RL Restaurant

“RL sits adjacent to the Ralph Lauren flagship store right on Michigan Avenue, and the whole space carries that brand's signature aesthetic into a restaurant, dark wood paneling, leather booths, walls covered salon-style in art and photography, the kind of old-money English club atmosphere that feels intentional down to the smallest detail. It's a popular spot for ladies who lunch during the day and turns into a buzzing, well-dressed dinner crowd in the evening. We started with the chopped vegetable salad, which is something of a signature here, fresh and well-balanced, a nice lighter option before the heavier dishes arrived. The RL burger came next, and it genuinely lived up to its reputation, rich and juicy with a quality bun that held everything together, the kind of burger that makes you reconsider other restaurant burgers afterward. We also tried the lobster roll, mostly claw meat tossed in a lemon-herb aioli with just a hint of celery and chives, simple but well executed. One detail that stuck with us was the whiskey order arriving with a miniature polo mallet as the stirrer, a small touch that says a lot about the level of care put into the overall experience. For dessert, the Ralph's Coffee ice cream was smooth and deeply flavored, easily one of the better coffee ice creams we've had. Service throughout was attentive and polished, fitting for the setting. Weekday lunches tend to be calmer, while weekend evenings bring the full buzz and people-watching the restaurant is known for, busiest during evenings, weekends, and holidays.”

“Dining at RL Restaurant, located at 115 E Chicago Ave just steps from the Magnificent Mile, is an absolutely magnificent and deeply sophisticated immersion into classic American luxury. As the premier culinary venture by Ralph Lauren, this iconic establishment captures a timeless elegance, making it an absolute masterpiece for anyone seeking a world-class dining experience in the heart of Chicago. From the moment you step through the doors, the atmosphere envelops you in a lavish, intimate warmth. The lavishly appointed interior—featuring rich wood paneling, original artwork, and plush leather seating—exudes the charm of a private, high-end club. The food is undeniably the star of the show; every dish is expertly prepared, incredibly delicious, and flawlessly executed. Complementing the fantastic meal is the top-tier, five-star hospitality. The staff operates with flawless precision; every team member is remarkably polite, organized, and enthusiastically attentive, ensuring a seamless and deeply welcoming experience amidst the vibrant city energy. For a truly wonderful and unforgettable luxury dining experience in Chicago, RL Restaurant is an absolute triumph.”

“I had heard good things about RL, so when given the chance to have a business lunch here, I was happy to attend. Checking in we were given a table in the main dining room and seated way before this place got completely packed, about 20 minutes later. The dining room reminded me of an upscale RL store, with wood walls, bookcases, and similar upscale library style décor. Service was great… helpful, very professional, and friendly. The menu was filled with many great options and just when I thought I selected what I wanted, our server told us about their specials, which included a sea bass sandwich, so I went for that instead! We started with their pigs in a blanket – They were GOOD!! The mustard that accompanied them really added a nice touch to the flavor and the dough they were wrapped in was flaky and tasty. Next up was a bowl of their tomato bisque, again – RALLY GOOD!! The goat cheese in it added a nice, sharp flavor for each bite. The sea bass sandwich was excellent too! The jalapeño on it added a nice spice and the fish was so very soft, flaky, and flavorful! The bun was incredible too… Overall, a great sandwich! I look forward to returning… Highly recommend making a reservation and joining them!”

“What a great place to celebrate a party of 10. Service here was really good. Food was fantastic! I highly recommend the Corned Beef Bites, surprisingly really good. The ambiance was a 10 out of 10! Will be coming back to try other dishes!”

“The seafood was fresh. The chicken was cooked well, but I found the flavor lacking. The real standout is the atmosphere. It feels warm and inviting inside.”