Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Celebrating 28 years in Riverside, IL. - The Chew Chew, Riverside, IL

The Chew Chew

4.9 (1875)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
33 East Burlington, Riverside, IL 60546

Make a reservation

A photo of The Chew Chew restaurant

The Chew Chew

4.9
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Riverside

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Celebrating 30 years of great food & hospitality in the heart of Riverside, IL. Located one-mile east of Brookfield Zoo, 5 miles from Midway airport and a short train ride from the Loop. The Chew Chew features a seasonal menu, multi-level dining room, vibrant bar & a cozy outdoor patio (weather permitting). Awarded "Best of Chicago" by Chicago Magazine & Open Table's "Neighborhood Gem". Happy Hour offered 4:00-5:30pm with beer, wine & cocktail features. Call us at 708-447-8781 for further assistance. We look forward to serving you.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Steak, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Scott Zimmer
  • Catering
    Full-Service, Carry-Out, Deliveruy
  • Private party facilities
    The restaurant has a second level mezzanine for groups up to 50 people.
  • Neighborhood
    Riverside
  • Cross street
    We are between Harlem & First Avenue on the south side of Burlington St
  • Parking details
    Directly on Burlington Street and city lot nearby.
  • Public transit
    Steps away from the Burlington Northern (Metra) train station in Riverside. After exiting the Metra, walk one block east on Burlington Street. Our front door will be on your right side. Look for our black awning over the sidewalk.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 1,875 people are saying

The Chew Chew reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Near West

    Best Overall

  • Near West

    Best Service

  • Near West

    Best Ambiance

  • Near West

    Best Value

  • Near West

    Kid-friendly

  • Near West

    Innovative

  • Near West

    Healthy

  • Near West

    Neighborhood gem

  • Near West

    Great for fine wines

  • Near West

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Near West

    Good for special occasions

  • Near West

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Chew Chew delights with "excellent food and service" in a welcoming atmosphere. Highlights include the skirt steak, macadamia nut chicken, and shrimp dishes. Known for "great comfort food," the menu offers variety and "fantastic" daily specials. The staff is consistently praised for being "attentive and friendly," ensuring a memorable dining experience.
1,875 Reviews
  1. Linda Gold

    Chicago221 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tried pasta, salmon,and farmers bowl! All delicious as was flourless chocolate cake! Service was great!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Susan Gold

    Chicago48 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This neighborhood gem is always a reliable place to satisfy your thirst or hunger. The current menu offers a great selection of appetizers, salads, flatbreads and entrees. The seared ahi tuna was delicious and my husband enjoyed the jambalaya. Generous portions at reasonable prices. We can’t wait for the 30th anniversary specials.

    Is this helpful?

  3. George

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 23, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place for foodies or families (or both!) Highlight are the Nicoise salad and the shrimp and brussels sprouts.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Casey

    Las Vegas4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 22, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, excellent service! We always have a good meal at The Chew Chew.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nella

    Milwaukee1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 16, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been going to The Chew Chew for many, many years, and I have never had a bad meal.

    Is this helpful?

  6. rocco Gold

    Chicago52 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The porterhouse pork chop is fantastic I ordered it with the sweet mashed potatoes which are great. The service was excellent. We go there every other week been going there for years and have never been disappointed with anything. We highly recommend Chew Chew for family gatherings and any other occasion. You’ll never regret eating there.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Suhail

    New York City13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent . Just flew in from jersey on the way to Purdue. Had loaded nachos / bucatini pasta / bread board and lastly the skirt steak with chimmichuri and fries . Our server Erin was very nice with a great personality

    Is this helpful?

