We went there for brunch on a Saturday and it was fantastic! Will definitely be back. Pros: 1) Try the Low Country Croque Madame...fantastic! 2) Rabbit and waffles: the waffles were decent but the rabbit is to die for...must order. 3) Cocktails: the sangria was good and my friend also enjoyed his blood mary 4) Service was great and overall everyone at my party of 12 loved their dishes 5) the atmosphere was gorgeous in the summer and great views of the river Cons: 1) The kobayashi maru was not a good drink; no one at the table liked this cocktail. The server upon hearing this quickly replaced it with a gin cocktail that was much better.
(5)
Steve M.
This would have been a 5, but had to send a burger back, twice. Great location. Came here for lunch on a sunny August day. Perfect ambiance. I ordered the half sandwich and soup. Roast beef Ruben and onion soup, both were great. My ordered a simple burger, medium. The meat was cold and red in the center, I mean raw. I was good about it and asked the opinion of the waitress. The next one was exactly the same, after about 10 min. The next one was not medium, it was well done, we ate it but, it was full of gristle. The saving grace here was they did not charge us and they gave a very nice desert. I don't think that I could get my wife to go back, but would try it again. For the expense, though, a burger ought to be right first time, it is not hard to do.
(3)
Christine H.
Love the place, can't wait to come back when it's sunny!! The main selling point of this restaurant is definitely the prime location. River roast is located on La Salle just north of the river, which means it's patio and outdoor seating has the prime view of the Chicago river, sadly I came on a gloomy and foggy Tuesday night, which means my party and I got seated in the dark interior. Based on other yelper's suggestions, my two friends and I shared the whole chicken (even though the waiter recommended more food for the three of us). The whole chicken was definitely more than enough for the three of us, in fact we had leftovers to take home. The chicken was juicy and succulent, with the skin just crispy in the right way. However, the highlight of this dish is definitely the roasted potatoes that were served with the chicken. Perfectly crispy and seasoned with a hint of vinegar and salt. Basically it's salt and vinegar chips for grownups. In addition to the chicken, my friends and I also got the side of brussels sprouts. The selection of vegetable sides seems to be lacking at River Roast, especially with the emphasis on the "Roast". The brussels sprouts were too sweet,, but they were well cooked. Next time I would try another vegetable dish. Overall, great evening out. Definitely would be on my list of restaurants to bring out-of-town guests, especially if the weather is nice.
(4)
Ryan R.
Went here with my family. Really trendy place right in the river. Wait staff is dressed kinda hipster but it adds to the experience. The menu was pretty creative and food was really good. We went for lunch which was super reasonable considering the location.
This place was pleasantly good!! We came here for our monthly supper club and I enjoyed everything we ordered. We started with a few apps, all of which were tasty as I was starving. For our mains, we all split the Chicken, Whole Fish and the red meat (I didn't eat that one, so not sure what it was.) The fish and chicken were AMAZING! I would highly recommend ordering either. We sat outside along the river, which made our experience that much better. I would definitely recommend stopping in for lunch/dinner!
(4)
Anna G.
Had a great dinner here this past weekend. My husband and I went at an early bird special hour of 6:45 (hey, we had to make it before the Blackhawks game!), but the place was pretty packed. I think at that point there was a combo of happy hour-ers and early dinner-ers, but either way the place was "happening." We got a table outside on the river and, to be honest, I'd only want to come if I could sit outdoors. I can get a table at a rustic-y place all over Chicago, but you can't quite get the same riverwalk atmosphere everywhere else. Service started off a little slow in that it took a while for anyone to come by, but after that it was smooth. Before our shared entree, we ordered a brussels sprouts and mozzarella salad. It was the perfect starter. Light and tasty and great with my glass of rose. Then we split a whole roast chicken (which is carved table side and could definitely feed up to 4 people) the potatoes that it comes with, and a side of the turnips au gratin. Everything was delicious although I think the turnips are a little overhyped. They were good, but not a must order. I think my favorite part were the roasted potatoes--so crispy on the outside/soft on the inside and flavorful! We didn't order dessert because, hello, whole roast chicken dinner. We had plenty of leftovers to take home, enough for 2 more meals actually. All that, 2 glasses of rose, and a cider came out to an even $100 with tax (how often does that happen?!). Would recommend, especially for out of town guests.
(4)
Alex B.
Amazing food! The roast beef was excellent. We also got the Mexican corn and carrots and dirt and they were both delicious. Service was a little slow. We only had to wait about 20 minutes on a Friday night with 4 people to sit outside.
Slightly disappointed here.. Heard they had an amazing burger so wandered in around lunchtime. Got the blue burger cooked MR/ came out in a timely manner and service was very good! 3 strange items: 1) The burger is kinda small 2) Not enough cheese at all 3) The chips are horrible and that catsup is even worse. Been to a lot of places and never ever seen a burger served with BBQ Chips? It just doesn't go together imho.. The burger itself was good but should be a tad bit bigger me come with fries or something! I'll be back to give the joint another shot.. Get dat did
(3)
Kathleen C.
Argh! No, not a pirate, just disappointed with my lunch. Stopped in for lunch and I couldn't decide what to order because everything sounded delicious. I decided on the Cuban sandwich. Our server mentioned some bbq chips that went with it - sounded great. Alas....I was served a really greasy sandwich. I'm not even sure where the grease was from...didn't really seem to be from the sliced ham (also, that would be weird...)...perhaps the pork on top? And why was the pork the consistency of ground beef??? The bun was good but unfortunately slathered in grease so I wasn't really that thrilled. Coleslaw was one that seemed as if you could literally get it anywhere (grocery store deli?). The chips were ok. A bit spivey and I actually could have used a little more flavor or salt. I'm giving this spot three stars because service was great and the indoor space was beautiful the outdoor space was nice as well but I have to say - they knocked it out of the park with the inside. I'd go back for drinks but may skip the food.
(3)
Justin F.
This is long overdue. Ive been hear many times and this is hands down my favorite restuarant/bar in Chicago. Food - The chicken is absolutely flawless. So juicy and tender. The brunch is also incredible. The breakfast burger and croque madam (sp?) are the best items on the menu. Bar - One word. Evan. The lead bartender is incredible. Actually, to say he is incredible is an understatement. He always treats me and my guests very well. Everyone is always blown away with their experience at the bar when I take them there. They have handcrafted cocktails that are no joke. A great wine list. And my favorite, the beer. Might not be the biggest selection but it is strategic and very well paired with the food. Atmosphere - great place for brunch. Awesome blues band every weekend I have been there. Great place to take out of towners or family. Great date spot. Amazing place to meet with clients for drinks or lunch. Hell, an awesome place for a beer by yourself after work. Absolutely love the outdoor seating and bar area. They always have good, and not too loud, of tunes playing. I made this review as concise as possible. This place is the real deal. I could go on and on about it. They've perfected their menu. And they've perfected their craft. You'll be sorry if you don't check it out. And if you wrote a bad review, you're a miserable person. Cheers
(5)
Chris P.
If you've read any of my other reviews, you should know that I love meat. If you have not, then let it be known that I am a proud carnivore and I am a firm believer that one cannot find better meat than what the midwest produces. The ambience of River Roast was perfect for the occasion, which was a bachelor party, and by that I mean it is trendy enough to feel slightly upscale, but it's not snooty by any means. It's also not the traditional meat market (yes, I mean that in both ways) as the place hosted more than debaucherous bachelor parties. I would give the old fashioned a solid B+, only because the whiskey selection wasn't that impressive (they have the big-name bourbons, but not much else), however, the execution of the drink was solid. The food.. ah the food. We started off with the homemade charcuterie, which was spectacular. Then for entrees, we decided to take on the full roast selection, minus the chicken, not because we discriminate against chicken, but because there wasn't enough room on the table. The prime rib was INSANE. It was salty, it was tender, it was delicious. Definitely get it when you go. I also have to say that the service was pretty solid. We had 11 guys, some of whom don't make it out to eat very often, and our waiter did a great job of having fun and throwing out good recommendations. Lastly, the price was right. Everyone left full and not sober, but paid only $60/head.
(4)
Grace L.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday. We got seated pretty fast however we waited for about 15 minutes for the waiter and the manager realized that we've been waiting so she kindly took care of our appetizer and drinks, which was nice. Service is good in general. Food were awesome. We got the roasted fish and it was well cooked and yummy. We also ordered side of mushroom and asparagus. It was also very nice of them to give us a dessert on the house once we mentioned we were celebrating the bday. In general it was a nice experience and would go back and recommend.
(5)
Jen Y.
Cool rustic place. Great place to sit and eat lunch on the river. The bloody Mary's were awesome. We got the roasted chicken and peas. Recommend both. If you're in Chicago, definitely worth a visit to this place.
(4)
Norm J.
When I dined at River Roast I was on a date so I was hoping the place wouldn't suck and thankfully it did not! River Roast is a great place to go if you like good service, drinks that go down smooth and food that taste as good as it sounds on the menu. Upon arriving at River Roast we were greeted by a hostess who informed us we had to go downstairs to the main dining area if we weren't sitting at the bar. After making it down the "Staircase of Future Lawsuits" we were greeted by a host and hostess who gave us a warm welcome. The host quickly sat us at our table and we were brought water and bread to nibble on while reviewing the menu. A minute or two later our server was there to greet us, review the menu, inform us of the special of the day and provide us with drink recommendations. Our server was a good one and I wish I remembered his name so I could shine the spotlight on him (sorry good server dude). Below, I've highlighted our meal and I recommend everything we had. I will definitely be back to River Roast and can't wait until the outside deck is open in the summer. -Suddenly Lemons: which is lemon tea leatherbee gin, sailers gentian, cocchi rose, and citrus. I'm a gin lover so I thoroughly enjoyed this drink. My date also thought the drinks was two thumbs up. -Country Fried Rabbit: taste just like chicken. If you wanna say you've eaten the Trix Rabbit then this dish is a must. -Sweet Potatoes: light and airy like good sweet potatoes should be. These were almost as good as my mom's, which is high praise. -Brussel Sprouts: are not my vegetable of choice, but my date wanted to order them so I smiled and said OK. The Brussel Sprouts were actually delicious. I guess my 22 year hiatus from eating Brussel Sprouts did us both some good. -Rack of Pork: juicy, full of flavor, large portion, definitely a must....if you like pork that is.
(4)
Halisa V.
I recently came back from a trip to Dubai and was looking for a place similar to the restaurants by the Dubai Marina. This place was a great hometown substitute. I really enjoyed my visit here!! A friend and I were lucky enough to catch a table on their outdoor patio overlooking the Chicago river. The view and ambience was amazing!! We started off with the fried olives and fried chicken appetizers. I loved the olives because it was the first time I tried them fried! (Plus I love olives in general) so I recommend them if you want to try something new. The fried chicken was okay. I wish there was a better sauce served with it, instead of just honey. For the entree we had a whole fire roasted fish. I absolutely loved it!!!!!! Highly recommended it! I love seafood and this was some high quality fish. Lastly for dessert we had the red velvet and carrot cake bundt cakes. The red velvet one was not good. The edges were tough. The carrot cake on the other hand was a little more moist. Overall had a good time, absolutely loved the view and our sever Maria was super nice!
(5)
Laura K.
Had live blues playing for brunch!!!!!! Wonderful and unique view of the Chicago River----finally some places coming in with this vantage point--a much neglected area of the city until now! Food was Well Above Average for our whole table. Drinks were lovely esp the wine list. Service was decent although it was VERY busy for brunch on a Saturday afternoon so I'll for sure give them a break. Great place to take Mom and Dad if they're visiting from out of town.
(5)
Roshelle G.
Loved the food- couldn't get over how the flavor a and menu all pulled together. Service was good, didn't have a reservation & was able to eat on the river at 945pm. The menu changes all the time- appreciated the attention to detail with the presentation!
(4)
Naif S.
Had the roast chicken, a draft beer, and white wine sangria and split it between two people. First, the atmosphere is gorgeous. We sat by the water and enjoyed the Chicago views and weather. The setting itself is awesome and makes for a great environment. The roast chicken was presented great also, and the skin and herbs are to die for. The potatoes were good, little too crispy for my taste. The bread and cream cheese were good, jusy make sure to ask for them! That was prbly my favorite part. Overall: solid place, we might've had the B team serving us. But didn't want to let that take away from the overall experience. Great place.
(5)
Katie P.
I came here for dinner last week before heading to the Chicago Theatre for a show. The space is really cool and has an industrial vibe with great views of the river. I'll want to come back when it's warm out so I can sit outside! I was here on a freezing night and my only complaint was that it was really cold inside. The manager came over to apologize when I asked if perhaps they could make it warmer. This is their first winter so I guess they're still working out the kinks? I thought it was due to the huge glass windows. Whatever the case may be, this is Chicago and it's cold here so they need to figure that out. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split: Charcuterie Plate- this was the daily special and complimentary- nice touch! Pork Meatballs- Yummy! Not too heavy, sweet sauce and interesting gnocchi Shrimp & Crab Toast- Really great and unique The Big Fish Roast (Fire Roasted)- Great, simply prepared fish. Healthy, well seasoned
(4)
Jeff S.
This has to be one of my recent favorite places to dine. The ambiance is great. From the rice paper lamps hanging from the ceiling in the bar and the old schoolhouse bulbs in the dining room. The outdoor seating looks amazing (I don't like eating outside on hot days). The place is a great location for a romantic evening or a larger group with friends. The foods amazing. They have wonderful bar bites (they call them table snacks), such as the scotch eggs and fried chicken. Yum! They also have wonderful salad and entrees (called roasts) that serve 2. These roasts are amazing. They carve the meat/fish right at your table. So far we have enjoyed the whole chicken (for 2) with roasted potatoes and the pork (for 2) with a jalapeño cornbread. This is my 2015 summertime favorite place to eat!
(5)
Carolyn L.
I wanted to check out River Roast because I love meat and I was really hoping someone could successfully improve upon the tired old English Sunday roast tradition. Well this place definitely does that. I've had my fair share (actually it's really UNfair) of rubbery, old, heating lamp scorched roasts when I lived in London for a year. Each time the Sunday roast tempted me, I was sadly disappointed. I guess that's a "shame on me" thing for continuing to expect something good from a pub roast. But River Roast nails it. The 8oz serving of roast beef was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and served with a delectable horseradish sauce and side of crispy potatoes. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We also ordered the Golden Gobbets to start with. They are crispy peppery boneless fried chicken bites served with honey on the side. Those went VERY quickly. We also ordered an artichoke starter that had bacon and goat cheese. To be honest, I could have done without this side dish. It wasn't my favorite. Not enough artichoke and didn't really add anything to the meal. Along with the roast beef, for the main meal we also ordered the sea bass, roasted. It had a lovely salsa verde sauce roasted on top which gave it a fresh flavor but didn't detract from the quality of the fish. On the side, we had the green and yellow bean dish. They tasted fresh from the farm. And my favorite side dish was the leeks wrapped in prosciutto with a balsamic glaze. I need to make those at home. Like every day. They were outstanding and I should have ordered 2 of them! We were pretty stuffed when it came time for dessert but since it was my birthday, they brought out a really light lemon trifle as a treat. The staff was really pleasant, attentive, and knowledgeable. I'd definitely come back here and it's perfect for a big group as well, since there was a group of French marathoners that took up the room right next to us at the end of our meal. Great job, chefs Mantuano and Hogan!
(5)
Andre S.
Just had brunch and left feeling full but not satisfied. We had a few minutes wait for a table for 2 inside, but when we were seated, it seemed like the restaurant was still quite empty. We ordered bloody marys, the charcuterie platter, the biscuits and gravy and also the RR skillet. Our appetizer took a bit to come out, but our main courses took even longer and there seemed to be 2 or 3 tables seated after us who got their food out first. The charcuterie platter was great and was the highlight of the meal, the head cheese was especially tasty, but everything went downhill from there. The biscuits and gravy were just ok, but my biggest complaint is with the skillet: it was 90% potatoes and it was way way too dry. It didn't really seem like a skillet - more like a bit of cheese and crumbled sausage that was placed on top of a large side of fried potatoes. The scrambled egg on top didn't do much except make me wish I had asked for sunny side up eggs instead. I think the fastest turn around time for the meal was when we asked for the check - before the waiter even came back for it, one of the managers who was walking around on the floor scooped it up. So fast! But alas, not the experience we were looking for. We talked about coming back for dinner to try one of the roasts - but I'd say that at this point, we'll probably pass.
(2)
andy b.
Great dinner! Great Ambiance! We went there for a corporate dinner. The night was beautiful and the service was great. The food was delicious. Not sure what can be done, but we had a fruit fly issue. Guess that's what you get for sitting next to the river, although we got rid of all the red wine at the table and the flies went away. I ordered the beef "to share" and didn't share much. The good/bad part about sharing. I had some of the chicken, which was good, and the pork, which was great, but the beef outdid them both. I work right there and am sure I will return. thanks.
(4)
Lauren P.
I've been here for weekend blues brunch with a live band. The music is fantastic, and such a cool experience on the Chicago River. However, service is incredibly slow and food is just OK.
(3)
Tina C.
The first time I went here, I just ordered the dessert and the chicken appetizers with a friend to share. We weren't hungry, but we wanted to try this place out and the weather was just warm enough for us to sit outside! They didn't have the dessert we wanted, so they gave us another one (FOR FREE). Service is excellent -- everyone is extremely friendly and my water cup is never empty. The second time I came here was this past weekend when the weather was 65 degrees, sunny and perfect. I ordered the whole chicken ($39) and the brussel sprounts ($9). I split it with 2 other people and we couldn't finish it all because it was so filling! The whole chicken was roasted to perfection. It wasn't greasy and tasted extremely fresh. The waitress cuts a bit of it for you in the beginining, but after that it is up to you to slice the chicken yourself. Also, the best part about the whole chicken were the roasted potatoes underneath it. OMG I couldn't stop eating them. The brussel sprouts were surprisngly tasty. There was a kick of sweetness and a kick of salt/pepper, but they definitely perfected that combination. I also suggest reserving online/through the phone (if you can). I reserved through Yelp 15 minutes before my arrival and I got an outside seat!
(5)
Kate M.
I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I suggested River Roast for dinner. I'm more of a "let's get a bunch of things and share" kinda girl than a "let's get one whole chicken and share" girl. Regardless, the food is really good and there are still some options available if you don't want an entire bird. The drink menu left me a little confused until the bartender explained the owner is a big Batman fan. Once I knew which Batman themed drink was an old fashion my night started getting better with each sip. Over all I like River Roast, but I think it's probably better for a group than just two people. Of course if you're just looking for some good drinks at the bar they do that well too.
(4)
Rebecca M.
I went to River Roast on Saturday for brunch for a wedding party, and I had an amazing time! We were given a private table away from the main dining area which was really nice, and the service was unbeatable! Andre was our server, and he was charming and hilarious which made brunch that much more fun. Everyone in the party had a variety of drinks which we all loved, and the food was AMAZING! I had the croque madame which had the perfect layering of sourdough, ham, swiss, and sausage gravy (I wish I could have that gravy on everything!!). I also tried some of the rabbit and waffles and roast chicken, and it was all delicious. I can't wait to come back!
(4)
Noah E.
River Roast is worth dining at. We came in late Monday evening, only finding a few tables dining. We would have sat on the patio right on the river but it was a bit breezy and overcast so we stayed inside. The menu is gastropub-esk with bites and small plates but instead of entrees you can buy roasts for two, thus the name. We shared a few small plates and then ordered the chicken for two. Im not one to typically order chicken, especially when it is almost 40 dollars but it was delicious. Smoked, moist, and flavorful. They carve it at the table which makes for another plus! The only downside was that we asked about the charcuterie sampling they offer on Monday nights if you order a roast, which our server confirmed. We had to remind her when she offered dessert, and she brought it to us.
(4)
Hanny J.
The food was good, but the service could've been better. The waiter rushed through getting our orders. When it came time to get the check we asked for it to be split. He was not very nice about it and refused to do it. Other than that had a good dining experience.
(3)
Karan K.
The best views , the best grills ! One of the nices places to eat downtown . Call ahead for a reservation as its busy !
(4)
Veronica S.
The blues brunch was a lot of fun. Nothing like being on the river with a Chicago musical classic. The food was a bit all over the place. The chicken bites were delicious but the burger was less than stellar. It also took a long time to get a drink.
(3)
Wilt C.
Let me tell you that the veggie sides are terrific. The carrots, cauliflower and corn were all perfectly cooked and loaded with flavor. The chicken however was a bummer as it was seriously over cooked and quite dry. The potatoes that accompanied the chicken however were crispy and very tasty. So, go for the veggies and if looking for meat grab a rotisserie chicken at Whole Foods or Potash on the way home.
I'd been wanting to try this place for a while now but never had a good occasion until yesterday evening before seeing a show at the Chicago Theatre. We were hoping for something light and decided to share the charcuterie board. It had some cured ham, a couple of head cheeses and a liver spread, plus the usual accoutrements--cranberries, bread, mustard and pickles. The portions of each were large which is great because I feel like usually once you eat enough to taste it it's gone! We each had a beer to start... Some really good ones on draft, but what's with the tiny beer glasses? For $8 a pop, you gotta give me more than 8 ounces. The Hemingway drink is their version of a mojito but the mint is already infused into the rum so it's not crushed up in the drink. It was super refreshing and the perfect drink to enjoy on the patio in the sun. This location is what takes this place up a notch for me. Awesome spot and I could probably stay here all day. Just a few blocks up from the theatre so it didn't take long to get there afterward. Ready to come back for the blues brunch!
(4)
Tricia D.
I have an itch, and it's to return to River Roast to try out their dinner menu! I had brunch with my friend K here twice in the span of about a month. On the weekends, there's a live jazz duo/trio that performs over the brunch hour. It provides for an energetic atmosphere, though it is loud and a bit hard to hold an ongoing conversation. Brunch experience #1 was a notch above #2. On that trip, I ordered the omelette of the day, which had mushrooms, duck confit, and cheese, I believe. It was delicious, light, and served with crispy potatoes. Though RR didn't have readily available iced coffee, the waiter was accommodating and brought me a cup of ice and coffee in a mug so I could concoct a DIY cup. Works for me! Dessert was also in the stars, and I opted for the red velvet pudding. Service wasn't as attentive and food not as impressionable on visit #2. That time, I tried the Hogan's peas and red wine poached egg. Said dish was unique, but needed a couple other elements to make the entree more substantial, like MORE smoked bacon or other meat. Less peas and cream sauce would have been a good idea too bc the dish was very green and very gloppy. Totally approve of the peanut butter banana chocolate (Elvis) pie for 1 dessert!
(4)
Nicholas T.
What a wonderful evening. The food, ambiance, and service were all perfect. Our server, John K was remarkable. He knew the menu inside and out, and made some great recommendations. We had the Chefs charcuterie board, and cheese board with the beet salad. For the main, we did a roast chicken for 2. Plenty of leftovers, so they give you a recipe card for how to make killer chicken soup with the leftovers. The soup was amazing! Can't wait for the temps to rise so we can utilize the patio seating. What an amazing spot. As I've said before, the carnivores delight!
(5)
Stephanie L.
Really a 3.5 but they just opened... 1. Easy online reservations...however, beware...you will wait for outside. We waited an hour after our reservo time for outside seating. It was immediate inside, but who wants to dine on the river and not sit outside?? WTF 2. There's a space connecting where there was a reception of some kind...let me tell you...there was WASTED people walking all through this place. The woman's bathroom was atrocious. They seriously need to reconsider this concept...I mean, totally acceptable for hammered people to be at reception...not sure how I feel about 3 sheets to the wind while I'm enjoying a nice dinner....hmmm 3. Waiter was super personable. We saw Tony sitting right by us. Waiter made a point to not neglect us...& we joked with him about it. 4. Food was good. Chicken Gobbets were gobbling goodness. And the side of honey...plus, perfect price! Definitely get this! Popcorn was also delish. Chicago style sashimi was bad, really, really bad. Wagyu beef tasted like I was eating rubbery gum. I didn't really understand the concept of celery salt, tomatoes, herbs, mustard seeds and beef being like a hotdog. Still confused. With a very small cracker for us to split? Hot dog? Hot dog here?? Confused.... Roasted chicken was good. For the a la carte price, it's kind of small, but fed four people. I liked how they carved it, kind of, at the table...however there was still tons of meat left on the bird. We were clawing at it with our knives and forks trying to pull more meat away. Roasted market fresh veggies, $19, overhyped, overpriced, over it...like Lebron James...na-uh. Artichokes were good. Lots of chicken on the menu. Desserts were great & gratis from our awesome waiter! Fat Elvis pie was good. Root beer float was delish...but I love them. Soft serve was great too. I'm a total ice cream junky. Overall, pretty good. Worth a stop.
(4)
Alex C.
I have been here at least 10 times and every time the food is just perfect. The chicken is amazing and the roasted fish is outstanding. Chef Hogan is incredible and the entire staff is just great! !
(4)
Saba A.
My husband and I came in for lunch on a Friday afternoon and we were lucky to score patio seats. We were first greeted by a kind host directing us to go downstairs where the main dining room was located with a large host table. We were immediately seated outside with an option between two tables. Our waiter was witty. He was making jokes with us but I think he was trying to impress his boss and us as it was opening week. We were also met by the manager, and the bus boy was super friendly too. The patio was packed and I'm assuming this will be a popular new restaurant by the river and attract the crowds during happy hour to dinner time too. River Roast is bigger and more classy than my other favorite restaurant by the river, Bridge House Tavern, so I'm wondering which one will be my new fav. My husband and I ordered the Rock Shrimp which was bigger than I expected with no complaints. The sauce pairing was delicious. We also split the sandwich of the day which was a roast beef one. They split the sandwich that came with house made potato chips and it was a perfect lunch. Next time I may order the whole roast beef or chicken as they seemed to be popular and that's what the restaurant is most known for. Glad that River Roast is in the River North neighborhood. Living just a building N from there- I will be visiting more often!
(4)
Meghan F.
I was here over the 4th of July with a family member who was in town for a long weekend. The food was delicious - if we'd had more time, we would have ordered the chicken like our server suggested (I was pleased that the server had specific recommendations as opposed to the usual spiel you get at restaurants, "Oh everything is good!"). Instead, we ordered off the brunch menu, and everyone was very impressed with their meal. We also brought our 12 and 9 year olds; despite the lack of a kids' menu, the 12 year old enjoyed her biscuits and gravy, and the 9 year old had the rabbit and waffles (he is a picky eater and he still tried the rabbit and liking it!). Overall, service was great, food was great; wish we could have sat outside since it was such a gorgeous day, but it was packed & had a 45 minute wait. If you want great food AND a view, it's worth waiting at the bar for.
(5)
Christina L.
this place is a block from my friend's apartment, so e decided to drop in for brunch on sunday with a group of 5. super conveniently located and you can sit outside by the river on a nice day. sweet! i imagine that it will be packed during the summer.. we kinda went big at lunch and ordered - foie and duck terrine, biscuits and honey, shrimp toast, brussels, mushrooms, chicken for 2, pork for 2, and the roast beef (for 1). a lot of food right? hahaha. the roasts are carved tableside which makes for great presentation, so that was really fun to watch. foie terrine was yumm - i havent had it in a while. vegetables are a bit bland - sad. my favorite, unexpectedly, was the chicken. super crispy skin, GREAT potatoes on the bottom, pretty good flavor! shrimp toast was also a highlight. the roast beef and pork i didnt care much for actually. not a lot of flavor if the sauce was on it. overall pretty good. but i probably wont be back given all the other delicious options in river north..
(3)
Patrick M.
Went to a private dinner over the weekend at River Roast. Enjoyed the Golden Gobbets, Shrimp Toast, & Charcuterie Board. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts were pretty good too. The staff was friendly and attentive.
(3)
Larry P.
The service was great meal was outstanding We had the Fish, Chicken, and the Pork Would go back again today if I could Also the view was spectacular 5 stars is not enough
(5)
Melissa H.
Location and ambiance were amazing and the food was wonderful! Our waiter was great and the views of the river were beautiful
(5)
Anthony M.
ROASTED I have been dying to try this place for many weeks. I read articles and studied the menu. I could hardly wait to eat here. I am also a huge fan of Chef Tony Mantuano. He is such a great guy and a talent when it comes to food. So it really pains me to see the service related issues of this location, after being open for several months. Walking in from the street the space is amazing. There is a small bar near the hostess station with a few tables. It was closed during lunch but I'm sure after work it is fully packed. We were greeted in a friendly manner and were set downstairs to the second hostess station. We were informed that our table was ready inside or we could wait to sit outside. It was such a beautiful day and the deck was packed. We don't get many upper 70 days at the end of October in Chicago. We decided to not wait & grab a table inside. We were sat at our table next to a private room with a curtain. The person seating us closed the curtain. Two minutes later the curtains violently swung open startling us. It was a waiter cutting through with food for the outdoor deck. It was annoying and would have bugged us during our meal. We decide to move just one table west of this opening. Three minutes later they sat another table in front of the opening and closed the curtain again. That same waiter kept cutting through and violently opening the curtain. I even saw plated food touching the curtain which was gross. This behavior went on through the whole lunch service and was unacceptable. The service was not what I expected here. Our waiter dropped off the bread & spread platter. It was never explained or described to us. It then sat on our table for 10 minutes until I asked the waiter, "Is that fried onions over butter?" He said,"No it's our signature fried onions over guyree cheese. It's almost like a mini French onion soup." Please tell me why that wasn't said to us when it hit the table. We we're left to just guess. What if I was allergic to guyree or didn't like it. It's like the waiter didn't care. Our waiter also read the specials off of his note pad but when I asked him a question he didn't know the answer. He told me he could ask in the kitchen and departed. When he returned he started taking our order. I was wondering if he ever went to the kitchen with my question and I asked if he did. He looked at me and said, "yes!" but he wasn't confident in answering me. Personally I don't even think he did it because I had to call him on it. Lunch arrived and everything looked good. The rest of my party was sharing the roasted steak with the "insanely good" potatoes. The meat was cooked perfectly as it laid cut on the wood platter. I ordered the special roast beef sandwich which I had asked the waiter if it was Chef Tony Mantuano's secret roast beef & our waiter had no clue if it was. The meat was good but the bread was terrible. It was toasted to the point of becoming a hard crouton. The sandwich could have used some Au jus to moisten up the meat & the bread. It was also suppose to be topped with the house made giardinera but 2 tiny cut peppers and a single piece of celery don't mean topped to me. After reading so much about Chef Tony Mantuano's roast beef sandwich I was completely let down. I don't blame Chef Tony because he wasn't at the restaurant but I blame his staff for not delivering a good sandwich. It's sad when the best thing on my plate was the home made BBQ potato chips. Honestly you need to bag these up & start selling them. The rest of my party enjoyed their platter of meat. They also ordered sides of mushrooms and a turnip Au gratin. I was able to try the turnip Au gratin and it was a great alternative to using potatoes. I even snuck a few of those roasted potatoes which are amazing. If I come back I'm just getting a plate of those. I was still eating when the waiter and bus boy just started removing dishes from our table without even asking. It was really rude and unprofessional. We all looked at each other and had to point out I was still eating. I really think the whole lunch crew needs to be retrained because it was bad. & if things couldn't get worse the waiter who kept cutting through the curtain. He popped out again directly behind me. He went through the opening where the curtain was attached to the wall then he awkwardly slide by our tables along the curtain line. It was so weird. Upon departing I had a chance to talk to Javier one of the Managers. He asked how everything was and I was honest with him. He did inform me that the waiters are not to be cutting through the private room with food. He was also wondering why the curtain was open every time he walked by. Javier was really nice and apologized for his staffs actions. Hopefully he will fix it and the staff will actually listen. The dessert menu had a shot and a beer on it which I thought was cool but instead we went with the root beer float which ended up being the best thing I had here today
(2)
Devanjali L.
My husband and I came here on Easter Sunday last week. As it was one of those sunny and pleasant days in Chicago, we decided to sit at the patio by the river and enjoy the city view. We ordered an old fashion each along with fried chicken and honey. The fried chicken was really good with the right amount of heat and spices, crunchy on the outside and really succulent on the inside. My husband is a snob when it comes to his "old fashion". Even though our server recommended their special old fashion, my husband requested a traditional one.The bartender did a great job making it. However, our server did get a sample of their "Old fashion"(which actually has cherry bitters) for my husband to try. I thought that was very sweet and impressive at the same time. The menu looked great and the staff was very friendly and hospitable. We will definitely come back for dinner.
(4)
Shon A.
I have been here twice in two days. Day 1 - Ordered a cocktails only and thought the place was good. The drinks were made great and they used good ice! Day 2 - I dragged a group of 9 people over here for a work dinner after a happy hour. It was impromptu and we had a foodie in the crew. Since this place is family style eating, we let the foodie just order enough food for the entire table. We basically ordered everything on the menu. Everything was good but the fish is something that could have been left off! The fish was not good at all and we were told that it was going to be boneless(not the case). The asparagus, steak(mid-rare), chicken were the best items in my opinion. For 9 people, ordering basically everything on the menu and 1-2 cocktails each, the bill came out to roughly $800. A little bit on the pricey side but we were eating like kings.
(3)
Chris C.
First off, realize this place is family style, most of the dishes are meant to be split between two people. So, the service here was somewhat pretentious. I felt as if we were forgotten by the servers/managers, and I'm not sure why. Regardless, the food was so delicious and the atmosphere on the river so nice, I had to give it 5 stars. I'll accept the subpar service because it saves me a little money on the tip. Anyways, our fish was cooked perfectly and was so good. Our sides and appetizers were equally as delicious. We'll go back one day, maybe the service will be better.
I heard this described as something like a steakhouse without the steak, and I see the point -- you do have big hunks of meat, and the prime rib we had was really delicious -- but there isn't a steak per se, and a bunch of the menu is taken over by interesting salads, snacks, and side dishes. All told the results are really quite good. Curried cauliflower was pleasantly spicy, salad lyonnaise was sharp and flavorful, and the turnip gratin was particularly inspired, but bread, chicken livers, yorkshire pudding, popovers, and smoked trout were all nice as well. It wouldn't be crazy to come and skip the roasts, though I should emphasize again that the prime rib was really delicious. I have to say, I also liked the setup of the bar, the collection of interesting beers (including quite a few sours), the fact that there's a large (albeit drafty) dining room, and that there were still seats on a Friday night, though they also take reservations. You could do far worse when meeting somebody downtown.
(4)
Rohit J.
Awesome! Really happy we got to dine here. We ordered the chicken and the beef. Both were delicious. The quantity was a lot and it definitely fed 3 of us with some to take home. Everything from ambience and service was great. We are recommending this spot to our friends who visit the area and we are coming back soon!
(4)
t f.
So disappointed. For several weeks I was looking forward to trying River Roast after friends had commented how great the food was. Decided to try the brunch & made an 11am reservation (trying to avoid brunch rush/labor day weekend) we were seated by 11:05 outside (YA) glad I had the foresight to make reservations since by 11:15 tables were getting filled up. By 11:20 no one came to take our order or even make contact other then the person refilling our water glasses which I asked if he could get a waiter for us. At 11:30 I caught the attention of another person and asked if they could get a waiter. By 11:40~my friend & I decided 35-40 mins plus was more than enough time to patiently wait for any acknowledgment of wanting to serve us & decided to go to another restaurant along the riverwalk. Needless to say we made a point to share our experience with the mgr (Javier Zavala) who was apologetic & offered us to stay but needless to say the experience had put such a bad taste in our mouth (no pun intended) we decided best to leave. I, too am in the service industry & work in a salon along Michigan Ave & often am asked for referrals to great restaurants from clients local & visiting. Unfortunately, River Roast is not one I can suggest going to. Albeit the food I'm sure IS great from what I observed from OTHER tables being served however, the service is one that needs MAJOR IMPROVEMENT!
(1)
Chang K.
Good food, good looking restaurant, and a great location. I was with my boss and a coworker and visited River Roast this past week. The food was good, but I thought that the small plate options were a little over priced. For example we had the meatballs for $10+ (I can't remember the specific price), and it included 2 meatballs and a piece of bread. I don't know about you, but I would've expected a little more meatballs seeing that they were pork and not lamb or anything. I also had this pear cider that was actually wonderful. On the sweet side, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're not into sweet cider. All in all, it was an okay experience, tad over priced, but I did enjoy my time there.
(4)
Gina F.
I had dinner at River Roast last month with the group of six ladies. We had an excellent time all around. The restaurant itself is beautiful and well thought out. This staff was great as well. We were greeted promptly and our server was knowledgeable and super enthusiastic. But of course, the most important thing is the food in a restaurant, is it not? Well they truly delivered. One of the other diners and I ate vegetarians, but the other 4 shared the chicken, which was the specialty and, as our server explained, the entire reason for the restaurant's inception. They all thought it was outstanding. We also tried a number of appetizers and sides, including a salad, makeups, leeks, beets, and Brussels sprouts. Everything was absolutely delicious, though it was all on the savory side. Some dishes would have benefited from something to lighten or heightening them. All in all we had a great time and I'd certainly go back again.
(4)
Stephanie F.
Highly recommend this place! Super delicious!! Four friends and I tried the golden gobbetsand the pork meatballs as appetizers and loved them. For dinner we had the roast beef, the pork and the roast chicken (listed in order of our preference!!). We also tried the corn, the turnips au gratin and the curried cauliflower (also listed in order of preference) as our sides. Go while it's still warm and sit outside. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Heather O.
We spent an hour on Yelp trying to decide where to enjoy an amazing dinner / relaxing atmosphere before leaving Chicago. There are so many places to choose from but a lot of them were closed this evening due to Labor Day / Monday night. We ended up at River Roast at on a recommendation from a very nice local. Here's the skinny from our perspective: APPETIZER Trio of Toast - the Bacon Foie Gras was outstanding! The Avocado on toast was just that...no salt, no nothing. No thanks. I can make that at home. The rabbit...meh. Overall, wouldn't bother. Fried Olives - my Husband loved them. Personally, not an olive fan but he is and ate them all. :) DINNER Whole Chicken - Perfectly cooked and seasoned and carved table-side. The potatoes in the bottom of the cast iron skillet were amazing as well. Delicious. Roast Beef - Excellent flavor but the cut of meat wasn't completely tender - instead, a bit grizzly. The portion was small to begin with so to lose a couple of slices was not good especially for the price. Also, this restaurant is a stones throw from the Chicago Cut Steakhouse...should probably be extra mindful of the steak your serving. Turnips Au Gratin - Skip it. Nothing special. Semi-bland and the texture was funky. Supper Club Mushrooms - AWESOME. Can't go wrong here if you're a mushroom lover! Ambiance was great! Jason was our Waiter. Nice guy. Very accommodating and genuinely polite. I was sure to pay him a compliment to the Manager On Duty and she seemed to not have much of a personality. Nonetheless, I would have given 3.5 stars if Yelp would allow 1/2 star ratings.
(3)
Jessica P.
I returned to the restaurant and fully enjoyed myself. The food is honestly outstanding. This time we got the pork meatballs which I HIGHLY recommend, I was definitely surprised by how good they were. The roasted chicken and potatoes were phenomenal. Our server was great, he had really good suggestions and was very attentive. I honestly can't say I have any complaints about this restaurant after my second visit. Just something that should be noted somewhere if it's not - even if you have a reservation the outside is always first come first serve. I can't wait to take friends and family and out of town guests here, and I'm also hoping my friends choose River Roast for their wedding reception!
(5)
Nataliya A.
The view, the chicken and the atmosphere are perfect. I have always been on the other ride on the river walk and have seen River Roast, finally got to check it out. We sat outside, and the patio was perfect for the weather. We received some good advice from the server and settled on the scotch egg and whole chicken. Scotch egg - delicious, perfect balance of egg and sausage. The sausage was not overpowering, very flavorful. The mustard seeds and pickled onions were a nice touch. Highly recommend Whole Chicken - Menu says for 2 people, but this is a WHOLE chicken, highly recommend for 4 people. Reviews are not lying when they say it's on of the juiciest chickens you will try, it truly is. The cooking process made the skin perfectly soft with a tad of crunch, and the meat was extremely tender. The herbs that are used to cook the chicken just make it perfect. The potatoes that cook at the bottom of the pan are absolutely delicious. Very crunchy and have an earthy flavor. mmmm Ginger Drink - i love all things ginger, but this tasted like sugar and not ginger. I do not recommend. Service - our server was extremely friendly and helpful, but we could never locate him. I think he came by our table a total of 3 times, and when wanted a box and a check we had to scout him out. Overall loved the decor inside, they have a private are with a table that seats 14, loved the patio. Would highly recommend this place, and will return.
(4)
Craig R.
Came with my wife with no reservation on a Friday afternoon and managed a riverfront table with only a 15 minute wait. The pours, especially doubles for brown liquor, are very well priced and the bar atmosphere is great! When we got sat our view was great. The service was excellent. We got plenty of check ins, but not too many. We had constantly refilled water which was a huge plus given how hot it was outside. We got the Charcuterie Board and the Shishito peppers. The board was quite tasty, especially the mustard! The peppers were nice and crispy and very flavorful as well. The only down...and I'll freely admit I don't have a super refined palate so maybe I missed something. That being said I was disappointed in the chicken for 40 bucks. While the potatoes under it were super tasty and it was DEFINITELY better than a pre-cooked chicken from Whole Foods, it wasn't 34 dollars better by any means. I'd definitely be up to visit again and just do drinks and dessert out on the water, but I think if I came for dinner I'd order something other than the chicken for a main course.
(3)
Karen X.
I'm usually fairly skeptical of slightly "touristy"-seeming places and because this restaurant was right along the water and in a pretty prime location, I expected the food to be overpriced and not great. However, I was very pleasantly surprised that the food here was actually delicious and though not cheap, also not outrageously expensive! The various types of roast were great, tasty, and they cut it in front of you! The view if you can snag a table outside by the water is also amazing. This definitely makes for a very great experience in Chicago for locals and tourists alike. Would love to come here again on my next visit to Chicago!
(5)
Eric J.
More like 2.5 stars, but the views along the river here are pretty good. Came here to meet with an old friend from college for lunch, since she worked nearby. I had read the reviews, and was excited to give it a try, especially since it was a beautiful day outside and the outdoor patio overlooked the water. The host originally mentioned that outdoor seating would require a 20 minute wait, but after a couple minutes, we were seated outside, with many other tables outside available. Very curious. Our waiter took a while to get our order, and while it was busy, he would often overlook our table, which was pretty annoying. We went with the rack of pork roast, and a side of the Nichols farm vegetables, which was corn, peas, garlic stems, and green beans, in a vinaigrette. The pork was actually pretty flavorful, albeit a bit dry. Since it came with a sweet gravy, it was fine. It was weird, however, that the rack of pork was portioned for 2, yet only came with one cornbread muffin. Again, very curious. The vegetables were slightly under-cooked and the vinaigrette it came in didn't really do much to enhance the flavor profile. Blergh. The food took about 45 minutes to come out, which the waiter did apologize for, but afterwards, avoided our table for the rest of the meal. We actually had to get up and bring our check to the counter to actually get it processed. Overall, not the best experience. The service wasn't very attentive, and the food was average. I try to give restaurants the benefit of the doubt, and it might be worth coming back here for drinks or happy hour along the water, but I can't honestly recommend the food or the service.
(3)
Erica L.
I had a really lovely meal here with a party of 10. The menu, though a little small, did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the scotch egg which came with pickled egg and mustard. The brussels sprout salad with fried cheese was refreshing and flavorful. The grilled, filleted, whole fish was perfectly tender and the mock pork rinds were a huge hit. The grilled pork with the caramelized sauce on top was delightful and tender. The whip sweet potato was also very flavorful and wonderful. All in all, they had a great meal. The cocktails were solid as well. So glad other yelpers directed me to this place. It was just perfect for our group.
Me want good brunch. Me get good brunch. So, small nibble. I really dislike when places say - we can seat you when the rest of the party is here if the restaurant isn't jammed. Don't you want my extra business? I'll order an extra drink - I'm easy. But no, we have to wait. Beside that though, we enjoyed the brunch we had here. The scrambles with potatoes were the type of dish you want on a brunch. Hearty, tasty and probably bad for your arteries. We would've liked the music inside instead of the patio (where it was 95 degrees). But service was nice and the inside atmosphere is good with high ceilings and a place you can hear yourself talk.
(4)
Toni P.
Great place for brunch right on the river! Was here from out of town for a bridal shower brunch and the food was amazing! More importantly, the service was fantastic!
(5)
Leah K.
Bartenders were amazing and friendly, 1+ hour wait when we made reservations....ehhhhh not so much! Menu is very limited, but has good options. The main meat options are pretty sizable- I think feeds more than two people people, but the sides will probably only feed 2-3 max.
I highly recommend dining at River Roast especially if you're visiting from out of town. The location is great. It's right on the river. We came here around 8 on a Saturday and there was still an hour wait to sit outside, so we decided to sit inside. The dinner menu has sort of a family style, with several different roast options that serve about 2 people. We ordered the chicken roast, which comes with potatoes and a side of mixed beans. The chicken was delicious and beans were very flavorful, mixed with garlic and spices. We also ordered a Belgian style beer. I can't remember the name, but it was fabulous!
(5)
Gabriel T.
From the services, views, atmosphere, taste of our food to the prices this is one of the best places to eat in Chicago. We order the Whole Chicken for 2 and it was more than enough. Our server were very friendly and professional. You may ask for him; Thierry I'll be back someday when returning to Chicago...
(5)
Alex B.
A number of friends have recently remarked on how much they enjoyed River Roast. It's been happening consistently enough (and from people whose culinary tastes I usually respect) that I figured I'd have to check it out. My perception of River Roast had always been that is sounds boring. I mean Roast? Really? Didn't my Mom serve that to me as a child in the '70s? Point #1 - the space is really nice and a huge improvement over the awfulness of Fulton's/Bob Chin before it. The downstairs dining room is particularly welcoming. Point #2 - Good cocktail service, though it could serve to lose the cutsey drink names (well, except for the Kobayahi Maru, which is a genius name for a cocktail. Beam me up!). My one criticism is that the pours could afford to be a little more generous. Point #3 - both of the Roasts we had (pork and chicken) were absolutely outstanding displays of the craft. Tender, juicy and delicious with that great crust that only comes from the oven. The potatoes with the Chicken were also great. One of the best Roast Chickens I've had. My conclusion is that this is really well executed high class comfort food, and perhaps that is why it never sounded interesting to me. This food is not expanding anyone's culinary horizons but man, is it tasty (and well presented). Definitely a great place for client dinners, impressing the in-laws (without getting any of the potential backlash for challenging their palate with something too weird), or just a nice, lovely dinner with your significant other.
(4)
Jialing L.
Didn't know know what to expect when I made the reservation for dinner but I was very pleasantly surprised. In my mind, I always pictured roast to be a little on the dry side with little to no flavor but River Roast was the opposite. My friends and I ordered the pork roast, the chicken roast and the boatload of veggies. Both the pork and chicken were tender, juicy and flavorful. Absolutely delicious; my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The service here was also great; my friend got stuck in traffic and arrived 30 minutes after the reservation but we didn't lose the reservation and were seated as soon as he arrived. The food also arrived quickly which was great because we were starving. I enjoyed how they carve everything right by your table; I feel like it adds a personal touch. Definitely want to come back and try for a seat outside by the river!
(4)
Alexandra G.
I rarely yelp review but this place is worthy. Coming from out of town, it was close by and had a variety of options. We had the fried olives, scallops, and meatballs with gnocchi. Everything was perfectly prepared and tasted delicious. The bartender was great - I originally ordered an old fashioned (being from Wisconsin) and he stepped up to the plate! Loved the ambiance and experience so much we ended up ordering slow ravioli and shrimp and crab toast after we closed out the first time! Also, their chicken is supposedly delicious and looked spectacular. Go here!
(5)
Elizabeth W.
Went today for Brews & Blues brunch. The food was top notch. I had the a Rabbit & Waffles and couldn't have been more pleased. Great flavor and perfect sized portion. The other brunch options looked great and I can't wait for my next visit. Saw several tables with the whole roasted chicken which looked great too. The atmosphere was impressive too. The live music was a nice change from our usual brunch spots. Really looking forward to the weather warming up so we can enjoy the patio seating.
(4)
Nancy H.
Food = 3-4 stars Service = 3 stars View/Location = 4-5 stars Came here for a work lunch, and although it was too chilly to sit outside by the riverfront (cuz it's only July *sarcasm*), the interior was just as nice. This is a huge restaurant with high ceilings and windows that allow you to take in the beauty of the riverfront even from indoors. Props to the city for making this section so nice! Food was pretty good. I tried the chopped salad and 2 burgers. Some coworkers ordered sandwiches, which appeared huge in comparison to the burgers, but it's because the sandwich buns are ginormous. The burgers come with brioche buns. Both sandwiches and burgers come with a side of BBQ potato chips and are under $15. The Blues Burger was great minus two big problems: 1) the "smoked ketchup" was too runny and tasted mostly of liquid smoke, and 2) too juicy - yes, too juicy. The bottom bun got completely saturated and soggy. The Lobster Burger is more like a thick crabcake but with lobster meat and unfortunately had too much filler. I didn't see any chunks of lobster. Maybe they pureed it, but it was disappointing. Tasted ok, though. As soon as our plates were cleared from the table, the waiter dropped off the check and peaced us out. Didn't even ask if we wanted dessert or coffee. Granted, it was lunchtime, and we were occupying a long table of 10, but still.
Great place to warm your face during a Chicago Polar Vortex, we ducked into River Roast for an hour and had a great time. The Spot: Great location right by the Chicago River with outdoor seating, but we happened to be there when it was 10 degrees out. We popped in and sat at the bar, which overlooks the river. Good decor, kind of your typical "cocktail bar" backdrop, with all the bottles backlit behind the bartender. Downstairs at the water level, is the more restaurant-y side of things. Hardwood counter at the bar, comfortable high chairs. The Vibe: Relaxed, we sat and chatted with the bartender, ate delicious mussels, and he let me try the housemade Malort and the Jaspers Malort (my first time). Awesome of him to let me taste them, but as all Chicagoans know, they shouldn't be tasted, ever, ever again. Why Only 4 Stars: Prices are a little high, the oysters I had were $3 each. No beers on tap, all bottled. Very minor complaint.
(4)
Kelly E.
As weekend visitors from Nashville, we enjoyed a lovely brunch today in downtown Chicago! The welcoming entrance off of LaSalle leads you down a wide stairwell, allowing the main dining area to nestle right on the river. Seating options include a rustic bar area with high top tables or traditional seating for larger parties. A jazz band entertained from the corner & the servers were knowledgeable and very attentive. We started with beermosas featuring a local pilsner & fresh squeezed OJ and the scotch egg. The egg itself (soft-boiled, wrapped in ground sausage and deep-fried) lacked seasoning, but the thick-grained mustard and pickled onions that accompanied the appetizer lent some interest to the dish. We split the whole, roasted chicken served with home fries. Eh on the potatoes, but the chicken boasted juicy flesh and crispy skin. We opted for a dish of Hogan's peas on the side & holy gracious! Velvety creme fraiche, a light tinge of leek butter, crispy Bibb lettuce and hunks of smoked bacon. Ohhh goodness! Topped off our meal with The Fat Elvis (a chocolate, peanut butter & banana pie which deserves its own review).
(4)
Gaby F.
If you like wine with your Roasts beware!!! The cheapest bottle of red wine on the list was $70+ , and wait for it, it wasn't available. There was nothing on the list that was 'mid range' pricing and, as the beef is $32, if you both want beef and a bottle its $130+ just there with no appetizer or desserts. I really do think that there could be more reasonable bottles of wine, without having to drink awful Murphy Goode by the bottle (they serve this by the glass). Now there was ONE wine on special for $50 a Syrah, and it was OK. But we had to ask and its just not enough options at that price point. Cocktails (I had the Michael Keaton) were great. The food is terrific, profiterole chicken mousse was tasty, fois toast as part of trio was not, nor was rabbit, too much butter or cream. Crab toasts didn't need the dairy, maybe a light aoili. Chicken is really good potatoes with it are even better. Beef is not a huge portion at 8 oz but the gravy that accompanies is delicious. One nit pick, pop overs AKA Yorkshire Puddings (The traditional English meal) NEVER has cheese on the pop overs, ever. It maybe American taste to add cheese and my guests enjoyed it, but its not traditional. I have been eating Roast Beef on Yorkshire for 40years . But I'm happy I have a local option now. But I wont come with a large group of friends as I don't want the average check to be $80+ for the honour of drinking by the bottl!. Shame
(3)
Christopher V.
Chicken was cooked perfectly with crispy skin & moist tender meat, but unfortunately was completely bland. Has potential for greatness if they'd season the chicken with herbs & salt. Go for the roasted fish instead. Brussels, chicken gobblets and cocktails are all must haves. Service is a bit spotty with servers disappearing for extended stretches.
(3)
Steven N.
While walking around downtown and looking for a place to eat dinner and/or grab a bite to I realized River Roast was a block a way. I work really close to there and recalled that it was a new name along the river and decided to give it a try. The menu, while fitting the whole theme of the restaurant, is very distinctive and you must be in the mood for that when going. They serve whole fish on a stick and a whole rotisserie styled chicken as well. We ended up foregoing the unique but potentially good menu in favor of the drinks; I had an Amaro swizzle. This was quite good, flavor and a good proportion of alcohol/mixer/flavoring. Service was good, we only ordered one round of drinks so we weren't all that demanding. I would definitely consider going back for a full meal to test out the food and the full range of service.
(4)
Mike O.
Been wanting to try to roasts here for quite sometime and finally made it in. We came looking for brunch so we didnt get the roasts but the food was fantastic. Shrimp and crab toast was great although I wish it was larger. Marscapone french toast was good and quite large but the croque madame was the best. Now Im even more excited to come back for dinner
(5)
Danielle F.
Amazing meal! River Roast, it's safe to say, has become my favorite river spot! Boasting beautiful views and fantastic service, I couldn't have been more impressed with the evening. Do yourself a favor and order the Whole Roasted Chicken, with the side of Carrots and Dirt! The presentation of the roast was impressive as heck, and we couldn't get over the flavor! Juicy meat, and mouth watering potatoes, oh-my! I can't wait to return for the whole roasted fish! Put this one in your bookmarks' this summer, because Chicago hit this one right!
(5)
Zenia R.
The best roasted chicken ever!!! Nice place and excellent service.
(5)
Alan L.
Maybe better for lunch than dinner We had their burger for lunch (not on the menu) and it may have been the best burger that I ever had. The Bourbon popcorn was not too interesting, but the Scottish Egg was outstanding. The restaurant location is convenient to downtown and the space is attractive.
(5)
Bill D.
Good portions and meals cooked like you were at Grandmas. Pork was smoky and tender as was chicken. Great cocktails and cool venue on the river.
(5)
LaLaLaLa L.
I really like the vibe in this place. I sat inside, but can see how awesome it would be to sit along the river on a sunny day. The restaurant itself it big... huge. The host stand is upstairs and she brings you down a level to the dining area. They have a limited menu.. which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think their main entree choices are the whole chicken, pork, fish and roast beef. They are carved table-side which is cool. My husband and I decided to go in a different direction and order some different apps and sides. We ordered the meatballs, the golden gobbets, the potatoes and mushrooms. Golden gobbets: They were ok. I like that they give you honey to drizzle. I guess if you're a super huge fried chicken fan they're great. I compare them to crispy fried popcorn chicken. Meatballs- I didn't like these.. at all. potatoes- very good! Crispy! Almost reminded me of really good diced breakfast potatoes. Mushrooms- delish! I tried some other things friends had.. the pork was very good! I also tried the shrimp and crab toast and the chorizo stuffed olives.. The toast was VERY fishy tasting. The olives were not good, either. I would definitely come back.. but it's not my first choice. I would rather come for their brunch than the dinner.
(3)
Thamer M.
Good place good food. It is worth to visit this spot. The waiters were helpful. I got the whole grilled chicken with salads. I think it is one of the best restaurant in downtown.
(4)
Mouse C.
Yep River Roast gets a 5 star rating! I came here for a wedding last night and was blown away by the gorgeous view and killlerrrrrr food! The terrance at river roast is second to none...you can't get more Chicago than this! Amazing, sexy views all around. The appetizers (which I unfortunately did not get to try because I was talking too much to eat) looked awesome and everyone that had them said the same. There were mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup cups, bacon wrapped shrimp, and mini quesadillas....adorbs right!? DINNER was redonkulous. They gave the choice of tilapia or a filet, both served over mashed potatoes and asparagus. I went with the tilapia and it was love at first bite. Soooo much flavor yet light enough to ensure you can still dance;) my beau went with the filet. I'm pretty sure this filet was sent from the heavens above. Holy lord it was so tender! I had to stop myself from continuously reaching over and snatching bites off his plate. Lucky for me he's good at sharing :D I will recommend River Roast over and over for a delicious dinner and a fabulous experience overall!
(5)
Joy H.
Great river view and decent service. Because we arrived between lunch and dinner service, we ordered a few small plates and cocktails (try Unicorn Tears). The chicken "nuggets" with honey were delicious. The beverage list is extensive. I'd like to go back for dinner soon.
(4)
Shaunna M.
I found this spot on OpenTable, we stopped in after our Architecture Tour...there are no words. We ordered the chicken g's app, 2 rounds of drinks and the pork roast dinner to share...it was down. Right. amazing. Lively and unique atmosphere, beautiful view, vibrant bar and great service. Would definitely come back.
(5)
Carol K.
Wow! Clearly I did not know what to expect at this reincarnation of what used to be Fultons on the River, as River Roast blew me away the other night! First of all, it has an amazing outdoor patio facing the river. This is a must go to as the service was outstanding, the views spectacular and the food was equally as good. We got a perfect 4 top right along the railing which allowed us unparalleled views of our great city. Our server, Brian, was over in a second, explaining the concept to us which is kind of like upscale tavern fare where they specialize in full meats carved at the table. On the night we were there the fish was a branzino, and the meat was a NY strip but that may be different when you go. The chef is a James Beard winner and it shows in the food. We started with some of their bread served with a wonderful cheese spread ( wonderful but for this girl who is trying not to eat gluten or dairy it was a temptation that I couldn't pass up but it was worth it!) We started with a few of our server's suggestions- the flavored popcorn with "cracklins" and little chunks of chicken deep fried and served with honey. Next up, squash poppers stuffed with cheese a trout appetizer and some west coast oysters. All were terrific! Did I say there were 4 of us? So if this sounds like a lot of food- it really was just the perfect amount. We then had the NY strip perfectly cooked and sliced table side. Given we had ordered so many starters we ordered 2 8 oz portions of this and it was just the right amount ( they serve the roast section of the menu by whole fish, whole chicken or 8 oz portion of meat). We also had the tomato salad, the seafood salad, green and yellow beans and artichokes. It was a great range of flavors and textures! Hard to believe we had room for dessert but one in our party just had to have a "Hoosier seasonal pie" ( I think she liked the name!) so we split the lovely peach sweetness. Dinner for 4 with plenty of drinks ran about $200 so the price was right too. Also- if you like brunch, I was told that they have live blues music on Saturdays and Sundays from 11- 2 so go enjoy a great patio, and some great food while summer is still out there! If you drive- valet parking is $14 out front. And if you are looking for a perfect place to host an event- River Roast has a wide array of private dining rooms as well. So forget what you remember about the old Fulton's for other than the location nothing is the same.. This place is modern, the food is terrific and the staff are well trained, friendly and just nice to have around. And isn't that just what you want when dining out??
(5)
Pamela G.
Amazing food, service and location for our company event. If I could give the River Roast and its staff six stars, I would. We held a company event here for 120 people. Not a detail was missed. The food was incredible - I only wish I weren't so busy hosting so I could've eaten more. The service was outstanding, as led by Darcey Gerber, Senior Sales Manager, who was a joy to deal with. The view is stunning, too. All of our guests were so impressed - our event was a smash. I can't wait to come back to Chicago to eat there again.
(5)
Gina S.
Living in the city you can eat at a different restaurant every day forever without repeating a spot but we have been to River Roast 3 times and even ordered the roasted chicken for delivery once ... and we've only lived in Chicago for 2 months. It's that good. The ambiance is fabulous. Casual but nice. Great location on the river for out of towers or anyone. The potatoes are addictive and the roasted chicken is something that makes your mouth water. The service has been wonderful each team and there was live blues music on one of our visits which was fun. Great spot for lunch or dinner. It will not disappoint!
(5)
Brian C.
Whole chicken was outstanding! My wife and I also enjoyed the potatoes and green bean sides. The view is great. Next time we are in Chicago we will defiantly visit again.
(5)
Daniel W.
Came here with a party of 15 for a reunion dinner. We had a nice room in the back to ourselves. The drink menu was more than accomodating. Good wine and beer selection. Apps - The scotch Egg was really good! Never had it before but I will definitely order again. Fried outside with tender sausage and oozing/yolky egg when you cut into it. The Slow Ravioli was also tasty. I loved the snails in the sauce provided. Main - we ordered the Big fish and Whole Chicken. Both are huge portions. I preferred the Fish. The fish was cooked to perfection and flaky. The whole chicken was also cooked to perfection and had good flavor. Server said to get the roast beef next time...will do. Overall, not a bad place. I would go back if invited but not on my to die for places.
(4)
Caroline B.
I came here for lunch with two friends visiting from out of town. Unfortunately it was pouring and we couldn't enjoy the wonderful river views available on the outdoor patio. Nonetheless, we sat inside and had a delicious meal. Our waiter described the soup special, almond gazpacho, in such a way that we all ended up ordering it. I am SO not a gazpacho person but because it was not tomato-based, I wanted to try it. It was OUTSTANDING. Refreshing, creamy, flavorful and totally unique. I also had the special sandwich, a roast beef and provolone concoction that was also exploding with flavor. Food was delicious, our server delightful, and the location is great. I will absolutely be back.
(4)
Leigh M.
This was my first time in Chicago, but River & Roast quite the experience. We went for brunch, sat outside, and the riverfront views were impressive. Much to our surprise, some live music came on about halfway through our meal. Although it was slightly hard to hear conversation over, it was ambient. The french toast was to-die for. One big, thick cut of french toast. If you like raspberries, this is for you! The bloody mary's were served in cute logo'ed glasses with the option to add a "skewer". Skewer came with cubed cheese, meats, olives, etc. A salad in your bloody, if you will! And how could I forget the crab and avocado toast...unique and YUM!
(5)
Scott T.
Just so happened to be lucky enough to check this place out on their first day open to the public! We were looking for a good place to sit on the riverfront and have some lunch and a couple drinks and this new spot definitely fits the bill! The concept seems really cool, with full fish, chicken and beef roasts that they will carve table side for you! The upstairs "roost" has a full bar and quick serve Sandwiches for the daytime business crowd, very smart! The menu is somewhat gastropub-ey, but not over the top so. We tried the charcuterie, which apparently they specialize in and make a lot of it in-house. Great choice, went well with the wine list. The fresh baked, them grilled bread served with French onion butter dip was delicious too, served as a starter when you sit down! The artichoke soup was very very tasty and would definitely recommend. The next time it's available! The steak salad was good too, the horseradish mustard dressing was a little too horseradish forward, but still very enjoyable. The craft cocktail program that they going on is pretty great too! Very clever and distinct cocktails, which is hard to do these days. Great selection of craft distilleries!! Can't wait to come back! For the first day, they were great! I could see them being epic! Service was great, pretty cool to see the chefs and owners working out the kinks.
(5)
Wil J.
This place is terrific! Roasty awesome goodness with a wonderful view of the river. Their roasted chicken is as good as it gets. The mushrooms were well done. I also had a drink called Kobayashi (I believe) -- super yummy with a perfect kick. David was perfectly attentive, and Chef Hogan even came out to welcome us to his wonderful place. Live music on weekends is a big plus. I highly recommend!
(5)
Dana J.
I actually came here for a wedding this past summer and I loved it! Such a great location and from what I can remember, the food was good. I plan on returning this year to try the actual restaurant.
(4)
David C.
Of all the hot new establishments popping up in Chicago's culinary scene, River Roast is one spot that is doing it right. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan's new spot comes alive with live music, tableside roast carving, and great views of the river. The menu can best be described as contemporary comfort American, and they offer great and smart brunch options as well. Craft cocktails and a wide tap menu play perfectly with the casual roast party atmosphere. The food, while rustic, is absolutely delicious. I would pay particular attention to any of their poached egg dishes, or scotch egg dishes for brunch. For dinner, their specialty is the roasted full chicken which bleeds juicy goodness as it is carved tableside for your gratification.
(5)
Angelica K.
Came for a wedding and the view was awesome! Food was pretty good too. Did not try the seafood appetizers only the quesadilla which was average. The filet was good, the salad, good not memorable. I'd come back for the cocktails and the riverside view though any day.
Saw this on a news channel while at the gym. My personal trainer said he use to work for that chef and that the food is good. So of course the next day I suggested to go try it out with some coworkers. Location is right off the bridge in river north, parking is a little rough but possible. Ambiance is very nice. It isn't too upscale where you would feel uncomfortable but nice enough to either dress up or dress down without feeling awkward. It was Friday on Lent so i ordered the fire grilled "BIG FISH." The fish was very good and tasted really fresh. It being fire grilled gave it its own unique texture and taste from other restaurant menu items. Serving size was pretty big and it's actually meant to serve 2. There are sides you can order ala carte which were also good. The service was good but we were about the only people in the restaurant at the time. Would come again.
(4)
Alessandra F.
The decor, views and service was good. The food was serviceable. My only complaint is that if you are going to charge $7 for a large bottle of sparkling water then bring the whole bottle to the table and not serve just 1 glass and charge for the whole bottle.
(3)
Stefan S.
Excellent on all fronts. Host stand is friendly and attentive. Ambiance is excellent with water and skyline views plus great background music, nice lighting, and just the right temperature. Service is excellent. Server went out of his way to congratulate my wife on her birthday. Tables are wonderful with custom napkins (nice touch). Now the food...well you have to experience it for yourself. It really is top notch. The absolute best chicken I've ever had. They cook it in 20 minutes at 550 degrees with 100% humidity. Roast potatoes have a nice crunch. Order the chicken gobbets and the pickles too. Overall this place is flawless. Just go. **bonus points if you go in the summer when the patio is open.
(5)
Lu N.
I really wanted to try this place. We tried to dine when they first opened and were told that the kitchen was closed because of a fire or something. That wasn't a problem. But just recently we made RSVPs and specifically asked to sit outside. And when we got there they told us it was an hour wait for outdoor seating and that they don't take RSVPs for outdoor! Well don't you think you should have told us that when we made the reservations?!?!? On top of it the kid was one of the rudest and careless "host" we've ever encountered. At least act like you give a hoot! Somebody please give that kid some manners. That is all.
(2)
Jim C.
I have known Chef John Hogan for over 25 years from KiKi's Bistro to Saveran to Keefer's to River Roast and he never disappoints! What a delicious meal from beginning to end. Outstanding service and gorgeous view on the river. Simply Wow! Get anything and everything roasted! John and Tony well done!
(5)
Jewel A.
I honestly don't know where to begin! The service was FANTASTIC, the employees were so warm & welcoming, there is beautiful scenery, and the food was EXTRAORDINARY. This was probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. I will definitely be a returning customer! P.S. The meats are so TENDER & DELICIOUS! The employees even cut the meat in front of you before serving it to you!
(5)
Jaime G.
Yup. One of the best places on the river for a great lunch. Great patio on the river, excellent service, and super good food. Try the roasted sea bass. The best here. So good - crispy roasted with a great chimichury type marinade. It served with roasted potatoes that are also crispy and good. We also tried the roasted beef sandwich. Incredibly tender, great melted cheese, horseradish sauce, and beautiful toasted bread. This is worth the cost of eating downtown man. Come try it.
(5)
Eric Y.
I had high expectations but I found River Roast to be disappointing. It's a great location on the river and the view might be spectacular except for the construction on the other shore. The space itself is immense with a main dining a room and multiple other private to semiprivate areas that would be good for events. There is nice cocktail selection but I found the wine list to be limited. There are also a bunch of craft beers so that's nice. Roasts are their specialty and for entrees there are just five - all roasted, of course. Fish, whole chicken, beef, rack of pork, and veggies. If you're going to have only 5 entrees and you're staking your reputation on roasting, they'd better be mighty good. Alas, I was not impressed. The fish and the beef were very nicely prepared and were delicious. The rack of pork was inconsistent - had to send the first one back because it was dry and the replacement was very juicy and properly done. The vaunted roasted whole chicken was underwhelming - the skin was nicely crisp but the meat was dry. There are many small plates and side dishes to choose from. They specialize in fresh oysters and offered East Coast and West Coast varieties. We ordered some and the server got confused as to which were the East and which were the West. Uh... We found the small plate an side dishes to be inconsistent. Good ones included the mussels with chorizo and the chicken liver mousse with Yorkshire pudding. The pea side dish was delicious; whole peas in a bacony pea sauce - I could eat this every day. The roasted potatoes that come with the entrees are delicious too. Some dishes were just ok - the crab and shrimp toast, San Giacomo leeks, and the brussels sprouts fell into this category. A couple of the sides were head-scratchingly bad. The au gratin turnips were cold and tasteless. The country fried rabbit had a nice crust but the meat was so dry and the biscuit was a serious brick. Bisquick, where are you when we need you?
(2)
Lochin S.
cool vibe, love the decor and the location. service was great. just not sure about the food. I paid $32 for chicken and honestly I think it tasted the same as rotisserie from grocery store. maybe I am missing something. the bloody mary tasted like ostyer juice which was interesting. for my hubby and I it was over $100 for brunch. stayed for blues inside the bar area. nice bar tenders, very friendly. and one huge thing, water. They always gave you plenty of water, I never had to ask for it. I love that.
(4)
Liz C.
We went for brunch. It was really good, but not mind-blowing and the service seemed a tad bit off. We ordered the shrimp and crab toast (delicious), the scotch egg (my mom was a huge fan), the croque, the biscuit and gravy, a popover, and a side of sausage and a biscuit. Overall, the food was great. I do think that the dishes could've arrived a bit hotter, seemed like the crock had maybe sat around a bit, but they did have great flavor. The gravy and the side of sausage were awesome. The biscuit was good, I did wish it was a bit more flaky and had some more layers. The popover was insane. They seriously nailed it. oh and lets not forget the bloody mary---really, really good. All in all, it was a solid brunch. I am looking forward to coming back to try the roast chicken that everyone raves about.
(4)
Sambath M.
Great food and great service. I like where we were seated. What a beautiful place to enjoy our food and the view of the Chicago River. I love what my friend and I ordered. We will definitely go back until we try all of the dishes.
(5)
Kockyo X.
Me and my friend went in here after work for dinner. The service is GREAT!!! Everybody is so friendly and they take really good care of you! We shared the artichoke as our appetizer and whole chicken for our main course. The chicken is a little bit dry not as juicy as they described.. But the artichoke is sooo good! It rained today so we didnt get a chance to seat outside, but we did get a table nearby the window. The view is still great. I feel that this would be a perfect place for Sunday brunch as well. The atmosphere is great too.
(3)
hanna y.
I'm in love! River roast has a small menu where everything is bursting with flavor. The first time I went to river roast we shared a shaved salad, pot roast and hogan's peas. The second time I went our table shared the pork meatballs, shaved salad and roasted chicken. Everything ordered was out right delicious. Furthermore the serving sizes were very generous. Although each roast serves 2 people, we were able to share the chicken amongst three people and still leave satisfied. Both times I visited the meats were always tender, juicy and flavorful. I also really enjoyed shaved salad. The mixture of veggies, Parmesan and dressing is to die for. People who don't even like salads will take an extra helping. Last but not least, the potatoes... Yum the potatoes! I'm pretty sure I could just eat a meal of just the river roast potatoes. To top it off, our service was phenomenal! John was really kind and very knowledgeable on the dishes the restaurant had to offer. He also suggested my friend to get the "if only Michael Keaton was here" cocktail which he described as their version of an old fashion. I'm not an old fashion fan or a bourbon fan, but it was delicious and smooth. I kept taking sips from my friend's glass!
(5)
Kristen B.
We stopped in for brunch while we were visiting Chicago and asked to be seated on the patio. The hostess was going to seat us, but another host refused to seat us because there were only tables for 6 left outside. They talked about what to do right in front of us and then told us we would have to wait 35 minutes to sit. Not only was it extremely unprofessional that I had to listen to them discuss what to do about seating us, but they had empty tables and just refused to sit us in case a bigger party came. While I can't speak for the food, the service clearly needs some work.
(1)
Kirsten H.
Due to an impending move, we felt compelled to go out for Thanksgiving dinner, and we couldn't have been happier than our decision to head to River Roast. For the holiday, they did a buffet that was a fantastic spread--everything from salads and breads to desserts of pecan pie and apple crisp with sides and meats in between. The sides included a nice variety of things that were familiar staples on my family's Thanksgiving table as well as some unfamiliar dishes that we usually don't have on Turkey Day. The meats were incredible--pulled pork was our favorite, but the steak and turkey were also very good. A nice finishing touch was that at the end of the meal, the server gave us a little bag of caramel popcorn and a voucher for a free brunch on a return visit. We'd really like to go back to try their regular menu!
(5)
Layla R.
I was a bit disappointed with the food. The shaved salad was bland (dressing was tart and awful) and I ordered pickles for my burger since they don't come with it (weird) only to pay $4 extra for a small jar of mainly cauliflower. Note to chef: don't call it pickles, call it pickled vegetables and find another recipe. I was completely annoyed I wasted money on bland cauliflower and that there few pickles in the jar weren't even tasty. Won't be going back. Bummer since the view is nice, but might as well go to Smith and Wollensky's where you'll get ripped off but at least it's consistently good.
(3)
Sofia A.
The bartender. The music. The chicken. Wow. My favorite spot in Chicago and it's only 10 months old.
(5)
Denny C.
The River Roast could be "just another" new Chicago restaurant except for the captain at the helm, Chicago's iconic John Hogan. A veteran of several Chicago dining gems including Kiki's Bistro, David Burke's Primehouse, and his own gourmet delight Savarin, Hogan is French trained and Chicago honed. He doesn't cook precious food, but what emerges from his kitchen is hearty, down to earth cooking, with the touch of a classicist. You will never leave River Roast hungry, this is a place for celebrating the joy of eating, drinking, and having a good time. However, unlike many new restaurants springing up, River Roast exudes warmth and camaraderie without making you deaf in the process. The room is large enough to absorb rude cacophony. Hogan's appetizers range from typical dining fare to a charcuterie that rivals the best of Lyon. River Roast specializes in roasts obviously, and the beef, chicken, and fish are great, without pretension or supercilious fluff. This is good eaten! Desserts are fantastic, large and scrumptious. The sides are all delicious with the Windy City's famous "Hogan's peas" leading the pack. Service has the same joy of giving pleasure that reverberates off their leader and chef. This is unmistakable Chicago eating and dining led by John Hogan who personifies what "the city of big shoulders" is all about.
