Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Little Italy / University Village

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

41 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
Icon
1. Girl & the Goat
4.7
Exceptional(15869)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 199 times today
Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.
A photo of Ada Street restaurant
2. Ada Street
4.9
Exceptional(1224)
$$$$
• American • Bucktown / Wicker Park
Booked 45 times today
Ada Street is a vibrant bar scene because it's often described as a 'cool, funky place' with a 'great bar' and 'excellent food and drinks'. Reviewers love the 'unique' and 'festive' drinks, along with the 'varied' and 'amazing' cocktails. The ambiance is 'funky', 'cozy', 'romantic', and 'super sexy and swanky', making it an exciting and inviting spot for a night out.
A photo of Gene and Georgetti restaurant
3. Gene and Georgetti
4.7
Exceptional(6561)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 69 times today
Gene and Georgetti is Chicago's original steakhouse since 1941. This family-owned establishment housed in Chicago's third oldest building serves the finest prime-aged steaks and chops, pastas, & signature dishes invented here such as The Garbage Salad and Chicken alla Joe. Our curated wine list originates from our roots in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy - we concentrate on Italian varietals that complement our classic Italian steakhouse menu.Securely processed credit card info is required to secure a reservation. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hrs will be charged $25 pp. As a reminder we do have a 15 minute grace period to honor your reservation, past that time your reservation will be forfeit.Valet parking after 3pm is $15 cash.Our dress code is Business Casual- you never know who you might see at G & G!Gene & Georgetti can accommodate your party of up to 100. .Our restaurant has two floors ,and there is no elevator ,please let us know if you require special accommodation.
A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant
4. Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(14715)
$$$$
• Seafood • River North (Chicago)
Booked 153 times today
Since 1984, Shaw’s Crab House has earned its status as a Chicago icon with its unwavering commitment to quality and warm, dedicated staff. This generational restaurant embodies timeless seafood traditions inspired by America's coastal crab houses, creating a classic dining experience that stands the test of time. Signature dishes include King Crab Legs, oysters from both coasts, hand-rolled sushi, fresh fish, and more. After 40 years of excellence, Shaw's was ranked #8 in Chicago Magazine's Best Chicago Restaurants of 2024.The restaurant's 1940s-style design features two distinct dining rooms: the lively, casual Oyster Bar and the elegant, white-tablecloth Main Dining Room. Guests who reserve "Hightop" seating will dine in the Oyster Bar, while "Standard" seating is for the Main Dining Room.Located in the heart of River North, Shaw’s is just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable seafood experience.
A photo of Untitled Supper Club restaurant
5. Untitled Supper Club
4.7
Exceptional(3108)
$$$$
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 23 times today
Dress Code: Business Casual is expected - No Shorts, Tee Shirts, Athletic Attire, sandals, gym shoes are permitted. Final decisions are based on the sole discretion of management. *Please notate if you have a room or entertainment preference. Requests cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate.*With its vintage, Prohibition Era-inspired design, Untitled has been a darling of Chicago nightlife and fine dining since opening in 2011. The sumptuous 18,000 square-foot restaurant, bar and live entertainment space hosts the largest selection of American whiskies in the world .Their dining menu includes shareable bites, perfect pastas and beautifully creative desserts; with eight Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, their cuisine is sure to satisfy any palette. The best part? While you dine and drink the night away, you can enjoy world-class entertainment with weekly music and titillating cabaret-style performances from Chicago's finest.Untitled is a 21+ establishment.
A photo of Beatrix - Fulton Market restaurant
6. Beatrix - Fulton Market
4.7
Exceptional(2901)
$$$$
• American • West Loop
Booked 103 times today
Beatrix - Fulton Market is a vibrant bar scene according to multiple reviews. Customers describe the atmosphere as 'fun and lively', 'great drinks', 'excellent cocktails' and 'fun energetic ambiance'. It's a popular spot for catching up with friends, date nights, and business lunches. The restaurant offers a variety of menu options and is praised for its 'knowledgeable servers' and 'great food'.
A photo of Chicago Cut Steakhouse restaurant
7. Chicago Cut Steakhouse
4.8
Exceptional(10473)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 179 times today
Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of Chicago’s most iconic dining experiences in a city that boasts dozens of options for steak-centric dining. Our downtown Chicago steakhouse offers guests a selection of signature, USDA-certified prime beef that is hand-cut and dry-aged on site. Our curated menu also features fish, shellfish, chops and a selection of unique side dishes and appetizers. In addition to delicious martinis and specialty cocktails, Chicago Cut offers a wine list with more than 600 bottles that has been highlighted Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine. Our dining area features a lively bar scene, vibrant red velvet banquettes and spacious dining tables, private dining options and beautiful, sweeping views of the Chicago River. In the warm months, we also open our sprawling outdoor dining patio, which makes Chicago Cut an excellent spot for an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner reservation along the river.
A photo of Steak 48 - Chicago restaurant
8. Steak 48 - Chicago
4.9
Exceptional(8481)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 62 times today
At Steak 48, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. Our diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Located in River North, on bustling Wabash Avenue, Steak 48 brings a contemporary atmosphere to Chicago's dining scene. Visitors will be welcomed in the entryway with a view of our 3,000-bottle wine vault and chic decor. The lower floor features a lively bar where guests can enjoy something from our extensive wine, whiskey, bourbon, or signature cocktail list.
A photo of Porter Kitchen and Deck restaurant
9. Porter Kitchen and Deck
4.7
Exceptional(470)
$$$$
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 67 times today
Porter Kitchen and Deck is a vibrant bar scene restaurant. The bar serves craft beers, wines, and classic cocktails that pair perfectly with their cuisine. As one reviewer mentioned, they had 'great food and cocktails with amazing views of the river', and another stated that 'for cocktails, we had the Pomegranate Margarita and Mojito. Both were great, well balanced, and had a nice punch. Would highly recommend.' The ambiance and atmosphere are also highly praised, with many reviews stating it's a great spot for a pleasant experience and a great vibe.
A photo of Andy's Jazz Club restaurant
10. Andy's Jazz Club
4.7
Exceptional(5825)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 94 times today
Admission is charged to all guests entering the venue and goes toward the musical entertainment that all will be enjoying while inside the club. All dining tables are good for 1 musical performance only. Please choose your reservation time according to your desired performance time. Andy's Jazz Club is a unique as a Jazz Room that offers full dining. We hope for a quiet room during all performances. We do ask that all guests be courteous to the artists while performing and keep conversation volume down during shows.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo