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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Modern cool spots

A modern hangout that feels cool because of its character rather than just its aesthetic.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated June 2026
01
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 1
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 2
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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.

Atmosphere features a modern Japanese interior with a clean and calming vibe. Lighting stays low with sleek finishes, blending modern style with warmth and inviting energy.

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 sushi here is so fresh and beautifully presented."

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.

02
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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.

Striking interior inspired by modern art creates a unique vibe. The space feels like a museum of modern art mixed with fine dining, offering a modern yet cozy ambiance.

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."

"The modern art inspired interior felt striking and memorable."

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.

03
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 1

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.

Space feels modern and simple with a warm vibe. It suits casual dinners, dates, and work dinners well.

Cool artwork decorates the space, creating a unique vibe. Shirts with cool designs offer a fun souvenir option.

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 cozy, modern brewery with a warm vibe."

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.

04
Crying Tiger image 1
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.

Stunning atmosphere with modern, high-end dรฉcor creates a chic yet warm vibe. The interior feels cool and fun, making it easy to relax and enjoy a meal.

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 interior's modern vibe is stunning, warm, and inviting."

"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.

05
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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.

Elegant space blends classic and modern French style with a classy ambiance. The Duck Presse service nods to culinary history while keeping a modern edge.

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 Modern steaks are outstanding and impeccably 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.

06
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.

Interior blends an authentic Kazakh vibe with modern design. Ancient recipes get a fresh take through modern nutrition fusion.

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."

"The food here is modern, tasteful, and delicious."

"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.

07
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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.

Upscale dining features a sleek and modern atmosphere with modern jazz influences. The menu offers modern Italian cuisine with clean, balanced flavors and well-sized portions.

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."

"I enjoyed the modern Italian food, bursting with flavor."

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
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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.

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

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"It's a beautiful, warm, and inviting modern space."

"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.

09
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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.

Cozy modern vibes blend with authentic Mexican dishes that have a fresh twist. The spot stands out as a genuine example of modern Mexican cuisine.

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 Modern food and drinks were delicious."

"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.

10
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Fast food restaurant

Glass walls and visible greenery create a spacious, airy atmosphere with a modern, eco-friendly design. Comfortable booths and self-ordering kiosks support a quick, efficient dining experience. Solar panels and rooftop apple trees add unique, sustainable touches.

A large, modern glass building with high ceilings and indoor trees creates a bright, spacious dining space. The design feels sleek, eco-friendly, and includes a tree planted on the roof.

New building features cool architecture and a plant wall inspired by Epcot's watering system. The spot offers a chill urban vibe with tasty classics for a quick meal.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, well-prepared, and delicious."

"I found the interior to be modern, bright, and spacious."

"It's a cool place with a fun, urban vibe."

Good to know

1

This McDonald's does not offer in-restaurant dining; takeout only.

2

Parking costs $12, and a pass is required for a 30-minute stay.

3

You can only pick up orders after 11 PM; no dining allowed.

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