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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Cool spots in River North

You need a place to decompress that actually matches the energy of the neighborhood.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 1
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 2
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 3
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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.

Trendy yet relaxed vibe creates a pleasant atmosphere with a modern touch. Omar's energy adds a personal and enjoyable feel, making it great for a quiet catch-up or date night.

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."

"Omar's charisma made the experience personal and enjoyable."

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
Marshall's Landing image 1
American restaurant

Space offers great river views and a wrap-around bar with comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels warm and versatile, suitable for quiet work or informal meetings, though music can be loud and varied. Private dining rooms overlook the river, supporting gatherings and events.

Cozy spot with beautiful city views and a chill atmosphere. The vibe stays relaxed, perfect to unwind or get work done.

A laid-back spot with a massive environment and an amazing view. The vibe stays cool and welcoming for afternoon lounging and day drinking.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The staff here makes this a truly amazing Relaxing Spot."

"This spot is cool with an amazing view."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Marshall's Landing is a popular spot for hosting corporate events and parties.

3

The venue offers a spacious area suitable for networking events.

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.

A laid-back waiter adds to the cozy, roomy ambiance with good music. The place lets the city's hustle fade, creating a relaxed vibe perfect for unwinding.

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, relaxed spot that feels like a refreshing oasis."

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
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.

Rooftop views create a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with upbeat music and cool decor. The vibe balances lively energy with calmness, making it easy to unwind.

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."

"It's a great relaxing spot with stunning city views from the rooftop."

"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.

05
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.

Cozy and clean atmosphere creates a relaxing ambience. Great for unwinding or meeting with friends in a calm setting.

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 cozy and welcoming spot to relax."

"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.

06
SPIN Chicago image 1

Large space with plenty of ping pong tables creates an active, lively vibe. Music and a DJ on weekends add energy, while semi-private rooms offer quieter spots for groups. The venue suits both group parties and casual drinks, balancing fun and relaxation without feeling crowded.

Semi-private rooms offer a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy a drink without pressure to mingle, making it a good spot to unwind with friends or family.

An upbeat yet swanky vibe sets the tone with great food and games adding to the cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is great, like pizza, dips, and appetizers."

"You can have fun playing ping pong and enjoying drinks."

"It's a fun, energetic environment to relax with drinks."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for large groups, especially on weekends.

2

Ping pong table reservations have a one-hour minimum policy.

3

Happy hour specials are available on weekdays from 4-7 PM.

07
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.

Atmosphere feels relaxed yet elevated with a beautiful, cozy vibe. The setting blends luxurious touches with a calm, inviting mood.

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 atmosphere here is beautiful and relaxing."

"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.

08
Ralph's Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Museum-like interior with vintage-style decor creates an elegant, classy atmosphere. Space feels posh and comfortable but often overcrowded with limited seating. Souvenirs and stylish design add to a unique coffee shop experience.

Thoughtful design creates an elegant yet cozy ambiance with vintage decor and comfy chairs. The space offers a premium, relaxing vibe ideal for catching up, reading, or working quietly.

Espresso with tonic water offers a super cool and refreshing twist. The interior feels like a museum, creating a cool and interesting vibe tied to the Ralph Lauren store.

People are saying

"The coffee here is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced."

"It's a stylish, cozy, and sophisticated relaxing spot."

"It's a cool place with a museum-like interior and nice aesthetic."

Good to know

1

They only accept card payments; cash is not accepted.

2

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Expect a 10โ€“20 minute wait to enter during busy hours.

09
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.

Upstairs offers a cozy and relaxing vibe with a serene atmosphere throughout. The space feels comfortable and perfect for unwinding or a quiet night out.

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 staff here are so friendly and attentive."

"The atmosphere here is so relaxing and serene."

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.

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.

A relaxed atmosphere sets the tone with an upmarket feel. Service stays friendly and easygoing throughout.

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 and cocktails here are top tier, perfectly prepared."

"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
Redhead Piano Bar image 1

Piano bar offers live piano music with a phenomenal, engaging pianist in a small, crowded space that encourages standing and dancing. An outdoor cigar lounge provides additional seating with couches and ashtrays. The atmosphere is lively and packed, creating an intense but vibrant vibe.

Live piano music creates a warm, lively, and inviting ambience that suits a relaxed night out. The cigar area offers a smoke-free, calm space to unwind with a drink.

Outdoor cigar-smoking area hides behind a secret path, giving an exclusive vibe. Redhead Piano Bar hosts live music and draws cool people from around the world.

People are saying

"This piano bar is the perfect spot to end your night."

"It's a cool place with live piano music and a lively crowd."

"It's a great relaxing spot with live piano music."

Good to know

1

Expect large crowds on weekends, especially after 10 PM.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events or large groups.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks from 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays.

12
Freehand Chicago image 1

Retro art deco style hotel combines chic lobby with a lively bar scene featuring a spacious bar and fast internet. Rooms offer comfortable beds and clean amenities, while the lounge area provides a relaxed vibe contrasting the nightclub energy downstairs.

Beautiful lounge area offers a relaxed, laid-back vibe with a very clean environment. Easy to unwind with a drink at the bar or hang out in spacious rooms designed for relaxation.

Shared space, bar, and lounge have a cool vibe. The hotel feels charming and avoids a corporate atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is amazing and super fun."

"The rooms felt cool and stylish with a modern design."

"This Relaxing Spot is so convenient, right next to cafes and shops."

Good to know

1

Expect a mandatory resort fee of $15โ€“40 per night not included in the initial price.

2

Breakfast is included in the morning for all guests.

3

Security on the floors is lacking, making the area feel unsafe after dark.

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River North, Chicago

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