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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

American food dessert spots

A slice of pie or a classic cake brings back the comfort of a familiar American kitchen.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sophia Steak Chicago image 1
Sophia Steak Chicago image 2
Sophia Steak Chicago image 3
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Upscale steakhouse offers intimate indoor seating and a welcoming outdoor patio with plants and shade. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with stylish decor including Deco lamps and a flowered canopy. Cocktails and wine pairings complement perfectly cooked steaks in a comfortable setting.

Toffee bread pudding and chocolate cake stand out among the desserts. They offer a variety of sweet options, and sometimes a free dessert choice is available.

Steaks come in prime wet-aged and 45-day dry-aged cuts like Delmonico Ribeye and Tomahawk Ribeye. Dishes like surf and turf wagyu with truffle sauce and lobster mac and cheese offer rich, flavorful options. Weekend brunch features lobster and caviar omelettes and steak and eggs with bottomless cocktails.

People are saying

"The steak here is melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned."

"They made my birthday celebration unforgettable with a special dessert."

"The American Food here, especially the steaks and lobster, is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, including weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

3

Half off bottles of wine are available on Monday nights.

02
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed up front to more refined in the back dining room, creating a welcoming vibe for drinks or meals. Cocktails stand out with creative, well-crafted options like Negroni and martinis.

Soft serve dessert and phenomenal tiramisu stand out. Custom desserts made fresh add a unique touch.

The cheeseburger stands out with crispy tater tots that are soft inside and a mustard sauce that pairs well with pickles. The Wagyu New York Strip is tender and savory, offering a rich American flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"You have to try the American Food cheeseburger with crispy tater tots."

"You have to try the Brigadero Tiramisu dessert; it's so delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant features a unique fusion of Brazilian and Italian cuisines.

03
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago image 1

Elegant restaurant with stunning windows and Instagram-worthy dรฉcor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with perfectly curated music. The vibe is lively and friendly, enhanced by attentive service and a beautiful city view. The space balances upscale soul food dining with a fun, electric energy.

Banana pudding stands out as a birthday favorite and is served with a personal touch from the chef. Peach cobbler offers a sweet, classic option alongside drinks like margaritas.

Fried chicken stands out with its perfect crispiness. The menu also features Fish & Grits and stuffed salmon with dirty rice, alongside creamy mac and cheese and flavorful fried egg rolls.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The American Food, especially the shrimp and grits, was delicious."

"The peach cobbler was packed with peaches."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs until 7 pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

04
Chicago Chop House image 1

Restored brownstone with early 1900s decor and photos of local celebrities creates a traditional steakhouse atmosphere. Live piano music plays softly, adding to the luxurious and old-fashioned vibe. Comfortable seating and personalized touches enhance a refined dining experience.

House-made desserts stand out with a spectacular quality. They complement the menu well and show a sense of value and appreciation for guests.

Prime rib stands out as tender and flavorful. Lobster Truffle Mac and Cheese offers a rich twist. Key lime pie finishes the meal with a perfect touch.

People are saying

"I found the steak to be tender and flavorful."

"The American Food here, especially the steaks, is perfectly cooked."

"The desserts here are tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

During the 40th anniversary, all food ordered was 40% off.

2

Valentineโ€™s Day celebrations offer special menu items.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during holidays.

05
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Desserts here are delicious and not too sweet, featuring traditional dairy and grain options alongside breakfast cereals. Coffee pairs well with these mouthwatering sweets.

The menu features a Craft Cheeseburger with delicate beef and traditional flavors. Chicken noodle soup comes with bread served alongside fragrant olive oil and roasted garlic.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"The cheeseburger here is the perfect American Food experience."

"I found the desserts delicious and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

06
Charlie Martin's image 1

Cozy space with Hollywood regency decor and mood lighting creates a speakeasy vibe. Bartenders craft exceptional cocktails, including standout Old Fashioneds and martinis. Atmosphere suits jazzy date nights and sophisticated dining with white tablecloths.

Toffee cake stands out as an unforgettable dessert. Birthday desserts come with candles, and the dessert tray has a 1955 vibe with tempting cheesecake slices.

Crab Cake stands out with no fishy taste common in cheaper versions. The menu includes a hamburger and sometimes runs out of whipped potatoes and New York strips by weekend evenings.

People are saying

"The seafood, especially the oysters, was super fresh and amazing."

"The desserts here feel like a cozy step back in time."

"The American Food, especially the steak tartare and crab cake, was exceptional."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekend nights.

2

The restaurant closes early at 11 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

They often run out of popular menu items by 8 pm on weekends.

07
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1

Steakhouse offers a stylish and warm dining room with quiet sophistication and a relaxed but upmarket atmosphere. Cocktails are expertly crafted, complementing the coal-cooked steaks that define the menu. Private rooms and a dynamic space support both intimate and business gatherings.

Prime Rib Sunday Roast stands out with its rich flavor. Mac and cheese features a perfectly crumbly top. Dishes include Vietnamese oysters, scallops, ribeye steak, Yorkshire bread, and Caesar's salad.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The desserts here are rich and tasty."