(5)
Stephanie A.
Loved this place. Food and drink were great. Its in a really great location right by the Chicago River, so the view is to die for.
(5)
Paulina R.
Good staff! Nice place! Good ambiance! But food was extremely oily, we were a big group and ordered several vegetable sides and they were so salty and oily we couldn't eat them. Main courses were ok!
(3)
Jackie D.
We had a great waiter! The problem with this place is that its way to expensive for what you get. We paid $8 for a beer that was a half a pint. We ended up getting 2 sides and an app and 2 beers and spent over $50. The food wasn't worth it. You are paying to sit in the river. Try somewhere else.
(2)
Michelle P.
Been here twice. The first time we had the roasted fish and it was really well cooked and seasoned. Second time was with a larger group of coworkers. Ordered the fish, again, and it was not cooked as well and the seasoning was also off. Overall service was not very professional, both times.
(3)
Drew W.
Service was great, drinks were great, food was ok and we received some suspicious food that wasn't even on the menu, as if it was purposely made for us because we ordered one ingredient on the side. Hopefully it was an off kitchen day. I will give it another go.
(3)
Garret S.
We stopped in on Friday night, no reservations, and was seated right away. We ordered two appetizers (both were great), and then ordered the roasted chicken. No drinks were ordered, but the surrounding tables sounded like they were having a great time. I think this would be a great place to stop after work for a quick bite to eat too. Overall, great place for solid american faire.
(4)
Dan O.
Went here Saturday night for a birthday. 10 people, had a reservation. Ambiance is cool, great spot on the river (although already way too cold to be out there) ((no surprise Chi-city)). Was not very crowded, but it could have been the weather that kept people away on a Saturday night. Only one bar tender working so drinks took a while, but were delicious. We ended up ordering our 2nd drink as our server brought out the 1st round. The server was very knowledgeable of the menu and the chefs' vision for River Roast, he was great in accommodating the large group by splitting the sides into several dishes for the "family style" service. They bring out bread with a delicious "french-onion butter" spread. Kept asking for more. Recommended the Golden Gobbets, which were good but a bit over breaded before frying so crazy crunch. We ordered a lot of food 2 whole chickens, 2 roast beef, 1 whole fish, and just about every vegatable side, but I will say the stand out were Hogan's Peas. All meats/fish are brought to table and sliced in front of you. Very cool style. I pretty much set one of the chickens in front of me and picked at for a good 30 mins straight. Server knew were celebrating so brought out Fat Elvis for the birthday boy, which I sampled and was quite good. Server didn't know if they had Don Julio when we asked. Overall chicken was as good as advertised and I think I would come back, but I felt it was a little expensive for a large group. What to Order: Whole Chicken with Potatoes Hogan's Peas Fat Elvis
(3)
Jessica B.
In reading the other reviews of River Roast, maybe it was just an off day on Sunday when I went for brunch. We arrived just as it opened and the staff was really friendly and allowed someone in our party who arrived pre-opening to sit and have a drink while she waited for the rest of our group. We sat outside on the riverwalk and it was really a perfect day for it. Great breeze, sunshine and all around weather. But the wait staff was maybe not on their game yet. Our waitress was really nice, but may have been too busy with other tables because she took forever to come back for orders and to fulfill drink orders too. I asked for more coffee and it didn't appear for me until the fifth time I asked, but others at our table got more coffee. I realize this may not be a "big" thing, but the overall vibe was weird among the wait staff support staff. Something was off. Same when they cleared the table, I said I was still working and they still took the food away. Just weird. The food was good too but the menu was very limited not a ton of options. I would definitely go back for a drink and to hang out and enjoy the view, or grab a sandwich on the top floor to go, but I'm mixed if I would come back for dinner, unless I was already downtown.
(3)
Tina N.
We noticed this beautiful setting along the river as we walked from the train station to our hotel. Coincidentally, the hotel concierge recommended it. Even though it was a limited menu at 3 in the afternoon, the food was fantastic and unique. The Scotch Egg was terrific. So we're the Golden Gobbets chicken and salads. I don't usually eat much bread but couldn't stop eating theirs with goat cheese crispy onion spread. Yummm
(5)
Flor D.
Nice place well located with great view. It has a patio right in front of the river so it is highly recommended to go outside if it is a nice day. Food is really good and the staff is extremely nice.
First the good stuff.... Great ambience and views of the river. The roast chicken was great... Tasty and tender. Lemon trifle dessert was awesome. BUT.... The roast beef was gristly and not so tasty. almost bland. Appetizers including ravioli, smoked trout and fried chicken gobbets were just fair. No pop. Really expected better. The wine list was really overpriced. Stick with the selection of craft beer. I really wanted to love this place and was surprised how little I even liked it. Given all we have to choose from in Chicago, it's unlikely that we'll come back.
(2)
Elizabeth M.
We had dinner there the night after the grand opening and it was DELICIOUS! The views from the restaurant are breathtaking and even better if you chose to sat outside! The dinner style is more of a family style service. They offer an entire roast chicken or an entire fish (they say it feeds 2, more like 4) and they carve it for you at the table! We shared the chicken, a side of turnip au gratin (yummy!) and the artichoke appetizer. All amazing. I was super surprised at how deliciously flavored everything, especially the chicken. I also don't like turnips... now I do! Absolutely amazing service, our server walked us through the menu and was very very knowledgable having been only open for a day. Bonus: AMAZING BEER MENU
(5)
Debbie E.
This review could have easily been 5 stars, and it could have easily been 2 stars. Let's get the bad out of the way .... the service. Some of the previous reviews touched upon this and it's rather perplexing that the issues with the wait staff haven't been dealt with yet. After being seated our waiter promptly came over and took our drink orders. We took time to peruse the menu and then put in our food order. The food takes awhile to come out, so be prepared if you don't order any appetizers. Other reviewers talked about bread being served, but we didn't see any of that. Anyway, back to the service. Once the food was served, that was the end of our service. We had to track down our waiter for everything. We ordered wine to have with dinner and never got it. Half way through the meal, we finally were able to locate our waiter and ask about the wine. Then we don't see him again until our plates are cleared and he just comes to the table and says, "Shall I bring you the check?". We weren't asked if we wanted anything else or wanted to see a dessert menu. We asked to see the dessert menu, ordered coffee and my husband asked to have his water glass refreshed. Coffee was lukewarm. When he came to refill my husbands water, he refilled it and left. Never asked if the rest of us would like a refill or better yet ... just refill all of them. No one ever came back to refill or coffee or ask how dessert was. My dinner companions said they felt he was rather arrogant and didn't really want to be serving us. Finally, had to flag him down again to get the check. Didn't dock them stars for this because management stepped up and took the beverages and dessert off the bill after we complained. Hope they correct these service gaps since we have not been the only ones that have had this experience. For the most part, the food, as far as taste goes, is 5 stars. The biggest miss was the was the RR Chopped salad. It was drowning in so much dressing that it was almost like drinking vinaigrette. We also had the shrimp and crab toast, roast beef, rack of pork, curried cauliflower and RR potatoes. Everything was absolutely delicious. The beef and pork were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The accompanying sauces were excellent enhancements. The "popover" that came with the beef was hard as a rock and could only be eaten by dousing it with the gravy. The corn bread that came with the pork had good flavor, but was a bit dry. The curried cauliflower was so good I could have just eaten a plate of that. Drinks are expensive, but they are everywhere downtown. However, beware when ordering the small bites and sides. We got 4 pieces of the shrimp and crab toast. Basically, one piece of bread cut into 4 triangles topped with the seafood and a dollop of avocado. At $14 that's $3.50 per piece. It was good, but it wasn't that good. As for the delicious cauliflower, we barely got enough so that 3 of us could each get a piece! You literally get only about 4 florets for $9. Save your money and make it yourself. It's a shame because everything was so good, but those items left us feeling a bit ripped off. When we go back again we will probably just stick to the roasts and maybe the the salad or try the "boatload of veggies". It would be interesting to see what they consider a "boatload".
(4)
Jose V.
Came here on a rainy Tuesday night. I was impressed by their ambience and decor, is trendy, upscale, romantic. As a start, ordered the pork cake, which was decent, but didnt wow me, it sounded better in the menu :) As far as the entree, I split the rack of pork and seasonal vegetables with a friend, it was top notch, the meat was very tender, juicy and packed with flavor, it also comes with a side of grilled potatoes which were delicious. If there is something they need to improve on is on their service. While the servers were professional and had vast knowledge of their dishes, they weren't very attentive and/or were kinda slow, I had to stay on top of them; it wasn't a busy night. Overall the food is great, they have 4 main meat entrees which are totally shareable, again, some items may sound better in the menu, but I would still love to come back and try their charcuterie before making a final assessment, for what I've tried, it deserves 4 solid stars. They have a pretty good selection of wines and bubbles and charcuterie which could make this place a potential go-to for afterwork happy hours..
(4)
Jan E.
Absolutely superb! Loved the roasted chicken which is "for two" but three of us ate it with four roasted sides (brussel sprouts, The Peas, beets, leeks) and it was more than enough. Nice touch: a recipe for chicken soup sent home with our extra chicken. Excellent beverages (our table had the cider, mead, and a lemon citrus cocktail.) All excellent. We'll be back.
(5)
Trent M.
Beef, pork, and, chicken. A trinity of meats. Chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan may have mastered the open flame with outstanding roasts. Our table of seven ordered the Whole Chicken, Rack of Pork, The Roast Beef, and Big Fish, as well as the fried rabbit and vegetables as appetizers. The waiter cut the large and main dishes tableside, which brought out the cameras for the show. All the dishes were excellent, but the beef was the favorite of the group- a perfectly roasted medium rare, and succulent smoked prime flavor. The atmosphere was richly dark yet open, with scenic views of the river and open kitchen. It was only slightly too loud that Saturday night. Topped off with a good beer menu and great service, River Roast will stand on its own. Food: A Service: A Atmosphere A-
(4)
Susan W.
We really enjoyed River Roast. Our server was fantastic, the ambiance was really nice and we sat over by the TV so we could watch the Wisconsin game. We went pretty big with appetizers, drinks and the roasted fish, but it was all super tasty and totally worth it! We went at 5:30 so it was probably quieter than later in the evening, but we plan to go back with a group since it is such a great share-a-meal type of place. I highly recommend the fish, the peas and the cocktail that's like an old fashioned. Enjoy!
(5)
Frances A.
Subpar. Beautiful welcoming space. But that's where the compliments end. Tried their soup of the day at lunch. I was told it would be hearty, bit i was still starving. My friend's salad was pretty blase. At least we enjoyed the bread with cheese.
(2)
Kristy D.
To be fair, im basing this review on the fact that everyone at my table ordered salads for lunch but we were still a little disappointed. The bread and cheese they offer was really great and they were more than happy to give us a few portions. Unfortunately, all of us felt pretty ho-hum about our salads. The steak salad lacked a lot of flavor and the steak didnt taste very well seasoned. The greek inspired salad was filled with a ton of olives and feta (which is usually a great thing) but made the whole salad way too salty. And last, the caesar salad was nothing special and the lettuce was a little wilted. Id like to try it again and maybe some of the menu items they are becoming well known for.
(3)
Don N.
Johnny was amazing. We basically our menu selections in his hands and he never steered us wrong. Delicious apps, drinks and the freakin sweet potatoes..good god. Next time I am here I will want the same experience. Johnny set the table the delivered the goods.
(5)
Angela L.
Went into this reservation fully expecting the worst and was VERY pleasantly surprised by the service and food. Usually the opening week for any restaurant is a mess, the kitchen and service staff are out of sync, the bartenders are overwhelmed. Not River Roast, from the bar upstairs to the table riverside everything was very well taken care of. Food is great, we had a group of 5 women who like to eat so we ordered four small plates to start that were pretty darned good. I would pass on the Lobster Terrine, pretty meh. Artichokes Barigoule were fantastic, we could have mopped up all the sauce with a loaf of bread and been super happy. Chicago Style Sashimi was very tasty, highly recommend. Be sure to get an order of the Golden Gobbets, they were so good I think we all picked up the little basket to see if there were more. For the entrees we got all three, The Big Fish, Whole Chicken (carved tableside) and the Roast Beef. The Chicken was the favorite, very juicy and great flavor. Fish was tasty but I think it won't be for everyone. Beef, well, it's beef, it was delish. Be sure to order some sides, the whipped parsnips were a huge hit. But the Hogan's Peas were by far my favorite, who doesn't like BACON in their peas? Save room for dessert too, we got the Roost Beer Float, The Fat Elvis and the Dark Chocolate Pudding. All very good, the only issue was that I'm pretty sure the pastry chef used salt instead of sugar in their whipped cream on top, it kind of worked though. Drinks, also good, nice but small wine and beer list and great craft cocktails. Beware the Giant Peach of Doom, that'll put you down for the night but by all means, order the I Was Told There Would Be Dancing. Yum! One bonus, GREAT music selection.
(4)
Megan S.
The atmosphere was absolutely stunning. Priced very fair for the quality of meat. The Beef - Perfectly cooked. I had one of the red wine blends from Washington state - Delicious. I had the peas and the green beans for the sides. I didn't die for them but they were good - just not for me. The potatoes were amazing. Loved it everyone was super great, service was amazing. The view of the river is also to die for.
(4)
Pam H.
Calling this a $$ restaurant location is a stretch, but that is a criticism of Yelp, not the restaurant.We had 2 beers , a cider and 2 (substantial) appetizers and a $90 check including tip. We were there on Friday night after work. I like the restaurant. There is enough noise to feel lively but you can still hear conversation. The room is warm and inviting with , or in spite of, the large windows onto the river. The seating is comfortable, Tables are nicely spaced although we had no trouble hearing the conversation at the next table. I wish they had smaller or salad forks. The pitchfork sized meat forks are too big for pates or salads. I wound up using an oyster fork but a place of this caliber should balance their flatware with the scale of the food item. In dimly lit restaurants, if you use a cream colored stock for your menu paper, make sure your ink choice and font are sufficient to be able to read the menu easily. I liked our waiter. He was informative, there when we needed him and did not hover. We had the charcuterie platter and the foie gras terrine. My friend balked at eating rabbit and he missed the really good rabbit mousse. His loss. More for me. If you get it, use the fruit condiment (?Figs?Currants?). It is an excellent taste balance to the saltiness and tang of the rabbit. The terrines and pate were also tasty, more so when they warmed up to room temperature when we could catch the subtleties of the flavors. Just take them out of the fridge earlier, please. The dry sausage/salami was excellent. It was sliced very thin, well spiced. It would have been impossible to maneuver with the big fork and I am glad I had the oyster fork for that especially. The bread. Thick slices of a country loaf, possible boule which are toasted in the middle of the dining room. It makes for a scrumptious fragrance except for the charred pieces which smell like burnt toast. Unfortunately some of the burnt pieces were served at our table. I don't want to scrape blackened edges off my bread. C'mon guys. Wide selection of craft beers which my friend liked a lot.There are some ciders on the menu with which I am more familiar. Draft cider was an excellent toasty brew, but the 750ml bottles of cider are priced like wine with a similar mark-up. Hmmmm...nope. Back to the prices. Entrees are for 2 persons and certainly the chicken at the next table could have served more than 2 but at $39 looks expensive. The roast beef is $32 for 8oz and IS expensive and the waiter does a nice job of trying to upsell to the 16 and 24 oz portions. $64 for a 16oz piece of meat? Nope, even if it is meant to be shared. Overall, the food was good, the room was nice, but it was too expensive for what was provided. I wouldn't mind coming back on someone else's expense account.
(3)
Marina P.
Crazy good chicken. Great service. Wonderful views. Nothing but compliments for the River Roast!! Alex our server was friendly, competent and so amazing!!!!
(5)
Andy S.
Came here for drinks and dinner on the patio on Sunday and had a great and time. Good food, good drinks, and super friendly staff. Katie walked us through the menu and gave solid recs. the pork was outstanding!
(5)
Karlyn T.
Brews & Blues Brunch - LOVED IT! My boyfriend & I stumbled upon River Roast while on a business trip in Chicago (we're from Miami) last month. And let me tell you, we absolutely loved it! From the gorgeous river views & the blues band to set the perfect ambiance, to the amazing food we were pleasantly surprised! The staff was extremely attentive & professional, too! (We both keep talking about our experience at River Roast!) In fact, I made this account to specifically review this awesome restaurant! I had the french toast & he had a breakfast type burrito. Both servings were large & well worth the cost. We also enjoyed a few delicious brews! Thank you for the awesome experience, River Roast - can't wait to be back in The Windy City to check you out again! (Or you could just come down to warm Miami! )
(5)
Kevin K.
Been there twice, the first time the whole chicken was just incredible. Best chicken I've ever had. Second time it was still good but not quite as good as the first time. The fish is great too though the portion is kinda small; it definitely won't fill up two people. The pork was underwhelming though so I'd stick with the chicken and fish
(5)
Melissa N.
I can't say enough good things about River Roast. My friends and I had a fantastic dining experience here. The ambiance of the place is great: casual but still very modern. I would love to come back again when it's warmer to enjoy the lovely outdoor patio on the river. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. My friends weren't super impressed with the cocktails (one of them literally had an ice cube in it that was four inches squared, leaving room for only about two sips of drink...no thanks). The wine list was good, however, and we had a LOT of the house pinot noir, which was divine. The food was outstanding. We sampled a plethora of dishes. Highlights include the roast chicken, which is incredible: so tender you barely even need to chew it. I'm not usually big on beets, but the beet side dish was great, as were the brussel sprouts, leeks wrapped in prosciutto, mushrooms, and every single thing we consumed. For dessert we shared an apple fritter of sorts that wasn't super impressive, but the lemon dessert was heavenly. I was also impressed by how affordable this place was. Split six ways, we each ended up paying $66, including tip. I expected it to be twice as much based on the amount of food and drink we had. Overall, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Andrew O.
As a regular visitor to the windy city....I have eaten at a variety of different establishments. River Roast has definitely been the highlight of many dining experiences in the city! We had a large group of people with us and ordered a variety of items from the menu to share with the table. Everything was served beautifully and cooked to proper temperature. The chef himself actually came out and greet us. I even asked him to make me a spicy relish for our beef dish. In just a few minutes he whipped up a fantastic array of veggies and herbs to put on our food. Cannot wait to go back again!
(5)
Tom S.
CS magazine could not have been more wrong on their review. We read about the restaurant in the latest CS and it sound like a great spot in the river. It is on the river but that is all they got correct. The menu is limited and the signature dish is chicken. We asked the waitress (one of the 3 times we saw her) recommendations: "the pork is good when we get it right, but chicken is our dish". You get better check at the grocery stores. Lack of flavor and dry. We looked at other tables and the results were the same. Just as big of an issue is we ordered, after hunting down the waitress, and the food was served within 7 minutes. They could at least pretend the food is not sitting in the kitchen warming drawer and give you a few minutes. We were done eating 30minutes from arrival and the Restauarant was empty so no reason to rush us. We asked 3 people for our check and eventually just left enough r cover the bill - the waitress showed as we walked out I make sure we left enough money. The parting words were sort and did you book open table and don't yelp. I am amazed this place has made it a year.
(1)
Sheri B.
Well we were there with a group of 7 the wait staff was in space except for the quick clearing of the table. No coffee refills and the bill had orders that we never received.the chicken was ok. Had to ask to have a waiter cut it up. Had to ask the waiter to redo the bill. All together embarrassing. Took a group from out of town. Stick to the view and maybe a drink and don't go back till they get their act together
(2)
Chris H.
Nearly a shrine built solely for slow braised meats. My boss and co-workers went here for lunch and were simply blown away. They start everyone out with grilled bread and a delightful sweetened cheese spread. My colleagues had fried chicken on enormous biscuit and I had the beef on weck (as good as Buffalo, NY's mainstay). They cook with love and execute dishes expertly. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan have nailed it here and what a location. Did I mention the service? Our waiter was present, knowledgeable and professional; he checked in regularly and helped us gain a better understanding of the menu. Also, hats off to carrying Local Options's beer. I will return!
(5)
T C.
Such a pleasant surprise!!! Love the atmosphere. Unique cocktails. Decent wine list. Fairly limited entree menu but tons of veggie options and starters. (Limited entree menu means you have to be ready to share with your dinner partner as most meals are meant to share.) Went with a friend last night and we shared the fire roasted branzino and brussel sprouts. Both were excellent!! Great flavor, great quality, good presentation too. The "chips" were interesting. Very flavorful but not what I would really want in a side dish. Even the bread "starter" was outstanding! The only reason I gave them a 4 out of 5 is that the service was exceptionally slow. There's a fine art in giving your patrons time to decide and leaving them for extended periods of time. We had a show to go to and was almost late.... But otherwise - great, great, great experience!!!
(4)
Pham D.
I love this new restaurant! Very classy but not mouse food. The portions are enourmous and they even encourage you to bring the chicken home and make chicken noodle soup out of it. Most of the menu is fire-roasted and comes out perfectly crispy and juicy. Their drinks are also amazing. Their location next to the river is picture-perfect!
Blues & Brunch - was fun with live music. Food is decent, a little on the bland side. Too much smoke in dining area from the kitchen. Would suggest outdoor dining area when weather permits. Exceptional beer list with many hard to find brews.
(3)
Julie M.
We celebrated a birthday here a couple nights ago and it was my first time here. The service was impeccable. Every attention to detail was carefully orchestrated. The food presented in a unique and inviting way- many entrees able to be shared (and encouraged). The roast chicken may have been the best I've ever had. The meat was juicy and flavorful while the skin was crispy and savory. The roast beef was cooked perfectly to temperature and the blood orange soft serve ice cream (dessert) is made in house and is phenomenal. I will definitely be returning to this gem on the river (with spectacular views)!
(5)
Cathy N.
Awesome!! Awesome!! Awesome!!! Service. Food. Atmosphere. All just amazing! If you pick one place to go, this is it. Scotch eggs. Shrimp toast. Brandy and homemade frozen yogurt. Yum!
(5)
Dan S.
A solid "B" grade for a decent dinner/night out place. Nice curated beer list, good but somewhat uninspired cocktails, passable wine list. The food is a great concept, roast meats but I found them to be somewhat bland in taste. Carving at the table - ok, here's a bit of a show but none of the flavors really popped or came out and in the case of our chicken - it was a bit dry. Keep refining and working it - we will be back...
(3)
Jeremy S.
Great service! Started with a smile from Grace all the way through to the Chef/Owner, Mr Hogan. The chicken is screamingly moist, rabbit is fantastic and the Hogan Peas.....well, every dam thing we had. Just go. Don't think twice.
(5)
M K.
Food, drink selections, and atmosphere are excellent. If their prices were more reasonable, I would give it 5 stars; it's a bit too pricey IMO.
(4)
Jennifer G.
I went in with mixed expectations and left with mixed reviews. My husband and I stopped in last weekend and it was pretty empty for a Saturday night so we were able to snag a table outside. Unfortunately, many of the tables are blocked from looking into the river by either signs advertising to boats for the restaurant or the flowers. So - really it's a peek a boo sort of view. It was a little disappointing. Our waitress was very nice and described how the chicken roast is prepared and we ordered that. We started with both the chopped and spinach salad. Both were really good and a nice portion - which was great b/c it took a good 35 minutes before our chicken came out. The chicken was juicy - nothing dried out. However, it was just okay. I didn't feel it was over the top great and actually felt a sauce with it would have been nice. We ended up taking some of the chicken and potatoes home and I mixed it up with some different ingredients the next day. For dessert - I asked our waitress how large the soft serve was. She told us it was pretty small in a mason jar and gave us the vibe that we should get two. I was a little annoyed when they came out in pretty good portions - where one would have definitely been enough for both of us. All in all - not bad of a restaurant, but it is certainly not a place I would seek out again.
(2)
Christine S.
Had lunch on a recent Friday. Nice atmosphere, especially the outside seating, but frankly expected better quality food for a restaurant that is associated with Tony Mantuano. We are regulars at Cafe Spiaggia and Bar Toma. First off, our waiter couldn't remember the specials for the day and was uninformed about the wines "by the glass". Good thing we didn't ask for any bottle recommendations! He also wanted us to order our apps and entrees all at once. We don't like doing this because entrees tend to come out too quickly. Even after waiting a few minutes to order our entrees after we ordered our apps, guess what? The entrees still came out too soon and we had just received our apps. Nothing more annoying than a waiter who is untrained both in service and menu. The Wagyu sashimi app was chewy, shouldn't that quality of beef melt in your mouth? The roast chicken for two was dried out and should be fork tender for $39. The Caesar salad was just ok. Didn't expect this poor quality of food and service at a Tony Mantuano restaurant. Very disappointed.
(2)
Yang C.
Totally agree that the roast chickens feed way more than two. Our group of 7 came in and ordered a roast chicken, a roast fish, 6 sides, 4 starters, and 2 salads and got a look from the wait staff as if we had severely under ordered.
(3)
Ryan M.
Good eats....Great Times....Delicious food
(4)
Clare H.
Had a wonderful experience there. The pork was so delicious and our waiter was so friendly. Such a beautiful view of the river, which really added to the ambiance
(5)
Chris N.
Went there last night for a pre-theater dinner. Location is great, and ambience is really nice. Comfortable place, a little loud but intimate. In the summer I bet the outside seating along the river would be fantastic. Food was good but there was a small problem described below. Bread and onion-herb spread was a good treat if not so remarkable. Starter was scotch egg, which was nice - perfectly soft boiled interior in a delicious package. My wife and I shared the roast pork. I am sorry to say that although the pork itself was flavorful, the carved portion we had was dry and overcooked. It reminded me of when I was a kid when my mother would cook pork to white, which in the old days was de rigueur but in modern times is no longer necessary. I was hoping for moist tender pork, but what we got was far from that. Oh dear. Beer, wine and cocktail selection was good. I was disappointed to not get a pint pour for my draft IPA, given the pint-pour price, but that is how it goes sometimes. Service was awesome! Total dinner for two with drinks and an appetizer was $100 plus tip. I am happy overall about the experience. I'd be happy to go back and try again, it's often hard to get roasts just right but that's what they do there :) other peoples' portions looked great.
(3)
Bernie M.
I could be wrong, but I don't see this place lasting. Other than having a table outside on the river, and a very nice staff, I wasn't impressed by anything else. We had the scotch egg as snack, which was the best item we ordered. The leeks wrapped in prosciutto were also good, but aren't most things with prosciutto? The Indian shrimp wasn't good, and we didn't have enough chicken to go around for two people. The quality of the chicken was average at best. Again, great view, and nice being on the river, but I wouldn't think about coming here when the temperature is below 65. Were we really hearing heavy metal/Metallica as background music eating outside on the river? Yep. There's a time and a place for Metallica, but definitely not in that setting.
(2)
DuSable Dining Club C.
Average ratings: Atmosphere-4.1 Service-4.5 Food-4.1 Value-4 Favorite things: Together with friends for the holidays! Spanx That lemon dessert Steph's speech Steph gets drunk the night before weighing in (thanks for such a great tip) Love the company Really good food-pork was great Company was 10 stars+ Jeff's generosity in passing dishes & being patient. Great gifts The sparkly polka dot red box and tool Katie and Lindsay joining us. Cant wait to wear my "gay man" t-shirt Love the new additions-Lindsay and katie The company-thanks for including me!!! Gift exchanges Terri's generosity-she is so giving for her kind!! Shalom! Steph as gay man Always love the company Great night! Great food! Think I'm buzzed-this was great, but I am a little buzzed We were all here-great company Food was great Really enjoyed Always the group Food was great Great music The gifts were great Christmas cheer with my family The pork! Wow! The wine-no way it was just 8 bottles Least favorite things: Having to leave Needed two severs Wish I loved it more Not much My taxi driver Spanks Driving home Leaving General Assessment: Great night-great laughs Eric is a great host 3 out of 5 stars Great place-loved the pork! Love all of you This is great! So fun! Could use better wine selection They close kind of early Fun place, great service Great place-would go back for sure What a great night-great friends!
(4)
Rita J.
We were here twice while in Chicago for a work/pleasure trip. On the first visit, we had the roasted pork with whipped sweet potatoes. The wait staff was prompt, charming and informative. The meal was flavorful. The atmosphere was pleasant...upscale but not stuffy. The second visit was not up to same level. We were seated in a tight two person table that could hardly accommodate the place setting. We were never greeted by the wait staff. A manager noticed we'd been seated for 10 minutes with no drink order. If it hadn't been for her, we wouldn't have been waited on. Our waiter, who never introduced himself, was always coming by AFTER the manager had checked in. After 30 minutes, we got some bread to go with our wine. 45 minutes after ordering, our entree, the roast chicken, arrived. It was tasty but I was beyond hungry by then. At least they comped our drinks and dessert to make up for the lackluster service. Perhaps it was a fluke...I sure hope so because it's a really great restaurant.
(3)
Carole G.
Not a good evening. Went hoping for the best and it was a disappointment. Waiter was difficult to understand and could not explain items on menu. Ordered a bottle of wine and it was out of stock. Ordered chicken and it was dry. When bus person picked up plates he referred to Hogan's peas as soup. Go figure. Wait staff needs to be better informed of menu.
(1)
bridget j.
A friend told us about this place and we decided to give it a try. The pros: the service was excellent; the food was perfect. We had the pork and the sweet potatoes and there wasn't anything left. Which leads to the cons: The portions are too small for the price. We had wine at $13 a glass and it was served a quarter of the glass full. We dine out enough to know this was a small portion. Also, the main entree is listed on the menu to share for 2, but it wasn't enough. We ate everything and while it was tasty it was also that we were almost left hungry. I will go back, but with a larger group and order more sides to split.
(3)
Emily P.
First time experience with River Roast, and I wasn't disappointed. We got the muscles and port meatballs for appetizers and both were delicious. The muscles were slightly undercooked but the chef brought out a fresh batch right away and gave a complementary dessert! For the entree we had the chicken, which we were told they're known for. After having it I could see why! Cooked perfectly, juicy, crispy skin. Delicious. Overall a good experience.
(4)
Kristen K.
Went to River Roast for Sunday brunch and to say that it was delightful would be an understatement! Beautifully re-modeled interior and outdoor seating, decadent morsels and original tasty cocktails, friendly service - all in a prime location! Who could ask for anything more? I recommend ordering a few entrees to share (shrimp and grits!! Hogan's peas, local tomatoes with ricotta, shrimp toasts, oh my)- because sampling the RR menu is !the only way to do it We also ordered a roasted chicken for the table which was so delicious that even my 5 year old asked for more... And they come with roast potatoes that taste like they've grown a skin of gourmet potato chips around them. They were super accommodating to my picky daughter and she devoured the waffles with a side order of biscuits with honey. A must-go new hot spot!
(5)
neal s.
This was a disappointment. Everything was fine, but nothing was memorable. Our party shared the fish and the roast meat. The fish presentation was outstanding (ironically, despite the name of the restaurant the recommended preparation is fried) was a tiny bit overdone. My friends that have eaten there recommended the chicken and have commented how good it was but at $42 (for two, it did look gigantic) I won't be running back. I will probably give it another try because I had gone within the first two days of opening and may have still been working out the kinks. They do shave nice outdoor tables and the wait staff was very eager to please. Still, with the lineage of the owners and chef's my visit was not impressive.
(2)
Jassen S.
Great experience here. Staff bent over backwards make this a special restaurant. From managers that step in to help out, friendly greeters, great bartenders and a wonderful host....great staff. The roast chicken was hands down the best chicken I've ever tasted. I am not sure how you get a roast chicken to be as tender and juicy as deep fried, but they have. Amazing! Solid beer list. Good cocktails...with a bar staff willing to go off the menu. Kyle and Derrick are solid drink makers. Worth the extra wait to eat outside. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kristina O.
Recently opened up, spectacular views of the River, AND a menu men and women can adore. I planned a date for my boyfriend and this was our last stop for dinner on a beautiful Saturday night. We were seated promptly at a wonderful table. The views were amazing, the atmosphere was great for dates or groups, with a moderate noise level. Service: Excellent. Our waitor did a great job rattling off specials, descriptions, and suggestions. Food: We got the Whole Chicken (who wouldn't?) with sides of Curried Cauliflower, the Peas (more than just peas), and Leeks (more than just leeks). Everything was divine, including and especially the house-made PUNCH (I would have had more than 2 except I would have went right to sleep)! Take a group or date! Remember to get the PUNCH!
(5)
A W.
Simple concept without a complicated menu. Service was awesome, as were the cocktails. I got to keep my flask that the cocktail was served in, built into the price of the drunk... oops i mean drink. The fried fish came out bonless, with head and tail still attached. The roast beef was charred on the outside and tender and juicy inside. I was a little surprised to see the place wasnt too busy, albeit a Sunday night.
(4)
Jerry M.
Had dinner there this past Friday. Everything was perfect. Party of four 7:30 reservation has us seated by 7:20pm. Waiter was attentive & informed. Chef Hogan visited our table & made suggestions. Food was excellent & flavor was amazing. Will definitely be back to River Roast.
(5)
Eric S.
Fantastic restaurant. I've been here multiple times and every time it's been delicious. Great entrees, appetizers, sides, and drink menu. It's now my go-to place to take people when they come to visit.
(5)
Haydar M.
$100 for dry fried potatos, gamey beef with a giant wad of fat with two fried eggs on an old brioche. and a roast that was cut way too soon and was swimming in blood.. very shameful.. was expecting high hopes from this place. server was way too nervous to be kind or attentive. despite the nice design/decor. i wouldn't give this place more than 6 months.
(1)
Joshua D.
We came to River Roast for our anniversary dinner. We spoke to the executive chef at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready. We knew what we wanted to order before we were seated so we ordered rabbit, artichoke hearts, and shrimp. The first app came after an hour, the entree came 20 minutes later. The other two apps came after the entree. Every single bit of food we ate was absolutely delicious. That and how the staff apologized and bent over backward for our troubles. It a newer restaurant so they are working things out, so we had to cut some slack! Food is amazing, drinks were strong, amazing city views. Try the rabbit!
(4)
Leah L.
We shared two roasted fish for three of us. Delicious!
(5)
Cate S.
I've been here a few times for lunch and have been impressed each time by the quality of the food, the speed in which it is delivered and by the staff who are incredibly friendly (Ive found some wait staff in Chicago to be snobby - not here). I have't tried their Sunday Blues Brunch yet but it is on my to-do list!
(4)
Arti I.
I am not really one to gush, but I will make an exception for River Roast. You can tell right when you first sit down these people LOVE food. The waiter was absolutely lovely and described every dish we asked about in incredible mouth watering detail and when the food came out it exceeded the hype. Everything is carved right in front of you and meant for sharing family style! The big fish was my favorite by far, flakey and crispy on the outside and beautifully tender as you bite in. The RR potatoes are the perfect pair with whatever roast you pick. In short: everyone should RUN to River Roast and enjoy a truly unique dining experience
(5)
Art R.
Great food, great service. We had roasted chicken for two, one of the signature dishes. It came quickly even though we were warned that it could take 20 minutes. Our server, Rodrigo went above and beyond normal expectation when we ordered Baileys and coffee only to find out that they did not have Baileys. Unprompted, he found a bourbon with cream which ended up tasting better than Baileys.
(5)
Bryan R.
Second time eating here and we had the beef. It was really really good. What was even better was the service that we received. Our waiter Carlos was well versed on the food and the back story of the chefs. He was one of the better waiters we've had at any restaurant. I have recommended this place to two different people that both had great experiences and one of which has already returned for a second time. You can't beat the view being on the river when it is nice out. This place is just plain great.
(5)
Nicole I.
I had my wedding reception at River Roast (formerly Fultons) and it was perfect! Hilary, the events coordinator, is so easy to work with and her and her team did an amazing job leading up to the big day and the day of! They handled everything! The food was also amazing. My guest are still raving about it! The view wasn't too bad either :)
(5)
Paul C.
Came here after work with a party of 6 and were quickly seated at a riverside table with a great view. Just had drinks and appetizers to share. Everything was very tasty and the service was great. I can't wait to come back for dinner. On the inside, they did a great job of separating the banquet rooms from the main bar and restaurant. That was one of the biggest problems with the old incarnations at this location - it always felt abandoned and empty regardless of how many people were there. The remodeling is very nice. Finally, glad to see John Hogan is back in the saddle here - I always enjoyed everything at Keefer's where he was executive chef. It's about time this location gets it right!
(5)
Michele K.
TERRIBLE FOOD, AN EMBARRASSMENT. 67 PEOPLE, $7500 rehearsal dinner. BAD. This redone restaurant, on the river with a Great location IS A LOSER for food and presentation. The menu we chose, pulled pork, bbq chicken, roasted veg. tater tot, corn bread, goat cheese salad sounded great for the event, but was like serving from a CHEAP buffet. One bowl of each was set up. An unadorned skimpy presentation. The bowls, standard serving sized were refilled, but a long line of guests getting food out of a bowl that I would choose to serve for 10 guests in my home looked like the meal was done on the cheap. The flavors: Meats were edible, again presentation was meat in a bowl unadorned. Corn bread salty and dry, roasted vegs, dry and tasteless, the salad was over dressed with 6" diameter globs of soft goat cheese that couldn't be dished easily (or at all as who wants a glob of cheese on soggy lettuce?), tater tot first service was luke warm. The desserts - Brownies, Cookies & Rice Krispy Treats were set on a small 2 top table, ON ONE DINNER SIZED PLATE, with coffee and tea. We had 67 people! Although It was refilled, I couldn't believe that my dessert table had a plate with 6 cookies and a couple of brownies and rice treats. There was nothing plentiful or abundant, or classy or welcoming or beautiful or professional about the food presentation. Because it was a rehearsal dinner for a joyous occasion a good time was had despite the venue, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND THIS VENUE. One week after a call about our unhappy experience, I still have not heard from the new chef/owner/manager of the catered venue department. This very expensive evening was the only bomb of a week filled with wonderful foods all over town. Go elsewhere.
(1)
Caitlin S.
Loved this place. We just ordered a few item from the "bites" menu and shared them as our meal because we wanted to try so many!! Food was good, service was good and so is location. We made a reservation so we could get a table outside, but it didn't seem horribly crowded for a Thursday night.
(5)
Nate A.
Overall an ok experience but not too impressed especially considering the price. Was with a table of five so we had the chicken, pork and big fish roasts. All of them were good but none of them stood out as memorable. The side dishes pretty standard as well. The best thing we had all night was the pork meatballs which had a nice smoked flavor to it. I recommend those. I guess I just expected more flavor in the rest of the dishes. Service decent but also a little choppy. Ok experience overall but not planning on going back for that price point.
(3)
Andy G.
Solid place right on the river. The food is excellent and service is great. I was at River Roast for a business dinner so the "family style" menu could have made for an awkward evening had I not had excellent guests. The menu is spectacular but tread lightly if you're on a budget because it can add up quickly.
(3)
Doni N.
Stopped in last night with two friends and had a wonderful meal. I arrived before my friends and sat at the downstairs bar and had a great conversation with the bartender about the menu. He was very helpful and ran down a list of his favorites. My friends and I ordered the Whole Chicken, the Roast Beef and roast vegetables for our entree, we also split the chopped salad between the three of us. I would recommend this to anybody.
(5)
Teresa T.
Went for Sunday brunch while in Chicago over the holidays. Great atmosphere - had live blues. Seating/set up is spacious so you are not in the conversation at the next table. Waffles with rabbit was awesome - waffles crisp on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside. Rabbit was breaded and fried - moist and juicy - well seasoned. Crab omelette was good but could have been better. Fresh but a little bland. Service was excellent - attentive but not fussy. Will go back next time we're in the city.
(4)
Brian S.
Smoked then roasted chicken was crazy good.
(5)
Terri M.
We hosted our wedding reception at the River Roast. We had approximately 90 guests in attendance. The night was absolutely amazing! The downstairs area is gorgeous when decorated. The service was impeccable. The staff is truly accommodating. The food was delicious! The night was truly perfect. I HIGHLY recommend hosting your next event at this restaurant!
(5)
Ann M.
River Roast has amazing food. I had their roast beef sandwich for lunch and it was delicious!! The popcorn shrimp was a great way to start our meal. The shrimp came with a spicy dipping sauce which complimented the shrimp perfectly. The restaurant has scenic views of the river. I can't wait to go back and try their roasts!! The server, Alex, was friendly and attentive. He described the food so well that we both ordered the specials!!
(5)
Rafal S.
Fantastic food. Great addition to the Chicago restaurant scene. The best chicken I've ever tasted. The charcuterie board and Hogan's peas are a must try. A great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Chef John Hogan hosts some of the best local blues talent around. Fine food and great music. Can't go wrong! Will definitely be back!!
(5)
Geoffery H.
Great food and the service was good as well. We sat outside along the river, wonderful experience!
(5)
Brandon D.
Very cool modern and comfortable atmosphere, with a great view of the river. Service was fast and very friendly. My bloody mary was perfect, and the lobster burger was nothing short of amazing. To top it off, they have a really nice blues band that plays during brunch on Saturdays. You gotta check it out.
(5)
Kristina W.
I ate at River Roast recently with 3 other girls and we were all really impressed. The roast chicken and roast fish were so flavorful and huge portions. Every appetizer we ordered was better than to one before it. The only unimpressive order was the Fat Elvis dessert, which was just meh. The place had a nice vibe too - trendy yet cozy. Was the restaurant life changing? Probably not. Do I want to come back? Most definitely.
(4)
Mel D.
Stopped here for meat since we're trying to eat Paleo! 2:30 pm Saturday. Great meal. Great setting. Right on river. We had the roast chicken and lightly crispy fish and tomato salad w fresh ricotta. All of it was very tasty. Would recommend all 3. And the potatoes that came with both meats were delicious. This meal was cheating on the true Paleo way with the light crispiness of fish and fried potatoes. Ah well....it's a journey! It was worth it. They had only been open 10 days.
(5)
Christopher J.
Great place excellent Rack of Pork,service and drinks. Best of all live Blues Saturday and Sunday at lunch!
(5)
Max L.
Chicken and service was outstanding....sit in Julio's section. The bourbon popcorn appetizer for $5 was a steal!
(4)
D H.
Nice location--I only had appetizers which were okay.
(3)
Karen D.
My husband & I had out annual "Christmas lunch date" at River Roast today & we loved everything about this place! It was pretty full when we arrived & yet we were able to carry on a conversation without having to scream at one another: we immediately knew things were headed in the right direction! We were going to share a salad - when we asked, our server told us they were large - but then we saw the Scotch egg appetizer. Our server explained that they serve them soft boiled instead of hard boiled - we said the heck with the greens, bring us each one of those! Scrumptious, a great starter. Then we shared the pork roast - so moist & tender, sliced off the bone, but the bones are left to chew on (our server encouraged us to do so!). Served over an apple-cider-vinegar-cinnamony concoction that we just kept swirling our bites of pork in! Nice fat cap left on the pork - melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Honestly. Great potatoes. We had the Mexican chocolate soft serve ice cream for dessert: nice little after-burn, just enough to keep it interesting. The total package: ambiance, service, food, all perfectly done. Can't wait to go back & bring friends.
(5)
Nancy R.
Great view in nice setting--but $40 for a whole chicken?????Truth is the chicken was fine but no better than the $6.00 chicken from Costco. We ordered the meat, the fish, the chicken, the $10 squash popovers, the chopped salad, the turnips. and the mushrooms. All were good...None were great.....all were really pricy...Come for the hype, come for the views, come for a special occasion....or save some money and splurge with a boat ride on the river
(3)
nu r.
Recently came here for dinner when my mom was in town. Food was delicious (we had the chicken, hogans peas and the shrimp toast and sashimi to start) and the service was exceptional. Everyone was very nice and knowledgeable. The ambiance was also great - we had a table on the patio right on the river. Great spot!
(4)
Amanda K.
Delish! Went there for lunch, sat outside on their wonderful terrace. Wanted to get the whole chicken but the server (who was excellent) said their oven wasn't functioning properly and it wasn't up to standard. So we went with the beef, which was good (but I would have preferred the chicken). The crispy potatoes it came with were AMAZING and the side of peas we ordered were too. I also enjoyed the bread and spread (with crispy onions) they brought out first. Definitely look forward to going again!
(4)
Alexis F.
not great. service took forever and food was average at best.
(1)
David B.
Great bar tending with designer cocktails for $12. Whole roast chicken with table side dining was to die for and plenty of food for 2 people. The potatoes in the chicken were amazing. Awesome views of the river. Great for a fancy night out without breaking the bank.
(5)
Mike G.
Simply terrific! Food, service and team.....all good. Thank you for a terrific evening.
(5)
Adele G.
Had a blast here! Camped at the bar with a friend for a few hours and yukked it up with the bartenders, pairing different cocktails with everything we ordered. The food was spot-on, charcuterie AMAZING (the duck prosciutto to die for), and really had a ton of laughs with the bartenders. Will definitely be coming back here for the meat-centric menu and to work my way through their food. Couldn't be more pleased. Nicely done!
(5)
Kelly M.
Wonderful! Try the smoked trout, oysters , and whole chicken. Wonderful addition to the river.
(5)
N G.
We had a party of 8. Nice decor and great bar. Food is over priced-$39 for a roasted Chicken with a few crispy potatoes. Chicken was ok. But not worth the price. Fish is served with head on. We asked to have it fileted. The amount of fish was small and my main complaint is it had too many bones in it. It was supposed to have been deboned. Too many other better restaurants in Chicago that have better fish. Sides are pricey and small. We tried the mashed turnips. No one ate more than a teaspoon of them. Overall as a group we were not impressed and will not return.
(2)
Elyse B.
Very disappointing and ordinary. I expected something special. The chicken was dry and without much flavor, likely because it was too large a bird and was overcooked. The fish was not flavorful. Vegetables (curried cauliflower and succotash) were better, though not enough to make me return, and did not come close to the flavors of vegetables at The Girl and The Goat. The potatoes were the only delicious dish served. The waiter was an odd combination of pushy and disinterested. Even the vibe of the restaurant was off; there were empty tables (on Saturday night) and a crowd waiting, people in sequins and in jeans, and generally a very touristy looking crowd. Miss this restaurant-- there are far better places to go.
(2)
Michael P.
The food is fantastic. We had fried chicken appetizer that was 5 out of 5. I had the daily special patty melt. This was the best patty melt ever. It was not a patty but roast beef. Made up just like a patty melt but with roast beef. Should be a full time menu item. So why not 5 stars? This is the 5th or 6th restaurant in the same place. The environment did not impress me. OK it is along the Chicago river. But there are other places along the river. It was missing something in the decor. The waiter was eh. Did not know the menu did not care to find out the answers to the questions. I asked for Pelegrino I got some other bottled carbonated water. I did not care but usually you would have the water say is xyz ok instead. Again waiter did not care. I will go again since it is only a 5 minute walk from my work. Hopefully better waiter.
(4)
Dara B.
We visited as tourists from New York and had a great time! Came for drinks on Saturday night and liked it so much we came back for brunch on Sunday! Live music at brunch is perfect, beer selection great, staff super nice. Would recommend!
(5)
J. G.
The service is excellent. The ambiance is terrific. The pork roast entree was amazing, but everything else was simply underwhelming. Such grand ideas for the appetizers and extras, but in the end those items sounded better than they tasted. The chorizo stuffed olives were bland, and let me reiterate that these were fried olives stuffed with chorizo resting on fondue cheese and yet somehow, couldn't taste anything but olive. The Brussels sprouts lacked appealing texture or flavor, but had a nice afterkick thanks to the Fresno chiles. The roasted potatoes were nothing to write home about, despite quite a bit of hype from the server. Even the cornbread that came with the pork entree was weirdly seasoned with herbs that overpowered the heartiness of a cornbread muffin. But all that said, the kitchen definitely knows what it's doing with the meat. We only had the pork, but numerous tables around us had the chicken and roast beef and all we heard was raving. So let me rave a little about the pork as well. Unbelievably tender and flavorful. Seasoned in a way that I've never had pork before. The flavor has stuck with me and I can't wait to go back and get more. They claim it serves two, but we took about half home with us and it reheated wonderfully. Another bright spot was the Lemon Trifle dessert. It was sturdy, but still light and tasty. If you go, stick to the meats because that's where River Roast truly shines.
(4)
Robin M.
We enjoyed our first visit to river roast to have a birthday celebration for a friend last evening. The food was wonderful but the menu is limited. We started with 2 shared salads. We then shared the fire roasted fish...excellent. The other 3 adults shared the whole roasted chicken plus the beef. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I would suggest you also try the veggie sides! Really lovely concept and service. This place is a keeper! The only complaint--the room is noisy It was hard to hold a conversation. But go there! The outdoor seating along the river would have been our choice but it was rainy and cold! Enjoy!!!
(5)
Amanda B.
It was delicious, the meals are mostly made for two people so it's really not too expensive, about 20-30 a person. The pork was amazing and the crap toast appetizer was delicious!
(4)
Roni S.
All went well
(3)
Bryan A.
Stopped in between meetings for lunch. The atmosphere is upbeat and its busy. Food is phenomenal, iced tea is exceptional (nothing I'd ever expect to comment on but it warrants it) the staff is attentive even with the hustle and bustle. The food us noteworthy..traditional lyonnaise with perfect soft boiled egg. All the food I see around looks great. Definitely stop in.
(5)
Jackie C.
We came here for a group dinner and the food was to die for! It is pricey but let me say there is A LOT OF FOOD! You do get what you pay for. It is a great place to go for a special occasion or out of town friends .
(4)
Lisa H.
Food & cocktails were amazing, but my entire group left with heads from the live music sound level, way too loud for a brunch set!
(3)
M P.
We were one of 4 couples who ate here together last week and I don't think any of us will be returning anytime soon. When making the reservation we requested a round table and were told that the chefs table (the only round table in the joint) would be ours the night of our dinner. We received a confirmation call 2 days before the dinner during which we reconfirmed the chefs table and the morning of the dinner we also called to triple confirm the round table. Just so everyone is keeping track, that is three times we have been told (by three different people) the chefs table is ours. Well lo and behold when we arrive the chefs table has been given to someone else. When we inquire with the hostess as to what has happened she tells us that there is no record of us having reserved the chefs table and is completely uninterested in making the situation right. Finally, we end up getting seated in the back at a cozy table and shortly thereafter a few appetizers are brought out on the house, a nice gesture, but by no means nice enough to make up for the table screw up. The appetizers are fine, not outstanding as is the main course. Following the main course 6 desserts are brought out (we're told also on the house), which again were fine, not outstanding. Finally the bill comes and of the 6 desserts that arrived at the table, only 4 of them are comped. Now the thing is, we didn't order any of them - they just arrived at our table. So we're paying for 2 mediocre desserts that we didn't even order. As for the service, our waitress couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating. But the hostess was unhelpful and dare I say a little standoffish. She clearly knew someone (perhaps her) had screwed up and made what amounted to a failed effort to make it right. Honestly, they couldn't even comp a bill correctly. Enter at your own risk.
(1)
Marisa Y.
Came here for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend and two of my best friends from undergrad. I would consider coming back, but thought the food was overall just ok. We ordered the seared bay scallops, the country fried rabbit, the roast chicken, leeks, and Hogan's peas. The good: The rave reviews on the roast chicken are spot on and I would definitely come back just to order that again. The potatoes that are served with the chicken are amazing. I think the fat drips of the chicken and into them...or something fatty and addicting does because I couldn't eat enough of the potatoes. The country fried rabbit was also delicious. I'm pretty sure my boyfriend will only come back if we order that. He loved it so much he's still talking about it. The seared bay scallops were also cooked perfectly. Finally, our server was awesome and very attentive. My boyfriend asked a question about a beer and without any prompting, our server brought back two sampler sizes so that he could order a drink he liked. The bad: The leeks and peas were....gross. Maybe that's why I'm a little soured on the place. The leeks were a weird consistency and the peas were far too bland. I guess if I come back I would try something else. I was really surprised about the peas too after reading so many people say fantastic things. I can't remember the name of the dessert we ordered, but that's probably because it wasn't great.
(3)
Jay D.
We had a wonderful experience. We went during Restaurant Week. Fortunately, the dinner option included the chicken roast. Our salad was mixed with different types of olives (perhaps too many) and goat cheese. Dressing was perfectly balanced and light. Our dinner was the chicken roast. Brought to your table as a whole roasted bird upended on a cast-iron skillet. Another server shaves the bird for you down into the skillet, which also contains roasted potatoes. Not only is it a great presentation, but tastes incredible. The chicken has a crisp, seasoned skin that is absolutely incredible. The meat was so juicy and tender it melts in your mouth. And the potatoes...oh wow...the potatoes...if only I could replicate these at home. Crisp, not greasy, and seasoned perfectly. Just an amazing presentation for food that was don't perfectly. We also opted to order a side of the whipped sweet potatoes made with chipotle and vanilla. They were also very good with a light sweetness, hint of vanilla and a little bit of a kick (give it a few seconds after you take a bite). Great combination of flavors. Honestly, between the roasted potatoes and these and the chicken it was probably a bit much but we wanted to try as much as we could. I also took a picture of an elaborate wooden case they were using to infuse vodka with ginger for a signature drink. We don't drink, but it did sound amazing. Dessert of the restaurant week menu was two small dessert cups. We eat a lot at dinner, but we were pretty full at this point, so the size for us was perfect. One was chocolate pudding. Dense, dark chocolate pudding with a layer of thick cream and chocolate shavings. It was small, but we were so full at this point, it was actually just the right size. The other cup was a lemon trifle which was very tart, but I love lemon and my partner doesn't. So I ate that one myself. Small bites because the tartness was a little jarring. However, it still tasted amazing and again, was just the right size for the amount we had for dinner. Our server was so attentive and friendly, the guy who cut our chicken was also great and assured us on all the gluten that was taken out of the dish. I had made a note on the reservation and they had made sure the potatoes were prepared away from gluten. Loved that the hosts come around and ask how dinner is as well. I don't think that is done enough. It was a nice touch. The space itself is beautiful with a lot of added touches you might miss (i.e. the Big Blue Ribbons on the chicken wire on a wall). Rustic barn wood on the walls and interior spaces. And, of course the amazing space overlooking the river that Fulton's was always known for. Though this was the night before the big snow and we didn't go out, it was nice to watch the river and snow fall. It looks like they have great event space as going to the restroom, the place was a huge space and had a really nice group room as well and a back bar for events. Overall amazing experience from the decor, to the friendly service and amazing food.
(5)
Stacy P.
Warning Not the place for corporate dinners. No concept of how to feed groups. Food good, desert is sad, space not condusive to privacy or movement.
(1)
Thomas P.
Interesting menu with dishes that are more geared towards family style sharing. We got the roast pork, roast chicken, fish (sea bass), and veggies plus several extra sides. All of the food was amazing, and for someone who's not big on roast fish, that bass came out absolutely perfect. The roast pork was probably my favorite and it came in 3 styles; ribs, loins and rib end bits that were nice an fatty/crispy. The chicken was quite a show and carved tableside and served on a bed of the most crispy potatoes I've ever had. The only down side was the drinks to go with such amazing food was a little lacking. What they had was good, but everything seemed to be served in little juice glasses. The inside gets a little loud but they also have a great patio area right next to the river so on nice summer days it's a great option.
(4)
Damion W.
Great view, great food, great service. Terrific beer selection - not in terms of volume, but in terms of quality. Friendly and accommodating staff - everyone greeted and thanked us on the way in and on the way it. Can't believe that a few minor mistakes prompted them to comp our entire order, drinks and all! Truly amazed and recommend River Roast. Will eat here again when I'm back in Chicago.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Hands down best chicken I have had in the city and I have defiantly had a lot of chicken. Our family owns a chicken farm and we've had chefs prepare our chicken and River Roast is among the top 2 chickens i have ever had! The server explained to us how the cooking process is done and I was amazed they got the chicken to taste the way they did and be so juicy without being fried and buttered up! Our server was amazing and super knowledgeable! They had a great selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. The atmosphere of the place is laid back and very country modern type. I really enjoyed my experience here and defiantly coming back!
(5)
Brittany S.
I really can't say enough good things about this place. The atmosphere, the service, the cocktails, the whiskey selection, and the FOOD! This was hands down one of the best restaurant experiences I've had downtown. I saw Chef John on WGN earlier this week, he made everything sound so good and look delicious, so we decided to go there for our one year. It was so great from start to finish, and it was really neat seeing John so active throughout the entire restaurant. Our server, Andre, was incredibly knowledgable and not to mention hilarious. He kept us laughing all while making sure we had a great dinner. We'll definitely be back for brunch and blues and I cannot wait to sit riverside on the patio this summer. Great job guys!
(5)
Lisa G.
I was so excited when I found out that River Roast has live music outside during the weekends for brunch. Unfortunately, the service was so bad that it ruined the experience for us. With so many great places to dine in the city, I don't think we'll be back. Disappointed. I'm giving it two stars because while we were waiting for our table, the bartender inside was very nice and on top of our drink orders. I guess the service outside is a different story. And the food was just okay.
(2)
Erin Y.
Prime location, but just okay dinner experience. We had a large party of people and ordered a fairly large amount of food. First things first, appetizers. We enjoyed the shrimp, crab, and avocado toast. The mussels were delicious. The scotch egg was well executed. The country fried rabbit with honey was very good, only complaint being that the biscuit was too hard. The scallops were tasty. However, the sauce on the ravioli was so salty it basically rendered the dish inedible. Next up, entrees. I had the roast beef, which didn't blow me away. It was cooked perfectly, but lacked that melt-in-your-mouth quality I expected. It was also on the salty side, and I found myself slathering on the horseradish cream to offset this, even though I don't like horseradish. In our party, 3 racks of pork were ordered. One was perfectly cooked and delicious. One was on the dry side and just needed extra sauce. One was so dry the slices resembled hockey pucks and couldn't even bend. That one was sent back, and the replacement was much better. Chicken could have been juicier, and nothing special about the fish. Disappointing, especially when River Roast supposedly has the best roast chicken in Chicago. Crispy potatoes were good, but some dishes were too salty. We also ordered a lot of sides with the roasts. The Brussels sprouts and peas were delicious, among the highlights of the meal. The sweet potatoes were also pretty good, and left a nice spicy finish. Mushrooms needed salt, and cheesy turnips were just bad. Cold, hard, bleh. Moving on to dessert. We ordered the seasonal fruit pie and lemon trifle. The trifle was pretty good, very lemony and refreshing. Like a lemon meringue pie. The fruit pie was peach apple cranberry. I enjoyed the pie, but really nothing special about it. Overall, I was slightly disappointed with River Roast after having such high expectations. While some of the sides and appetizers were great, none of the main roasts blew me away. It's an overrated restaurant, and they need to step up their game.
(3)
Christina C.
Absolutely yummy! Definitely recommend! Recommend the chicken. Service is great just like the food!
(5)
Kelsey K.
I don't really like a la carte restaurants because it kind of bugs me to pay so much for just the meat and then also have to buy the sides separately, but this place blew me out of the water. I don't know what they did to that chicken, but it was as good as a steak, if not better. The beer selection is solid (they had a sour on tap, which is my favorite but not the most popular). My husband and were thrilled with our meal - we ordered two bar snacks (house pickles and scotch egg) the chicken and one side, plus dessert and drinks, and were really shocked at how reasonably priced everything was. I want to go back, already, and there are so many good restaurants in Chicago still to try. This place was really special and will definitely stand out in your mind.
(5)
Kelly K.
An awesome spot to eat on the river. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so that we can sit outside again! The roast chicken is one of the best I have ever had- definitely recommend it. If you like cheese curds, those are a must have.
(4)
Amy M.
My Sister and I came to River Roast for a very special event. It was the 100th Anniversary Weekend of the Eastland Disaster and the wonderful folks at the Eastland Disaster Society set up a lunch for the group which consisted of family members with a connection to the disaster. For those not familiar with the Eastland Disaster, 844 people perished in the Chicago River when the boat they had just boarded, the Eastland rolled over into the river right in front of the location where the restaurant is now - between Clark and LaSalle Streets. Since our group was very large as we entered the restaurant we were directed to find a seat on the main level if we had a blue star on our name badge and downstairs if we had a red star. We were then instructed to take a drink from a table as we walked in. Even though my Sister and I submitted our registration form together somehow we both wound up with different colored stars on our name badges. Not wanting to be separated from my Sister I thought it would be ok if I sat on the main level with her as could one person sitting on the wrong level really make a difference? I grabbed a glass of lemonade and we found a nice table near the window and introduced ourselves to several other folks who were already seated at the table. We began sharing our family stories about our relatives who either survived or were victims on that day 100 years ago. A few minutes later a female sever came by and asked to see the back of our name badges as our choice of entree was listed on the back. A few minutes after that a manager came to our table and told me that I had the wrong color star on my name badge and that I would need to move to a table on the lower level. I explained to her that this was a family event and that it was important for me to stay with my Sister. We then suggested that that we would both be happy to move to the lower level together if it was really necessary. The manager said no "you need to move downstairs and she has to stay up here because you have a red star". Everyone else at our table just looked on in disbelief and at this point I was very embarrassed. I pointed out to the manager that there still appeared to be plenty of open seats on our level and that how could one person being on the wrong level really make a difference? She then said, no all of the seats will be filled and you need to move. I then asked her to please make an exception and by this time the other guests at our table were beginning to eat their salads. She then said she would have to check to see what could be done and walked away. Our special lunch was not starting off well and by this time I was really upset by the big deal this manager was making over one guest sitting on the "wrong" level because she had the "incorrect" color star! After I was nearly finished with my salad the manager came back and said that I could stay where I was. A rather insincere apology was offered. It was very obvious by that time that there were several empty seats nearby. Our salads very good - fresh and colorful and our chicken sandwiches were also good. Portions were very large and my Sister was only able to eat half of her chicken sandwich so she then asked our server if she could take her leftovers to go. The server said that because they were so busy with the large group, they would not be providing anyone with to-go containers. I know that the staff was busy with such a large group but how unreasonable would it be to simply have some to-go bags on hand to provide to anyone who wished to take a half sandwich home? The dessert was advertised as banana pudding with caramel sauce. However when it was served it appeared that no one received any caramel sauce with their pudding. I'm not sure if they ran out or if the staff was simply in too much of a hurry to bother with it. No explanation was given and at this point of the meal it seemed pointless to ask especially if the staff was too busy to even provide a to-go container. This was our first experience dining at River Roast and it was disappointing especially considering that it was meant to be a special event to commemorate an event that meant so much to us and is such an important part of Chicago's history. We each paid $37 for this lunch and the servers did not even serve us any drinks as everyone picked up a soft drink from the table as we walked in. Perhaps the staff at River Roast does not have much experience dealing with a large group but I think the staff (manager included) could benefit from some additional customer service training.
(2)
Mike K.
Stopped in yesterday for lunch on our way to MCA. Seated right away on patio overlooking River, good seats. Our waiter was very busy as it seems he was the only one outside. As a result he was not attentive. We were looking for a light lunch he suggested the whole chicken at $39. The kids next to us got it it looked amazing but too much for lunch. We got the blue burger and chicken salad both were good. Overall good just don't expect great service with your view of the water.
(3)
Jeanette P.
Went there the other night with three other friends. Unfortunately, this Chicago weather didn't cooperate and it was too cold to sit outside (boo!). But the food! The food was fantastic! We started with the Scotch egg, house pickles and the pork meatballs. All very good. We shared the big fish (australian sea bass) and whole chicken - both were phenomenal. The fish was seasoned so well and the chicken was moist and cooked perfectly. We may have over-ordered our starter and dinner (haha), so there was no room for dessert. From what I saw, it looked good. And if their desserts taste as good as their other courses, you couldn't go wrong.
(4)
K B.
This review is solely for the chicken. Although it was cooked to perfection, it was extremely bland and the skin had the most bizarre flavor that I just couldn't put my finger on. It was almost sweet and I just really was not impressed at all, in fact we did not finish more than half a breast each before losing our appetite. To be fair, management apologized and comped us $15 off our meal. I just really cannot get over how odd that chicken tasted.
(2)
Katie S.
Fairly unmemorable dinner so much that I couldn't even recall at first what I ate when a coworker asked this morning. However I'll give you the rundown... Tasty: Supper Club Mushrooms (100% my fave), Hoosier Mama Apple Pie w/ Cinnamon Ice Cream (ice cream was ridic), and the Fire Roasted Indiana Shrimp app was good too. The Whole Chicken Roast was decent (juicy with crispy skin), but I wouldn't say noteworthy and the presentation, while I get goes with the whole theme, was a little unappetizing. Smoked Trout app came with a weird battery cauliflower pancake that was just odd. While I won't be running back to River Roast for dinner due to the average food and business work environment, I think when the sun decides to come back in 6 months or so and you can sit outside along the river, it will highly improve the ambiance. May need to come back for lunch or brunch as I hear they are better received.
(3)
Gordon B.
Great find for river north area. 10 minute walk from our river front hotel and well worth it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We went with the chicken for two. The chicken was cooked perfectly. Juicy and skin crispy like chicken bacon... Hard to say if I have had better. The sides: We had Brussels Sprouts prepared with Honey, Fresno Chile and Root Vegetables prepared with Maple Syrup. Sprouts were the better of the two but both were a good pick. We were celebrating our 33rd anniversary and could have not picked a better place in the area. Thanks for the deserts they were great also.... Gordon & Sara
(5)
Krista L.
This place does everything so well, you can't help but give them 5 stars. We started with Hogan's Charcuterie. I'll admit, you have to be a brave eater, but everything on the board was delicious. Highlights: rabbit mousse, spicy mustard, head cheese, fruit compote. For a table of four, we ordered the pork roast and the chicken roast. It was too much food, but I'm not really complaining. The chicken was super moist (even the white meat) with crackly skin, and it rested on a bed a yummy potatoes. The pork was also moist and had a delicious gravy. We also got the Brussels sprouts, which, being cooked in butter and meat fat, were obviously amazing. For dessert we all split a Fat Elvis mini-pie (peanut butter, chocolate, banana, pretzel) and the seasonal Hoosier Mama pie slice (cranberry, apple, pear). The were both very good. My table mates indulged in a wine and beer and found River Roast's selection to be ample - plus our server (Keith) gave some great pairing suggestions. Overall, this place is amazing. You should go. Like, right now.
(5)
John G.
They are off to a good start. Love the roasting concept and it smelled good! The space is big with tables nicely spread and on a nice day you can eat outside along the river. We started with roasted corn and Indiana shrimp. It was a great start with the corn having a great roasted flavor. Entrees are meant to be shared and there are only 3, fish, chicken and beef, so we had the Branzino which came whole, but deboned. There was a side of great crispy potato wedges. Delicious! We finished with soft serve banana ice cream and what was supposed to be cherry pie. The pie was more of a tort with not much filling. Our waiter, Colin, saw my disappointment and comped it. A very enjoyable meal.
(4)
Alex R.
Great spot, right on the river. Business lunch. Had a roast sandwich. Solid. Waitstaff extremely friendly. Would go back. I believe our server's name was Tamara. Thank you!
(5)
Clara S.
Great food and service. Order rotisserie chicken! Crunchy skin, moist inside. Country fried rabbit also delicious!
(5)
Rich B.
Stopped in on a nice summer afternoon for some drinks and appetizers. Sat outside on the patio looking out at the river, very nice! Food was awesome service was awesome. A nice guy named Andre was our server, really did a grest job. Definitely going back. Going to bring some friends next time to try the brunch.
(5)
Shauna M.
Tried it for lunch on a beautiful Chicago summer afternoon. 4 stars for patio ambiance overlooking the river. Limited wines by the glass. Roast Beef Sandwhich and Vietnamese salad were good for what they were. Would only go back if it involved sitting outside.
(4)
Stephanie F.
Highly recommend this place! Super delicious!! Four friends and I tried the golden gobbetsand the pork meatballs as appetizers and loved them. For dinner we had the roast beef, the pork and the roast chicken (listed in order of our preference!!). We also tried the corn, the turnips au gratin and the curried cauliflower (also listed in order of preference) as our sides. Go while it's still warm and sit outside. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Heather O.
We spent an hour on Yelp trying to decide where to enjoy an amazing dinner / relaxing atmosphere before leaving Chicago. There are so many places to choose from but a lot of them were closed this evening due to Labor Day / Monday night. We ended up at River Roast at on a recommendation from a very nice local. Here's the skinny from our perspective: APPETIZER Trio of Toast - the Bacon Foie Gras was outstanding! The Avocado on toast was just that...no salt, no nothing. No thanks. I can make that at home. The rabbit...meh. Overall, wouldn't bother. Fried Olives - my Husband loved them. Personally, not an olive fan but he is and ate them all. :) DINNER Whole Chicken - Perfectly cooked and seasoned and carved table-side. The potatoes in the bottom of the cast iron skillet were amazing as well. Delicious. Roast Beef - Excellent flavor but the cut of meat wasn't completely tender - instead, a bit grizzly. The portion was small to begin with so to lose a couple of slices was not good especially for the price. Also, this restaurant is a stones throw from the Chicago Cut Steakhouse...should probably be extra mindful of the steak your serving. Turnips Au Gratin - Skip it. Nothing special. Semi-bland and the texture was funky. Supper Club Mushrooms - AWESOME. Can't go wrong here if you're a mushroom lover! Ambiance was great! Jason was our Waiter. Nice guy. Very accommodating and genuinely polite. I was sure to pay him a compliment to the Manager On Duty and she seemed to not have much of a personality. Nonetheless, I would have given 3.5 stars if Yelp would allow 1/2 star ratings.
(3)
Jessica P.
I returned to the restaurant and fully enjoyed myself. The food is honestly outstanding. This time we got the pork meatballs which I HIGHLY recommend, I was definitely surprised by how good they were. The roasted chicken and potatoes were phenomenal. Our server was great, he had really good suggestions and was very attentive. I honestly can't say I have any complaints about this restaurant after my second visit. Just something that should be noted somewhere if it's not - even if you have a reservation the outside is always first come first serve. I can't wait to take friends and family and out of town guests here, and I'm also hoping my friends choose River Roast for their wedding reception!
(5)
Dan S.
Me want good brunch. Me get good brunch. So, small nibble. I really dislike when places say - we can seat you when the rest of the party is here if the restaurant isn't jammed. Don't you want my extra business? I'll order an extra drink - I'm easy. But no, we have to wait. Beside that though, we enjoyed the brunch we had here. The scrambles with potatoes were the type of dish you want on a brunch. Hearty, tasty and probably bad for your arteries. We would've liked the music inside instead of the patio (where it was 95 degrees). But service was nice and the inside atmosphere is good with high ceilings and a place you can hear yourself talk.
(4)
Nataliya A.
The view, the chicken and the atmosphere are perfect. I have always been on the other ride on the river walk and have seen River Roast, finally got to check it out. We sat outside, and the patio was perfect for the weather. We received some good advice from the server and settled on the scotch egg and whole chicken. Scotch egg - delicious, perfect balance of egg and sausage. The sausage was not overpowering, very flavorful. The mustard seeds and pickled onions were a nice touch. Highly recommend Whole Chicken - Menu says for 2 people, but this is a WHOLE chicken, highly recommend for 4 people. Reviews are not lying when they say it's on of the juiciest chickens you will try, it truly is. The cooking process made the skin perfectly soft with a tad of crunch, and the meat was extremely tender. The herbs that are used to cook the chicken just make it perfect. The potatoes that cook at the bottom of the pan are absolutely delicious. Very crunchy and have an earthy flavor. mmmm Ginger Drink - i love all things ginger, but this tasted like sugar and not ginger. I do not recommend. Service - our server was extremely friendly and helpful, but we could never locate him. I think he came by our table a total of 3 times, and when wanted a box and a check we had to scout him out. Overall loved the decor inside, they have a private are with a table that seats 14, loved the patio. Would highly recommend this place, and will return.
(4)
Craig R.
Came with my wife with no reservation on a Friday afternoon and managed a riverfront table with only a 15 minute wait. The pours, especially doubles for brown liquor, are very well priced and the bar atmosphere is great! When we got sat our view was great. The service was excellent. We got plenty of check ins, but not too many. We had constantly refilled water which was a huge plus given how hot it was outside. We got the Charcuterie Board and the Shishito peppers. The board was quite tasty, especially the mustard! The peppers were nice and crispy and very flavorful as well. The only down...and I'll freely admit I don't have a super refined palate so maybe I missed something. That being said I was disappointed in the chicken for 40 bucks. While the potatoes under it were super tasty and it was DEFINITELY better than a pre-cooked chicken from Whole Foods, it wasn't 34 dollars better by any means. I'd definitely be up to visit again and just do drinks and dessert out on the water, but I think if I came for dinner I'd order something other than the chicken for a main course.
(3)
Karen X.
I'm usually fairly skeptical of slightly "touristy"-seeming places and because this restaurant was right along the water and in a pretty prime location, I expected the food to be overpriced and not great. However, I was very pleasantly surprised that the food here was actually delicious and though not cheap, also not outrageously expensive! The various types of roast were great, tasty, and they cut it in front of you! The view if you can snag a table outside by the water is also amazing. This definitely makes for a very great experience in Chicago for locals and tourists alike. Would love to come here again on my next visit to Chicago!
(5)
Eric J.
More like 2.5 stars, but the views along the river here are pretty good. Came here to meet with an old friend from college for lunch, since she worked nearby. I had read the reviews, and was excited to give it a try, especially since it was a beautiful day outside and the outdoor patio overlooked the water. The host originally mentioned that outdoor seating would require a 20 minute wait, but after a couple minutes, we were seated outside, with many other tables outside available. Very curious. Our waiter took a while to get our order, and while it was busy, he would often overlook our table, which was pretty annoying. We went with the rack of pork roast, and a side of the Nichols farm vegetables, which was corn, peas, garlic stems, and green beans, in a vinaigrette. The pork was actually pretty flavorful, albeit a bit dry. Since it came with a sweet gravy, it was fine. It was weird, however, that the rack of pork was portioned for 2, yet only came with one cornbread muffin. Again, very curious. The vegetables were slightly under-cooked and the vinaigrette it came in didn't really do much to enhance the flavor profile. Blergh. The food took about 45 minutes to come out, which the waiter did apologize for, but afterwards, avoided our table for the rest of the meal. We actually had to get up and bring our check to the counter to actually get it processed. Overall, not the best experience. The service wasn't very attentive, and the food was average. I try to give restaurants the benefit of the doubt, and it might be worth coming back here for drinks or happy hour along the water, but I can't honestly recommend the food or the service.
I highly recommend dining at River Roast especially if you're visiting from out of town. The location is great. It's right on the river. We came here around 8 on a Saturday and there was still an hour wait to sit outside, so we decided to sit inside. The dinner menu has sort of a family style, with several different roast options that serve about 2 people. We ordered the chicken roast, which comes with potatoes and a side of mixed beans. The chicken was delicious and beans were very flavorful, mixed with garlic and spices. We also ordered a Belgian style beer. I can't remember the name, but it was fabulous!
(5)
Gabriel T.
