Name: Beatnik on the River
Telephone: +1 312-526-3345
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.1

Beatnik on the River

Mediterranean · The Loop, Chicago, IL · $$

LivelyGreat for groupsRomanticOutdoor seatingCocktailsSpecial occasion

An Exotic Neighborhood Escape with globetrotting cuisine, tropical cocktails and bohemian interiors in Chicago’s Loop. Named after the bohemian freethinkers of the 1950s and ’60s, Beatnik On The River channels the beatnik generation’s sense of style, aspiration and rebellion to create an exotic escape with maximalist interiors and lush gardens. Mirroring our design-through-storytelling whimsy, Beatnik’s culinary team takes guests on a globetrotting journey that starts in the Eastern Mediterranean, moves westward across Northern Africa and finishes across the Atlantic with the flavors of Mexico. Beatnik’s beverage team makes tropical cocktails that are savory and fresh, with inventive recipes that follow a no-waste sensibility. Our wine list is a compact attaché that contains the story of winemakers who make wine in lesser-known regions of the Mediterranean and the Americas. Beatnik’s aesthetic is driven by a triumphant fusion of three destinations close to our heart: Morocco for its opulent combinations of color and artistic passion, the Mediterranean countryside for its bucolic splendor and Italy for a healthy dose of polish and panache to sex it all up. Concepted and designed by Maison Bonhomme, the contrasting styles and textures of Beatnik On The River feature antique pieces from around the world and more than 600 living plants throughout the 8,000-square-foot, 200-seat space. Expanding on the definition of what a Chicago restaurant should and could look like, one of our most dazzling design features is an antique jewelry store from Nashville (circa 1913). The entire 20-by-20-foot store — including massive crystal chandeliers, crystal sconces and bird’s eye maple interiors — was restored and put back together by a local master carpenter piece by piece and furnished with a 19th century 16-foot French draper’s table with eight turned legs, three drawers and a lower shelf down the middle to create a one-of-a-kind private dining room.

Bookable experiences

What diners say

“This beautiful spot is just as pretty as the location in the West loop. Plane is perfect for the most romantic date or just celebrating a life Milestone. Omgggg if only I could everything from the menu. Food is delicious here and nothing we ordered was a disappointment. Ambiance is beautiful, customer is great and the drink menu is full of selection that you'll get some pretty good mix drinks. Whether it's this location or the West loop you will definitely be back again and again.”

5.0 · Google — Lady Red

“INCREDIBLE experience! We had a large party so had to get there at opening. We got drinks at the bar to start, I would highly recommend their bloodys, their mix is amazing. We sat with a river view, which makes the whole experience even better. Once the food came, I was so happy that everything matched on how good this place is. We had several plates from the menu and they were all 10/10. The tables favorite was the steak Kebob. Service was really good, very friendly staff.”

5.0 · Google — L Wolftowns

“Hands-down, this might have been the restaurant I was most looking forward to on my trip to Chicago. So many of the videos I watched and the posts I saw mentioned it as want to go to. I snagged a reservation a week or so before I left and I am so glad I did. I love restaurants that not only put out amazing food, but also transport you to a completely different place. The vibes of this restaurant. The details. The decor. And especially the food make this one that I will continue recommending to people. I was a little bummed that the lower level with the hanging flowers wasn’t wheelchair accessible, but I was impressed that as soon as I rolled up, the staff immediately got a portable ramp to put up so I could access the upper dining area and their hospitality continued throughout the meal. While it wasn’t over the top like the lower level, it is still so beautiful with amazing views of the river. We went for a Sunday brunch and tried a number of different things. You can taste the grill and char on that beef kebab which I appreciated as a true Iowan raised on good beef. The short rib hash was easily my favorite. All of the different flavors and ingredients were so different and unlike so many other offerings. The salmon benedict was fairly traditional, yet delicious, whereas the breakfast gnocchi was super unique, but equally divine. The only thing I will say is that I can’t wait for the next time I’m in town so I can go here for happy hour, dinner, and/or drinks.”

5.0 · Google — Alex Watters

“Hear me out. Most places that are popular for their beautiful scenery or atmosphere tend to miss on the quality of their food, it’s never a hit on both scenery and food quality. However, this restaurant not only had the most beautiful interior and view of the river, but the food tasted delicious. My mom, sister, and I each got our own plates and I tried some food from their plates and every bite was truly delicious. We got the salmon eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, and rib eye hash: 10/10!!! In addition, we went Jan 3 so it was definitely very cold outside, and the cold leaks into the restaurant because we are close to the windows. But the Beatnik would give bursts of heat that was perfect and would keep you warm, I wasn’t cold at all. Drinks at the bar were also delish, bartender was very funny!”

5.0 · Google — nicole lehman

“This is such a difficult review because we loved the restaurant and the food BUT the service was such a miss. Our server was so unkind and rude. I’m not sure why he is working somewhere that he is clearly miserable. I’ve worked in the industry and I get “bad days” but this was more than that. We all traveled in from California and NC to celebrate my daughter’s graduation. I made sure to call and book this reservation early. He came to the table and was just nasty. The adult kids asked some questions and he was irritated. What got me was when I asked him for a margarita on the rocks and since I didn’t get chance to look at the drink menu, I asked what tequila he would recommend. He rolled his eyes at me and told me “it’s right there in the menu, which would you like” I was looking for a recommendation not a snarky rude comment. At this point, I did meet him with the same energy and his attitude got a little better. We all proceeded to order appetizers, food and more cocktails but he truly ruined the experience. I wish we could rewind for the money we spent on a party of 13 and redo the experience.”

2.0 · Google — A Snow