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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in River North

Cool bread spots

Made for those who seek out the most stylish spots that also happen to serve excellent bread.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 1
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 2
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 3
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Italian restaurant offers traditional focaccia sandwiches with fresh ingredients and large portions. Atmosphere feels authentic and quaint, with lively music and bright, cute decor featuring Aperol and Campari bottles. Outdoor patio seating adds to the welcoming vibe.

Focaccia bread stands out with its soft texture and fresh flavor, perfectly complementing sandwiches like the Lizzano with prosciutto and mozzarella. The bread consistently enhances the overall taste, making sandwiches like the Florentino especially satisfying.

Atmosphere feels really cool for a quicker service spot. Music selection adds to the nice vibe.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the food here to be amazing and full of Italian flavors."

"The focaccia really makes the paninis extra good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from Wednesday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm.

2

During happy hour, spirits and wine are $9, and Italian boards are 50% off.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

02
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.

Warm bread bowls hold tender beef or beef with onions, creating a hearty base. Soft, pillowy bread carries cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese, while traditional bread comes with chicken noodle soup alongside fragrant olive oil and roasted garlic.

Kazakhstan-inspired design shapes the space with art on the walls and tea kettle details. Kazakh music plays in the background, adding to the unique vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You have to try the kuurdak served in a bread bowl."

"It's a cool little coffee shop with a modern, upscale interior."

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.

03
LIA Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Space blends modern art and dining with Jackson Pollock-inspired decor and a gallery-like atmosphere. Music plays at a perfect volume to support conversation, creating a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Guests enjoy a cozy setting with tasteful rustic details that balance the artistic design.

Japanese-style Fluffy Pillows offer savory bread puffs with a soft texture. The garlic milk bread appears in both fried and regular forms, with the fried version praised and the regular sometimes overly seasoned.

Cool design sets the vibe here. Bottle Rockets come with a unique presentation and an awesome aioli that stands out.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and visually impressive."

"The art throughout the space made it feel like a cool gallery dinner party."

"You have to try the fried garlic milk bread; it's life-changing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5-6:30pm with $10 cocktails.

2

The restaurant recently transitioned to a new pizza and tavern menu on 9/23.

3

There is a 3.5% surcharge on all bills.

04
Schneider Deli River North image 1

Small deli space with maximum efficiency and a soda shoppe feel creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Friendly energy and an authentic vibe make it feel like a walk back in time. Tables are few and always full, enhancing the intimate setting.

Fresh, flavorful rye bread stands out with a perfect ratio to meat and sauce in sandwiches. Gluten-free bread options are available alongside thick, tender cuts that complement the bread well.

The atmosphere feels cool and chill with a small, cozy space that adds to the vibe.

People are saying

"These bagels are soft, super fresh, and perfect."

"The rye bread was toasted perfectly and buttery."

"The pastrami sandwich here is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Takeout is recommended due to limited seating inside.

2

Online ordering is advised for weekend breakfast to avoid long lines.

3

Expect a line during busy hours, especially on weekends.

05
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.

Complimentary bread arrives soft, hot, and super fresh. It pairs well with dishes like burrata and tomahawk steak, adding a warm, delicious touch to the meal.

A very cool spot with an old school steakhouse vibe. Walls feature historic pictures and memorabilia that add to the atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The bread here is so soft, hot, and fresh."

"The staff here are so friendly and attentive."

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.

06
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers warm, modern interior with two bar areas and outdoor seating including a patio and rooftop. Atmosphere stays lively but not noisy, creating an inviting and relaxed vibe. Extensive gluten-free menu and accommodating options stand out for dietary needs.

Pita bread stands out with its perfect spice and fresh texture. It pairs well with hummus and complements the small plates and regional wines.

A very cool atmosphere with soft music sets a hip vibe throughout the space.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The pita bread here is soft, warm, and perfectly seasoned."

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Ema offers an extensive gluten-free menu with many options.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.

3

Happy hour features generous portions but a limited list of spreads.

07
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a modern jazz inspired design with upstairs loft featuring live music and pool table. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and intimate dining to a lively late-night hangout with DJs and bands. Decor includes quirky records and stylish interiors creating a warm, upbeat vibe.

Warm bread comes with truffle butter that is rich and aromatic. House bread includes focaccia and sourdough, served with toppings like mortadella and ricotta or burrata with avocado and caviar.

People are saying

"You honestly canโ€™t go wrong with the outrageously good pasta here."

"The atmosphere here is cool, with a classy, moody jazz vibe."

"The bread with truffle butter is addictive and aromatic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure seating.

2

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

3

The loft space converts into a club after 10pm with a DJ and dancing.

08
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.

Fresh bread arrives with a welcome cocktail as a thoughtful start. Presentation is beautiful, and the bread tastes delicious and fresh.

A separate bar area adds a cool vibe to the beautiful space. The duck press offers a unique and tender experience that stands out.

People are saying

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

"The dining room's ambiance is party-like and beautiful."

"The complimentary bread and welcome cocktail are thoughtful touches."

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.

09
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.

Fresh sourdough bread stands out with a quality that exceeds typical expectations. Yorkshire bread also appears on the menu, complementing other dishes well.

An old Chicago-style building gives the place character and charm. The overall vibe feels really cool and the setting adds to that.

People are saying

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

"The food here is spectacular, especially the steak cooked to perfection."

"The sourdough bread here is very fresh and good."

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.

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River North, Chicago

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