From the services, views, atmosphere, taste of our food to the prices this is one of the best places to eat in Chicago. We order the Whole Chicken for 2 and it was more than enough. Our server were very friendly and professional. You may ask for him; Thierry I'll be back someday when returning to Chicago...
(5)
Alex B.
A number of friends have recently remarked on how much they enjoyed River Roast. It's been happening consistently enough (and from people whose culinary tastes I usually respect) that I figured I'd have to check it out. My perception of River Roast had always been that is sounds boring. I mean Roast? Really? Didn't my Mom serve that to me as a child in the '70s? Point #1 - the space is really nice and a huge improvement over the awfulness of Fulton's/Bob Chin before it. The downstairs dining room is particularly welcoming. Point #2 - Good cocktail service, though it could serve to lose the cutsey drink names (well, except for the Kobayahi Maru, which is a genius name for a cocktail. Beam me up!). My one criticism is that the pours could afford to be a little more generous. Point #3 - both of the Roasts we had (pork and chicken) were absolutely outstanding displays of the craft. Tender, juicy and delicious with that great crust that only comes from the oven. The potatoes with the Chicken were also great. One of the best Roast Chickens I've had. My conclusion is that this is really well executed high class comfort food, and perhaps that is why it never sounded interesting to me. This food is not expanding anyone's culinary horizons but man, is it tasty (and well presented). Definitely a great place for client dinners, impressing the in-laws (without getting any of the potential backlash for challenging their palate with something too weird), or just a nice, lovely dinner with your significant other.
(4)
Jialing L.
Didn't know know what to expect when I made the reservation for dinner but I was very pleasantly surprised. In my mind, I always pictured roast to be a little on the dry side with little to no flavor but River Roast was the opposite. My friends and I ordered the pork roast, the chicken roast and the boatload of veggies. Both the pork and chicken were tender, juicy and flavorful. Absolutely delicious; my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The service here was also great; my friend got stuck in traffic and arrived 30 minutes after the reservation but we didn't lose the reservation and were seated as soon as he arrived. The food also arrived quickly which was great because we were starving. I enjoyed how they carve everything right by your table; I feel like it adds a personal touch. Definitely want to come back and try for a seat outside by the river!
(4)
Alexandra G.
I rarely yelp review but this place is worthy. Coming from out of town, it was close by and had a variety of options. We had the fried olives, scallops, and meatballs with gnocchi. Everything was perfectly prepared and tasted delicious. The bartender was great - I originally ordered an old fashioned (being from Wisconsin) and he stepped up to the plate! Loved the ambiance and experience so much we ended up ordering slow ravioli and shrimp and crab toast after we closed out the first time! Also, their chicken is supposedly delicious and looked spectacular. Go here!
(5)
Elizabeth W.
Went today for Brews & Blues brunch. The food was top notch. I had the a Rabbit & Waffles and couldn't have been more pleased. Great flavor and perfect sized portion. The other brunch options looked great and I can't wait for my next visit. Saw several tables with the whole roasted chicken which looked great too. The atmosphere was impressive too. The live music was a nice change from our usual brunch spots. Really looking forward to the weather warming up so we can enjoy the patio seating.
(4)
Nancy H.
Food = 3-4 stars Service = 3 stars View/Location = 4-5 stars Came here for a work lunch, and although it was too chilly to sit outside by the riverfront (cuz it's only July *sarcasm*), the interior was just as nice. This is a huge restaurant with high ceilings and windows that allow you to take in the beauty of the riverfront even from indoors. Props to the city for making this section so nice! Food was pretty good. I tried the chopped salad and 2 burgers. Some coworkers ordered sandwiches, which appeared huge in comparison to the burgers, but it's because the sandwich buns are ginormous. The burgers come with brioche buns. Both sandwiches and burgers come with a side of BBQ potato chips and are under $15. The Blues Burger was great minus two big problems: 1) the "smoked ketchup" was too runny and tasted mostly of liquid smoke, and 2) too juicy - yes, too juicy. The bottom bun got completely saturated and soggy. The Lobster Burger is more like a thick crabcake but with lobster meat and unfortunately had too much filler. I didn't see any chunks of lobster. Maybe they pureed it, but it was disappointing. Tasted ok, though. As soon as our plates were cleared from the table, the waiter dropped off the check and peaced us out. Didn't even ask if we wanted dessert or coffee. Granted, it was lunchtime, and we were occupying a long table of 10, but still.
Great place for brunch right on the river! Was here from out of town for a bridal shower brunch and the food was amazing! More importantly, the service was fantastic!
(5)
Maggi H.
We went there for brunch on a Saturday and it was fantastic! Will definitely be back. Pros: 1) Try the Low Country Croque Madame...fantastic! 2) Rabbit and waffles: the waffles were decent but the rabbit is to die for...must order. 3) Cocktails: the sangria was good and my friend also enjoyed his blood mary 4) Service was great and overall everyone at my party of 12 loved their dishes 5) the atmosphere was gorgeous in the summer and great views of the river Cons: 1) The kobayashi maru was not a good drink; no one at the table liked this cocktail. The server upon hearing this quickly replaced it with a gin cocktail that was much better.
(5)
Steve M.
This would have been a 5, but had to send a burger back, twice. Great location. Came here for lunch on a sunny August day. Perfect ambiance. I ordered the half sandwich and soup. Roast beef Ruben and onion soup, both were great. My ordered a simple burger, medium. The meat was cold and red in the center, I mean raw. I was good about it and asked the opinion of the waitress. The next one was exactly the same, after about 10 min. The next one was not medium, it was well done, we ate it but, it was full of gristle. The saving grace here was they did not charge us and they gave a very nice desert. I don't think that I could get my wife to go back, but would try it again. For the expense, though, a burger ought to be right first time, it is not hard to do.
(3)
Christine H.
Love the place, can't wait to come back when it's sunny!! The main selling point of this restaurant is definitely the prime location. River roast is located on La Salle just north of the river, which means it's patio and outdoor seating has the prime view of the Chicago river, sadly I came on a gloomy and foggy Tuesday night, which means my party and I got seated in the dark interior. Based on other yelper's suggestions, my two friends and I shared the whole chicken (even though the waiter recommended more food for the three of us). The whole chicken was definitely more than enough for the three of us, in fact we had leftovers to take home. The chicken was juicy and succulent, with the skin just crispy in the right way. However, the highlight of this dish is definitely the roasted potatoes that were served with the chicken. Perfectly crispy and seasoned with a hint of vinegar and salt. Basically it's salt and vinegar chips for grownups. In addition to the chicken, my friends and I also got the side of brussels sprouts. The selection of vegetable sides seems to be lacking at River Roast, especially with the emphasis on the "Roast". The brussels sprouts were too sweet,, but they were well cooked. Next time I would try another vegetable dish. Overall, great evening out. Definitely would be on my list of restaurants to bring out-of-town guests, especially if the weather is nice.
Went here with my family. Really trendy place right in the river. Wait staff is dressed kinda hipster but it adds to the experience. The menu was pretty creative and food was really good. We went for lunch which was super reasonable considering the location.
(4)
Kori E.
This place was pleasantly good!! We came here for our monthly supper club and I enjoyed everything we ordered. We started with a few apps, all of which were tasty as I was starving. For our mains, we all split the Chicken, Whole Fish and the red meat (I didn't eat that one, so not sure what it was.) The fish and chicken were AMAZING! I would highly recommend ordering either. We sat outside along the river, which made our experience that much better. I would definitely recommend stopping in for lunch/dinner!
(4)
Anna G.
Had a great dinner here this past weekend. My husband and I went at an early bird special hour of 6:45 (hey, we had to make it before the Blackhawks game!), but the place was pretty packed. I think at that point there was a combo of happy hour-ers and early dinner-ers, but either way the place was "happening." We got a table outside on the river and, to be honest, I'd only want to come if I could sit outdoors. I can get a table at a rustic-y place all over Chicago, but you can't quite get the same riverwalk atmosphere everywhere else. Service started off a little slow in that it took a while for anyone to come by, but after that it was smooth. Before our shared entree, we ordered a brussels sprouts and mozzarella salad. It was the perfect starter. Light and tasty and great with my glass of rose. Then we split a whole roast chicken (which is carved table side and could definitely feed up to 4 people) the potatoes that it comes with, and a side of the turnips au gratin. Everything was delicious although I think the turnips are a little overhyped. They were good, but not a must order. I think my favorite part were the roasted potatoes--so crispy on the outside/soft on the inside and flavorful! We didn't order dessert because, hello, whole roast chicken dinner. We had plenty of leftovers to take home, enough for 2 more meals actually. All that, 2 glasses of rose, and a cider came out to an even $100 with tax (how often does that happen?!). Would recommend, especially for out of town guests.
(4)
Alex B.
Amazing food! The roast beef was excellent. We also got the Mexican corn and carrots and dirt and they were both delicious. Service was a little slow. We only had to wait about 20 minutes on a Friday night with 4 people to sit outside.
Slightly disappointed here.. Heard they had an amazing burger so wandered in around lunchtime. Got the blue burger cooked MR/ came out in a timely manner and service was very good! 3 strange items: 1) The burger is kinda small 2) Not enough cheese at all 3) The chips are horrible and that catsup is even worse. Been to a lot of places and never ever seen a burger served with BBQ Chips? It just doesn't go together imho.. The burger itself was good but should be a tad bit bigger me come with fries or something! I'll be back to give the joint another shot.. Get dat did
(3)
Kathleen C.
Argh! No, not a pirate, just disappointed with my lunch. Stopped in for lunch and I couldn't decide what to order because everything sounded delicious. I decided on the Cuban sandwich. Our server mentioned some bbq chips that went with it - sounded great. Alas....I was served a really greasy sandwich. I'm not even sure where the grease was from...didn't really seem to be from the sliced ham (also, that would be weird...)...perhaps the pork on top? And why was the pork the consistency of ground beef??? The bun was good but unfortunately slathered in grease so I wasn't really that thrilled. Coleslaw was one that seemed as if you could literally get it anywhere (grocery store deli?). The chips were ok. A bit spivey and I actually could have used a little more flavor or salt. I'm giving this spot three stars because service was great and the indoor space was beautiful the outdoor space was nice as well but I have to say - they knocked it out of the park with the inside. I'd go back for drinks but may skip the food.
(3)
Justin F.
This is long overdue. Ive been hear many times and this is hands down my favorite restuarant/bar in Chicago. Food - The chicken is absolutely flawless. So juicy and tender. The brunch is also incredible. The breakfast burger and croque madam (sp?) are the best items on the menu. Bar - One word. Evan. The lead bartender is incredible. Actually, to say he is incredible is an understatement. He always treats me and my guests very well. Everyone is always blown away with their experience at the bar when I take them there. They have handcrafted cocktails that are no joke. A great wine list. And my favorite, the beer. Might not be the biggest selection but it is strategic and very well paired with the food. Atmosphere - great place for brunch. Awesome blues band every weekend I have been there. Great place to take out of towners or family. Great date spot. Amazing place to meet with clients for drinks or lunch. Hell, an awesome place for a beer by yourself after work. Absolutely love the outdoor seating and bar area. They always have good, and not too loud, of tunes playing. I made this review as concise as possible. This place is the real deal. I could go on and on about it. They've perfected their menu. And they've perfected their craft. You'll be sorry if you don't check it out. And if you wrote a bad review, you're a miserable person. Cheers
(5)
Chris P.
If you've read any of my other reviews, you should know that I love meat. If you have not, then let it be known that I am a proud carnivore and I am a firm believer that one cannot find better meat than what the midwest produces. The ambience of River Roast was perfect for the occasion, which was a bachelor party, and by that I mean it is trendy enough to feel slightly upscale, but it's not snooty by any means. It's also not the traditional meat market (yes, I mean that in both ways) as the place hosted more than debaucherous bachelor parties. I would give the old fashioned a solid B+, only because the whiskey selection wasn't that impressive (they have the big-name bourbons, but not much else), however, the execution of the drink was solid. The food.. ah the food. We started off with the homemade charcuterie, which was spectacular. Then for entrees, we decided to take on the full roast selection, minus the chicken, not because we discriminate against chicken, but because there wasn't enough room on the table. The prime rib was INSANE. It was salty, it was tender, it was delicious. Definitely get it when you go. I also have to say that the service was pretty solid. We had 11 guys, some of whom don't make it out to eat very often, and our waiter did a great job of having fun and throwing out good recommendations. Lastly, the price was right. Everyone left full and not sober, but paid only $60/head.
(4)
Grace L.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday. We got seated pretty fast however we waited for about 15 minutes for the waiter and the manager realized that we've been waiting so she kindly took care of our appetizer and drinks, which was nice. Service is good in general. Food were awesome. We got the roasted fish and it was well cooked and yummy. We also ordered side of mushroom and asparagus. It was also very nice of them to give us a dessert on the house once we mentioned we were celebrating the bday. In general it was a nice experience and would go back and recommend.
(5)
Jen Y.
Cool rustic place. Great place to sit and eat lunch on the river. The bloody Mary's were awesome. We got the roasted chicken and peas. Recommend both. If you're in Chicago, definitely worth a visit to this place.
(4)
Norm J.
When I dined at River Roast I was on a date so I was hoping the place wouldn't suck and thankfully it did not! River Roast is a great place to go if you like good service, drinks that go down smooth and food that taste as good as it sounds on the menu. Upon arriving at River Roast we were greeted by a hostess who informed us we had to go downstairs to the main dining area if we weren't sitting at the bar. After making it down the "Staircase of Future Lawsuits" we were greeted by a host and hostess who gave us a warm welcome. The host quickly sat us at our table and we were brought water and bread to nibble on while reviewing the menu. A minute or two later our server was there to greet us, review the menu, inform us of the special of the day and provide us with drink recommendations. Our server was a good one and I wish I remembered his name so I could shine the spotlight on him (sorry good server dude). Below, I've highlighted our meal and I recommend everything we had. I will definitely be back to River Roast and can't wait until the outside deck is open in the summer. -Suddenly Lemons: which is lemon tea leatherbee gin, sailers gentian, cocchi rose, and citrus. I'm a gin lover so I thoroughly enjoyed this drink. My date also thought the drinks was two thumbs up. -Country Fried Rabbit: taste just like chicken. If you wanna say you've eaten the Trix Rabbit then this dish is a must. -Sweet Potatoes: light and airy like good sweet potatoes should be. These were almost as good as my mom's, which is high praise. -Brussel Sprouts: are not my vegetable of choice, but my date wanted to order them so I smiled and said OK. The Brussel Sprouts were actually delicious. I guess my 22 year hiatus from eating Brussel Sprouts did us both some good. -Rack of Pork: juicy, full of flavor, large portion, definitely a must....if you like pork that is.
(4)
Halisa V.
I recently came back from a trip to Dubai and was looking for a place similar to the restaurants by the Dubai Marina. This place was a great hometown substitute. I really enjoyed my visit here!! A friend and I were lucky enough to catch a table on their outdoor patio overlooking the Chicago river. The view and ambience was amazing!! We started off with the fried olives and fried chicken appetizers. I loved the olives because it was the first time I tried them fried! (Plus I love olives in general) so I recommend them if you want to try something new. The fried chicken was okay. I wish there was a better sauce served with it, instead of just honey. For the entree we had a whole fire roasted fish. I absolutely loved it!!!!!! Highly recommended it! I love seafood and this was some high quality fish. Lastly for dessert we had the red velvet and carrot cake bundt cakes. The red velvet one was not good. The edges were tough. The carrot cake on the other hand was a little more moist. Overall had a good time, absolutely loved the view and our sever Maria was super nice!
(5)
Laura K.
Had live blues playing for brunch!!!!!! Wonderful and unique view of the Chicago River----finally some places coming in with this vantage point--a much neglected area of the city until now! Food was Well Above Average for our whole table. Drinks were lovely esp the wine list. Service was decent although it was VERY busy for brunch on a Saturday afternoon so I'll for sure give them a break. Great place to take Mom and Dad if they're visiting from out of town.
(5)
Roshelle G.
Loved the food- couldn't get over how the flavor a and menu all pulled together. Service was good, didn't have a reservation & was able to eat on the river at 945pm. The menu changes all the time- appreciated the attention to detail with the presentation!
(4)
Naif S.
Had the roast chicken, a draft beer, and white wine sangria and split it between two people. First, the atmosphere is gorgeous. We sat by the water and enjoyed the Chicago views and weather. The setting itself is awesome and makes for a great environment. The roast chicken was presented great also, and the skin and herbs are to die for. The potatoes were good, little too crispy for my taste. The bread and cream cheese were good, jusy make sure to ask for them! That was prbly my favorite part. Overall: solid place, we might've had the B team serving us. But didn't want to let that take away from the overall experience. Great place.
(5)
Katie P.
I came here for dinner last week before heading to the Chicago Theatre for a show. The space is really cool and has an industrial vibe with great views of the river. I'll want to come back when it's warm out so I can sit outside! I was here on a freezing night and my only complaint was that it was really cold inside. The manager came over to apologize when I asked if perhaps they could make it warmer. This is their first winter so I guess they're still working out the kinks? I thought it was due to the huge glass windows. Whatever the case may be, this is Chicago and it's cold here so they need to figure that out. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split: Charcuterie Plate- this was the daily special and complimentary- nice touch! Pork Meatballs- Yummy! Not too heavy, sweet sauce and interesting gnocchi Shrimp & Crab Toast- Really great and unique The Big Fish Roast (Fire Roasted)- Great, simply prepared fish. Healthy, well seasoned
(4)
Jeff S.
This has to be one of my recent favorite places to dine. The ambiance is great. From the rice paper lamps hanging from the ceiling in the bar and the old schoolhouse bulbs in the dining room. The outdoor seating looks amazing (I don't like eating outside on hot days). The place is a great location for a romantic evening or a larger group with friends. The foods amazing. They have wonderful bar bites (they call them table snacks), such as the scotch eggs and fried chicken. Yum! They also have wonderful salad and entrees (called roasts) that serve 2. These roasts are amazing. They carve the meat/fish right at your table. So far we have enjoyed the whole chicken (for 2) with roasted potatoes and the pork (for 2) with a jalapeño cornbread. This is my 2015 summertime favorite place to eat!
(5)
Carolyn L.
I wanted to check out River Roast because I love meat and I was really hoping someone could successfully improve upon the tired old English Sunday roast tradition. Well this place definitely does that. I've had my fair share (actually it's really UNfair) of rubbery, old, heating lamp scorched roasts when I lived in London for a year. Each time the Sunday roast tempted me, I was sadly disappointed. I guess that's a "shame on me" thing for continuing to expect something good from a pub roast. But River Roast nails it. The 8oz serving of roast beef was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and served with a delectable horseradish sauce and side of crispy potatoes. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We also ordered the Golden Gobbets to start with. They are crispy peppery boneless fried chicken bites served with honey on the side. Those went VERY quickly. We also ordered an artichoke starter that had bacon and goat cheese. To be honest, I could have done without this side dish. It wasn't my favorite. Not enough artichoke and didn't really add anything to the meal. Along with the roast beef, for the main meal we also ordered the sea bass, roasted. It had a lovely salsa verde sauce roasted on top which gave it a fresh flavor but didn't detract from the quality of the fish. On the side, we had the green and yellow bean dish. They tasted fresh from the farm. And my favorite side dish was the leeks wrapped in prosciutto with a balsamic glaze. I need to make those at home. Like every day. They were outstanding and I should have ordered 2 of them! We were pretty stuffed when it came time for dessert but since it was my birthday, they brought out a really light lemon trifle as a treat. The staff was really pleasant, attentive, and knowledgeable. I'd definitely come back here and it's perfect for a big group as well, since there was a group of French marathoners that took up the room right next to us at the end of our meal. Great job, chefs Mantuano and Hogan!
(5)
Andre S.
Just had brunch and left feeling full but not satisfied. We had a few minutes wait for a table for 2 inside, but when we were seated, it seemed like the restaurant was still quite empty. We ordered bloody marys, the charcuterie platter, the biscuits and gravy and also the RR skillet. Our appetizer took a bit to come out, but our main courses took even longer and there seemed to be 2 or 3 tables seated after us who got their food out first. The charcuterie platter was great and was the highlight of the meal, the head cheese was especially tasty, but everything went downhill from there. The biscuits and gravy were just ok, but my biggest complaint is with the skillet: it was 90% potatoes and it was way way too dry. It didn't really seem like a skillet - more like a bit of cheese and crumbled sausage that was placed on top of a large side of fried potatoes. The scrambled egg on top didn't do much except make me wish I had asked for sunny side up eggs instead. I think the fastest turn around time for the meal was when we asked for the check - before the waiter even came back for it, one of the managers who was walking around on the floor scooped it up. So fast! But alas, not the experience we were looking for. We talked about coming back for dinner to try one of the roasts - but I'd say that at this point, we'll probably pass.
(2)
andy b.
Great dinner! Great Ambiance! We went there for a corporate dinner. The night was beautiful and the service was great. The food was delicious. Not sure what can be done, but we had a fruit fly issue. Guess that's what you get for sitting next to the river, although we got rid of all the red wine at the table and the flies went away. I ordered the beef "to share" and didn't share much. The good/bad part about sharing. I had some of the chicken, which was good, and the pork, which was great, but the beef outdid them both. I work right there and am sure I will return. thanks.
(4)
Lauren P.
I've been here for weekend blues brunch with a live band. The music is fantastic, and such a cool experience on the Chicago River. However, service is incredibly slow and food is just OK.
(3)
Tina C.
The first time I went here, I just ordered the dessert and the chicken appetizers with a friend to share. We weren't hungry, but we wanted to try this place out and the weather was just warm enough for us to sit outside! They didn't have the dessert we wanted, so they gave us another one (FOR FREE). Service is excellent -- everyone is extremely friendly and my water cup is never empty. The second time I came here was this past weekend when the weather was 65 degrees, sunny and perfect. I ordered the whole chicken ($39) and the brussel sprounts ($9). I split it with 2 other people and we couldn't finish it all because it was so filling! The whole chicken was roasted to perfection. It wasn't greasy and tasted extremely fresh. The waitress cuts a bit of it for you in the beginining, but after that it is up to you to slice the chicken yourself. Also, the best part about the whole chicken were the roasted potatoes underneath it. OMG I couldn't stop eating them. The brussel sprouts were surprisngly tasty. There was a kick of sweetness and a kick of salt/pepper, but they definitely perfected that combination. I also suggest reserving online/through the phone (if you can). I reserved through Yelp 15 minutes before my arrival and I got an outside seat!
(5)
Kate M.
I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I suggested River Roast for dinner. I'm more of a "let's get a bunch of things and share" kinda girl than a "let's get one whole chicken and share" girl. Regardless, the food is really good and there are still some options available if you don't want an entire bird. The drink menu left me a little confused until the bartender explained the owner is a big Batman fan. Once I knew which Batman themed drink was an old fashion my night started getting better with each sip. Over all I like River Roast, but I think it's probably better for a group than just two people. Of course if you're just looking for some good drinks at the bar they do that well too.
(4)
Rebecca M.
I went to River Roast on Saturday for brunch for a wedding party, and I had an amazing time! We were given a private table away from the main dining area which was really nice, and the service was unbeatable! Andre was our server, and he was charming and hilarious which made brunch that much more fun. Everyone in the party had a variety of drinks which we all loved, and the food was AMAZING! I had the croque madame which had the perfect layering of sourdough, ham, swiss, and sausage gravy (I wish I could have that gravy on everything!!). I also tried some of the rabbit and waffles and roast chicken, and it was all delicious. I can't wait to come back!
(4)
Noah E.
River Roast is worth dining at. We came in late Monday evening, only finding a few tables dining. We would have sat on the patio right on the river but it was a bit breezy and overcast so we stayed inside. The menu is gastropub-esk with bites and small plates but instead of entrees you can buy roasts for two, thus the name. We shared a few small plates and then ordered the chicken for two. Im not one to typically order chicken, especially when it is almost 40 dollars but it was delicious. Smoked, moist, and flavorful. They carve it at the table which makes for another plus! The only downside was that we asked about the charcuterie sampling they offer on Monday nights if you order a roast, which our server confirmed. We had to remind her when she offered dessert, and she brought it to us.
(4)
Hanny J.
The food was good, but the service could've been better. The waiter rushed through getting our orders. When it came time to get the check we asked for it to be split. He was not very nice about it and refused to do it. Other than that had a good dining experience.
(3)
Karan K.
The best views , the best grills ! One of the nices places to eat downtown . Call ahead for a reservation as its busy !
(4)
Veronica S.
The blues brunch was a lot of fun. Nothing like being on the river with a Chicago musical classic. The food was a bit all over the place. The chicken bites were delicious but the burger was less than stellar. It also took a long time to get a drink.
(3)
Wilt C.
Let me tell you that the veggie sides are terrific. The carrots, cauliflower and corn were all perfectly cooked and loaded with flavor. The chicken however was a bummer as it was seriously over cooked and quite dry. The potatoes that accompanied the chicken however were crispy and very tasty. So, go for the veggies and if looking for meat grab a rotisserie chicken at Whole Foods or Potash on the way home.
I'd been wanting to try this place for a while now but never had a good occasion until yesterday evening before seeing a show at the Chicago Theatre. We were hoping for something light and decided to share the charcuterie board. It had some cured ham, a couple of head cheeses and a liver spread, plus the usual accoutrements--cranberries, bread, mustard and pickles. The portions of each were large which is great because I feel like usually once you eat enough to taste it it's gone! We each had a beer to start... Some really good ones on draft, but what's with the tiny beer glasses? For $8 a pop, you gotta give me more than 8 ounces. The Hemingway drink is their version of a mojito but the mint is already infused into the rum so it's not crushed up in the drink. It was super refreshing and the perfect drink to enjoy on the patio in the sun. This location is what takes this place up a notch for me. Awesome spot and I could probably stay here all day. Just a few blocks up from the theatre so it didn't take long to get there afterward. Ready to come back for the blues brunch!
(4)
Tricia D.
I have an itch, and it's to return to River Roast to try out their dinner menu! I had brunch with my friend K here twice in the span of about a month. On the weekends, there's a live jazz duo/trio that performs over the brunch hour. It provides for an energetic atmosphere, though it is loud and a bit hard to hold an ongoing conversation. Brunch experience #1 was a notch above #2. On that trip, I ordered the omelette of the day, which had mushrooms, duck confit, and cheese, I believe. It was delicious, light, and served with crispy potatoes. Though RR didn't have readily available iced coffee, the waiter was accommodating and brought me a cup of ice and coffee in a mug so I could concoct a DIY cup. Works for me! Dessert was also in the stars, and I opted for the red velvet pudding. Service wasn't as attentive and food not as impressionable on visit #2. That time, I tried the Hogan's peas and red wine poached egg. Said dish was unique, but needed a couple other elements to make the entree more substantial, like MORE smoked bacon or other meat. Less peas and cream sauce would have been a good idea too bc the dish was very green and very gloppy. Totally approve of the peanut butter banana chocolate (Elvis) pie for 1 dessert!
(4)
Nicholas T.
What a wonderful evening. The food, ambiance, and service were all perfect. Our server, John K was remarkable. He knew the menu inside and out, and made some great recommendations. We had the Chefs charcuterie board, and cheese board with the beet salad. For the main, we did a roast chicken for 2. Plenty of leftovers, so they give you a recipe card for how to make killer chicken soup with the leftovers. The soup was amazing! Can't wait for the temps to rise so we can utilize the patio seating. What an amazing spot. As I've said before, the carnivores delight!
(5)
Stephanie L.
Really a 3.5 but they just opened... 1. Easy online reservations...however, beware...you will wait for outside. We waited an hour after our reservo time for outside seating. It was immediate inside, but who wants to dine on the river and not sit outside?? WTF 2. There's a space connecting where there was a reception of some kind...let me tell you...there was WASTED people walking all through this place. The woman's bathroom was atrocious. They seriously need to reconsider this concept...I mean, totally acceptable for hammered people to be at reception...not sure how I feel about 3 sheets to the wind while I'm enjoying a nice dinner....hmmm 3. Waiter was super personable. We saw Tony sitting right by us. Waiter made a point to not neglect us...& we joked with him about it. 4. Food was good. Chicken Gobbets were gobbling goodness. And the side of honey...plus, perfect price! Definitely get this! Popcorn was also delish. Chicago style sashimi was bad, really, really bad. Wagyu beef tasted like I was eating rubbery gum. I didn't really understand the concept of celery salt, tomatoes, herbs, mustard seeds and beef being like a hotdog. Still confused. With a very small cracker for us to split? Hot dog? Hot dog here?? Confused.... Roasted chicken was good. For the a la carte price, it's kind of small, but fed four people. I liked how they carved it, kind of, at the table...however there was still tons of meat left on the bird. We were clawing at it with our knives and forks trying to pull more meat away. Roasted market fresh veggies, $19, overhyped, overpriced, over it...like Lebron James...na-uh. Artichokes were good. Lots of chicken on the menu. Desserts were great & gratis from our awesome waiter! Fat Elvis pie was good. Root beer float was delish...but I love them. Soft serve was great too. I'm a total ice cream junky. Overall, pretty good. Worth a stop.
(4)
Alex C.
I have been here at least 10 times and every time the food is just perfect. The chicken is amazing and the roasted fish is outstanding. Chef Hogan is incredible and the entire staff is just great! !
(4)
Saba A.
My husband and I came in for lunch on a Friday afternoon and we were lucky to score patio seats. We were first greeted by a kind host directing us to go downstairs where the main dining room was located with a large host table. We were immediately seated outside with an option between two tables. Our waiter was witty. He was making jokes with us but I think he was trying to impress his boss and us as it was opening week. We were also met by the manager, and the bus boy was super friendly too. The patio was packed and I'm assuming this will be a popular new restaurant by the river and attract the crowds during happy hour to dinner time too. River Roast is bigger and more classy than my other favorite restaurant by the river, Bridge House Tavern, so I'm wondering which one will be my new fav. My husband and I ordered the Rock Shrimp which was bigger than I expected with no complaints. The sauce pairing was delicious. We also split the sandwich of the day which was a roast beef one. They split the sandwich that came with house made potato chips and it was a perfect lunch. Next time I may order the whole roast beef or chicken as they seemed to be popular and that's what the restaurant is most known for. Glad that River Roast is in the River North neighborhood. Living just a building N from there- I will be visiting more often!
(4)
Meghan F.
I was here over the 4th of July with a family member who was in town for a long weekend. The food was delicious - if we'd had more time, we would have ordered the chicken like our server suggested (I was pleased that the server had specific recommendations as opposed to the usual spiel you get at restaurants, "Oh everything is good!"). Instead, we ordered off the brunch menu, and everyone was very impressed with their meal. We also brought our 12 and 9 year olds; despite the lack of a kids' menu, the 12 year old enjoyed her biscuits and gravy, and the 9 year old had the rabbit and waffles (he is a picky eater and he still tried the rabbit and liking it!). Overall, service was great, food was great; wish we could have sat outside since it was such a gorgeous day, but it was packed & had a 45 minute wait. If you want great food AND a view, it's worth waiting at the bar for.
(5)
Christina L.
this place is a block from my friend's apartment, so e decided to drop in for brunch on sunday with a group of 5. super conveniently located and you can sit outside by the river on a nice day. sweet! i imagine that it will be packed during the summer.. we kinda went big at lunch and ordered - foie and duck terrine, biscuits and honey, shrimp toast, brussels, mushrooms, chicken for 2, pork for 2, and the roast beef (for 1). a lot of food right? hahaha. the roasts are carved tableside which makes for great presentation, so that was really fun to watch. foie terrine was yumm - i havent had it in a while. vegetables are a bit bland - sad. my favorite, unexpectedly, was the chicken. super crispy skin, GREAT potatoes on the bottom, pretty good flavor! shrimp toast was also a highlight. the roast beef and pork i didnt care much for actually. not a lot of flavor if the sauce was on it. overall pretty good. but i probably wont be back given all the other delicious options in river north..
(3)
Patrick M.
Went to a private dinner over the weekend at River Roast. Enjoyed the Golden Gobbets, Shrimp Toast, & Charcuterie Board. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts were pretty good too. The staff was friendly and attentive.
(3)
Larry P.
The service was great meal was outstanding We had the Fish, Chicken, and the Pork Would go back again today if I could Also the view was spectacular 5 stars is not enough
(5)
Melissa H.
Location and ambiance were amazing and the food was wonderful! Our waiter was great and the views of the river were beautiful
(5)
Anthony M.
ROASTED I have been dying to try this place for many weeks. I read articles and studied the menu. I could hardly wait to eat here. I am also a huge fan of Chef Tony Mantuano. He is such a great guy and a talent when it comes to food. So it really pains me to see the service related issues of this location, after being open for several months. Walking in from the street the space is amazing. There is a small bar near the hostess station with a few tables. It was closed during lunch but I'm sure after work it is fully packed. We were greeted in a friendly manner and were set downstairs to the second hostess station. We were informed that our table was ready inside or we could wait to sit outside. It was such a beautiful day and the deck was packed. We don't get many upper 70 days at the end of October in Chicago. We decided to not wait & grab a table inside. We were sat at our table next to a private room with a curtain. The person seating us closed the curtain. Two minutes later the curtains violently swung open startling us. It was a waiter cutting through with food for the outdoor deck. It was annoying and would have bugged us during our meal. We decide to move just one table west of this opening. Three minutes later they sat another table in front of the opening and closed the curtain again. That same waiter kept cutting through and violently opening the curtain. I even saw plated food touching the curtain which was gross. This behavior went on through the whole lunch service and was unacceptable. The service was not what I expected here. Our waiter dropped off the bread & spread platter. It was never explained or described to us. It then sat on our table for 10 minutes until I asked the waiter, "Is that fried onions over butter?" He said,"No it's our signature fried onions over guyree cheese. It's almost like a mini French onion soup." Please tell me why that wasn't said to us when it hit the table. We we're left to just guess. What if I was allergic to guyree or didn't like it. It's like the waiter didn't care. Our waiter also read the specials off of his note pad but when I asked him a question he didn't know the answer. He told me he could ask in the kitchen and departed. When he returned he started taking our order. I was wondering if he ever went to the kitchen with my question and I asked if he did. He looked at me and said, "yes!" but he wasn't confident in answering me. Personally I don't even think he did it because I had to call him on it. Lunch arrived and everything looked good. The rest of my party was sharing the roasted steak with the "insanely good" potatoes. The meat was cooked perfectly as it laid cut on the wood platter. I ordered the special roast beef sandwich which I had asked the waiter if it was Chef Tony Mantuano's secret roast beef & our waiter had no clue if it was. The meat was good but the bread was terrible. It was toasted to the point of becoming a hard crouton. The sandwich could have used some Au jus to moisten up the meat & the bread. It was also suppose to be topped with the house made giardinera but 2 tiny cut peppers and a single piece of celery don't mean topped to me. After reading so much about Chef Tony Mantuano's roast beef sandwich I was completely let down. I don't blame Chef Tony because he wasn't at the restaurant but I blame his staff for not delivering a good sandwich. It's sad when the best thing on my plate was the home made BBQ potato chips. Honestly you need to bag these up & start selling them. The rest of my party enjoyed their platter of meat. They also ordered sides of mushrooms and a turnip Au gratin. I was able to try the turnip Au gratin and it was a great alternative to using potatoes. I even snuck a few of those roasted potatoes which are amazing. If I come back I'm just getting a plate of those. I was still eating when the waiter and bus boy just started removing dishes from our table without even asking. It was really rude and unprofessional. We all looked at each other and had to point out I was still eating. I really think the whole lunch crew needs to be retrained because it was bad. & if things couldn't get worse the waiter who kept cutting through the curtain. He popped out again directly behind me. He went through the opening where the curtain was attached to the wall then he awkwardly slide by our tables along the curtain line. It was so weird. Upon departing I had a chance to talk to Javier one of the Managers. He asked how everything was and I was honest with him. He did inform me that the waiters are not to be cutting through the private room with food. He was also wondering why the curtain was open every time he walked by. Javier was really nice and apologized for his staffs actions. Hopefully he will fix it and the staff will actually listen. The dessert menu had a shot and a beer on it which I thought was cool but instead we went with the root beer float which ended up being the best thing I had here today
(2)
Robin M.
We enjoyed our first visit to river roast to have a birthday celebration for a friend last evening. The food was wonderful but the menu is limited. We started with 2 shared salads. We then shared the fire roasted fish...excellent. The other 3 adults shared the whole roasted chicken plus the beef. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I would suggest you also try the veggie sides! Really lovely concept and service. This place is a keeper! The only complaint--the room is noisy It was hard to hold a conversation. But go there! The outdoor seating along the river would have been our choice but it was rainy and cold! Enjoy!!!
(5)
Devanjali L.
My husband and I came here on Easter Sunday last week. As it was one of those sunny and pleasant days in Chicago, we decided to sit at the patio by the river and enjoy the city view. We ordered an old fashion each along with fried chicken and honey. The fried chicken was really good with the right amount of heat and spices, crunchy on the outside and really succulent on the inside. My husband is a snob when it comes to his "old fashion". Even though our server recommended their special old fashion, my husband requested a traditional one.The bartender did a great job making it. However, our server did get a sample of their "Old fashion"(which actually has cherry bitters) for my husband to try. I thought that was very sweet and impressive at the same time. The menu looked great and the staff was very friendly and hospitable. We will definitely come back for dinner.
(4)
Shon A.
I have been here twice in two days. Day 1 - Ordered a cocktails only and thought the place was good. The drinks were made great and they used good ice! Day 2 - I dragged a group of 9 people over here for a work dinner after a happy hour. It was impromptu and we had a foodie in the crew. Since this place is family style eating, we let the foodie just order enough food for the entire table. We basically ordered everything on the menu. Everything was good but the fish is something that could have been left off! The fish was not good at all and we were told that it was going to be boneless(not the case). The asparagus, steak(mid-rare), chicken were the best items in my opinion. For 9 people, ordering basically everything on the menu and 1-2 cocktails each, the bill came out to roughly $800. A little bit on the pricey side but we were eating like kings.
(3)
Chris C.
First off, realize this place is family style, most of the dishes are meant to be split between two people. So, the service here was somewhat pretentious. I felt as if we were forgotten by the servers/managers, and I'm not sure why. Regardless, the food was so delicious and the atmosphere on the river so nice, I had to give it 5 stars. I'll accept the subpar service because it saves me a little money on the tip. Anyways, our fish was cooked perfectly and was so good. Our sides and appetizers were equally as delicious. We'll go back one day, maybe the service will be better.
I heard this described as something like a steakhouse without the steak, and I see the point -- you do have big hunks of meat, and the prime rib we had was really delicious -- but there isn't a steak per se, and a bunch of the menu is taken over by interesting salads, snacks, and side dishes. All told the results are really quite good. Curried cauliflower was pleasantly spicy, salad lyonnaise was sharp and flavorful, and the turnip gratin was particularly inspired, but bread, chicken livers, yorkshire pudding, popovers, and smoked trout were all nice as well. It wouldn't be crazy to come and skip the roasts, though I should emphasize again that the prime rib was really delicious. I have to say, I also liked the setup of the bar, the collection of interesting beers (including quite a few sours), the fact that there's a large (albeit drafty) dining room, and that there were still seats on a Friday night, though they also take reservations. You could do far worse when meeting somebody downtown.
(4)
Rohit J.
Awesome! Really happy we got to dine here. We ordered the chicken and the beef. Both were delicious. The quantity was a lot and it definitely fed 3 of us with some to take home. Everything from ambience and service was great. We are recommending this spot to our friends who visit the area and we are coming back soon!
(4)
t f.
So disappointed. For several weeks I was looking forward to trying River Roast after friends had commented how great the food was. Decided to try the brunch & made an 11am reservation (trying to avoid brunch rush/labor day weekend) we were seated by 11:05 outside (YA) glad I had the foresight to make reservations since by 11:15 tables were getting filled up. By 11:20 no one came to take our order or even make contact other then the person refilling our water glasses which I asked if he could get a waiter for us. At 11:30 I caught the attention of another person and asked if they could get a waiter. By 11:40~my friend & I decided 35-40 mins plus was more than enough time to patiently wait for any acknowledgment of wanting to serve us & decided to go to another restaurant along the riverwalk. Needless to say we made a point to share our experience with the mgr (Javier Zavala) who was apologetic & offered us to stay but needless to say the experience had put such a bad taste in our mouth (no pun intended) we decided best to leave. I, too am in the service industry & work in a salon along Michigan Ave & often am asked for referrals to great restaurants from clients local & visiting. Unfortunately, River Roast is not one I can suggest going to. Albeit the food I'm sure IS great from what I observed from OTHER tables being served however, the service is one that needs MAJOR IMPROVEMENT!
(1)
Chang K.
Good food, good looking restaurant, and a great location. I was with my boss and a coworker and visited River Roast this past week. The food was good, but I thought that the small plate options were a little over priced. For example we had the meatballs for $10+ (I can't remember the specific price), and it included 2 meatballs and a piece of bread. I don't know about you, but I would've expected a little more meatballs seeing that they were pork and not lamb or anything. I also had this pear cider that was actually wonderful. On the sweet side, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're not into sweet cider. All in all, it was an okay experience, tad over priced, but I did enjoy my time there.
(4)
Gina F.
I had dinner at River Roast last month with the group of six ladies. We had an excellent time all around. The restaurant itself is beautiful and well thought out. This staff was great as well. We were greeted promptly and our server was knowledgeable and super enthusiastic. But of course, the most important thing is the food in a restaurant, is it not? Well they truly delivered. One of the other diners and I ate vegetarians, but the other 4 shared the chicken, which was the specialty and, as our server explained, the entire reason for the restaurant's inception. They all thought it was outstanding. We also tried a number of appetizers and sides, including a salad, makeups, leeks, beets, and Brussels sprouts. Everything was absolutely delicious, though it was all on the savory side. Some dishes would have benefited from something to lighten or heightening them. All in all we had a great time and I'd certainly go back again.
(4)
Stephanie A.
Loved this place. Food and drink were great. Its in a really great location right by the Chicago River, so the view is to die for.
(5)
Paulina R.
Good staff! Nice place! Good ambiance! But food was extremely oily, we were a big group and ordered several vegetable sides and they were so salty and oily we couldn't eat them. Main courses were ok!
(3)
Jackie D.
We had a great waiter! The problem with this place is that its way to expensive for what you get. We paid $8 for a beer that was a half a pint. We ended up getting 2 sides and an app and 2 beers and spent over $50. The food wasn't worth it. You are paying to sit in the river. Try somewhere else.
(2)
Michelle P.
Been here twice. The first time we had the roasted fish and it was really well cooked and seasoned. Second time was with a larger group of coworkers. Ordered the fish, again, and it was not cooked as well and the seasoning was also off. Overall service was not very professional, both times.
(3)
Drew W.
Service was great, drinks were great, food was ok and we received some suspicious food that wasn't even on the menu, as if it was purposely made for us because we ordered one ingredient on the side. Hopefully it was an off kitchen day. I will give it another go.
(3)
Garret S.
We stopped in on Friday night, no reservations, and was seated right away. We ordered two appetizers (both were great), and then ordered the roasted chicken. No drinks were ordered, but the surrounding tables sounded like they were having a great time. I think this would be a great place to stop after work for a quick bite to eat too. Overall, great place for solid american faire.
(4)
Amanda B.
It was delicious, the meals are mostly made for two people so it's really not too expensive, about 20-30 a person. The pork was amazing and the crap toast appetizer was delicious!
(4)
Roni S.
All went well
(3)
M P.
We were one of 4 couples who ate here together last week and I don't think any of us will be returning anytime soon. When making the reservation we requested a round table and were told that the chefs table (the only round table in the joint) would be ours the night of our dinner. We received a confirmation call 2 days before the dinner during which we reconfirmed the chefs table and the morning of the dinner we also called to triple confirm the round table. Just so everyone is keeping track, that is three times we have been told (by three different people) the chefs table is ours. Well lo and behold when we arrive the chefs table has been given to someone else. When we inquire with the hostess as to what has happened she tells us that there is no record of us having reserved the chefs table and is completely uninterested in making the situation right. Finally, we end up getting seated in the back at a cozy table and shortly thereafter a few appetizers are brought out on the house, a nice gesture, but by no means nice enough to make up for the table screw up. The appetizers are fine, not outstanding as is the main course. Following the main course 6 desserts are brought out (we're told also on the house), which again were fine, not outstanding. Finally the bill comes and of the 6 desserts that arrived at the table, only 4 of them are comped. Now the thing is, we didn't order any of them - they just arrived at our table. So we're paying for 2 mediocre desserts that we didn't even order. As for the service, our waitress couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating. But the hostess was unhelpful and dare I say a little standoffish. She clearly knew someone (perhaps her) had screwed up and made what amounted to a failed effort to make it right. Honestly, they couldn't even comp a bill correctly. Enter at your own risk.
(1)
Marisa Y.
Came here for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend and two of my best friends from undergrad. I would consider coming back, but thought the food was overall just ok. We ordered the seared bay scallops, the country fried rabbit, the roast chicken, leeks, and Hogan's peas. The good: The rave reviews on the roast chicken are spot on and I would definitely come back just to order that again. The potatoes that are served with the chicken are amazing. I think the fat drips of the chicken and into them...or something fatty and addicting does because I couldn't eat enough of the potatoes. The country fried rabbit was also delicious. I'm pretty sure my boyfriend will only come back if we order that. He loved it so much he's still talking about it. The seared bay scallops were also cooked perfectly. Finally, our server was awesome and very attentive. My boyfriend asked a question about a beer and without any prompting, our server brought back two sampler sizes so that he could order a drink he liked. The bad: The leeks and peas were....gross. Maybe that's why I'm a little soured on the place. The leeks were a weird consistency and the peas were far too bland. I guess if I come back I would try something else. I was really surprised about the peas too after reading so many people say fantastic things. I can't remember the name of the dessert we ordered, but that's probably because it wasn't great.
(3)
Jay D.
We had a wonderful experience. We went during Restaurant Week. Fortunately, the dinner option included the chicken roast. Our salad was mixed with different types of olives (perhaps too many) and goat cheese. Dressing was perfectly balanced and light. Our dinner was the chicken roast. Brought to your table as a whole roasted bird upended on a cast-iron skillet. Another server shaves the bird for you down into the skillet, which also contains roasted potatoes. Not only is it a great presentation, but tastes incredible. The chicken has a crisp, seasoned skin that is absolutely incredible. The meat was so juicy and tender it melts in your mouth. And the potatoes...oh wow...the potatoes...if only I could replicate these at home. Crisp, not greasy, and seasoned perfectly. Just an amazing presentation for food that was don't perfectly. We also opted to order a side of the whipped sweet potatoes made with chipotle and vanilla. They were also very good with a light sweetness, hint of vanilla and a little bit of a kick (give it a few seconds after you take a bite). Great combination of flavors. Honestly, between the roasted potatoes and these and the chicken it was probably a bit much but we wanted to try as much as we could. I also took a picture of an elaborate wooden case they were using to infuse vodka with ginger for a signature drink. We don't drink, but it did sound amazing. Dessert of the restaurant week menu was two small dessert cups. We eat a lot at dinner, but we were pretty full at this point, so the size for us was perfect. One was chocolate pudding. Dense, dark chocolate pudding with a layer of thick cream and chocolate shavings. It was small, but we were so full at this point, it was actually just the right size. The other cup was a lemon trifle which was very tart, but I love lemon and my partner doesn't. So I ate that one myself. Small bites because the tartness was a little jarring. However, it still tasted amazing and again, was just the right size for the amount we had for dinner. Our server was so attentive and friendly, the guy who cut our chicken was also great and assured us on all the gluten that was taken out of the dish. I had made a note on the reservation and they had made sure the potatoes were prepared away from gluten. Loved that the hosts come around and ask how dinner is as well. I don't think that is done enough. It was a nice touch. The space itself is beautiful with a lot of added touches you might miss (i.e. the Big Blue Ribbons on the chicken wire on a wall). Rustic barn wood on the walls and interior spaces. And, of course the amazing space overlooking the river that Fulton's was always known for. Though this was the night before the big snow and we didn't go out, it was nice to watch the river and snow fall. It looks like they have great event space as going to the restroom, the place was a huge space and had a really nice group room as well and a back bar for events. Overall amazing experience from the decor, to the friendly service and amazing food.
(5)
Stacy P.
Warning Not the place for corporate dinners. No concept of how to feed groups. Food good, desert is sad, space not condusive to privacy or movement.
(1)
Thomas P.
Interesting menu with dishes that are more geared towards family style sharing. We got the roast pork, roast chicken, fish (sea bass), and veggies plus several extra sides. All of the food was amazing, and for someone who's not big on roast fish, that bass came out absolutely perfect. The roast pork was probably my favorite and it came in 3 styles; ribs, loins and rib end bits that were nice an fatty/crispy. The chicken was quite a show and carved tableside and served on a bed of the most crispy potatoes I've ever had. The only down side was the drinks to go with such amazing food was a little lacking. What they had was good, but everything seemed to be served in little juice glasses. The inside gets a little loud but they also have a great patio area right next to the river so on nice summer days it's a great option.
(4)
Damion W.
Great view, great food, great service. Terrific beer selection - not in terms of volume, but in terms of quality. Friendly and accommodating staff - everyone greeted and thanked us on the way in and on the way it. Can't believe that a few minor mistakes prompted them to comp our entire order, drinks and all! Truly amazed and recommend River Roast. Will eat here again when I'm back in Chicago.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Hands down best chicken I have had in the city and I have defiantly had a lot of chicken. Our family owns a chicken farm and we've had chefs prepare our chicken and River Roast is among the top 2 chickens i have ever had! The server explained to us how the cooking process is done and I was amazed they got the chicken to taste the way they did and be so juicy without being fried and buttered up! Our server was amazing and super knowledgeable! They had a great selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. The atmosphere of the place is laid back and very country modern type. I really enjoyed my experience here and defiantly coming back!
(5)
Brittany S.
I really can't say enough good things about this place. The atmosphere, the service, the cocktails, the whiskey selection, and the FOOD! This was hands down one of the best restaurant experiences I've had downtown. I saw Chef John on WGN earlier this week, he made everything sound so good and look delicious, so we decided to go there for our one year. It was so great from start to finish, and it was really neat seeing John so active throughout the entire restaurant. Our server, Andre, was incredibly knowledgable and not to mention hilarious. He kept us laughing all while making sure we had a great dinner. We'll definitely be back for brunch and blues and I cannot wait to sit riverside on the patio this summer. Great job guys!
(5)
Bryan A.
Stopped in between meetings for lunch. The atmosphere is upbeat and its busy. Food is phenomenal, iced tea is exceptional (nothing I'd ever expect to comment on but it warrants it) the staff is attentive even with the hustle and bustle. The food us noteworthy..traditional lyonnaise with perfect soft boiled egg. All the food I see around looks great. Definitely stop in.
(5)
Jackie C.
We came here for a group dinner and the food was to die for! It is pricey but let me say there is A LOT OF FOOD! You do get what you pay for. It is a great place to go for a special occasion or out of town friends .
(4)
Erin Y.
Prime location, but just okay dinner experience. We had a large party of people and ordered a fairly large amount of food. First things first, appetizers. We enjoyed the shrimp, crab, and avocado toast. The mussels were delicious. The scotch egg was well executed. The country fried rabbit with honey was very good, only complaint being that the biscuit was too hard. The scallops were tasty. However, the sauce on the ravioli was so salty it basically rendered the dish inedible. Next up, entrees. I had the roast beef, which didn't blow me away. It was cooked perfectly, but lacked that melt-in-your-mouth quality I expected. It was also on the salty side, and I found myself slathering on the horseradish cream to offset this, even though I don't like horseradish. In our party, 3 racks of pork were ordered. One was perfectly cooked and delicious. One was on the dry side and just needed extra sauce. One was so dry the slices resembled hockey pucks and couldn't even bend. That one was sent back, and the replacement was much better. Chicken could have been juicier, and nothing special about the fish. Disappointing, especially when River Roast supposedly has the best roast chicken in Chicago. Crispy potatoes were good, but some dishes were too salty. We also ordered a lot of sides with the roasts. The Brussels sprouts and peas were delicious, among the highlights of the meal. The sweet potatoes were also pretty good, and left a nice spicy finish. Mushrooms needed salt, and cheesy turnips were just bad. Cold, hard, bleh. Moving on to dessert. We ordered the seasonal fruit pie and lemon trifle. The trifle was pretty good, very lemony and refreshing. Like a lemon meringue pie. The fruit pie was peach apple cranberry. I enjoyed the pie, but really nothing special about it. Overall, I was slightly disappointed with River Roast after having such high expectations. While some of the sides and appetizers were great, none of the main roasts blew me away. It's an overrated restaurant, and they need to step up their game.
(3)
Christina C.
Absolutely yummy! Definitely recommend! Recommend the chicken. Service is great just like the food!
(5)
Kelsey K.
I don't really like a la carte restaurants because it kind of bugs me to pay so much for just the meat and then also have to buy the sides separately, but this place blew me out of the water. I don't know what they did to that chicken, but it was as good as a steak, if not better. The beer selection is solid (they had a sour on tap, which is my favorite but not the most popular). My husband and were thrilled with our meal - we ordered two bar snacks (house pickles and scotch egg) the chicken and one side, plus dessert and drinks, and were really shocked at how reasonably priced everything was. I want to go back, already, and there are so many good restaurants in Chicago still to try. This place was really special and will definitely stand out in your mind.
(5)
Kelly K.
An awesome spot to eat on the river. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so that we can sit outside again! The roast chicken is one of the best I have ever had- definitely recommend it. If you like cheese curds, those are a must have.
(4)
Amy M.
My Sister and I came to River Roast for a very special event. It was the 100th Anniversary Weekend of the Eastland Disaster and the wonderful folks at the Eastland Disaster Society set up a lunch for the group which consisted of family members with a connection to the disaster. For those not familiar with the Eastland Disaster, 844 people perished in the Chicago River when the boat they had just boarded, the Eastland rolled over into the river right in front of the location where the restaurant is now - between Clark and LaSalle Streets. Since our group was very large as we entered the restaurant we were directed to find a seat on the main level if we had a blue star on our name badge and downstairs if we had a red star. We were then instructed to take a drink from a table as we walked in. Even though my Sister and I submitted our registration form together somehow we both wound up with different colored stars on our name badges. Not wanting to be separated from my Sister I thought it would be ok if I sat on the main level with her as could one person sitting on the wrong level really make a difference? I grabbed a glass of lemonade and we found a nice table near the window and introduced ourselves to several other folks who were already seated at the table. We began sharing our family stories about our relatives who either survived or were victims on that day 100 years ago. A few minutes later a female sever came by and asked to see the back of our name badges as our choice of entree was listed on the back. A few minutes after that a manager came to our table and told me that I had the wrong color star on my name badge and that I would need to move to a table on the lower level. I explained to her that this was a family event and that it was important for me to stay with my Sister. We then suggested that that we would both be happy to move to the lower level together if it was really necessary. The manager said no "you need to move downstairs and she has to stay up here because you have a red star". Everyone else at our table just looked on in disbelief and at this point I was very embarrassed. I pointed out to the manager that there still appeared to be plenty of open seats on our level and that how could one person being on the wrong level really make a difference? She then said, no all of the seats will be filled and you need to move. I then asked her to please make an exception and by this time the other guests at our table were beginning to eat their salads. She then said she would have to check to see what could be done and walked away. Our special lunch was not starting off well and by this time I was really upset by the big deal this manager was making over one guest sitting on the "wrong" level because she had the "incorrect" color star! After I was nearly finished with my salad the manager came back and said that I could stay where I was. A rather insincere apology was offered. It was very obvious by that time that there were several empty seats nearby. Our salads very good - fresh and colorful and our chicken sandwiches were also good. Portions were very large and my Sister was only able to eat half of her chicken sandwich so she then asked our server if she could take her leftovers to go. The server said that because they were so busy with the large group, they would not be providing anyone with to-go containers. I know that the staff was busy with such a large group but how unreasonable would it be to simply have some to-go bags on hand to provide to anyone who wished to take a half sandwich home? The dessert was advertised as banana pudding with caramel sauce. However when it was served it appeared that no one received any caramel sauce with their pudding. I'm not sure if they ran out or if the staff was simply in too much of a hurry to bother with it. No explanation was given and at this point of the meal it seemed pointless to ask especially if the staff was too busy to even provide a to-go container. This was our first experience dining at River Roast and it was disappointing especially considering that it was meant to be a special event to commemorate an event that meant so much to us and is such an important part of Chicago's history. We each paid $37 for this lunch and the servers did not even serve us any drinks as everyone picked up a soft drink from the table as we walked in. Perhaps the staff at River Roast does not have much experience dealing with a large group but I think the staff (manager included) could benefit from some additional customer service training.
(2)
Lisa H.
Food & cocktails were amazing, but my entire group left with heads from the live music sound level, way too loud for a brunch set!
(3)
Lisa G.
I was so excited when I found out that River Roast has live music outside during the weekends for brunch. Unfortunately, the service was so bad that it ruined the experience for us. With so many great places to dine in the city, I don't think we'll be back. Disappointed. I'm giving it two stars because while we were waiting for our table, the bartender inside was very nice and on top of our drink orders. I guess the service outside is a different story. And the food was just okay.
(2)
Mike K.
Stopped in yesterday for lunch on our way to MCA. Seated right away on patio overlooking River, good seats. Our waiter was very busy as it seems he was the only one outside. As a result he was not attentive. We were looking for a light lunch he suggested the whole chicken at $39. The kids next to us got it it looked amazing but too much for lunch. We got the blue burger and chicken salad both were good. Overall good just don't expect great service with your view of the water.
(3)
Jeanette P.
Went there the other night with three other friends. Unfortunately, this Chicago weather didn't cooperate and it was too cold to sit outside (boo!). But the food! The food was fantastic! We started with the Scotch egg, house pickles and the pork meatballs. All very good. We shared the big fish (australian sea bass) and whole chicken - both were phenomenal. The fish was seasoned so well and the chicken was moist and cooked perfectly. We may have over-ordered our starter and dinner (haha), so there was no room for dessert. From what I saw, it looked good. And if their desserts taste as good as their other courses, you couldn't go wrong.
(4)
K B.
This review is solely for the chicken. Although it was cooked to perfection, it was extremely bland and the skin had the most bizarre flavor that I just couldn't put my finger on. It was almost sweet and I just really was not impressed at all, in fact we did not finish more than half a breast each before losing our appetite. To be fair, management apologized and comped us $15 off our meal. I just really cannot get over how odd that chicken tasted.
(2)
Katie S.
Fairly unmemorable dinner so much that I couldn't even recall at first what I ate when a coworker asked this morning. However I'll give you the rundown... Tasty: Supper Club Mushrooms (100% my fave), Hoosier Mama Apple Pie w/ Cinnamon Ice Cream (ice cream was ridic), and the Fire Roasted Indiana Shrimp app was good too. The Whole Chicken Roast was decent (juicy with crispy skin), but I wouldn't say noteworthy and the presentation, while I get goes with the whole theme, was a little unappetizing. Smoked Trout app came with a weird battery cauliflower pancake that was just odd. While I won't be running back to River Roast for dinner due to the average food and business work environment, I think when the sun decides to come back in 6 months or so and you can sit outside along the river, it will highly improve the ambiance. May need to come back for lunch or brunch as I hear they are better received.
(3)
Gordon B.
Great find for river north area. 10 minute walk from our river front hotel and well worth it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We went with the chicken for two. The chicken was cooked perfectly. Juicy and skin crispy like chicken bacon... Hard to say if I have had better. The sides: We had Brussels Sprouts prepared with Honey, Fresno Chile and Root Vegetables prepared with Maple Syrup. Sprouts were the better of the two but both were a good pick. We were celebrating our 33rd anniversary and could have not picked a better place in the area. Thanks for the deserts they were great also.... Gordon & Sara
(5)
Krista L.
This place does everything so well, you can't help but give them 5 stars. We started with Hogan's Charcuterie. I'll admit, you have to be a brave eater, but everything on the board was delicious. Highlights: rabbit mousse, spicy mustard, head cheese, fruit compote. For a table of four, we ordered the pork roast and the chicken roast. It was too much food, but I'm not really complaining. The chicken was super moist (even the white meat) with crackly skin, and it rested on a bed a yummy potatoes. The pork was also moist and had a delicious gravy. We also got the Brussels sprouts, which, being cooked in butter and meat fat, were obviously amazing. For dessert we all split a Fat Elvis mini-pie (peanut butter, chocolate, banana, pretzel) and the seasonal Hoosier Mama pie slice (cranberry, apple, pear). The were both very good. My table mates indulged in a wine and beer and found River Roast's selection to be ample - plus our server (Keith) gave some great pairing suggestions. Overall, this place is amazing. You should go. Like, right now.
(5)
John G.
They are off to a good start. Love the roasting concept and it smelled good! The space is big with tables nicely spread and on a nice day you can eat outside along the river. We started with roasted corn and Indiana shrimp. It was a great start with the corn having a great roasted flavor. Entrees are meant to be shared and there are only 3, fish, chicken and beef, so we had the Branzino which came whole, but deboned. There was a side of great crispy potato wedges. Delicious! We finished with soft serve banana ice cream and what was supposed to be cherry pie. The pie was more of a tort with not much filling. Our waiter, Colin, saw my disappointment and comped it. A very enjoyable meal.
(4)
Alex R.
Great spot, right on the river. Business lunch. Had a roast sandwich. Solid. Waitstaff extremely friendly. Would go back. I believe our server's name was Tamara. Thank you!
(5)
Clara S.
Great food and service. Order rotisserie chicken! Crunchy skin, moist inside. Country fried rabbit also delicious!
(5)
Dan O.
Went here Saturday night for a birthday. 10 people, had a reservation. Ambiance is cool, great spot on the river (although already way too cold to be out there) ((no surprise Chi-city)). Was not very crowded, but it could have been the weather that kept people away on a Saturday night. Only one bar tender working so drinks took a while, but were delicious. We ended up ordering our 2nd drink as our server brought out the 1st round. The server was very knowledgeable of the menu and the chefs' vision for River Roast, he was great in accommodating the large group by splitting the sides into several dishes for the "family style" service. They bring out bread with a delicious "french-onion butter" spread. Kept asking for more. Recommended the Golden Gobbets, which were good but a bit over breaded before frying so crazy crunch. We ordered a lot of food 2 whole chickens, 2 roast beef, 1 whole fish, and just about every vegatable side, but I will say the stand out were Hogan's Peas. All meats/fish are brought to table and sliced in front of you. Very cool style. I pretty much set one of the chickens in front of me and picked at for a good 30 mins straight. Server knew were celebrating so brought out Fat Elvis for the birthday boy, which I sampled and was quite good. Server didn't know if they had Don Julio when we asked. Overall chicken was as good as advertised and I think I would come back, but I felt it was a little expensive for a large group. What to Order: Whole Chicken with Potatoes Hogan's Peas Fat Elvis
(3)
Jessica B.
In reading the other reviews of River Roast, maybe it was just an off day on Sunday when I went for brunch. We arrived just as it opened and the staff was really friendly and allowed someone in our party who arrived pre-opening to sit and have a drink while she waited for the rest of our group. We sat outside on the riverwalk and it was really a perfect day for it. Great breeze, sunshine and all around weather. But the wait staff was maybe not on their game yet. Our waitress was really nice, but may have been too busy with other tables because she took forever to come back for orders and to fulfill drink orders too. I asked for more coffee and it didn't appear for me until the fifth time I asked, but others at our table got more coffee. I realize this may not be a "big" thing, but the overall vibe was weird among the wait staff support staff. Something was off. Same when they cleared the table, I said I was still working and they still took the food away. Just weird. The food was good too but the menu was very limited not a ton of options. I would definitely go back for a drink and to hang out and enjoy the view, or grab a sandwich on the top floor to go, but I'm mixed if I would come back for dinner, unless I was already downtown.
(3)
Rich B.
Stopped in on a nice summer afternoon for some drinks and appetizers. Sat outside on the patio looking out at the river, very nice! Food was awesome service was awesome. A nice guy named Andre was our server, really did a grest job. Definitely going back. Going to bring some friends next time to try the brunch.
(5)
Shauna M.
Tried it for lunch on a beautiful Chicago summer afternoon. 4 stars for patio ambiance overlooking the river. Limited wines by the glass. Roast Beef Sandwhich and Vietnamese salad were good for what they were. Would only go back if it involved sitting outside.
First the good stuff.... Great ambience and views of the river. The roast chicken was great... Tasty and tender. Lemon trifle dessert was awesome. BUT.... The roast beef was gristly and not so tasty. almost bland. Appetizers including ravioli, smoked trout and fried chicken gobbets were just fair. No pop. Really expected better. The wine list was really overpriced. Stick with the selection of craft beer. I really wanted to love this place and was surprised how little I even liked it. Given all we have to choose from in Chicago, it's unlikely that we'll come back.
(2)
Elizabeth M.
We had dinner there the night after the grand opening and it was DELICIOUS! The views from the restaurant are breathtaking and even better if you chose to sat outside! The dinner style is more of a family style service. They offer an entire roast chicken or an entire fish (they say it feeds 2, more like 4) and they carve it for you at the table! We shared the chicken, a side of turnip au gratin (yummy!) and the artichoke appetizer. All amazing. I was super surprised at how deliciously flavored everything, especially the chicken. I also don't like turnips... now I do! Absolutely amazing service, our server walked us through the menu and was very very knowledgable having been only open for a day. Bonus: AMAZING BEER MENU
(5)
Debbie E.
This review could have easily been 5 stars, and it could have easily been 2 stars. Let's get the bad out of the way .... the service. Some of the previous reviews touched upon this and it's rather perplexing that the issues with the wait staff haven't been dealt with yet. After being seated our waiter promptly came over and took our drink orders. We took time to peruse the menu and then put in our food order. The food takes awhile to come out, so be prepared if you don't order any appetizers. Other reviewers talked about bread being served, but we didn't see any of that. Anyway, back to the service. Once the food was served, that was the end of our service. We had to track down our waiter for everything. We ordered wine to have with dinner and never got it. Half way through the meal, we finally were able to locate our waiter and ask about the wine. Then we don't see him again until our plates are cleared and he just comes to the table and says, "Shall I bring you the check?". We weren't asked if we wanted anything else or wanted to see a dessert menu. We asked to see the dessert menu, ordered coffee and my husband asked to have his water glass refreshed. Coffee was lukewarm. When he came to refill my husbands water, he refilled it and left. Never asked if the rest of us would like a refill or better yet ... just refill all of them. No one ever came back to refill or coffee or ask how dessert was. My dinner companions said they felt he was rather arrogant and didn't really want to be serving us. Finally, had to flag him down again to get the check. Didn't dock them stars for this because management stepped up and took the beverages and dessert off the bill after we complained. Hope they correct these service gaps since we have not been the only ones that have had this experience. For the most part, the food, as far as taste goes, is 5 stars. The biggest miss was the was the RR Chopped salad. It was drowning in so much dressing that it was almost like drinking vinaigrette. We also had the shrimp and crab toast, roast beef, rack of pork, curried cauliflower and RR potatoes. Everything was absolutely delicious. The beef and pork were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The accompanying sauces were excellent enhancements. The "popover" that came with the beef was hard as a rock and could only be eaten by dousing it with the gravy. The corn bread that came with the pork had good flavor, but was a bit dry. The curried cauliflower was so good I could have just eaten a plate of that. Drinks are expensive, but they are everywhere downtown. However, beware when ordering the small bites and sides. We got 4 pieces of the shrimp and crab toast. Basically, one piece of bread cut into 4 triangles topped with the seafood and a dollop of avocado. At $14 that's $3.50 per piece. It was good, but it wasn't that good. As for the delicious cauliflower, we barely got enough so that 3 of us could each get a piece! You literally get only about 4 florets for $9. Save your money and make it yourself. It's a shame because everything was so good, but those items left us feeling a bit ripped off. When we go back again we will probably just stick to the roasts and maybe the the salad or try the "boatload of veggies". It would be interesting to see what they consider a "boatload".
(4)
Jose V.
Came here on a rainy Tuesday night. I was impressed by their ambience and decor, is trendy, upscale, romantic. As a start, ordered the pork cake, which was decent, but didnt wow me, it sounded better in the menu :) As far as the entree, I split the rack of pork and seasonal vegetables with a friend, it was top notch, the meat was very tender, juicy and packed with flavor, it also comes with a side of grilled potatoes which were delicious. If there is something they need to improve on is on their service. While the servers were professional and had vast knowledge of their dishes, they weren't very attentive and/or were kinda slow, I had to stay on top of them; it wasn't a busy night. Overall the food is great, they have 4 main meat entrees which are totally shareable, again, some items may sound better in the menu, but I would still love to come back and try their charcuterie before making a final assessment, for what I've tried, it deserves 4 solid stars. They have a pretty good selection of wines and bubbles and charcuterie which could make this place a potential go-to for afterwork happy hours..
(4)
Jan E.
Absolutely superb! Loved the roasted chicken which is "for two" but three of us ate it with four roasted sides (brussel sprouts, The Peas, beets, leeks) and it was more than enough. Nice touch: a recipe for chicken soup sent home with our extra chicken. Excellent beverages (our table had the cider, mead, and a lemon citrus cocktail.) All excellent. We'll be back.
(5)
Trent M.
Beef, pork, and, chicken. A trinity of meats. Chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan may have mastered the open flame with outstanding roasts. Our table of seven ordered the Whole Chicken, Rack of Pork, The Roast Beef, and Big Fish, as well as the fried rabbit and vegetables as appetizers. The waiter cut the large and main dishes tableside, which brought out the cameras for the show. All the dishes were excellent, but the beef was the favorite of the group- a perfectly roasted medium rare, and succulent smoked prime flavor. The atmosphere was richly dark yet open, with scenic views of the river and open kitchen. It was only slightly too loud that Saturday night. Topped off with a good beer menu and great service, River Roast will stand on its own. Food: A Service: A Atmosphere A-
(4)
Susan W.
We really enjoyed River Roast. Our server was fantastic, the ambiance was really nice and we sat over by the TV so we could watch the Wisconsin game. We went pretty big with appetizers, drinks and the roasted fish, but it was all super tasty and totally worth it! We went at 5:30 so it was probably quieter than later in the evening, but we plan to go back with a group since it is such a great share-a-meal type of place. I highly recommend the fish, the peas and the cocktail that's like an old fashioned. Enjoy!
(5)
Frances A.
Subpar. Beautiful welcoming space. But that's where the compliments end. Tried their soup of the day at lunch. I was told it would be hearty, bit i was still starving. My friend's salad was pretty blase. At least we enjoyed the bread with cheese.
(2)
Kristy D.
To be fair, im basing this review on the fact that everyone at my table ordered salads for lunch but we were still a little disappointed. The bread and cheese they offer was really great and they were more than happy to give us a few portions. Unfortunately, all of us felt pretty ho-hum about our salads. The steak salad lacked a lot of flavor and the steak didnt taste very well seasoned. The greek inspired salad was filled with a ton of olives and feta (which is usually a great thing) but made the whole salad way too salty. And last, the caesar salad was nothing special and the lettuce was a little wilted. Id like to try it again and maybe some of the menu items they are becoming well known for.
(3)
Don N.
Johnny was amazing. We basically our menu selections in his hands and he never steered us wrong. Delicious apps, drinks and the freakin sweet potatoes..good god. Next time I am here I will want the same experience. Johnny set the table the delivered the goods.
(5)
Angela L.
Went into this reservation fully expecting the worst and was VERY pleasantly surprised by the service and food. Usually the opening week for any restaurant is a mess, the kitchen and service staff are out of sync, the bartenders are overwhelmed. Not River Roast, from the bar upstairs to the table riverside everything was very well taken care of. Food is great, we had a group of 5 women who like to eat so we ordered four small plates to start that were pretty darned good. I would pass on the Lobster Terrine, pretty meh. Artichokes Barigoule were fantastic, we could have mopped up all the sauce with a loaf of bread and been super happy. Chicago Style Sashimi was very tasty, highly recommend. Be sure to get an order of the Golden Gobbets, they were so good I think we all picked up the little basket to see if there were more. For the entrees we got all three, The Big Fish, Whole Chicken (carved tableside) and the Roast Beef. The Chicken was the favorite, very juicy and great flavor. Fish was tasty but I think it won't be for everyone. Beef, well, it's beef, it was delish. Be sure to order some sides, the whipped parsnips were a huge hit. But the Hogan's Peas were by far my favorite, who doesn't like BACON in their peas? Save room for dessert too, we got the Roost Beer Float, The Fat Elvis and the Dark Chocolate Pudding. All very good, the only issue was that I'm pretty sure the pastry chef used salt instead of sugar in their whipped cream on top, it kind of worked though. Drinks, also good, nice but small wine and beer list and great craft cocktails. Beware the Giant Peach of Doom, that'll put you down for the night but by all means, order the I Was Told There Would Be Dancing. Yum! One bonus, GREAT music selection.
(4)
Megan S.
The atmosphere was absolutely stunning. Priced very fair for the quality of meat. The Beef - Perfectly cooked. I had one of the red wine blends from Washington state - Delicious. I had the peas and the green beans for the sides. I didn't die for them but they were good - just not for me. The potatoes were amazing. Loved it everyone was super great, service was amazing. The view of the river is also to die for.
(4)
Pam H.
Calling this a $$ restaurant location is a stretch, but that is a criticism of Yelp, not the restaurant.We had 2 beers , a cider and 2 (substantial) appetizers and a $90 check including tip. We were there on Friday night after work. I like the restaurant. There is enough noise to feel lively but you can still hear conversation. The room is warm and inviting with , or in spite of, the large windows onto the river. The seating is comfortable, Tables are nicely spaced although we had no trouble hearing the conversation at the next table. I wish they had smaller or salad forks. The pitchfork sized meat forks are too big for pates or salads. I wound up using an oyster fork but a place of this caliber should balance their flatware with the scale of the food item. In dimly lit restaurants, if you use a cream colored stock for your menu paper, make sure your ink choice and font are sufficient to be able to read the menu easily. I liked our waiter. He was informative, there when we needed him and did not hover. We had the charcuterie platter and the foie gras terrine. My friend balked at eating rabbit and he missed the really good rabbit mousse. His loss. More for me. If you get it, use the fruit condiment (?Figs?Currants?). It is an excellent taste balance to the saltiness and tang of the rabbit. The terrines and pate were also tasty, more so when they warmed up to room temperature when we could catch the subtleties of the flavors. Just take them out of the fridge earlier, please. The dry sausage/salami was excellent. It was sliced very thin, well spiced. It would have been impossible to maneuver with the big fork and I am glad I had the oyster fork for that especially. The bread. Thick slices of a country loaf, possible boule which are toasted in the middle of the dining room. It makes for a scrumptious fragrance except for the charred pieces which smell like burnt toast. Unfortunately some of the burnt pieces were served at our table. I don't want to scrape blackened edges off my bread. C'mon guys. Wide selection of craft beers which my friend liked a lot.There are some ciders on the menu with which I am more familiar. Draft cider was an excellent toasty brew, but the 750ml bottles of cider are priced like wine with a similar mark-up. Hmmmm...nope. Back to the prices. Entrees are for 2 persons and certainly the chicken at the next table could have served more than 2 but at $39 looks expensive. The roast beef is $32 for 8oz and IS expensive and the waiter does a nice job of trying to upsell to the 16 and 24 oz portions. $64 for a 16oz piece of meat? Nope, even if it is meant to be shared. Overall, the food was good, the room was nice, but it was too expensive for what was provided. I wouldn't mind coming back on someone else's expense account.
