Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to River North

Burger and beer spots

A cold beer and a burger are the only things that make sense after a long day.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 1
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 2
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 3
View all

Brewpub occupies a spacious second-floor spot with modern decor and fantastic artwork. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with good music playing at a comfortable volume. Seating includes wide, cushioned bar stools that add to the relaxed vibe.

Burgers come with two 4 oz smash patties on a sesame bun that highlights the patty's flavor. They are perfectly charred with excellent seasoning and juicy without being messy.

A great selection of beers caters to all tastes, including a perfectly balanced Oktoberfest that hits the right notes. The beer quality is consistently very good to excellent.

People are saying

"They have a great mix of beers on tap."

"The burgers here are cooked just right and packed with flavor."

"It's a cool, laid-back spot with good vibes."

Good to know

1

The brewery is located on the second floor of the AMC building.

2

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

3

The kitchen closes at 9pm, so arrive early for food.

02
No Vacancy image 1
Restaurant

Dark academia decor creates a classy yet casual vibe with comfortable bar seating and large screen TVs for watching games. The atmosphere stays fun and welcoming, featuring DJs on weekends and a solid beer tap system. Food and drinks include amazing birria egg rolls and craft cocktails, making it a popular spot for game days.

The NV Burger stands out with a juicy, flavorful patty cooked to a perfect medium and a rich egg topping. Adding Neuske Bacon boosts its flavor, while the house burger and chicken sandwich also deliver solid taste with fries on the side.

Beers come with a bottom-up pouring system that stands out. The selection includes IPAs and options like Kona Big Wave.

People are saying

"I found the birria egg rolls to be absolutely delicious."

"I thought the burger was great and delicious."

"I loved their awesome selection of beers."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with half-price appetizers and drinks.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during NFL games on weekends.

3

The menu features unique dishes but is small enough to not be overwhelming.

03
Brehon Pub image 1
Restaurant

Irish pub with old-fashioned decor and a quiet secretive back area contrasts with a crowded front room. Atmosphere feels authentic and welcoming, suited for watching sports with multiple screens and playing games like pool and darts. Offers a huge patio and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Burgers come fresh and cooked to order, often hitting the mark at medium rare. Options like the mushroom swiss and blue Moon burger stand out for their flavor and preparation.

A solid bottle beer selection includes Hacker-Pschorr, Red Stripe, and Stiegl Grapefruit. The beer pairs well with the food and offers a nice variety.

People are saying

"The food and beer at this pub were awesome."

"I loved how the burgers were cooked to order."

"The beer here is served by the friendliest staff."

Good to know

1

The pub charges an extra 3% on the bill for credit card payments.

2

Expect a $1 table fee for games, payable in quarters or bills.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

04
The Green Door Tavern image 1

Cozy dive bar with historic wooden interiors and a hidden speakeasy downstairs creates a unique old-school vibe. Social and friendly atmosphere fills the space with nostalgic memorabilia and warm energy. Regulars enjoy spinning a shot wheel and relaxing with good music and sports on TV.

Burgers here stand out with the Tavern burger and Legend Burger offering solid, satisfying flavors. They hold their own against other great burgers in the city and pair well with the Chicago Beef Poutine.

Excellent local beers and a wide selection of brews appear on tap. The lineup includes a variety of beers that pair well with burgers.

People are saying

"The bartender Autumn's energy made the whole bar feel more enjoyable."

"I loved the good variety of local beers here."

"I thought the burgers here were really, really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the downstairs speakeasy to ensure entry.

2

The hidden bar opens later in the evening, providing a unique experience.

3

Happy hour offers late night food and drink specials.

05
House of Blues Chicago image 1

Small venue with live blues music creates an authentic blues atmosphere filled with enthusiastic energy. Interior features beautiful woodwork and psychedelic decor with unique side rooms. Crowds enjoy music alongside strong cocktails in a warm, pleasant setting.

Burgers here come with a classic taste and are generally well-prepared. The menu offers a standard selection that pairs well with drinks like Memphis Blues Sangria.

Great selection of beers stands out at the bar. Food pairs well with the beer offerings.

People are saying

"The live music here sounds fantastic."

"The beer here has a magic, psychedelic atmosphere."

"I thought the burger was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking at the venue is valet only, which can be expensive.

2

Brunch is available 30 minutes before the show and throughout the performance.

3

Expect a limited food menu with generous portion sizes.

06
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.

The Bash burger stands out for being tender and flavorful. It pairs well with sides like Mac and complements seafood options such as oysters and crab cake.

Selection includes tasty wines and beers but leans limited on beer variety. The bar offers a full range of drinks but does not focus on a relaxed beer atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The beer selection here was tasty and wonderful."

"I found the burgers tender, flavorful, and delicious."

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.

07
Shamrock Club image 1

Old-school bar extends deep inside with a pool table, jukebox, and popcorn machine adding to the casual vibe. Loud, fun crowd creates a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere where people relax and socialize. Outdoor patio offers a perfect spot for warm days, enhancing the laid-back energy.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned patties define the charbroiled burger here. Prices stay low while the flavor stays high, making it a solid spot for a decent dive bar burger enjoyed alongside wings and a beer.

Reasonably priced beers arrive quickly, making it a solid spot for after work drinks. The vibe is casual, just a place to enjoy a couple of beers with mates downtown.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially with a cold pint."

"I found the burgers here to be a great price for downtown."

"I found the beer to be reasonably priced downtown."

Good to know

1

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

2

Expect the bar to get crowded around 6-7 PM.

3

Pitchers are available for $13, making it a budget-friendly option.

08
Parlay River North image 1

Sports bar offers a gorgeous rooftop bar with a beautiful view and a live DJ playing music during game breaks. Atmosphere combines great energy and vibes with multiple TVs for sports fans. Some seating areas feel crowded or poorly lit, but food includes standout items like chicken and waffles and stuffed French toast.

The menu features a Smash burger that some find excellent while others say it does not meet traditional expectations. The breakfast burger and Monday special with fries and a drink offer solid options for different times of day.

Happy Hour offers a solid deal on beer and wings. Beers can take a bit to arrive, with waits around 13 minutes at the bar.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and absolutely delicious."

"I found the breakfast burger to be very delicious."

"The beer and wings are a great deal during happy hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on beer and wings.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Brunch includes bottomless mimosas for 90 minutes.

09
Snickers Bar & Grill image 1

Dive bar with a wraparound bar, seven TVs, and an internet jukebox creates a lively, classic pub vibe. Front room buzzes with sports energy and regulars chatting, while back booths offer a cozier, relaxed setting. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with unpretentious laughter and casual dining.

Juicy burgers come hot and fresh with perfectly crispy fries. The menu features honest comfort food with tasty bar food and Greek-inspired gyros.

A large selection of international bottled beers is available, served cold as expected. Drinks include cheap beers with generous pours and a unique $3 mystery shot, making it easy to relax and enjoy.

People are saying

"This bar is a gritty, local hangout with a nostalgic vibe."

"I found the burgers here to be absolutely fantastic."

"The beer selection here is great."

Good to know

1

The drink prices at Snickers Bar & Grill are reasonable for downtown Chicago.

2

They accept both credit card and cash payments.

3

The parking lot is small and often full, making parking challenging.

Discover more

River North, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...