Business Details
About
RestaurantAmerican Restaurant
Situated on the iconic Chicago River with stunning views of downtown, River Roast is a lively social house and gathering place. The menu features contemporary American tavern fare with dramatic presentations of whole roasted chicken, whole roasted fish, and slow roasted beef.
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.6
5,056 reviews
5 stars
3,884
4 stars
708
3 stars
241
2 stars
89
1 star
134
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Food Quality
Overall, customers praised the food as delicious, with standout dishes like the whole roasted chicken and burrata, though some found certain items overpriced or lacking in flavor.
Service
Service received mixed reviews; while many highlighted excellent and attentive servers, others reported poor experiences with staff, including rudeness and inattentiveness.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's riverside location and ambiance were frequently described as beautiful and welcoming, contributing positively to the dining experience.
Value
Several customers felt the prices were high relative to the portion sizes and quality of some dishes, leading to concerns about value for money.
Reservation Issues
There were complaints regarding reservation management, particularly instances where customers were informed of kitchen closures after arriving.
- AIAlla IritNov 11, 20254.0River Roast is a fantastic spot with great food and beautiful views of the Chicago River. The dishes are flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the atmosphere feels warm and lively. I love sitting by the water while enjoying a delicious meal — it’s such a relaxing and memorable experience.
- EMEric MarascoNov 10, 20254.0Service was top notch from start to finish—attentive, professional, and friendly. The food overall was good, though not outstanding. The mussels were disappointing, with nearly half not fully open, something that should have been caught before leaving the kitchen. The staff handled it well and made it right. The pork dish was fantastic, cooked perfectly with great flavor, and the chicken was solid but not memorable. The chocolate dessert, though, was absolutely awesome—rich, smooth, and the highlight of the meal. If you are in the area, solid choice especially when warm along the river. I would not make a special trip across town.
- MGMasherins GarryNov 8, 20255.0River Roast is a great place to relax and eat while enjoying the river view. The inside feels modern and comfortable, and the outdoor seating is one of the best parts of the experience. The food tasted fresh, portions were good, and the menu had enough variety to satisfy different tastes. Service was consistent, friendly and not slow. I think this is a perfect place for lunch or dinner if you want a nice view and a calm atmosphere in the middle of Chicago.
- TFTroy FaaborgNov 8, 20255.0Absolutely AMAZING food, fun atmosphere, and great happy hour specials! But truly, the food is the star here. The pork shank was deliciously fall-off-the-bone good, and the roast chicken was one of the best I have ever had. I never understood why Guy Fieri uses terms like “off the chain” to describe food, but this starts to help it make sense: sometimes the food is so good that modern vernacular like “that’s delicious” simply does not do it justice!
- SSSusan StanphillOct 30, 20255.0From booking our event with Jena to relaxing beside the river, our experience at River Roast was outstanding from start to finish. My team brought a group of 40 leaders to Chicago and treated them to dinner here, and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The private dining space had a wonderful atmosphere — elegant yet comfortable — and the carpeted room made it easy to enjoy conversations without competing with background noise. The service team was attentive and friendly, and every detail of the evening ran smoothly. The riverside location added an extra touch of charm, especially as the city lights came on. We couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience for our group — thank you to Jena and the entire River Roast team for making it memorable!
Frequently Asked Questions About River Roast
How to reserve Patio Seating
Patio Seating is first come, first serve
What type of cuisine does River Roast offer?
River Roast features contemporary American tavern fare with specialties like whole roasted chicken, whole roasted fish, and slow roasted beef.
What are River Roast's brunch hours?
Brunch is served only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed for brunch Monday through Friday.
Can I make a reservation at River Roast, and how?
Yes, you can make a reservation online via their website or OpenTable.
Is patio seating available at River Roast?
Yes, River Roast offers patio seating on the Chicago River, which operates on a first come, first serve basis.
Does River Roast offer takeout and delivery options?
Yes, River Roast provides both in-store pickup and delivery services, with delivery available through DoorDash.
When is River Roast's happy hour?
Happy hour runs daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
What payment methods does River Roast accept?
River Roast accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards.
Where is River Roast located?
River Roast is located at 315 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654, in the River North neighborhood.
What popular nearby restaurants can I visit before or after dining at River Roast?
Nearby popular restaurants include Chicago Cut Steakhouse and Bob Chinn's Crab House Chicago, great options to explore for additional dining experiences in River North.
Are there notable nearby bars or social spots near River Roast?
Yes, Bridge Bar Chicago is a nearby cocktail bar, perfect for enjoying drinks before or after your meal at River Roast.
Are there any interesting nearby places for events or gatherings near River Roast?
Nearby venues such as Encyclopaedia Britannica offer event planning services that might complement private events or weddings held at River Roast.