(3)
Marina P.
Crazy good chicken. Great service. Wonderful views. Nothing but compliments for the River Roast!! Alex our server was friendly, competent and so amazing!!!!
(5)
Andy S.
Came here for drinks and dinner on the patio on Sunday and had a great and time. Good food, good drinks, and super friendly staff. Katie walked us through the menu and gave solid recs. the pork was outstanding!
(5)
Karlyn T.
Brews & Blues Brunch - LOVED IT! My boyfriend & I stumbled upon River Roast while on a business trip in Chicago (we're from Miami) last month. And let me tell you, we absolutely loved it! From the gorgeous river views & the blues band to set the perfect ambiance, to the amazing food we were pleasantly surprised! The staff was extremely attentive & professional, too! (We both keep talking about our experience at River Roast!) In fact, I made this account to specifically review this awesome restaurant! I had the french toast & he had a breakfast type burrito. Both servings were large & well worth the cost. We also enjoyed a few delicious brews! Thank you for the awesome experience, River Roast - can't wait to be back in The Windy City to check you out again! (Or you could just come down to warm Miami! )
(5)
Kevin K.
Been there twice, the first time the whole chicken was just incredible. Best chicken I've ever had. Second time it was still good but not quite as good as the first time. The fish is great too though the portion is kinda small; it definitely won't fill up two people. The pork was underwhelming though so I'd stick with the chicken and fish
(5)
Melissa N.
I can't say enough good things about River Roast. My friends and I had a fantastic dining experience here. The ambiance of the place is great: casual but still very modern. I would love to come back again when it's warmer to enjoy the lovely outdoor patio on the river. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. My friends weren't super impressed with the cocktails (one of them literally had an ice cube in it that was four inches squared, leaving room for only about two sips of drink...no thanks). The wine list was good, however, and we had a LOT of the house pinot noir, which was divine. The food was outstanding. We sampled a plethora of dishes. Highlights include the roast chicken, which is incredible: so tender you barely even need to chew it. I'm not usually big on beets, but the beet side dish was great, as were the brussel sprouts, leeks wrapped in prosciutto, mushrooms, and every single thing we consumed. For dessert we shared an apple fritter of sorts that wasn't super impressive, but the lemon dessert was heavenly. I was also impressed by how affordable this place was. Split six ways, we each ended up paying $66, including tip. I expected it to be twice as much based on the amount of food and drink we had. Overall, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Andrew O.
As a regular visitor to the windy city....I have eaten at a variety of different establishments. River Roast has definitely been the highlight of many dining experiences in the city! We had a large group of people with us and ordered a variety of items from the menu to share with the table. Everything was served beautifully and cooked to proper temperature. The chef himself actually came out and greet us. I even asked him to make me a spicy relish for our beef dish. In just a few minutes he whipped up a fantastic array of veggies and herbs to put on our food. Cannot wait to go back again!
(5)
Tom S.
CS magazine could not have been more wrong on their review. We read about the restaurant in the latest CS and it sound like a great spot in the river. It is on the river but that is all they got correct. The menu is limited and the signature dish is chicken. We asked the waitress (one of the 3 times we saw her) recommendations: "the pork is good when we get it right, but chicken is our dish". You get better check at the grocery stores. Lack of flavor and dry. We looked at other tables and the results were the same. Just as big of an issue is we ordered, after hunting down the waitress, and the food was served within 7 minutes. They could at least pretend the food is not sitting in the kitchen warming drawer and give you a few minutes. We were done eating 30minutes from arrival and the Restauarant was empty so no reason to rush us. We asked 3 people for our check and eventually just left enough r cover the bill - the waitress showed as we walked out I make sure we left enough money. The parting words were sort and did you book open table and don't yelp. I am amazed this place has made it a year.
(1)
Sheri B.
Well we were there with a group of 7 the wait staff was in space except for the quick clearing of the table. No coffee refills and the bill had orders that we never received.the chicken was ok. Had to ask to have a waiter cut it up. Had to ask the waiter to redo the bill. All together embarrassing. Took a group from out of town. Stick to the view and maybe a drink and don't go back till they get their act together
(2)
Chris H.
Nearly a shrine built solely for slow braised meats. My boss and co-workers went here for lunch and were simply blown away. They start everyone out with grilled bread and a delightful sweetened cheese spread. My colleagues had fried chicken on enormous biscuit and I had the beef on weck (as good as Buffalo, NY's mainstay). They cook with love and execute dishes expertly. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan have nailed it here and what a location. Did I mention the service? Our waiter was present, knowledgeable and professional; he checked in regularly and helped us gain a better understanding of the menu. Also, hats off to carrying Local Options's beer. I will return!
(5)
T C.
Such a pleasant surprise!!! Love the atmosphere. Unique cocktails. Decent wine list. Fairly limited entree menu but tons of veggie options and starters. (Limited entree menu means you have to be ready to share with your dinner partner as most meals are meant to share.) Went with a friend last night and we shared the fire roasted branzino and brussel sprouts. Both were excellent!! Great flavor, great quality, good presentation too. The "chips" were interesting. Very flavorful but not what I would really want in a side dish. Even the bread "starter" was outstanding! The only reason I gave them a 4 out of 5 is that the service was exceptionally slow. There's a fine art in giving your patrons time to decide and leaving them for extended periods of time. We had a show to go to and was almost late.... But otherwise - great, great, great experience!!!
(4)
Tina N.
We noticed this beautiful setting along the river as we walked from the train station to our hotel. Coincidentally, the hotel concierge recommended it. Even though it was a limited menu at 3 in the afternoon, the food was fantastic and unique. The Scotch Egg was terrific. So we're the Golden Gobbets chicken and salads. I don't usually eat much bread but couldn't stop eating theirs with goat cheese crispy onion spread. Yummm
(5)
Flor D.
Nice place well located with great view. It has a patio right in front of the river so it is highly recommended to go outside if it is a nice day. Food is really good and the staff is extremely nice.
(4)
Pham D.
I love this new restaurant! Very classy but not mouse food. The portions are enourmous and they even encourage you to bring the chicken home and make chicken noodle soup out of it. Most of the menu is fire-roasted and comes out perfectly crispy and juicy. Their drinks are also amazing. Their location next to the river is picture-perfect!
Blues & Brunch - was fun with live music. Food is decent, a little on the bland side. Too much smoke in dining area from the kitchen. Would suggest outdoor dining area when weather permits. Exceptional beer list with many hard to find brews.
(3)
Julie M.
We celebrated a birthday here a couple nights ago and it was my first time here. The service was impeccable. Every attention to detail was carefully orchestrated. The food presented in a unique and inviting way- many entrees able to be shared (and encouraged). The roast chicken may have been the best I've ever had. The meat was juicy and flavorful while the skin was crispy and savory. The roast beef was cooked perfectly to temperature and the blood orange soft serve ice cream (dessert) is made in house and is phenomenal. I will definitely be returning to this gem on the river (with spectacular views)!
(5)
Cathy N.
Awesome!! Awesome!! Awesome!!! Service. Food. Atmosphere. All just amazing! If you pick one place to go, this is it. Scotch eggs. Shrimp toast. Brandy and homemade frozen yogurt. Yum!
(5)
Dan S.
A solid "B" grade for a decent dinner/night out place. Nice curated beer list, good but somewhat uninspired cocktails, passable wine list. The food is a great concept, roast meats but I found them to be somewhat bland in taste. Carving at the table - ok, here's a bit of a show but none of the flavors really popped or came out and in the case of our chicken - it was a bit dry. Keep refining and working it - we will be back...
(3)
Jeremy S.
Great service! Started with a smile from Grace all the way through to the Chef/Owner, Mr Hogan. The chicken is screamingly moist, rabbit is fantastic and the Hogan Peas.....well, every dam thing we had. Just go. Don't think twice.
(5)
M K.
Food, drink selections, and atmosphere are excellent. If their prices were more reasonable, I would give it 5 stars; it's a bit too pricey IMO.
(4)
Jennifer G.
I went in with mixed expectations and left with mixed reviews. My husband and I stopped in last weekend and it was pretty empty for a Saturday night so we were able to snag a table outside. Unfortunately, many of the tables are blocked from looking into the river by either signs advertising to boats for the restaurant or the flowers. So - really it's a peek a boo sort of view. It was a little disappointing. Our waitress was very nice and described how the chicken roast is prepared and we ordered that. We started with both the chopped and spinach salad. Both were really good and a nice portion - which was great b/c it took a good 35 minutes before our chicken came out. The chicken was juicy - nothing dried out. However, it was just okay. I didn't feel it was over the top great and actually felt a sauce with it would have been nice. We ended up taking some of the chicken and potatoes home and I mixed it up with some different ingredients the next day. For dessert - I asked our waitress how large the soft serve was. She told us it was pretty small in a mason jar and gave us the vibe that we should get two. I was a little annoyed when they came out in pretty good portions - where one would have definitely been enough for both of us. All in all - not bad of a restaurant, but it is certainly not a place I would seek out again.
(2)
Christine S.
Had lunch on a recent Friday. Nice atmosphere, especially the outside seating, but frankly expected better quality food for a restaurant that is associated with Tony Mantuano. We are regulars at Cafe Spiaggia and Bar Toma. First off, our waiter couldn't remember the specials for the day and was uninformed about the wines "by the glass". Good thing we didn't ask for any bottle recommendations! He also wanted us to order our apps and entrees all at once. We don't like doing this because entrees tend to come out too quickly. Even after waiting a few minutes to order our entrees after we ordered our apps, guess what? The entrees still came out too soon and we had just received our apps. Nothing more annoying than a waiter who is untrained both in service and menu. The Wagyu sashimi app was chewy, shouldn't that quality of beef melt in your mouth? The roast chicken for two was dried out and should be fork tender for $39. The Caesar salad was just ok. Didn't expect this poor quality of food and service at a Tony Mantuano restaurant. Very disappointed.
(2)
Chris N.
Went there last night for a pre-theater dinner. Location is great, and ambience is really nice. Comfortable place, a little loud but intimate. In the summer I bet the outside seating along the river would be fantastic. Food was good but there was a small problem described below. Bread and onion-herb spread was a good treat if not so remarkable. Starter was scotch egg, which was nice - perfectly soft boiled interior in a delicious package. My wife and I shared the roast pork. I am sorry to say that although the pork itself was flavorful, the carved portion we had was dry and overcooked. It reminded me of when I was a kid when my mother would cook pork to white, which in the old days was de rigueur but in modern times is no longer necessary. I was hoping for moist tender pork, but what we got was far from that. Oh dear. Beer, wine and cocktail selection was good. I was disappointed to not get a pint pour for my draft IPA, given the pint-pour price, but that is how it goes sometimes. Service was awesome! Total dinner for two with drinks and an appetizer was $100 plus tip. I am happy overall about the experience. I'd be happy to go back and try again, it's often hard to get roasts just right but that's what they do there :) other peoples' portions looked great.
(3)
Bernie M.
I could be wrong, but I don't see this place lasting. Other than having a table outside on the river, and a very nice staff, I wasn't impressed by anything else. We had the scotch egg as snack, which was the best item we ordered. The leeks wrapped in prosciutto were also good, but aren't most things with prosciutto? The Indian shrimp wasn't good, and we didn't have enough chicken to go around for two people. The quality of the chicken was average at best. Again, great view, and nice being on the river, but I wouldn't think about coming here when the temperature is below 65. Were we really hearing heavy metal/Metallica as background music eating outside on the river? Yep. There's a time and a place for Metallica, but definitely not in that setting.
(2)
DuSable Dining Club C.
Average ratings: Atmosphere-4.1 Service-4.5 Food-4.1 Value-4 Favorite things: Together with friends for the holidays! Spanx That lemon dessert Steph's speech Steph gets drunk the night before weighing in (thanks for such a great tip) Love the company Really good food-pork was great Company was 10 stars+ Jeff's generosity in passing dishes & being patient. Great gifts The sparkly polka dot red box and tool Katie and Lindsay joining us. Cant wait to wear my "gay man" t-shirt Love the new additions-Lindsay and katie The company-thanks for including me!!! Gift exchanges Terri's generosity-she is so giving for her kind!! Shalom! Steph as gay man Always love the company Great night! Great food! Think I'm buzzed-this was great, but I am a little buzzed We were all here-great company Food was great Really enjoyed Always the group Food was great Great music The gifts were great Christmas cheer with my family The pork! Wow! The wine-no way it was just 8 bottles Least favorite things: Having to leave Needed two severs Wish I loved it more Not much My taxi driver Spanks Driving home Leaving General Assessment: Great night-great laughs Eric is a great host 3 out of 5 stars Great place-loved the pork! Love all of you This is great! So fun! Could use better wine selection They close kind of early Fun place, great service Great place-would go back for sure What a great night-great friends!
(4)
Yang C.
Totally agree that the roast chickens feed way more than two. Our group of 7 came in and ordered a roast chicken, a roast fish, 6 sides, 4 starters, and 2 salads and got a look from the wait staff as if we had severely under ordered.
(3)
Ryan M.
Good eats....Great Times....Delicious food
(4)
Clare H.
Had a wonderful experience there. The pork was so delicious and our waiter was so friendly. Such a beautiful view of the river, which really added to the ambiance
(5)
Rita J.
We were here twice while in Chicago for a work/pleasure trip. On the first visit, we had the roasted pork with whipped sweet potatoes. The wait staff was prompt, charming and informative. The meal was flavorful. The atmosphere was pleasant...upscale but not stuffy. The second visit was not up to same level. We were seated in a tight two person table that could hardly accommodate the place setting. We were never greeted by the wait staff. A manager noticed we'd been seated for 10 minutes with no drink order. If it hadn't been for her, we wouldn't have been waited on. Our waiter, who never introduced himself, was always coming by AFTER the manager had checked in. After 30 minutes, we got some bread to go with our wine. 45 minutes after ordering, our entree, the roast chicken, arrived. It was tasty but I was beyond hungry by then. At least they comped our drinks and dessert to make up for the lackluster service. Perhaps it was a fluke...I sure hope so because it's a really great restaurant.
(3)
Carole G.
Not a good evening. Went hoping for the best and it was a disappointment. Waiter was difficult to understand and could not explain items on menu. Ordered a bottle of wine and it was out of stock. Ordered chicken and it was dry. When bus person picked up plates he referred to Hogan's peas as soup. Go figure. Wait staff needs to be better informed of menu.
(1)
bridget j.
A friend told us about this place and we decided to give it a try. The pros: the service was excellent; the food was perfect. We had the pork and the sweet potatoes and there wasn't anything left. Which leads to the cons: The portions are too small for the price. We had wine at $13 a glass and it was served a quarter of the glass full. We dine out enough to know this was a small portion. Also, the main entree is listed on the menu to share for 2, but it wasn't enough. We ate everything and while it was tasty it was also that we were almost left hungry. I will go back, but with a larger group and order more sides to split.
(3)
Emily P.
First time experience with River Roast, and I wasn't disappointed. We got the muscles and port meatballs for appetizers and both were delicious. The muscles were slightly undercooked but the chef brought out a fresh batch right away and gave a complementary dessert! For the entree we had the chicken, which we were told they're known for. After having it I could see why! Cooked perfectly, juicy, crispy skin. Delicious. Overall a good experience.
(4)
Kristen K.
Went to River Roast for Sunday brunch and to say that it was delightful would be an understatement! Beautifully re-modeled interior and outdoor seating, decadent morsels and original tasty cocktails, friendly service - all in a prime location! Who could ask for anything more? I recommend ordering a few entrees to share (shrimp and grits!! Hogan's peas, local tomatoes with ricotta, shrimp toasts, oh my)- because sampling the RR menu is !the only way to do it We also ordered a roasted chicken for the table which was so delicious that even my 5 year old asked for more... And they come with roast potatoes that taste like they've grown a skin of gourmet potato chips around them. They were super accommodating to my picky daughter and she devoured the waffles with a side order of biscuits with honey. A must-go new hot spot!
(5)
neal s.
This was a disappointment. Everything was fine, but nothing was memorable. Our party shared the fish and the roast meat. The fish presentation was outstanding (ironically, despite the name of the restaurant the recommended preparation is fried) was a tiny bit overdone. My friends that have eaten there recommended the chicken and have commented how good it was but at $42 (for two, it did look gigantic) I won't be running back. I will probably give it another try because I had gone within the first two days of opening and may have still been working out the kinks. They do shave nice outdoor tables and the wait staff was very eager to please. Still, with the lineage of the owners and chef's my visit was not impressive.
(2)
Jassen S.
Great experience here. Staff bent over backwards make this a special restaurant. From managers that step in to help out, friendly greeters, great bartenders and a wonderful host....great staff. The roast chicken was hands down the best chicken I've ever tasted. I am not sure how you get a roast chicken to be as tender and juicy as deep fried, but they have. Amazing! Solid beer list. Good cocktails...with a bar staff willing to go off the menu. Kyle and Derrick are solid drink makers. Worth the extra wait to eat outside. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kristina O.
Recently opened up, spectacular views of the River, AND a menu men and women can adore. I planned a date for my boyfriend and this was our last stop for dinner on a beautiful Saturday night. We were seated promptly at a wonderful table. The views were amazing, the atmosphere was great for dates or groups, with a moderate noise level. Service: Excellent. Our waitor did a great job rattling off specials, descriptions, and suggestions. Food: We got the Whole Chicken (who wouldn't?) with sides of Curried Cauliflower, the Peas (more than just peas), and Leeks (more than just leeks). Everything was divine, including and especially the house-made PUNCH (I would have had more than 2 except I would have went right to sleep)! Take a group or date! Remember to get the PUNCH!
(5)
A W.
Simple concept without a complicated menu. Service was awesome, as were the cocktails. I got to keep my flask that the cocktail was served in, built into the price of the drunk... oops i mean drink. The fried fish came out bonless, with head and tail still attached. The roast beef was charred on the outside and tender and juicy inside. I was a little surprised to see the place wasnt too busy, albeit a Sunday night.
(4)
Jerry M.
Had dinner there this past Friday. Everything was perfect. Party of four 7:30 reservation has us seated by 7:20pm. Waiter was attentive & informed. Chef Hogan visited our table & made suggestions. Food was excellent & flavor was amazing. Will definitely be back to River Roast.
(5)
Eric S.
Fantastic restaurant. I've been here multiple times and every time it's been delicious. Great entrees, appetizers, sides, and drink menu. It's now my go-to place to take people when they come to visit.
(5)
Haydar M.
$100 for dry fried potatos, gamey beef with a giant wad of fat with two fried eggs on an old brioche. and a roast that was cut way too soon and was swimming in blood.. very shameful.. was expecting high hopes from this place. server was way too nervous to be kind or attentive. despite the nice design/decor. i wouldn't give this place more than 6 months.
(1)
Joshua D.
We came to River Roast for our anniversary dinner. We spoke to the executive chef at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready. We knew what we wanted to order before we were seated so we ordered rabbit, artichoke hearts, and shrimp. The first app came after an hour, the entree came 20 minutes later. The other two apps came after the entree. Every single bit of food we ate was absolutely delicious. That and how the staff apologized and bent over backward for our troubles. It a newer restaurant so they are working things out, so we had to cut some slack! Food is amazing, drinks were strong, amazing city views. Try the rabbit!
(4)
Leah L.
We shared two roasted fish for three of us. Delicious!
(5)
Cate S.
I've been here a few times for lunch and have been impressed each time by the quality of the food, the speed in which it is delivered and by the staff who are incredibly friendly (Ive found some wait staff in Chicago to be snobby - not here). I have't tried their Sunday Blues Brunch yet but it is on my to-do list!
(4)
Arti I.
I am not really one to gush, but I will make an exception for River Roast. You can tell right when you first sit down these people LOVE food. The waiter was absolutely lovely and described every dish we asked about in incredible mouth watering detail and when the food came out it exceeded the hype. Everything is carved right in front of you and meant for sharing family style! The big fish was my favorite by far, flakey and crispy on the outside and beautifully tender as you bite in. The RR potatoes are the perfect pair with whatever roast you pick. In short: everyone should RUN to River Roast and enjoy a truly unique dining experience
(5)
Art R.
Great food, great service. We had roasted chicken for two, one of the signature dishes. It came quickly even though we were warned that it could take 20 minutes. Our server, Rodrigo went above and beyond normal expectation when we ordered Baileys and coffee only to find out that they did not have Baileys. Unprompted, he found a bourbon with cream which ended up tasting better than Baileys.
(5)
Bryan R.
Second time eating here and we had the beef. It was really really good. What was even better was the service that we received. Our waiter Carlos was well versed on the food and the back story of the chefs. He was one of the better waiters we've had at any restaurant. I have recommended this place to two different people that both had great experiences and one of which has already returned for a second time. You can't beat the view being on the river when it is nice out. This place is just plain great.
(5)
Nicole I.
I had my wedding reception at River Roast (formerly Fultons) and it was perfect! Hilary, the events coordinator, is so easy to work with and her and her team did an amazing job leading up to the big day and the day of! They handled everything! The food was also amazing. My guest are still raving about it! The view wasn't too bad either :)
(5)
Paul C.
Came here after work with a party of 6 and were quickly seated at a riverside table with a great view. Just had drinks and appetizers to share. Everything was very tasty and the service was great. I can't wait to come back for dinner. On the inside, they did a great job of separating the banquet rooms from the main bar and restaurant. That was one of the biggest problems with the old incarnations at this location - it always felt abandoned and empty regardless of how many people were there. The remodeling is very nice. Finally, glad to see John Hogan is back in the saddle here - I always enjoyed everything at Keefer's where he was executive chef. It's about time this location gets it right!
(5)
Michele K.
TERRIBLE FOOD, AN EMBARRASSMENT. 67 PEOPLE, $7500 rehearsal dinner. BAD. This redone restaurant, on the river with a Great location IS A LOSER for food and presentation. The menu we chose, pulled pork, bbq chicken, roasted veg. tater tot, corn bread, goat cheese salad sounded great for the event, but was like serving from a CHEAP buffet. One bowl of each was set up. An unadorned skimpy presentation. The bowls, standard serving sized were refilled, but a long line of guests getting food out of a bowl that I would choose to serve for 10 guests in my home looked like the meal was done on the cheap. The flavors: Meats were edible, again presentation was meat in a bowl unadorned. Corn bread salty and dry, roasted vegs, dry and tasteless, the salad was over dressed with 6" diameter globs of soft goat cheese that couldn't be dished easily (or at all as who wants a glob of cheese on soggy lettuce?), tater tot first service was luke warm. The desserts - Brownies, Cookies & Rice Krispy Treats were set on a small 2 top table, ON ONE DINNER SIZED PLATE, with coffee and tea. We had 67 people! Although It was refilled, I couldn't believe that my dessert table had a plate with 6 cookies and a couple of brownies and rice treats. There was nothing plentiful or abundant, or classy or welcoming or beautiful or professional about the food presentation. Because it was a rehearsal dinner for a joyous occasion a good time was had despite the venue, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND THIS VENUE. One week after a call about our unhappy experience, I still have not heard from the new chef/owner/manager of the catered venue department. This very expensive evening was the only bomb of a week filled with wonderful foods all over town. Go elsewhere.
(1)
Caitlin S.
Loved this place. We just ordered a few item from the "bites" menu and shared them as our meal because we wanted to try so many!! Food was good, service was good and so is location. We made a reservation so we could get a table outside, but it didn't seem horribly crowded for a Thursday night.
(5)
Nate A.
Overall an ok experience but not too impressed especially considering the price. Was with a table of five so we had the chicken, pork and big fish roasts. All of them were good but none of them stood out as memorable. The side dishes pretty standard as well. The best thing we had all night was the pork meatballs which had a nice smoked flavor to it. I recommend those. I guess I just expected more flavor in the rest of the dishes. Service decent but also a little choppy. Ok experience overall but not planning on going back for that price point.
(3)
Andy G.
Solid place right on the river. The food is excellent and service is great. I was at River Roast for a business dinner so the "family style" menu could have made for an awkward evening had I not had excellent guests. The menu is spectacular but tread lightly if you're on a budget because it can add up quickly.
(3)
Doni N.
Stopped in last night with two friends and had a wonderful meal. I arrived before my friends and sat at the downstairs bar and had a great conversation with the bartender about the menu. He was very helpful and ran down a list of his favorites. My friends and I ordered the Whole Chicken, the Roast Beef and roast vegetables for our entree, we also split the chopped salad between the three of us. I would recommend this to anybody.
(5)
Teresa T.
Went for Sunday brunch while in Chicago over the holidays. Great atmosphere - had live blues. Seating/set up is spacious so you are not in the conversation at the next table. Waffles with rabbit was awesome - waffles crisp on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside. Rabbit was breaded and fried - moist and juicy - well seasoned. Crab omelette was good but could have been better. Fresh but a little bland. Service was excellent - attentive but not fussy. Will go back next time we're in the city.
(4)
Brian S.
Smoked then roasted chicken was crazy good.
(5)
Terri M.
We hosted our wedding reception at the River Roast. We had approximately 90 guests in attendance. The night was absolutely amazing! The downstairs area is gorgeous when decorated. The service was impeccable. The staff is truly accommodating. The food was delicious! The night was truly perfect. I HIGHLY recommend hosting your next event at this restaurant!
(5)
Ann M.
River Roast has amazing food. I had their roast beef sandwich for lunch and it was delicious!! The popcorn shrimp was a great way to start our meal. The shrimp came with a spicy dipping sauce which complimented the shrimp perfectly. The restaurant has scenic views of the river. I can't wait to go back and try their roasts!! The server, Alex, was friendly and attentive. He described the food so well that we both ordered the specials!!
(5)
Rafal S.
Fantastic food. Great addition to the Chicago restaurant scene. The best chicken I've ever tasted. The charcuterie board and Hogan's peas are a must try. A great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Chef John Hogan hosts some of the best local blues talent around. Fine food and great music. Can't go wrong! Will definitely be back!!
(5)
Geoffery H.
Great food and the service was good as well. We sat outside along the river, wonderful experience!
(5)
Brandon D.
Very cool modern and comfortable atmosphere, with a great view of the river. Service was fast and very friendly. My bloody mary was perfect, and the lobster burger was nothing short of amazing. To top it off, they have a really nice blues band that plays during brunch on Saturdays. You gotta check it out.
(5)
Kristina W.
I ate at River Roast recently with 3 other girls and we were all really impressed. The roast chicken and roast fish were so flavorful and huge portions. Every appetizer we ordered was better than to one before it. The only unimpressive order was the Fat Elvis dessert, which was just meh. The place had a nice vibe too - trendy yet cozy. Was the restaurant life changing? Probably not. Do I want to come back? Most definitely.
(4)
Mel D.
Stopped here for meat since we're trying to eat Paleo! 2:30 pm Saturday. Great meal. Great setting. Right on river. We had the roast chicken and lightly crispy fish and tomato salad w fresh ricotta. All of it was very tasty. Would recommend all 3. And the potatoes that came with both meats were delicious. This meal was cheating on the true Paleo way with the light crispiness of fish and fried potatoes. Ah well....it's a journey! It was worth it. They had only been open 10 days.
(5)
Christopher J.
Great place excellent Rack of Pork,service and drinks. Best of all live Blues Saturday and Sunday at lunch!
(5)
Max L.
Chicken and service was outstanding....sit in Julio's section. The bourbon popcorn appetizer for $5 was a steal!
(4)
D H.
Nice location--I only had appetizers which were okay.
(3)
Adele G.
Had a blast here! Camped at the bar with a friend for a few hours and yukked it up with the bartenders, pairing different cocktails with everything we ordered. The food was spot-on, charcuterie AMAZING (the duck prosciutto to die for), and really had a ton of laughs with the bartenders. Will definitely be coming back here for the meat-centric menu and to work my way through their food. Couldn't be more pleased. Nicely done!
(5)
Kelly M.
Wonderful! Try the smoked trout, oysters , and whole chicken. Wonderful addition to the river.
(5)
Karen D.
My husband & I had out annual "Christmas lunch date" at River Roast today & we loved everything about this place! It was pretty full when we arrived & yet we were able to carry on a conversation without having to scream at one another: we immediately knew things were headed in the right direction! We were going to share a salad - when we asked, our server told us they were large - but then we saw the Scotch egg appetizer. Our server explained that they serve them soft boiled instead of hard boiled - we said the heck with the greens, bring us each one of those! Scrumptious, a great starter. Then we shared the pork roast - so moist & tender, sliced off the bone, but the bones are left to chew on (our server encouraged us to do so!). Served over an apple-cider-vinegar-cinnamony concoction that we just kept swirling our bites of pork in! Nice fat cap left on the pork - melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Honestly. Great potatoes. We had the Mexican chocolate soft serve ice cream for dessert: nice little after-burn, just enough to keep it interesting. The total package: ambiance, service, food, all perfectly done. Can't wait to go back & bring friends.
(5)
Nancy R.
Great view in nice setting--but $40 for a whole chicken?????Truth is the chicken was fine but no better than the $6.00 chicken from Costco. We ordered the meat, the fish, the chicken, the $10 squash popovers, the chopped salad, the turnips. and the mushrooms. All were good...None were great.....all were really pricy...Come for the hype, come for the views, come for a special occasion....or save some money and splurge with a boat ride on the river
(3)
nu r.
Recently came here for dinner when my mom was in town. Food was delicious (we had the chicken, hogans peas and the shrimp toast and sashimi to start) and the service was exceptional. Everyone was very nice and knowledgeable. The ambiance was also great - we had a table on the patio right on the river. Great spot!
(4)
Amanda K.
Delish! Went there for lunch, sat outside on their wonderful terrace. Wanted to get the whole chicken but the server (who was excellent) said their oven wasn't functioning properly and it wasn't up to standard. So we went with the beef, which was good (but I would have preferred the chicken). The crispy potatoes it came with were AMAZING and the side of peas we ordered were too. I also enjoyed the bread and spread (with crispy onions) they brought out first. Definitely look forward to going again!
(4)
Alexis F.
not great. service took forever and food was average at best.
(1)
David B.
Great bar tending with designer cocktails for $12. Whole roast chicken with table side dining was to die for and plenty of food for 2 people. The potatoes in the chicken were amazing. Awesome views of the river. Great for a fancy night out without breaking the bank.
(5)
Mike G.
Simply terrific! Food, service and team.....all good. Thank you for a terrific evening.
(5)
Elyse B.
Very disappointing and ordinary. I expected something special. The chicken was dry and without much flavor, likely because it was too large a bird and was overcooked. The fish was not flavorful. Vegetables (curried cauliflower and succotash) were better, though not enough to make me return, and did not come close to the flavors of vegetables at The Girl and The Goat. The potatoes were the only delicious dish served. The waiter was an odd combination of pushy and disinterested. Even the vibe of the restaurant was off; there were empty tables (on Saturday night) and a crowd waiting, people in sequins and in jeans, and generally a very touristy looking crowd. Miss this restaurant-- there are far better places to go.
(2)
Michael P.
The food is fantastic. We had fried chicken appetizer that was 5 out of 5. I had the daily special patty melt. This was the best patty melt ever. It was not a patty but roast beef. Made up just like a patty melt but with roast beef. Should be a full time menu item. So why not 5 stars? This is the 5th or 6th restaurant in the same place. The environment did not impress me. OK it is along the Chicago river. But there are other places along the river. It was missing something in the decor. The waiter was eh. Did not know the menu did not care to find out the answers to the questions. I asked for Pelegrino I got some other bottled carbonated water. I did not care but usually you would have the water say is xyz ok instead. Again waiter did not care. I will go again since it is only a 5 minute walk from my work. Hopefully better waiter.
(4)
Dara B.
We visited as tourists from New York and had a great time! Came for drinks on Saturday night and liked it so much we came back for brunch on Sunday! Live music at brunch is perfect, beer selection great, staff super nice. Would recommend!
(5)
J. G.
The service is excellent. The ambiance is terrific. The pork roast entree was amazing, but everything else was simply underwhelming. Such grand ideas for the appetizers and extras, but in the end those items sounded better than they tasted. The chorizo stuffed olives were bland, and let me reiterate that these were fried olives stuffed with chorizo resting on fondue cheese and yet somehow, couldn't taste anything but olive. The Brussels sprouts lacked appealing texture or flavor, but had a nice afterkick thanks to the Fresno chiles. The roasted potatoes were nothing to write home about, despite quite a bit of hype from the server. Even the cornbread that came with the pork entree was weirdly seasoned with herbs that overpowered the heartiness of a cornbread muffin. But all that said, the kitchen definitely knows what it's doing with the meat. We only had the pork, but numerous tables around us had the chicken and roast beef and all we heard was raving. So let me rave a little about the pork as well. Unbelievably tender and flavorful. Seasoned in a way that I've never had pork before. The flavor has stuck with me and I can't wait to go back and get more. They claim it serves two, but we took about half home with us and it reheated wonderfully. Another bright spot was the Lemon Trifle dessert. It was sturdy, but still light and tasty. If you go, stick to the meats because that's where River Roast truly shines.
(4)
N G.
We had a party of 8. Nice decor and great bar. Food is over priced-$39 for a roasted Chicken with a few crispy potatoes. Chicken was ok. But not worth the price. Fish is served with head on. We asked to have it fileted. The amount of fish was small and my main complaint is it had too many bones in it. It was supposed to have been deboned. Too many other better restaurants in Chicago that have better fish. Sides are pricey and small. We tried the mashed turnips. No one ate more than a teaspoon of them. Overall as a group we were not impressed and will not return.
(2)
Leah K.
Bartenders were amazing and friendly, 1+ hour wait when we made reservations....ehhhhh not so much! Menu is very limited, but has good options. The main meat options are pretty sizable- I think feeds more than two people people, but the sides will probably only feed 2-3 max.
(3)
Erica L.
I had a really lovely meal here with a party of 10. The menu, though a little small, did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the scotch egg which came with pickled egg and mustard. The brussels sprout salad with fried cheese was refreshing and flavorful. The grilled, filleted, whole fish was perfectly tender and the mock pork rinds were a huge hit. The grilled pork with the caramelized sauce on top was delightful and tender. The whip sweet potato was also very flavorful and wonderful. All in all, they had a great meal. The cocktails were solid as well. So glad other yelpers directed me to this place. It was just perfect for our group.
(4)
Patrick T.
Great place to warm your face during a Chicago Polar Vortex, we ducked into River Roast for an hour and had a great time. The Spot: Great location right by the Chicago River with outdoor seating, but we happened to be there when it was 10 degrees out. We popped in and sat at the bar, which overlooks the river. Good decor, kind of your typical "cocktail bar" backdrop, with all the bottles backlit behind the bartender. Downstairs at the water level, is the more restaurant-y side of things. Hardwood counter at the bar, comfortable high chairs. The Vibe: Relaxed, we sat and chatted with the bartender, ate delicious mussels, and he let me try the housemade Malort and the Jaspers Malort (my first time). Awesome of him to let me taste them, but as all Chicagoans know, they shouldn't be tasted, ever, ever again. Why Only 4 Stars: Prices are a little high, the oysters I had were $3 each. No beers on tap, all bottled. Very minor complaint.
(4)
Kelly E.
As weekend visitors from Nashville, we enjoyed a lovely brunch today in downtown Chicago! The welcoming entrance off of LaSalle leads you down a wide stairwell, allowing the main dining area to nestle right on the river. Seating options include a rustic bar area with high top tables or traditional seating for larger parties. A jazz band entertained from the corner & the servers were knowledgeable and very attentive. We started with beermosas featuring a local pilsner & fresh squeezed OJ and the scotch egg. The egg itself (soft-boiled, wrapped in ground sausage and deep-fried) lacked seasoning, but the thick-grained mustard and pickled onions that accompanied the appetizer lent some interest to the dish. We split the whole, roasted chicken served with home fries. Eh on the potatoes, but the chicken boasted juicy flesh and crispy skin. We opted for a dish of Hogan's peas on the side & holy gracious! Velvety creme fraiche, a light tinge of leek butter, crispy Bibb lettuce and hunks of smoked bacon. Ohhh goodness! Topped off our meal with The Fat Elvis (a chocolate, peanut butter & banana pie which deserves its own review).
(4)
Danielle F.
Amazing meal! River Roast, it's safe to say, has become my favorite river spot! Boasting beautiful views and fantastic service, I couldn't have been more impressed with the evening. Do yourself a favor and order the Whole Roasted Chicken, with the side of Carrots and Dirt! The presentation of the roast was impressive as heck, and we couldn't get over the flavor! Juicy meat, and mouth watering potatoes, oh-my! I can't wait to return for the whole roasted fish! Put this one in your bookmarks' this summer, because Chicago hit this one right!
(5)
Zenia R.
The best roasted chicken ever!!! Nice place and excellent service.
(5)
Gaby F.
If you like wine with your Roasts beware!!! The cheapest bottle of red wine on the list was $70+ , and wait for it, it wasn't available. There was nothing on the list that was 'mid range' pricing and, as the beef is $32, if you both want beef and a bottle its $130+ just there with no appetizer or desserts. I really do think that there could be more reasonable bottles of wine, without having to drink awful Murphy Goode by the bottle (they serve this by the glass). Now there was ONE wine on special for $50 a Syrah, and it was OK. But we had to ask and its just not enough options at that price point. Cocktails (I had the Michael Keaton) were great. The food is terrific, profiterole chicken mousse was tasty, fois toast as part of trio was not, nor was rabbit, too much butter or cream. Crab toasts didn't need the dairy, maybe a light aoili. Chicken is really good potatoes with it are even better. Beef is not a huge portion at 8 oz but the gravy that accompanies is delicious. One nit pick, pop overs AKA Yorkshire Puddings (The traditional English meal) NEVER has cheese on the pop overs, ever. It maybe American taste to add cheese and my guests enjoyed it, but its not traditional. I have been eating Roast Beef on Yorkshire for 40years . But I'm happy I have a local option now. But I wont come with a large group of friends as I don't want the average check to be $80+ for the honour of drinking by the bottl!. Shame
(3)
Christopher V.
Chicken was cooked perfectly with crispy skin & moist tender meat, but unfortunately was completely bland. Has potential for greatness if they'd season the chicken with herbs & salt. Go for the roasted fish instead. Brussels, chicken gobblets and cocktails are all must haves. Service is a bit spotty with servers disappearing for extended stretches.
(3)
Steven N.
While walking around downtown and looking for a place to eat dinner and/or grab a bite to I realized River Roast was a block a way. I work really close to there and recalled that it was a new name along the river and decided to give it a try. The menu, while fitting the whole theme of the restaurant, is very distinctive and you must be in the mood for that when going. They serve whole fish on a stick and a whole rotisserie styled chicken as well. We ended up foregoing the unique but potentially good menu in favor of the drinks; I had an Amaro swizzle. This was quite good, flavor and a good proportion of alcohol/mixer/flavoring. Service was good, we only ordered one round of drinks so we weren't all that demanding. I would definitely consider going back for a full meal to test out the food and the full range of service.
(4)
Mike O.
Been wanting to try to roasts here for quite sometime and finally made it in. We came looking for brunch so we didnt get the roasts but the food was fantastic. Shrimp and crab toast was great although I wish it was larger. Marscapone french toast was good and quite large but the croque madame was the best. Now Im even more excited to come back for dinner
(5)
Alan L.
Maybe better for lunch than dinner We had their burger for lunch (not on the menu) and it may have been the best burger that I ever had. The Bourbon popcorn was not too interesting, but the Scottish Egg was outstanding. The restaurant location is convenient to downtown and the space is attractive.
(5)
Bill D.
Good portions and meals cooked like you were at Grandmas. Pork was smoky and tender as was chicken. Great cocktails and cool venue on the river.
(5)
LaLaLaLa L.
I really like the vibe in this place. I sat inside, but can see how awesome it would be to sit along the river on a sunny day. The restaurant itself it big... huge. The host stand is upstairs and she brings you down a level to the dining area. They have a limited menu.. which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think their main entree choices are the whole chicken, pork, fish and roast beef. They are carved table-side which is cool. My husband and I decided to go in a different direction and order some different apps and sides. We ordered the meatballs, the golden gobbets, the potatoes and mushrooms. Golden gobbets: They were ok. I like that they give you honey to drizzle. I guess if you're a super huge fried chicken fan they're great. I compare them to crispy fried popcorn chicken. Meatballs- I didn't like these.. at all. potatoes- very good! Crispy! Almost reminded me of really good diced breakfast potatoes. Mushrooms- delish! I tried some other things friends had.. the pork was very good! I also tried the shrimp and crab toast and the chorizo stuffed olives.. The toast was VERY fishy tasting. The olives were not good, either. I would definitely come back.. but it's not my first choice. I would rather come for their brunch than the dinner.
(3)
Thamer M.
Good place good food. It is worth to visit this spot. The waiters were helpful. I got the whole grilled chicken with salads. I think it is one of the best restaurant in downtown.
(4)
Mouse C.
Yep River Roast gets a 5 star rating! I came here for a wedding last night and was blown away by the gorgeous view and killlerrrrrr food! The terrance at river roast is second to none...you can't get more Chicago than this! Amazing, sexy views all around. The appetizers (which I unfortunately did not get to try because I was talking too much to eat) looked awesome and everyone that had them said the same. There were mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup cups, bacon wrapped shrimp, and mini quesadillas....adorbs right!? DINNER was redonkulous. They gave the choice of tilapia or a filet, both served over mashed potatoes and asparagus. I went with the tilapia and it was love at first bite. Soooo much flavor yet light enough to ensure you can still dance;) my beau went with the filet. I'm pretty sure this filet was sent from the heavens above. Holy lord it was so tender! I had to stop myself from continuously reaching over and snatching bites off his plate. Lucky for me he's good at sharing :D I will recommend River Roast over and over for a delicious dinner and a fabulous experience overall!
(5)
Joy H.
Great river view and decent service. Because we arrived between lunch and dinner service, we ordered a few small plates and cocktails (try Unicorn Tears). The chicken "nuggets" with honey were delicious. The beverage list is extensive. I'd like to go back for dinner soon.
(4)
Shaunna M.
I found this spot on OpenTable, we stopped in after our Architecture Tour...there are no words. We ordered the chicken g's app, 2 rounds of drinks and the pork roast dinner to share...it was down. Right. amazing. Lively and unique atmosphere, beautiful view, vibrant bar and great service. Would definitely come back.
(5)
Carol K.
Wow! Clearly I did not know what to expect at this reincarnation of what used to be Fultons on the River, as River Roast blew me away the other night! First of all, it has an amazing outdoor patio facing the river. This is a must go to as the service was outstanding, the views spectacular and the food was equally as good. We got a perfect 4 top right along the railing which allowed us unparalleled views of our great city. Our server, Brian, was over in a second, explaining the concept to us which is kind of like upscale tavern fare where they specialize in full meats carved at the table. On the night we were there the fish was a branzino, and the meat was a NY strip but that may be different when you go. The chef is a James Beard winner and it shows in the food. We started with some of their bread served with a wonderful cheese spread ( wonderful but for this girl who is trying not to eat gluten or dairy it was a temptation that I couldn't pass up but it was worth it!) We started with a few of our server's suggestions- the flavored popcorn with "cracklins" and little chunks of chicken deep fried and served with honey. Next up, squash poppers stuffed with cheese a trout appetizer and some west coast oysters. All were terrific! Did I say there were 4 of us? So if this sounds like a lot of food- it really was just the perfect amount. We then had the NY strip perfectly cooked and sliced table side. Given we had ordered so many starters we ordered 2 8 oz portions of this and it was just the right amount ( they serve the roast section of the menu by whole fish, whole chicken or 8 oz portion of meat). We also had the tomato salad, the seafood salad, green and yellow beans and artichokes. It was a great range of flavors and textures! Hard to believe we had room for dessert but one in our party just had to have a "Hoosier seasonal pie" ( I think she liked the name!) so we split the lovely peach sweetness. Dinner for 4 with plenty of drinks ran about $200 so the price was right too. Also- if you like brunch, I was told that they have live blues music on Saturdays and Sundays from 11- 2 so go enjoy a great patio, and some great food while summer is still out there! If you drive- valet parking is $14 out front. And if you are looking for a perfect place to host an event- River Roast has a wide array of private dining rooms as well. So forget what you remember about the old Fulton's for other than the location nothing is the same.. This place is modern, the food is terrific and the staff are well trained, friendly and just nice to have around. And isn't that just what you want when dining out??
(5)
Pamela G.
Amazing food, service and location for our company event. If I could give the River Roast and its staff six stars, I would. We held a company event here for 120 people. Not a detail was missed. The food was incredible - I only wish I weren't so busy hosting so I could've eaten more. The service was outstanding, as led by Darcey Gerber, Senior Sales Manager, who was a joy to deal with. The view is stunning, too. All of our guests were so impressed - our event was a smash. I can't wait to come back to Chicago to eat there again.
(5)
Gina S.
Living in the city you can eat at a different restaurant every day forever without repeating a spot but we have been to River Roast 3 times and even ordered the roasted chicken for delivery once ... and we've only lived in Chicago for 2 months. It's that good. The ambiance is fabulous. Casual but nice. Great location on the river for out of towers or anyone. The potatoes are addictive and the roasted chicken is something that makes your mouth water. The service has been wonderful each team and there was live blues music on one of our visits which was fun. Great spot for lunch or dinner. It will not disappoint!
(5)
Brian C.
Whole chicken was outstanding! My wife and I also enjoyed the potatoes and green bean sides. The view is great. Next time we are in Chicago we will defiantly visit again.
(5)
Daniel W.
Came here with a party of 15 for a reunion dinner. We had a nice room in the back to ourselves. The drink menu was more than accomodating. Good wine and beer selection. Apps - The scotch Egg was really good! Never had it before but I will definitely order again. Fried outside with tender sausage and oozing/yolky egg when you cut into it. The Slow Ravioli was also tasty. I loved the snails in the sauce provided. Main - we ordered the Big fish and Whole Chicken. Both are huge portions. I preferred the Fish. The fish was cooked to perfection and flaky. The whole chicken was also cooked to perfection and had good flavor. Server said to get the roast beef next time...will do. Overall, not a bad place. I would go back if invited but not on my to die for places.
(4)
Caroline B.
I came here for lunch with two friends visiting from out of town. Unfortunately it was pouring and we couldn't enjoy the wonderful river views available on the outdoor patio. Nonetheless, we sat inside and had a delicious meal. Our waiter described the soup special, almond gazpacho, in such a way that we all ended up ordering it. I am SO not a gazpacho person but because it was not tomato-based, I wanted to try it. It was OUTSTANDING. Refreshing, creamy, flavorful and totally unique. I also had the special sandwich, a roast beef and provolone concoction that was also exploding with flavor. Food was delicious, our server delightful, and the location is great. I will absolutely be back.
(4)
Angelica K.
Came for a wedding and the view was awesome! Food was pretty good too. Did not try the seafood appetizers only the quesadilla which was average. The filet was good, the salad, good not memorable. I'd come back for the cocktails and the riverside view though any day.
Just so happened to be lucky enough to check this place out on their first day open to the public! We were looking for a good place to sit on the riverfront and have some lunch and a couple drinks and this new spot definitely fits the bill! The concept seems really cool, with full fish, chicken and beef roasts that they will carve table side for you! The upstairs "roost" has a full bar and quick serve Sandwiches for the daytime business crowd, very smart! The menu is somewhat gastropub-ey, but not over the top so. We tried the charcuterie, which apparently they specialize in and make a lot of it in-house. Great choice, went well with the wine list. The fresh baked, them grilled bread served with French onion butter dip was delicious too, served as a starter when you sit down! The artichoke soup was very very tasty and would definitely recommend. The next time it's available! The steak salad was good too, the horseradish mustard dressing was a little too horseradish forward, but still very enjoyable. The craft cocktail program that they going on is pretty great too! Very clever and distinct cocktails, which is hard to do these days. Great selection of craft distilleries!! Can't wait to come back! For the first day, they were great! I could see them being epic! Service was great, pretty cool to see the chefs and owners working out the kinks.
(5)
Wil J.
This place is terrific! Roasty awesome goodness with a wonderful view of the river. Their roasted chicken is as good as it gets. The mushrooms were well done. I also had a drink called Kobayashi (I believe) -- super yummy with a perfect kick. David was perfectly attentive, and Chef Hogan even came out to welcome us to his wonderful place. Live music on weekends is a big plus. I highly recommend!
(5)
Dana J.
I actually came here for a wedding this past summer and I loved it! Such a great location and from what I can remember, the food was good. I plan on returning this year to try the actual restaurant.
(4)
David C.
Of all the hot new establishments popping up in Chicago's culinary scene, River Roast is one spot that is doing it right. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan's new spot comes alive with live music, tableside roast carving, and great views of the river. The menu can best be described as contemporary comfort American, and they offer great and smart brunch options as well. Craft cocktails and a wide tap menu play perfectly with the casual roast party atmosphere. The food, while rustic, is absolutely delicious. I would pay particular attention to any of their poached egg dishes, or scotch egg dishes for brunch. For dinner, their specialty is the roasted full chicken which bleeds juicy goodness as it is carved tableside for your gratification.
(5)
Leigh M.
This was my first time in Chicago, but River & Roast quite the experience. We went for brunch, sat outside, and the riverfront views were impressive. Much to our surprise, some live music came on about halfway through our meal. Although it was slightly hard to hear conversation over, it was ambient. The french toast was to-die for. One big, thick cut of french toast. If you like raspberries, this is for you! The bloody mary's were served in cute logo'ed glasses with the option to add a "skewer". Skewer came with cubed cheese, meats, olives, etc. A salad in your bloody, if you will! And how could I forget the crab and avocado toast...unique and YUM!
(5)
Zip T.
Saw this on a news channel while at the gym. My personal trainer said he use to work for that chef and that the food is good. So of course the next day I suggested to go try it out with some coworkers. Location is right off the bridge in river north, parking is a little rough but possible. Ambiance is very nice. It isn't too upscale where you would feel uncomfortable but nice enough to either dress up or dress down without feeling awkward. It was Friday on Lent so i ordered the fire grilled "BIG FISH." The fish was very good and tasted really fresh. It being fire grilled gave it its own unique texture and taste from other restaurant menu items. Serving size was pretty big and it's actually meant to serve 2. There are sides you can order ala carte which were also good. The service was good but we were about the only people in the restaurant at the time. Would come again.
(4)
Alessandra F.
The decor, views and service was good. The food was serviceable. My only complaint is that if you are going to charge $7 for a large bottle of sparkling water then bring the whole bottle to the table and not serve just 1 glass and charge for the whole bottle.
(3)
Stefan S.
Excellent on all fronts. Host stand is friendly and attentive. Ambiance is excellent with water and skyline views plus great background music, nice lighting, and just the right temperature. Service is excellent. Server went out of his way to congratulate my wife on her birthday. Tables are wonderful with custom napkins (nice touch). Now the food...well you have to experience it for yourself. It really is top notch. The absolute best chicken I've ever had. They cook it in 20 minutes at 550 degrees with 100% humidity. Roast potatoes have a nice crunch. Order the chicken gobbets and the pickles too. Overall this place is flawless. Just go. **bonus points if you go in the summer when the patio is open.
(5)
Lu N.
I really wanted to try this place. We tried to dine when they first opened and were told that the kitchen was closed because of a fire or something. That wasn't a problem. But just recently we made RSVPs and specifically asked to sit outside. And when we got there they told us it was an hour wait for outdoor seating and that they don't take RSVPs for outdoor! Well don't you think you should have told us that when we made the reservations?!?!? On top of it the kid was one of the rudest and careless "host" we've ever encountered. At least act like you give a hoot! Somebody please give that kid some manners. That is all.
(2)
Jim C.
I have known Chef John Hogan for over 25 years from KiKi's Bistro to Saveran to Keefer's to River Roast and he never disappoints! What a delicious meal from beginning to end. Outstanding service and gorgeous view on the river. Simply Wow! Get anything and everything roasted! John and Tony well done!
(5)
Jewel A.
I honestly don't know where to begin! The service was FANTASTIC, the employees were so warm & welcoming, there is beautiful scenery, and the food was EXTRAORDINARY. This was probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. I will definitely be a returning customer! P.S. The meats are so TENDER & DELICIOUS! The employees even cut the meat in front of you before serving it to you!
(5)
Jaime G.
Yup. One of the best places on the river for a great lunch. Great patio on the river, excellent service, and super good food. Try the roasted sea bass. The best here. So good - crispy roasted with a great chimichury type marinade. It served with roasted potatoes that are also crispy and good. We also tried the roasted beef sandwich. Incredibly tender, great melted cheese, horseradish sauce, and beautiful toasted bread. This is worth the cost of eating downtown man. Come try it.
(5)
Eric Y.
I had high expectations but I found River Roast to be disappointing. It's a great location on the river and the view might be spectacular except for the construction on the other shore. The space itself is immense with a main dining a room and multiple other private to semiprivate areas that would be good for events. There is nice cocktail selection but I found the wine list to be limited. There are also a bunch of craft beers so that's nice. Roasts are their specialty and for entrees there are just five - all roasted, of course. Fish, whole chicken, beef, rack of pork, and veggies. If you're going to have only 5 entrees and you're staking your reputation on roasting, they'd better be mighty good. Alas, I was not impressed. The fish and the beef were very nicely prepared and were delicious. The rack of pork was inconsistent - had to send the first one back because it was dry and the replacement was very juicy and properly done. The vaunted roasted whole chicken was underwhelming - the skin was nicely crisp but the meat was dry. There are many small plates and side dishes to choose from. They specialize in fresh oysters and offered East Coast and West Coast varieties. We ordered some and the server got confused as to which were the East and which were the West. Uh... We found the small plate an side dishes to be inconsistent. Good ones included the mussels with chorizo and the chicken liver mousse with Yorkshire pudding. The pea side dish was delicious; whole peas in a bacony pea sauce - I could eat this every day. The roasted potatoes that come with the entrees are delicious too. Some dishes were just ok - the crab and shrimp toast, San Giacomo leeks, and the brussels sprouts fell into this category. A couple of the sides were head-scratchingly bad. The au gratin turnips were cold and tasteless. The country fried rabbit had a nice crust but the meat was so dry and the biscuit was a serious brick. Bisquick, where are you when we need you?
(2)
Lochin S.
cool vibe, love the decor and the location. service was great. just not sure about the food. I paid $32 for chicken and honestly I think it tasted the same as rotisserie from grocery store. maybe I am missing something. the bloody mary tasted like ostyer juice which was interesting. for my hubby and I it was over $100 for brunch. stayed for blues inside the bar area. nice bar tenders, very friendly. and one huge thing, water. They always gave you plenty of water, I never had to ask for it. I love that.
(4)
Liz C.
We went for brunch. It was really good, but not mind-blowing and the service seemed a tad bit off. We ordered the shrimp and crab toast (delicious), the scotch egg (my mom was a huge fan), the croque, the biscuit and gravy, a popover, and a side of sausage and a biscuit. Overall, the food was great. I do think that the dishes could've arrived a bit hotter, seemed like the crock had maybe sat around a bit, but they did have great flavor. The gravy and the side of sausage were awesome. The biscuit was good, I did wish it was a bit more flaky and had some more layers. The popover was insane. They seriously nailed it. oh and lets not forget the bloody mary---really, really good. All in all, it was a solid brunch. I am looking forward to coming back to try the roast chicken that everyone raves about.
(4)
Sambath M.
Great food and great service. I like where we were seated. What a beautiful place to enjoy our food and the view of the Chicago River. I love what my friend and I ordered. We will definitely go back until we try all of the dishes.
(5)
Kockyo X.
Me and my friend went in here after work for dinner. The service is GREAT!!! Everybody is so friendly and they take really good care of you! We shared the artichoke as our appetizer and whole chicken for our main course. The chicken is a little bit dry not as juicy as they described.. But the artichoke is sooo good! It rained today so we didnt get a chance to seat outside, but we did get a table nearby the window. The view is still great. I feel that this would be a perfect place for Sunday brunch as well. The atmosphere is great too.
(3)
hanna y.
I'm in love! River roast has a small menu where everything is bursting with flavor. The first time I went to river roast we shared a shaved salad, pot roast and hogan's peas. The second time I went our table shared the pork meatballs, shaved salad and roasted chicken. Everything ordered was out right delicious. Furthermore the serving sizes were very generous. Although each roast serves 2 people, we were able to share the chicken amongst three people and still leave satisfied. Both times I visited the meats were always tender, juicy and flavorful. I also really enjoyed shaved salad. The mixture of veggies, Parmesan and dressing is to die for. People who don't even like salads will take an extra helping. Last but not least, the potatoes... Yum the potatoes! I'm pretty sure I could just eat a meal of just the river roast potatoes. To top it off, our service was phenomenal! John was really kind and very knowledgeable on the dishes the restaurant had to offer. He also suggested my friend to get the "if only Michael Keaton was here" cocktail which he described as their version of an old fashion. I'm not an old fashion fan or a bourbon fan, but it was delicious and smooth. I kept taking sips from my friend's glass!
(5)
Kristen B.
We stopped in for brunch while we were visiting Chicago and asked to be seated on the patio. The hostess was going to seat us, but another host refused to seat us because there were only tables for 6 left outside. They talked about what to do right in front of us and then told us we would have to wait 35 minutes to sit. Not only was it extremely unprofessional that I had to listen to them discuss what to do about seating us, but they had empty tables and just refused to sit us in case a bigger party came. While I can't speak for the food, the service clearly needs some work.
(1)
Kirsten H.
Due to an impending move, we felt compelled to go out for Thanksgiving dinner, and we couldn't have been happier than our decision to head to River Roast. For the holiday, they did a buffet that was a fantastic spread--everything from salads and breads to desserts of pecan pie and apple crisp with sides and meats in between. The sides included a nice variety of things that were familiar staples on my family's Thanksgiving table as well as some unfamiliar dishes that we usually don't have on Turkey Day. The meats were incredible--pulled pork was our favorite, but the steak and turkey were also very good. A nice finishing touch was that at the end of the meal, the server gave us a little bag of caramel popcorn and a voucher for a free brunch on a return visit. We'd really like to go back to try their regular menu!
(5)
Layla R.
I was a bit disappointed with the food. The shaved salad was bland (dressing was tart and awful) and I ordered pickles for my burger since they don't come with it (weird) only to pay $4 extra for a small jar of mainly cauliflower. Note to chef: don't call it pickles, call it pickled vegetables and find another recipe. I was completely annoyed I wasted money on bland cauliflower and that there few pickles in the jar weren't even tasty. Won't be going back. Bummer since the view is nice, but might as well go to Smith and Wollensky's where you'll get ripped off but at least it's consistently good.
(3)
Sofia A.
The bartender. The music. The chicken. Wow. My favorite spot in Chicago and it's only 10 months old.
(5)
Denny C.
The River Roast could be "just another" new Chicago restaurant except for the captain at the helm, Chicago's iconic John Hogan. A veteran of several Chicago dining gems including Kiki's Bistro, David Burke's Primehouse, and his own gourmet delight Savarin, Hogan is French trained and Chicago honed. He doesn't cook precious food, but what emerges from his kitchen is hearty, down to earth cooking, with the touch of a classicist. You will never leave River Roast hungry, this is a place for celebrating the joy of eating, drinking, and having a good time. However, unlike many new restaurants springing up, River Roast exudes warmth and camaraderie without making you deaf in the process. The room is large enough to absorb rude cacophony. Hogan's appetizers range from typical dining fare to a charcuterie that rivals the best of Lyon. River Roast specializes in roasts obviously, and the beef, chicken, and fish are great, without pretension or supercilious fluff. This is good eaten! Desserts are fantastic, large and scrumptious. The sides are all delicious with the Windy City's famous "Hogan's peas" leading the pack. Service has the same joy of giving pleasure that reverberates off their leader and chef. This is unmistakable Chicago eating and dining led by John Hogan who personifies what "the city of big shoulders" is all about.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Maggi H.
We went there for brunch on a Saturday and it was fantastic! Will definitely be back. Pros: 1) Try the Low Country Croque Madame...fantastic! 2) Rabbit and waffles: the waffles were decent but the rabbit is to die for...must order. 3) Cocktails: the sangria was good and my friend also enjoyed his blood mary 4) Service was great and overall everyone at my party of 12 loved their dishes 5) the atmosphere was gorgeous in the summer and great views of the river Cons: 1) The kobayashi maru was not a good drink; no one at the table liked this cocktail. The server upon hearing this quickly replaced it with a gin cocktail that was much better.
(5)Steve M.
This would have been a 5, but had to send a burger back, twice. Great location. Came here for lunch on a sunny August day. Perfect ambiance. I ordered the half sandwich and soup. Roast beef Ruben and onion soup, both were great. My ordered a simple burger, medium. The meat was cold and red in the center, I mean raw. I was good about it and asked the opinion of the waitress. The next one was exactly the same, after about 10 min. The next one was not medium, it was well done, we ate it but, it was full of gristle. The saving grace here was they did not charge us and they gave a very nice desert. I don't think that I could get my wife to go back, but would try it again. For the expense, though, a burger ought to be right first time, it is not hard to do.
(3)Christine H.
Love the place, can't wait to come back when it's sunny!! The main selling point of this restaurant is definitely the prime location. River roast is located on La Salle just north of the river, which means it's patio and outdoor seating has the prime view of the Chicago river, sadly I came on a gloomy and foggy Tuesday night, which means my party and I got seated in the dark interior. Based on other yelper's suggestions, my two friends and I shared the whole chicken (even though the waiter recommended more food for the three of us). The whole chicken was definitely more than enough for the three of us, in fact we had leftovers to take home. The chicken was juicy and succulent, with the skin just crispy in the right way. However, the highlight of this dish is definitely the roasted potatoes that were served with the chicken. Perfectly crispy and seasoned with a hint of vinegar and salt. Basically it's salt and vinegar chips for grownups. In addition to the chicken, my friends and I also got the side of brussels sprouts. The selection of vegetable sides seems to be lacking at River Roast, especially with the emphasis on the "Roast". The brussels sprouts were too sweet,, but they were well cooked. Next time I would try another vegetable dish. Overall, great evening out. Definitely would be on my list of restaurants to bring out-of-town guests, especially if the weather is nice.
(4)Ryan R.
Went here with my family. Really trendy place right in the river. Wait staff is dressed kinda hipster but it adds to the experience. The menu was pretty creative and food was really good. We went for lunch which was super reasonable considering the location.
(4)Mark B.
We came here for a special occasion dinner and had a very enjoyable meal. Décor: First off, it's called River Roast for a reason: it's on the river and they roast their food. Ok, now that we have that out of the way... The tables on the river, on a nice night, look like they are absolutely fantastic. However, there can be an extended wait for one of them. We sat inside, right by the window, and had (what I'll say was) nearly the same experience. The interior décor is nice and even borders a bit on fancy. It has a homey-rustic kitchen feel to it and the tables are nicely spaced so you don't feel like you are on top of each other. The lighting is dim, but it helps to set the mood and it makes it very relaxing. Bathroom: very nice bathroom that is well lit and very clean Staff: Our waitress seemed a bit nervous (we figured she might be a bit new) but did a fine job with everything. The manager (more on this in a bit) was a bit of an odd fellow (personality wise) but did everything wonderfully and made things more than right. The bus boys are also very attentive as well. Food: We started with some drinks by having wine and some bourbon. Let me say, they have a GREAT cocktail list and their bourbon selection is one of the best I've seen (there isn't any Blanton's though... they should work on that). What is really special, however, is that they have Pappy Van Winkle! I've been searching high and low for Pappy and was elated to see it on the menu. They had Rip Van Winkle 10 and 12yr and the 20yr Pappy. Naturally, I had to order it and, as one would guess, they kept it to a VERY strict pour... We then moved on to the Zucchini Flower appetizer (good, but not much quantity at all) and then onto dinner. We had the Roast Beef, the Pork, the Veggies, and a side of the RR Potatoes. Everything came out looking phenomenal but there was a slight problem... none of it was hot or even warm. After speaking with the manager, who wasn't apologetic or particularly sympathetic, we sent it all back and they brought out brand new ones. It was tough to do (because everything smelled so AMAZING), and usually we just suck it up, but it was a special occasion. Like I said above though, they manager made it right by bringing out a whole new spread. The new order was wonderful and absolutely delicious! The RR Potatoes in particular smell out of this world! YUM! Value: The place is a bit pricey but it won't make your wallet cry. The food is very good, the service is solid, and the atmosphere is very chill and enjoyable. We left feeling very good about the money we spent. This place is a great spot for dinner and I have already been recommending it to friends. In the future, I can certainly see us coming back here - either for dinner or, at least more often, for several rounds of drinks.
(5)Kori E.
This place was pleasantly good!! We came here for our monthly supper club and I enjoyed everything we ordered. We started with a few apps, all of which were tasty as I was starving. For our mains, we all split the Chicken, Whole Fish and the red meat (I didn't eat that one, so not sure what it was.) The fish and chicken were AMAZING! I would highly recommend ordering either. We sat outside along the river, which made our experience that much better. I would definitely recommend stopping in for lunch/dinner!
(4)Anna G.
Had a great dinner here this past weekend. My husband and I went at an early bird special hour of 6:45 (hey, we had to make it before the Blackhawks game!), but the place was pretty packed. I think at that point there was a combo of happy hour-ers and early dinner-ers, but either way the place was "happening." We got a table outside on the river and, to be honest, I'd only want to come if I could sit outdoors. I can get a table at a rustic-y place all over Chicago, but you can't quite get the same riverwalk atmosphere everywhere else. Service started off a little slow in that it took a while for anyone to come by, but after that it was smooth. Before our shared entree, we ordered a brussels sprouts and mozzarella salad. It was the perfect starter. Light and tasty and great with my glass of rose. Then we split a whole roast chicken (which is carved table side and could definitely feed up to 4 people) the potatoes that it comes with, and a side of the turnips au gratin. Everything was delicious although I think the turnips are a little overhyped. They were good, but not a must order. I think my favorite part were the roasted potatoes--so crispy on the outside/soft on the inside and flavorful! We didn't order dessert because, hello, whole roast chicken dinner. We had plenty of leftovers to take home, enough for 2 more meals actually. All that, 2 glasses of rose, and a cider came out to an even $100 with tax (how often does that happen?!). Would recommend, especially for out of town guests.
(4)Alex B.
Amazing food! The roast beef was excellent. We also got the Mexican corn and carrots and dirt and they were both delicious. Service was a little slow. We only had to wait about 20 minutes on a Friday night with 4 people to sit outside.
(4)Ericka A.
Chicken. How do you go wrong with the chicken? Ugh. I'm still salty about that. WIT/TIT 312 went here for our February group dinner. I was very excited to have the opportunity to go with a large and adventurous group that would better my chances of getting to try a little bit of everything. We'd made reservations and were seated immediately. We came on a cold Wednesday night and there were tons of tables open, but it wasn't totally dead. The atmosphere is very dark and relaxing. Though the main dining area is huge, the lack of light makes it feel like a very intimate setting. You really can't beat the view out onto the river, either. I'd like to come back for brunch and try to snag a seat there. I'd checked out the menu ahead of time and at the restaurant. Each time I shook my head at the prices and was prepared to pay until it hurt, but the evening came out to about $50 per person, including tax + tip. I think this is very reasonable for all that we ate and drank. The portions aren't very large, but there is enough to share if you go into this tapas style. There were 6 of us sharing and we walked away full and with some leftovers. Drinks were the first to be ordered. I went with the B. Nektar - Kill All The Golfers mead. I liked it so much that I ordered 2 glasses. They also had a really good Deschutes seasonal on tap. Their cocktail menu is impressive, too. Appetizers for the evening included Rabbit Toast, which exceeded my expectations. The balance of sweet, savory, and citrus was the perfect combination. It's like a light pâté with greens and balsamic on top of soft bread. I also got the Curried Cauliflower that is charred and served with a sauce similar to Sriracha. Our table received 2 complimentary orders of the Golden Gobbets, too. These are little chunks of fried chicken with honey on the side. These are ridiculous! Do not skip these! They are perfectly battered and seasoned. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The honey adds an additional element that makes these simply irresistible. As the name River Roast would suggest, this place specializes in roasts and they have a few main meats from which to chose. We selected the Roast Beef with Popover, the Rack of Pork with Cornbread, and the Whole Chicken with RR Potatoes. The pork was so nice and smokey. The beef was tender even when cooked to Medium instead of Medium-Rare, the way I typically prefer it. He're's the only reason this isn't a 5 star review - the chicken was so bland. Granted, it was cooked to perfection. The meat was juicy and the skin was perfectly crisped. It was presented in an interesting way, but it was lacking in the flavor department. We barely touched it because the Roast Beef and the Rack of Pork were miles and miles ahead of it in desirability. Firstly, for that price it needs to be fantastic. Secondly, it's only a few bucks cheaper than the other main courses. So if you're thinking you'll get the chicken to save some cash, don't do it. Pony up and go for the good stuff! The RR Potatoes served beneath the chicken were the best part of that dish. Besides the RR Potatoes, we also had Roasted Brussels Sprouts with honey and Fresno chili and the Whipped Sweet Potatoes with chipotle and vanilla. Both were excellent and go well with all the meats and appetizers. I would gladly order both again. On top of that, we had a ton of bread that's supplied upon request and their onion spread that comes with that is very tasty. I couldn't put it down. I simply wish the bread weren't as crunchy. It started to hurt the roof of my mouth, but you're probably not supposed to eat as much of it as I do. Service was great! Our waiter was friendly and informative. There was a man whose job seemed to be filling water glasses and he was a hoot! The manager came around and checked on us, too. The only issues we had were being charged for an item we didn't order, which was taken off the bill as soon as it was brought to their attention, and it was hard for me to hear the waiter sometimes because the music seemed a bit loud for how few people there were. All in all, we had a very pleasant dinner and I would love to come here again! As I said before, I want to try the brunch and I'd be interested to see how the menu changes with the seasons.
(4)Michael H.
Slightly disappointed here.. Heard they had an amazing burger so wandered in around lunchtime. Got the blue burger cooked MR/ came out in a timely manner and service was very good! 3 strange items: 1) The burger is kinda small 2) Not enough cheese at all 3) The chips are horrible and that catsup is even worse. Been to a lot of places and never ever seen a burger served with BBQ Chips? It just doesn't go together imho.. The burger itself was good but should be a tad bit bigger me come with fries or something! I'll be back to give the joint another shot.. Get dat did
(3)Kathleen C.
Argh! No, not a pirate, just disappointed with my lunch. Stopped in for lunch and I couldn't decide what to order because everything sounded delicious. I decided on the Cuban sandwich. Our server mentioned some bbq chips that went with it - sounded great. Alas....I was served a really greasy sandwich. I'm not even sure where the grease was from...didn't really seem to be from the sliced ham (also, that would be weird...)...perhaps the pork on top? And why was the pork the consistency of ground beef??? The bun was good but unfortunately slathered in grease so I wasn't really that thrilled. Coleslaw was one that seemed as if you could literally get it anywhere (grocery store deli?). The chips were ok. A bit spivey and I actually could have used a little more flavor or salt. I'm giving this spot three stars because service was great and the indoor space was beautiful the outdoor space was nice as well but I have to say - they knocked it out of the park with the inside. I'd go back for drinks but may skip the food.
(3)Justin F.
This is long overdue. Ive been hear many times and this is hands down my favorite restuarant/bar in Chicago. Food - The chicken is absolutely flawless. So juicy and tender. The brunch is also incredible. The breakfast burger and croque madam (sp?) are the best items on the menu. Bar - One word. Evan. The lead bartender is incredible. Actually, to say he is incredible is an understatement. He always treats me and my guests very well. Everyone is always blown away with their experience at the bar when I take them there. They have handcrafted cocktails that are no joke. A great wine list. And my favorite, the beer. Might not be the biggest selection but it is strategic and very well paired with the food. Atmosphere - great place for brunch. Awesome blues band every weekend I have been there. Great place to take out of towners or family. Great date spot. Amazing place to meet with clients for drinks or lunch. Hell, an awesome place for a beer by yourself after work. Absolutely love the outdoor seating and bar area. They always have good, and not too loud, of tunes playing. I made this review as concise as possible. This place is the real deal. I could go on and on about it. They've perfected their menu. And they've perfected their craft. You'll be sorry if you don't check it out. And if you wrote a bad review, you're a miserable person. Cheers
(5)Chris P.
If you've read any of my other reviews, you should know that I love meat. If you have not, then let it be known that I am a proud carnivore and I am a firm believer that one cannot find better meat than what the midwest produces. The ambience of River Roast was perfect for the occasion, which was a bachelor party, and by that I mean it is trendy enough to feel slightly upscale, but it's not snooty by any means. It's also not the traditional meat market (yes, I mean that in both ways) as the place hosted more than debaucherous bachelor parties. I would give the old fashioned a solid B+, only because the whiskey selection wasn't that impressive (they have the big-name bourbons, but not much else), however, the execution of the drink was solid. The food.. ah the food. We started off with the homemade charcuterie, which was spectacular. Then for entrees, we decided to take on the full roast selection, minus the chicken, not because we discriminate against chicken, but because there wasn't enough room on the table. The prime rib was INSANE. It was salty, it was tender, it was delicious. Definitely get it when you go. I also have to say that the service was pretty solid. We had 11 guys, some of whom don't make it out to eat very often, and our waiter did a great job of having fun and throwing out good recommendations. Lastly, the price was right. Everyone left full and not sober, but paid only $60/head.
(4)Grace L.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday. We got seated pretty fast however we waited for about 15 minutes for the waiter and the manager realized that we've been waiting so she kindly took care of our appetizer and drinks, which was nice. Service is good in general. Food were awesome. We got the roasted fish and it was well cooked and yummy. We also ordered side of mushroom and asparagus. It was also very nice of them to give us a dessert on the house once we mentioned we were celebrating the bday. In general it was a nice experience and would go back and recommend.
(5)Jen Y.
Cool rustic place. Great place to sit and eat lunch on the river. The bloody Mary's were awesome. We got the roasted chicken and peas. Recommend both. If you're in Chicago, definitely worth a visit to this place.
(4)Norm J.