  8. Courtney

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 6, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was soooo good!!! Wed Martini special night does not disappoint The Blue Chew Chew!!!! Yummy!!! Service was so so good friendly, attentive and quick!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Sopha Gold

    Chicago15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love coming here. We like it because it seems like great comfort food.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kathy

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 24, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food and outstanding service-as always. Love the new menu

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Steak, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Scott Zimmer
  • Catering
    Full-Service, Carry-Out, Deliveruy
  • Private party facilities
    The restaurant has a second level mezzanine for groups up to 50 people.
  • Neighborhood
    Riverside
  • Cross street
    We are between Harlem & First Avenue on the south side of Burlington St
  • Parking details
    Directly on Burlington Street and city lot nearby.
  • Public transit
    Steps away from the Burlington Northern (Metra) train station in Riverside. After exiting the Metra, walk one block east on Burlington Street. Our front door will be on your right side. Look for our black awning over the sidewalk.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

The Chew Chew is open Monday through Saturday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Happy hour runs Monday–Saturday, 4:00–5:30 PM. If you need a reservation outside these times or want to confirm holiday hours, call the restaurant directly at 708-447-8781.

Portions at The Chew Chew tend to be generous, guests often mention large entrées and shareable starters that leave leftovers. Several guests note hearty main dishes (steak, seafood, pasta) and praised prix-fixe offerings for being big and good value. Expect restaurant-quality portions suitable for sharing apps and still getting a satisfying main; bringing home leftovers is common.

Yes, The Chew Chew is family-friendly and regularly hosts families and celebrations; guests note a second-floor area that feels more family oriented. Staff are described as accommodating (seating requests honored, sensory-friendly seating offered). For specific accessibility needs (wheelchair access, aisle seating), call ahead so the team can prepare.

Yes, The Chew Chew is a popular choice for date night thanks to its cozy, neighborhood atmosphere, polished service, and well-made cocktails. Guests regularly call it a great spot for celebrations and romantic dinners, praising quiet tables for conversation, seasonal entrees, and standout cocktails. If you want a quieter experience, request an early seating or ask for a table away from the bar when you make your reservation.

Yes, guests report visits on holidays (Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve) and the restaurant participates in events like Restaurant Week and holiday menus. Holiday hours can vary, so call ahead to confirm a specific holiday’s hours or special offerings.

Warm, neighborhood and welcoming, The Chew Chew is often described as a cozy, slightly upscale casual spot with a friendly, festive vibe. Guests praise attentive, personable service, a lively but conversational noise level (bar area is louder), and seasonal décor for special events. It’s a versatile venue for date nights, family dinners, and celebrations.

Midweek evenings (Tuesday–Thursday) are often the best choice for a quieter, more relaxed meal, the restaurant is open Monday–Saturday, while Friday and Saturday draw larger, livelier crowds. If you want deal-focused timing, visit during happy hour (Mon–Sat, 4:00–5:30 PM).

For a quieter experience, aim for early evening midweek or arrive at the start of happy hour (4:00–5:30 PM) for drink and appetizer deals. If you want a livelier night with specials and events, Friday/Saturday nights and holidays are busiest. Reservations are recommended on weekends and for larger groups.

Yes, guests frequently note that seating requests (window seats, upstairs seating, quieter tables) and dietary accommodations are honored when requested. The restaurant’s listing includes a phone number (708-447-8781), call ahead to confirm any special seating, accessibility, or menu needs.

Local ownership, guests frequently mention Scott (the owner/host) as a visible presence who greets diners and oversees service. Many long-term guests praise his hands-on hospitality.

Busiest: Friday and Saturday nights and holiday evenings (guests frequently mention packed weekend service and special-event nights). Quietest: early weekday evenings and the start of service, when guests often find quicker seating and a calmer dining room. Reservations are recommended for busy weekend nights and holidays.

Yes, The Chew Chew has a cozy outdoor patio that opens when weather permits, and many guests enjoy dining outside in warmer months. Outdoor seating pairs nicely with the neighborhood setting and is a popular option when available.

The Chew Chew offers multi-level dining with a vibrant bar area and a cozy outdoor patio when weather allows. Guests also report upstairs seating that tends to be more family oriented, window tables, and bar seating for a casual drink-and-appetizer experience. If you have a seating preference, request it when you book.

Casual dress is appropriate, the owner lists the dress code as casual. Guests consistently describe the place as relaxed but polished, so smart-casual attire works well for dinners and special occasions.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Near West
  5. Riverside

Make a reservation

A photo of The Chew Chew restaurant

The Chew Chew

4.9
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Riverside

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
  • 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