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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in River North

Brunch and seafood

Brunch featuring fresh seafood that feels like a deliberate choice rather than a filler on the menu.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Tasting Room at Chicago Winery image 1
The Tasting Room at Chicago Winery image 2
The Tasting Room at Chicago Winery image 3
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Wine bar offers high ceilings and modern touches with bright lighting that contrasts typical winery dimness. Atmosphere feels stylish and comfortable, with lively sections and cozy nooks for photos. Wine made on site features rich, vibrant flavors alongside sharing plates and unique cocktails.

Brunch offers a calm atmosphere even on Sundays with fewer crowds. The overall experience impresses with quality food and drinks, making it a solid choice for hosting or casual visits.

Smoked fish stands out with a rich, smoky flavor featured in dips and charcuterie boards. Soft shell crab and seafood dishes pair well with creamy whipped feta and fresh accompaniments.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the scallops and potato croquettes."

"The French toast and brisket hash were excellent for brunch."

"You have to try the smoked fish dip; it's the perfect start."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available every Monday to Friday from 5 to 6:30 PM.

2

You can go for brunch, do wine tastings, or tours.

3

The winery offers a choose your own wine tasting experience.

02
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.

Brunch offers a very decadent menu with options that suit all ages, including seniors. It covers a wide range from breakfast into brunch, making it easy to find something for everyone.

Oysters stand out as unbelievably fresh and cold, with options like blue point oysters available and often reordered. The menu offers a diverse seafood selection including crab cake, shrimp tempura, sushi, and salmon, all prepared with high quality.

People are saying

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

"The Seafood here is fantastic and the service is great."

"Jake gave us excellent recommendations and service during Brunch."

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.

03
Sophia Steak Chicago image 1

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.

Weekend brunch features bottomless cocktails and a $35 drink package. Dishes include lobster and caviar omelettes and steak and eggs with attentive service.

Oysters Rockefeller offers a modernized take on a classic dish with balanced flavors. Shrimp and hamachi crudo provide flavorful textures and variety for seafood lovers.

People are saying

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

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

"The brunch service here is excellent, especially DavidDDDD!"

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.

04
Toast It IZ image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a classy atmosphere with elegant decor and comfortable seating. Music ranges from lively DJ sets to well-curated playlists, creating a welcoming vibe. Space includes a bar, various table types, and a private room, catering mainly to a younger crowd.

Brunch features amazing food and best mimosa towers. It serves as a true gem for breakfast and brunch with consistently strong offerings.

Shrimp dishes stand out with plump, well-seasoned shrimp in appetizers and gumbo. Fried fish comes out fresh and flaky with a golden, non-greasy crust. Portions of lobster and shrimp are generous and cooked nicely.

People are saying

"The food and service here are genuinely wonderful and attentive."

"The owner's hands-on presence makes this brunch place feel so well managed."

"The fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs are standout seafood appetizers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends due to high demand.

2

A $200 deposit is required for large party reservations, which is deducted from the final bill.

3

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity added to your bill for all dining services.

05
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.

Brunch features delicious food served on a rooftop with great weather. Sometimes the service feels understaffed.

Shrimp adds a perfect crunch to the Caesar salad. Fish and chips and salmon stand out as delicious seafood options. Lamb hummus and chicken salad complement the seafood well.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The shrimp and lobster roll were scrumptious."

"The rooftop views are great for brunch."

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.

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.

Brunch here is fresh, bright, and colorful, packed with flavor. The service includes a comedic and engaging server who adds fun to the meal, making it a great spot for a lively weekend gathering.

Seafood dishes feature expertly prepared octopus and halibut with lovely presentation. Shrimp comes with creamy polenta and a sauce that has a little kick. Appetizers include a strong selection focused on seafood.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"I had an amazing brunch with fresh, flavorful dishes."

"The seafood, especially the shrimp, was very tasty."

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
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.

Brunch here features a fun atmosphere with attentive service from staff like Ashley and manager Candice. The spot hosts memorable celebrations and invites guests back for special occasions.

Fried shrimp stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. Blackened shrimp and Fish & Grits also highlight the menu's focus on bold seafood flavors and comfort food twists.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is served with such amazing hospitality."

"The brunch service was attentive and knowledgeable."

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.

08
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space channels sophisticated Mexican vibes with warm, vibrant design inspired by Mexico City. Music shifts from chill to loud with a live DJ mixing house, reggaeton, and hip hop, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy upscale casual energy with comfortable seating and standout cocktails.

Brunch features a great variety of dishes with fresh ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere that invites lingering over the meal.

Shrimp tacos stand out with bold flavor and great presentation. The menu also features whole fish, tuna tostada, and fresh oysters.

People are saying

"The food here has flavor profiles that are above and beyond."

"The brunch food here is amazing and delicious."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 off cocktails and half-price appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts a popup event with their sister restaurant every month.

09
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.

Brunch features elevated twists on classics like shakshuka, flatbreads, and burgers. Dishes such as egg raviolo carbonara and French toast come with flavorful profiles paired with excellent wines and attentive service.

Freshness stands out with fire-roasted oysters and well-seasoned seafood snacks. Pasta alla chitarra pairs well with fish selections like branzino, offering a solid variety of seafood dishes.

People are saying

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

"The seafood chitarra was amazing, especially with fresh oysters."

"You have to try the Shakshuka at brunch."

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.

10
Moe's Cantina - River North image 1
Mexican restaurant

Massive Mexican restaurant with ample seating and a unique design that shifts into a nightclub on weekends. Lively atmosphere with energetic music, including reggaeton and clear TV audio for games. Outdoor seating and artistic decor add to the vibrant vibe.

Brunch features a lively atmosphere with mimosa specials and strong energy. Service is attentive, making it suitable for big groups and last-minute plans.

Big chunks of fish make the ceviche stand out with a flavorful taste. Shrimp dishes shine with jumbo shrimp in fajitas loaded with vegetables and hot tortillas, plus exceptionally delicious shrimp tacos.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience so friendly and attentive."

"Matt was an awesome bartender during brunch."

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp tacos, is really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a $20 cover charge for entry during club hours.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

All guests must arrive together to avoid additional cover charges.

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.

Brunch offers a delicious and comforting meal with options to enjoy drinks. Service can be slow and unorganized during brunch hours.

Oysters come fresh and perfectly prepared. The Shellfish Platter features flavorful oysters, shrimp, and crab. Shrimp stands out as very good.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"Sonia's friendly vibe made our brunch celebration so special."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

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.

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River North, Chicago

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