River Roast
About This Spot
Nestled along Chicago’s bustling riverwalk, River Roast feels like a thoughtful pause in the city’s vibrant pace, where the rhythm slows just enough to savor moments over good food and company. From the moment you step through its doors—or settle onto the patio overlooking the shimmering river—the atmosphere strikes a balance between effortless elegance and welcoming warmth. There’s a quiet confidence here, a place that knows its neighborhood well and invites you to linger a little longer, whether for a weekend brunch or a relaxed evening with crafted cocktails in hand.
The space itself feels curated to encourage connection: polished yet unpretentious, with soft lighting and an inviting hum of conversation. Outside, the gentle flow of the river and city skyline create a naturally calming backdrop, perfect for those who appreciate a blend of urban energy and serene vistas. Inside, the attentive yet unobtrusive staff make you feel gently guided rather than rushed—an attentive presence that enhances the ease of your visit.
River Roast’s menu is an embrace of familiar American flavors, reimagined with thoughtful touches and seasonality, making each dish feel personal rather than planned. Imagine starting with shareable bites like a perfectly balanced shrimp and crab toast or indulgent pork belly bites that invite conversation and slow enjoyment. For the main event, the roast chicken stands as a quiet star—comforting but refined—with sides that show attention to detail, whether it’s creamy mac & cheese sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs or a burger juicy with layered flavors. Brunch carries the same spirit, offering classics like chicken & waffles and chilaquiles that feel both lively and comforting.
Whether you’re here for a casual meal, a lively brunch with friends, or an intimate dinner overlooking the river, the mood at River Roast is consistently one of thoughtful ease. The blend of good company, well-crafted plates, and those subtle, quietly spectacular views shapes an experience that’s distinctly Chicago—urban and polished, yet warmly human.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Kerbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sport
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Assistive hearing loop
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Spirits
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trending
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- High chairs
- Paid street parking
- Valet parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | Closed | |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Joy Hernandez 06 Jan 2026
Great spot on the river walk! We used the valet in front, and they were able to seat us a little earlier than our reservation. Very friendly staff. The food was great, and we enjoyed a bottle of wine. The macaroni was delicious and pimentos and breadcrumbs were a nice touch. We walked outside after dinner to soak in the views!
Eric Marasco 02 Jan 2026
Service was top notch from start to finish—attentive, professional, and friendly. The food overall was good, though not outstanding. The mussels were disappointing, with nearly half not fully open, something that should have been caught before leaving the kitchen. The staff handled it well and made it right. The pork dish was fantastic, cooked perfectly with great flavor, and the chicken was solid but not memorable. The chocolate dessert, though, was absolutely awesome—rich, smooth, and the highlight of the meal. If you are in the area, solid choice especially when warm along the river. I would not make a special trip across town.
Stefano Casati 29 Dec 2025
What an amazing experience! I sat on the patio overlooking the river — the view of the city and skyline is just beautiful. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The White Bean Soup, Pull Apart Rolls, and the Half Chicken (their specialty) were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere inside is also stylish and well cared for. A must-try spot in Chicago — I’ll definitely be back!
Susan Stanphill 07 Dec 2025
From booking our event with Jena to relaxing beside the river, our experience at River Roast was outstanding from start to finish. My team brought a group of 40 leaders to Chicago and treated them to dinner here, and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The private dining space had a wonderful atmosphere — elegant yet comfortable — and the carpeted room made it easy to enjoy conversations without competing with background noise. The service team was attentive and friendly, and every detail of the evening ran smoothly. The riverside location added an extra touch of charm, especially as the city lights came on. We couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience for our group — thank you to Jena and the entire River Roast team for making it memorable!
Marina Plavnik 26 Nov 2025
Beautiful restaurant with a stunning patio and overall great ambiance. My beet salad with goat cheese was delicious - a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a nice touch of roasted nuts. My daughter’s steak wasn’t a standout, but they tried really hard - I would recommend ordering a notch below your typical preference… drinks were nice, especially the aperol. Overall, highly recommend this restaurant for a great afternoon on the patio, overlooking the gorgeous Chicago river!
Danielle Sydnor 06 Nov 2025
Amazing riverfront dining experience! This restaurant offers stunning views of the river and top-notch customer service. Jimmy, our waiter, was attentive and friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable. The food was absolutely delicious with generous portion sizes. There’s limited outdoor seating, but the area is partially shaded with umbrellas, creating a comfortable atmosphere. We arrived about 40 minutes after opening on a Sunday and were seated quickly—perfect timing. Highly recommend!
Nathalie Harper 06 Nov 2025
I had an incredible dining experience at River Roast in Chicago. From the moment I walked in, the warm reception and inviting atmosphere set the tone for the evening. The service was excellent—attentive without ever feeling overbearing—which made the entire meal flow seamlessly. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared, each dish standing out on its own. What really elevated the experience was the riverfront setting, offering relaxing views and a cozy yet upscale vibe. Altogether, the combination of great food, wonderful ambiance, and thoughtful service made this a perfect place to enjoy an easy conversation with someone you love.
Dimitri Ajazi 23 Oct 2025
10 Oct 2025's opening, ie an 1130 Mon CA brunch: **** Food: very good although note that its prices reflected the times, location and scenery. Orders included burrata (burrata cheese surrounded by brown butter roasted pears, toasted almonds, sage, and grilled sourdough bread), with earl grey black tea. This proved to be a wonderful pairing for any day brunch. The cheese and bread were fantastic. The pears appeared to be a segregated, sparsely-populated afterthought. Still, the dish and drink were definitely a back-for-more combination. Orders also included a half branzino (Mediterranean sea bass, chimichurri, grilled lemon). It was flavorful but meagre to my fellow diner, who doesn't eat anywhere near the volume I do. But I agree, the burrata offered much more. ***** Service: excellent with a bright and chipper server. If diners weren't streaming in for the under-co-staffed soul to tend to, he would have been fun conversation. **** Atmosphere: as stated previously, prices reflected the times, location and scenery, the last two of which were beautiful. I'm sure there are posted ample photos of same. Diners were Chicago polite, which isn't a criticism; instead, it's a reference to the people's truly Midwestern charm.