The best Chicago Riverwalk and waterfront restaurants for outdoor dining

It might not be the Cinque Terre, but Pizzeria Portofino's airy patio, decked out with white wicker couches and plenty of sunlight, does its best to bring the Italian coast to the riverfront. Order one of the restaurant's hand-stretched pizzas and an Aperol-spiked cocktail to complete the effect.

Head directly above Pizzeria Portofino to check out RPM Seafood, a luxe double-decker seafood eatery in Lettuce Entertain You's RPM family. The restaurant's elegant terraces are the perfect spot to devour seafood towers and platters of oysters while looking out at the river.

We consider this Loop rooftop one of Chicago's most underrated summertime secrets. Situated just three stories above street level, it might not seem like this hotel bar has much to offer on the view front. So wrong: Guests can spot the Wrigley Building, Marina City, the Tribune Tower and more. Gaze longingly at the river while you down truffle frites, hot chicken sliders and mini funnel cakes.

Soak in riverfront and skyline views from three different levels at this West Loop steakhouse, which serves house-made pastas, high-quality cuts of meat and other Italian delicacies. The second and third floors of the restaurant feature tables spread across on spacious patios, while the fourth rooftop is available for private events (in case you've been looking to plan a waterfront soiree in the near future).

Bone-in ribeye and marinated skirt steak taste better when served on an open patio next to the Chicago River (having a dry-aging room on-site helps, too). Take your alfresco experience to the next level with the help of the restaurant's expansive wine list, where you're sure to find the perfect Mendoza or Pinot Noir to accompany your steak.

Upon entering this breathtaking riverfront oasis, you might catch yourself wondering if you've been transported to a faraway destination. An offshoot of the popular West Town dining destination by the same name, Beatnik on the River draws inspiration from the bohemian freethinkers of the ’50s and ’60s, offering dishes and drinks from around the globe. The best tables in the house are on the terrace, which sits along the Chicago River and is outfitted with colorful tile, Indonesian daybeds and fringe-lined umbrellas. Order a glass of bubbly and stay a while.

Owner Robert Garvey makes some of the best pizzas in Chicago—he spent nearly 20 years developing the perfect thin crust—and you can enjoy them on a charming patio along the Ogden Slip in the summertime. If you dine on a Wednesday or Saturday night, you’ll also catch Navy Pier’s dazzling fireworks show. Just make sure to book ahead to avoid a long wait.

No matter the season, this sweet riverfront restaurant offers unparalleled views of the city. Come summer, a narrow patio along the water gives guests an eyeful of the Riverwalk and the surrounding skyscrapers. When fall rolls around, head inside and nab a seat near the massive industrial windows looking out over the water. The restaurant offers brunch, lunch and dinner; expect American fare and delicate cocktails.

True to its name, you can expect a bevy of roasted meat and veggie options on the menu of this riverside American restaurant, which offers pork porterhouse, whole fish, stuffed poblano and more, all carved up tableside. Snag a reservation on its scenic patio area and enjoy dinner or weekend brunch. 

This steakhouse chain's Marina City digs—a Chicago River fixture since 1998—sports all the classics, from prime-aged meat cuts to creamed spinach and truffle mac and cheese. Head to the restaurant's covered patio area for peak river views, or grab a table near the interior's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Trying to keep out of the sun when you dine riverside? The contemporary American restaurant Rivers, located on the lobby level of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange building facing the Chicago River, features a large patio with a hanging roof ideal for those aiming to avoid freckling while they munch on grilled shrimp bruschetta and lamb chop lollipops.

The original North Center outpost of pioneering Chicago cider bar the Northman closed in early 2020, but the business's Riverwalk beer and cider garden is still pouring drinks. Sit down and enjoy an extensive selection of ciders and local craft beers, accompanied by a menu of sausages, bar snacks like big, soft pub pretzels, and more.

If sipping a Mai Tai next to a body of water is what your heart desires, head to Island Party Hut on the Riverwalk. You'll feel the tropical vibes once you see the fake bamboo trim and thatched roof of the bar, where you can order a tiki drink served in a plastic cup.

A micro version of the chain's outpost on Randolph Street, City Winery's Riverwalk location is open from the spring through the fall and presents a short but smooth-sipping wine list with summery bites to match—plus, you can't beat the Riverwalk views.

Diners flock to this modern American eatery for lunch and dinner on its riverside patio. For an especially summery vibe, order from the restaurant's Punch Stand menu, which features warm weather cocktails, plus small plates fit for a picnic or enjoy one of the restaurant’s four variations on a martini all year long.

Craft beer aficionados will appreciate the serviceable array of brews on tap—featuring local favorites like Half Acre's Daisy Cutter and Revolution Brewing's Anti-Hero—plus the even longer list of cans and bottles available for sipping as you watch water traffic float by on the Chicago River.

It's best to get a window seat in this tucked-away, reservation-only fine dining restaurant in Lincoln Park, located a few steps from the water and boasting a stellar view of the city. North Pond offers upscale modern American fare and has an extensive wine list to sample, too.

