Source
r/chicagofood•
Monory

Good places to dine alone in River North?

Specific Request

I just moved to Chicago alone and am looking to get out and explore the area around me. At the moment I live alone in River North, and figured it would be nice to try out some of the restaurants I can walk to. I have never really gone out to eat alone, but I hear restaurants with a bar can be easy to get a single seat to eat? Anyone have recommendations for places in River North with a good bar to eat at? Any kind of atmosphere or food is fine, I am looking to try new things.

Posted Jul 25, 2023, 3:32 PM UTC

131
PhoebH•

I've done, and would recommend, Tanta's (Peruvian) happy hour on rooftop at the bar.

10
jrbake•

I read that as “place to die alone in river north”

Xoco is the best.

3
Blackcar09•

Xoco and billy goat tavern. Both on the short list of places I’d recommend in river north and also been to both of them alone. Both have bar seating which I find to be super comfortable with going as a single

2
Mr_Stike•

I'm just an infrequent tourist but the torta ahogada at Xoco is one of my all time favorite meals.

1
putonthespotlight•

Seconding xoco! They gave me a small table against a wall when I went solo. VERY good service, I got to enjoy my food, people watch, etc. As a young woman dining alone, I always fear the waiter will assume a super small tip and not treat me as well as other customers. Not the case at xoco!

1
Open-Cream2823•

Frontera Grill is my favorite Mexican spot downtown, I've eaten at the bar alone a few times, always really enjoyed it.

1
aliebrownn•

A few of my favs: Gilt bar Pizzeria Portofino The Smith Bub city Bless your heart No vacancy Solitas O callaghans Untitled Barstool

I always sit at the bar (even when I’m with friends) I have found the bartenders in Chicago are suppper friendly and love to talk.

1
CisterPhister•

The Bavette's bar is great too.

1
aliebrownn•

I have not gotten there yet! I do have some anxiety about there being no room at the bar lol

1
Open-Cream2823•

You can actually make a reservation for 1 in the parlour

1
PersianSpice•

When I visited by myself earlier in the year, I got a seat at the bar near opening with no hassle. I was the first person there, actually. Would highly recommend, loved my experience there.

1
CisterPhister•

The bar is the easiest way to eat there without a late reservation. IF you like Gilt bar you'll love Bavette's.

1
MattCow1•

I love to go to Gene and Georgetti alone, kind of late like 10pm. Just sit there in the main room downstairs and let the waiters take care of you.

1
Boollish•

Franklin Room has a good whiskey program, and happy hour specials.

1
ApprehensivePool851•

Untitled Supper Club is a cool vibe, live music most nights around 8:30-9ish too

1
Afronominal•

That’s a no from me dawg that place straight sucks ass & not in the good way.

1
Grahamars•

The bar at Hub 51 is my favorite for a weekend lunch; can dress a bit casual, menu is lovely. They have delicious steak tacos they use a lovely filet they slice ahead of time and you can portion as you like.

1
aharrysituation•

Torchio is fantastic has a great bar for sitting alone

1
swami_twocargarajee•

Eataly. Millenium Hall. Frontera. Portofino.

1
tc7984•

Shamrock club

1
kmelanies•

Eataly or Quartino

1
anonnomiss627•

Quartino is closed for the time being..

1
Aggressive_Bobcat668•

What?!?!

1
sumiflepus•

Dine at all of them! The bar is fine, a table is better. I've eaten solo around the country for years.

Patrons do not care if you eat alone.

The server that would rather have 2 or 4 at a table may care. Many restaurants view tables as real-estate, they want to maximize the $ per table. Smart restaurants know you will come back with friends.

1
Pudge815•

Etta -sitting at the bar is enjoyable.

1
turbas75•

Hey! All the recs are awesome! I wanted to add Havana! I don’t see a lot of people recommending it but it’s an amazing place. Also me and my girlfriend (25m & 24f) just moved to river north and are looking for friends! Dm me if you ever want to grab a drink or a dinner!

1
hotel_smells•

A lot of weird recs here, a few good ones.

I live in river north as well. Here is where I’d recommend to eat at the bar and has great food:

  • The Franklin Room
  • Etta
  • grammar
  • Adalina
  • Tanta
1
beanlove45•

Arbella, Ema

1
dcm510•

Lil Ba Ba Reeba! One of the best restaurants in the neighborhood, and a great bar to sit at.

1
BokChoySr•

Joe’s Stone Crab has a good lounge. Pricey but crazy delicious!

1