sundancer

Going to Chicago shortly, Could anyone recomment a moderately priced restaurant on the waterfront? I guess lake rather than river if both exist. Thanks.

suzie0219

Hey Sundancer, here is a link to restaurants in Navy pier, the majority of them face the Lake. Have fun!
http://www.navypier.com/din_shop/din...staurants.html

Suzanne,www.vacationsbyrail.com

hills27

Honestly, there aren't many great restaurants on the lake or river. Most are very touristy or very expensive.

But, lunch on the patio at Smith & Wollensky is a lot of fun and not expensive compared to dinner. Their burgers are among the best in the world. I think having a late lunch of burgers and beer there is one of the greatest pleasures in Chitown.

Or how about having dinner on the rooftop at Pegasus in Greektown? The food is great, the atmospher is fun and the view of the skyline is absolutely stunning.

djkbooks

We really enjoyed Charlie's at Navy Pier. Inexpensive, but very good, food and excellent service. The patio is covered with a huge awning for shade. Otherwise, it's fun to collect food and drinks in the food court to enjoy somewhere on the pier.

Also enjoyed a very nice late lunch at Fulton's On The River - tables on the deck overlooking the river. (Went for lunch as prices were much more reasonable than dinner.)

sundancer

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to have a hard time making a choice I guess.

hills27

May I ask why a waterfront restaurant? I live in Chicago, so if you tell me what type of restaurants you like, what kind of food, price range, etc., I can give you some suggestions.

sundancer

I guess I like so many kinds of food, I can't make a decision based on that. So the atmosphere is also important and I feel so wonderful on a sunny, breezy day, looking at flowing water. It's relaxing and more informal and more sensuous perhaps.
I always regret cities that don't take advantage of their waterfronts, although sticking a restaurant in a lovely site is not necessarily the best way of taking advantage of it.

hills27

A restaurant relies on a radius for its customer base. If the restaurant is on the ocean or lake, then half its customers would be fish. The only reason waterfront restaurants can make it is because tourists love to go to them, but there's no incentive for the restaurant to have good food or service because they don't have to rely on repeat business.

sundancer

it's not just tourists. I love meals eaten al fresco and by the waterside even when eating out in my hometown

cd

Sundancer
If you have'nt gone to chicago yet, absoulutely go to the Hancock Tower. The restaurant is on the 95th floor and expensive, but the lounge is on the 96th floor and the views are amazing. Just have a drink at a window table sometime in the afternoor, you won't be sorry.

excited_confused

Is the Sinature Lounge a bar? meaning can we take out teenagers there?

cd

The Signature Lounge is a bar but teenagers are allowed with a parent.

excited_confused

Thanks!

ros3sca

hi there...i don't know if you have already visited Chicago. I live here and LOVE to dine on the lakefront and riverfront. I think it's great when the weather is nice.

As stated previously, Smith's is great. You could also try "Fultons on the River" or "Flatwater Grill". They are both great places--can be pricey, but how about just going there for appetizers and getting dinner else where?

http://www.levyrestaurants.com/Levy/...+the+River.htm

http://www.flatwater.us/

I do prefer these places over Navy Pier...but that's just my preference