"The American Food here, especially the steaks, were cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm-6pm with great deals on steak, burgers, and oysters.

2

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday roast, which is only available on Sundays.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free options and is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.

08
Tortoise Supper Club image 1
American restaurant

Elegant supper club blends live jazz music with a cozy, lively atmosphere featuring dark wood and colorful jazz-inspired wallpaper. Dining spaces include a private room with a bar, creating intimate vibes amid a bustling crowd. The setting combines elements of a jazz club and restaurant for a unique experience.

Tortoise pie stands out as a dessert option. Other desserts come highly recommended and pair well with appetizers and drinks.

Prime rib stands out for being cooked to perfection. Meatloaf serves as a definitive American classic. Other notable dishes include cobb salad, steak au poivre, and sea bass.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and delicious."

"The American Food here, especially the prime rib, is cooked to perfection."

"The desserts here are outstanding, especially the cherry pie."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for private events and should be made well in advance.

2

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

3

Valet parking costs $16 for three hours, making it convenient for guests.

09
Mastro's Steakhouse image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Elegant dining space features dim, cozy lighting and live music performances that create a romantic, upscale atmosphere. The lounge offers an upbeat vibe with talented singers and pianists providing background entertainment. Seating is close together, enhancing a lively, intimate feel.

Signature butter cake stands out as a highlight. Personalized menus and birthday desserts with candles add a special touch to celebrations.

Porterhouse steaks, rack of lamb, and blackened salmon come perfectly cooked. Lobster Mac and cheese stands out as spectacular, paired with a signature Butter cake with ice-cream for dessert.

People are saying

"The steak here is amazing, with attentive and friendly staff."

"The American Food steaks here are the best I've ever eaten."

"You have to try the butter cake; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available and recommended for convenience.

10
Lure Fishbar - Chicago image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with quiet, elegant atmosphere and beautiful interior design featuring boat decor and funky wall art. Seating is comfortable and the space offers a small patio alongside plenty of indoor tables. The vibe suits a fancy dining experience rather than a casual, lively spot.

Desserts include a creamy sorbet and a warm cookie with ice cream that finishes the meal well. The brownie is delicious and desserts come perfectly prepared and presented.

Seafood shines with Maine-style lobster roll featuring unique slaw and warm kettle chips. Dishes like lamb chops, smoked salmon, crab cakes, and clam chowder add variety to the American menu.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, high quality, and delicious."

"The desserts here are perfectly prepared and presented."

"The American Food here, especially the lobster roll, was spectacular."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 PM to 6 PM, including weekends.

2

Enjoy half-off wine bottles during happy hour.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

11
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern steakhouse blends trendy club vibe with live DJ sets and bold neon decor. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, with music often loud enough to dominate conversations. Cocktails stand out as fresh and flavorful highlights amid the setting.

The dessert called The Cloud offers both a tasty treat and a showy presentation that makes for a memorable finish. Staff add a thoughtful touch by pairing it with a sparkling drink for kids.

Steaks like the filet, ribeye, and New York strip come cooked just right. Sides include brussel sprouts and creamy mac and cheese. The hamburger stands out as well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The American Food here is great, especially the steak and mac and cheese."

"You get a special birthday dessert, it's amazing!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for a table during peak dining hours.

3

Cocktails are priced at $9 during happy hour.

12
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop bar offering spectacular city views and multiple seating options including fire pits and private couches. Live music creates a lively atmosphere that balances well with conversation. Cocktails and food receive strong praise, contributing to an overall vibrant and welcoming vibe.

Thoughtful dessert boards feature candled-top sweets that light up with a fireworks show. Generous portions make the experience memorable and the quality stays consistently top notch.

Buffalo wings stand out with their flavor. Sliders like the 101 Burger and Shrimp & Lobster Roll offer variety alongside sides such as Crispy Onion Rings and Elotes. Burgers and salads like Caesar appear standard but complete the menu.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The American Food here has a spectacular atmosphere and great views."

"The desserts here are a dazzling fireworks show!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available 7 days a week from 5-7pm.

2

Reservations are typically required, but walk-ins may be accommodated if available.

3

The happy hour offers a great selection of drinks and appetizers at unbeatable prices.

13
The Alston image 1
Steak house

Dining room offers spacious elegance with a unique interior design and tableside presentations like duck press. Atmosphere blends pre-Covid hospitality with a lively, upscale crowd. Bar serves impressive cocktails alongside expert wine pairings.

Steaks like the porterhouse and New York strip come out perfectly cooked with a smoky char and medium rare finish. Sides such as potatoes au gratin and crab cakes complement the main dishes well.

People are saying

"The steak here is outstanding, and the service makes you feel well taken care of."

"The staff here are so knowledgeable and kind, making the desserts feel special."

"The American Food here, especially the steaks, is perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

A 3% service charge is added to all credit card transactions.

3

Happy hour features a curated menu of food and drinks.

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