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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in River North

Cool dessert spots

Made for those who curate their social life around spots with a distinct, trend-forward edge.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Crying Tiger image 1
Crying Tiger image 2
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers an immersive Asian-inspired interior with a beautifully designed layout and a stylish bar area. Music features 90s hip-hop and R&B, creating a fun and cool vibe throughout the space. The atmosphere feels lively and memorable, blending great energy with a gorgeous setting.

Toasted Coconut Sundae stands out on the dessert menu. Drinks and desserts pair well, making it a solid spot for a sweet finish.

Cool interior with a modern vibe creates a relaxed atmosphere. Staff wear stylish outfits that add to the cozy, fun feel.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding and thoughtfully prepared."

"The Crying Tiger dessert is the star, but it runs out."

"The vibe here is so cool and cozy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking costs $20 for 2 hours.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

02
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Counter seating surrounds chefs who handcraft sushi rolls in full view, creating a lively and social dining experience. The space combines chic decor with an elegant, downtown vibe that complements the fresh, high-quality sushi and thoughtfully paired cocktails.

Chocolate miso brownie stands out as a fascinating and delicious dessert. Other options include tres leches with matcha and a cake dessert that pairs well with cocktails.

Intimate spot with a sushi bar setup creates a chic ambiance. Plenty of seating supports a cool vibe throughout the space.

People are saying

"The sushi chefs here are amazing and give great recommendations."

"The hand rolls here are seriously impressive and innovative."

"The matcha tres leches dessert was amazing and fascinating."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights like New Year's Eve.

2

The restaurant specializes in Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors.

3

Expect tight seating arrangements, which may affect dining comfort.

03
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.

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."

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

"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.

04
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.

Ambiance and interior design feel like traveling through time. The bar stands out as super cool, though the vibe could improve with better music and clientele.

People are saying

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

"The food here is outstanding, especially the steak frites."

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

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.

05
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.

Desserts show skill and creativity with decadent flavors. They pair well with the entrees and make a strong finish.

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 manager comped our desserts after the kitchen messed up."

"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.

06
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.

The spot has an interesting atmosphere with cool decor that stands out. The overall vibe feels cool and relaxed.

People are saying

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

"The peach cobbler was packed with peaches."

"The shrimp deviled egg was cool, and the food was excellent."

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.

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.

Chocolate mousse stands out with its gold wrapping, hazelnuts, and toppings like a Ferrero Rocher. The cherry dessert also shines as a highlight among the amazing desserts.

People are saying

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

"The desserts here are amazing and looked good."

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

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
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.

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 desserts here are tender and flavorful."

"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.

09
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.

Rooftop offers a cool space with relaxing upbeat music and cool decor. The atmosphere stays consistently cool and inviting throughout the day.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The desserts here are a dazzling fireworks show!"

"The rooftop views are beautiful, especially at sunset."

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.

10
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.

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 desserts here are rich and tasty."

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

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.

11
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.

Churros paired with ice cream stand out as a signature dessert. The dessert options consistently impress with amazing flavors and thoughtful recommendations.

A cool atmosphere fills the space with a nice vibe and a crowd of cool people.

People are saying

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

"The desserts here are amazing, with great recommendations from the server."

"I found the atmosphere and people here to be really cool."

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.

12
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.

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

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

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.

13
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.

Oxacan Churros serve as a sweet finish to meals. Special occasions get a free dessert with a signed card and sometimes complimentary champagne.

Gorgeous atmosphere sets a cool vibe throughout the space. The overall feel stays consistently pretty cool.

People are saying

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

"The service here is amazing, truly going above and beyond."

"The atmosphere here is pretty cool with a great vibe."

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.

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River North, Chicago

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