When I dined at River Roast I was on a date so I was hoping the place wouldn't suck and thankfully it did not! River Roast is a great place to go if you like good service, drinks that go down smooth and food that taste as good as it sounds on the menu. Upon arriving at River Roast we were greeted by a hostess who informed us we had to go downstairs to the main dining area if we weren't sitting at the bar. After making it down the "Staircase of Future Lawsuits" we were greeted by a host and hostess who gave us a warm welcome. The host quickly sat us at our table and we were brought water and bread to nibble on while reviewing the menu. A minute or two later our server was there to greet us, review the menu, inform us of the special of the day and provide us with drink recommendations. Our server was a good one and I wish I remembered his name so I could shine the spotlight on him (sorry good server dude). Below, I've highlighted our meal and I recommend everything we had. I will definitely be back to River Roast and can't wait until the outside deck is open in the summer. -Suddenly Lemons: which is lemon tea leatherbee gin, sailers gentian, cocchi rose, and citrus. I'm a gin lover so I thoroughly enjoyed this drink. My date also thought the drinks was two thumbs up. -Country Fried Rabbit: taste just like chicken. If you wanna say you've eaten the Trix Rabbit then this dish is a must. -Sweet Potatoes: light and airy like good sweet potatoes should be. These were almost as good as my mom's, which is high praise. -Brussel Sprouts: are not my vegetable of choice, but my date wanted to order them so I smiled and said OK. The Brussel Sprouts were actually delicious. I guess my 22 year hiatus from eating Brussel Sprouts did us both some good. -Rack of Pork: juicy, full of flavor, large portion, definitely a must....if you like pork that is.
(4)Halisa V.
I recently came back from a trip to Dubai and was looking for a place similar to the restaurants by the Dubai Marina. This place was a great hometown substitute. I really enjoyed my visit here!! A friend and I were lucky enough to catch a table on their outdoor patio overlooking the Chicago river. The view and ambience was amazing!! We started off with the fried olives and fried chicken appetizers. I loved the olives because it was the first time I tried them fried! (Plus I love olives in general) so I recommend them if you want to try something new. The fried chicken was okay. I wish there was a better sauce served with it, instead of just honey. For the entree we had a whole fire roasted fish. I absolutely loved it!!!!!! Highly recommended it! I love seafood and this was some high quality fish. Lastly for dessert we had the red velvet and carrot cake bundt cakes. The red velvet one was not good. The edges were tough. The carrot cake on the other hand was a little more moist. Overall had a good time, absolutely loved the view and our sever Maria was super nice!
(5)Laura K.
Had live blues playing for brunch!!!!!! Wonderful and unique view of the Chicago River----finally some places coming in with this vantage point--a much neglected area of the city until now! Food was Well Above Average for our whole table. Drinks were lovely esp the wine list. Service was decent although it was VERY busy for brunch on a Saturday afternoon so I'll for sure give them a break. Great place to take Mom and Dad if they're visiting from out of town.
(5)Roshelle G.
Loved the food- couldn't get over how the flavor a and menu all pulled together. Service was good, didn't have a reservation & was able to eat on the river at 945pm. The menu changes all the time- appreciated the attention to detail with the presentation!
(4)Naif S.
Had the roast chicken, a draft beer, and white wine sangria and split it between two people. First, the atmosphere is gorgeous. We sat by the water and enjoyed the Chicago views and weather. The setting itself is awesome and makes for a great environment. The roast chicken was presented great also, and the skin and herbs are to die for. The potatoes were good, little too crispy for my taste. The bread and cream cheese were good, jusy make sure to ask for them! That was prbly my favorite part. Overall: solid place, we might've had the B team serving us. But didn't want to let that take away from the overall experience. Great place.
(5)Katie P.
I came here for dinner last week before heading to the Chicago Theatre for a show. The space is really cool and has an industrial vibe with great views of the river. I'll want to come back when it's warm out so I can sit outside! I was here on a freezing night and my only complaint was that it was really cold inside. The manager came over to apologize when I asked if perhaps they could make it warmer. This is their first winter so I guess they're still working out the kinks? I thought it was due to the huge glass windows. Whatever the case may be, this is Chicago and it's cold here so they need to figure that out. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split: Charcuterie Plate- this was the daily special and complimentary- nice touch! Pork Meatballs- Yummy! Not too heavy, sweet sauce and interesting gnocchi Shrimp & Crab Toast- Really great and unique The Big Fish Roast (Fire Roasted)- Great, simply prepared fish. Healthy, well seasoned
(4)Jeff S.
This has to be one of my recent favorite places to dine. The ambiance is great. From the rice paper lamps hanging from the ceiling in the bar and the old schoolhouse bulbs in the dining room. The outdoor seating looks amazing (I don't like eating outside on hot days). The place is a great location for a romantic evening or a larger group with friends. The foods amazing. They have wonderful bar bites (they call them table snacks), such as the scotch eggs and fried chicken. Yum! They also have wonderful salad and entrees (called roasts) that serve 2. These roasts are amazing. They carve the meat/fish right at your table. So far we have enjoyed the whole chicken (for 2) with roasted potatoes and the pork (for 2) with a jalapeño cornbread. This is my 2015 summertime favorite place to eat!
(5)Carolyn L.
I wanted to check out River Roast because I love meat and I was really hoping someone could successfully improve upon the tired old English Sunday roast tradition. Well this place definitely does that. I've had my fair share (actually it's really UNfair) of rubbery, old, heating lamp scorched roasts when I lived in London for a year. Each time the Sunday roast tempted me, I was sadly disappointed. I guess that's a "shame on me" thing for continuing to expect something good from a pub roast. But River Roast nails it. The 8oz serving of roast beef was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and served with a delectable horseradish sauce and side of crispy potatoes. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We also ordered the Golden Gobbets to start with. They are crispy peppery boneless fried chicken bites served with honey on the side. Those went VERY quickly. We also ordered an artichoke starter that had bacon and goat cheese. To be honest, I could have done without this side dish. It wasn't my favorite. Not enough artichoke and didn't really add anything to the meal. Along with the roast beef, for the main meal we also ordered the sea bass, roasted. It had a lovely salsa verde sauce roasted on top which gave it a fresh flavor but didn't detract from the quality of the fish. On the side, we had the green and yellow bean dish. They tasted fresh from the farm. And my favorite side dish was the leeks wrapped in prosciutto with a balsamic glaze. I need to make those at home. Like every day. They were outstanding and I should have ordered 2 of them! We were pretty stuffed when it came time for dessert but since it was my birthday, they brought out a really light lemon trifle as a treat. The staff was really pleasant, attentive, and knowledgeable. I'd definitely come back here and it's perfect for a big group as well, since there was a group of French marathoners that took up the room right next to us at the end of our meal. Great job, chefs Mantuano and Hogan!
(5)Andre S.
Just had brunch and left feeling full but not satisfied. We had a few minutes wait for a table for 2 inside, but when we were seated, it seemed like the restaurant was still quite empty. We ordered bloody marys, the charcuterie platter, the biscuits and gravy and also the RR skillet. Our appetizer took a bit to come out, but our main courses took even longer and there seemed to be 2 or 3 tables seated after us who got their food out first. The charcuterie platter was great and was the highlight of the meal, the head cheese was especially tasty, but everything went downhill from there. The biscuits and gravy were just ok, but my biggest complaint is with the skillet: it was 90% potatoes and it was way way too dry. It didn't really seem like a skillet - more like a bit of cheese and crumbled sausage that was placed on top of a large side of fried potatoes. The scrambled egg on top didn't do much except make me wish I had asked for sunny side up eggs instead. I think the fastest turn around time for the meal was when we asked for the check - before the waiter even came back for it, one of the managers who was walking around on the floor scooped it up. So fast! But alas, not the experience we were looking for. We talked about coming back for dinner to try one of the roasts - but I'd say that at this point, we'll probably pass.
(2)andy b.
Great dinner! Great Ambiance! We went there for a corporate dinner. The night was beautiful and the service was great. The food was delicious. Not sure what can be done, but we had a fruit fly issue. Guess that's what you get for sitting next to the river, although we got rid of all the red wine at the table and the flies went away. I ordered the beef "to share" and didn't share much. The good/bad part about sharing. I had some of the chicken, which was good, and the pork, which was great, but the beef outdid them both. I work right there and am sure I will return. thanks.
(4)Lauren P.
I've been here for weekend blues brunch with a live band. The music is fantastic, and such a cool experience on the Chicago River. However, service is incredibly slow and food is just OK.
(3)Tina C.
The first time I went here, I just ordered the dessert and the chicken appetizers with a friend to share. We weren't hungry, but we wanted to try this place out and the weather was just warm enough for us to sit outside! They didn't have the dessert we wanted, so they gave us another one (FOR FREE). Service is excellent -- everyone is extremely friendly and my water cup is never empty. The second time I came here was this past weekend when the weather was 65 degrees, sunny and perfect. I ordered the whole chicken ($39) and the brussel sprounts ($9). I split it with 2 other people and we couldn't finish it all because it was so filling! The whole chicken was roasted to perfection. It wasn't greasy and tasted extremely fresh. The waitress cuts a bit of it for you in the beginining, but after that it is up to you to slice the chicken yourself. Also, the best part about the whole chicken were the roasted potatoes underneath it. OMG I couldn't stop eating them. The brussel sprouts were surprisngly tasty. There was a kick of sweetness and a kick of salt/pepper, but they definitely perfected that combination. I also suggest reserving online/through the phone (if you can). I reserved through Yelp 15 minutes before my arrival and I got an outside seat!
(5)Kate M.
I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I suggested River Roast for dinner. I'm more of a "let's get a bunch of things and share" kinda girl than a "let's get one whole chicken and share" girl. Regardless, the food is really good and there are still some options available if you don't want an entire bird. The drink menu left me a little confused until the bartender explained the owner is a big Batman fan. Once I knew which Batman themed drink was an old fashion my night started getting better with each sip. Over all I like River Roast, but I think it's probably better for a group than just two people. Of course if you're just looking for some good drinks at the bar they do that well too.
(4)Rebecca M.
I went to River Roast on Saturday for brunch for a wedding party, and I had an amazing time! We were given a private table away from the main dining area which was really nice, and the service was unbeatable! Andre was our server, and he was charming and hilarious which made brunch that much more fun. Everyone in the party had a variety of drinks which we all loved, and the food was AMAZING! I had the croque madame which had the perfect layering of sourdough, ham, swiss, and sausage gravy (I wish I could have that gravy on everything!!). I also tried some of the rabbit and waffles and roast chicken, and it was all delicious. I can't wait to come back!
(4)Noah E.
River Roast is worth dining at. We came in late Monday evening, only finding a few tables dining. We would have sat on the patio right on the river but it was a bit breezy and overcast so we stayed inside. The menu is gastropub-esk with bites and small plates but instead of entrees you can buy roasts for two, thus the name. We shared a few small plates and then ordered the chicken for two. Im not one to typically order chicken, especially when it is almost 40 dollars but it was delicious. Smoked, moist, and flavorful. They carve it at the table which makes for another plus! The only downside was that we asked about the charcuterie sampling they offer on Monday nights if you order a roast, which our server confirmed. We had to remind her when she offered dessert, and she brought it to us.
(4)Hanny J.
The food was good, but the service could've been better. The waiter rushed through getting our orders. When it came time to get the check we asked for it to be split. He was not very nice about it and refused to do it. Other than that had a good dining experience.
(3)Karan K.
The best views , the best grills ! One of the nices places to eat downtown . Call ahead for a reservation as its busy !
(4)Veronica S.
The blues brunch was a lot of fun. Nothing like being on the river with a Chicago musical classic. The food was a bit all over the place. The chicken bites were delicious but the burger was less than stellar. It also took a long time to get a drink.
(3)Wilt C.
Let me tell you that the veggie sides are terrific. The carrots, cauliflower and corn were all perfectly cooked and loaded with flavor. The chicken however was a bummer as it was seriously over cooked and quite dry. The potatoes that accompanied the chicken however were crispy and very tasty. So, go for the veggies and if looking for meat grab a rotisserie chicken at Whole Foods or Potash on the way home.
(3)Stephen M.
I had the good fortune of a friend suggesting Chicago's River Roast for lunch. I arrived just before noon with a reservation in place. The host was friendly and efficient. The restaurant décor is comfortable, appropriately relying on its near river level view of the Chicago River. And the menu is straightforward in what it offers. Surprise! It offers roasted entrees, emphasizing the freshness of its selections. We chose a meal for two--Branzino (seafood). It was available in two styles. Our server recommended roasted. It was succulent, tasty and just right in proportion. The staff was attentive, making sure we were properly served. So: Cool place. Good lunch. Lots of positives. I recommend you share in the good fortune.
(4)Morganne B.
I'd been wanting to try this place for a while now but never had a good occasion until yesterday evening before seeing a show at the Chicago Theatre. We were hoping for something light and decided to share the charcuterie board. It had some cured ham, a couple of head cheeses and a liver spread, plus the usual accoutrements--cranberries, bread, mustard and pickles. The portions of each were large which is great because I feel like usually once you eat enough to taste it it's gone! We each had a beer to start... Some really good ones on draft, but what's with the tiny beer glasses? For $8 a pop, you gotta give me more than 8 ounces. The Hemingway drink is their version of a mojito but the mint is already infused into the rum so it's not crushed up in the drink. It was super refreshing and the perfect drink to enjoy on the patio in the sun. This location is what takes this place up a notch for me. Awesome spot and I could probably stay here all day. Just a few blocks up from the theatre so it didn't take long to get there afterward. Ready to come back for the blues brunch!
(4)Tricia D.
I have an itch, and it's to return to River Roast to try out their dinner menu! I had brunch with my friend K here twice in the span of about a month. On the weekends, there's a live jazz duo/trio that performs over the brunch hour. It provides for an energetic atmosphere, though it is loud and a bit hard to hold an ongoing conversation. Brunch experience #1 was a notch above #2. On that trip, I ordered the omelette of the day, which had mushrooms, duck confit, and cheese, I believe. It was delicious, light, and served with crispy potatoes. Though RR didn't have readily available iced coffee, the waiter was accommodating and brought me a cup of ice and coffee in a mug so I could concoct a DIY cup. Works for me! Dessert was also in the stars, and I opted for the red velvet pudding. Service wasn't as attentive and food not as impressionable on visit #2. That time, I tried the Hogan's peas and red wine poached egg. Said dish was unique, but needed a couple other elements to make the entree more substantial, like MORE smoked bacon or other meat. Less peas and cream sauce would have been a good idea too bc the dish was very green and very gloppy. Totally approve of the peanut butter banana chocolate (Elvis) pie for 1 dessert!
(4)Nicholas T.
What a wonderful evening. The food, ambiance, and service were all perfect. Our server, John K was remarkable. He knew the menu inside and out, and made some great recommendations. We had the Chefs charcuterie board, and cheese board with the beet salad. For the main, we did a roast chicken for 2. Plenty of leftovers, so they give you a recipe card for how to make killer chicken soup with the leftovers. The soup was amazing! Can't wait for the temps to rise so we can utilize the patio seating. What an amazing spot. As I've said before, the carnivores delight!
(5)Stephanie L.
Really a 3.5 but they just opened... 1. Easy online reservations...however, beware...you will wait for outside. We waited an hour after our reservo time for outside seating. It was immediate inside, but who wants to dine on the river and not sit outside?? WTF 2. There's a space connecting where there was a reception of some kind...let me tell you...there was WASTED people walking all through this place. The woman's bathroom was atrocious. They seriously need to reconsider this concept...I mean, totally acceptable for hammered people to be at reception...not sure how I feel about 3 sheets to the wind while I'm enjoying a nice dinner....hmmm 3. Waiter was super personable. We saw Tony sitting right by us. Waiter made a point to not neglect us...& we joked with him about it. 4. Food was good. Chicken Gobbets were gobbling goodness. And the side of honey...plus, perfect price! Definitely get this! Popcorn was also delish. Chicago style sashimi was bad, really, really bad. Wagyu beef tasted like I was eating rubbery gum. I didn't really understand the concept of celery salt, tomatoes, herbs, mustard seeds and beef being like a hotdog. Still confused. With a very small cracker for us to split? Hot dog? Hot dog here?? Confused.... Roasted chicken was good. For the a la carte price, it's kind of small, but fed four people. I liked how they carved it, kind of, at the table...however there was still tons of meat left on the bird. We were clawing at it with our knives and forks trying to pull more meat away. Roasted market fresh veggies, $19, overhyped, overpriced, over it...like Lebron James...na-uh. Artichokes were good. Lots of chicken on the menu. Desserts were great & gratis from our awesome waiter! Fat Elvis pie was good. Root beer float was delish...but I love them. Soft serve was great too. I'm a total ice cream junky. Overall, pretty good. Worth a stop.
(4)Alex C.
I have been here at least 10 times and every time the food is just perfect. The chicken is amazing and the roasted fish is outstanding. Chef Hogan is incredible and the entire staff is just great! !
(4)Saba A.
My husband and I came in for lunch on a Friday afternoon and we were lucky to score patio seats. We were first greeted by a kind host directing us to go downstairs where the main dining room was located with a large host table. We were immediately seated outside with an option between two tables. Our waiter was witty. He was making jokes with us but I think he was trying to impress his boss and us as it was opening week. We were also met by the manager, and the bus boy was super friendly too. The patio was packed and I'm assuming this will be a popular new restaurant by the river and attract the crowds during happy hour to dinner time too. River Roast is bigger and more classy than my other favorite restaurant by the river, Bridge House Tavern, so I'm wondering which one will be my new fav. My husband and I ordered the Rock Shrimp which was bigger than I expected with no complaints. The sauce pairing was delicious. We also split the sandwich of the day which was a roast beef one. They split the sandwich that came with house made potato chips and it was a perfect lunch. Next time I may order the whole roast beef or chicken as they seemed to be popular and that's what the restaurant is most known for. Glad that River Roast is in the River North neighborhood. Living just a building N from there- I will be visiting more often!
(4)Meghan F.
I was here over the 4th of July with a family member who was in town for a long weekend. The food was delicious - if we'd had more time, we would have ordered the chicken like our server suggested (I was pleased that the server had specific recommendations as opposed to the usual spiel you get at restaurants, "Oh everything is good!"). Instead, we ordered off the brunch menu, and everyone was very impressed with their meal. We also brought our 12 and 9 year olds; despite the lack of a kids' menu, the 12 year old enjoyed her biscuits and gravy, and the 9 year old had the rabbit and waffles (he is a picky eater and he still tried the rabbit and liking it!). Overall, service was great, food was great; wish we could have sat outside since it was such a gorgeous day, but it was packed & had a 45 minute wait. If you want great food AND a view, it's worth waiting at the bar for.
(5)Christina L.
this place is a block from my friend's apartment, so e decided to drop in for brunch on sunday with a group of 5. super conveniently located and you can sit outside by the river on a nice day. sweet! i imagine that it will be packed during the summer.. we kinda went big at lunch and ordered - foie and duck terrine, biscuits and honey, shrimp toast, brussels, mushrooms, chicken for 2, pork for 2, and the roast beef (for 1). a lot of food right? hahaha. the roasts are carved tableside which makes for great presentation, so that was really fun to watch. foie terrine was yumm - i havent had it in a while. vegetables are a bit bland - sad. my favorite, unexpectedly, was the chicken. super crispy skin, GREAT potatoes on the bottom, pretty good flavor! shrimp toast was also a highlight. the roast beef and pork i didnt care much for actually. not a lot of flavor if the sauce was on it. overall pretty good. but i probably wont be back given all the other delicious options in river north..
(3)Patrick M.
Went to a private dinner over the weekend at River Roast. Enjoyed the Golden Gobbets, Shrimp Toast, & Charcuterie Board. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts were pretty good too. The staff was friendly and attentive.
(3)Larry P.
The service was great meal was outstanding We had the Fish, Chicken, and the Pork Would go back again today if I could Also the view was spectacular 5 stars is not enough
(5)Melissa H.
Location and ambiance were amazing and the food was wonderful! Our waiter was great and the views of the river were beautiful
(5)Anthony M.
ROASTED I have been dying to try this place for many weeks. I read articles and studied the menu. I could hardly wait to eat here. I am also a huge fan of Chef Tony Mantuano. He is such a great guy and a talent when it comes to food. So it really pains me to see the service related issues of this location, after being open for several months. Walking in from the street the space is amazing. There is a small bar near the hostess station with a few tables. It was closed during lunch but I'm sure after work it is fully packed. We were greeted in a friendly manner and were set downstairs to the second hostess station. We were informed that our table was ready inside or we could wait to sit outside. It was such a beautiful day and the deck was packed. We don't get many upper 70 days at the end of October in Chicago. We decided to not wait & grab a table inside. We were sat at our table next to a private room with a curtain. The person seating us closed the curtain. Two minutes later the curtains violently swung open startling us. It was a waiter cutting through with food for the outdoor deck. It was annoying and would have bugged us during our meal. We decide to move just one table west of this opening. Three minutes later they sat another table in front of the opening and closed the curtain again. That same waiter kept cutting through and violently opening the curtain. I even saw plated food touching the curtain which was gross. This behavior went on through the whole lunch service and was unacceptable. The service was not what I expected here. Our waiter dropped off the bread & spread platter. It was never explained or described to us. It then sat on our table for 10 minutes until I asked the waiter, "Is that fried onions over butter?" He said,"No it's our signature fried onions over guyree cheese. It's almost like a mini French onion soup." Please tell me why that wasn't said to us when it hit the table. We we're left to just guess. What if I was allergic to guyree or didn't like it. It's like the waiter didn't care. Our waiter also read the specials off of his note pad but when I asked him a question he didn't know the answer. He told me he could ask in the kitchen and departed. When he returned he started taking our order. I was wondering if he ever went to the kitchen with my question and I asked if he did. He looked at me and said, "yes!" but he wasn't confident in answering me. Personally I don't even think he did it because I had to call him on it. Lunch arrived and everything looked good. The rest of my party was sharing the roasted steak with the "insanely good" potatoes. The meat was cooked perfectly as it laid cut on the wood platter. I ordered the special roast beef sandwich which I had asked the waiter if it was Chef Tony Mantuano's secret roast beef & our waiter had no clue if it was. The meat was good but the bread was terrible. It was toasted to the point of becoming a hard crouton. The sandwich could have used some Au jus to moisten up the meat & the bread. It was also suppose to be topped with the house made giardinera but 2 tiny cut peppers and a single piece of celery don't mean topped to me. After reading so much about Chef Tony Mantuano's roast beef sandwich I was completely let down. I don't blame Chef Tony because he wasn't at the restaurant but I blame his staff for not delivering a good sandwich. It's sad when the best thing on my plate was the home made BBQ potato chips. Honestly you need to bag these up & start selling them. The rest of my party enjoyed their platter of meat. They also ordered sides of mushrooms and a turnip Au gratin. I was able to try the turnip Au gratin and it was a great alternative to using potatoes. I even snuck a few of those roasted potatoes which are amazing. If I come back I'm just getting a plate of those. I was still eating when the waiter and bus boy just started removing dishes from our table without even asking. It was really rude and unprofessional. We all looked at each other and had to point out I was still eating. I really think the whole lunch crew needs to be retrained because it was bad. & if things couldn't get worse the waiter who kept cutting through the curtain. He popped out again directly behind me. He went through the opening where the curtain was attached to the wall then he awkwardly slide by our tables along the curtain line. It was so weird. Upon departing I had a chance to talk to Javier one of the Managers. He asked how everything was and I was honest with him. He did inform me that the waiters are not to be cutting through the private room with food. He was also wondering why the curtain was open every time he walked by. Javier was really nice and apologized for his staffs actions. Hopefully he will fix it and the staff will actually listen. The dessert menu had a shot and a beer on it which I thought was cool but instead we went with the root beer float which ended up being the best thing I had here today
(2)Devanjali L.
My husband and I came here on Easter Sunday last week. As it was one of those sunny and pleasant days in Chicago, we decided to sit at the patio by the river and enjoy the city view. We ordered an old fashion each along with fried chicken and honey. The fried chicken was really good with the right amount of heat and spices, crunchy on the outside and really succulent on the inside. My husband is a snob when it comes to his "old fashion". Even though our server recommended their special old fashion, my husband requested a traditional one.The bartender did a great job making it. However, our server did get a sample of their "Old fashion"(which actually has cherry bitters) for my husband to try. I thought that was very sweet and impressive at the same time. The menu looked great and the staff was very friendly and hospitable. We will definitely come back for dinner.
(4)Shon A.
I have been here twice in two days. Day 1 - Ordered a cocktails only and thought the place was good. The drinks were made great and they used good ice! Day 2 - I dragged a group of 9 people over here for a work dinner after a happy hour. It was impromptu and we had a foodie in the crew. Since this place is family style eating, we let the foodie just order enough food for the entire table. We basically ordered everything on the menu. Everything was good but the fish is something that could have been left off! The fish was not good at all and we were told that it was going to be boneless(not the case). The asparagus, steak(mid-rare), chicken were the best items in my opinion. For 9 people, ordering basically everything on the menu and 1-2 cocktails each, the bill came out to roughly $800. A little bit on the pricey side but we were eating like kings.
(3)Chris C.
First off, realize this place is family style, most of the dishes are meant to be split between two people. So, the service here was somewhat pretentious. I felt as if we were forgotten by the servers/managers, and I'm not sure why. Regardless, the food was so delicious and the atmosphere on the river so nice, I had to give it 5 stars. I'll accept the subpar service because it saves me a little money on the tip. Anyways, our fish was cooked perfectly and was so good. Our sides and appetizers were equally as delicious. We'll go back one day, maybe the service will be better.
(5)Erik P.
Went to River Roast for Valentines Day and there were both good experiences and less than good experiences. To start the service was good, the prices were fair for the portions you get, and the ambiance is very warm. This establishment is right off the north bank of the Chicago River and I bet it's amazing in the summer. My fiancé and I ordered the pork roast and two sides. The sides were roasted vegetables and whipped sweet potatoes. The roast was dry, which in my opinion is the worst thing you can do to meat, but the sides made up for it. The service was a bit slow toward the end even though it wasn't busy. Perhaps the server just got tired, it happens. We also had the ravioli for a starter, and that was also good. The best part of the meal was by far the dessert. I'm sorry that I don't remember what it was called, but it was like two pudding cups, one chocolate and one lemon. For everything bad that happened something good balanced it out, so it was somewhat of a wash. If you're in River north and you've tried most everything else, or you absolutely must have roasted Chicken, fish, or pork, then try River Roast. If not, there are definitely better places to eat in that neighborhood.
(3)William B.
I heard this described as something like a steakhouse without the steak, and I see the point -- you do have big hunks of meat, and the prime rib we had was really delicious -- but there isn't a steak per se, and a bunch of the menu is taken over by interesting salads, snacks, and side dishes. All told the results are really quite good. Curried cauliflower was pleasantly spicy, salad lyonnaise was sharp and flavorful, and the turnip gratin was particularly inspired, but bread, chicken livers, yorkshire pudding, popovers, and smoked trout were all nice as well. It wouldn't be crazy to come and skip the roasts, though I should emphasize again that the prime rib was really delicious. I have to say, I also liked the setup of the bar, the collection of interesting beers (including quite a few sours), the fact that there's a large (albeit drafty) dining room, and that there were still seats on a Friday night, though they also take reservations. You could do far worse when meeting somebody downtown.
(4)Rohit J.
Awesome! Really happy we got to dine here. We ordered the chicken and the beef. Both were delicious. The quantity was a lot and it definitely fed 3 of us with some to take home. Everything from ambience and service was great. We are recommending this spot to our friends who visit the area and we are coming back soon!
(4)t f.
So disappointed. For several weeks I was looking forward to trying River Roast after friends had commented how great the food was. Decided to try the brunch & made an 11am reservation (trying to avoid brunch rush/labor day weekend) we were seated by 11:05 outside (YA) glad I had the foresight to make reservations since by 11:15 tables were getting filled up. By 11:20 no one came to take our order or even make contact other then the person refilling our water glasses which I asked if he could get a waiter for us. At 11:30 I caught the attention of another person and asked if they could get a waiter. By 11:40~my friend & I decided 35-40 mins plus was more than enough time to patiently wait for any acknowledgment of wanting to serve us & decided to go to another restaurant along the riverwalk. Needless to say we made a point to share our experience with the mgr (Javier Zavala) who was apologetic & offered us to stay but needless to say the experience had put such a bad taste in our mouth (no pun intended) we decided best to leave. I, too am in the service industry & work in a salon along Michigan Ave & often am asked for referrals to great restaurants from clients local & visiting. Unfortunately, River Roast is not one I can suggest going to. Albeit the food I'm sure IS great from what I observed from OTHER tables being served however, the service is one that needs MAJOR IMPROVEMENT!
(1)Chang K.
Good food, good looking restaurant, and a great location. I was with my boss and a coworker and visited River Roast this past week. The food was good, but I thought that the small plate options were a little over priced. For example we had the meatballs for $10+ (I can't remember the specific price), and it included 2 meatballs and a piece of bread. I don't know about you, but I would've expected a little more meatballs seeing that they were pork and not lamb or anything. I also had this pear cider that was actually wonderful. On the sweet side, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're not into sweet cider. All in all, it was an okay experience, tad over priced, but I did enjoy my time there.
(4)Gina F.
I had dinner at River Roast last month with the group of six ladies. We had an excellent time all around. The restaurant itself is beautiful and well thought out. This staff was great as well. We were greeted promptly and our server was knowledgeable and super enthusiastic. But of course, the most important thing is the food in a restaurant, is it not? Well they truly delivered. One of the other diners and I ate vegetarians, but the other 4 shared the chicken, which was the specialty and, as our server explained, the entire reason for the restaurant's inception. They all thought it was outstanding. We also tried a number of appetizers and sides, including a salad, makeups, leeks, beets, and Brussels sprouts. Everything was absolutely delicious, though it was all on the savory side. Some dishes would have benefited from something to lighten or heightening them. All in all we had a great time and I'd certainly go back again.
(4)Stephanie F.
Highly recommend this place! Super delicious!! Four friends and I tried the golden gobbetsand the pork meatballs as appetizers and loved them. For dinner we had the roast beef, the pork and the roast chicken (listed in order of our preference!!). We also tried the corn, the turnips au gratin and the curried cauliflower (also listed in order of preference) as our sides. Go while it's still warm and sit outside. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Heather O.
We spent an hour on Yelp trying to decide where to enjoy an amazing dinner / relaxing atmosphere before leaving Chicago. There are so many places to choose from but a lot of them were closed this evening due to Labor Day / Monday night. We ended up at River Roast at on a recommendation from a very nice local. Here's the skinny from our perspective: APPETIZER Trio of Toast - the Bacon Foie Gras was outstanding! The Avocado on toast was just that...no salt, no nothing. No thanks. I can make that at home. The rabbit...meh. Overall, wouldn't bother. Fried Olives - my Husband loved them. Personally, not an olive fan but he is and ate them all. :) DINNER Whole Chicken - Perfectly cooked and seasoned and carved table-side. The potatoes in the bottom of the cast iron skillet were amazing as well. Delicious. Roast Beef - Excellent flavor but the cut of meat wasn't completely tender - instead, a bit grizzly. The portion was small to begin with so to lose a couple of slices was not good especially for the price. Also, this restaurant is a stones throw from the Chicago Cut Steakhouse...should probably be extra mindful of the steak your serving. Turnips Au Gratin - Skip it. Nothing special. Semi-bland and the texture was funky. Supper Club Mushrooms - AWESOME. Can't go wrong here if you're a mushroom lover! Ambiance was great! Jason was our Waiter. Nice guy. Very accommodating and genuinely polite. I was sure to pay him a compliment to the Manager On Duty and she seemed to not have much of a personality. Nonetheless, I would have given 3.5 stars if Yelp would allow 1/2 star ratings.
(3)Jessica P.
I returned to the restaurant and fully enjoyed myself. The food is honestly outstanding. This time we got the pork meatballs which I HIGHLY recommend, I was definitely surprised by how good they were. The roasted chicken and potatoes were phenomenal. Our server was great, he had really good suggestions and was very attentive. I honestly can't say I have any complaints about this restaurant after my second visit. Just something that should be noted somewhere if it's not - even if you have a reservation the outside is always first come first serve. I can't wait to take friends and family and out of town guests here, and I'm also hoping my friends choose River Roast for their wedding reception!
(5)Nataliya A.
The view, the chicken and the atmosphere are perfect. I have always been on the other ride on the river walk and have seen River Roast, finally got to check it out. We sat outside, and the patio was perfect for the weather. We received some good advice from the server and settled on the scotch egg and whole chicken. Scotch egg - delicious, perfect balance of egg and sausage. The sausage was not overpowering, very flavorful. The mustard seeds and pickled onions were a nice touch. Highly recommend Whole Chicken - Menu says for 2 people, but this is a WHOLE chicken, highly recommend for 4 people. Reviews are not lying when they say it's on of the juiciest chickens you will try, it truly is. The cooking process made the skin perfectly soft with a tad of crunch, and the meat was extremely tender. The herbs that are used to cook the chicken just make it perfect. The potatoes that cook at the bottom of the pan are absolutely delicious. Very crunchy and have an earthy flavor. mmmm Ginger Drink - i love all things ginger, but this tasted like sugar and not ginger. I do not recommend. Service - our server was extremely friendly and helpful, but we could never locate him. I think he came by our table a total of 3 times, and when wanted a box and a check we had to scout him out. Overall loved the decor inside, they have a private are with a table that seats 14, loved the patio. Would highly recommend this place, and will return.
(4)Craig R.
Came with my wife with no reservation on a Friday afternoon and managed a riverfront table with only a 15 minute wait. The pours, especially doubles for brown liquor, are very well priced and the bar atmosphere is great! When we got sat our view was great. The service was excellent. We got plenty of check ins, but not too many. We had constantly refilled water which was a huge plus given how hot it was outside. We got the Charcuterie Board and the Shishito peppers. The board was quite tasty, especially the mustard! The peppers were nice and crispy and very flavorful as well. The only down...and I'll freely admit I don't have a super refined palate so maybe I missed something. That being said I was disappointed in the chicken for 40 bucks. While the potatoes under it were super tasty and it was DEFINITELY better than a pre-cooked chicken from Whole Foods, it wasn't 34 dollars better by any means. I'd definitely be up to visit again and just do drinks and dessert out on the water, but I think if I came for dinner I'd order something other than the chicken for a main course.
(3)Karen X.
I'm usually fairly skeptical of slightly "touristy"-seeming places and because this restaurant was right along the water and in a pretty prime location, I expected the food to be overpriced and not great. However, I was very pleasantly surprised that the food here was actually delicious and though not cheap, also not outrageously expensive! The various types of roast were great, tasty, and they cut it in front of you! The view if you can snag a table outside by the water is also amazing. This definitely makes for a very great experience in Chicago for locals and tourists alike. Would love to come here again on my next visit to Chicago!
(5)Eric J.
More like 2.5 stars, but the views along the river here are pretty good. Came here to meet with an old friend from college for lunch, since she worked nearby. I had read the reviews, and was excited to give it a try, especially since it was a beautiful day outside and the outdoor patio overlooked the water. The host originally mentioned that outdoor seating would require a 20 minute wait, but after a couple minutes, we were seated outside, with many other tables outside available. Very curious. Our waiter took a while to get our order, and while it was busy, he would often overlook our table, which was pretty annoying. We went with the rack of pork roast, and a side of the Nichols farm vegetables, which was corn, peas, garlic stems, and green beans, in a vinaigrette. The pork was actually pretty flavorful, albeit a bit dry. Since it came with a sweet gravy, it was fine. It was weird, however, that the rack of pork was portioned for 2, yet only came with one cornbread muffin. Again, very curious. The vegetables were slightly under-cooked and the vinaigrette it came in didn't really do much to enhance the flavor profile. Blergh. The food took about 45 minutes to come out, which the waiter did apologize for, but afterwards, avoided our table for the rest of the meal. We actually had to get up and bring our check to the counter to actually get it processed. Overall, not the best experience. The service wasn't very attentive, and the food was average. I try to give restaurants the benefit of the doubt, and it might be worth coming back here for drinks or happy hour along the water, but I can't honestly recommend the food or the service.
(3)Erica L.
I had a really lovely meal here with a party of 10. The menu, though a little small, did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the scotch egg which came with pickled egg and mustard. The brussels sprout salad with fried cheese was refreshing and flavorful. The grilled, filleted, whole fish was perfectly tender and the mock pork rinds were a huge hit. The grilled pork with the caramelized sauce on top was delightful and tender. The whip sweet potato was also very flavorful and wonderful. All in all, they had a great meal. The cocktails were solid as well. So glad other yelpers directed me to this place. It was just perfect for our group.
(4)Laura C.
Yikes! We had a pretty bad experience last night. My husband and I arrived around 5:30pm for an early dinner and requested to sit outside. Only 1 of the 15-ish tables were taken outside but we were sat against the wall, in the shade, with a poor view of the river. And then we waited... for at least 15 minutes. Several other parties were seated while we waited. I noticed their water glasses were filled and their drink orders were taken, but nobody stopped at our table. Finally after several waiters in grey shirts passed, I stopped 1 and asked if we had a server. He took our drink orders and said he would send our server over. Our waitress arrived shortly after and was very friendly. She explained the menu and answered our questions. We decided to share the fire roasted fish with Mediterranean chips and a side of carrots. First of all, the fish is not nearly enough for 2 people as the menu indicates ($40+). It's a branzino with 2 -deboned filets. They did a decent job de-boning but I still had to pull a few bones out of my mouth. The flavor of the fish was good but again, not enough for 2 people. I had assumed Mediterranean chips meant pita chips but I was completely off. They were basically ice cream cones shaped into large chips with a bit of seasoning. Very odd. The carrots were good - goat cheese, balsamic and a little bit of crust. We did appreciate their beer menu. I had the Dogfish Head Festina Peche. A light, champagne-esque peach beer. Really good. Our waitress was MIA again when we were looking for the check. Of course, other tables were already on to dessert and our waitress hadn't checked back in after we finished up our entrée. Maybe we had an off experience but I honestly wouldn't give River Roast a 2nd try.
(2)Dan S.
Me want good brunch. Me get good brunch. So, small nibble. I really dislike when places say - we can seat you when the rest of the party is here if the restaurant isn't jammed. Don't you want my extra business? I'll order an extra drink - I'm easy. But no, we have to wait. Beside that though, we enjoyed the brunch we had here. The scrambles with potatoes were the type of dish you want on a brunch. Hearty, tasty and probably bad for your arteries. We would've liked the music inside instead of the patio (where it was 95 degrees). But service was nice and the inside atmosphere is good with high ceilings and a place you can hear yourself talk.
(4)Toni P.
Great place for brunch right on the river! Was here from out of town for a bridal shower brunch and the food was amazing! More importantly, the service was fantastic!
(5)Leah K.
Bartenders were amazing and friendly, 1+ hour wait when we made reservations....ehhhhh not so much! Menu is very limited, but has good options. The main meat options are pretty sizable- I think feeds more than two people people, but the sides will probably only feed 2-3 max.
(3)Alyssa P.
River Roast, a newish spot along the Chicago River seems to be taking 'family style' to a different level and it's fantastic. The restaurant, literally located on the river, is gorgeous. Dark woods with leathery club chairs, warm lighting, unique décor and huge picture windows leading out onto a patio. We opted to sit closer to the bar area so we could watch game 5 of the NBA finals but service didn't suffer because of it. Our waiter was darling. He gave us a breakdown of how RR worked and listed a few of his favorite things. Here's what we ended up with and a quick opinion of each: Cocktails and other drinks: Unicorn Tears ($10) (Peket Genever, Amaros, and Magic) Sadly, I couldn't taste the magic. Dragon Kisses ($9) (Rittenhouse 100, Genepy, Cassia Cinnamon) So delicious...so smooth, and that cinnamon! None of us noticed that these two drinks were listed under "neat & sweet" so we were sad at the size. Could have easily drank a tall glass of Dragon Kisses. Appetizers: Golden Gobbets ($8) Who doesn't love fried chicken strips... drizzled with honey!? Oh yum yum. Dinner: Whole Chicken ($39) 'Smoked and juicy' chicken with a whole bunch of roasted potatoes. This dish had great flavor overall but I thought it was a tad dry... could have used a nice sauce on the side. Rack of Pork ($43) Yummy light and dark meat drizzled with some gravy deliciousness. I had seconds of this one... Sides: Carrots & Dirt ($9) OOoooh I love me some goat cheese and who would have thought to whip it up put on top of carrots. The dirt comes from pumpernickel crumbs and you hardly notice those. Asparagus ($10) with Gribiche Sauce. Idk what 'gribiche sauce' but I loved its creaminess on the perfectly cooked asparagus. Whipped Sweet Potatoes ($8) the dreamiest of potatoes. I couldn't really taste the chipotle or vanilla but liked these sweet potatoes anyway. Dinner options are meant to be shared, the chicken for example is supposed to serve 2. Five of us shared (2) main meals and (3) sides and everybody left full. Great first visit to River Roast, hope to dine there again sometime.
(4)Lauren L.
I highly recommend dining at River Roast especially if you're visiting from out of town. The location is great. It's right on the river. We came here around 8 on a Saturday and there was still an hour wait to sit outside, so we decided to sit inside. The dinner menu has sort of a family style, with several different roast options that serve about 2 people. We ordered the chicken roast, which comes with potatoes and a side of mixed beans. The chicken was delicious and beans were very flavorful, mixed with garlic and spices. We also ordered a Belgian style beer. I can't remember the name, but it was fabulous!
(5)Gabriel T.
From the services, views, atmosphere, taste of our food to the prices this is one of the best places to eat in Chicago. We order the Whole Chicken for 2 and it was more than enough. Our server were very friendly and professional. You may ask for him; Thierry I'll be back someday when returning to Chicago...
(5)Alex B.
A number of friends have recently remarked on how much they enjoyed River Roast. It's been happening consistently enough (and from people whose culinary tastes I usually respect) that I figured I'd have to check it out. My perception of River Roast had always been that is sounds boring. I mean Roast? Really? Didn't my Mom serve that to me as a child in the '70s? Point #1 - the space is really nice and a huge improvement over the awfulness of Fulton's/Bob Chin before it. The downstairs dining room is particularly welcoming. Point #2 - Good cocktail service, though it could serve to lose the cutsey drink names (well, except for the Kobayahi Maru, which is a genius name for a cocktail. Beam me up!). My one criticism is that the pours could afford to be a little more generous. Point #3 - both of the Roasts we had (pork and chicken) were absolutely outstanding displays of the craft. Tender, juicy and delicious with that great crust that only comes from the oven. The potatoes with the Chicken were also great. One of the best Roast Chickens I've had. My conclusion is that this is really well executed high class comfort food, and perhaps that is why it never sounded interesting to me. This food is not expanding anyone's culinary horizons but man, is it tasty (and well presented). Definitely a great place for client dinners, impressing the in-laws (without getting any of the potential backlash for challenging their palate with something too weird), or just a nice, lovely dinner with your significant other.
(4)Jialing L.
Didn't know know what to expect when I made the reservation for dinner but I was very pleasantly surprised. In my mind, I always pictured roast to be a little on the dry side with little to no flavor but River Roast was the opposite. My friends and I ordered the pork roast, the chicken roast and the boatload of veggies. Both the pork and chicken were tender, juicy and flavorful. Absolutely delicious; my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The service here was also great; my friend got stuck in traffic and arrived 30 minutes after the reservation but we didn't lose the reservation and were seated as soon as he arrived. The food also arrived quickly which was great because we were starving. I enjoyed how they carve everything right by your table; I feel like it adds a personal touch. Definitely want to come back and try for a seat outside by the river!
(4)Alexandra G.
I rarely yelp review but this place is worthy. Coming from out of town, it was close by and had a variety of options. We had the fried olives, scallops, and meatballs with gnocchi. Everything was perfectly prepared and tasted delicious. The bartender was great - I originally ordered an old fashioned (being from Wisconsin) and he stepped up to the plate! Loved the ambiance and experience so much we ended up ordering slow ravioli and shrimp and crab toast after we closed out the first time! Also, their chicken is supposedly delicious and looked spectacular. Go here!
(5)Elizabeth W.
Went today for Brews & Blues brunch. The food was top notch. I had the a Rabbit & Waffles and couldn't have been more pleased. Great flavor and perfect sized portion. The other brunch options looked great and I can't wait for my next visit. Saw several tables with the whole roasted chicken which looked great too. The atmosphere was impressive too. The live music was a nice change from our usual brunch spots. Really looking forward to the weather warming up so we can enjoy the patio seating.
(4)Nancy H.
Food = 3-4 stars Service = 3 stars View/Location = 4-5 stars Came here for a work lunch, and although it was too chilly to sit outside by the riverfront (cuz it's only July *sarcasm*), the interior was just as nice. This is a huge restaurant with high ceilings and windows that allow you to take in the beauty of the riverfront even from indoors. Props to the city for making this section so nice! Food was pretty good. I tried the chopped salad and 2 burgers. Some coworkers ordered sandwiches, which appeared huge in comparison to the burgers, but it's because the sandwich buns are ginormous. The burgers come with brioche buns. Both sandwiches and burgers come with a side of BBQ potato chips and are under $15. The Blues Burger was great minus two big problems: 1) the "smoked ketchup" was too runny and tasted mostly of liquid smoke, and 2) too juicy - yes, too juicy. The bottom bun got completely saturated and soggy. The Lobster Burger is more like a thick crabcake but with lobster meat and unfortunately had too much filler. I didn't see any chunks of lobster. Maybe they pureed it, but it was disappointing. Tasted ok, though. As soon as our plates were cleared from the table, the waiter dropped off the check and peaced us out. Didn't even ask if we wanted dessert or coffee. Granted, it was lunchtime, and we were occupying a long table of 10, but still.
(4)Lily S.
For any of you who may be confused by my previous and recent review of River Roast, please be aware that this restaurant more than made up for my initial experience last night. Having already made reservations before, it turned out to be a night of celebration when I got back positive test results on the same day, and I can't think of a better way to memorialise this. We were treated to a most delicious dinner with, quite possibly, the classiest service I've witnessed in a long while. While service elsewhere can be "good," there's just something about that extra panache one brings to the trade that can make the clients feel like royalty, wouldn't you agree? The whole roast chicken was spiced perfectly, the deliciously seasoned green and yellow beans boiled just "à pointe," and thé mousse and illy coffee to die for. We had the pleasure of meeting both managers Javier Zavala and Christine Mars who, unlike most managers, spent time with us, never making us feel like they were overwhelmed with the workload they likely do have in order to successfully run such an apparent tight ship. Their warmth and calm nature mirrored manager Kevin Palmros, who so graciously took care of us on our first visit. Our servers, young Alex who kept our glasses filled and Marco, who delighted us not only with his charming accent, but also his rather poetic way of describing each dish, were very attentive. Martin (pronounced "Mar-teen"), self-identified as The Surgeon, exemplified the "panache of the panache" with his artistically skilled way of handling the knives cutting into the whole chicken he so elegantly presented us. Overall, the night was magical and stunning, and I look forward to our return for Brunch and Blues on Sunday coming. p.s. I hope to soon try one of their other six restaurants called Bar Toma on 110 E. Pearson St., as Javier said they have wood-oven, thin-crust pizza! Mmmmmmm.... Ps. Update: went there for Brunch and Blues, which they host with different live Blues bands every Saturday and Sunday. Aaron, our server, was excellent! And the band was authentic Chicago-style, not some "spoon-fed" corporate sounding shite, know what I mean? I don't think I need say any more about the perfection of anything that comes out of the kitchen.
(5)Patrick T.
Great place to warm your face during a Chicago Polar Vortex, we ducked into River Roast for an hour and had a great time. The Spot: Great location right by the Chicago River with outdoor seating, but we happened to be there when it was 10 degrees out. We popped in and sat at the bar, which overlooks the river. Good decor, kind of your typical "cocktail bar" backdrop, with all the bottles backlit behind the bartender. Downstairs at the water level, is the more restaurant-y side of things. Hardwood counter at the bar, comfortable high chairs. The Vibe: Relaxed, we sat and chatted with the bartender, ate delicious mussels, and he let me try the housemade Malort and the Jaspers Malort (my first time). Awesome of him to let me taste them, but as all Chicagoans know, they shouldn't be tasted, ever, ever again. Why Only 4 Stars: Prices are a little high, the oysters I had were $3 each. No beers on tap, all bottled. Very minor complaint.
(4)Kelly E.
As weekend visitors from Nashville, we enjoyed a lovely brunch today in downtown Chicago! The welcoming entrance off of LaSalle leads you down a wide stairwell, allowing the main dining area to nestle right on the river. Seating options include a rustic bar area with high top tables or traditional seating for larger parties. A jazz band entertained from the corner & the servers were knowledgeable and very attentive. We started with beermosas featuring a local pilsner & fresh squeezed OJ and the scotch egg. The egg itself (soft-boiled, wrapped in ground sausage and deep-fried) lacked seasoning, but the thick-grained mustard and pickled onions that accompanied the appetizer lent some interest to the dish. We split the whole, roasted chicken served with home fries. Eh on the potatoes, but the chicken boasted juicy flesh and crispy skin. We opted for a dish of Hogan's peas on the side & holy gracious! Velvety creme fraiche, a light tinge of leek butter, crispy Bibb lettuce and hunks of smoked bacon. Ohhh goodness! Topped off our meal with The Fat Elvis (a chocolate, peanut butter & banana pie which deserves its own review).
(4)Gaby F.
If you like wine with your Roasts beware!!! The cheapest bottle of red wine on the list was $70+ , and wait for it, it wasn't available. There was nothing on the list that was 'mid range' pricing and, as the beef is $32, if you both want beef and a bottle its $130+ just there with no appetizer or desserts. I really do think that there could be more reasonable bottles of wine, without having to drink awful Murphy Goode by the bottle (they serve this by the glass). Now there was ONE wine on special for $50 a Syrah, and it was OK. But we had to ask and its just not enough options at that price point. Cocktails (I had the Michael Keaton) were great. The food is terrific, profiterole chicken mousse was tasty, fois toast as part of trio was not, nor was rabbit, too much butter or cream. Crab toasts didn't need the dairy, maybe a light aoili. Chicken is really good potatoes with it are even better. Beef is not a huge portion at 8 oz but the gravy that accompanies is delicious. One nit pick, pop overs AKA Yorkshire Puddings (The traditional English meal) NEVER has cheese on the pop overs, ever. It maybe American taste to add cheese and my guests enjoyed it, but its not traditional. I have been eating Roast Beef on Yorkshire for 40years . But I'm happy I have a local option now. But I wont come with a large group of friends as I don't want the average check to be $80+ for the honour of drinking by the bottl!. Shame
(3)Christopher V.
Chicken was cooked perfectly with crispy skin & moist tender meat, but unfortunately was completely bland. Has potential for greatness if they'd season the chicken with herbs & salt. Go for the roasted fish instead. Brussels, chicken gobblets and cocktails are all must haves. Service is a bit spotty with servers disappearing for extended stretches.
(3)Steven N.
While walking around downtown and looking for a place to eat dinner and/or grab a bite to I realized River Roast was a block a way. I work really close to there and recalled that it was a new name along the river and decided to give it a try. The menu, while fitting the whole theme of the restaurant, is very distinctive and you must be in the mood for that when going. They serve whole fish on a stick and a whole rotisserie styled chicken as well. We ended up foregoing the unique but potentially good menu in favor of the drinks; I had an Amaro swizzle. This was quite good, flavor and a good proportion of alcohol/mixer/flavoring. Service was good, we only ordered one round of drinks so we weren't all that demanding. I would definitely consider going back for a full meal to test out the food and the full range of service.
(4)Mike O.
Been wanting to try to roasts here for quite sometime and finally made it in. We came looking for brunch so we didnt get the roasts but the food was fantastic. Shrimp and crab toast was great although I wish it was larger. Marscapone french toast was good and quite large but the croque madame was the best. Now Im even more excited to come back for dinner
(5)Danielle F.
Amazing meal! River Roast, it's safe to say, has become my favorite river spot! Boasting beautiful views and fantastic service, I couldn't have been more impressed with the evening. Do yourself a favor and order the Whole Roasted Chicken, with the side of Carrots and Dirt! The presentation of the roast was impressive as heck, and we couldn't get over the flavor! Juicy meat, and mouth watering potatoes, oh-my! I can't wait to return for the whole roasted fish! Put this one in your bookmarks' this summer, because Chicago hit this one right!
(5)Zenia R.
The best roasted chicken ever!!! Nice place and excellent service.
(5)Alan L.
Maybe better for lunch than dinner We had their burger for lunch (not on the menu) and it may have been the best burger that I ever had. The Bourbon popcorn was not too interesting, but the Scottish Egg was outstanding. The restaurant location is convenient to downtown and the space is attractive.
(5)Bill D.
Good portions and meals cooked like you were at Grandmas. Pork was smoky and tender as was chicken. Great cocktails and cool venue on the river.
(5)LaLaLaLa L.
I really like the vibe in this place. I sat inside, but can see how awesome it would be to sit along the river on a sunny day. The restaurant itself it big... huge. The host stand is upstairs and she brings you down a level to the dining area. They have a limited menu.. which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think their main entree choices are the whole chicken, pork, fish and roast beef. They are carved table-side which is cool. My husband and I decided to go in a different direction and order some different apps and sides. We ordered the meatballs, the golden gobbets, the potatoes and mushrooms. Golden gobbets: They were ok. I like that they give you honey to drizzle. I guess if you're a super huge fried chicken fan they're great. I compare them to crispy fried popcorn chicken. Meatballs- I didn't like these.. at all. potatoes- very good! Crispy! Almost reminded me of really good diced breakfast potatoes. Mushrooms- delish! I tried some other things friends had.. the pork was very good! I also tried the shrimp and crab toast and the chorizo stuffed olives.. The toast was VERY fishy tasting. The olives were not good, either. I would definitely come back.. but it's not my first choice. I would rather come for their brunch than the dinner.
(3)Thamer M.
Good place good food. It is worth to visit this spot. The waiters were helpful. I got the whole grilled chicken with salads. I think it is one of the best restaurant in downtown.
(4)Mouse C.
Yep River Roast gets a 5 star rating! I came here for a wedding last night and was blown away by the gorgeous view and killlerrrrrr food! The terrance at river roast is second to none...you can't get more Chicago than this! Amazing, sexy views all around. The appetizers (which I unfortunately did not get to try because I was talking too much to eat) looked awesome and everyone that had them said the same. There were mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup cups, bacon wrapped shrimp, and mini quesadillas....adorbs right!? DINNER was redonkulous. They gave the choice of tilapia or a filet, both served over mashed potatoes and asparagus. I went with the tilapia and it was love at first bite. Soooo much flavor yet light enough to ensure you can still dance;) my beau went with the filet. I'm pretty sure this filet was sent from the heavens above. Holy lord it was so tender! I had to stop myself from continuously reaching over and snatching bites off his plate. Lucky for me he's good at sharing :D I will recommend River Roast over and over for a delicious dinner and a fabulous experience overall!
(5)Joy H.
Great river view and decent service. Because we arrived between lunch and dinner service, we ordered a few small plates and cocktails (try Unicorn Tears). The chicken "nuggets" with honey were delicious. The beverage list is extensive. I'd like to go back for dinner soon.
(4)Shaunna M.
I found this spot on OpenTable, we stopped in after our Architecture Tour...there are no words. We ordered the chicken g's app, 2 rounds of drinks and the pork roast dinner to share...it was down. Right. amazing. Lively and unique atmosphere, beautiful view, vibrant bar and great service. Would definitely come back.
(5)Carol K.
Wow! Clearly I did not know what to expect at this reincarnation of what used to be Fultons on the River, as River Roast blew me away the other night! First of all, it has an amazing outdoor patio facing the river. This is a must go to as the service was outstanding, the views spectacular and the food was equally as good. We got a perfect 4 top right along the railing which allowed us unparalleled views of our great city. Our server, Brian, was over in a second, explaining the concept to us which is kind of like upscale tavern fare where they specialize in full meats carved at the table. On the night we were there the fish was a branzino, and the meat was a NY strip but that may be different when you go. The chef is a James Beard winner and it shows in the food. We started with some of their bread served with a wonderful cheese spread ( wonderful but for this girl who is trying not to eat gluten or dairy it was a temptation that I couldn't pass up but it was worth it!) We started with a few of our server's suggestions- the flavored popcorn with "cracklins" and little chunks of chicken deep fried and served with honey. Next up, squash poppers stuffed with cheese a trout appetizer and some west coast oysters. All were terrific! Did I say there were 4 of us? So if this sounds like a lot of food- it really was just the perfect amount. We then had the NY strip perfectly cooked and sliced table side. Given we had ordered so many starters we ordered 2 8 oz portions of this and it was just the right amount ( they serve the roast section of the menu by whole fish, whole chicken or 8 oz portion of meat). We also had the tomato salad, the seafood salad, green and yellow beans and artichokes. It was a great range of flavors and textures! Hard to believe we had room for dessert but one in our party just had to have a "Hoosier seasonal pie" ( I think she liked the name!) so we split the lovely peach sweetness. Dinner for 4 with plenty of drinks ran about $200 so the price was right too. Also- if you like brunch, I was told that they have live blues music on Saturdays and Sundays from 11- 2 so go enjoy a great patio, and some great food while summer is still out there! If you drive- valet parking is $14 out front. And if you are looking for a perfect place to host an event- River Roast has a wide array of private dining rooms as well. So forget what you remember about the old Fulton's for other than the location nothing is the same.. This place is modern, the food is terrific and the staff are well trained, friendly and just nice to have around. And isn't that just what you want when dining out??
(5)Pamela G.
Amazing food, service and location for our company event. If I could give the River Roast and its staff six stars, I would. We held a company event here for 120 people. Not a detail was missed. The food was incredible - I only wish I weren't so busy hosting so I could've eaten more. The service was outstanding, as led by Darcey Gerber, Senior Sales Manager, who was a joy to deal with. The view is stunning, too. All of our guests were so impressed - our event was a smash. I can't wait to come back to Chicago to eat there again.
(5)Gina S.
Living in the city you can eat at a different restaurant every day forever without repeating a spot but we have been to River Roast 3 times and even ordered the roasted chicken for delivery once ... and we've only lived in Chicago for 2 months. It's that good. The ambiance is fabulous. Casual but nice. Great location on the river for out of towers or anyone. The potatoes are addictive and the roasted chicken is something that makes your mouth water. The service has been wonderful each team and there was live blues music on one of our visits which was fun. Great spot for lunch or dinner. It will not disappoint!
(5)Brian C.
Whole chicken was outstanding! My wife and I also enjoyed the potatoes and green bean sides. The view is great. Next time we are in Chicago we will defiantly visit again.
(5)Daniel W.
Came here with a party of 15 for a reunion dinner. We had a nice room in the back to ourselves. The drink menu was more than accomodating. Good wine and beer selection. Apps - The scotch Egg was really good! Never had it before but I will definitely order again. Fried outside with tender sausage and oozing/yolky egg when you cut into it. The Slow Ravioli was also tasty. I loved the snails in the sauce provided. Main - we ordered the Big fish and Whole Chicken. Both are huge portions. I preferred the Fish. The fish was cooked to perfection and flaky. The whole chicken was also cooked to perfection and had good flavor. Server said to get the roast beef next time...will do. Overall, not a bad place. I would go back if invited but not on my to die for places.
(4)Caroline B.
I came here for lunch with two friends visiting from out of town. Unfortunately it was pouring and we couldn't enjoy the wonderful river views available on the outdoor patio. Nonetheless, we sat inside and had a delicious meal. Our waiter described the soup special, almond gazpacho, in such a way that we all ended up ordering it. I am SO not a gazpacho person but because it was not tomato-based, I wanted to try it. It was OUTSTANDING. Refreshing, creamy, flavorful and totally unique. I also had the special sandwich, a roast beef and provolone concoction that was also exploding with flavor. Food was delicious, our server delightful, and the location is great. I will absolutely be back.
(4)Leigh M.
This was my first time in Chicago, but River & Roast quite the experience. We went for brunch, sat outside, and the riverfront views were impressive. Much to our surprise, some live music came on about halfway through our meal. Although it was slightly hard to hear conversation over, it was ambient. The french toast was to-die for. One big, thick cut of french toast. If you like raspberries, this is for you! The bloody mary's were served in cute logo'ed glasses with the option to add a "skewer". Skewer came with cubed cheese, meats, olives, etc. A salad in your bloody, if you will! And how could I forget the crab and avocado toast...unique and YUM!
(5)Scott T.
Just so happened to be lucky enough to check this place out on their first day open to the public! We were looking for a good place to sit on the riverfront and have some lunch and a couple drinks and this new spot definitely fits the bill! The concept seems really cool, with full fish, chicken and beef roasts that they will carve table side for you! The upstairs "roost" has a full bar and quick serve Sandwiches for the daytime business crowd, very smart! The menu is somewhat gastropub-ey, but not over the top so. We tried the charcuterie, which apparently they specialize in and make a lot of it in-house. Great choice, went well with the wine list. The fresh baked, them grilled bread served with French onion butter dip was delicious too, served as a starter when you sit down! The artichoke soup was very very tasty and would definitely recommend. The next time it's available! The steak salad was good too, the horseradish mustard dressing was a little too horseradish forward, but still very enjoyable. The craft cocktail program that they going on is pretty great too! Very clever and distinct cocktails, which is hard to do these days. Great selection of craft distilleries!! Can't wait to come back! For the first day, they were great! I could see them being epic! Service was great, pretty cool to see the chefs and owners working out the kinks.
(5)Wil J.
This place is terrific! Roasty awesome goodness with a wonderful view of the river. Their roasted chicken is as good as it gets. The mushrooms were well done. I also had a drink called Kobayashi (I believe) -- super yummy with a perfect kick. David was perfectly attentive, and Chef Hogan even came out to welcome us to his wonderful place. Live music on weekends is a big plus. I highly recommend!
(5)Dana J.
I actually came here for a wedding this past summer and I loved it! Such a great location and from what I can remember, the food was good. I plan on returning this year to try the actual restaurant.
(4)David C.
Of all the hot new establishments popping up in Chicago's culinary scene, River Roast is one spot that is doing it right. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan's new spot comes alive with live music, tableside roast carving, and great views of the river. The menu can best be described as contemporary comfort American, and they offer great and smart brunch options as well. Craft cocktails and a wide tap menu play perfectly with the casual roast party atmosphere. The food, while rustic, is absolutely delicious. I would pay particular attention to any of their poached egg dishes, or scotch egg dishes for brunch. For dinner, their specialty is the roasted full chicken which bleeds juicy goodness as it is carved tableside for your gratification.
(5)Angelica K.
Came for a wedding and the view was awesome! Food was pretty good too. Did not try the seafood appetizers only the quesadilla which was average. The filet was good, the salad, good not memorable. I'd come back for the cocktails and the riverside view though any day.
(4)Mike G.
The service was good. The server was on top of bringing the group drinks. The food, however, was awful. We only ordered appetizers but nothing was good. The shrimp toast tasted like a seafood combo from Subway and they are obsessed with Pâté as it was served with everything.
(2)Zip T.
Saw this on a news channel while at the gym. My personal trainer said he use to work for that chef and that the food is good. So of course the next day I suggested to go try it out with some coworkers. Location is right off the bridge in river north, parking is a little rough but possible. Ambiance is very nice. It isn't too upscale where you would feel uncomfortable but nice enough to either dress up or dress down without feeling awkward. It was Friday on Lent so i ordered the fire grilled "BIG FISH." The fish was very good and tasted really fresh. It being fire grilled gave it its own unique texture and taste from other restaurant menu items. Serving size was pretty big and it's actually meant to serve 2. There are sides you can order ala carte which were also good. The service was good but we were about the only people in the restaurant at the time. Would come again.
(4)Alessandra F.
The decor, views and service was good. The food was serviceable. My only complaint is that if you are going to charge $7 for a large bottle of sparkling water then bring the whole bottle to the table and not serve just 1 glass and charge for the whole bottle.
(3)Stefan S.
Excellent on all fronts. Host stand is friendly and attentive. Ambiance is excellent with water and skyline views plus great background music, nice lighting, and just the right temperature. Service is excellent. Server went out of his way to congratulate my wife on her birthday. Tables are wonderful with custom napkins (nice touch). Now the food...well you have to experience it for yourself. It really is top notch. The absolute best chicken I've ever had. They cook it in 20 minutes at 550 degrees with 100% humidity. Roast potatoes have a nice crunch. Order the chicken gobbets and the pickles too. Overall this place is flawless. Just go. **bonus points if you go in the summer when the patio is open.
(5)Lu N.
I really wanted to try this place. We tried to dine when they first opened and were told that the kitchen was closed because of a fire or something. That wasn't a problem. But just recently we made RSVPs and specifically asked to sit outside. And when we got there they told us it was an hour wait for outdoor seating and that they don't take RSVPs for outdoor! Well don't you think you should have told us that when we made the reservations?!?!? On top of it the kid was one of the rudest and careless "host" we've ever encountered. At least act like you give a hoot! Somebody please give that kid some manners. That is all.
(2)Jim C.
I have known Chef John Hogan for over 25 years from KiKi's Bistro to Saveran to Keefer's to River Roast and he never disappoints! What a delicious meal from beginning to end. Outstanding service and gorgeous view on the river. Simply Wow! Get anything and everything roasted! John and Tony well done!
(5)Jewel A.
I honestly don't know where to begin! The service was FANTASTIC, the employees were so warm & welcoming, there is beautiful scenery, and the food was EXTRAORDINARY. This was probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. I will definitely be a returning customer! P.S. The meats are so TENDER & DELICIOUS! The employees even cut the meat in front of you before serving it to you!
(5)Jaime G.
Yup. One of the best places on the river for a great lunch. Great patio on the river, excellent service, and super good food. Try the roasted sea bass. The best here. So good - crispy roasted with a great chimichury type marinade. It served with roasted potatoes that are also crispy and good. We also tried the roasted beef sandwich. Incredibly tender, great melted cheese, horseradish sauce, and beautiful toasted bread. This is worth the cost of eating downtown man. Come try it.
(5)Eric Y.
I had high expectations but I found River Roast to be disappointing. It's a great location on the river and the view might be spectacular except for the construction on the other shore. The space itself is immense with a main dining a room and multiple other private to semiprivate areas that would be good for events. There is nice cocktail selection but I found the wine list to be limited. There are also a bunch of craft beers so that's nice. Roasts are their specialty and for entrees there are just five - all roasted, of course. Fish, whole chicken, beef, rack of pork, and veggies. If you're going to have only 5 entrees and you're staking your reputation on roasting, they'd better be mighty good. Alas, I was not impressed. The fish and the beef were very nicely prepared and were delicious. The rack of pork was inconsistent - had to send the first one back because it was dry and the replacement was very juicy and properly done. The vaunted roasted whole chicken was underwhelming - the skin was nicely crisp but the meat was dry. There are many small plates and side dishes to choose from. They specialize in fresh oysters and offered East Coast and West Coast varieties. We ordered some and the server got confused as to which were the East and which were the West. Uh... We found the small plate an side dishes to be inconsistent. Good ones included the mussels with chorizo and the chicken liver mousse with Yorkshire pudding. The pea side dish was delicious; whole peas in a bacony pea sauce - I could eat this every day. The roasted potatoes that come with the entrees are delicious too. Some dishes were just ok - the crab and shrimp toast, San Giacomo leeks, and the brussels sprouts fell into this category. A couple of the sides were head-scratchingly bad. The au gratin turnips were cold and tasteless. The country fried rabbit had a nice crust but the meat was so dry and the biscuit was a serious brick. Bisquick, where are you when we need you?
(2)Lochin S.
cool vibe, love the decor and the location. service was great. just not sure about the food. I paid $32 for chicken and honestly I think it tasted the same as rotisserie from grocery store. maybe I am missing something. the bloody mary tasted like ostyer juice which was interesting. for my hubby and I it was over $100 for brunch. stayed for blues inside the bar area. nice bar tenders, very friendly. and one huge thing, water. They always gave you plenty of water, I never had to ask for it. I love that.
(4)Liz C.
We went for brunch. It was really good, but not mind-blowing and the service seemed a tad bit off. We ordered the shrimp and crab toast (delicious), the scotch egg (my mom was a huge fan), the croque, the biscuit and gravy, a popover, and a side of sausage and a biscuit. Overall, the food was great. I do think that the dishes could've arrived a bit hotter, seemed like the crock had maybe sat around a bit, but they did have great flavor. The gravy and the side of sausage were awesome. The biscuit was good, I did wish it was a bit more flaky and had some more layers. The popover was insane. They seriously nailed it. oh and lets not forget the bloody mary---really, really good. All in all, it was a solid brunch. I am looking forward to coming back to try the roast chicken that everyone raves about.
(4)Sambath M.
Great food and great service. I like where we were seated. What a beautiful place to enjoy our food and the view of the Chicago River. I love what my friend and I ordered. We will definitely go back until we try all of the dishes.
(5)Kockyo X.
Me and my friend went in here after work for dinner. The service is GREAT!!! Everybody is so friendly and they take really good care of you! We shared the artichoke as our appetizer and whole chicken for our main course. The chicken is a little bit dry not as juicy as they described.. But the artichoke is sooo good! It rained today so we didnt get a chance to seat outside, but we did get a table nearby the window. The view is still great. I feel that this would be a perfect place for Sunday brunch as well. The atmosphere is great too.
(3)hanna y.
I'm in love! River roast has a small menu where everything is bursting with flavor. The first time I went to river roast we shared a shaved salad, pot roast and hogan's peas. The second time I went our table shared the pork meatballs, shaved salad and roasted chicken. Everything ordered was out right delicious. Furthermore the serving sizes were very generous. Although each roast serves 2 people, we were able to share the chicken amongst three people and still leave satisfied. Both times I visited the meats were always tender, juicy and flavorful. I also really enjoyed shaved salad. The mixture of veggies, Parmesan and dressing is to die for. People who don't even like salads will take an extra helping. Last but not least, the potatoes... Yum the potatoes! I'm pretty sure I could just eat a meal of just the river roast potatoes. To top it off, our service was phenomenal! John was really kind and very knowledgeable on the dishes the restaurant had to offer. He also suggested my friend to get the "if only Michael Keaton was here" cocktail which he described as their version of an old fashion. I'm not an old fashion fan or a bourbon fan, but it was delicious and smooth. I kept taking sips from my friend's glass!
(5)Kristen B.
We stopped in for brunch while we were visiting Chicago and asked to be seated on the patio. The hostess was going to seat us, but another host refused to seat us because there were only tables for 6 left outside. They talked about what to do right in front of us and then told us we would have to wait 35 minutes to sit. Not only was it extremely unprofessional that I had to listen to them discuss what to do about seating us, but they had empty tables and just refused to sit us in case a bigger party came. While I can't speak for the food, the service clearly needs some work.
(1)Kirsten H.
Due to an impending move, we felt compelled to go out for Thanksgiving dinner, and we couldn't have been happier than our decision to head to River Roast. For the holiday, they did a buffet that was a fantastic spread--everything from salads and breads to desserts of pecan pie and apple crisp with sides and meats in between. The sides included a nice variety of things that were familiar staples on my family's Thanksgiving table as well as some unfamiliar dishes that we usually don't have on Turkey Day. The meats were incredible--pulled pork was our favorite, but the steak and turkey were also very good. A nice finishing touch was that at the end of the meal, the server gave us a little bag of caramel popcorn and a voucher for a free brunch on a return visit. We'd really like to go back to try their regular menu!
(5)Layla R.
I was a bit disappointed with the food. The shaved salad was bland (dressing was tart and awful) and I ordered pickles for my burger since they don't come with it (weird) only to pay $4 extra for a small jar of mainly cauliflower. Note to chef: don't call it pickles, call it pickled vegetables and find another recipe. I was completely annoyed I wasted money on bland cauliflower and that there few pickles in the jar weren't even tasty. Won't be going back. Bummer since the view is nice, but might as well go to Smith and Wollensky's where you'll get ripped off but at least it's consistently good.
(3)Sofia A.
The bartender. The music. The chicken. Wow. My favorite spot in Chicago and it's only 10 months old.
(5)Denny C.
The River Roast could be "just another" new Chicago restaurant except for the captain at the helm, Chicago's iconic John Hogan. A veteran of several Chicago dining gems including Kiki's Bistro, David Burke's Primehouse, and his own gourmet delight Savarin, Hogan is French trained and Chicago honed. He doesn't cook precious food, but what emerges from his kitchen is hearty, down to earth cooking, with the touch of a classicist. You will never leave River Roast hungry, this is a place for celebrating the joy of eating, drinking, and having a good time. However, unlike many new restaurants springing up, River Roast exudes warmth and camaraderie without making you deaf in the process. The room is large enough to absorb rude cacophony. Hogan's appetizers range from typical dining fare to a charcuterie that rivals the best of Lyon. River Roast specializes in roasts obviously, and the beef, chicken, and fish are great, without pretension or supercilious fluff. This is good eaten! Desserts are fantastic, large and scrumptious. The sides are all delicious with the Windy City's famous "Hogan's peas" leading the pack. Service has the same joy of giving pleasure that reverberates off their leader and chef. This is unmistakable Chicago eating and dining led by John Hogan who personifies what "the city of big shoulders" is all about.
(5)Stephanie A.
Loved this place. Food and drink were great. Its in a really great location right by the Chicago River, so the view is to die for.
(5)Paulina R.
Good staff! Nice place! Good ambiance! But food was extremely oily, we were a big group and ordered several vegetable sides and they were so salty and oily we couldn't eat them. Main courses were ok!
(3)Jackie D.
We had a great waiter! The problem with this place is that its way to expensive for what you get. We paid $8 for a beer that was a half a pint. We ended up getting 2 sides and an app and 2 beers and spent over $50. The food wasn't worth it. You are paying to sit in the river. Try somewhere else.
(2)Michelle P.
Been here twice. The first time we had the roasted fish and it was really well cooked and seasoned. Second time was with a larger group of coworkers. Ordered the fish, again, and it was not cooked as well and the seasoning was also off. Overall service was not very professional, both times.
(3)Drew W.
Service was great, drinks were great, food was ok and we received some suspicious food that wasn't even on the menu, as if it was purposely made for us because we ordered one ingredient on the side. Hopefully it was an off kitchen day. I will give it another go.
(3)Garret S.
We stopped in on Friday night, no reservations, and was seated right away. We ordered two appetizers (both were great), and then ordered the roasted chicken. No drinks were ordered, but the surrounding tables sounded like they were having a great time. I think this would be a great place to stop after work for a quick bite to eat too. Overall, great place for solid american faire.
(4)Dan O.
