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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to River North

Nice views with outdoor seating

Made for those who demand both a panoramic view and the ability to sit outside while they eat.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated May 2026
01
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 1
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 2
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 3
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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 offers stunning views of the city with immaculate scenery. Booking a table is easy, making it great for enjoying the amazing rooftop view with friends and family.

Outdoor seating features fireplaces and a built-in firepit that create a warm, cozy atmosphere. TVs on the patio add to the relaxed vibe while lounging with friends and dogs.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The bar staff, especially Trevor, were the sweetest and best."

"The outdoor seating offers breathtaking city views."

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.

02
Shanghai Terrace image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open terrace offers shaded patio seating with spectacular views and a festive yet formal atmosphere. Indoor spaces feel elegant but somewhat worn, while outdoor areas provide a secluded and lively energy ideal for special occasions.

Spectacular views overlook the Magnificent Mile from the terrace area. The setting offers a beautiful backdrop for enjoying Chinese food.

Outdoor seating offers a shaded patio with a secluded terrace that creates a great energy. The atmosphere suits enjoying meals quietly away from the city buzz.

People are saying

"The Peking duck here is the best Chinese food I've found."

"The Outdoor Seating is great for delicious food and awesome service."

"The views from the terrace were beautiful and spectacular."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must at this place.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical Chinese restaurants.

3

The terrace offers a nice view, especially for outdoor dining.

03
The Westin Chicago River North image 1

Rooms offer breathtaking river views and a sleek, modern vibe with warm colors and soothing scents. Lobby and bar areas feel air-conditioned cold with loud music, creating a lively atmosphere. Outdoor bar provides a great spot to see city lights at night.

Rooms offer awesome views of the river and the honeycomb structure. The location provides great sights of the Riverwalk and surrounding water.

Seating outside includes a patio overlooking the river and a bar area with views of the city lights at night. The outdoor spaces offer great views and good service.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were all very nice and helpful."

"It's a nice view with everything within walking distance."

"The outdoor seating has amazing river views and city lights at night."

Good to know

1

Expect a $30 junk fee added to your bill automatically.

2

Breakfast buffet costs $40 after tax and tip.

3

Valet parking is available for convenience.

04
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Coffee shop offers calm, classy atmosphere with amazing city and river views. Seating includes indoor and outdoor options, featuring a beautiful terrace ideal for relaxing or people-watching. Space suits those seeking a high-quality coffee experience in a cozy, focused setting.

Outdoor seating offers beautiful views of the river and downtown Chicago. The space feels peaceful and provides stunning city skyline sights, making it a great spot to work or relax.

Outdoor seating offers a river view patio with access to the Riverwalk. The pleasant patio provides a great setting for sitting outside and enjoying the city views.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"You get a gorgeous city view from the windows."

"The outdoor seating by the river offers a great view."

Good to know

1

Brunch is offered on weekends, but check availability.

2

Expect to pay over $8 for a latte.

3

Parking is very difficult, so plan ahead.

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.

Upstairs offers gorgeous views with window seats that look out over the city. The second floor provides a beautiful scenery backdrop that enhances the ambience.

Tables on the patio come with personally printed menus to keep. Staff treat diners like royalty with attentive service. Outdoor seating offers a great atmosphere alongside quality food.

People are saying

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

"I loved sitting outside under the fairy lights."

"The service here is amazing; our server Gabriel made my birthday special."

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
The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North image 1

Hotel offers gorgeous city and river views with a 17th floor rooftop pool and terrace. Interior features a dark, chic design with a fresh, luxurious scent upon entry. Rooms provide a quiet, comfortable atmosphere despite the lively surrounding area.

Views from the 17th floor pool impress with their amazing height. Rooms are spacious and clean, offering breathtaking sights.

A rooftop deck offers a heated outdoor space with a pool and comfortable seating overlooking the city. A small patio and lounge downstairs add more outdoor seating options.

People are saying

"This place is so Kid Friendly; they upgraded our room for our daughter's birthday."

"The city views from the room were amazing."

"The staff's attention to detail made our outdoor seating experience wonderful."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $100, and only valet service is available.

2

A resort fee of $32 or more is charged to all guests.

3

The hotel is centrally located near downtown and public transport.

07
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 1

Two-story chocolate shop offers stunning river views and a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. The space fills with lively energy and can get noisy and busy, especially with families around. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, with an outdoor patio providing a more relaxed vibe.

Cozy indoor seating offers views of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue. A lovely outdoor patio provides a nice spot for sunny days and great city views.

A lovely outdoor patio offers a spot to enjoy sunny days and watch people. Seating mostly stays inside, but a few tables sit outside by the river walk for dessert or drinks.