Filling the void left by the closing of beloved riverfront brewery Metropolitan Brewing, the Goose Island Pub at Salt Shed has emerged to serve the many outdoor beer enthusiasts of Chicago. Adjacent to the music venue, diners can meet up for a pre-concert meal or listen in on the nearby performances if tickets are completely sold out. Sporting the classic Goose Island brews (like 312 Wheat Ale) and rotating seasonal drafts on tap, the indoor-outdoor brewpub has something for every time of year. Catch unbeatable views of the skyline while chowing down on in-house pork rinds, an 18-hour pulled pork sandwich or the tasty smoked trout melt—and don't miss out on the boozy bourbon milkshake!

Located at the tail end of Navy Pier, Offshore is the Guiness Book of World Records-certified largest rooftop bar in the world. That's all well and good, but we're most impressed by its panoramic views of Lake Michigan, perfect for watching boats over dinner and a craft cocktail.

Let’s face it, locals don’t have much reason to visit Navy Pier. But if you do find yourself there, you might as well sit down to a good meal. Celebrity chef Art Smith’s waterfront restaurant delivers comforting Southern fare, including decadent mac and cheese, Smith's famous fried chicken and tantalizing hummingbird cake. On a nice day, grab a spot on the 200-seat patio and take in views of the skyline and lake as you dine. This summer, guests will be serenaded by live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings, as well as Sunday during brunch.

The lakefront patio of the Waterfront Cafe, a seasonal favorite in Edgewater, feels like it would be equally at home in a small beach town. Snack on nautically-inclined menu items like lobster, brown butter crab or Cajun shrimp rolls and polish off your meal with a mix-and-match bucket of beer.

Seafood reigns supreme at this Latin-inspired restaurant near Goose Island, which features an open-air rooftop overlooking the Chicago River. Get fancy with a seafood tower—stacked high with Alaskan king crab leg, lobster, jumbo shrimp and oysters—or the restaurant's “shot tree,” which arranges 12 artfully mixed shooters into a tree-shaped tower of liquor. Meanwhile, you can look to smaller handheld entrees like tacos and burgers for more budget-friendly options.

The appropriately-named restaurant Pinched on the River is located on the Ogden Slip, a small inlet that was formerly used as a harbor and warehouse space. Pinched’s Mediterranean-inspired menu features shareables like the Pinched mezze plate, with falafel, hummus, tabbouleh and—of course—feta. Diners can also opt for one of the restaurant’s make-your-own dishes, choosing between four bases, nine proteins and a host of additional toppings.

This casual beachside restaurant serves easy, no-fuss food like nautical-themed guacamole, cheese curds, quesadillas, tacos and sandwiches. But you're really here for the sand, sun, live music and cold drinks (which are surprisingly affordable given the lakefront real estate).

The Shore Club at North Avenue Beach features three hangout spaces: the Patio, an open-air lounge with lunch and dinner service; the Restaurant, which offers an “elevated food menu”; and the Oasis, where guests can grab a daybed or cabana. It's not exactly for beach bums: shoes and shirts are required at all times.

This Oak Street Beach restaurant’s motto says it all: “Sustenance on the sand.” The seasonal destination has a surprisingly robust menu with options like jalapeno poppers, coconut shrimp, a cheeseburger, caprese salad and jerk chicken sandwich—everything you need to soak up a few margaritas in the sun.

Modeled after a beached ocean liner, the two-level space at Castaways is decked out with a first floor ice cream cafe and a rooftop perfect for catching summer rays by the water. The North Avenue Beach hotspot will reopen this summer after a undergoing a $3 million renovation.

After a long day in the sun at 31st Street Beach, head over to the bustling deck at Pier 31 Restaurant—open every day from lunchtime onward—for dinner, drinks and live music performances. The waterfront views are the real star here, of course, but the deck also boasts impressive glimpses of the skyline.

Located just steps from 63rd Street Beach, Reggies on the Beach is a string light-strewn bar and grill with killer views of Lake Michigan. Come for a heaping helping of pub grub and frozen slushies.

Located inside the Theater on the Lake, Lakefront Restaurant gives you an option of either watching a show or staring at the views of the lake from Fullerton Beach. Although it's an upscale tavern, the restaurant offers a variety of handhelds like cauliflower tacos, fried chicken sandwiches and fish and chips.

Whether you're looking for a cup of coffee, cocktail or bite to eat, you'll find plenty to re-energize yourself for more riverfront adventures at Tiny Tapp. Located in the Cove section of the Riverwalk (between Clark and Dearborn Streets), this bar-cafe is the perfect place for post-work happy hour or to show any first-time Chicago visitors a good time. Small snacks include cheese curds, barbecue chicken flatbread and a house Caesar salad. The occasional live music makes it a must-visit along the Riverwalk.

This 24-hour fried seafood institution has a dock behind the building, making it easy for boaters to grab a quick bite on their trip down the Chicago River. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating so you can feast on crispy fish, shrimp and more with the breeze at your back.