Went here Saturday night for a birthday. 10 people, had a reservation. Ambiance is cool, great spot on the river (although already way too cold to be out there) ((no surprise Chi-city)). Was not very crowded, but it could have been the weather that kept people away on a Saturday night. Only one bar tender working so drinks took a while, but were delicious. We ended up ordering our 2nd drink as our server brought out the 1st round. The server was very knowledgeable of the menu and the chefs' vision for River Roast, he was great in accommodating the large group by splitting the sides into several dishes for the "family style" service. They bring out bread with a delicious "french-onion butter" spread. Kept asking for more. Recommended the Golden Gobbets, which were good but a bit over breaded before frying so crazy crunch. We ordered a lot of food 2 whole chickens, 2 roast beef, 1 whole fish, and just about every vegatable side, but I will say the stand out were Hogan's Peas. All meats/fish are brought to table and sliced in front of you. Very cool style. I pretty much set one of the chickens in front of me and picked at for a good 30 mins straight. Server knew were celebrating so brought out Fat Elvis for the birthday boy, which I sampled and was quite good. Server didn't know if they had Don Julio when we asked. Overall chicken was as good as advertised and I think I would come back, but I felt it was a little expensive for a large group. What to Order: Whole Chicken with Potatoes Hogan's Peas Fat Elvis
(3)Jessica B.
In reading the other reviews of River Roast, maybe it was just an off day on Sunday when I went for brunch. We arrived just as it opened and the staff was really friendly and allowed someone in our party who arrived pre-opening to sit and have a drink while she waited for the rest of our group. We sat outside on the riverwalk and it was really a perfect day for it. Great breeze, sunshine and all around weather. But the wait staff was maybe not on their game yet. Our waitress was really nice, but may have been too busy with other tables because she took forever to come back for orders and to fulfill drink orders too. I asked for more coffee and it didn't appear for me until the fifth time I asked, but others at our table got more coffee. I realize this may not be a "big" thing, but the overall vibe was weird among the wait staff support staff. Something was off. Same when they cleared the table, I said I was still working and they still took the food away. Just weird. The food was good too but the menu was very limited not a ton of options. I would definitely go back for a drink and to hang out and enjoy the view, or grab a sandwich on the top floor to go, but I'm mixed if I would come back for dinner, unless I was already downtown.
(3)Tina N.
We noticed this beautiful setting along the river as we walked from the train station to our hotel. Coincidentally, the hotel concierge recommended it. Even though it was a limited menu at 3 in the afternoon, the food was fantastic and unique. The Scotch Egg was terrific. So we're the Golden Gobbets chicken and salads. I don't usually eat much bread but couldn't stop eating theirs with goat cheese crispy onion spread. Yummm
(5)Flor D.
Nice place well located with great view. It has a patio right in front of the river so it is highly recommended to go outside if it is a nice day. Food is really good and the staff is extremely nice.
(4)Erwin M.
Always looking for a great Gastropub, my wife and I sauntered out of our hotel and one block to find this gem of an eatery. River Roast may have just opened recently but I believe they have a very bright future. We were able to obtain seats outside on the veranda over looking the scenic Chicago River. The heater lamps were set perfectly as my face didn't feel like their roasted chickens. The meal started out with the Shrimp & Crab toast. Let me tell you, if there is anything that you must order here, believe me when I say that this is the best 4-bites you will ever have. If can muster to put one piece into your mouth, do it. There is something about swirling all the textures and flavors into one bite that is to be appreciated. The crunch of the brioche toast, the cold bite of the crab & shrimp, and the creaminess of the avocado come all together in a symphony of flavors that only God could have created. Our main entrée ended up being the roasted chicken with a side of sautéed mushrooms. The chicken arrives standing vertically on an iron skillet with fried potatoes underneath. The drippings from the chicken marinate the potatoes below and the iron skillet keeps the whole meal heated throughout the meal. I would describe the chicken as very tender and juicy. The prize of this entrée is the delectable skin; it was savory and the crispness of a thick potato chip. We were informed that the chicken was not brined which was surprising considering the tenderness of the breast as well as the rest of the bird. Our server Emma and the crew were top-notch. She was very informative of each dish and made sure we had our glasses filled at all times. The bar manager personally served my choice of beverage and gave me some history about the ale. My experience at River North is all positive notes. The décor and ambiance is excellent; any dinner you can have next to the Chicago River and not freeze is always going to be memorable. Each dish is brought out with pride and you can tell with the presentation when it arrives. Kudos to all at River North; I hope you prosper and take the city by storm.
(5)David L.
First the good stuff.... Great ambience and views of the river. The roast chicken was great... Tasty and tender. Lemon trifle dessert was awesome. BUT.... The roast beef was gristly and not so tasty. almost bland. Appetizers including ravioli, smoked trout and fried chicken gobbets were just fair. No pop. Really expected better. The wine list was really overpriced. Stick with the selection of craft beer. I really wanted to love this place and was surprised how little I even liked it. Given all we have to choose from in Chicago, it's unlikely that we'll come back.
(2)Elizabeth M.
We had dinner there the night after the grand opening and it was DELICIOUS! The views from the restaurant are breathtaking and even better if you chose to sat outside! The dinner style is more of a family style service. They offer an entire roast chicken or an entire fish (they say it feeds 2, more like 4) and they carve it for you at the table! We shared the chicken, a side of turnip au gratin (yummy!) and the artichoke appetizer. All amazing. I was super surprised at how deliciously flavored everything, especially the chicken. I also don't like turnips... now I do! Absolutely amazing service, our server walked us through the menu and was very very knowledgable having been only open for a day. Bonus: AMAZING BEER MENU
(5)Debbie E.
This review could have easily been 5 stars, and it could have easily been 2 stars. Let's get the bad out of the way .... the service. Some of the previous reviews touched upon this and it's rather perplexing that the issues with the wait staff haven't been dealt with yet. After being seated our waiter promptly came over and took our drink orders. We took time to peruse the menu and then put in our food order. The food takes awhile to come out, so be prepared if you don't order any appetizers. Other reviewers talked about bread being served, but we didn't see any of that. Anyway, back to the service. Once the food was served, that was the end of our service. We had to track down our waiter for everything. We ordered wine to have with dinner and never got it. Half way through the meal, we finally were able to locate our waiter and ask about the wine. Then we don't see him again until our plates are cleared and he just comes to the table and says, "Shall I bring you the check?". We weren't asked if we wanted anything else or wanted to see a dessert menu. We asked to see the dessert menu, ordered coffee and my husband asked to have his water glass refreshed. Coffee was lukewarm. When he came to refill my husbands water, he refilled it and left. Never asked if the rest of us would like a refill or better yet ... just refill all of them. No one ever came back to refill or coffee or ask how dessert was. My dinner companions said they felt he was rather arrogant and didn't really want to be serving us. Finally, had to flag him down again to get the check. Didn't dock them stars for this because management stepped up and took the beverages and dessert off the bill after we complained. Hope they correct these service gaps since we have not been the only ones that have had this experience. For the most part, the food, as far as taste goes, is 5 stars. The biggest miss was the was the RR Chopped salad. It was drowning in so much dressing that it was almost like drinking vinaigrette. We also had the shrimp and crab toast, roast beef, rack of pork, curried cauliflower and RR potatoes. Everything was absolutely delicious. The beef and pork were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The accompanying sauces were excellent enhancements. The "popover" that came with the beef was hard as a rock and could only be eaten by dousing it with the gravy. The corn bread that came with the pork had good flavor, but was a bit dry. The curried cauliflower was so good I could have just eaten a plate of that. Drinks are expensive, but they are everywhere downtown. However, beware when ordering the small bites and sides. We got 4 pieces of the shrimp and crab toast. Basically, one piece of bread cut into 4 triangles topped with the seafood and a dollop of avocado. At $14 that's $3.50 per piece. It was good, but it wasn't that good. As for the delicious cauliflower, we barely got enough so that 3 of us could each get a piece! You literally get only about 4 florets for $9. Save your money and make it yourself. It's a shame because everything was so good, but those items left us feeling a bit ripped off. When we go back again we will probably just stick to the roasts and maybe the the salad or try the "boatload of veggies". It would be interesting to see what they consider a "boatload".
(4)Jose V.
Came here on a rainy Tuesday night. I was impressed by their ambience and decor, is trendy, upscale, romantic. As a start, ordered the pork cake, which was decent, but didnt wow me, it sounded better in the menu :) As far as the entree, I split the rack of pork and seasonal vegetables with a friend, it was top notch, the meat was very tender, juicy and packed with flavor, it also comes with a side of grilled potatoes which were delicious. If there is something they need to improve on is on their service. While the servers were professional and had vast knowledge of their dishes, they weren't very attentive and/or were kinda slow, I had to stay on top of them; it wasn't a busy night. Overall the food is great, they have 4 main meat entrees which are totally shareable, again, some items may sound better in the menu, but I would still love to come back and try their charcuterie before making a final assessment, for what I've tried, it deserves 4 solid stars. They have a pretty good selection of wines and bubbles and charcuterie which could make this place a potential go-to for afterwork happy hours..
(4)Jan E.
Absolutely superb! Loved the roasted chicken which is "for two" but three of us ate it with four roasted sides (brussel sprouts, The Peas, beets, leeks) and it was more than enough. Nice touch: a recipe for chicken soup sent home with our extra chicken. Excellent beverages (our table had the cider, mead, and a lemon citrus cocktail.) All excellent. We'll be back.
(5)Trent M.
Beef, pork, and, chicken. A trinity of meats. Chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan may have mastered the open flame with outstanding roasts. Our table of seven ordered the Whole Chicken, Rack of Pork, The Roast Beef, and Big Fish, as well as the fried rabbit and vegetables as appetizers. The waiter cut the large and main dishes tableside, which brought out the cameras for the show. All the dishes were excellent, but the beef was the favorite of the group- a perfectly roasted medium rare, and succulent smoked prime flavor. The atmosphere was richly dark yet open, with scenic views of the river and open kitchen. It was only slightly too loud that Saturday night. Topped off with a good beer menu and great service, River Roast will stand on its own. Food: A Service: A Atmosphere A-
(4)Susan W.
We really enjoyed River Roast. Our server was fantastic, the ambiance was really nice and we sat over by the TV so we could watch the Wisconsin game. We went pretty big with appetizers, drinks and the roasted fish, but it was all super tasty and totally worth it! We went at 5:30 so it was probably quieter than later in the evening, but we plan to go back with a group since it is such a great share-a-meal type of place. I highly recommend the fish, the peas and the cocktail that's like an old fashioned. Enjoy!
(5)Frances A.
Subpar. Beautiful welcoming space. But that's where the compliments end. Tried their soup of the day at lunch. I was told it would be hearty, bit i was still starving. My friend's salad was pretty blase. At least we enjoyed the bread with cheese.
(2)Kristy D.
To be fair, im basing this review on the fact that everyone at my table ordered salads for lunch but we were still a little disappointed. The bread and cheese they offer was really great and they were more than happy to give us a few portions. Unfortunately, all of us felt pretty ho-hum about our salads. The steak salad lacked a lot of flavor and the steak didnt taste very well seasoned. The greek inspired salad was filled with a ton of olives and feta (which is usually a great thing) but made the whole salad way too salty. And last, the caesar salad was nothing special and the lettuce was a little wilted. Id like to try it again and maybe some of the menu items they are becoming well known for.
(3)Don N.
Johnny was amazing. We basically our menu selections in his hands and he never steered us wrong. Delicious apps, drinks and the freakin sweet potatoes..good god. Next time I am here I will want the same experience. Johnny set the table the delivered the goods.
(5)Angela L.
Went into this reservation fully expecting the worst and was VERY pleasantly surprised by the service and food. Usually the opening week for any restaurant is a mess, the kitchen and service staff are out of sync, the bartenders are overwhelmed. Not River Roast, from the bar upstairs to the table riverside everything was very well taken care of. Food is great, we had a group of 5 women who like to eat so we ordered four small plates to start that were pretty darned good. I would pass on the Lobster Terrine, pretty meh. Artichokes Barigoule were fantastic, we could have mopped up all the sauce with a loaf of bread and been super happy. Chicago Style Sashimi was very tasty, highly recommend. Be sure to get an order of the Golden Gobbets, they were so good I think we all picked up the little basket to see if there were more. For the entrees we got all three, The Big Fish, Whole Chicken (carved tableside) and the Roast Beef. The Chicken was the favorite, very juicy and great flavor. Fish was tasty but I think it won't be for everyone. Beef, well, it's beef, it was delish. Be sure to order some sides, the whipped parsnips were a huge hit. But the Hogan's Peas were by far my favorite, who doesn't like BACON in their peas? Save room for dessert too, we got the Roost Beer Float, The Fat Elvis and the Dark Chocolate Pudding. All very good, the only issue was that I'm pretty sure the pastry chef used salt instead of sugar in their whipped cream on top, it kind of worked though. Drinks, also good, nice but small wine and beer list and great craft cocktails. Beware the Giant Peach of Doom, that'll put you down for the night but by all means, order the I Was Told There Would Be Dancing. Yum! One bonus, GREAT music selection.
(4)Megan S.
The atmosphere was absolutely stunning. Priced very fair for the quality of meat. The Beef - Perfectly cooked. I had one of the red wine blends from Washington state - Delicious. I had the peas and the green beans for the sides. I didn't die for them but they were good - just not for me. The potatoes were amazing. Loved it everyone was super great, service was amazing. The view of the river is also to die for.
(4)Pam H.
Calling this a $$ restaurant location is a stretch, but that is a criticism of Yelp, not the restaurant.We had 2 beers , a cider and 2 (substantial) appetizers and a $90 check including tip. We were there on Friday night after work. I like the restaurant. There is enough noise to feel lively but you can still hear conversation. The room is warm and inviting with , or in spite of, the large windows onto the river. The seating is comfortable, Tables are nicely spaced although we had no trouble hearing the conversation at the next table. I wish they had smaller or salad forks. The pitchfork sized meat forks are too big for pates or salads. I wound up using an oyster fork but a place of this caliber should balance their flatware with the scale of the food item. In dimly lit restaurants, if you use a cream colored stock for your menu paper, make sure your ink choice and font are sufficient to be able to read the menu easily. I liked our waiter. He was informative, there when we needed him and did not hover. We had the charcuterie platter and the foie gras terrine. My friend balked at eating rabbit and he missed the really good rabbit mousse. His loss. More for me. If you get it, use the fruit condiment (?Figs?Currants?). It is an excellent taste balance to the saltiness and tang of the rabbit. The terrines and pate were also tasty, more so when they warmed up to room temperature when we could catch the subtleties of the flavors. Just take them out of the fridge earlier, please. The dry sausage/salami was excellent. It was sliced very thin, well spiced. It would have been impossible to maneuver with the big fork and I am glad I had the oyster fork for that especially. The bread. Thick slices of a country loaf, possible boule which are toasted in the middle of the dining room. It makes for a scrumptious fragrance except for the charred pieces which smell like burnt toast. Unfortunately some of the burnt pieces were served at our table. I don't want to scrape blackened edges off my bread. C'mon guys. Wide selection of craft beers which my friend liked a lot.There are some ciders on the menu with which I am more familiar. Draft cider was an excellent toasty brew, but the 750ml bottles of cider are priced like wine with a similar mark-up. Hmmmm...nope. Back to the prices. Entrees are for 2 persons and certainly the chicken at the next table could have served more than 2 but at $39 looks expensive. The roast beef is $32 for 8oz and IS expensive and the waiter does a nice job of trying to upsell to the 16 and 24 oz portions. $64 for a 16oz piece of meat? Nope, even if it is meant to be shared. Overall, the food was good, the room was nice, but it was too expensive for what was provided. I wouldn't mind coming back on someone else's expense account.
(3)Marina P.
Crazy good chicken. Great service. Wonderful views. Nothing but compliments for the River Roast!! Alex our server was friendly, competent and so amazing!!!!
(5)Andy S.
Came here for drinks and dinner on the patio on Sunday and had a great and time. Good food, good drinks, and super friendly staff. Katie walked us through the menu and gave solid recs. the pork was outstanding!
(5)Karlyn T.
Brews & Blues Brunch - LOVED IT! My boyfriend & I stumbled upon River Roast while on a business trip in Chicago (we're from Miami) last month. And let me tell you, we absolutely loved it! From the gorgeous river views & the blues band to set the perfect ambiance, to the amazing food we were pleasantly surprised! The staff was extremely attentive & professional, too! (We both keep talking about our experience at River Roast!) In fact, I made this account to specifically review this awesome restaurant! I had the french toast & he had a breakfast type burrito. Both servings were large & well worth the cost. We also enjoyed a few delicious brews! Thank you for the awesome experience, River Roast - can't wait to be back in The Windy City to check you out again! (Or you could just come down to warm Miami! )
(5)Kevin K.
Been there twice, the first time the whole chicken was just incredible. Best chicken I've ever had. Second time it was still good but not quite as good as the first time. The fish is great too though the portion is kinda small; it definitely won't fill up two people. The pork was underwhelming though so I'd stick with the chicken and fish
(5)Melissa N.
I can't say enough good things about River Roast. My friends and I had a fantastic dining experience here. The ambiance of the place is great: casual but still very modern. I would love to come back again when it's warmer to enjoy the lovely outdoor patio on the river. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. My friends weren't super impressed with the cocktails (one of them literally had an ice cube in it that was four inches squared, leaving room for only about two sips of drink...no thanks). The wine list was good, however, and we had a LOT of the house pinot noir, which was divine. The food was outstanding. We sampled a plethora of dishes. Highlights include the roast chicken, which is incredible: so tender you barely even need to chew it. I'm not usually big on beets, but the beet side dish was great, as were the brussel sprouts, leeks wrapped in prosciutto, mushrooms, and every single thing we consumed. For dessert we shared an apple fritter of sorts that wasn't super impressive, but the lemon dessert was heavenly. I was also impressed by how affordable this place was. Split six ways, we each ended up paying $66, including tip. I expected it to be twice as much based on the amount of food and drink we had. Overall, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Andrew O.
As a regular visitor to the windy city....I have eaten at a variety of different establishments. River Roast has definitely been the highlight of many dining experiences in the city! We had a large group of people with us and ordered a variety of items from the menu to share with the table. Everything was served beautifully and cooked to proper temperature. The chef himself actually came out and greet us. I even asked him to make me a spicy relish for our beef dish. In just a few minutes he whipped up a fantastic array of veggies and herbs to put on our food. Cannot wait to go back again!
(5)Tom S.
CS magazine could not have been more wrong on their review. We read about the restaurant in the latest CS and it sound like a great spot in the river. It is on the river but that is all they got correct. The menu is limited and the signature dish is chicken. We asked the waitress (one of the 3 times we saw her) recommendations: "the pork is good when we get it right, but chicken is our dish". You get better check at the grocery stores. Lack of flavor and dry. We looked at other tables and the results were the same. Just as big of an issue is we ordered, after hunting down the waitress, and the food was served within 7 minutes. They could at least pretend the food is not sitting in the kitchen warming drawer and give you a few minutes. We were done eating 30minutes from arrival and the Restauarant was empty so no reason to rush us. We asked 3 people for our check and eventually just left enough r cover the bill - the waitress showed as we walked out I make sure we left enough money. The parting words were sort and did you book open table and don't yelp. I am amazed this place has made it a year.
(1)Sheri B.
Well we were there with a group of 7 the wait staff was in space except for the quick clearing of the table. No coffee refills and the bill had orders that we never received.the chicken was ok. Had to ask to have a waiter cut it up. Had to ask the waiter to redo the bill. All together embarrassing. Took a group from out of town. Stick to the view and maybe a drink and don't go back till they get their act together
(2)Chris H.
Nearly a shrine built solely for slow braised meats. My boss and co-workers went here for lunch and were simply blown away. They start everyone out with grilled bread and a delightful sweetened cheese spread. My colleagues had fried chicken on enormous biscuit and I had the beef on weck (as good as Buffalo, NY's mainstay). They cook with love and execute dishes expertly. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan have nailed it here and what a location. Did I mention the service? Our waiter was present, knowledgeable and professional; he checked in regularly and helped us gain a better understanding of the menu. Also, hats off to carrying Local Options's beer. I will return!
(5)T C.
Such a pleasant surprise!!! Love the atmosphere. Unique cocktails. Decent wine list. Fairly limited entree menu but tons of veggie options and starters. (Limited entree menu means you have to be ready to share with your dinner partner as most meals are meant to share.) Went with a friend last night and we shared the fire roasted branzino and brussel sprouts. Both were excellent!! Great flavor, great quality, good presentation too. The "chips" were interesting. Very flavorful but not what I would really want in a side dish. Even the bread "starter" was outstanding! The only reason I gave them a 4 out of 5 is that the service was exceptionally slow. There's a fine art in giving your patrons time to decide and leaving them for extended periods of time. We had a show to go to and was almost late.... But otherwise - great, great, great experience!!!
(4)Pham D.
I love this new restaurant! Very classy but not mouse food. The portions are enourmous and they even encourage you to bring the chicken home and make chicken noodle soup out of it. Most of the menu is fire-roasted and comes out perfectly crispy and juicy. Their drinks are also amazing. Their location next to the river is picture-perfect!
(5)Nicole W.
Went with my fiancée for dinner on Christmas Eve-- everything was wonderful. We shared the chicken, which was moist and delicious and the crispy skin was the best part. Also got a side of sweet potatoes which were spicy, but good, and a ginger cocktail that was strong but perfect. Loved the ambience in the place and the wait staff was attentive and professional. Only complaint was table location by the servers station wasn't ideal, but that was very minor. Will return and so glad we chose River Roast to spend our Christmas Eve! Can't wait to see what it's like to sit outside during the warmer months.
(5)Tom O.
Blues & Brunch - was fun with live music. Food is decent, a little on the bland side. Too much smoke in dining area from the kitchen. Would suggest outdoor dining area when weather permits. Exceptional beer list with many hard to find brews.
(3)Julie M.
We celebrated a birthday here a couple nights ago and it was my first time here. The service was impeccable. Every attention to detail was carefully orchestrated. The food presented in a unique and inviting way- many entrees able to be shared (and encouraged). The roast chicken may have been the best I've ever had. The meat was juicy and flavorful while the skin was crispy and savory. The roast beef was cooked perfectly to temperature and the blood orange soft serve ice cream (dessert) is made in house and is phenomenal. I will definitely be returning to this gem on the river (with spectacular views)!
(5)Cathy N.
Awesome!! Awesome!! Awesome!!! Service. Food. Atmosphere. All just amazing! If you pick one place to go, this is it. Scotch eggs. Shrimp toast. Brandy and homemade frozen yogurt. Yum!
(5)Dan S.
A solid "B" grade for a decent dinner/night out place. Nice curated beer list, good but somewhat uninspired cocktails, passable wine list. The food is a great concept, roast meats but I found them to be somewhat bland in taste. Carving at the table - ok, here's a bit of a show but none of the flavors really popped or came out and in the case of our chicken - it was a bit dry. Keep refining and working it - we will be back...
(3)Jeremy S.
Great service! Started with a smile from Grace all the way through to the Chef/Owner, Mr Hogan. The chicken is screamingly moist, rabbit is fantastic and the Hogan Peas.....well, every dam thing we had. Just go. Don't think twice.
(5)M K.
Food, drink selections, and atmosphere are excellent. If their prices were more reasonable, I would give it 5 stars; it's a bit too pricey IMO.
(4)Jennifer G.
I went in with mixed expectations and left with mixed reviews. My husband and I stopped in last weekend and it was pretty empty for a Saturday night so we were able to snag a table outside. Unfortunately, many of the tables are blocked from looking into the river by either signs advertising to boats for the restaurant or the flowers. So - really it's a peek a boo sort of view. It was a little disappointing. Our waitress was very nice and described how the chicken roast is prepared and we ordered that. We started with both the chopped and spinach salad. Both were really good and a nice portion - which was great b/c it took a good 35 minutes before our chicken came out. The chicken was juicy - nothing dried out. However, it was just okay. I didn't feel it was over the top great and actually felt a sauce with it would have been nice. We ended up taking some of the chicken and potatoes home and I mixed it up with some different ingredients the next day. For dessert - I asked our waitress how large the soft serve was. She told us it was pretty small in a mason jar and gave us the vibe that we should get two. I was a little annoyed when they came out in pretty good portions - where one would have definitely been enough for both of us. All in all - not bad of a restaurant, but it is certainly not a place I would seek out again.
(2)Christine S.
Had lunch on a recent Friday. Nice atmosphere, especially the outside seating, but frankly expected better quality food for a restaurant that is associated with Tony Mantuano. We are regulars at Cafe Spiaggia and Bar Toma. First off, our waiter couldn't remember the specials for the day and was uninformed about the wines "by the glass". Good thing we didn't ask for any bottle recommendations! He also wanted us to order our apps and entrees all at once. We don't like doing this because entrees tend to come out too quickly. Even after waiting a few minutes to order our entrees after we ordered our apps, guess what? The entrees still came out too soon and we had just received our apps. Nothing more annoying than a waiter who is untrained both in service and menu. The Wagyu sashimi app was chewy, shouldn't that quality of beef melt in your mouth? The roast chicken for two was dried out and should be fork tender for $39. The Caesar salad was just ok. Didn't expect this poor quality of food and service at a Tony Mantuano restaurant. Very disappointed.
(2)Yang C.
Totally agree that the roast chickens feed way more than two. Our group of 7 came in and ordered a roast chicken, a roast fish, 6 sides, 4 starters, and 2 salads and got a look from the wait staff as if we had severely under ordered.
(3)Ryan M.
Good eats....Great Times....Delicious food
(4)Clare H.
Had a wonderful experience there. The pork was so delicious and our waiter was so friendly. Such a beautiful view of the river, which really added to the ambiance
(5)Chris N.
Went there last night for a pre-theater dinner. Location is great, and ambience is really nice. Comfortable place, a little loud but intimate. In the summer I bet the outside seating along the river would be fantastic. Food was good but there was a small problem described below. Bread and onion-herb spread was a good treat if not so remarkable. Starter was scotch egg, which was nice - perfectly soft boiled interior in a delicious package. My wife and I shared the roast pork. I am sorry to say that although the pork itself was flavorful, the carved portion we had was dry and overcooked. It reminded me of when I was a kid when my mother would cook pork to white, which in the old days was de rigueur but in modern times is no longer necessary. I was hoping for moist tender pork, but what we got was far from that. Oh dear. Beer, wine and cocktail selection was good. I was disappointed to not get a pint pour for my draft IPA, given the pint-pour price, but that is how it goes sometimes. Service was awesome! Total dinner for two with drinks and an appetizer was $100 plus tip. I am happy overall about the experience. I'd be happy to go back and try again, it's often hard to get roasts just right but that's what they do there :) other peoples' portions looked great.
(3)Bernie M.
I could be wrong, but I don't see this place lasting. Other than having a table outside on the river, and a very nice staff, I wasn't impressed by anything else. We had the scotch egg as snack, which was the best item we ordered. The leeks wrapped in prosciutto were also good, but aren't most things with prosciutto? The Indian shrimp wasn't good, and we didn't have enough chicken to go around for two people. The quality of the chicken was average at best. Again, great view, and nice being on the river, but I wouldn't think about coming here when the temperature is below 65. Were we really hearing heavy metal/Metallica as background music eating outside on the river? Yep. There's a time and a place for Metallica, but definitely not in that setting.
(2)DuSable Dining Club C.
Average ratings: Atmosphere-4.1 Service-4.5 Food-4.1 Value-4 Favorite things: Together with friends for the holidays! Spanx That lemon dessert Steph's speech Steph gets drunk the night before weighing in (thanks for such a great tip) Love the company Really good food-pork was great Company was 10 stars+ Jeff's generosity in passing dishes & being patient. Great gifts The sparkly polka dot red box and tool Katie and Lindsay joining us. Cant wait to wear my "gay man" t-shirt Love the new additions-Lindsay and katie The company-thanks for including me!!! Gift exchanges Terri's generosity-she is so giving for her kind!! Shalom! Steph as gay man Always love the company Great night! Great food! Think I'm buzzed-this was great, but I am a little buzzed We were all here-great company Food was great Really enjoyed Always the group Food was great Great music The gifts were great Christmas cheer with my family The pork! Wow! The wine-no way it was just 8 bottles Least favorite things: Having to leave Needed two severs Wish I loved it more Not much My taxi driver Spanks Driving home Leaving General Assessment: Great night-great laughs Eric is a great host 3 out of 5 stars Great place-loved the pork! Love all of you This is great! So fun! Could use better wine selection They close kind of early Fun place, great service Great place-would go back for sure What a great night-great friends!
(4)Rita J.
We were here twice while in Chicago for a work/pleasure trip. On the first visit, we had the roasted pork with whipped sweet potatoes. The wait staff was prompt, charming and informative. The meal was flavorful. The atmosphere was pleasant...upscale but not stuffy. The second visit was not up to same level. We were seated in a tight two person table that could hardly accommodate the place setting. We were never greeted by the wait staff. A manager noticed we'd been seated for 10 minutes with no drink order. If it hadn't been for her, we wouldn't have been waited on. Our waiter, who never introduced himself, was always coming by AFTER the manager had checked in. After 30 minutes, we got some bread to go with our wine. 45 minutes after ordering, our entree, the roast chicken, arrived. It was tasty but I was beyond hungry by then. At least they comped our drinks and dessert to make up for the lackluster service. Perhaps it was a fluke...I sure hope so because it's a really great restaurant.
(3)Carole G.
Not a good evening. Went hoping for the best and it was a disappointment. Waiter was difficult to understand and could not explain items on menu. Ordered a bottle of wine and it was out of stock. Ordered chicken and it was dry. When bus person picked up plates he referred to Hogan's peas as soup. Go figure. Wait staff needs to be better informed of menu.
(1)bridget j.
A friend told us about this place and we decided to give it a try. The pros: the service was excellent; the food was perfect. We had the pork and the sweet potatoes and there wasn't anything left. Which leads to the cons: The portions are too small for the price. We had wine at $13 a glass and it was served a quarter of the glass full. We dine out enough to know this was a small portion. Also, the main entree is listed on the menu to share for 2, but it wasn't enough. We ate everything and while it was tasty it was also that we were almost left hungry. I will go back, but with a larger group and order more sides to split.
(3)Emily P.
First time experience with River Roast, and I wasn't disappointed. We got the muscles and port meatballs for appetizers and both were delicious. The muscles were slightly undercooked but the chef brought out a fresh batch right away and gave a complementary dessert! For the entree we had the chicken, which we were told they're known for. After having it I could see why! Cooked perfectly, juicy, crispy skin. Delicious. Overall a good experience.
(4)Kristen K.
Went to River Roast for Sunday brunch and to say that it was delightful would be an understatement! Beautifully re-modeled interior and outdoor seating, decadent morsels and original tasty cocktails, friendly service - all in a prime location! Who could ask for anything more? I recommend ordering a few entrees to share (shrimp and grits!! Hogan's peas, local tomatoes with ricotta, shrimp toasts, oh my)- because sampling the RR menu is !the only way to do it We also ordered a roasted chicken for the table which was so delicious that even my 5 year old asked for more... And they come with roast potatoes that taste like they've grown a skin of gourmet potato chips around them. They were super accommodating to my picky daughter and she devoured the waffles with a side order of biscuits with honey. A must-go new hot spot!
(5)neal s.
This was a disappointment. Everything was fine, but nothing was memorable. Our party shared the fish and the roast meat. The fish presentation was outstanding (ironically, despite the name of the restaurant the recommended preparation is fried) was a tiny bit overdone. My friends that have eaten there recommended the chicken and have commented how good it was but at $42 (for two, it did look gigantic) I won't be running back. I will probably give it another try because I had gone within the first two days of opening and may have still been working out the kinks. They do shave nice outdoor tables and the wait staff was very eager to please. Still, with the lineage of the owners and chef's my visit was not impressive.
(2)Jassen S.
Great experience here. Staff bent over backwards make this a special restaurant. From managers that step in to help out, friendly greeters, great bartenders and a wonderful host....great staff. The roast chicken was hands down the best chicken I've ever tasted. I am not sure how you get a roast chicken to be as tender and juicy as deep fried, but they have. Amazing! Solid beer list. Good cocktails...with a bar staff willing to go off the menu. Kyle and Derrick are solid drink makers. Worth the extra wait to eat outside. Highly recommended.
(5)Kristina O.
Recently opened up, spectacular views of the River, AND a menu men and women can adore. I planned a date for my boyfriend and this was our last stop for dinner on a beautiful Saturday night. We were seated promptly at a wonderful table. The views were amazing, the atmosphere was great for dates or groups, with a moderate noise level. Service: Excellent. Our waitor did a great job rattling off specials, descriptions, and suggestions. Food: We got the Whole Chicken (who wouldn't?) with sides of Curried Cauliflower, the Peas (more than just peas), and Leeks (more than just leeks). Everything was divine, including and especially the house-made PUNCH (I would have had more than 2 except I would have went right to sleep)! Take a group or date! Remember to get the PUNCH!
(5)A W.
Simple concept without a complicated menu. Service was awesome, as were the cocktails. I got to keep my flask that the cocktail was served in, built into the price of the drunk... oops i mean drink. The fried fish came out bonless, with head and tail still attached. The roast beef was charred on the outside and tender and juicy inside. I was a little surprised to see the place wasnt too busy, albeit a Sunday night.
(4)Jerry M.
Had dinner there this past Friday. Everything was perfect. Party of four 7:30 reservation has us seated by 7:20pm. Waiter was attentive & informed. Chef Hogan visited our table & made suggestions. Food was excellent & flavor was amazing. Will definitely be back to River Roast.
(5)Eric S.
Fantastic restaurant. I've been here multiple times and every time it's been delicious. Great entrees, appetizers, sides, and drink menu. It's now my go-to place to take people when they come to visit.
(5)Haydar M.
$100 for dry fried potatos, gamey beef with a giant wad of fat with two fried eggs on an old brioche. and a roast that was cut way too soon and was swimming in blood.. very shameful.. was expecting high hopes from this place. server was way too nervous to be kind or attentive. despite the nice design/decor. i wouldn't give this place more than 6 months.
(1)Joshua D.
We came to River Roast for our anniversary dinner. We spoke to the executive chef at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready. We knew what we wanted to order before we were seated so we ordered rabbit, artichoke hearts, and shrimp. The first app came after an hour, the entree came 20 minutes later. The other two apps came after the entree. Every single bit of food we ate was absolutely delicious. That and how the staff apologized and bent over backward for our troubles. It a newer restaurant so they are working things out, so we had to cut some slack! Food is amazing, drinks were strong, amazing city views. Try the rabbit!
(4)Leah L.
We shared two roasted fish for three of us. Delicious!
(5)Cate S.
I've been here a few times for lunch and have been impressed each time by the quality of the food, the speed in which it is delivered and by the staff who are incredibly friendly (Ive found some wait staff in Chicago to be snobby - not here). I have't tried their Sunday Blues Brunch yet but it is on my to-do list!
(4)Arti I.
I am not really one to gush, but I will make an exception for River Roast. You can tell right when you first sit down these people LOVE food. The waiter was absolutely lovely and described every dish we asked about in incredible mouth watering detail and when the food came out it exceeded the hype. Everything is carved right in front of you and meant for sharing family style! The big fish was my favorite by far, flakey and crispy on the outside and beautifully tender as you bite in. The RR potatoes are the perfect pair with whatever roast you pick. In short: everyone should RUN to River Roast and enjoy a truly unique dining experience
(5)Art R.
Great food, great service. We had roasted chicken for two, one of the signature dishes. It came quickly even though we were warned that it could take 20 minutes. Our server, Rodrigo went above and beyond normal expectation when we ordered Baileys and coffee only to find out that they did not have Baileys. Unprompted, he found a bourbon with cream which ended up tasting better than Baileys.
(5)Bryan R.
Second time eating here and we had the beef. It was really really good. What was even better was the service that we received. Our waiter Carlos was well versed on the food and the back story of the chefs. He was one of the better waiters we've had at any restaurant. I have recommended this place to two different people that both had great experiences and one of which has already returned for a second time. You can't beat the view being on the river when it is nice out. This place is just plain great.
(5)Nicole I.
I had my wedding reception at River Roast (formerly Fultons) and it was perfect! Hilary, the events coordinator, is so easy to work with and her and her team did an amazing job leading up to the big day and the day of! They handled everything! The food was also amazing. My guest are still raving about it! The view wasn't too bad either :)
(5)Paul C.
Came here after work with a party of 6 and were quickly seated at a riverside table with a great view. Just had drinks and appetizers to share. Everything was very tasty and the service was great. I can't wait to come back for dinner. On the inside, they did a great job of separating the banquet rooms from the main bar and restaurant. That was one of the biggest problems with the old incarnations at this location - it always felt abandoned and empty regardless of how many people were there. The remodeling is very nice. Finally, glad to see John Hogan is back in the saddle here - I always enjoyed everything at Keefer's where he was executive chef. It's about time this location gets it right!
(5)Michele K.
TERRIBLE FOOD, AN EMBARRASSMENT. 67 PEOPLE, $7500 rehearsal dinner. BAD. This redone restaurant, on the river with a Great location IS A LOSER for food and presentation. The menu we chose, pulled pork, bbq chicken, roasted veg. tater tot, corn bread, goat cheese salad sounded great for the event, but was like serving from a CHEAP buffet. One bowl of each was set up. An unadorned skimpy presentation. The bowls, standard serving sized were refilled, but a long line of guests getting food out of a bowl that I would choose to serve for 10 guests in my home looked like the meal was done on the cheap. The flavors: Meats were edible, again presentation was meat in a bowl unadorned. Corn bread salty and dry, roasted vegs, dry and tasteless, the salad was over dressed with 6" diameter globs of soft goat cheese that couldn't be dished easily (or at all as who wants a glob of cheese on soggy lettuce?), tater tot first service was luke warm. The desserts - Brownies, Cookies & Rice Krispy Treats were set on a small 2 top table, ON ONE DINNER SIZED PLATE, with coffee and tea. We had 67 people! Although It was refilled, I couldn't believe that my dessert table had a plate with 6 cookies and a couple of brownies and rice treats. There was nothing plentiful or abundant, or classy or welcoming or beautiful or professional about the food presentation. Because it was a rehearsal dinner for a joyous occasion a good time was had despite the venue, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND THIS VENUE. One week after a call about our unhappy experience, I still have not heard from the new chef/owner/manager of the catered venue department. This very expensive evening was the only bomb of a week filled with wonderful foods all over town. Go elsewhere.
(1)Caitlin S.
Loved this place. We just ordered a few item from the "bites" menu and shared them as our meal because we wanted to try so many!! Food was good, service was good and so is location. We made a reservation so we could get a table outside, but it didn't seem horribly crowded for a Thursday night.
(5)Nate A.
Overall an ok experience but not too impressed especially considering the price. Was with a table of five so we had the chicken, pork and big fish roasts. All of them were good but none of them stood out as memorable. The side dishes pretty standard as well. The best thing we had all night was the pork meatballs which had a nice smoked flavor to it. I recommend those. I guess I just expected more flavor in the rest of the dishes. Service decent but also a little choppy. Ok experience overall but not planning on going back for that price point.
(3)Andy G.
Solid place right on the river. The food is excellent and service is great. I was at River Roast for a business dinner so the "family style" menu could have made for an awkward evening had I not had excellent guests. The menu is spectacular but tread lightly if you're on a budget because it can add up quickly.
(3)Doni N.
Stopped in last night with two friends and had a wonderful meal. I arrived before my friends and sat at the downstairs bar and had a great conversation with the bartender about the menu. He was very helpful and ran down a list of his favorites. My friends and I ordered the Whole Chicken, the Roast Beef and roast vegetables for our entree, we also split the chopped salad between the three of us. I would recommend this to anybody.
(5)Teresa T.
Went for Sunday brunch while in Chicago over the holidays. Great atmosphere - had live blues. Seating/set up is spacious so you are not in the conversation at the next table. Waffles with rabbit was awesome - waffles crisp on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside. Rabbit was breaded and fried - moist and juicy - well seasoned. Crab omelette was good but could have been better. Fresh but a little bland. Service was excellent - attentive but not fussy. Will go back next time we're in the city.
(4)Brian S.
Smoked then roasted chicken was crazy good.
(5)Terri M.
We hosted our wedding reception at the River Roast. We had approximately 90 guests in attendance. The night was absolutely amazing! The downstairs area is gorgeous when decorated. The service was impeccable. The staff is truly accommodating. The food was delicious! The night was truly perfect. I HIGHLY recommend hosting your next event at this restaurant!
(5)Ann M.
River Roast has amazing food. I had their roast beef sandwich for lunch and it was delicious!! The popcorn shrimp was a great way to start our meal. The shrimp came with a spicy dipping sauce which complimented the shrimp perfectly. The restaurant has scenic views of the river. I can't wait to go back and try their roasts!! The server, Alex, was friendly and attentive. He described the food so well that we both ordered the specials!!
(5)Rafal S.
Fantastic food. Great addition to the Chicago restaurant scene. The best chicken I've ever tasted. The charcuterie board and Hogan's peas are a must try. A great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Chef John Hogan hosts some of the best local blues talent around. Fine food and great music. Can't go wrong! Will definitely be back!!
(5)Geoffery H.
Great food and the service was good as well. We sat outside along the river, wonderful experience!
(5)Brandon D.
Very cool modern and comfortable atmosphere, with a great view of the river. Service was fast and very friendly. My bloody mary was perfect, and the lobster burger was nothing short of amazing. To top it off, they have a really nice blues band that plays during brunch on Saturdays. You gotta check it out.
(5)Kristina W.
I ate at River Roast recently with 3 other girls and we were all really impressed. The roast chicken and roast fish were so flavorful and huge portions. Every appetizer we ordered was better than to one before it. The only unimpressive order was the Fat Elvis dessert, which was just meh. The place had a nice vibe too - trendy yet cozy. Was the restaurant life changing? Probably not. Do I want to come back? Most definitely.
(4)Mel D.
Stopped here for meat since we're trying to eat Paleo! 2:30 pm Saturday. Great meal. Great setting. Right on river. We had the roast chicken and lightly crispy fish and tomato salad w fresh ricotta. All of it was very tasty. Would recommend all 3. And the potatoes that came with both meats were delicious. This meal was cheating on the true Paleo way with the light crispiness of fish and fried potatoes. Ah well....it's a journey! It was worth it. They had only been open 10 days.
(5)Christopher J.
Great place excellent Rack of Pork,service and drinks. Best of all live Blues Saturday and Sunday at lunch!
(5)Max L.
Chicken and service was outstanding....sit in Julio's section. The bourbon popcorn appetizer for $5 was a steal!
(4)D H.
Nice location--I only had appetizers which were okay.
(3)Karen D.
My husband & I had out annual "Christmas lunch date" at River Roast today & we loved everything about this place! It was pretty full when we arrived & yet we were able to carry on a conversation without having to scream at one another: we immediately knew things were headed in the right direction! We were going to share a salad - when we asked, our server told us they were large - but then we saw the Scotch egg appetizer. Our server explained that they serve them soft boiled instead of hard boiled - we said the heck with the greens, bring us each one of those! Scrumptious, a great starter. Then we shared the pork roast - so moist & tender, sliced off the bone, but the bones are left to chew on (our server encouraged us to do so!). Served over an apple-cider-vinegar-cinnamony concoction that we just kept swirling our bites of pork in! Nice fat cap left on the pork - melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Honestly. Great potatoes. We had the Mexican chocolate soft serve ice cream for dessert: nice little after-burn, just enough to keep it interesting. The total package: ambiance, service, food, all perfectly done. Can't wait to go back & bring friends.
(5)Nancy R.
Great view in nice setting--but $40 for a whole chicken?????Truth is the chicken was fine but no better than the $6.00 chicken from Costco. We ordered the meat, the fish, the chicken, the $10 squash popovers, the chopped salad, the turnips. and the mushrooms. All were good...None were great.....all were really pricy...Come for the hype, come for the views, come for a special occasion....or save some money and splurge with a boat ride on the river
(3)nu r.
Recently came here for dinner when my mom was in town. Food was delicious (we had the chicken, hogans peas and the shrimp toast and sashimi to start) and the service was exceptional. Everyone was very nice and knowledgeable. The ambiance was also great - we had a table on the patio right on the river. Great spot!
(4)Amanda K.
Delish! Went there for lunch, sat outside on their wonderful terrace. Wanted to get the whole chicken but the server (who was excellent) said their oven wasn't functioning properly and it wasn't up to standard. So we went with the beef, which was good (but I would have preferred the chicken). The crispy potatoes it came with were AMAZING and the side of peas we ordered were too. I also enjoyed the bread and spread (with crispy onions) they brought out first. Definitely look forward to going again!
(4)Alexis F.
not great. service took forever and food was average at best.
(1)David B.
Great bar tending with designer cocktails for $12. Whole roast chicken with table side dining was to die for and plenty of food for 2 people. The potatoes in the chicken were amazing. Awesome views of the river. Great for a fancy night out without breaking the bank.
(5)Mike G.
Simply terrific! Food, service and team.....all good. Thank you for a terrific evening.
(5)Adele G.
Had a blast here! Camped at the bar with a friend for a few hours and yukked it up with the bartenders, pairing different cocktails with everything we ordered. The food was spot-on, charcuterie AMAZING (the duck prosciutto to die for), and really had a ton of laughs with the bartenders. Will definitely be coming back here for the meat-centric menu and to work my way through their food. Couldn't be more pleased. Nicely done!
(5)Kelly M.
Wonderful! Try the smoked trout, oysters , and whole chicken. Wonderful addition to the river.
(5)N G.
We had a party of 8. Nice decor and great bar. Food is over priced-$39 for a roasted Chicken with a few crispy potatoes. Chicken was ok. But not worth the price. Fish is served with head on. We asked to have it fileted. The amount of fish was small and my main complaint is it had too many bones in it. It was supposed to have been deboned. Too many other better restaurants in Chicago that have better fish. Sides are pricey and small. We tried the mashed turnips. No one ate more than a teaspoon of them. Overall as a group we were not impressed and will not return.
(2)Elyse B.
Very disappointing and ordinary. I expected something special. The chicken was dry and without much flavor, likely because it was too large a bird and was overcooked. The fish was not flavorful. Vegetables (curried cauliflower and succotash) were better, though not enough to make me return, and did not come close to the flavors of vegetables at The Girl and The Goat. The potatoes were the only delicious dish served. The waiter was an odd combination of pushy and disinterested. Even the vibe of the restaurant was off; there were empty tables (on Saturday night) and a crowd waiting, people in sequins and in jeans, and generally a very touristy looking crowd. Miss this restaurant-- there are far better places to go.
(2)Michael P.
The food is fantastic. We had fried chicken appetizer that was 5 out of 5. I had the daily special patty melt. This was the best patty melt ever. It was not a patty but roast beef. Made up just like a patty melt but with roast beef. Should be a full time menu item. So why not 5 stars? This is the 5th or 6th restaurant in the same place. The environment did not impress me. OK it is along the Chicago river. But there are other places along the river. It was missing something in the decor. The waiter was eh. Did not know the menu did not care to find out the answers to the questions. I asked for Pelegrino I got some other bottled carbonated water. I did not care but usually you would have the water say is xyz ok instead. Again waiter did not care. I will go again since it is only a 5 minute walk from my work. Hopefully better waiter.
(4)Dara B.
We visited as tourists from New York and had a great time! Came for drinks on Saturday night and liked it so much we came back for brunch on Sunday! Live music at brunch is perfect, beer selection great, staff super nice. Would recommend!
(5)J. G.
The service is excellent. The ambiance is terrific. The pork roast entree was amazing, but everything else was simply underwhelming. Such grand ideas for the appetizers and extras, but in the end those items sounded better than they tasted. The chorizo stuffed olives were bland, and let me reiterate that these were fried olives stuffed with chorizo resting on fondue cheese and yet somehow, couldn't taste anything but olive. The Brussels sprouts lacked appealing texture or flavor, but had a nice afterkick thanks to the Fresno chiles. The roasted potatoes were nothing to write home about, despite quite a bit of hype from the server. Even the cornbread that came with the pork entree was weirdly seasoned with herbs that overpowered the heartiness of a cornbread muffin. But all that said, the kitchen definitely knows what it's doing with the meat. We only had the pork, but numerous tables around us had the chicken and roast beef and all we heard was raving. So let me rave a little about the pork as well. Unbelievably tender and flavorful. Seasoned in a way that I've never had pork before. The flavor has stuck with me and I can't wait to go back and get more. They claim it serves two, but we took about half home with us and it reheated wonderfully. Another bright spot was the Lemon Trifle dessert. It was sturdy, but still light and tasty. If you go, stick to the meats because that's where River Roast truly shines.
(4)Robin M.
We enjoyed our first visit to river roast to have a birthday celebration for a friend last evening. The food was wonderful but the menu is limited. We started with 2 shared salads. We then shared the fire roasted fish...excellent. The other 3 adults shared the whole roasted chicken plus the beef. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I would suggest you also try the veggie sides! Really lovely concept and service. This place is a keeper! The only complaint--the room is noisy It was hard to hold a conversation. But go there! The outdoor seating along the river would have been our choice but it was rainy and cold! Enjoy!!!
(5)Amanda B.
It was delicious, the meals are mostly made for two people so it's really not too expensive, about 20-30 a person. The pork was amazing and the crap toast appetizer was delicious!
(4)Roni S.
All went well
(3)Bryan A.
Stopped in between meetings for lunch. The atmosphere is upbeat and its busy. Food is phenomenal, iced tea is exceptional (nothing I'd ever expect to comment on but it warrants it) the staff is attentive even with the hustle and bustle. The food us noteworthy..traditional lyonnaise with perfect soft boiled egg. All the food I see around looks great. Definitely stop in.
(5)Jackie C.
We came here for a group dinner and the food was to die for! It is pricey but let me say there is A LOT OF FOOD! You do get what you pay for. It is a great place to go for a special occasion or out of town friends .
(4)Lisa H.
Food & cocktails were amazing, but my entire group left with heads from the live music sound level, way too loud for a brunch set!
(3)M P.
We were one of 4 couples who ate here together last week and I don't think any of us will be returning anytime soon. When making the reservation we requested a round table and were told that the chefs table (the only round table in the joint) would be ours the night of our dinner. We received a confirmation call 2 days before the dinner during which we reconfirmed the chefs table and the morning of the dinner we also called to triple confirm the round table. Just so everyone is keeping track, that is three times we have been told (by three different people) the chefs table is ours. Well lo and behold when we arrive the chefs table has been given to someone else. When we inquire with the hostess as to what has happened she tells us that there is no record of us having reserved the chefs table and is completely uninterested in making the situation right. Finally, we end up getting seated in the back at a cozy table and shortly thereafter a few appetizers are brought out on the house, a nice gesture, but by no means nice enough to make up for the table screw up. The appetizers are fine, not outstanding as is the main course. Following the main course 6 desserts are brought out (we're told also on the house), which again were fine, not outstanding. Finally the bill comes and of the 6 desserts that arrived at the table, only 4 of them are comped. Now the thing is, we didn't order any of them - they just arrived at our table. So we're paying for 2 mediocre desserts that we didn't even order. As for the service, our waitress couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating. But the hostess was unhelpful and dare I say a little standoffish. She clearly knew someone (perhaps her) had screwed up and made what amounted to a failed effort to make it right. Honestly, they couldn't even comp a bill correctly. Enter at your own risk.
(1)Marisa Y.
Came here for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend and two of my best friends from undergrad. I would consider coming back, but thought the food was overall just ok. We ordered the seared bay scallops, the country fried rabbit, the roast chicken, leeks, and Hogan's peas. The good: The rave reviews on the roast chicken are spot on and I would definitely come back just to order that again. The potatoes that are served with the chicken are amazing. I think the fat drips of the chicken and into them...or something fatty and addicting does because I couldn't eat enough of the potatoes. The country fried rabbit was also delicious. I'm pretty sure my boyfriend will only come back if we order that. He loved it so much he's still talking about it. The seared bay scallops were also cooked perfectly. Finally, our server was awesome and very attentive. My boyfriend asked a question about a beer and without any prompting, our server brought back two sampler sizes so that he could order a drink he liked. The bad: The leeks and peas were....gross. Maybe that's why I'm a little soured on the place. The leeks were a weird consistency and the peas were far too bland. I guess if I come back I would try something else. I was really surprised about the peas too after reading so many people say fantastic things. I can't remember the name of the dessert we ordered, but that's probably because it wasn't great.
(3)Jay D.
We had a wonderful experience. We went during Restaurant Week. Fortunately, the dinner option included the chicken roast. Our salad was mixed with different types of olives (perhaps too many) and goat cheese. Dressing was perfectly balanced and light. Our dinner was the chicken roast. Brought to your table as a whole roasted bird upended on a cast-iron skillet. Another server shaves the bird for you down into the skillet, which also contains roasted potatoes. Not only is it a great presentation, but tastes incredible. The chicken has a crisp, seasoned skin that is absolutely incredible. The meat was so juicy and tender it melts in your mouth. And the potatoes...oh wow...the potatoes...if only I could replicate these at home. Crisp, not greasy, and seasoned perfectly. Just an amazing presentation for food that was don't perfectly. We also opted to order a side of the whipped sweet potatoes made with chipotle and vanilla. They were also very good with a light sweetness, hint of vanilla and a little bit of a kick (give it a few seconds after you take a bite). Great combination of flavors. Honestly, between the roasted potatoes and these and the chicken it was probably a bit much but we wanted to try as much as we could. I also took a picture of an elaborate wooden case they were using to infuse vodka with ginger for a signature drink. We don't drink, but it did sound amazing. Dessert of the restaurant week menu was two small dessert cups. We eat a lot at dinner, but we were pretty full at this point, so the size for us was perfect. One was chocolate pudding. Dense, dark chocolate pudding with a layer of thick cream and chocolate shavings. It was small, but we were so full at this point, it was actually just the right size. The other cup was a lemon trifle which was very tart, but I love lemon and my partner doesn't. So I ate that one myself. Small bites because the tartness was a little jarring. However, it still tasted amazing and again, was just the right size for the amount we had for dinner. Our server was so attentive and friendly, the guy who cut our chicken was also great and assured us on all the gluten that was taken out of the dish. I had made a note on the reservation and they had made sure the potatoes were prepared away from gluten. Loved that the hosts come around and ask how dinner is as well. I don't think that is done enough. It was a nice touch. The space itself is beautiful with a lot of added touches you might miss (i.e. the Big Blue Ribbons on the chicken wire on a wall). Rustic barn wood on the walls and interior spaces. And, of course the amazing space overlooking the river that Fulton's was always known for. Though this was the night before the big snow and we didn't go out, it was nice to watch the river and snow fall. It looks like they have great event space as going to the restroom, the place was a huge space and had a really nice group room as well and a back bar for events. Overall amazing experience from the decor, to the friendly service and amazing food.
(5)Stacy P.
Warning Not the place for corporate dinners. No concept of how to feed groups. Food good, desert is sad, space not condusive to privacy or movement.
(1)Thomas P.
Interesting menu with dishes that are more geared towards family style sharing. We got the roast pork, roast chicken, fish (sea bass), and veggies plus several extra sides. All of the food was amazing, and for someone who's not big on roast fish, that bass came out absolutely perfect. The roast pork was probably my favorite and it came in 3 styles; ribs, loins and rib end bits that were nice an fatty/crispy. The chicken was quite a show and carved tableside and served on a bed of the most crispy potatoes I've ever had. The only down side was the drinks to go with such amazing food was a little lacking. What they had was good, but everything seemed to be served in little juice glasses. The inside gets a little loud but they also have a great patio area right next to the river so on nice summer days it's a great option.
(4)Damion W.
Great view, great food, great service. Terrific beer selection - not in terms of volume, but in terms of quality. Friendly and accommodating staff - everyone greeted and thanked us on the way in and on the way it. Can't believe that a few minor mistakes prompted them to comp our entire order, drinks and all! Truly amazed and recommend River Roast. Will eat here again when I'm back in Chicago.
(4)Rebecca S.
Hands down best chicken I have had in the city and I have defiantly had a lot of chicken. Our family owns a chicken farm and we've had chefs prepare our chicken and River Roast is among the top 2 chickens i have ever had! The server explained to us how the cooking process is done and I was amazed they got the chicken to taste the way they did and be so juicy without being fried and buttered up! Our server was amazing and super knowledgeable! They had a great selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. The atmosphere of the place is laid back and very country modern type. I really enjoyed my experience here and defiantly coming back!
(5)Brittany S.
I really can't say enough good things about this place. The atmosphere, the service, the cocktails, the whiskey selection, and the FOOD! This was hands down one of the best restaurant experiences I've had downtown. I saw Chef John on WGN earlier this week, he made everything sound so good and look delicious, so we decided to go there for our one year. It was so great from start to finish, and it was really neat seeing John so active throughout the entire restaurant. Our server, Andre, was incredibly knowledgable and not to mention hilarious. He kept us laughing all while making sure we had a great dinner. We'll definitely be back for brunch and blues and I cannot wait to sit riverside on the patio this summer. Great job guys!
(5)Lisa G.
I was so excited when I found out that River Roast has live music outside during the weekends for brunch. Unfortunately, the service was so bad that it ruined the experience for us. With so many great places to dine in the city, I don't think we'll be back. Disappointed. I'm giving it two stars because while we were waiting for our table, the bartender inside was very nice and on top of our drink orders. I guess the service outside is a different story. And the food was just okay.
(2)Erin Y.
Prime location, but just okay dinner experience. We had a large party of people and ordered a fairly large amount of food. First things first, appetizers. We enjoyed the shrimp, crab, and avocado toast. The mussels were delicious. The scotch egg was well executed. The country fried rabbit with honey was very good, only complaint being that the biscuit was too hard. The scallops were tasty. However, the sauce on the ravioli was so salty it basically rendered the dish inedible. Next up, entrees. I had the roast beef, which didn't blow me away. It was cooked perfectly, but lacked that melt-in-your-mouth quality I expected. It was also on the salty side, and I found myself slathering on the horseradish cream to offset this, even though I don't like horseradish. In our party, 3 racks of pork were ordered. One was perfectly cooked and delicious. One was on the dry side and just needed extra sauce. One was so dry the slices resembled hockey pucks and couldn't even bend. That one was sent back, and the replacement was much better. Chicken could have been juicier, and nothing special about the fish. Disappointing, especially when River Roast supposedly has the best roast chicken in Chicago. Crispy potatoes were good, but some dishes were too salty. We also ordered a lot of sides with the roasts. The Brussels sprouts and peas were delicious, among the highlights of the meal. The sweet potatoes were also pretty good, and left a nice spicy finish. Mushrooms needed salt, and cheesy turnips were just bad. Cold, hard, bleh. Moving on to dessert. We ordered the seasonal fruit pie and lemon trifle. The trifle was pretty good, very lemony and refreshing. Like a lemon meringue pie. The fruit pie was peach apple cranberry. I enjoyed the pie, but really nothing special about it. Overall, I was slightly disappointed with River Roast after having such high expectations. While some of the sides and appetizers were great, none of the main roasts blew me away. It's an overrated restaurant, and they need to step up their game.
(3)Christina C.
Absolutely yummy! Definitely recommend! Recommend the chicken. Service is great just like the food!
(5)Kelsey K.
I don't really like a la carte restaurants because it kind of bugs me to pay so much for just the meat and then also have to buy the sides separately, but this place blew me out of the water. I don't know what they did to that chicken, but it was as good as a steak, if not better. The beer selection is solid (they had a sour on tap, which is my favorite but not the most popular). My husband and were thrilled with our meal - we ordered two bar snacks (house pickles and scotch egg) the chicken and one side, plus dessert and drinks, and were really shocked at how reasonably priced everything was. I want to go back, already, and there are so many good restaurants in Chicago still to try. This place was really special and will definitely stand out in your mind.
(5)Kelly K.
An awesome spot to eat on the river. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so that we can sit outside again! The roast chicken is one of the best I have ever had- definitely recommend it. If you like cheese curds, those are a must have.
(4)Amy M.
My Sister and I came to River Roast for a very special event. It was the 100th Anniversary Weekend of the Eastland Disaster and the wonderful folks at the Eastland Disaster Society set up a lunch for the group which consisted of family members with a connection to the disaster. For those not familiar with the Eastland Disaster, 844 people perished in the Chicago River when the boat they had just boarded, the Eastland rolled over into the river right in front of the location where the restaurant is now - between Clark and LaSalle Streets. Since our group was very large as we entered the restaurant we were directed to find a seat on the main level if we had a blue star on our name badge and downstairs if we had a red star. We were then instructed to take a drink from a table as we walked in. Even though my Sister and I submitted our registration form together somehow we both wound up with different colored stars on our name badges. Not wanting to be separated from my Sister I thought it would be ok if I sat on the main level with her as could one person sitting on the wrong level really make a difference? I grabbed a glass of lemonade and we found a nice table near the window and introduced ourselves to several other folks who were already seated at the table. We began sharing our family stories about our relatives who either survived or were victims on that day 100 years ago. A few minutes later a female sever came by and asked to see the back of our name badges as our choice of entree was listed on the back. A few minutes after that a manager came to our table and told me that I had the wrong color star on my name badge and that I would need to move to a table on the lower level. I explained to her that this was a family event and that it was important for me to stay with my Sister. We then suggested that that we would both be happy to move to the lower level together if it was really necessary. The manager said no "you need to move downstairs and she has to stay up here because you have a red star". Everyone else at our table just looked on in disbelief and at this point I was very embarrassed. I pointed out to the manager that there still appeared to be plenty of open seats on our level and that how could one person being on the wrong level really make a difference? She then said, no all of the seats will be filled and you need to move. I then asked her to please make an exception and by this time the other guests at our table were beginning to eat their salads. She then said she would have to check to see what could be done and walked away. Our special lunch was not starting off well and by this time I was really upset by the big deal this manager was making over one guest sitting on the "wrong" level because she had the "incorrect" color star! After I was nearly finished with my salad the manager came back and said that I could stay where I was. A rather insincere apology was offered. It was very obvious by that time that there were several empty seats nearby. Our salads very good - fresh and colorful and our chicken sandwiches were also good. Portions were very large and my Sister was only able to eat half of her chicken sandwich so she then asked our server if she could take her leftovers to go. The server said that because they were so busy with the large group, they would not be providing anyone with to-go containers. I know that the staff was busy with such a large group but how unreasonable would it be to simply have some to-go bags on hand to provide to anyone who wished to take a half sandwich home? The dessert was advertised as banana pudding with caramel sauce. However when it was served it appeared that no one received any caramel sauce with their pudding. I'm not sure if they ran out or if the staff was simply in too much of a hurry to bother with it. No explanation was given and at this point of the meal it seemed pointless to ask especially if the staff was too busy to even provide a to-go container. This was our first experience dining at River Roast and it was disappointing especially considering that it was meant to be a special event to commemorate an event that meant so much to us and is such an important part of Chicago's history. We each paid $37 for this lunch and the servers did not even serve us any drinks as everyone picked up a soft drink from the table as we walked in. Perhaps the staff at River Roast does not have much experience dealing with a large group but I think the staff (manager included) could benefit from some additional customer service training.
(2)Mike K.
Stopped in yesterday for lunch on our way to MCA. Seated right away on patio overlooking River, good seats. Our waiter was very busy as it seems he was the only one outside. As a result he was not attentive. We were looking for a light lunch he suggested the whole chicken at $39. The kids next to us got it it looked amazing but too much for lunch. We got the blue burger and chicken salad both were good. Overall good just don't expect great service with your view of the water.
(3)Jeanette P.
Went there the other night with three other friends. Unfortunately, this Chicago weather didn't cooperate and it was too cold to sit outside (boo!). But the food! The food was fantastic! We started with the Scotch egg, house pickles and the pork meatballs. All very good. We shared the big fish (australian sea bass) and whole chicken - both were phenomenal. The fish was seasoned so well and the chicken was moist and cooked perfectly. We may have over-ordered our starter and dinner (haha), so there was no room for dessert. From what I saw, it looked good. And if their desserts taste as good as their other courses, you couldn't go wrong.
(4)K B.
This review is solely for the chicken. Although it was cooked to perfection, it was extremely bland and the skin had the most bizarre flavor that I just couldn't put my finger on. It was almost sweet and I just really was not impressed at all, in fact we did not finish more than half a breast each before losing our appetite. To be fair, management apologized and comped us $15 off our meal. I just really cannot get over how odd that chicken tasted.
(2)Katie S.
Fairly unmemorable dinner so much that I couldn't even recall at first what I ate when a coworker asked this morning. However I'll give you the rundown... Tasty: Supper Club Mushrooms (100% my fave), Hoosier Mama Apple Pie w/ Cinnamon Ice Cream (ice cream was ridic), and the Fire Roasted Indiana Shrimp app was good too. The Whole Chicken Roast was decent (juicy with crispy skin), but I wouldn't say noteworthy and the presentation, while I get goes with the whole theme, was a little unappetizing. Smoked Trout app came with a weird battery cauliflower pancake that was just odd. While I won't be running back to River Roast for dinner due to the average food and business work environment, I think when the sun decides to come back in 6 months or so and you can sit outside along the river, it will highly improve the ambiance. May need to come back for lunch or brunch as I hear they are better received.
(3)Gordon B.
Great find for river north area. 10 minute walk from our river front hotel and well worth it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We went with the chicken for two. The chicken was cooked perfectly. Juicy and skin crispy like chicken bacon... Hard to say if I have had better. The sides: We had Brussels Sprouts prepared with Honey, Fresno Chile and Root Vegetables prepared with Maple Syrup. Sprouts were the better of the two but both were a good pick. We were celebrating our 33rd anniversary and could have not picked a better place in the area. Thanks for the deserts they were great also.... Gordon & Sara
(5)Krista L.
This place does everything so well, you can't help but give them 5 stars. We started with Hogan's Charcuterie. I'll admit, you have to be a brave eater, but everything on the board was delicious. Highlights: rabbit mousse, spicy mustard, head cheese, fruit compote. For a table of four, we ordered the pork roast and the chicken roast. It was too much food, but I'm not really complaining. The chicken was super moist (even the white meat) with crackly skin, and it rested on a bed a yummy potatoes. The pork was also moist and had a delicious gravy. We also got the Brussels sprouts, which, being cooked in butter and meat fat, were obviously amazing. For dessert we all split a Fat Elvis mini-pie (peanut butter, chocolate, banana, pretzel) and the seasonal Hoosier Mama pie slice (cranberry, apple, pear). The were both very good. My table mates indulged in a wine and beer and found River Roast's selection to be ample - plus our server (Keith) gave some great pairing suggestions. Overall, this place is amazing. You should go. Like, right now.
(5)John G.
They are off to a good start. Love the roasting concept and it smelled good! The space is big with tables nicely spread and on a nice day you can eat outside along the river. We started with roasted corn and Indiana shrimp. It was a great start with the corn having a great roasted flavor. Entrees are meant to be shared and there are only 3, fish, chicken and beef, so we had the Branzino which came whole, but deboned. There was a side of great crispy potato wedges. Delicious! We finished with soft serve banana ice cream and what was supposed to be cherry pie. The pie was more of a tort with not much filling. Our waiter, Colin, saw my disappointment and comped it. A very enjoyable meal.
(4)Alex R.
Great spot, right on the river. Business lunch. Had a roast sandwich. Solid. Waitstaff extremely friendly. Would go back. I believe our server's name was Tamara. Thank you!
(5)Clara S.
Great food and service. Order rotisserie chicken! Crunchy skin, moist inside. Country fried rabbit also delicious!
(5)Rich B.
Stopped in on a nice summer afternoon for some drinks and appetizers. Sat outside on the patio looking out at the river, very nice! Food was awesome service was awesome. A nice guy named Andre was our server, really did a grest job. Definitely going back. Going to bring some friends next time to try the brunch.
(5)Shauna M.
Tried it for lunch on a beautiful Chicago summer afternoon. 4 stars for patio ambiance overlooking the river. Limited wines by the glass. Roast Beef Sandwhich and Vietnamese salad were good for what they were. Would only go back if it involved sitting outside.
(4)Stephanie F.
Highly recommend this place! Super delicious!! Four friends and I tried the golden gobbetsand the pork meatballs as appetizers and loved them. For dinner we had the roast beef, the pork and the roast chicken (listed in order of our preference!!). We also tried the corn, the turnips au gratin and the curried cauliflower (also listed in order of preference) as our sides. Go while it's still warm and sit outside. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Heather O.
We spent an hour on Yelp trying to decide where to enjoy an amazing dinner / relaxing atmosphere before leaving Chicago. There are so many places to choose from but a lot of them were closed this evening due to Labor Day / Monday night. We ended up at River Roast at on a recommendation from a very nice local. Here's the skinny from our perspective: APPETIZER Trio of Toast - the Bacon Foie Gras was outstanding! The Avocado on toast was just that...no salt, no nothing. No thanks. I can make that at home. The rabbit...meh. Overall, wouldn't bother. Fried Olives - my Husband loved them. Personally, not an olive fan but he is and ate them all. :) DINNER Whole Chicken - Perfectly cooked and seasoned and carved table-side. The potatoes in the bottom of the cast iron skillet were amazing as well. Delicious. Roast Beef - Excellent flavor but the cut of meat wasn't completely tender - instead, a bit grizzly. The portion was small to begin with so to lose a couple of slices was not good especially for the price. Also, this restaurant is a stones throw from the Chicago Cut Steakhouse...should probably be extra mindful of the steak your serving. Turnips Au Gratin - Skip it. Nothing special. Semi-bland and the texture was funky. Supper Club Mushrooms - AWESOME. Can't go wrong here if you're a mushroom lover! Ambiance was great! Jason was our Waiter. Nice guy. Very accommodating and genuinely polite. I was sure to pay him a compliment to the Manager On Duty and she seemed to not have much of a personality. Nonetheless, I would have given 3.5 stars if Yelp would allow 1/2 star ratings.
(3)Jessica P.
I returned to the restaurant and fully enjoyed myself. The food is honestly outstanding. This time we got the pork meatballs which I HIGHLY recommend, I was definitely surprised by how good they were. The roasted chicken and potatoes were phenomenal. Our server was great, he had really good suggestions and was very attentive. I honestly can't say I have any complaints about this restaurant after my second visit. Just something that should be noted somewhere if it's not - even if you have a reservation the outside is always first come first serve. I can't wait to take friends and family and out of town guests here, and I'm also hoping my friends choose River Roast for their wedding reception!
(5)Dan S.
Me want good brunch. Me get good brunch. So, small nibble. I really dislike when places say - we can seat you when the rest of the party is here if the restaurant isn't jammed. Don't you want my extra business? I'll order an extra drink - I'm easy. But no, we have to wait. Beside that though, we enjoyed the brunch we had here. The scrambles with potatoes were the type of dish you want on a brunch. Hearty, tasty and probably bad for your arteries. We would've liked the music inside instead of the patio (where it was 95 degrees). But service was nice and the inside atmosphere is good with high ceilings and a place you can hear yourself talk.
(4)Nataliya A.
The view, the chicken and the atmosphere are perfect. I have always been on the other ride on the river walk and have seen River Roast, finally got to check it out. We sat outside, and the patio was perfect for the weather. We received some good advice from the server and settled on the scotch egg and whole chicken. Scotch egg - delicious, perfect balance of egg and sausage. The sausage was not overpowering, very flavorful. The mustard seeds and pickled onions were a nice touch. Highly recommend Whole Chicken - Menu says for 2 people, but this is a WHOLE chicken, highly recommend for 4 people. Reviews are not lying when they say it's on of the juiciest chickens you will try, it truly is. The cooking process made the skin perfectly soft with a tad of crunch, and the meat was extremely tender. The herbs that are used to cook the chicken just make it perfect. The potatoes that cook at the bottom of the pan are absolutely delicious. Very crunchy and have an earthy flavor. mmmm Ginger Drink - i love all things ginger, but this tasted like sugar and not ginger. I do not recommend. Service - our server was extremely friendly and helpful, but we could never locate him. I think he came by our table a total of 3 times, and when wanted a box and a check we had to scout him out. Overall loved the decor inside, they have a private are with a table that seats 14, loved the patio. Would highly recommend this place, and will return.
(4)Craig R.
Came with my wife with no reservation on a Friday afternoon and managed a riverfront table with only a 15 minute wait. The pours, especially doubles for brown liquor, are very well priced and the bar atmosphere is great! When we got sat our view was great. The service was excellent. We got plenty of check ins, but not too many. We had constantly refilled water which was a huge plus given how hot it was outside. We got the Charcuterie Board and the Shishito peppers. The board was quite tasty, especially the mustard! The peppers were nice and crispy and very flavorful as well. The only down...and I'll freely admit I don't have a super refined palate so maybe I missed something. That being said I was disappointed in the chicken for 40 bucks. While the potatoes under it were super tasty and it was DEFINITELY better than a pre-cooked chicken from Whole Foods, it wasn't 34 dollars better by any means. I'd definitely be up to visit again and just do drinks and dessert out on the water, but I think if I came for dinner I'd order something other than the chicken for a main course.
(3)Karen X.
I'm usually fairly skeptical of slightly "touristy"-seeming places and because this restaurant was right along the water and in a pretty prime location, I expected the food to be overpriced and not great. However, I was very pleasantly surprised that the food here was actually delicious and though not cheap, also not outrageously expensive! The various types of roast were great, tasty, and they cut it in front of you! The view if you can snag a table outside by the water is also amazing. This definitely makes for a very great experience in Chicago for locals and tourists alike. Would love to come here again on my next visit to Chicago!
(5)Eric J.
More like 2.5 stars, but the views along the river here are pretty good. Came here to meet with an old friend from college for lunch, since she worked nearby. I had read the reviews, and was excited to give it a try, especially since it was a beautiful day outside and the outdoor patio overlooked the water. The host originally mentioned that outdoor seating would require a 20 minute wait, but after a couple minutes, we were seated outside, with many other tables outside available. Very curious. Our waiter took a while to get our order, and while it was busy, he would often overlook our table, which was pretty annoying. We went with the rack of pork roast, and a side of the Nichols farm vegetables, which was corn, peas, garlic stems, and green beans, in a vinaigrette. The pork was actually pretty flavorful, albeit a bit dry. Since it came with a sweet gravy, it was fine. It was weird, however, that the rack of pork was portioned for 2, yet only came with one cornbread muffin. Again, very curious. The vegetables were slightly under-cooked and the vinaigrette it came in didn't really do much to enhance the flavor profile. Blergh. The food took about 45 minutes to come out, which the waiter did apologize for, but afterwards, avoided our table for the rest of the meal. We actually had to get up and bring our check to the counter to actually get it processed. Overall, not the best experience. The service wasn't very attentive, and the food was average. I try to give restaurants the benefit of the doubt, and it might be worth coming back here for drinks or happy hour along the water, but I can't honestly recommend the food or the service.
(3)Laura C.