People are saying

"Jameson's service made the chocolate experience feel personal and joyful."

"I loved the nice view overlooking the river and city."

"I loved sitting on the patio by the river walk."

Good to know

1

There's a special offer on 7/25 for a mini hot fudge sundae at $7.25.

2

Seating is first come, first serve and can be sparse during peak hours.

3

Finding a seat can be nearly impossible during busy times.

08
Level Chicago - River North image 1

Spacious apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows with cityscape views and modern interiors. Amenities include a rooftop pool, gym, sauna, and arcade, supporting both relaxation and activity. The atmosphere shifts from luxurious and cozy during the day to lively and noisy late at night.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning cityscape views including a corner suite perspective. The space feels quiet and secure, enhancing the overall experience.

Outdoor spaces feature an outdoor turf area for training, an outdoor hot tub, and grills with a fire pit. These amenities create a versatile setting for workouts and relaxation.

People are saying

"This hotel's amenities, like the gym and pool, were impressive."

"The city views from the rooms are amazing."

"You'll love the outdoor seating with the fire pit and hot tub."

Good to know

1

Expect a $200 per night deposit fee upon check-in, not previously communicated.

2

Check-in is available as early as 11am, even if the room isn't ready.

3

Parking is not included and incurs an additional fee.

09
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago image 1

Upscale hotel with a sophisticated design aesthetic and elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Rooftop terrace and bar offer stunning views and a lively spot for cocktails and small bites. Central location attracts a bustling crowd, creating a vibrant energy throughout the day.

Terrace offers a stunning backdrop with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Rooms provide good city views alongside clean, well-designed spaces.

Outdoor spaces include a rooftop terrace with fire heaters for cooler weather and a bar terrace that offers a relaxing spot to unwind. Drinks and food served on the outdoor terrace are quite good.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so kind and helpful."

"The concierge staff's amazing service made my stay wonderful."

"The outdoor seating is a beautiful, relaxing spot with fire pits."

Good to know

1

Expect a Daily Destination Fee upon arrival, which may not be disclosed during booking.

2

Room service is unavailable after 10:30 PM, despite advertised hours until 11 PM.

3

The hotel is attached to the Shops at North Bridge for convenient shopping.

10
320 RiverBar image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers riverview patio with calm, inviting atmosphere and both indoor and outdoor seating. Crowd is pleasant and service is prompt, making it a nice spot to relax or enjoy a casual drink. Setting by the riverfront creates a pleasant dining experience distinct from typical urban eateries.

Outdoor patio offers a nice view with shade in the afternoon. The spot overlooks the Chicago River, providing a breathtaking riverfront view.

A riverview patio offers a nice view and shade in the afternoon. Both outdoor and indoor seating options exist for relaxing.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the salmon dish."

"I enjoyed the amazing river view from the patio."

"I loved the outdoor seating's nice riverfront view."

Good to know

1

The bar is located on the main floor of the Westin hotel.

2

Expect high prices, with cocktails like a Jim Beam Old Fashioned costing $17.

3

Vegetarian options are available on the menu.

11
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown image 1

Large building with a beautiful lobby and spacious, modern rooms featuring minibars and microwaves. Outdoor areas include a heated pool and a patio that offer relaxing spaces. Breakfast serves standard fare with popular waffles and gluten-free options in a large dining room.

Rooms on higher floors offer clean views of the skyline. Breakfast rooms provide great city views. Windows on mid-level floors show a nice view of the city streets.

A beautiful outdoor patio sits next to the indoor pool with couches, tables, chairs, and umbrellas. The terrace offers a relaxing spot to unwind.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast was good and free."

"The location is great, right downtown with lots of options."

"The outdoor patio is beautiful and a great way to unwind."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $59 per day, and valet service is available.

2

Expect noise from the nearby fire station, especially at night.

3

The hotel does not have on-site parking; valet is the only option.

12
Best Western River North Hotel image 1

Rooms face street noise and thin walls, making the atmosphere loud and busy. A rooftop terrace offers great city views and a pleasant outdoor space. Pool and gym facilities vary in availability but provide options for relaxation and exercise.

Rooftop areas offer stunning views of the city skyline. The top-floor pool and deck provide a beautiful cityscape, including a clear sight of the Hancock building from rooms and balconies.

A rooftop outdoor deck offers a nice spot to relax, especially at night. The pool and patio area suits the whole family well.

People are saying

"Parking available here costs about $50 a night."

"The rooftop offers a great city view."

"The outdoor seating is in a perfect location near the river walk."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $50 a night, even for hotel guests.

2

There is a strict age restriction of 21 and above.

3

The hotel has an ADA room that is spacious and accessible.

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River North, Chicago

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