Chicago Fine Dining on the Water?
 

Need a nice restaurant located on water in Chicago. Either the lake or the river. Price not really an option. Probably not any ethnic cuisine since this is for a business dinner. Steakhouse, pasta, etc. Any advice would be great. TIA.

Everest isn't on the water but has fantastic views of the city, Lake Michigan, and some of the best food in Chicago. Very expensive and top restaurant in Chicago.

GoT~ Thanks for the quick reply. How hard is it to get into? I should have mentioned that this is for either Wed or Thurs of this week.

Unless there is a major citywide convention in town, you should be able to snag a reservation. I'd call and ask:

#312-663-8920

www.everestrestaurant.com

McCormick and Schmick is on the river next to the House of Blues. That would be another good choice due to the night life happening around the restaurant (HOB, Bin 36, etc).

Smith & Wollensky is on the river next to HOB. McCormick % Schmick is nowhere near the water.

Also check out Cite in Lake Point Towers, Riva on Navy Pier, or the Signature Room of the John Hancock. Also Spiggia.

HTH,
Racy

Love the view at the Signature Room but the food isn't near as stunning as the view.

Racy, Thanks for correcting my blunder. At least I knew it had two names in the title!

Would also reccomend Tru for a high end meal with clients.

Agree on John Hancock, but a few before-dinner cocktails and the food quality isn't as important...

And apparently I don't know an & from a %! I would make some poor person a horrible secretary!

North Pond up by Lincoln Park might be nice, and the Park Grille in Millenium Park (haven't been, just guessing--don't know how formal it is, but believe my colleagues took some clients there).

Just some additional thoughts...

Well if you want to be close to the water then consider the Signature room is on the 95th floor. Its up there. :-). The food is not in keeping with the price IMHO. I thnk Riva is a good choice.

Spiaggia,on the corner of Mich Ave and Oak. Great location, amazing food and wonderful views of Oak St Beach & Lake. Remember, obviously, it gets dark earlier and you will not see the lake much after sunset.

Also, for great city views (and a slight view of the lake), NoMi on the 7th floor of the Park Hyatt. Request a window seat...quite spectacular!

If you want to be 'on' the water, try a dinner cruise on the odyssey. good food, nice atmosphere and definitely, a dress up spot. we also like Riva and Spiaggia.

Japonais is a newer sushi restaurant in the River North district. I've been and I loved it. They have a downstairs bar with some tables on the patio overlooking the river.

It's trendy and upscale; currently one of the "in" places here. You'd better get here soon though, the weather is starting to change!

James

Cold today- it was 47 this morning and only 59 now- and it is getting dark very early already.

And if I'm not mistaken places like Tru, Everest, MK etc. are booked up at least a month in advance- and sometimes several months. Anyone I've known who has gone has always had reservations for a long period before the dinner date. Unless you have some clout.

I have heard that Japonais is excellent.
And for this time of year I do think the River North area and on the river is better than "up" high. Unless all you really want to see is lights.

Riva on Navy Pier is not to the caliber of some of the others mentioned. It's ok for Navy Pier- but there are probably 50 better restaurants with views that are higher scale/nicer.

I watch "Check Please" and I think it was Bin 36 that had a view from Marina Towers.

You might want to go to www.metromix.com to read about some choices for your categories.