Yikes! We had a pretty bad experience last night. My husband and I arrived around 5:30pm for an early dinner and requested to sit outside. Only 1 of the 15-ish tables were taken outside but we were sat against the wall, in the shade, with a poor view of the river. And then we waited... for at least 15 minutes. Several other parties were seated while we waited. I noticed their water glasses were filled and their drink orders were taken, but nobody stopped at our table. Finally after several waiters in grey shirts passed, I stopped 1 and asked if we had a server. He took our drink orders and said he would send our server over. Our waitress arrived shortly after and was very friendly. She explained the menu and answered our questions. We decided to share the fire roasted fish with Mediterranean chips and a side of carrots. First of all, the fish is not nearly enough for 2 people as the menu indicates ($40+). It's a branzino with 2 -deboned filets. They did a decent job de-boning but I still had to pull a few bones out of my mouth. The flavor of the fish was good but again, not enough for 2 people. I had assumed Mediterranean chips meant pita chips but I was completely off. They were basically ice cream cones shaped into large chips with a bit of seasoning. Very odd. The carrots were good - goat cheese, balsamic and a little bit of crust. We did appreciate their beer menu. I had the Dogfish Head Festina Peche. A light, champagne-esque peach beer. Really good. Our waitress was MIA again when we were looking for the check. Of course, other tables were already on to dessert and our waitress hadn't checked back in after we finished up our entrée. Maybe we had an off experience but I honestly wouldn't give River Roast a 2nd try.
(2)Alyssa P.
River Roast, a newish spot along the Chicago River seems to be taking 'family style' to a different level and it's fantastic. The restaurant, literally located on the river, is gorgeous. Dark woods with leathery club chairs, warm lighting, unique décor and huge picture windows leading out onto a patio. We opted to sit closer to the bar area so we could watch game 5 of the NBA finals but service didn't suffer because of it. Our waiter was darling. He gave us a breakdown of how RR worked and listed a few of his favorite things. Here's what we ended up with and a quick opinion of each: Cocktails and other drinks: Unicorn Tears ($10) (Peket Genever, Amaros, and Magic) Sadly, I couldn't taste the magic. Dragon Kisses ($9) (Rittenhouse 100, Genepy, Cassia Cinnamon) So delicious...so smooth, and that cinnamon! None of us noticed that these two drinks were listed under "neat & sweet" so we were sad at the size. Could have easily drank a tall glass of Dragon Kisses. Appetizers: Golden Gobbets ($8) Who doesn't love fried chicken strips... drizzled with honey!? Oh yum yum. Dinner: Whole Chicken ($39) 'Smoked and juicy' chicken with a whole bunch of roasted potatoes. This dish had great flavor overall but I thought it was a tad dry... could have used a nice sauce on the side. Rack of Pork ($43) Yummy light and dark meat drizzled with some gravy deliciousness. I had seconds of this one... Sides: Carrots & Dirt ($9) OOoooh I love me some goat cheese and who would have thought to whip it up put on top of carrots. The dirt comes from pumpernickel crumbs and you hardly notice those. Asparagus ($10) with Gribiche Sauce. Idk what 'gribiche sauce' but I loved its creaminess on the perfectly cooked asparagus. Whipped Sweet Potatoes ($8) the dreamiest of potatoes. I couldn't really taste the chipotle or vanilla but liked these sweet potatoes anyway. Dinner options are meant to be shared, the chicken for example is supposed to serve 2. Five of us shared (2) main meals and (3) sides and everybody left full. Great first visit to River Roast, hope to dine there again sometime.
(4)Lauren L.
I highly recommend dining at River Roast especially if you're visiting from out of town. The location is great. It's right on the river. We came here around 8 on a Saturday and there was still an hour wait to sit outside, so we decided to sit inside. The dinner menu has sort of a family style, with several different roast options that serve about 2 people. We ordered the chicken roast, which comes with potatoes and a side of mixed beans. The chicken was delicious and beans were very flavorful, mixed with garlic and spices. We also ordered a Belgian style beer. I can't remember the name, but it was fabulous!
(5)Gabriel T.
From the services, views, atmosphere, taste of our food to the prices this is one of the best places to eat in Chicago. We order the Whole Chicken for 2 and it was more than enough. Our server were very friendly and professional. You may ask for him; Thierry I'll be back someday when returning to Chicago...
(5)Alex B.
A number of friends have recently remarked on how much they enjoyed River Roast. It's been happening consistently enough (and from people whose culinary tastes I usually respect) that I figured I'd have to check it out. My perception of River Roast had always been that is sounds boring. I mean Roast? Really? Didn't my Mom serve that to me as a child in the '70s? Point #1 - the space is really nice and a huge improvement over the awfulness of Fulton's/Bob Chin before it. The downstairs dining room is particularly welcoming. Point #2 - Good cocktail service, though it could serve to lose the cutsey drink names (well, except for the Kobayahi Maru, which is a genius name for a cocktail. Beam me up!). My one criticism is that the pours could afford to be a little more generous. Point #3 - both of the Roasts we had (pork and chicken) were absolutely outstanding displays of the craft. Tender, juicy and delicious with that great crust that only comes from the oven. The potatoes with the Chicken were also great. One of the best Roast Chickens I've had. My conclusion is that this is really well executed high class comfort food, and perhaps that is why it never sounded interesting to me. This food is not expanding anyone's culinary horizons but man, is it tasty (and well presented). Definitely a great place for client dinners, impressing the in-laws (without getting any of the potential backlash for challenging their palate with something too weird), or just a nice, lovely dinner with your significant other.
(4)Jialing L.
Didn't know know what to expect when I made the reservation for dinner but I was very pleasantly surprised. In my mind, I always pictured roast to be a little on the dry side with little to no flavor but River Roast was the opposite. My friends and I ordered the pork roast, the chicken roast and the boatload of veggies. Both the pork and chicken were tender, juicy and flavorful. Absolutely delicious; my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The service here was also great; my friend got stuck in traffic and arrived 30 minutes after the reservation but we didn't lose the reservation and were seated as soon as he arrived. The food also arrived quickly which was great because we were starving. I enjoyed how they carve everything right by your table; I feel like it adds a personal touch. Definitely want to come back and try for a seat outside by the river!
(4)Alexandra G.
I rarely yelp review but this place is worthy. Coming from out of town, it was close by and had a variety of options. We had the fried olives, scallops, and meatballs with gnocchi. Everything was perfectly prepared and tasted delicious. The bartender was great - I originally ordered an old fashioned (being from Wisconsin) and he stepped up to the plate! Loved the ambiance and experience so much we ended up ordering slow ravioli and shrimp and crab toast after we closed out the first time! Also, their chicken is supposedly delicious and looked spectacular. Go here!
(5)Elizabeth W.
Went today for Brews & Blues brunch. The food was top notch. I had the a Rabbit & Waffles and couldn't have been more pleased. Great flavor and perfect sized portion. The other brunch options looked great and I can't wait for my next visit. Saw several tables with the whole roasted chicken which looked great too. The atmosphere was impressive too. The live music was a nice change from our usual brunch spots. Really looking forward to the weather warming up so we can enjoy the patio seating.
(4)Nancy H.
Food = 3-4 stars Service = 3 stars View/Location = 4-5 stars Came here for a work lunch, and although it was too chilly to sit outside by the riverfront (cuz it's only July *sarcasm*), the interior was just as nice. This is a huge restaurant with high ceilings and windows that allow you to take in the beauty of the riverfront even from indoors. Props to the city for making this section so nice! Food was pretty good. I tried the chopped salad and 2 burgers. Some coworkers ordered sandwiches, which appeared huge in comparison to the burgers, but it's because the sandwich buns are ginormous. The burgers come with brioche buns. Both sandwiches and burgers come with a side of BBQ potato chips and are under $15. The Blues Burger was great minus two big problems: 1) the "smoked ketchup" was too runny and tasted mostly of liquid smoke, and 2) too juicy - yes, too juicy. The bottom bun got completely saturated and soggy. The Lobster Burger is more like a thick crabcake but with lobster meat and unfortunately had too much filler. I didn't see any chunks of lobster. Maybe they pureed it, but it was disappointing. Tasted ok, though. As soon as our plates were cleared from the table, the waiter dropped off the check and peaced us out. Didn't even ask if we wanted dessert or coffee. Granted, it was lunchtime, and we were occupying a long table of 10, but still.
(4)Lily S.
For any of you who may be confused by my previous and recent review of River Roast, please be aware that this restaurant more than made up for my initial experience last night. Having already made reservations before, it turned out to be a night of celebration when I got back positive test results on the same day, and I can't think of a better way to memorialise this. We were treated to a most delicious dinner with, quite possibly, the classiest service I've witnessed in a long while. While service elsewhere can be "good," there's just something about that extra panache one brings to the trade that can make the clients feel like royalty, wouldn't you agree? The whole roast chicken was spiced perfectly, the deliciously seasoned green and yellow beans boiled just "à pointe," and thé mousse and illy coffee to die for. We had the pleasure of meeting both managers Javier Zavala and Christine Mars who, unlike most managers, spent time with us, never making us feel like they were overwhelmed with the workload they likely do have in order to successfully run such an apparent tight ship. Their warmth and calm nature mirrored manager Kevin Palmros, who so graciously took care of us on our first visit. Our servers, young Alex who kept our glasses filled and Marco, who delighted us not only with his charming accent, but also his rather poetic way of describing each dish, were very attentive. Martin (pronounced "Mar-teen"), self-identified as The Surgeon, exemplified the "panache of the panache" with his artistically skilled way of handling the knives cutting into the whole chicken he so elegantly presented us. Overall, the night was magical and stunning, and I look forward to our return for Brunch and Blues on Sunday coming. p.s. I hope to soon try one of their other six restaurants called Bar Toma on 110 E. Pearson St., as Javier said they have wood-oven, thin-crust pizza! Mmmmmmm.... Ps. Update: went there for Brunch and Blues, which they host with different live Blues bands every Saturday and Sunday. Aaron, our server, was excellent! And the band was authentic Chicago-style, not some "spoon-fed" corporate sounding shite, know what I mean? I don't think I need say any more about the perfection of anything that comes out of the kitchen.
(5)Toni P.
Great place for brunch right on the river! Was here from out of town for a bridal shower brunch and the food was amazing! More importantly, the service was fantastic!
(5)Maggi H.
We went there for brunch on a Saturday and it was fantastic! Will definitely be back. Pros: 1) Try the Low Country Croque Madame...fantastic! 2) Rabbit and waffles: the waffles were decent but the rabbit is to die for...must order. 3) Cocktails: the sangria was good and my friend also enjoyed his blood mary 4) Service was great and overall everyone at my party of 12 loved their dishes 5) the atmosphere was gorgeous in the summer and great views of the river Cons: 1) The kobayashi maru was not a good drink; no one at the table liked this cocktail. The server upon hearing this quickly replaced it with a gin cocktail that was much better.
(5)Steve M.
This would have been a 5, but had to send a burger back, twice. Great location. Came here for lunch on a sunny August day. Perfect ambiance. I ordered the half sandwich and soup. Roast beef Ruben and onion soup, both were great. My ordered a simple burger, medium. The meat was cold and red in the center, I mean raw. I was good about it and asked the opinion of the waitress. The next one was exactly the same, after about 10 min. The next one was not medium, it was well done, we ate it but, it was full of gristle. The saving grace here was they did not charge us and they gave a very nice desert. I don't think that I could get my wife to go back, but would try it again. For the expense, though, a burger ought to be right first time, it is not hard to do.
(3)Christine H.
Love the place, can't wait to come back when it's sunny!! The main selling point of this restaurant is definitely the prime location. River roast is located on La Salle just north of the river, which means it's patio and outdoor seating has the prime view of the Chicago river, sadly I came on a gloomy and foggy Tuesday night, which means my party and I got seated in the dark interior. Based on other yelper's suggestions, my two friends and I shared the whole chicken (even though the waiter recommended more food for the three of us). The whole chicken was definitely more than enough for the three of us, in fact we had leftovers to take home. The chicken was juicy and succulent, with the skin just crispy in the right way. However, the highlight of this dish is definitely the roasted potatoes that were served with the chicken. Perfectly crispy and seasoned with a hint of vinegar and salt. Basically it's salt and vinegar chips for grownups. In addition to the chicken, my friends and I also got the side of brussels sprouts. The selection of vegetable sides seems to be lacking at River Roast, especially with the emphasis on the "Roast". The brussels sprouts were too sweet,, but they were well cooked. Next time I would try another vegetable dish. Overall, great evening out. Definitely would be on my list of restaurants to bring out-of-town guests, especially if the weather is nice.
(4)Mark B.
We came here for a special occasion dinner and had a very enjoyable meal. Décor: First off, it's called River Roast for a reason: it's on the river and they roast their food. Ok, now that we have that out of the way... The tables on the river, on a nice night, look like they are absolutely fantastic. However, there can be an extended wait for one of them. We sat inside, right by the window, and had (what I'll say was) nearly the same experience. The interior décor is nice and even borders a bit on fancy. It has a homey-rustic kitchen feel to it and the tables are nicely spaced so you don't feel like you are on top of each other. The lighting is dim, but it helps to set the mood and it makes it very relaxing. Bathroom: very nice bathroom that is well lit and very clean Staff: Our waitress seemed a bit nervous (we figured she might be a bit new) but did a fine job with everything. The manager (more on this in a bit) was a bit of an odd fellow (personality wise) but did everything wonderfully and made things more than right. The bus boys are also very attentive as well. Food: We started with some drinks by having wine and some bourbon. Let me say, they have a GREAT cocktail list and their bourbon selection is one of the best I've seen (there isn't any Blanton's though... they should work on that). What is really special, however, is that they have Pappy Van Winkle! I've been searching high and low for Pappy and was elated to see it on the menu. They had Rip Van Winkle 10 and 12yr and the 20yr Pappy. Naturally, I had to order it and, as one would guess, they kept it to a VERY strict pour... We then moved on to the Zucchini Flower appetizer (good, but not much quantity at all) and then onto dinner. We had the Roast Beef, the Pork, the Veggies, and a side of the RR Potatoes. Everything came out looking phenomenal but there was a slight problem... none of it was hot or even warm. After speaking with the manager, who wasn't apologetic or particularly sympathetic, we sent it all back and they brought out brand new ones. It was tough to do (because everything smelled so AMAZING), and usually we just suck it up, but it was a special occasion. Like I said above though, they manager made it right by bringing out a whole new spread. The new order was wonderful and absolutely delicious! The RR Potatoes in particular smell out of this world! YUM! Value: The place is a bit pricey but it won't make your wallet cry. The food is very good, the service is solid, and the atmosphere is very chill and enjoyable. We left feeling very good about the money we spent. This place is a great spot for dinner and I have already been recommending it to friends. In the future, I can certainly see us coming back here - either for dinner or, at least more often, for several rounds of drinks.
(5)Ryan R.
Went here with my family. Really trendy place right in the river. Wait staff is dressed kinda hipster but it adds to the experience. The menu was pretty creative and food was really good. We went for lunch which was super reasonable considering the location.
(4)Kori E.
This place was pleasantly good!! We came here for our monthly supper club and I enjoyed everything we ordered. We started with a few apps, all of which were tasty as I was starving. For our mains, we all split the Chicken, Whole Fish and the red meat (I didn't eat that one, so not sure what it was.) The fish and chicken were AMAZING! I would highly recommend ordering either. We sat outside along the river, which made our experience that much better. I would definitely recommend stopping in for lunch/dinner!
(4)Anna G.
Had a great dinner here this past weekend. My husband and I went at an early bird special hour of 6:45 (hey, we had to make it before the Blackhawks game!), but the place was pretty packed. I think at that point there was a combo of happy hour-ers and early dinner-ers, but either way the place was "happening." We got a table outside on the river and, to be honest, I'd only want to come if I could sit outdoors. I can get a table at a rustic-y place all over Chicago, but you can't quite get the same riverwalk atmosphere everywhere else. Service started off a little slow in that it took a while for anyone to come by, but after that it was smooth. Before our shared entree, we ordered a brussels sprouts and mozzarella salad. It was the perfect starter. Light and tasty and great with my glass of rose. Then we split a whole roast chicken (which is carved table side and could definitely feed up to 4 people) the potatoes that it comes with, and a side of the turnips au gratin. Everything was delicious although I think the turnips are a little overhyped. They were good, but not a must order. I think my favorite part were the roasted potatoes--so crispy on the outside/soft on the inside and flavorful! We didn't order dessert because, hello, whole roast chicken dinner. We had plenty of leftovers to take home, enough for 2 more meals actually. All that, 2 glasses of rose, and a cider came out to an even $100 with tax (how often does that happen?!). Would recommend, especially for out of town guests.
(4)Alex B.
Amazing food! The roast beef was excellent. We also got the Mexican corn and carrots and dirt and they were both delicious. Service was a little slow. We only had to wait about 20 minutes on a Friday night with 4 people to sit outside.
(4)Ericka A.
Chicken. How do you go wrong with the chicken? Ugh. I'm still salty about that. WIT/TIT 312 went here for our February group dinner. I was very excited to have the opportunity to go with a large and adventurous group that would better my chances of getting to try a little bit of everything. We'd made reservations and were seated immediately. We came on a cold Wednesday night and there were tons of tables open, but it wasn't totally dead. The atmosphere is very dark and relaxing. Though the main dining area is huge, the lack of light makes it feel like a very intimate setting. You really can't beat the view out onto the river, either. I'd like to come back for brunch and try to snag a seat there. I'd checked out the menu ahead of time and at the restaurant. Each time I shook my head at the prices and was prepared to pay until it hurt, but the evening came out to about $50 per person, including tax + tip. I think this is very reasonable for all that we ate and drank. The portions aren't very large, but there is enough to share if you go into this tapas style. There were 6 of us sharing and we walked away full and with some leftovers. Drinks were the first to be ordered. I went with the B. Nektar - Kill All The Golfers mead. I liked it so much that I ordered 2 glasses. They also had a really good Deschutes seasonal on tap. Their cocktail menu is impressive, too. Appetizers for the evening included Rabbit Toast, which exceeded my expectations. The balance of sweet, savory, and citrus was the perfect combination. It's like a light pâté with greens and balsamic on top of soft bread. I also got the Curried Cauliflower that is charred and served with a sauce similar to Sriracha. Our table received 2 complimentary orders of the Golden Gobbets, too. These are little chunks of fried chicken with honey on the side. These are ridiculous! Do not skip these! They are perfectly battered and seasoned. The chicken is tender and flavorful. The honey adds an additional element that makes these simply irresistible. As the name River Roast would suggest, this place specializes in roasts and they have a few main meats from which to chose. We selected the Roast Beef with Popover, the Rack of Pork with Cornbread, and the Whole Chicken with RR Potatoes. The pork was so nice and smokey. The beef was tender even when cooked to Medium instead of Medium-Rare, the way I typically prefer it. He're's the only reason this isn't a 5 star review - the chicken was so bland. Granted, it was cooked to perfection. The meat was juicy and the skin was perfectly crisped. It was presented in an interesting way, but it was lacking in the flavor department. We barely touched it because the Roast Beef and the Rack of Pork were miles and miles ahead of it in desirability. Firstly, for that price it needs to be fantastic. Secondly, it's only a few bucks cheaper than the other main courses. So if you're thinking you'll get the chicken to save some cash, don't do it. Pony up and go for the good stuff! The RR Potatoes served beneath the chicken were the best part of that dish. Besides the RR Potatoes, we also had Roasted Brussels Sprouts with honey and Fresno chili and the Whipped Sweet Potatoes with chipotle and vanilla. Both were excellent and go well with all the meats and appetizers. I would gladly order both again. On top of that, we had a ton of bread that's supplied upon request and their onion spread that comes with that is very tasty. I couldn't put it down. I simply wish the bread weren't as crunchy. It started to hurt the roof of my mouth, but you're probably not supposed to eat as much of it as I do. Service was great! Our waiter was friendly and informative. There was a man whose job seemed to be filling water glasses and he was a hoot! The manager came around and checked on us, too. The only issues we had were being charged for an item we didn't order, which was taken off the bill as soon as it was brought to their attention, and it was hard for me to hear the waiter sometimes because the music seemed a bit loud for how few people there were. All in all, we had a very pleasant dinner and I would love to come here again! As I said before, I want to try the brunch and I'd be interested to see how the menu changes with the seasons.
(4)Michael H.
Slightly disappointed here.. Heard they had an amazing burger so wandered in around lunchtime. Got the blue burger cooked MR/ came out in a timely manner and service was very good! 3 strange items: 1) The burger is kinda small 2) Not enough cheese at all 3) The chips are horrible and that catsup is even worse. Been to a lot of places and never ever seen a burger served with BBQ Chips? It just doesn't go together imho.. The burger itself was good but should be a tad bit bigger me come with fries or something! I'll be back to give the joint another shot.. Get dat did
(3)Kathleen C.
Argh! No, not a pirate, just disappointed with my lunch. Stopped in for lunch and I couldn't decide what to order because everything sounded delicious. I decided on the Cuban sandwich. Our server mentioned some bbq chips that went with it - sounded great. Alas....I was served a really greasy sandwich. I'm not even sure where the grease was from...didn't really seem to be from the sliced ham (also, that would be weird...)...perhaps the pork on top? And why was the pork the consistency of ground beef??? The bun was good but unfortunately slathered in grease so I wasn't really that thrilled. Coleslaw was one that seemed as if you could literally get it anywhere (grocery store deli?). The chips were ok. A bit spivey and I actually could have used a little more flavor or salt. I'm giving this spot three stars because service was great and the indoor space was beautiful the outdoor space was nice as well but I have to say - they knocked it out of the park with the inside. I'd go back for drinks but may skip the food.
(3)Justin F.
This is long overdue. Ive been hear many times and this is hands down my favorite restuarant/bar in Chicago. Food - The chicken is absolutely flawless. So juicy and tender. The brunch is also incredible. The breakfast burger and croque madam (sp?) are the best items on the menu. Bar - One word. Evan. The lead bartender is incredible. Actually, to say he is incredible is an understatement. He always treats me and my guests very well. Everyone is always blown away with their experience at the bar when I take them there. They have handcrafted cocktails that are no joke. A great wine list. And my favorite, the beer. Might not be the biggest selection but it is strategic and very well paired with the food. Atmosphere - great place for brunch. Awesome blues band every weekend I have been there. Great place to take out of towners or family. Great date spot. Amazing place to meet with clients for drinks or lunch. Hell, an awesome place for a beer by yourself after work. Absolutely love the outdoor seating and bar area. They always have good, and not too loud, of tunes playing. I made this review as concise as possible. This place is the real deal. I could go on and on about it. They've perfected their menu. And they've perfected their craft. You'll be sorry if you don't check it out. And if you wrote a bad review, you're a miserable person. Cheers
(5)Chris P.
If you've read any of my other reviews, you should know that I love meat. If you have not, then let it be known that I am a proud carnivore and I am a firm believer that one cannot find better meat than what the midwest produces. The ambience of River Roast was perfect for the occasion, which was a bachelor party, and by that I mean it is trendy enough to feel slightly upscale, but it's not snooty by any means. It's also not the traditional meat market (yes, I mean that in both ways) as the place hosted more than debaucherous bachelor parties. I would give the old fashioned a solid B+, only because the whiskey selection wasn't that impressive (they have the big-name bourbons, but not much else), however, the execution of the drink was solid. The food.. ah the food. We started off with the homemade charcuterie, which was spectacular. Then for entrees, we decided to take on the full roast selection, minus the chicken, not because we discriminate against chicken, but because there wasn't enough room on the table. The prime rib was INSANE. It was salty, it was tender, it was delicious. Definitely get it when you go. I also have to say that the service was pretty solid. We had 11 guys, some of whom don't make it out to eat very often, and our waiter did a great job of having fun and throwing out good recommendations. Lastly, the price was right. Everyone left full and not sober, but paid only $60/head.
(4)Grace L.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday. We got seated pretty fast however we waited for about 15 minutes for the waiter and the manager realized that we've been waiting so she kindly took care of our appetizer and drinks, which was nice. Service is good in general. Food were awesome. We got the roasted fish and it was well cooked and yummy. We also ordered side of mushroom and asparagus. It was also very nice of them to give us a dessert on the house once we mentioned we were celebrating the bday. In general it was a nice experience and would go back and recommend.
(5)Jen Y.
Cool rustic place. Great place to sit and eat lunch on the river. The bloody Mary's were awesome. We got the roasted chicken and peas. Recommend both. If you're in Chicago, definitely worth a visit to this place.
(4)Norm J.
When I dined at River Roast I was on a date so I was hoping the place wouldn't suck and thankfully it did not! River Roast is a great place to go if you like good service, drinks that go down smooth and food that taste as good as it sounds on the menu. Upon arriving at River Roast we were greeted by a hostess who informed us we had to go downstairs to the main dining area if we weren't sitting at the bar. After making it down the "Staircase of Future Lawsuits" we were greeted by a host and hostess who gave us a warm welcome. The host quickly sat us at our table and we were brought water and bread to nibble on while reviewing the menu. A minute or two later our server was there to greet us, review the menu, inform us of the special of the day and provide us with drink recommendations. Our server was a good one and I wish I remembered his name so I could shine the spotlight on him (sorry good server dude). Below, I've highlighted our meal and I recommend everything we had. I will definitely be back to River Roast and can't wait until the outside deck is open in the summer. -Suddenly Lemons: which is lemon tea leatherbee gin, sailers gentian, cocchi rose, and citrus. I'm a gin lover so I thoroughly enjoyed this drink. My date also thought the drinks was two thumbs up. -Country Fried Rabbit: taste just like chicken. If you wanna say you've eaten the Trix Rabbit then this dish is a must. -Sweet Potatoes: light and airy like good sweet potatoes should be. These were almost as good as my mom's, which is high praise. -Brussel Sprouts: are not my vegetable of choice, but my date wanted to order them so I smiled and said OK. The Brussel Sprouts were actually delicious. I guess my 22 year hiatus from eating Brussel Sprouts did us both some good. -Rack of Pork: juicy, full of flavor, large portion, definitely a must....if you like pork that is.
(4)Halisa V.
I recently came back from a trip to Dubai and was looking for a place similar to the restaurants by the Dubai Marina. This place was a great hometown substitute. I really enjoyed my visit here!! A friend and I were lucky enough to catch a table on their outdoor patio overlooking the Chicago river. The view and ambience was amazing!! We started off with the fried olives and fried chicken appetizers. I loved the olives because it was the first time I tried them fried! (Plus I love olives in general) so I recommend them if you want to try something new. The fried chicken was okay. I wish there was a better sauce served with it, instead of just honey. For the entree we had a whole fire roasted fish. I absolutely loved it!!!!!! Highly recommended it! I love seafood and this was some high quality fish. Lastly for dessert we had the red velvet and carrot cake bundt cakes. The red velvet one was not good. The edges were tough. The carrot cake on the other hand was a little more moist. Overall had a good time, absolutely loved the view and our sever Maria was super nice!
(5)Laura K.
Had live blues playing for brunch!!!!!! Wonderful and unique view of the Chicago River----finally some places coming in with this vantage point--a much neglected area of the city until now! Food was Well Above Average for our whole table. Drinks were lovely esp the wine list. Service was decent although it was VERY busy for brunch on a Saturday afternoon so I'll for sure give them a break. Great place to take Mom and Dad if they're visiting from out of town.
(5)Roshelle G.
Loved the food- couldn't get over how the flavor a and menu all pulled together. Service was good, didn't have a reservation & was able to eat on the river at 945pm. The menu changes all the time- appreciated the attention to detail with the presentation!
(4)Naif S.
Had the roast chicken, a draft beer, and white wine sangria and split it between two people. First, the atmosphere is gorgeous. We sat by the water and enjoyed the Chicago views and weather. The setting itself is awesome and makes for a great environment. The roast chicken was presented great also, and the skin and herbs are to die for. The potatoes were good, little too crispy for my taste. The bread and cream cheese were good, jusy make sure to ask for them! That was prbly my favorite part. Overall: solid place, we might've had the B team serving us. But didn't want to let that take away from the overall experience. Great place.
(5)Katie P.
I came here for dinner last week before heading to the Chicago Theatre for a show. The space is really cool and has an industrial vibe with great views of the river. I'll want to come back when it's warm out so I can sit outside! I was here on a freezing night and my only complaint was that it was really cold inside. The manager came over to apologize when I asked if perhaps they could make it warmer. This is their first winter so I guess they're still working out the kinks? I thought it was due to the huge glass windows. Whatever the case may be, this is Chicago and it's cold here so they need to figure that out. The food was fantastic! My husband and I split: Charcuterie Plate- this was the daily special and complimentary- nice touch! Pork Meatballs- Yummy! Not too heavy, sweet sauce and interesting gnocchi Shrimp & Crab Toast- Really great and unique The Big Fish Roast (Fire Roasted)- Great, simply prepared fish. Healthy, well seasoned
(4)Jeff S.
This has to be one of my recent favorite places to dine. The ambiance is great. From the rice paper lamps hanging from the ceiling in the bar and the old schoolhouse bulbs in the dining room. The outdoor seating looks amazing (I don't like eating outside on hot days). The place is a great location for a romantic evening or a larger group with friends. The foods amazing. They have wonderful bar bites (they call them table snacks), such as the scotch eggs and fried chicken. Yum! They also have wonderful salad and entrees (called roasts) that serve 2. These roasts are amazing. They carve the meat/fish right at your table. So far we have enjoyed the whole chicken (for 2) with roasted potatoes and the pork (for 2) with a jalapeño cornbread. This is my 2015 summertime favorite place to eat!
(5)Carolyn L.
I wanted to check out River Roast because I love meat and I was really hoping someone could successfully improve upon the tired old English Sunday roast tradition. Well this place definitely does that. I've had my fair share (actually it's really UNfair) of rubbery, old, heating lamp scorched roasts when I lived in London for a year. Each time the Sunday roast tempted me, I was sadly disappointed. I guess that's a "shame on me" thing for continuing to expect something good from a pub roast. But River Roast nails it. The 8oz serving of roast beef was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and served with a delectable horseradish sauce and side of crispy potatoes. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We also ordered the Golden Gobbets to start with. They are crispy peppery boneless fried chicken bites served with honey on the side. Those went VERY quickly. We also ordered an artichoke starter that had bacon and goat cheese. To be honest, I could have done without this side dish. It wasn't my favorite. Not enough artichoke and didn't really add anything to the meal. Along with the roast beef, for the main meal we also ordered the sea bass, roasted. It had a lovely salsa verde sauce roasted on top which gave it a fresh flavor but didn't detract from the quality of the fish. On the side, we had the green and yellow bean dish. They tasted fresh from the farm. And my favorite side dish was the leeks wrapped in prosciutto with a balsamic glaze. I need to make those at home. Like every day. They were outstanding and I should have ordered 2 of them! We were pretty stuffed when it came time for dessert but since it was my birthday, they brought out a really light lemon trifle as a treat. The staff was really pleasant, attentive, and knowledgeable. I'd definitely come back here and it's perfect for a big group as well, since there was a group of French marathoners that took up the room right next to us at the end of our meal. Great job, chefs Mantuano and Hogan!
(5)Andre S.
Just had brunch and left feeling full but not satisfied. We had a few minutes wait for a table for 2 inside, but when we were seated, it seemed like the restaurant was still quite empty. We ordered bloody marys, the charcuterie platter, the biscuits and gravy and also the RR skillet. Our appetizer took a bit to come out, but our main courses took even longer and there seemed to be 2 or 3 tables seated after us who got their food out first. The charcuterie platter was great and was the highlight of the meal, the head cheese was especially tasty, but everything went downhill from there. The biscuits and gravy were just ok, but my biggest complaint is with the skillet: it was 90% potatoes and it was way way too dry. It didn't really seem like a skillet - more like a bit of cheese and crumbled sausage that was placed on top of a large side of fried potatoes. The scrambled egg on top didn't do much except make me wish I had asked for sunny side up eggs instead. I think the fastest turn around time for the meal was when we asked for the check - before the waiter even came back for it, one of the managers who was walking around on the floor scooped it up. So fast! But alas, not the experience we were looking for. We talked about coming back for dinner to try one of the roasts - but I'd say that at this point, we'll probably pass.
(2)andy b.
Great dinner! Great Ambiance! We went there for a corporate dinner. The night was beautiful and the service was great. The food was delicious. Not sure what can be done, but we had a fruit fly issue. Guess that's what you get for sitting next to the river, although we got rid of all the red wine at the table and the flies went away. I ordered the beef "to share" and didn't share much. The good/bad part about sharing. I had some of the chicken, which was good, and the pork, which was great, but the beef outdid them both. I work right there and am sure I will return. thanks.
(4)Lauren P.
I've been here for weekend blues brunch with a live band. The music is fantastic, and such a cool experience on the Chicago River. However, service is incredibly slow and food is just OK.
(3)Tina C.
The first time I went here, I just ordered the dessert and the chicken appetizers with a friend to share. We weren't hungry, but we wanted to try this place out and the weather was just warm enough for us to sit outside! They didn't have the dessert we wanted, so they gave us another one (FOR FREE). Service is excellent -- everyone is extremely friendly and my water cup is never empty. The second time I came here was this past weekend when the weather was 65 degrees, sunny and perfect. I ordered the whole chicken ($39) and the brussel sprounts ($9). I split it with 2 other people and we couldn't finish it all because it was so filling! The whole chicken was roasted to perfection. It wasn't greasy and tasted extremely fresh. The waitress cuts a bit of it for you in the beginining, but after that it is up to you to slice the chicken yourself. Also, the best part about the whole chicken were the roasted potatoes underneath it. OMG I couldn't stop eating them. The brussel sprouts were surprisngly tasty. There was a kick of sweetness and a kick of salt/pepper, but they definitely perfected that combination. I also suggest reserving online/through the phone (if you can). I reserved through Yelp 15 minutes before my arrival and I got an outside seat!
(5)Kate M.
I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I suggested River Roast for dinner. I'm more of a "let's get a bunch of things and share" kinda girl than a "let's get one whole chicken and share" girl. Regardless, the food is really good and there are still some options available if you don't want an entire bird. The drink menu left me a little confused until the bartender explained the owner is a big Batman fan. Once I knew which Batman themed drink was an old fashion my night started getting better with each sip. Over all I like River Roast, but I think it's probably better for a group than just two people. Of course if you're just looking for some good drinks at the bar they do that well too.
(4)Rebecca M.
I went to River Roast on Saturday for brunch for a wedding party, and I had an amazing time! We were given a private table away from the main dining area which was really nice, and the service was unbeatable! Andre was our server, and he was charming and hilarious which made brunch that much more fun. Everyone in the party had a variety of drinks which we all loved, and the food was AMAZING! I had the croque madame which had the perfect layering of sourdough, ham, swiss, and sausage gravy (I wish I could have that gravy on everything!!). I also tried some of the rabbit and waffles and roast chicken, and it was all delicious. I can't wait to come back!
(4)Noah E.
River Roast is worth dining at. We came in late Monday evening, only finding a few tables dining. We would have sat on the patio right on the river but it was a bit breezy and overcast so we stayed inside. The menu is gastropub-esk with bites and small plates but instead of entrees you can buy roasts for two, thus the name. We shared a few small plates and then ordered the chicken for two. Im not one to typically order chicken, especially when it is almost 40 dollars but it was delicious. Smoked, moist, and flavorful. They carve it at the table which makes for another plus! The only downside was that we asked about the charcuterie sampling they offer on Monday nights if you order a roast, which our server confirmed. We had to remind her when she offered dessert, and she brought it to us.
(4)Hanny J.
The food was good, but the service could've been better. The waiter rushed through getting our orders. When it came time to get the check we asked for it to be split. He was not very nice about it and refused to do it. Other than that had a good dining experience.
(3)Karan K.
The best views , the best grills ! One of the nices places to eat downtown . Call ahead for a reservation as its busy !
(4)Veronica S.
The blues brunch was a lot of fun. Nothing like being on the river with a Chicago musical classic. The food was a bit all over the place. The chicken bites were delicious but the burger was less than stellar. It also took a long time to get a drink.
(3)Wilt C.
Let me tell you that the veggie sides are terrific. The carrots, cauliflower and corn were all perfectly cooked and loaded with flavor. The chicken however was a bummer as it was seriously over cooked and quite dry. The potatoes that accompanied the chicken however were crispy and very tasty. So, go for the veggies and if looking for meat grab a rotisserie chicken at Whole Foods or Potash on the way home.
(3)Stephen M.
I had the good fortune of a friend suggesting Chicago's River Roast for lunch. I arrived just before noon with a reservation in place. The host was friendly and efficient. The restaurant décor is comfortable, appropriately relying on its near river level view of the Chicago River. And the menu is straightforward in what it offers. Surprise! It offers roasted entrees, emphasizing the freshness of its selections. We chose a meal for two--Branzino (seafood). It was available in two styles. Our server recommended roasted. It was succulent, tasty and just right in proportion. The staff was attentive, making sure we were properly served. So: Cool place. Good lunch. Lots of positives. I recommend you share in the good fortune.
(4)Morganne B.
I'd been wanting to try this place for a while now but never had a good occasion until yesterday evening before seeing a show at the Chicago Theatre. We were hoping for something light and decided to share the charcuterie board. It had some cured ham, a couple of head cheeses and a liver spread, plus the usual accoutrements--cranberries, bread, mustard and pickles. The portions of each were large which is great because I feel like usually once you eat enough to taste it it's gone! We each had a beer to start... Some really good ones on draft, but what's with the tiny beer glasses? For $8 a pop, you gotta give me more than 8 ounces. The Hemingway drink is their version of a mojito but the mint is already infused into the rum so it's not crushed up in the drink. It was super refreshing and the perfect drink to enjoy on the patio in the sun. This location is what takes this place up a notch for me. Awesome spot and I could probably stay here all day. Just a few blocks up from the theatre so it didn't take long to get there afterward. Ready to come back for the blues brunch!
(4)Tricia D.
I have an itch, and it's to return to River Roast to try out their dinner menu! I had brunch with my friend K here twice in the span of about a month. On the weekends, there's a live jazz duo/trio that performs over the brunch hour. It provides for an energetic atmosphere, though it is loud and a bit hard to hold an ongoing conversation. Brunch experience #1 was a notch above #2. On that trip, I ordered the omelette of the day, which had mushrooms, duck confit, and cheese, I believe. It was delicious, light, and served with crispy potatoes. Though RR didn't have readily available iced coffee, the waiter was accommodating and brought me a cup of ice and coffee in a mug so I could concoct a DIY cup. Works for me! Dessert was also in the stars, and I opted for the red velvet pudding. Service wasn't as attentive and food not as impressionable on visit #2. That time, I tried the Hogan's peas and red wine poached egg. Said dish was unique, but needed a couple other elements to make the entree more substantial, like MORE smoked bacon or other meat. Less peas and cream sauce would have been a good idea too bc the dish was very green and very gloppy. Totally approve of the peanut butter banana chocolate (Elvis) pie for 1 dessert!
(4)Nicholas T.
What a wonderful evening. The food, ambiance, and service were all perfect. Our server, John K was remarkable. He knew the menu inside and out, and made some great recommendations. We had the Chefs charcuterie board, and cheese board with the beet salad. For the main, we did a roast chicken for 2. Plenty of leftovers, so they give you a recipe card for how to make killer chicken soup with the leftovers. The soup was amazing! Can't wait for the temps to rise so we can utilize the patio seating. What an amazing spot. As I've said before, the carnivores delight!
(5)Stephanie L.
Really a 3.5 but they just opened... 1. Easy online reservations...however, beware...you will wait for outside. We waited an hour after our reservo time for outside seating. It was immediate inside, but who wants to dine on the river and not sit outside?? WTF 2. There's a space connecting where there was a reception of some kind...let me tell you...there was WASTED people walking all through this place. The woman's bathroom was atrocious. They seriously need to reconsider this concept...I mean, totally acceptable for hammered people to be at reception...not sure how I feel about 3 sheets to the wind while I'm enjoying a nice dinner....hmmm 3. Waiter was super personable. We saw Tony sitting right by us. Waiter made a point to not neglect us...& we joked with him about it. 4. Food was good. Chicken Gobbets were gobbling goodness. And the side of honey...plus, perfect price! Definitely get this! Popcorn was also delish. Chicago style sashimi was bad, really, really bad. Wagyu beef tasted like I was eating rubbery gum. I didn't really understand the concept of celery salt, tomatoes, herbs, mustard seeds and beef being like a hotdog. Still confused. With a very small cracker for us to split? Hot dog? Hot dog here?? Confused.... Roasted chicken was good. For the a la carte price, it's kind of small, but fed four people. I liked how they carved it, kind of, at the table...however there was still tons of meat left on the bird. We were clawing at it with our knives and forks trying to pull more meat away. Roasted market fresh veggies, $19, overhyped, overpriced, over it...like Lebron James...na-uh. Artichokes were good. Lots of chicken on the menu. Desserts were great & gratis from our awesome waiter! Fat Elvis pie was good. Root beer float was delish...but I love them. Soft serve was great too. I'm a total ice cream junky. Overall, pretty good. Worth a stop.
(4)Alex C.
I have been here at least 10 times and every time the food is just perfect. The chicken is amazing and the roasted fish is outstanding. Chef Hogan is incredible and the entire staff is just great! !
(4)Saba A.
My husband and I came in for lunch on a Friday afternoon and we were lucky to score patio seats. We were first greeted by a kind host directing us to go downstairs where the main dining room was located with a large host table. We were immediately seated outside with an option between two tables. Our waiter was witty. He was making jokes with us but I think he was trying to impress his boss and us as it was opening week. We were also met by the manager, and the bus boy was super friendly too. The patio was packed and I'm assuming this will be a popular new restaurant by the river and attract the crowds during happy hour to dinner time too. River Roast is bigger and more classy than my other favorite restaurant by the river, Bridge House Tavern, so I'm wondering which one will be my new fav. My husband and I ordered the Rock Shrimp which was bigger than I expected with no complaints. The sauce pairing was delicious. We also split the sandwich of the day which was a roast beef one. They split the sandwich that came with house made potato chips and it was a perfect lunch. Next time I may order the whole roast beef or chicken as they seemed to be popular and that's what the restaurant is most known for. Glad that River Roast is in the River North neighborhood. Living just a building N from there- I will be visiting more often!
(4)Meghan F.
I was here over the 4th of July with a family member who was in town for a long weekend. The food was delicious - if we'd had more time, we would have ordered the chicken like our server suggested (I was pleased that the server had specific recommendations as opposed to the usual spiel you get at restaurants, "Oh everything is good!"). Instead, we ordered off the brunch menu, and everyone was very impressed with their meal. We also brought our 12 and 9 year olds; despite the lack of a kids' menu, the 12 year old enjoyed her biscuits and gravy, and the 9 year old had the rabbit and waffles (he is a picky eater and he still tried the rabbit and liking it!). Overall, service was great, food was great; wish we could have sat outside since it was such a gorgeous day, but it was packed & had a 45 minute wait. If you want great food AND a view, it's worth waiting at the bar for.
(5)Christina L.
this place is a block from my friend's apartment, so e decided to drop in for brunch on sunday with a group of 5. super conveniently located and you can sit outside by the river on a nice day. sweet! i imagine that it will be packed during the summer.. we kinda went big at lunch and ordered - foie and duck terrine, biscuits and honey, shrimp toast, brussels, mushrooms, chicken for 2, pork for 2, and the roast beef (for 1). a lot of food right? hahaha. the roasts are carved tableside which makes for great presentation, so that was really fun to watch. foie terrine was yumm - i havent had it in a while. vegetables are a bit bland - sad. my favorite, unexpectedly, was the chicken. super crispy skin, GREAT potatoes on the bottom, pretty good flavor! shrimp toast was also a highlight. the roast beef and pork i didnt care much for actually. not a lot of flavor if the sauce was on it. overall pretty good. but i probably wont be back given all the other delicious options in river north..
(3)Patrick M.
Went to a private dinner over the weekend at River Roast. Enjoyed the Golden Gobbets, Shrimp Toast, & Charcuterie Board. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts were pretty good too. The staff was friendly and attentive.
(3)Larry P.
The service was great meal was outstanding We had the Fish, Chicken, and the Pork Would go back again today if I could Also the view was spectacular 5 stars is not enough
(5)Melissa H.
Location and ambiance were amazing and the food was wonderful! Our waiter was great and the views of the river were beautiful
(5)Anthony M.
ROASTED I have been dying to try this place for many weeks. I read articles and studied the menu. I could hardly wait to eat here. I am also a huge fan of Chef Tony Mantuano. He is such a great guy and a talent when it comes to food. So it really pains me to see the service related issues of this location, after being open for several months. Walking in from the street the space is amazing. There is a small bar near the hostess station with a few tables. It was closed during lunch but I'm sure after work it is fully packed. We were greeted in a friendly manner and were set downstairs to the second hostess station. We were informed that our table was ready inside or we could wait to sit outside. It was such a beautiful day and the deck was packed. We don't get many upper 70 days at the end of October in Chicago. We decided to not wait & grab a table inside. We were sat at our table next to a private room with a curtain. The person seating us closed the curtain. Two minutes later the curtains violently swung open startling us. It was a waiter cutting through with food for the outdoor deck. It was annoying and would have bugged us during our meal. We decide to move just one table west of this opening. Three minutes later they sat another table in front of the opening and closed the curtain again. That same waiter kept cutting through and violently opening the curtain. I even saw plated food touching the curtain which was gross. This behavior went on through the whole lunch service and was unacceptable. The service was not what I expected here. Our waiter dropped off the bread & spread platter. It was never explained or described to us. It then sat on our table for 10 minutes until I asked the waiter, "Is that fried onions over butter?" He said,"No it's our signature fried onions over guyree cheese. It's almost like a mini French onion soup." Please tell me why that wasn't said to us when it hit the table. We we're left to just guess. What if I was allergic to guyree or didn't like it. It's like the waiter didn't care. Our waiter also read the specials off of his note pad but when I asked him a question he didn't know the answer. He told me he could ask in the kitchen and departed. When he returned he started taking our order. I was wondering if he ever went to the kitchen with my question and I asked if he did. He looked at me and said, "yes!" but he wasn't confident in answering me. Personally I don't even think he did it because I had to call him on it. Lunch arrived and everything looked good. The rest of my party was sharing the roasted steak with the "insanely good" potatoes. The meat was cooked perfectly as it laid cut on the wood platter. I ordered the special roast beef sandwich which I had asked the waiter if it was Chef Tony Mantuano's secret roast beef & our waiter had no clue if it was. The meat was good but the bread was terrible. It was toasted to the point of becoming a hard crouton. The sandwich could have used some Au jus to moisten up the meat & the bread. It was also suppose to be topped with the house made giardinera but 2 tiny cut peppers and a single piece of celery don't mean topped to me. After reading so much about Chef Tony Mantuano's roast beef sandwich I was completely let down. I don't blame Chef Tony because he wasn't at the restaurant but I blame his staff for not delivering a good sandwich. It's sad when the best thing on my plate was the home made BBQ potato chips. Honestly you need to bag these up & start selling them. The rest of my party enjoyed their platter of meat. They also ordered sides of mushrooms and a turnip Au gratin. I was able to try the turnip Au gratin and it was a great alternative to using potatoes. I even snuck a few of those roasted potatoes which are amazing. If I come back I'm just getting a plate of those. I was still eating when the waiter and bus boy just started removing dishes from our table without even asking. It was really rude and unprofessional. We all looked at each other and had to point out I was still eating. I really think the whole lunch crew needs to be retrained because it was bad. & if things couldn't get worse the waiter who kept cutting through the curtain. He popped out again directly behind me. He went through the opening where the curtain was attached to the wall then he awkwardly slide by our tables along the curtain line. It was so weird. Upon departing I had a chance to talk to Javier one of the Managers. He asked how everything was and I was honest with him. He did inform me that the waiters are not to be cutting through the private room with food. He was also wondering why the curtain was open every time he walked by. Javier was really nice and apologized for his staffs actions. Hopefully he will fix it and the staff will actually listen. The dessert menu had a shot and a beer on it which I thought was cool but instead we went with the root beer float which ended up being the best thing I had here today
(2)Robin M.
We enjoyed our first visit to river roast to have a birthday celebration for a friend last evening. The food was wonderful but the menu is limited. We started with 2 shared salads. We then shared the fire roasted fish...excellent. The other 3 adults shared the whole roasted chicken plus the beef. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I would suggest you also try the veggie sides! Really lovely concept and service. This place is a keeper! The only complaint--the room is noisy It was hard to hold a conversation. But go there! The outdoor seating along the river would have been our choice but it was rainy and cold! Enjoy!!!
(5)Devanjali L.
My husband and I came here on Easter Sunday last week. As it was one of those sunny and pleasant days in Chicago, we decided to sit at the patio by the river and enjoy the city view. We ordered an old fashion each along with fried chicken and honey. The fried chicken was really good with the right amount of heat and spices, crunchy on the outside and really succulent on the inside. My husband is a snob when it comes to his "old fashion". Even though our server recommended their special old fashion, my husband requested a traditional one.The bartender did a great job making it. However, our server did get a sample of their "Old fashion"(which actually has cherry bitters) for my husband to try. I thought that was very sweet and impressive at the same time. The menu looked great and the staff was very friendly and hospitable. We will definitely come back for dinner.
(4)Shon A.
I have been here twice in two days. Day 1 - Ordered a cocktails only and thought the place was good. The drinks were made great and they used good ice! Day 2 - I dragged a group of 9 people over here for a work dinner after a happy hour. It was impromptu and we had a foodie in the crew. Since this place is family style eating, we let the foodie just order enough food for the entire table. We basically ordered everything on the menu. Everything was good but the fish is something that could have been left off! The fish was not good at all and we were told that it was going to be boneless(not the case). The asparagus, steak(mid-rare), chicken were the best items in my opinion. For 9 people, ordering basically everything on the menu and 1-2 cocktails each, the bill came out to roughly $800. A little bit on the pricey side but we were eating like kings.
(3)Chris C.
First off, realize this place is family style, most of the dishes are meant to be split between two people. So, the service here was somewhat pretentious. I felt as if we were forgotten by the servers/managers, and I'm not sure why. Regardless, the food was so delicious and the atmosphere on the river so nice, I had to give it 5 stars. I'll accept the subpar service because it saves me a little money on the tip. Anyways, our fish was cooked perfectly and was so good. Our sides and appetizers were equally as delicious. We'll go back one day, maybe the service will be better.
(5)Erik P.
Went to River Roast for Valentines Day and there were both good experiences and less than good experiences. To start the service was good, the prices were fair for the portions you get, and the ambiance is very warm. This establishment is right off the north bank of the Chicago River and I bet it's amazing in the summer. My fiancé and I ordered the pork roast and two sides. The sides were roasted vegetables and whipped sweet potatoes. The roast was dry, which in my opinion is the worst thing you can do to meat, but the sides made up for it. The service was a bit slow toward the end even though it wasn't busy. Perhaps the server just got tired, it happens. We also had the ravioli for a starter, and that was also good. The best part of the meal was by far the dessert. I'm sorry that I don't remember what it was called, but it was like two pudding cups, one chocolate and one lemon. For everything bad that happened something good balanced it out, so it was somewhat of a wash. If you're in River north and you've tried most everything else, or you absolutely must have roasted Chicken, fish, or pork, then try River Roast. If not, there are definitely better places to eat in that neighborhood.
(3)William B.
I heard this described as something like a steakhouse without the steak, and I see the point -- you do have big hunks of meat, and the prime rib we had was really delicious -- but there isn't a steak per se, and a bunch of the menu is taken over by interesting salads, snacks, and side dishes. All told the results are really quite good. Curried cauliflower was pleasantly spicy, salad lyonnaise was sharp and flavorful, and the turnip gratin was particularly inspired, but bread, chicken livers, yorkshire pudding, popovers, and smoked trout were all nice as well. It wouldn't be crazy to come and skip the roasts, though I should emphasize again that the prime rib was really delicious. I have to say, I also liked the setup of the bar, the collection of interesting beers (including quite a few sours), the fact that there's a large (albeit drafty) dining room, and that there were still seats on a Friday night, though they also take reservations. You could do far worse when meeting somebody downtown.
(4)Rohit J.
Awesome! Really happy we got to dine here. We ordered the chicken and the beef. Both were delicious. The quantity was a lot and it definitely fed 3 of us with some to take home. Everything from ambience and service was great. We are recommending this spot to our friends who visit the area and we are coming back soon!
(4)t f.
So disappointed. For several weeks I was looking forward to trying River Roast after friends had commented how great the food was. Decided to try the brunch & made an 11am reservation (trying to avoid brunch rush/labor day weekend) we were seated by 11:05 outside (YA) glad I had the foresight to make reservations since by 11:15 tables were getting filled up. By 11:20 no one came to take our order or even make contact other then the person refilling our water glasses which I asked if he could get a waiter for us. At 11:30 I caught the attention of another person and asked if they could get a waiter. By 11:40~my friend & I decided 35-40 mins plus was more than enough time to patiently wait for any acknowledgment of wanting to serve us & decided to go to another restaurant along the riverwalk. Needless to say we made a point to share our experience with the mgr (Javier Zavala) who was apologetic & offered us to stay but needless to say the experience had put such a bad taste in our mouth (no pun intended) we decided best to leave. I, too am in the service industry & work in a salon along Michigan Ave & often am asked for referrals to great restaurants from clients local & visiting. Unfortunately, River Roast is not one I can suggest going to. Albeit the food I'm sure IS great from what I observed from OTHER tables being served however, the service is one that needs MAJOR IMPROVEMENT!
(1)Chang K.
Good food, good looking restaurant, and a great location. I was with my boss and a coworker and visited River Roast this past week. The food was good, but I thought that the small plate options were a little over priced. For example we had the meatballs for $10+ (I can't remember the specific price), and it included 2 meatballs and a piece of bread. I don't know about you, but I would've expected a little more meatballs seeing that they were pork and not lamb or anything. I also had this pear cider that was actually wonderful. On the sweet side, so I wouldn't recommend it if you're not into sweet cider. All in all, it was an okay experience, tad over priced, but I did enjoy my time there.
(4)Gina F.
I had dinner at River Roast last month with the group of six ladies. We had an excellent time all around. The restaurant itself is beautiful and well thought out. This staff was great as well. We were greeted promptly and our server was knowledgeable and super enthusiastic. But of course, the most important thing is the food in a restaurant, is it not? Well they truly delivered. One of the other diners and I ate vegetarians, but the other 4 shared the chicken, which was the specialty and, as our server explained, the entire reason for the restaurant's inception. They all thought it was outstanding. We also tried a number of appetizers and sides, including a salad, makeups, leeks, beets, and Brussels sprouts. Everything was absolutely delicious, though it was all on the savory side. Some dishes would have benefited from something to lighten or heightening them. All in all we had a great time and I'd certainly go back again.
(4)Stephanie A.
Loved this place. Food and drink were great. Its in a really great location right by the Chicago River, so the view is to die for.
(5)Paulina R.
Good staff! Nice place! Good ambiance! But food was extremely oily, we were a big group and ordered several vegetable sides and they were so salty and oily we couldn't eat them. Main courses were ok!
(3)Jackie D.
We had a great waiter! The problem with this place is that its way to expensive for what you get. We paid $8 for a beer that was a half a pint. We ended up getting 2 sides and an app and 2 beers and spent over $50. The food wasn't worth it. You are paying to sit in the river. Try somewhere else.
(2)Michelle P.
Been here twice. The first time we had the roasted fish and it was really well cooked and seasoned. Second time was with a larger group of coworkers. Ordered the fish, again, and it was not cooked as well and the seasoning was also off. Overall service was not very professional, both times.
(3)Drew W.
Service was great, drinks were great, food was ok and we received some suspicious food that wasn't even on the menu, as if it was purposely made for us because we ordered one ingredient on the side. Hopefully it was an off kitchen day. I will give it another go.
(3)Garret S.
We stopped in on Friday night, no reservations, and was seated right away. We ordered two appetizers (both were great), and then ordered the roasted chicken. No drinks were ordered, but the surrounding tables sounded like they were having a great time. I think this would be a great place to stop after work for a quick bite to eat too. Overall, great place for solid american faire.
(4)Amanda B.
It was delicious, the meals are mostly made for two people so it's really not too expensive, about 20-30 a person. The pork was amazing and the crap toast appetizer was delicious!
(4)Roni S.
All went well
(3)M P.
We were one of 4 couples who ate here together last week and I don't think any of us will be returning anytime soon. When making the reservation we requested a round table and were told that the chefs table (the only round table in the joint) would be ours the night of our dinner. We received a confirmation call 2 days before the dinner during which we reconfirmed the chefs table and the morning of the dinner we also called to triple confirm the round table. Just so everyone is keeping track, that is three times we have been told (by three different people) the chefs table is ours. Well lo and behold when we arrive the chefs table has been given to someone else. When we inquire with the hostess as to what has happened she tells us that there is no record of us having reserved the chefs table and is completely uninterested in making the situation right. Finally, we end up getting seated in the back at a cozy table and shortly thereafter a few appetizers are brought out on the house, a nice gesture, but by no means nice enough to make up for the table screw up. The appetizers are fine, not outstanding as is the main course. Following the main course 6 desserts are brought out (we're told also on the house), which again were fine, not outstanding. Finally the bill comes and of the 6 desserts that arrived at the table, only 4 of them are comped. Now the thing is, we didn't order any of them - they just arrived at our table. So we're paying for 2 mediocre desserts that we didn't even order. As for the service, our waitress couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating. But the hostess was unhelpful and dare I say a little standoffish. She clearly knew someone (perhaps her) had screwed up and made what amounted to a failed effort to make it right. Honestly, they couldn't even comp a bill correctly. Enter at your own risk.
(1)Marisa Y.
Came here for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend and two of my best friends from undergrad. I would consider coming back, but thought the food was overall just ok. We ordered the seared bay scallops, the country fried rabbit, the roast chicken, leeks, and Hogan's peas. The good: The rave reviews on the roast chicken are spot on and I would definitely come back just to order that again. The potatoes that are served with the chicken are amazing. I think the fat drips of the chicken and into them...or something fatty and addicting does because I couldn't eat enough of the potatoes. The country fried rabbit was also delicious. I'm pretty sure my boyfriend will only come back if we order that. He loved it so much he's still talking about it. The seared bay scallops were also cooked perfectly. Finally, our server was awesome and very attentive. My boyfriend asked a question about a beer and without any prompting, our server brought back two sampler sizes so that he could order a drink he liked. The bad: The leeks and peas were....gross. Maybe that's why I'm a little soured on the place. The leeks were a weird consistency and the peas were far too bland. I guess if I come back I would try something else. I was really surprised about the peas too after reading so many people say fantastic things. I can't remember the name of the dessert we ordered, but that's probably because it wasn't great.
(3)Jay D.
We had a wonderful experience. We went during Restaurant Week. Fortunately, the dinner option included the chicken roast. Our salad was mixed with different types of olives (perhaps too many) and goat cheese. Dressing was perfectly balanced and light. Our dinner was the chicken roast. Brought to your table as a whole roasted bird upended on a cast-iron skillet. Another server shaves the bird for you down into the skillet, which also contains roasted potatoes. Not only is it a great presentation, but tastes incredible. The chicken has a crisp, seasoned skin that is absolutely incredible. The meat was so juicy and tender it melts in your mouth. And the potatoes...oh wow...the potatoes...if only I could replicate these at home. Crisp, not greasy, and seasoned perfectly. Just an amazing presentation for food that was don't perfectly. We also opted to order a side of the whipped sweet potatoes made with chipotle and vanilla. They were also very good with a light sweetness, hint of vanilla and a little bit of a kick (give it a few seconds after you take a bite). Great combination of flavors. Honestly, between the roasted potatoes and these and the chicken it was probably a bit much but we wanted to try as much as we could. I also took a picture of an elaborate wooden case they were using to infuse vodka with ginger for a signature drink. We don't drink, but it did sound amazing. Dessert of the restaurant week menu was two small dessert cups. We eat a lot at dinner, but we were pretty full at this point, so the size for us was perfect. One was chocolate pudding. Dense, dark chocolate pudding with a layer of thick cream and chocolate shavings. It was small, but we were so full at this point, it was actually just the right size. The other cup was a lemon trifle which was very tart, but I love lemon and my partner doesn't. So I ate that one myself. Small bites because the tartness was a little jarring. However, it still tasted amazing and again, was just the right size for the amount we had for dinner. Our server was so attentive and friendly, the guy who cut our chicken was also great and assured us on all the gluten that was taken out of the dish. I had made a note on the reservation and they had made sure the potatoes were prepared away from gluten. Loved that the hosts come around and ask how dinner is as well. I don't think that is done enough. It was a nice touch. The space itself is beautiful with a lot of added touches you might miss (i.e. the Big Blue Ribbons on the chicken wire on a wall). Rustic barn wood on the walls and interior spaces. And, of course the amazing space overlooking the river that Fulton's was always known for. Though this was the night before the big snow and we didn't go out, it was nice to watch the river and snow fall. It looks like they have great event space as going to the restroom, the place was a huge space and had a really nice group room as well and a back bar for events. Overall amazing experience from the decor, to the friendly service and amazing food.
(5)Stacy P.
Warning Not the place for corporate dinners. No concept of how to feed groups. Food good, desert is sad, space not condusive to privacy or movement.
(1)Thomas P.
Interesting menu with dishes that are more geared towards family style sharing. We got the roast pork, roast chicken, fish (sea bass), and veggies plus several extra sides. All of the food was amazing, and for someone who's not big on roast fish, that bass came out absolutely perfect. The roast pork was probably my favorite and it came in 3 styles; ribs, loins and rib end bits that were nice an fatty/crispy. The chicken was quite a show and carved tableside and served on a bed of the most crispy potatoes I've ever had. The only down side was the drinks to go with such amazing food was a little lacking. What they had was good, but everything seemed to be served in little juice glasses. The inside gets a little loud but they also have a great patio area right next to the river so on nice summer days it's a great option.
(4)Damion W.
Great view, great food, great service. Terrific beer selection - not in terms of volume, but in terms of quality. Friendly and accommodating staff - everyone greeted and thanked us on the way in and on the way it. Can't believe that a few minor mistakes prompted them to comp our entire order, drinks and all! Truly amazed and recommend River Roast. Will eat here again when I'm back in Chicago.
(4)Rebecca S.
Hands down best chicken I have had in the city and I have defiantly had a lot of chicken. Our family owns a chicken farm and we've had chefs prepare our chicken and River Roast is among the top 2 chickens i have ever had! The server explained to us how the cooking process is done and I was amazed they got the chicken to taste the way they did and be so juicy without being fried and buttered up! Our server was amazing and super knowledgeable! They had a great selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. The atmosphere of the place is laid back and very country modern type. I really enjoyed my experience here and defiantly coming back!
(5)Brittany S.
I really can't say enough good things about this place. The atmosphere, the service, the cocktails, the whiskey selection, and the FOOD! This was hands down one of the best restaurant experiences I've had downtown. I saw Chef John on WGN earlier this week, he made everything sound so good and look delicious, so we decided to go there for our one year. It was so great from start to finish, and it was really neat seeing John so active throughout the entire restaurant. Our server, Andre, was incredibly knowledgable and not to mention hilarious. He kept us laughing all while making sure we had a great dinner. We'll definitely be back for brunch and blues and I cannot wait to sit riverside on the patio this summer. Great job guys!
(5)Bryan A.
Stopped in between meetings for lunch. The atmosphere is upbeat and its busy. Food is phenomenal, iced tea is exceptional (nothing I'd ever expect to comment on but it warrants it) the staff is attentive even with the hustle and bustle. The food us noteworthy..traditional lyonnaise with perfect soft boiled egg. All the food I see around looks great. Definitely stop in.
(5)Jackie C.
We came here for a group dinner and the food was to die for! It is pricey but let me say there is A LOT OF FOOD! You do get what you pay for. It is a great place to go for a special occasion or out of town friends .
(4)Erin Y.
Prime location, but just okay dinner experience. We had a large party of people and ordered a fairly large amount of food. First things first, appetizers. We enjoyed the shrimp, crab, and avocado toast. The mussels were delicious. The scotch egg was well executed. The country fried rabbit with honey was very good, only complaint being that the biscuit was too hard. The scallops were tasty. However, the sauce on the ravioli was so salty it basically rendered the dish inedible. Next up, entrees. I had the roast beef, which didn't blow me away. It was cooked perfectly, but lacked that melt-in-your-mouth quality I expected. It was also on the salty side, and I found myself slathering on the horseradish cream to offset this, even though I don't like horseradish. In our party, 3 racks of pork were ordered. One was perfectly cooked and delicious. One was on the dry side and just needed extra sauce. One was so dry the slices resembled hockey pucks and couldn't even bend. That one was sent back, and the replacement was much better. Chicken could have been juicier, and nothing special about the fish. Disappointing, especially when River Roast supposedly has the best roast chicken in Chicago. Crispy potatoes were good, but some dishes were too salty. We also ordered a lot of sides with the roasts. The Brussels sprouts and peas were delicious, among the highlights of the meal. The sweet potatoes were also pretty good, and left a nice spicy finish. Mushrooms needed salt, and cheesy turnips were just bad. Cold, hard, bleh. Moving on to dessert. We ordered the seasonal fruit pie and lemon trifle. The trifle was pretty good, very lemony and refreshing. Like a lemon meringue pie. The fruit pie was peach apple cranberry. I enjoyed the pie, but really nothing special about it. Overall, I was slightly disappointed with River Roast after having such high expectations. While some of the sides and appetizers were great, none of the main roasts blew me away. It's an overrated restaurant, and they need to step up their game.
(3)Christina C.
Absolutely yummy! Definitely recommend! Recommend the chicken. Service is great just like the food!
(5)Kelsey K.
I don't really like a la carte restaurants because it kind of bugs me to pay so much for just the meat and then also have to buy the sides separately, but this place blew me out of the water. I don't know what they did to that chicken, but it was as good as a steak, if not better. The beer selection is solid (they had a sour on tap, which is my favorite but not the most popular). My husband and were thrilled with our meal - we ordered two bar snacks (house pickles and scotch egg) the chicken and one side, plus dessert and drinks, and were really shocked at how reasonably priced everything was. I want to go back, already, and there are so many good restaurants in Chicago still to try. This place was really special and will definitely stand out in your mind.
(5)Kelly K.
An awesome spot to eat on the river. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so that we can sit outside again! The roast chicken is one of the best I have ever had- definitely recommend it. If you like cheese curds, those are a must have.
(4)Amy M.
My Sister and I came to River Roast for a very special event. It was the 100th Anniversary Weekend of the Eastland Disaster and the wonderful folks at the Eastland Disaster Society set up a lunch for the group which consisted of family members with a connection to the disaster. For those not familiar with the Eastland Disaster, 844 people perished in the Chicago River when the boat they had just boarded, the Eastland rolled over into the river right in front of the location where the restaurant is now - between Clark and LaSalle Streets. Since our group was very large as we entered the restaurant we were directed to find a seat on the main level if we had a blue star on our name badge and downstairs if we had a red star. We were then instructed to take a drink from a table as we walked in. Even though my Sister and I submitted our registration form together somehow we both wound up with different colored stars on our name badges. Not wanting to be separated from my Sister I thought it would be ok if I sat on the main level with her as could one person sitting on the wrong level really make a difference? I grabbed a glass of lemonade and we found a nice table near the window and introduced ourselves to several other folks who were already seated at the table. We began sharing our family stories about our relatives who either survived or were victims on that day 100 years ago. A few minutes later a female sever came by and asked to see the back of our name badges as our choice of entree was listed on the back. A few minutes after that a manager came to our table and told me that I had the wrong color star on my name badge and that I would need to move to a table on the lower level. I explained to her that this was a family event and that it was important for me to stay with my Sister. We then suggested that that we would both be happy to move to the lower level together if it was really necessary. The manager said no "you need to move downstairs and she has to stay up here because you have a red star". Everyone else at our table just looked on in disbelief and at this point I was very embarrassed. I pointed out to the manager that there still appeared to be plenty of open seats on our level and that how could one person being on the wrong level really make a difference? She then said, no all of the seats will be filled and you need to move. I then asked her to please make an exception and by this time the other guests at our table were beginning to eat their salads. She then said she would have to check to see what could be done and walked away. Our special lunch was not starting off well and by this time I was really upset by the big deal this manager was making over one guest sitting on the "wrong" level because she had the "incorrect" color star! After I was nearly finished with my salad the manager came back and said that I could stay where I was. A rather insincere apology was offered. It was very obvious by that time that there were several empty seats nearby. Our salads very good - fresh and colorful and our chicken sandwiches were also good. Portions were very large and my Sister was only able to eat half of her chicken sandwich so she then asked our server if she could take her leftovers to go. The server said that because they were so busy with the large group, they would not be providing anyone with to-go containers. I know that the staff was busy with such a large group but how unreasonable would it be to simply have some to-go bags on hand to provide to anyone who wished to take a half sandwich home? The dessert was advertised as banana pudding with caramel sauce. However when it was served it appeared that no one received any caramel sauce with their pudding. I'm not sure if they ran out or if the staff was simply in too much of a hurry to bother with it. No explanation was given and at this point of the meal it seemed pointless to ask especially if the staff was too busy to even provide a to-go container. This was our first experience dining at River Roast and it was disappointing especially considering that it was meant to be a special event to commemorate an event that meant so much to us and is such an important part of Chicago's history. We each paid $37 for this lunch and the servers did not even serve us any drinks as everyone picked up a soft drink from the table as we walked in. Perhaps the staff at River Roast does not have much experience dealing with a large group but I think the staff (manager included) could benefit from some additional customer service training.
(2)Lisa H.
Food & cocktails were amazing, but my entire group left with heads from the live music sound level, way too loud for a brunch set!
(3)Lisa G.
I was so excited when I found out that River Roast has live music outside during the weekends for brunch. Unfortunately, the service was so bad that it ruined the experience for us. With so many great places to dine in the city, I don't think we'll be back. Disappointed. I'm giving it two stars because while we were waiting for our table, the bartender inside was very nice and on top of our drink orders. I guess the service outside is a different story. And the food was just okay.
(2)Mike K.
Stopped in yesterday for lunch on our way to MCA. Seated right away on patio overlooking River, good seats. Our waiter was very busy as it seems he was the only one outside. As a result he was not attentive. We were looking for a light lunch he suggested the whole chicken at $39. The kids next to us got it it looked amazing but too much for lunch. We got the blue burger and chicken salad both were good. Overall good just don't expect great service with your view of the water.
(3)Jeanette P.
Went there the other night with three other friends. Unfortunately, this Chicago weather didn't cooperate and it was too cold to sit outside (boo!). But the food! The food was fantastic! We started with the Scotch egg, house pickles and the pork meatballs. All very good. We shared the big fish (australian sea bass) and whole chicken - both were phenomenal. The fish was seasoned so well and the chicken was moist and cooked perfectly. We may have over-ordered our starter and dinner (haha), so there was no room for dessert. From what I saw, it looked good. And if their desserts taste as good as their other courses, you couldn't go wrong.
(4)K B.
This review is solely for the chicken. Although it was cooked to perfection, it was extremely bland and the skin had the most bizarre flavor that I just couldn't put my finger on. It was almost sweet and I just really was not impressed at all, in fact we did not finish more than half a breast each before losing our appetite. To be fair, management apologized and comped us $15 off our meal. I just really cannot get over how odd that chicken tasted.
(2)Katie S.
Fairly unmemorable dinner so much that I couldn't even recall at first what I ate when a coworker asked this morning. However I'll give you the rundown... Tasty: Supper Club Mushrooms (100% my fave), Hoosier Mama Apple Pie w/ Cinnamon Ice Cream (ice cream was ridic), and the Fire Roasted Indiana Shrimp app was good too. The Whole Chicken Roast was decent (juicy with crispy skin), but I wouldn't say noteworthy and the presentation, while I get goes with the whole theme, was a little unappetizing. Smoked Trout app came with a weird battery cauliflower pancake that was just odd. While I won't be running back to River Roast for dinner due to the average food and business work environment, I think when the sun decides to come back in 6 months or so and you can sit outside along the river, it will highly improve the ambiance. May need to come back for lunch or brunch as I hear they are better received.
(3)Gordon B.
Great find for river north area. 10 minute walk from our river front hotel and well worth it. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We went with the chicken for two. The chicken was cooked perfectly. Juicy and skin crispy like chicken bacon... Hard to say if I have had better. The sides: We had Brussels Sprouts prepared with Honey, Fresno Chile and Root Vegetables prepared with Maple Syrup. Sprouts were the better of the two but both were a good pick. We were celebrating our 33rd anniversary and could have not picked a better place in the area. Thanks for the deserts they were great also.... Gordon & Sara
(5)Krista L.
This place does everything so well, you can't help but give them 5 stars. We started with Hogan's Charcuterie. I'll admit, you have to be a brave eater, but everything on the board was delicious. Highlights: rabbit mousse, spicy mustard, head cheese, fruit compote. For a table of four, we ordered the pork roast and the chicken roast. It was too much food, but I'm not really complaining. The chicken was super moist (even the white meat) with crackly skin, and it rested on a bed a yummy potatoes. The pork was also moist and had a delicious gravy. We also got the Brussels sprouts, which, being cooked in butter and meat fat, were obviously amazing. For dessert we all split a Fat Elvis mini-pie (peanut butter, chocolate, banana, pretzel) and the seasonal Hoosier Mama pie slice (cranberry, apple, pear). The were both very good. My table mates indulged in a wine and beer and found River Roast's selection to be ample - plus our server (Keith) gave some great pairing suggestions. Overall, this place is amazing. You should go. Like, right now.
(5)John G.
They are off to a good start. Love the roasting concept and it smelled good! The space is big with tables nicely spread and on a nice day you can eat outside along the river. We started with roasted corn and Indiana shrimp. It was a great start with the corn having a great roasted flavor. Entrees are meant to be shared and there are only 3, fish, chicken and beef, so we had the Branzino which came whole, but deboned. There was a side of great crispy potato wedges. Delicious! We finished with soft serve banana ice cream and what was supposed to be cherry pie. The pie was more of a tort with not much filling. Our waiter, Colin, saw my disappointment and comped it. A very enjoyable meal.
(4)Alex R.
Great spot, right on the river. Business lunch. Had a roast sandwich. Solid. Waitstaff extremely friendly. Would go back. I believe our server's name was Tamara. Thank you!
(5)Clara S.
Great food and service. Order rotisserie chicken! Crunchy skin, moist inside. Country fried rabbit also delicious!
(5)Dan O.
Went here Saturday night for a birthday. 10 people, had a reservation. Ambiance is cool, great spot on the river (although already way too cold to be out there) ((no surprise Chi-city)). Was not very crowded, but it could have been the weather that kept people away on a Saturday night. Only one bar tender working so drinks took a while, but were delicious. We ended up ordering our 2nd drink as our server brought out the 1st round. The server was very knowledgeable of the menu and the chefs' vision for River Roast, he was great in accommodating the large group by splitting the sides into several dishes for the "family style" service. They bring out bread with a delicious "french-onion butter" spread. Kept asking for more. Recommended the Golden Gobbets, which were good but a bit over breaded before frying so crazy crunch. We ordered a lot of food 2 whole chickens, 2 roast beef, 1 whole fish, and just about every vegatable side, but I will say the stand out were Hogan's Peas. All meats/fish are brought to table and sliced in front of you. Very cool style. I pretty much set one of the chickens in front of me and picked at for a good 30 mins straight. Server knew were celebrating so brought out Fat Elvis for the birthday boy, which I sampled and was quite good. Server didn't know if they had Don Julio when we asked. Overall chicken was as good as advertised and I think I would come back, but I felt it was a little expensive for a large group. What to Order: Whole Chicken with Potatoes Hogan's Peas Fat Elvis
(3)Jessica B.
