar area, ensuring good care for everyone sitting there.

Quesabirria tacos and chicken flauta dinner stand out on the menu. Friendly service, especially from Alyssa, adds to the dinner experience along with strawberry frozen margaritas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, especially the chicken birria."

"Our server Sarah made our dinner so much fun."

"The bar staff, especially Juan, are incredibly sweet and personable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features one flavor of margarita at half price.

2

Miss Foozie bingo event occurs the first Thursday of every month.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

08
Tac Quick image 1
Thai restaurant

Loud music fills a colorful, cozy space with an open-air patio and movie posters adding unique charm. The vibe stays chill and lively, blending warmth with a fun atmosphere. Spacious and clean, it offers a relaxed setting distinct from typical Thai spots.

Offers a good bar selection with a variety of drinks. Spending about $60 covers drinks for two people.

People are saying

"The Pad Thai here is amazing and has the best taste."

"The noodle dishes here are flavorful and fresh."

"I'd go here just to drink at the bar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and it's usually easy to get a table.

2

The $9 lunch special offers good value for money.

3

Street parking is available nearby for easy access.

09
Oak and Honey image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a cozy, upscale boho vibe with tasteful decor including a standout zebra print. Space feels deceptively large but tables sit close together, creating a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Bar seating suits solo diners, and a dog-friendly patio adds to the welcoming energy.

A good bar seating area suits solo diners well. The bar sits at the front, but the layout slows waiter efficiency due to the kitchen at the back and ticketing in the middle or rear.

Dinner offers a variety of dishes that are consistently amazing and delicious. The menu provides solid options that satisfy across different tastes.

People are saying

"Our server Sharon was incredible and made our brunch experience better."

"The baked goods here, especially the savory Danish, are a real highlight."

"The bar staff here are so friendly and happy to be part of the team."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Wine Wednesday features special deals on select wines.

3

Reservations can be made through Open Table.

10
3rd Coast Fish Bar (a DMK restaurant) image 1

Small, intimate seafood spot with quaint fish shop decor and patio seating. Atmosphere feels laid-back and fun, with a cool, quiet vibe enhanced by nearby train sounds. Offers fresh oysters and seafood in a casual setting.

Cozy side bar with a nice bar area. Drinks can be overpriced and sometimes take a long time to arrive, with service issues reported.

Outdoor seating offers a nice spot for dinner. Early dinners can coincide with the last 30 minutes of happy hour. Dinner prices can reach around $150 for a meal.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh and amazingly flavorful."

"The drinks at the bar were so refreshing and delicious."

"The service for dinner spots was excellent and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations can only be made via OpenTable.

2

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 pm with great deals.

3

Draft beers cost $8 during happy hour and include two oysters.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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