Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink in Chicago

Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery – Conveniently located in the River North neighborhood, a short walk or drive from our Level River North location, Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery is a local gathering spot serving up 56 taps with a selection of 36 rotating craft beers as well as a curated wine and spirits list. When ready to pair your brews, have a look at their chef-driven menu which focuses on beer pairings in addition to incorporating beer as part of many of the dishes offered.

Beatnik On The River – This riverfront boho-chic oasis transports you to a time of bohemian freethinkers of the 1950’s. Come to Beatnik for the breathtaking views of the Chicago River but also for the colorful tiles, ethnic daybeds and fringe umbrella style decor that dominates the space. The menu is worldly and Executive Chef Marcos Campos takes guests on a journey without borders, playing with flavors from places like Spain to South America, Asia and the Middle East.

Fora – Fora is a contemporary, globally-inspired restaurant and patio at The Emily Hotel. From insta-worthy patio pop-ups to mocktail making classes, weekly brunch and elevated private dining, there’s something for everyone here.

Aba – Located on a rooftop patio in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District, Aba brings Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter style of cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. Their exceptional bar program is crafted by Liz Pearce and showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.

Ken Kee – With decor and neon accents inspired by the streets and markets of 1950’s Hong Kong, Ken Kee is famous for it’s noodle cart offerings (there is a traditional menu as well). Guests can customize their noodle bowl to their liking, picking the broth, noodles and all the toppings from a generously long list of options.

Giant – Pre-COVID times, Giant operated as a teeny tiny restaurant with a not so tiny reservation waitlist. During the pandemic, Giant took it’s food to the streets via their food truck, and today, they are back to indoor dining, serving simple, delicious food. Menu items not to miss include their saffron tagliatelle, pizzas and burroti (a burrito wrapped in roti bread), and of course their dark chocolate microwave cake served with banana ice cream and halva.

Bar Avec – A two-minute stroll from Level River North you’ll find a rooftop patio inspired by the leisurely style of dining found in coastal towns along the Iberian Peninsula. Take in sweeping views of the Chicago skyline while you sip on bar avec’s line-up of crafted cocktails and nosh on classic Spanish cuisine inspired by seaside diners. Be sure to try their bacon-wrapped chorizo stuffed dates and their salt cod brandade – two bar avec fan-favorites.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse – Established in 1989, Gibsons quickly became a staple in Chicago’s dining landscape. The interior is characterized by dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and vintage photographs, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Known for its USDA Prime Angus beef, Gibsons offers a variety of cuts, including the famous Gibsons Prime Angus and Gibsons Grassfed Australian beef. Popular choices include the Filet Mignon, New York Strip, and the 48-ounce Porterhouse. Their flagship location is in the Gold Coast neighborhood at 1028 N. Rush Street. Gibsons also has locations in Rosemont and Oak Brook.

Lou Malnati’s – Lou Malnati’s is famous for its traditional Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. This pizza features a buttery, flaky crust, a thick layer of mozzarella cheese, and a robust, tangy tomato sauce on top. Popular varieties include the “Lou” (spinach, mushrooms, and sliced tomatoes), “Malnati Chicago Classic” (sausage, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce), and customizable options with various toppings.

Portillo’s – Known for their authentic Chicago-style hot dogs, which include an all-beef frank topped with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served in a steamed poppy seed bun. Portillo’s was founded by Dick Portillo in 1963 as a small hot dog stand called “The Dog House” in Villa Park, Illinois. It quickly gained popularity, leading to its rebranding as Portillo’s and expansion into a full-fledged restaurant. Over the years, Portillo’s has expanded significantly, with numerous locations throughout Illinois and several other states, including Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida, and California.

Dialtone Cafe – If you like coffee and wine, you’ll love Dialtone Cafe. A coffee bar by day and wine bar by night, Dialtone Cafe is located on 1136 N Wells St. For those staying at Level Chicago – Old Town, you’re in luck – all you have to do is take the elevator down to the main floor lobby and you’ll find yourself looking right at the cafe.