In reading the other reviews of River Roast, maybe it was just an off day on Sunday when I went for brunch. We arrived just as it opened and the staff was really friendly and allowed someone in our party who arrived pre-opening to sit and have a drink while she waited for the rest of our group. We sat outside on the riverwalk and it was really a perfect day for it. Great breeze, sunshine and all around weather. But the wait staff was maybe not on their game yet. Our waitress was really nice, but may have been too busy with other tables because she took forever to come back for orders and to fulfill drink orders too. I asked for more coffee and it didn't appear for me until the fifth time I asked, but others at our table got more coffee. I realize this may not be a "big" thing, but the overall vibe was weird among the wait staff support staff. Something was off. Same when they cleared the table, I said I was still working and they still took the food away. Just weird. The food was good too but the menu was very limited not a ton of options. I would definitely go back for a drink and to hang out and enjoy the view, or grab a sandwich on the top floor to go, but I'm mixed if I would come back for dinner, unless I was already downtown.
(3)Rich B.
Stopped in on a nice summer afternoon for some drinks and appetizers. Sat outside on the patio looking out at the river, very nice! Food was awesome service was awesome. A nice guy named Andre was our server, really did a grest job. Definitely going back. Going to bring some friends next time to try the brunch.
(5)Shauna M.
Tried it for lunch on a beautiful Chicago summer afternoon. 4 stars for patio ambiance overlooking the river. Limited wines by the glass. Roast Beef Sandwhich and Vietnamese salad were good for what they were. Would only go back if it involved sitting outside.
(4)Erwin M.
Always looking for a great Gastropub, my wife and I sauntered out of our hotel and one block to find this gem of an eatery. River Roast may have just opened recently but I believe they have a very bright future. We were able to obtain seats outside on the veranda over looking the scenic Chicago River. The heater lamps were set perfectly as my face didn't feel like their roasted chickens. The meal started out with the Shrimp & Crab toast. Let me tell you, if there is anything that you must order here, believe me when I say that this is the best 4-bites you will ever have. If can muster to put one piece into your mouth, do it. There is something about swirling all the textures and flavors into one bite that is to be appreciated. The crunch of the brioche toast, the cold bite of the crab & shrimp, and the creaminess of the avocado come all together in a symphony of flavors that only God could have created. Our main entrée ended up being the roasted chicken with a side of sautéed mushrooms. The chicken arrives standing vertically on an iron skillet with fried potatoes underneath. The drippings from the chicken marinate the potatoes below and the iron skillet keeps the whole meal heated throughout the meal. I would describe the chicken as very tender and juicy. The prize of this entrée is the delectable skin; it was savory and the crispness of a thick potato chip. We were informed that the chicken was not brined which was surprising considering the tenderness of the breast as well as the rest of the bird. Our server Emma and the crew were top-notch. She was very informative of each dish and made sure we had our glasses filled at all times. The bar manager personally served my choice of beverage and gave me some history about the ale. My experience at River North is all positive notes. The décor and ambiance is excellent; any dinner you can have next to the Chicago River and not freeze is always going to be memorable. Each dish is brought out with pride and you can tell with the presentation when it arrives. Kudos to all at River North; I hope you prosper and take the city by storm.
(5)David L.
First the good stuff.... Great ambience and views of the river. The roast chicken was great... Tasty and tender. Lemon trifle dessert was awesome. BUT.... The roast beef was gristly and not so tasty. almost bland. Appetizers including ravioli, smoked trout and fried chicken gobbets were just fair. No pop. Really expected better. The wine list was really overpriced. Stick with the selection of craft beer. I really wanted to love this place and was surprised how little I even liked it. Given all we have to choose from in Chicago, it's unlikely that we'll come back.
(2)Elizabeth M.
We had dinner there the night after the grand opening and it was DELICIOUS! The views from the restaurant are breathtaking and even better if you chose to sat outside! The dinner style is more of a family style service. They offer an entire roast chicken or an entire fish (they say it feeds 2, more like 4) and they carve it for you at the table! We shared the chicken, a side of turnip au gratin (yummy!) and the artichoke appetizer. All amazing. I was super surprised at how deliciously flavored everything, especially the chicken. I also don't like turnips... now I do! Absolutely amazing service, our server walked us through the menu and was very very knowledgable having been only open for a day. Bonus: AMAZING BEER MENU
(5)Debbie E.
This review could have easily been 5 stars, and it could have easily been 2 stars. Let's get the bad out of the way .... the service. Some of the previous reviews touched upon this and it's rather perplexing that the issues with the wait staff haven't been dealt with yet. After being seated our waiter promptly came over and took our drink orders. We took time to peruse the menu and then put in our food order. The food takes awhile to come out, so be prepared if you don't order any appetizers. Other reviewers talked about bread being served, but we didn't see any of that. Anyway, back to the service. Once the food was served, that was the end of our service. We had to track down our waiter for everything. We ordered wine to have with dinner and never got it. Half way through the meal, we finally were able to locate our waiter and ask about the wine. Then we don't see him again until our plates are cleared and he just comes to the table and says, "Shall I bring you the check?". We weren't asked if we wanted anything else or wanted to see a dessert menu. We asked to see the dessert menu, ordered coffee and my husband asked to have his water glass refreshed. Coffee was lukewarm. When he came to refill my husbands water, he refilled it and left. Never asked if the rest of us would like a refill or better yet ... just refill all of them. No one ever came back to refill or coffee or ask how dessert was. My dinner companions said they felt he was rather arrogant and didn't really want to be serving us. Finally, had to flag him down again to get the check. Didn't dock them stars for this because management stepped up and took the beverages and dessert off the bill after we complained. Hope they correct these service gaps since we have not been the only ones that have had this experience. For the most part, the food, as far as taste goes, is 5 stars. The biggest miss was the was the RR Chopped salad. It was drowning in so much dressing that it was almost like drinking vinaigrette. We also had the shrimp and crab toast, roast beef, rack of pork, curried cauliflower and RR potatoes. Everything was absolutely delicious. The beef and pork were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The accompanying sauces were excellent enhancements. The "popover" that came with the beef was hard as a rock and could only be eaten by dousing it with the gravy. The corn bread that came with the pork had good flavor, but was a bit dry. The curried cauliflower was so good I could have just eaten a plate of that. Drinks are expensive, but they are everywhere downtown. However, beware when ordering the small bites and sides. We got 4 pieces of the shrimp and crab toast. Basically, one piece of bread cut into 4 triangles topped with the seafood and a dollop of avocado. At $14 that's $3.50 per piece. It was good, but it wasn't that good. As for the delicious cauliflower, we barely got enough so that 3 of us could each get a piece! You literally get only about 4 florets for $9. Save your money and make it yourself. It's a shame because everything was so good, but those items left us feeling a bit ripped off. When we go back again we will probably just stick to the roasts and maybe the the salad or try the "boatload of veggies". It would be interesting to see what they consider a "boatload".
(4)Jose V.
Came here on a rainy Tuesday night. I was impressed by their ambience and decor, is trendy, upscale, romantic. As a start, ordered the pork cake, which was decent, but didnt wow me, it sounded better in the menu :) As far as the entree, I split the rack of pork and seasonal vegetables with a friend, it was top notch, the meat was very tender, juicy and packed with flavor, it also comes with a side of grilled potatoes which were delicious. If there is something they need to improve on is on their service. While the servers were professional and had vast knowledge of their dishes, they weren't very attentive and/or were kinda slow, I had to stay on top of them; it wasn't a busy night. Overall the food is great, they have 4 main meat entrees which are totally shareable, again, some items may sound better in the menu, but I would still love to come back and try their charcuterie before making a final assessment, for what I've tried, it deserves 4 solid stars. They have a pretty good selection of wines and bubbles and charcuterie which could make this place a potential go-to for afterwork happy hours..
(4)Jan E.
Absolutely superb! Loved the roasted chicken which is "for two" but three of us ate it with four roasted sides (brussel sprouts, The Peas, beets, leeks) and it was more than enough. Nice touch: a recipe for chicken soup sent home with our extra chicken. Excellent beverages (our table had the cider, mead, and a lemon citrus cocktail.) All excellent. We'll be back.
(5)Trent M.
Beef, pork, and, chicken. A trinity of meats. Chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan may have mastered the open flame with outstanding roasts. Our table of seven ordered the Whole Chicken, Rack of Pork, The Roast Beef, and Big Fish, as well as the fried rabbit and vegetables as appetizers. The waiter cut the large and main dishes tableside, which brought out the cameras for the show. All the dishes were excellent, but the beef was the favorite of the group- a perfectly roasted medium rare, and succulent smoked prime flavor. The atmosphere was richly dark yet open, with scenic views of the river and open kitchen. It was only slightly too loud that Saturday night. Topped off with a good beer menu and great service, River Roast will stand on its own. Food: A Service: A Atmosphere A-
(4)Susan W.
We really enjoyed River Roast. Our server was fantastic, the ambiance was really nice and we sat over by the TV so we could watch the Wisconsin game. We went pretty big with appetizers, drinks and the roasted fish, but it was all super tasty and totally worth it! We went at 5:30 so it was probably quieter than later in the evening, but we plan to go back with a group since it is such a great share-a-meal type of place. I highly recommend the fish, the peas and the cocktail that's like an old fashioned. Enjoy!
(5)Frances A.
Subpar. Beautiful welcoming space. But that's where the compliments end. Tried their soup of the day at lunch. I was told it would be hearty, bit i was still starving. My friend's salad was pretty blase. At least we enjoyed the bread with cheese.
(2)Kristy D.
To be fair, im basing this review on the fact that everyone at my table ordered salads for lunch but we were still a little disappointed. The bread and cheese they offer was really great and they were more than happy to give us a few portions. Unfortunately, all of us felt pretty ho-hum about our salads. The steak salad lacked a lot of flavor and the steak didnt taste very well seasoned. The greek inspired salad was filled with a ton of olives and feta (which is usually a great thing) but made the whole salad way too salty. And last, the caesar salad was nothing special and the lettuce was a little wilted. Id like to try it again and maybe some of the menu items they are becoming well known for.
(3)Don N.
Johnny was amazing. We basically our menu selections in his hands and he never steered us wrong. Delicious apps, drinks and the freakin sweet potatoes..good god. Next time I am here I will want the same experience. Johnny set the table the delivered the goods.
(5)Angela L.
Went into this reservation fully expecting the worst and was VERY pleasantly surprised by the service and food. Usually the opening week for any restaurant is a mess, the kitchen and service staff are out of sync, the bartenders are overwhelmed. Not River Roast, from the bar upstairs to the table riverside everything was very well taken care of. Food is great, we had a group of 5 women who like to eat so we ordered four small plates to start that were pretty darned good. I would pass on the Lobster Terrine, pretty meh. Artichokes Barigoule were fantastic, we could have mopped up all the sauce with a loaf of bread and been super happy. Chicago Style Sashimi was very tasty, highly recommend. Be sure to get an order of the Golden Gobbets, they were so good I think we all picked up the little basket to see if there were more. For the entrees we got all three, The Big Fish, Whole Chicken (carved tableside) and the Roast Beef. The Chicken was the favorite, very juicy and great flavor. Fish was tasty but I think it won't be for everyone. Beef, well, it's beef, it was delish. Be sure to order some sides, the whipped parsnips were a huge hit. But the Hogan's Peas were by far my favorite, who doesn't like BACON in their peas? Save room for dessert too, we got the Roost Beer Float, The Fat Elvis and the Dark Chocolate Pudding. All very good, the only issue was that I'm pretty sure the pastry chef used salt instead of sugar in their whipped cream on top, it kind of worked though. Drinks, also good, nice but small wine and beer list and great craft cocktails. Beware the Giant Peach of Doom, that'll put you down for the night but by all means, order the I Was Told There Would Be Dancing. Yum! One bonus, GREAT music selection.
(4)Megan S.
The atmosphere was absolutely stunning. Priced very fair for the quality of meat. The Beef - Perfectly cooked. I had one of the red wine blends from Washington state - Delicious. I had the peas and the green beans for the sides. I didn't die for them but they were good - just not for me. The potatoes were amazing. Loved it everyone was super great, service was amazing. The view of the river is also to die for.
(4)Pam H.
Calling this a $$ restaurant location is a stretch, but that is a criticism of Yelp, not the restaurant.We had 2 beers , a cider and 2 (substantial) appetizers and a $90 check including tip. We were there on Friday night after work. I like the restaurant. There is enough noise to feel lively but you can still hear conversation. The room is warm and inviting with , or in spite of, the large windows onto the river. The seating is comfortable, Tables are nicely spaced although we had no trouble hearing the conversation at the next table. I wish they had smaller or salad forks. The pitchfork sized meat forks are too big for pates or salads. I wound up using an oyster fork but a place of this caliber should balance their flatware with the scale of the food item. In dimly lit restaurants, if you use a cream colored stock for your menu paper, make sure your ink choice and font are sufficient to be able to read the menu easily. I liked our waiter. He was informative, there when we needed him and did not hover. We had the charcuterie platter and the foie gras terrine. My friend balked at eating rabbit and he missed the really good rabbit mousse. His loss. More for me. If you get it, use the fruit condiment (?Figs?Currants?). It is an excellent taste balance to the saltiness and tang of the rabbit. The terrines and pate were also tasty, more so when they warmed up to room temperature when we could catch the subtleties of the flavors. Just take them out of the fridge earlier, please. The dry sausage/salami was excellent. It was sliced very thin, well spiced. It would have been impossible to maneuver with the big fork and I am glad I had the oyster fork for that especially. The bread. Thick slices of a country loaf, possible boule which are toasted in the middle of the dining room. It makes for a scrumptious fragrance except for the charred pieces which smell like burnt toast. Unfortunately some of the burnt pieces were served at our table. I don't want to scrape blackened edges off my bread. C'mon guys. Wide selection of craft beers which my friend liked a lot.There are some ciders on the menu with which I am more familiar. Draft cider was an excellent toasty brew, but the 750ml bottles of cider are priced like wine with a similar mark-up. Hmmmm...nope. Back to the prices. Entrees are for 2 persons and certainly the chicken at the next table could have served more than 2 but at $39 looks expensive. The roast beef is $32 for 8oz and IS expensive and the waiter does a nice job of trying to upsell to the 16 and 24 oz portions. $64 for a 16oz piece of meat? Nope, even if it is meant to be shared. Overall, the food was good, the room was nice, but it was too expensive for what was provided. I wouldn't mind coming back on someone else's expense account.
(3)Marina P.
Crazy good chicken. Great service. Wonderful views. Nothing but compliments for the River Roast!! Alex our server was friendly, competent and so amazing!!!!
(5)Andy S.
Came here for drinks and dinner on the patio on Sunday and had a great and time. Good food, good drinks, and super friendly staff. Katie walked us through the menu and gave solid recs. the pork was outstanding!
(5)Karlyn T.
Brews & Blues Brunch - LOVED IT! My boyfriend & I stumbled upon River Roast while on a business trip in Chicago (we're from Miami) last month. And let me tell you, we absolutely loved it! From the gorgeous river views & the blues band to set the perfect ambiance, to the amazing food we were pleasantly surprised! The staff was extremely attentive & professional, too! (We both keep talking about our experience at River Roast!) In fact, I made this account to specifically review this awesome restaurant! I had the french toast & he had a breakfast type burrito. Both servings were large & well worth the cost. We also enjoyed a few delicious brews! Thank you for the awesome experience, River Roast - can't wait to be back in The Windy City to check you out again! (Or you could just come down to warm Miami! )
(5)Kevin K.
Been there twice, the first time the whole chicken was just incredible. Best chicken I've ever had. Second time it was still good but not quite as good as the first time. The fish is great too though the portion is kinda small; it definitely won't fill up two people. The pork was underwhelming though so I'd stick with the chicken and fish
(5)Melissa N.
I can't say enough good things about River Roast. My friends and I had a fantastic dining experience here. The ambiance of the place is great: casual but still very modern. I would love to come back again when it's warmer to enjoy the lovely outdoor patio on the river. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. My friends weren't super impressed with the cocktails (one of them literally had an ice cube in it that was four inches squared, leaving room for only about two sips of drink...no thanks). The wine list was good, however, and we had a LOT of the house pinot noir, which was divine. The food was outstanding. We sampled a plethora of dishes. Highlights include the roast chicken, which is incredible: so tender you barely even need to chew it. I'm not usually big on beets, but the beet side dish was great, as were the brussel sprouts, leeks wrapped in prosciutto, mushrooms, and every single thing we consumed. For dessert we shared an apple fritter of sorts that wasn't super impressive, but the lemon dessert was heavenly. I was also impressed by how affordable this place was. Split six ways, we each ended up paying $66, including tip. I expected it to be twice as much based on the amount of food and drink we had. Overall, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Andrew O.
As a regular visitor to the windy city....I have eaten at a variety of different establishments. River Roast has definitely been the highlight of many dining experiences in the city! We had a large group of people with us and ordered a variety of items from the menu to share with the table. Everything was served beautifully and cooked to proper temperature. The chef himself actually came out and greet us. I even asked him to make me a spicy relish for our beef dish. In just a few minutes he whipped up a fantastic array of veggies and herbs to put on our food. Cannot wait to go back again!
(5)Tom S.
CS magazine could not have been more wrong on their review. We read about the restaurant in the latest CS and it sound like a great spot in the river. It is on the river but that is all they got correct. The menu is limited and the signature dish is chicken. We asked the waitress (one of the 3 times we saw her) recommendations: "the pork is good when we get it right, but chicken is our dish". You get better check at the grocery stores. Lack of flavor and dry. We looked at other tables and the results were the same. Just as big of an issue is we ordered, after hunting down the waitress, and the food was served within 7 minutes. They could at least pretend the food is not sitting in the kitchen warming drawer and give you a few minutes. We were done eating 30minutes from arrival and the Restauarant was empty so no reason to rush us. We asked 3 people for our check and eventually just left enough r cover the bill - the waitress showed as we walked out I make sure we left enough money. The parting words were sort and did you book open table and don't yelp. I am amazed this place has made it a year.
(1)Sheri B.
Well we were there with a group of 7 the wait staff was in space except for the quick clearing of the table. No coffee refills and the bill had orders that we never received.the chicken was ok. Had to ask to have a waiter cut it up. Had to ask the waiter to redo the bill. All together embarrassing. Took a group from out of town. Stick to the view and maybe a drink and don't go back till they get their act together
(2)Chris H.
Nearly a shrine built solely for slow braised meats. My boss and co-workers went here for lunch and were simply blown away. They start everyone out with grilled bread and a delightful sweetened cheese spread. My colleagues had fried chicken on enormous biscuit and I had the beef on weck (as good as Buffalo, NY's mainstay). They cook with love and execute dishes expertly. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan have nailed it here and what a location. Did I mention the service? Our waiter was present, knowledgeable and professional; he checked in regularly and helped us gain a better understanding of the menu. Also, hats off to carrying Local Options's beer. I will return!
(5)T C.
Such a pleasant surprise!!! Love the atmosphere. Unique cocktails. Decent wine list. Fairly limited entree menu but tons of veggie options and starters. (Limited entree menu means you have to be ready to share with your dinner partner as most meals are meant to share.) Went with a friend last night and we shared the fire roasted branzino and brussel sprouts. Both were excellent!! Great flavor, great quality, good presentation too. The "chips" were interesting. Very flavorful but not what I would really want in a side dish. Even the bread "starter" was outstanding! The only reason I gave them a 4 out of 5 is that the service was exceptionally slow. There's a fine art in giving your patrons time to decide and leaving them for extended periods of time. We had a show to go to and was almost late.... But otherwise - great, great, great experience!!!
(4)Tina N.
We noticed this beautiful setting along the river as we walked from the train station to our hotel. Coincidentally, the hotel concierge recommended it. Even though it was a limited menu at 3 in the afternoon, the food was fantastic and unique. The Scotch Egg was terrific. So we're the Golden Gobbets chicken and salads. I don't usually eat much bread but couldn't stop eating theirs with goat cheese crispy onion spread. Yummm
(5)Flor D.
Nice place well located with great view. It has a patio right in front of the river so it is highly recommended to go outside if it is a nice day. Food is really good and the staff is extremely nice.
(4)Pham D.
I love this new restaurant! Very classy but not mouse food. The portions are enourmous and they even encourage you to bring the chicken home and make chicken noodle soup out of it. Most of the menu is fire-roasted and comes out perfectly crispy and juicy. Their drinks are also amazing. Their location next to the river is picture-perfect!
(5)Nicole W.
Went with my fiancée for dinner on Christmas Eve-- everything was wonderful. We shared the chicken, which was moist and delicious and the crispy skin was the best part. Also got a side of sweet potatoes which were spicy, but good, and a ginger cocktail that was strong but perfect. Loved the ambience in the place and the wait staff was attentive and professional. Only complaint was table location by the servers station wasn't ideal, but that was very minor. Will return and so glad we chose River Roast to spend our Christmas Eve! Can't wait to see what it's like to sit outside during the warmer months.
(5)Tom O.
Blues & Brunch - was fun with live music. Food is decent, a little on the bland side. Too much smoke in dining area from the kitchen. Would suggest outdoor dining area when weather permits. Exceptional beer list with many hard to find brews.
(3)Julie M.
We celebrated a birthday here a couple nights ago and it was my first time here. The service was impeccable. Every attention to detail was carefully orchestrated. The food presented in a unique and inviting way- many entrees able to be shared (and encouraged). The roast chicken may have been the best I've ever had. The meat was juicy and flavorful while the skin was crispy and savory. The roast beef was cooked perfectly to temperature and the blood orange soft serve ice cream (dessert) is made in house and is phenomenal. I will definitely be returning to this gem on the river (with spectacular views)!
(5)Cathy N.
Awesome!! Awesome!! Awesome!!! Service. Food. Atmosphere. All just amazing! If you pick one place to go, this is it. Scotch eggs. Shrimp toast. Brandy and homemade frozen yogurt. Yum!
(5)Dan S.
A solid "B" grade for a decent dinner/night out place. Nice curated beer list, good but somewhat uninspired cocktails, passable wine list. The food is a great concept, roast meats but I found them to be somewhat bland in taste. Carving at the table - ok, here's a bit of a show but none of the flavors really popped or came out and in the case of our chicken - it was a bit dry. Keep refining and working it - we will be back...
(3)Jeremy S.
Great service! Started with a smile from Grace all the way through to the Chef/Owner, Mr Hogan. The chicken is screamingly moist, rabbit is fantastic and the Hogan Peas.....well, every dam thing we had. Just go. Don't think twice.
(5)M K.
Food, drink selections, and atmosphere are excellent. If their prices were more reasonable, I would give it 5 stars; it's a bit too pricey IMO.
(4)Jennifer G.
I went in with mixed expectations and left with mixed reviews. My husband and I stopped in last weekend and it was pretty empty for a Saturday night so we were able to snag a table outside. Unfortunately, many of the tables are blocked from looking into the river by either signs advertising to boats for the restaurant or the flowers. So - really it's a peek a boo sort of view. It was a little disappointing. Our waitress was very nice and described how the chicken roast is prepared and we ordered that. We started with both the chopped and spinach salad. Both were really good and a nice portion - which was great b/c it took a good 35 minutes before our chicken came out. The chicken was juicy - nothing dried out. However, it was just okay. I didn't feel it was over the top great and actually felt a sauce with it would have been nice. We ended up taking some of the chicken and potatoes home and I mixed it up with some different ingredients the next day. For dessert - I asked our waitress how large the soft serve was. She told us it was pretty small in a mason jar and gave us the vibe that we should get two. I was a little annoyed when they came out in pretty good portions - where one would have definitely been enough for both of us. All in all - not bad of a restaurant, but it is certainly not a place I would seek out again.
(2)Christine S.
Had lunch on a recent Friday. Nice atmosphere, especially the outside seating, but frankly expected better quality food for a restaurant that is associated with Tony Mantuano. We are regulars at Cafe Spiaggia and Bar Toma. First off, our waiter couldn't remember the specials for the day and was uninformed about the wines "by the glass". Good thing we didn't ask for any bottle recommendations! He also wanted us to order our apps and entrees all at once. We don't like doing this because entrees tend to come out too quickly. Even after waiting a few minutes to order our entrees after we ordered our apps, guess what? The entrees still came out too soon and we had just received our apps. Nothing more annoying than a waiter who is untrained both in service and menu. The Wagyu sashimi app was chewy, shouldn't that quality of beef melt in your mouth? The roast chicken for two was dried out and should be fork tender for $39. The Caesar salad was just ok. Didn't expect this poor quality of food and service at a Tony Mantuano restaurant. Very disappointed.
(2)Chris N.
Went there last night for a pre-theater dinner. Location is great, and ambience is really nice. Comfortable place, a little loud but intimate. In the summer I bet the outside seating along the river would be fantastic. Food was good but there was a small problem described below. Bread and onion-herb spread was a good treat if not so remarkable. Starter was scotch egg, which was nice - perfectly soft boiled interior in a delicious package. My wife and I shared the roast pork. I am sorry to say that although the pork itself was flavorful, the carved portion we had was dry and overcooked. It reminded me of when I was a kid when my mother would cook pork to white, which in the old days was de rigueur but in modern times is no longer necessary. I was hoping for moist tender pork, but what we got was far from that. Oh dear. Beer, wine and cocktail selection was good. I was disappointed to not get a pint pour for my draft IPA, given the pint-pour price, but that is how it goes sometimes. Service was awesome! Total dinner for two with drinks and an appetizer was $100 plus tip. I am happy overall about the experience. I'd be happy to go back and try again, it's often hard to get roasts just right but that's what they do there :) other peoples' portions looked great.
(3)Bernie M.
I could be wrong, but I don't see this place lasting. Other than having a table outside on the river, and a very nice staff, I wasn't impressed by anything else. We had the scotch egg as snack, which was the best item we ordered. The leeks wrapped in prosciutto were also good, but aren't most things with prosciutto? The Indian shrimp wasn't good, and we didn't have enough chicken to go around for two people. The quality of the chicken was average at best. Again, great view, and nice being on the river, but I wouldn't think about coming here when the temperature is below 65. Were we really hearing heavy metal/Metallica as background music eating outside on the river? Yep. There's a time and a place for Metallica, but definitely not in that setting.
(2)DuSable Dining Club C.
Average ratings: Atmosphere-4.1 Service-4.5 Food-4.1 Value-4 Favorite things: Together with friends for the holidays! Spanx That lemon dessert Steph's speech Steph gets drunk the night before weighing in (thanks for such a great tip) Love the company Really good food-pork was great Company was 10 stars+ Jeff's generosity in passing dishes & being patient. Great gifts The sparkly polka dot red box and tool Katie and Lindsay joining us. Cant wait to wear my "gay man" t-shirt Love the new additions-Lindsay and katie The company-thanks for including me!!! Gift exchanges Terri's generosity-she is so giving for her kind!! Shalom! Steph as gay man Always love the company Great night! Great food! Think I'm buzzed-this was great, but I am a little buzzed We were all here-great company Food was great Really enjoyed Always the group Food was great Great music The gifts were great Christmas cheer with my family The pork! Wow! The wine-no way it was just 8 bottles Least favorite things: Having to leave Needed two severs Wish I loved it more Not much My taxi driver Spanks Driving home Leaving General Assessment: Great night-great laughs Eric is a great host 3 out of 5 stars Great place-loved the pork! Love all of you This is great! So fun! Could use better wine selection They close kind of early Fun place, great service Great place-would go back for sure What a great night-great friends!
(4)Yang C.
Totally agree that the roast chickens feed way more than two. Our group of 7 came in and ordered a roast chicken, a roast fish, 6 sides, 4 starters, and 2 salads and got a look from the wait staff as if we had severely under ordered.
(3)Ryan M.
Good eats....Great Times....Delicious food
(4)Clare H.
Had a wonderful experience there. The pork was so delicious and our waiter was so friendly. Such a beautiful view of the river, which really added to the ambiance
(5)Rita J.
We were here twice while in Chicago for a work/pleasure trip. On the first visit, we had the roasted pork with whipped sweet potatoes. The wait staff was prompt, charming and informative. The meal was flavorful. The atmosphere was pleasant...upscale but not stuffy. The second visit was not up to same level. We were seated in a tight two person table that could hardly accommodate the place setting. We were never greeted by the wait staff. A manager noticed we'd been seated for 10 minutes with no drink order. If it hadn't been for her, we wouldn't have been waited on. Our waiter, who never introduced himself, was always coming by AFTER the manager had checked in. After 30 minutes, we got some bread to go with our wine. 45 minutes after ordering, our entree, the roast chicken, arrived. It was tasty but I was beyond hungry by then. At least they comped our drinks and dessert to make up for the lackluster service. Perhaps it was a fluke...I sure hope so because it's a really great restaurant.
(3)Carole G.
Not a good evening. Went hoping for the best and it was a disappointment. Waiter was difficult to understand and could not explain items on menu. Ordered a bottle of wine and it was out of stock. Ordered chicken and it was dry. When bus person picked up plates he referred to Hogan's peas as soup. Go figure. Wait staff needs to be better informed of menu.
(1)bridget j.
A friend told us about this place and we decided to give it a try. The pros: the service was excellent; the food was perfect. We had the pork and the sweet potatoes and there wasn't anything left. Which leads to the cons: The portions are too small for the price. We had wine at $13 a glass and it was served a quarter of the glass full. We dine out enough to know this was a small portion. Also, the main entree is listed on the menu to share for 2, but it wasn't enough. We ate everything and while it was tasty it was also that we were almost left hungry. I will go back, but with a larger group and order more sides to split.
(3)Emily P.
First time experience with River Roast, and I wasn't disappointed. We got the muscles and port meatballs for appetizers and both were delicious. The muscles were slightly undercooked but the chef brought out a fresh batch right away and gave a complementary dessert! For the entree we had the chicken, which we were told they're known for. After having it I could see why! Cooked perfectly, juicy, crispy skin. Delicious. Overall a good experience.
(4)Kristen K.
Went to River Roast for Sunday brunch and to say that it was delightful would be an understatement! Beautifully re-modeled interior and outdoor seating, decadent morsels and original tasty cocktails, friendly service - all in a prime location! Who could ask for anything more? I recommend ordering a few entrees to share (shrimp and grits!! Hogan's peas, local tomatoes with ricotta, shrimp toasts, oh my)- because sampling the RR menu is !the only way to do it We also ordered a roasted chicken for the table which was so delicious that even my 5 year old asked for more... And they come with roast potatoes that taste like they've grown a skin of gourmet potato chips around them. They were super accommodating to my picky daughter and she devoured the waffles with a side order of biscuits with honey. A must-go new hot spot!
(5)neal s.
This was a disappointment. Everything was fine, but nothing was memorable. Our party shared the fish and the roast meat. The fish presentation was outstanding (ironically, despite the name of the restaurant the recommended preparation is fried) was a tiny bit overdone. My friends that have eaten there recommended the chicken and have commented how good it was but at $42 (for two, it did look gigantic) I won't be running back. I will probably give it another try because I had gone within the first two days of opening and may have still been working out the kinks. They do shave nice outdoor tables and the wait staff was very eager to please. Still, with the lineage of the owners and chef's my visit was not impressive.
(2)Jassen S.
Great experience here. Staff bent over backwards make this a special restaurant. From managers that step in to help out, friendly greeters, great bartenders and a wonderful host....great staff. The roast chicken was hands down the best chicken I've ever tasted. I am not sure how you get a roast chicken to be as tender and juicy as deep fried, but they have. Amazing! Solid beer list. Good cocktails...with a bar staff willing to go off the menu. Kyle and Derrick are solid drink makers. Worth the extra wait to eat outside. Highly recommended.
(5)Kristina O.
Recently opened up, spectacular views of the River, AND a menu men and women can adore. I planned a date for my boyfriend and this was our last stop for dinner on a beautiful Saturday night. We were seated promptly at a wonderful table. The views were amazing, the atmosphere was great for dates or groups, with a moderate noise level. Service: Excellent. Our waitor did a great job rattling off specials, descriptions, and suggestions. Food: We got the Whole Chicken (who wouldn't?) with sides of Curried Cauliflower, the Peas (more than just peas), and Leeks (more than just leeks). Everything was divine, including and especially the house-made PUNCH (I would have had more than 2 except I would have went right to sleep)! Take a group or date! Remember to get the PUNCH!
(5)A W.
Simple concept without a complicated menu. Service was awesome, as were the cocktails. I got to keep my flask that the cocktail was served in, built into the price of the drunk... oops i mean drink. The fried fish came out bonless, with head and tail still attached. The roast beef was charred on the outside and tender and juicy inside. I was a little surprised to see the place wasnt too busy, albeit a Sunday night.
(4)Jerry M.
Had dinner there this past Friday. Everything was perfect. Party of four 7:30 reservation has us seated by 7:20pm. Waiter was attentive & informed. Chef Hogan visited our table & made suggestions. Food was excellent & flavor was amazing. Will definitely be back to River Roast.
(5)Eric S.
Fantastic restaurant. I've been here multiple times and every time it's been delicious. Great entrees, appetizers, sides, and drink menu. It's now my go-to place to take people when they come to visit.
(5)Haydar M.
$100 for dry fried potatos, gamey beef with a giant wad of fat with two fried eggs on an old brioche. and a roast that was cut way too soon and was swimming in blood.. very shameful.. was expecting high hopes from this place. server was way too nervous to be kind or attentive. despite the nice design/decor. i wouldn't give this place more than 6 months.
(1)Joshua D.
We came to River Roast for our anniversary dinner. We spoke to the executive chef at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready. We knew what we wanted to order before we were seated so we ordered rabbit, artichoke hearts, and shrimp. The first app came after an hour, the entree came 20 minutes later. The other two apps came after the entree. Every single bit of food we ate was absolutely delicious. That and how the staff apologized and bent over backward for our troubles. It a newer restaurant so they are working things out, so we had to cut some slack! Food is amazing, drinks were strong, amazing city views. Try the rabbit!
(4)Leah L.
We shared two roasted fish for three of us. Delicious!
(5)Cate S.
I've been here a few times for lunch and have been impressed each time by the quality of the food, the speed in which it is delivered and by the staff who are incredibly friendly (Ive found some wait staff in Chicago to be snobby - not here). I have't tried their Sunday Blues Brunch yet but it is on my to-do list!
(4)Arti I.
I am not really one to gush, but I will make an exception for River Roast. You can tell right when you first sit down these people LOVE food. The waiter was absolutely lovely and described every dish we asked about in incredible mouth watering detail and when the food came out it exceeded the hype. Everything is carved right in front of you and meant for sharing family style! The big fish was my favorite by far, flakey and crispy on the outside and beautifully tender as you bite in. The RR potatoes are the perfect pair with whatever roast you pick. In short: everyone should RUN to River Roast and enjoy a truly unique dining experience
(5)Art R.
Great food, great service. We had roasted chicken for two, one of the signature dishes. It came quickly even though we were warned that it could take 20 minutes. Our server, Rodrigo went above and beyond normal expectation when we ordered Baileys and coffee only to find out that they did not have Baileys. Unprompted, he found a bourbon with cream which ended up tasting better than Baileys.
(5)Bryan R.
Second time eating here and we had the beef. It was really really good. What was even better was the service that we received. Our waiter Carlos was well versed on the food and the back story of the chefs. He was one of the better waiters we've had at any restaurant. I have recommended this place to two different people that both had great experiences and one of which has already returned for a second time. You can't beat the view being on the river when it is nice out. This place is just plain great.
(5)Nicole I.
I had my wedding reception at River Roast (formerly Fultons) and it was perfect! Hilary, the events coordinator, is so easy to work with and her and her team did an amazing job leading up to the big day and the day of! They handled everything! The food was also amazing. My guest are still raving about it! The view wasn't too bad either :)
(5)Paul C.
Came here after work with a party of 6 and were quickly seated at a riverside table with a great view. Just had drinks and appetizers to share. Everything was very tasty and the service was great. I can't wait to come back for dinner. On the inside, they did a great job of separating the banquet rooms from the main bar and restaurant. That was one of the biggest problems with the old incarnations at this location - it always felt abandoned and empty regardless of how many people were there. The remodeling is very nice. Finally, glad to see John Hogan is back in the saddle here - I always enjoyed everything at Keefer's where he was executive chef. It's about time this location gets it right!
(5)Michele K.
TERRIBLE FOOD, AN EMBARRASSMENT. 67 PEOPLE, $7500 rehearsal dinner. BAD. This redone restaurant, on the river with a Great location IS A LOSER for food and presentation. The menu we chose, pulled pork, bbq chicken, roasted veg. tater tot, corn bread, goat cheese salad sounded great for the event, but was like serving from a CHEAP buffet. One bowl of each was set up. An unadorned skimpy presentation. The bowls, standard serving sized were refilled, but a long line of guests getting food out of a bowl that I would choose to serve for 10 guests in my home looked like the meal was done on the cheap. The flavors: Meats were edible, again presentation was meat in a bowl unadorned. Corn bread salty and dry, roasted vegs, dry and tasteless, the salad was over dressed with 6" diameter globs of soft goat cheese that couldn't be dished easily (or at all as who wants a glob of cheese on soggy lettuce?), tater tot first service was luke warm. The desserts - Brownies, Cookies & Rice Krispy Treats were set on a small 2 top table, ON ONE DINNER SIZED PLATE, with coffee and tea. We had 67 people! Although It was refilled, I couldn't believe that my dessert table had a plate with 6 cookies and a couple of brownies and rice treats. There was nothing plentiful or abundant, or classy or welcoming or beautiful or professional about the food presentation. Because it was a rehearsal dinner for a joyous occasion a good time was had despite the venue, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND THIS VENUE. One week after a call about our unhappy experience, I still have not heard from the new chef/owner/manager of the catered venue department. This very expensive evening was the only bomb of a week filled with wonderful foods all over town. Go elsewhere.
(1)Caitlin S.
Loved this place. We just ordered a few item from the "bites" menu and shared them as our meal because we wanted to try so many!! Food was good, service was good and so is location. We made a reservation so we could get a table outside, but it didn't seem horribly crowded for a Thursday night.
(5)Nate A.
Overall an ok experience but not too impressed especially considering the price. Was with a table of five so we had the chicken, pork and big fish roasts. All of them were good but none of them stood out as memorable. The side dishes pretty standard as well. The best thing we had all night was the pork meatballs which had a nice smoked flavor to it. I recommend those. I guess I just expected more flavor in the rest of the dishes. Service decent but also a little choppy. Ok experience overall but not planning on going back for that price point.
(3)Andy G.
Solid place right on the river. The food is excellent and service is great. I was at River Roast for a business dinner so the "family style" menu could have made for an awkward evening had I not had excellent guests. The menu is spectacular but tread lightly if you're on a budget because it can add up quickly.
(3)Doni N.
Stopped in last night with two friends and had a wonderful meal. I arrived before my friends and sat at the downstairs bar and had a great conversation with the bartender about the menu. He was very helpful and ran down a list of his favorites. My friends and I ordered the Whole Chicken, the Roast Beef and roast vegetables for our entree, we also split the chopped salad between the three of us. I would recommend this to anybody.
(5)Teresa T.
Went for Sunday brunch while in Chicago over the holidays. Great atmosphere - had live blues. Seating/set up is spacious so you are not in the conversation at the next table. Waffles with rabbit was awesome - waffles crisp on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside. Rabbit was breaded and fried - moist and juicy - well seasoned. Crab omelette was good but could have been better. Fresh but a little bland. Service was excellent - attentive but not fussy. Will go back next time we're in the city.
(4)Brian S.
Smoked then roasted chicken was crazy good.
(5)Terri M.
We hosted our wedding reception at the River Roast. We had approximately 90 guests in attendance. The night was absolutely amazing! The downstairs area is gorgeous when decorated. The service was impeccable. The staff is truly accommodating. The food was delicious! The night was truly perfect. I HIGHLY recommend hosting your next event at this restaurant!
(5)Ann M.
River Roast has amazing food. I had their roast beef sandwich for lunch and it was delicious!! The popcorn shrimp was a great way to start our meal. The shrimp came with a spicy dipping sauce which complimented the shrimp perfectly. The restaurant has scenic views of the river. I can't wait to go back and try their roasts!! The server, Alex, was friendly and attentive. He described the food so well that we both ordered the specials!!
(5)Rafal S.
Fantastic food. Great addition to the Chicago restaurant scene. The best chicken I've ever tasted. The charcuterie board and Hogan's peas are a must try. A great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Chef John Hogan hosts some of the best local blues talent around. Fine food and great music. Can't go wrong! Will definitely be back!!
(5)Geoffery H.
Great food and the service was good as well. We sat outside along the river, wonderful experience!
(5)Brandon D.
Very cool modern and comfortable atmosphere, with a great view of the river. Service was fast and very friendly. My bloody mary was perfect, and the lobster burger was nothing short of amazing. To top it off, they have a really nice blues band that plays during brunch on Saturdays. You gotta check it out.
(5)Kristina W.
I ate at River Roast recently with 3 other girls and we were all really impressed. The roast chicken and roast fish were so flavorful and huge portions. Every appetizer we ordered was better than to one before it. The only unimpressive order was the Fat Elvis dessert, which was just meh. The place had a nice vibe too - trendy yet cozy. Was the restaurant life changing? Probably not. Do I want to come back? Most definitely.
(4)Mel D.
Stopped here for meat since we're trying to eat Paleo! 2:30 pm Saturday. Great meal. Great setting. Right on river. We had the roast chicken and lightly crispy fish and tomato salad w fresh ricotta. All of it was very tasty. Would recommend all 3. And the potatoes that came with both meats were delicious. This meal was cheating on the true Paleo way with the light crispiness of fish and fried potatoes. Ah well....it's a journey! It was worth it. They had only been open 10 days.
(5)Christopher J.
Great place excellent Rack of Pork,service and drinks. Best of all live Blues Saturday and Sunday at lunch!
(5)Max L.
Chicken and service was outstanding....sit in Julio's section. The bourbon popcorn appetizer for $5 was a steal!
(4)D H.
Nice location--I only had appetizers which were okay.
(3)Adele G.
Had a blast here! Camped at the bar with a friend for a few hours and yukked it up with the bartenders, pairing different cocktails with everything we ordered. The food was spot-on, charcuterie AMAZING (the duck prosciutto to die for), and really had a ton of laughs with the bartenders. Will definitely be coming back here for the meat-centric menu and to work my way through their food. Couldn't be more pleased. Nicely done!
(5)Kelly M.
Wonderful! Try the smoked trout, oysters , and whole chicken. Wonderful addition to the river.
(5)Karen D.
My husband & I had out annual "Christmas lunch date" at River Roast today & we loved everything about this place! It was pretty full when we arrived & yet we were able to carry on a conversation without having to scream at one another: we immediately knew things were headed in the right direction! We were going to share a salad - when we asked, our server told us they were large - but then we saw the Scotch egg appetizer. Our server explained that they serve them soft boiled instead of hard boiled - we said the heck with the greens, bring us each one of those! Scrumptious, a great starter. Then we shared the pork roast - so moist & tender, sliced off the bone, but the bones are left to chew on (our server encouraged us to do so!). Served over an apple-cider-vinegar-cinnamony concoction that we just kept swirling our bites of pork in! Nice fat cap left on the pork - melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Honestly. Great potatoes. We had the Mexican chocolate soft serve ice cream for dessert: nice little after-burn, just enough to keep it interesting. The total package: ambiance, service, food, all perfectly done. Can't wait to go back & bring friends.
(5)Nancy R.
Great view in nice setting--but $40 for a whole chicken?????Truth is the chicken was fine but no better than the $6.00 chicken from Costco. We ordered the meat, the fish, the chicken, the $10 squash popovers, the chopped salad, the turnips. and the mushrooms. All were good...None were great.....all were really pricy...Come for the hype, come for the views, come for a special occasion....or save some money and splurge with a boat ride on the river
(3)nu r.
Recently came here for dinner when my mom was in town. Food was delicious (we had the chicken, hogans peas and the shrimp toast and sashimi to start) and the service was exceptional. Everyone was very nice and knowledgeable. The ambiance was also great - we had a table on the patio right on the river. Great spot!
(4)Amanda K.
Delish! Went there for lunch, sat outside on their wonderful terrace. Wanted to get the whole chicken but the server (who was excellent) said their oven wasn't functioning properly and it wasn't up to standard. So we went with the beef, which was good (but I would have preferred the chicken). The crispy potatoes it came with were AMAZING and the side of peas we ordered were too. I also enjoyed the bread and spread (with crispy onions) they brought out first. Definitely look forward to going again!
(4)Alexis F.
not great. service took forever and food was average at best.
(1)David B.
Great bar tending with designer cocktails for $12. Whole roast chicken with table side dining was to die for and plenty of food for 2 people. The potatoes in the chicken were amazing. Awesome views of the river. Great for a fancy night out without breaking the bank.
(5)Mike G.
Simply terrific! Food, service and team.....all good. Thank you for a terrific evening.
(5)Elyse B.
Very disappointing and ordinary. I expected something special. The chicken was dry and without much flavor, likely because it was too large a bird and was overcooked. The fish was not flavorful. Vegetables (curried cauliflower and succotash) were better, though not enough to make me return, and did not come close to the flavors of vegetables at The Girl and The Goat. The potatoes were the only delicious dish served. The waiter was an odd combination of pushy and disinterested. Even the vibe of the restaurant was off; there were empty tables (on Saturday night) and a crowd waiting, people in sequins and in jeans, and generally a very touristy looking crowd. Miss this restaurant-- there are far better places to go.
(2)Michael P.
The food is fantastic. We had fried chicken appetizer that was 5 out of 5. I had the daily special patty melt. This was the best patty melt ever. It was not a patty but roast beef. Made up just like a patty melt but with roast beef. Should be a full time menu item. So why not 5 stars? This is the 5th or 6th restaurant in the same place. The environment did not impress me. OK it is along the Chicago river. But there are other places along the river. It was missing something in the decor. The waiter was eh. Did not know the menu did not care to find out the answers to the questions. I asked for Pelegrino I got some other bottled carbonated water. I did not care but usually you would have the water say is xyz ok instead. Again waiter did not care. I will go again since it is only a 5 minute walk from my work. Hopefully better waiter.
(4)Dara B.
We visited as tourists from New York and had a great time! Came for drinks on Saturday night and liked it so much we came back for brunch on Sunday! Live music at brunch is perfect, beer selection great, staff super nice. Would recommend!
(5)J. G.
The service is excellent. The ambiance is terrific. The pork roast entree was amazing, but everything else was simply underwhelming. Such grand ideas for the appetizers and extras, but in the end those items sounded better than they tasted. The chorizo stuffed olives were bland, and let me reiterate that these were fried olives stuffed with chorizo resting on fondue cheese and yet somehow, couldn't taste anything but olive. The Brussels sprouts lacked appealing texture or flavor, but had a nice afterkick thanks to the Fresno chiles. The roasted potatoes were nothing to write home about, despite quite a bit of hype from the server. Even the cornbread that came with the pork entree was weirdly seasoned with herbs that overpowered the heartiness of a cornbread muffin. But all that said, the kitchen definitely knows what it's doing with the meat. We only had the pork, but numerous tables around us had the chicken and roast beef and all we heard was raving. So let me rave a little about the pork as well. Unbelievably tender and flavorful. Seasoned in a way that I've never had pork before. The flavor has stuck with me and I can't wait to go back and get more. They claim it serves two, but we took about half home with us and it reheated wonderfully. Another bright spot was the Lemon Trifle dessert. It was sturdy, but still light and tasty. If you go, stick to the meats because that's where River Roast truly shines.
(4)N G.
We had a party of 8. Nice decor and great bar. Food is over priced-$39 for a roasted Chicken with a few crispy potatoes. Chicken was ok. But not worth the price. Fish is served with head on. We asked to have it fileted. The amount of fish was small and my main complaint is it had too many bones in it. It was supposed to have been deboned. Too many other better restaurants in Chicago that have better fish. Sides are pricey and small. We tried the mashed turnips. No one ate more than a teaspoon of them. Overall as a group we were not impressed and will not return.
(2)Leah K.
Bartenders were amazing and friendly, 1+ hour wait when we made reservations....ehhhhh not so much! Menu is very limited, but has good options. The main meat options are pretty sizable- I think feeds more than two people people, but the sides will probably only feed 2-3 max.
(3)Erica L.
I had a really lovely meal here with a party of 10. The menu, though a little small, did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the scotch egg which came with pickled egg and mustard. The brussels sprout salad with fried cheese was refreshing and flavorful. The grilled, filleted, whole fish was perfectly tender and the mock pork rinds were a huge hit. The grilled pork with the caramelized sauce on top was delightful and tender. The whip sweet potato was also very flavorful and wonderful. All in all, they had a great meal. The cocktails were solid as well. So glad other yelpers directed me to this place. It was just perfect for our group.
(4)Patrick T.
Great place to warm your face during a Chicago Polar Vortex, we ducked into River Roast for an hour and had a great time. The Spot: Great location right by the Chicago River with outdoor seating, but we happened to be there when it was 10 degrees out. We popped in and sat at the bar, which overlooks the river. Good decor, kind of your typical "cocktail bar" backdrop, with all the bottles backlit behind the bartender. Downstairs at the water level, is the more restaurant-y side of things. Hardwood counter at the bar, comfortable high chairs. The Vibe: Relaxed, we sat and chatted with the bartender, ate delicious mussels, and he let me try the housemade Malort and the Jaspers Malort (my first time). Awesome of him to let me taste them, but as all Chicagoans know, they shouldn't be tasted, ever, ever again. Why Only 4 Stars: Prices are a little high, the oysters I had were $3 each. No beers on tap, all bottled. Very minor complaint.
(4)Kelly E.
As weekend visitors from Nashville, we enjoyed a lovely brunch today in downtown Chicago! The welcoming entrance off of LaSalle leads you down a wide stairwell, allowing the main dining area to nestle right on the river. Seating options include a rustic bar area with high top tables or traditional seating for larger parties. A jazz band entertained from the corner & the servers were knowledgeable and very attentive. We started with beermosas featuring a local pilsner & fresh squeezed OJ and the scotch egg. The egg itself (soft-boiled, wrapped in ground sausage and deep-fried) lacked seasoning, but the thick-grained mustard and pickled onions that accompanied the appetizer lent some interest to the dish. We split the whole, roasted chicken served with home fries. Eh on the potatoes, but the chicken boasted juicy flesh and crispy skin. We opted for a dish of Hogan's peas on the side & holy gracious! Velvety creme fraiche, a light tinge of leek butter, crispy Bibb lettuce and hunks of smoked bacon. Ohhh goodness! Topped off our meal with The Fat Elvis (a chocolate, peanut butter & banana pie which deserves its own review).
(4)Danielle F.
Amazing meal! River Roast, it's safe to say, has become my favorite river spot! Boasting beautiful views and fantastic service, I couldn't have been more impressed with the evening. Do yourself a favor and order the Whole Roasted Chicken, with the side of Carrots and Dirt! The presentation of the roast was impressive as heck, and we couldn't get over the flavor! Juicy meat, and mouth watering potatoes, oh-my! I can't wait to return for the whole roasted fish! Put this one in your bookmarks' this summer, because Chicago hit this one right!
(5)Zenia R.
The best roasted chicken ever!!! Nice place and excellent service.
(5)Gaby F.
If you like wine with your Roasts beware!!! The cheapest bottle of red wine on the list was $70+ , and wait for it, it wasn't available. There was nothing on the list that was 'mid range' pricing and, as the beef is $32, if you both want beef and a bottle its $130+ just there with no appetizer or desserts. I really do think that there could be more reasonable bottles of wine, without having to drink awful Murphy Goode by the bottle (they serve this by the glass). Now there was ONE wine on special for $50 a Syrah, and it was OK. But we had to ask and its just not enough options at that price point. Cocktails (I had the Michael Keaton) were great. The food is terrific, profiterole chicken mousse was tasty, fois toast as part of trio was not, nor was rabbit, too much butter or cream. Crab toasts didn't need the dairy, maybe a light aoili. Chicken is really good potatoes with it are even better. Beef is not a huge portion at 8 oz but the gravy that accompanies is delicious. One nit pick, pop overs AKA Yorkshire Puddings (The traditional English meal) NEVER has cheese on the pop overs, ever. It maybe American taste to add cheese and my guests enjoyed it, but its not traditional. I have been eating Roast Beef on Yorkshire for 40years . But I'm happy I have a local option now. But I wont come with a large group of friends as I don't want the average check to be $80+ for the honour of drinking by the bottl!. Shame
(3)Christopher V.
Chicken was cooked perfectly with crispy skin & moist tender meat, but unfortunately was completely bland. Has potential for greatness if they'd season the chicken with herbs & salt. Go for the roasted fish instead. Brussels, chicken gobblets and cocktails are all must haves. Service is a bit spotty with servers disappearing for extended stretches.
(3)Steven N.
While walking around downtown and looking for a place to eat dinner and/or grab a bite to I realized River Roast was a block a way. I work really close to there and recalled that it was a new name along the river and decided to give it a try. The menu, while fitting the whole theme of the restaurant, is very distinctive and you must be in the mood for that when going. They serve whole fish on a stick and a whole rotisserie styled chicken as well. We ended up foregoing the unique but potentially good menu in favor of the drinks; I had an Amaro swizzle. This was quite good, flavor and a good proportion of alcohol/mixer/flavoring. Service was good, we only ordered one round of drinks so we weren't all that demanding. I would definitely consider going back for a full meal to test out the food and the full range of service.
(4)Mike O.
Been wanting to try to roasts here for quite sometime and finally made it in. We came looking for brunch so we didnt get the roasts but the food was fantastic. Shrimp and crab toast was great although I wish it was larger. Marscapone french toast was good and quite large but the croque madame was the best. Now Im even more excited to come back for dinner
(5)Alan L.
Maybe better for lunch than dinner We had their burger for lunch (not on the menu) and it may have been the best burger that I ever had. The Bourbon popcorn was not too interesting, but the Scottish Egg was outstanding. The restaurant location is convenient to downtown and the space is attractive.
(5)Bill D.
Good portions and meals cooked like you were at Grandmas. Pork was smoky and tender as was chicken. Great cocktails and cool venue on the river.
(5)LaLaLaLa L.
I really like the vibe in this place. I sat inside, but can see how awesome it would be to sit along the river on a sunny day. The restaurant itself it big... huge. The host stand is upstairs and she brings you down a level to the dining area. They have a limited menu.. which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I think their main entree choices are the whole chicken, pork, fish and roast beef. They are carved table-side which is cool. My husband and I decided to go in a different direction and order some different apps and sides. We ordered the meatballs, the golden gobbets, the potatoes and mushrooms. Golden gobbets: They were ok. I like that they give you honey to drizzle. I guess if you're a super huge fried chicken fan they're great. I compare them to crispy fried popcorn chicken. Meatballs- I didn't like these.. at all. potatoes- very good! Crispy! Almost reminded me of really good diced breakfast potatoes. Mushrooms- delish! I tried some other things friends had.. the pork was very good! I also tried the shrimp and crab toast and the chorizo stuffed olives.. The toast was VERY fishy tasting. The olives were not good, either. I would definitely come back.. but it's not my first choice. I would rather come for their brunch than the dinner.
(3)Thamer M.
Good place good food. It is worth to visit this spot. The waiters were helpful. I got the whole grilled chicken with salads. I think it is one of the best restaurant in downtown.
(4)Mouse C.
Yep River Roast gets a 5 star rating! I came here for a wedding last night and was blown away by the gorgeous view and killlerrrrrr food! The terrance at river roast is second to none...you can't get more Chicago than this! Amazing, sexy views all around. The appetizers (which I unfortunately did not get to try because I was talking too much to eat) looked awesome and everyone that had them said the same. There were mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup cups, bacon wrapped shrimp, and mini quesadillas....adorbs right!? DINNER was redonkulous. They gave the choice of tilapia or a filet, both served over mashed potatoes and asparagus. I went with the tilapia and it was love at first bite. Soooo much flavor yet light enough to ensure you can still dance;) my beau went with the filet. I'm pretty sure this filet was sent from the heavens above. Holy lord it was so tender! I had to stop myself from continuously reaching over and snatching bites off his plate. Lucky for me he's good at sharing :D I will recommend River Roast over and over for a delicious dinner and a fabulous experience overall!
(5)Joy H.
Great river view and decent service. Because we arrived between lunch and dinner service, we ordered a few small plates and cocktails (try Unicorn Tears). The chicken "nuggets" with honey were delicious. The beverage list is extensive. I'd like to go back for dinner soon.
(4)Shaunna M.
I found this spot on OpenTable, we stopped in after our Architecture Tour...there are no words. We ordered the chicken g's app, 2 rounds of drinks and the pork roast dinner to share...it was down. Right. amazing. Lively and unique atmosphere, beautiful view, vibrant bar and great service. Would definitely come back.
(5)Carol K.
Wow! Clearly I did not know what to expect at this reincarnation of what used to be Fultons on the River, as River Roast blew me away the other night! First of all, it has an amazing outdoor patio facing the river. This is a must go to as the service was outstanding, the views spectacular and the food was equally as good. We got a perfect 4 top right along the railing which allowed us unparalleled views of our great city. Our server, Brian, was over in a second, explaining the concept to us which is kind of like upscale tavern fare where they specialize in full meats carved at the table. On the night we were there the fish was a branzino, and the meat was a NY strip but that may be different when you go. The chef is a James Beard winner and it shows in the food. We started with some of their bread served with a wonderful cheese spread ( wonderful but for this girl who is trying not to eat gluten or dairy it was a temptation that I couldn't pass up but it was worth it!) We started with a few of our server's suggestions- the flavored popcorn with "cracklins" and little chunks of chicken deep fried and served with honey. Next up, squash poppers stuffed with cheese a trout appetizer and some west coast oysters. All were terrific! Did I say there were 4 of us? So if this sounds like a lot of food- it really was just the perfect amount. We then had the NY strip perfectly cooked and sliced table side. Given we had ordered so many starters we ordered 2 8 oz portions of this and it was just the right amount ( they serve the roast section of the menu by whole fish, whole chicken or 8 oz portion of meat). We also had the tomato salad, the seafood salad, green and yellow beans and artichokes. It was a great range of flavors and textures! Hard to believe we had room for dessert but one in our party just had to have a "Hoosier seasonal pie" ( I think she liked the name!) so we split the lovely peach sweetness. Dinner for 4 with plenty of drinks ran about $200 so the price was right too. Also- if you like brunch, I was told that they have live blues music on Saturdays and Sundays from 11- 2 so go enjoy a great patio, and some great food while summer is still out there! If you drive- valet parking is $14 out front. And if you are looking for a perfect place to host an event- River Roast has a wide array of private dining rooms as well. So forget what you remember about the old Fulton's for other than the location nothing is the same.. This place is modern, the food is terrific and the staff are well trained, friendly and just nice to have around. And isn't that just what you want when dining out??
(5)Pamela G.
Amazing food, service and location for our company event. If I could give the River Roast and its staff six stars, I would. We held a company event here for 120 people. Not a detail was missed. The food was incredible - I only wish I weren't so busy hosting so I could've eaten more. The service was outstanding, as led by Darcey Gerber, Senior Sales Manager, who was a joy to deal with. The view is stunning, too. All of our guests were so impressed - our event was a smash. I can't wait to come back to Chicago to eat there again.
(5)Gina S.
Living in the city you can eat at a different restaurant every day forever without repeating a spot but we have been to River Roast 3 times and even ordered the roasted chicken for delivery once ... and we've only lived in Chicago for 2 months. It's that good. The ambiance is fabulous. Casual but nice. Great location on the river for out of towers or anyone. The potatoes are addictive and the roasted chicken is something that makes your mouth water. The service has been wonderful each team and there was live blues music on one of our visits which was fun. Great spot for lunch or dinner. It will not disappoint!
(5)Brian C.
Whole chicken was outstanding! My wife and I also enjoyed the potatoes and green bean sides. The view is great. Next time we are in Chicago we will defiantly visit again.
(5)Daniel W.
Came here with a party of 15 for a reunion dinner. We had a nice room in the back to ourselves. The drink menu was more than accomodating. Good wine and beer selection. Apps - The scotch Egg was really good! Never had it before but I will definitely order again. Fried outside with tender sausage and oozing/yolky egg when you cut into it. The Slow Ravioli was also tasty. I loved the snails in the sauce provided. Main - we ordered the Big fish and Whole Chicken. Both are huge portions. I preferred the Fish. The fish was cooked to perfection and flaky. The whole chicken was also cooked to perfection and had good flavor. Server said to get the roast beef next time...will do. Overall, not a bad place. I would go back if invited but not on my to die for places.
(4)Caroline B.
I came here for lunch with two friends visiting from out of town. Unfortunately it was pouring and we couldn't enjoy the wonderful river views available on the outdoor patio. Nonetheless, we sat inside and had a delicious meal. Our waiter described the soup special, almond gazpacho, in such a way that we all ended up ordering it. I am SO not a gazpacho person but because it was not tomato-based, I wanted to try it. It was OUTSTANDING. Refreshing, creamy, flavorful and totally unique. I also had the special sandwich, a roast beef and provolone concoction that was also exploding with flavor. Food was delicious, our server delightful, and the location is great. I will absolutely be back.
(4)Angelica K.
Came for a wedding and the view was awesome! Food was pretty good too. Did not try the seafood appetizers only the quesadilla which was average. The filet was good, the salad, good not memorable. I'd come back for the cocktails and the riverside view though any day.
(4)Mike G.
The service was good. The server was on top of bringing the group drinks. The food, however, was awful. We only ordered appetizers but nothing was good. The shrimp toast tasted like a seafood combo from Subway and they are obsessed with Pâté as it was served with everything.
(2)Scott T.
Just so happened to be lucky enough to check this place out on their first day open to the public! We were looking for a good place to sit on the riverfront and have some lunch and a couple drinks and this new spot definitely fits the bill! The concept seems really cool, with full fish, chicken and beef roasts that they will carve table side for you! The upstairs "roost" has a full bar and quick serve Sandwiches for the daytime business crowd, very smart! The menu is somewhat gastropub-ey, but not over the top so. We tried the charcuterie, which apparently they specialize in and make a lot of it in-house. Great choice, went well with the wine list. The fresh baked, them grilled bread served with French onion butter dip was delicious too, served as a starter when you sit down! The artichoke soup was very very tasty and would definitely recommend. The next time it's available! The steak salad was good too, the horseradish mustard dressing was a little too horseradish forward, but still very enjoyable. The craft cocktail program that they going on is pretty great too! Very clever and distinct cocktails, which is hard to do these days. Great selection of craft distilleries!! Can't wait to come back! For the first day, they were great! I could see them being epic! Service was great, pretty cool to see the chefs and owners working out the kinks.
(5)Wil J.
This place is terrific! Roasty awesome goodness with a wonderful view of the river. Their roasted chicken is as good as it gets. The mushrooms were well done. I also had a drink called Kobayashi (I believe) -- super yummy with a perfect kick. David was perfectly attentive, and Chef Hogan even came out to welcome us to his wonderful place. Live music on weekends is a big plus. I highly recommend!
(5)Dana J.
I actually came here for a wedding this past summer and I loved it! Such a great location and from what I can remember, the food was good. I plan on returning this year to try the actual restaurant.
(4)David C.
Of all the hot new establishments popping up in Chicago's culinary scene, River Roast is one spot that is doing it right. Tony Mantuano and John Hogan's new spot comes alive with live music, tableside roast carving, and great views of the river. The menu can best be described as contemporary comfort American, and they offer great and smart brunch options as well. Craft cocktails and a wide tap menu play perfectly with the casual roast party atmosphere. The food, while rustic, is absolutely delicious. I would pay particular attention to any of their poached egg dishes, or scotch egg dishes for brunch. For dinner, their specialty is the roasted full chicken which bleeds juicy goodness as it is carved tableside for your gratification.
(5)Leigh M.
This was my first time in Chicago, but River & Roast quite the experience. We went for brunch, sat outside, and the riverfront views were impressive. Much to our surprise, some live music came on about halfway through our meal. Although it was slightly hard to hear conversation over, it was ambient. The french toast was to-die for. One big, thick cut of french toast. If you like raspberries, this is for you! The bloody mary's were served in cute logo'ed glasses with the option to add a "skewer". Skewer came with cubed cheese, meats, olives, etc. A salad in your bloody, if you will! And how could I forget the crab and avocado toast...unique and YUM!
(5)Zip T.
Saw this on a news channel while at the gym. My personal trainer said he use to work for that chef and that the food is good. So of course the next day I suggested to go try it out with some coworkers. Location is right off the bridge in river north, parking is a little rough but possible. Ambiance is very nice. It isn't too upscale where you would feel uncomfortable but nice enough to either dress up or dress down without feeling awkward. It was Friday on Lent so i ordered the fire grilled "BIG FISH." The fish was very good and tasted really fresh. It being fire grilled gave it its own unique texture and taste from other restaurant menu items. Serving size was pretty big and it's actually meant to serve 2. There are sides you can order ala carte which were also good. The service was good but we were about the only people in the restaurant at the time. Would come again.
(4)Alessandra F.
The decor, views and service was good. The food was serviceable. My only complaint is that if you are going to charge $7 for a large bottle of sparkling water then bring the whole bottle to the table and not serve just 1 glass and charge for the whole bottle.
(3)Stefan S.
Excellent on all fronts. Host stand is friendly and attentive. Ambiance is excellent with water and skyline views plus great background music, nice lighting, and just the right temperature. Service is excellent. Server went out of his way to congratulate my wife on her birthday. Tables are wonderful with custom napkins (nice touch). Now the food...well you have to experience it for yourself. It really is top notch. The absolute best chicken I've ever had. They cook it in 20 minutes at 550 degrees with 100% humidity. Roast potatoes have a nice crunch. Order the chicken gobbets and the pickles too. Overall this place is flawless. Just go. **bonus points if you go in the summer when the patio is open.
(5)Lu N.
I really wanted to try this place. We tried to dine when they first opened and were told that the kitchen was closed because of a fire or something. That wasn't a problem. But just recently we made RSVPs and specifically asked to sit outside. And when we got there they told us it was an hour wait for outdoor seating and that they don't take RSVPs for outdoor! Well don't you think you should have told us that when we made the reservations?!?!? On top of it the kid was one of the rudest and careless "host" we've ever encountered. At least act like you give a hoot! Somebody please give that kid some manners. That is all.
(2)Jim C.
I have known Chef John Hogan for over 25 years from KiKi's Bistro to Saveran to Keefer's to River Roast and he never disappoints! What a delicious meal from beginning to end. Outstanding service and gorgeous view on the river. Simply Wow! Get anything and everything roasted! John and Tony well done!
(5)Jewel A.
I honestly don't know where to begin! The service was FANTASTIC, the employees were so warm & welcoming, there is beautiful scenery, and the food was EXTRAORDINARY. This was probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. I will definitely be a returning customer! P.S. The meats are so TENDER & DELICIOUS! The employees even cut the meat in front of you before serving it to you!
(5)Jaime G.
Yup. One of the best places on the river for a great lunch. Great patio on the river, excellent service, and super good food. Try the roasted sea bass. The best here. So good - crispy roasted with a great chimichury type marinade. It served with roasted potatoes that are also crispy and good. We also tried the roasted beef sandwich. Incredibly tender, great melted cheese, horseradish sauce, and beautiful toasted bread. This is worth the cost of eating downtown man. Come try it.
(5)Eric Y.
I had high expectations but I found River Roast to be disappointing. It's a great location on the river and the view might be spectacular except for the construction on the other shore. The space itself is immense with a main dining a room and multiple other private to semiprivate areas that would be good for events. There is nice cocktail selection but I found the wine list to be limited. There are also a bunch of craft beers so that's nice. Roasts are their specialty and for entrees there are just five - all roasted, of course. Fish, whole chicken, beef, rack of pork, and veggies. If you're going to have only 5 entrees and you're staking your reputation on roasting, they'd better be mighty good. Alas, I was not impressed. The fish and the beef were very nicely prepared and were delicious. The rack of pork was inconsistent - had to send the first one back because it was dry and the replacement was very juicy and properly done. The vaunted roasted whole chicken was underwhelming - the skin was nicely crisp but the meat was dry. There are many small plates and side dishes to choose from. They specialize in fresh oysters and offered East Coast and West Coast varieties. We ordered some and the server got confused as to which were the East and which were the West. Uh... We found the small plate an side dishes to be inconsistent. Good ones included the mussels with chorizo and the chicken liver mousse with Yorkshire pudding. The pea side dish was delicious; whole peas in a bacony pea sauce - I could eat this every day. The roasted potatoes that come with the entrees are delicious too. Some dishes were just ok - the crab and shrimp toast, San Giacomo leeks, and the brussels sprouts fell into this category. A couple of the sides were head-scratchingly bad. The au gratin turnips were cold and tasteless. The country fried rabbit had a nice crust but the meat was so dry and the biscuit was a serious brick. Bisquick, where are you when we need you?
(2)Lochin S.
cool vibe, love the decor and the location. service was great. just not sure about the food. I paid $32 for chicken and honestly I think it tasted the same as rotisserie from grocery store. maybe I am missing something. the bloody mary tasted like ostyer juice which was interesting. for my hubby and I it was over $100 for brunch. stayed for blues inside the bar area. nice bar tenders, very friendly. and one huge thing, water. They always gave you plenty of water, I never had to ask for it. I love that.
(4)Liz C.
We went for brunch. It was really good, but not mind-blowing and the service seemed a tad bit off. We ordered the shrimp and crab toast (delicious), the scotch egg (my mom was a huge fan), the croque, the biscuit and gravy, a popover, and a side of sausage and a biscuit. Overall, the food was great. I do think that the dishes could've arrived a bit hotter, seemed like the crock had maybe sat around a bit, but they did have great flavor. The gravy and the side of sausage were awesome. The biscuit was good, I did wish it was a bit more flaky and had some more layers. The popover was insane. They seriously nailed it. oh and lets not forget the bloody mary---really, really good. All in all, it was a solid brunch. I am looking forward to coming back to try the roast chicken that everyone raves about.
(4)Sambath M.
Great food and great service. I like where we were seated. What a beautiful place to enjoy our food and the view of the Chicago River. I love what my friend and I ordered. We will definitely go back until we try all of the dishes.
(5)Kockyo X.
Me and my friend went in here after work for dinner. The service is GREAT!!! Everybody is so friendly and they take really good care of you! We shared the artichoke as our appetizer and whole chicken for our main course. The chicken is a little bit dry not as juicy as they described.. But the artichoke is sooo good! It rained today so we didnt get a chance to seat outside, but we did get a table nearby the window. The view is still great. I feel that this would be a perfect place for Sunday brunch as well. The atmosphere is great too.
(3)hanna y.
I'm in love! River roast has a small menu where everything is bursting with flavor. The first time I went to river roast we shared a shaved salad, pot roast and hogan's peas. The second time I went our table shared the pork meatballs, shaved salad and roasted chicken. Everything ordered was out right delicious. Furthermore the serving sizes were very generous. Although each roast serves 2 people, we were able to share the chicken amongst three people and still leave satisfied. Both times I visited the meats were always tender, juicy and flavorful. I also really enjoyed shaved salad. The mixture of veggies, Parmesan and dressing is to die for. People who don't even like salads will take an extra helping. Last but not least, the potatoes... Yum the potatoes! I'm pretty sure I could just eat a meal of just the river roast potatoes. To top it off, our service was phenomenal! John was really kind and very knowledgeable on the dishes the restaurant had to offer. He also suggested my friend to get the "if only Michael Keaton was here" cocktail which he described as their version of an old fashion. I'm not an old fashion fan or a bourbon fan, but it was delicious and smooth. I kept taking sips from my friend's glass!
(5)Kristen B.
We stopped in for brunch while we were visiting Chicago and asked to be seated on the patio. The hostess was going to seat us, but another host refused to seat us because there were only tables for 6 left outside. They talked about what to do right in front of us and then told us we would have to wait 35 minutes to sit. Not only was it extremely unprofessional that I had to listen to them discuss what to do about seating us, but they had empty tables and just refused to sit us in case a bigger party came. While I can't speak for the food, the service clearly needs some work.
(1)Kirsten H.
Due to an impending move, we felt compelled to go out for Thanksgiving dinner, and we couldn't have been happier than our decision to head to River Roast. For the holiday, they did a buffet that was a fantastic spread--everything from salads and breads to desserts of pecan pie and apple crisp with sides and meats in between. The sides included a nice variety of things that were familiar staples on my family's Thanksgiving table as well as some unfamiliar dishes that we usually don't have on Turkey Day. The meats were incredible--pulled pork was our favorite, but the steak and turkey were also very good. A nice finishing touch was that at the end of the meal, the server gave us a little bag of caramel popcorn and a voucher for a free brunch on a return visit. We'd really like to go back to try their regular menu!
(5)Layla R.
I was a bit disappointed with the food. The shaved salad was bland (dressing was tart and awful) and I ordered pickles for my burger since they don't come with it (weird) only to pay $4 extra for a small jar of mainly cauliflower. Note to chef: don't call it pickles, call it pickled vegetables and find another recipe. I was completely annoyed I wasted money on bland cauliflower and that there few pickles in the jar weren't even tasty. Won't be going back. Bummer since the view is nice, but might as well go to Smith and Wollensky's where you'll get ripped off but at least it's consistently good.
(3)Sofia A.
The bartender. The music. The chicken. Wow. My favorite spot in Chicago and it's only 10 months old.
(5)Denny C.
The River Roast could be "just another" new Chicago restaurant except for the captain at the helm, Chicago's iconic John Hogan. A veteran of several Chicago dining gems including Kiki's Bistro, David Burke's Primehouse, and his own gourmet delight Savarin, Hogan is French trained and Chicago honed. He doesn't cook precious food, but what emerges from his kitchen is hearty, down to earth cooking, with the touch of a classicist. You will never leave River Roast hungry, this is a place for celebrating the joy of eating, drinking, and having a good time. However, unlike many new restaurants springing up, River Roast exudes warmth and camaraderie without making you deaf in the process. The room is large enough to absorb rude cacophony. Hogan's appetizers range from typical dining fare to a charcuterie that rivals the best of Lyon. River Roast specializes in roasts obviously, and the beef, chicken, and fish are great, without pretension or supercilious fluff. This is good eaten! Desserts are fantastic, large and scrumptious. The sides are all delicious with the Windy City's famous "Hogan's peas" leading the pack. Service has the same joy of giving pleasure that reverberates off their leader and chef. This is unmistakable Chicago eating and dining led by John Hogan who personifies what "the city of big shoulders" is all about.
(5)