Hello dear
Located along the picturesque Chicago River, River Roast offers a delightful dining experience that marries comfort food with an upscale flair. Known for its mouthwatering pot pies and hearty roasts, the restaurant features a diverse menu that includes standout dishes like the Lobster Burger and exquisite dessert options, such as their famed Carrot Cake. Guests rave about the friendly service and the inviting ambiance, perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. The scenic views enhance the experience, making River Roast a must-visit for food lovers seeking a blend of delicious cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere.
About
Welcome to River Roast, where culinary artistry meets the serene backdrop of the Chicago River. Nestled at 315 N LaSalle St, this delightful eatery captures the essence of American comfort food with a sophisticated twist. As a food reviewer for Menu Buzz, I was excited to explore a menu brimming with enticing flavors and comforting delights.
Stepping into River Roast, you're greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The location offers stunning views of the river, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy culinary masterpieces while watching boats glide by. The atmosphere is balanced, allowing for intimate conversations or lively gatherings alike.
The menu is anchored by enticing offerings such as the Boar Sloppy Joe, featuring wild boar paired with brown sugar, onions, and tangy pickles—a true comfort food classic for just US$17.00. For seafood lovers, the Lobster Burger with smashed avocado, Bibb lettuce, and ripe tomatoes arrives artfully presented on a brioche bun for US$23.00. Vegetarians will not be left out, with options that highlight the season’s best produce alongside creative preparations.
Among the highlights, diners rave about the Cinnamon Apple Old-Fashioned, a cocktail that showcases River Roast's commitment to quality beverages. The desserts, generously portioned and designed for sharing, include their Chocolate Cake encased in rich fudge icing, available for US$14.00. It's a show-stopper that leaves a lasting impression, perfectly embodying the notion that indulgence is a must after a satisfying meal.
Crowd favorites like the Fried Chicken Sandwich, adorned with spicy remoulade and butter lettuce, echo the restaurant's ethos of approachable yet refined dining. Reviews from customers frequently mention the staff's friendly demeanor and attentive service, which enhances the overall dining experience. Patrons like Joe King affirm that a visit to River Roast is a treat worth returning for, especially when the summer sun invites al fresco dining on the patio.
The organization and attentiveness of the team ensure that each guest feels welcomed, making it a great spot for both the local crowd and visitors craving an authentic taste of Chicago. River Roast stands out, not just for its comfort food with a modern spin but also for its ability to create a memorable dining experience. Whether it's a gathering with friends or a casual dinner date, this restaurant has something for everyone. Make your reservation today and see for yourself why River Roast is a standout in the Windy City!
“ Came here for dinner with a few friends last week on what had to be the coldest day of the year. Glad to say the meal didn’t disappoint. We kicked things off with the pork belly bites and grilled octopus. Both were on point, especially the octopus, perfectly cooked. For the main, I went with a 16oz chunk of roast beef, and it didn’t let me down. Big, juicy, and cooked just right. We finished with a slice of chocolate cake that was practically the size of a whole cake. No complaints there. The vibe was pretty low-key that night, mostly empty except for a few groups of finance and corporate types. Our server was cool, though, and kept things light with some good humor. I’d definitely come back in the summer and enjoy a meal on the patio. Solid spot for a good meal. ”
“ I came here with a friend. I did have a reservation. I arrived early. I asked to be seated outside so I could enjoy the view of the river and the boats going by. I did need to wait for that seating, but I didn't wait long because my friend arrived close to our reservation time, and we were seated shortly thereafter. They were well organized as you come in.The hostess will check you in and direct you doupstairs, they do have an elevator if needed.Then when you get to the bottom of the stairs another hostess is waiting and there is plenty of seating if you are waiting for your table. All the staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. They have a variety of items on their menu. Their desserts are huge and can be shared by 2 or more. I will definitely come back. This is a nice place if you're looking for something along the river walk that is casual . You can have a conversation both inside and out. The noise level is moderate. We didn't have drinks, so it was also very inexpensive. The cake they have was good, and if you are looking to celebrate a birthday, the one slice could easily be for 3-4 people. We had the carrot cake, but they also had chocolate. They have valet parking and there are parking lots nearby for self park if needed. ”
“ This is an excellent spot right on the river! The food was delicious. Service was excellent. Drinks were amazing ! We had the cinnamon apple old-fashioned ! Must try! Our sever was Fernando! ”
“ This is literally one of the best restaurants I’ve ever had in my life! From the carrot cake to the chicken pot pie with no mushrooms might I add, this is the best food ever. Then you added in a cocktail, which is literally a top five cocktail for me all time. The cinnamon apple old fashioned. When I travel back to Chicago I am going to be here very regularly!! ”
“ We got a last-minute reservation on Friday night through OpenTable, but the seat was in the bar. That's totally fine with us! That means we're closer to the drinks! Which were delicious, by the way. The menu is focused around pot pies and roasts, General Lee comfort food. So we opted for chicken pot pie, the Beet salad, the crispy potato side, and the chicken nuggets which are called goblets or something like that. All of the food was delicious, especially the beet salad was our favorite! We are very happy with the entire entire experience and would be happy to go back again. ”
“ Let me start off by saying the shrimp and crab toast are delicious, which set us up for our main course. I had the chicken and waffle with a bloody marry to drink. The chicken was juicy, tender, and full of flavor with every bite, and it paired perfectly with the waffle. The vibe was upbeat with a beautiful view, and the service was superb. ”
“ I had a really wonderful lunch at River Roast. I ordered the steak & eggs medium rare with the potatoes swapped out for a salad. Everything was insanely delicious, beef was extremely tender, pesto chimichurri sauce was PERFECT, and the eggs were flavorful. The pancake skillet was very dense and not your typical pancake but was still flavorful, I recommend to share. The RR veggie skillet was full of flavor and hearty. I do wish my cold brew was served in a larger cup, I felt like I got very little coffee due to the size of cup ice, especially for 8. I also recommend the restaurant to add homemade whipped cream to the pancake. The server was very kind and the staff greeted us both when we entered and when we left. We felt very valued to be there and would come again. ”
“ Great food, best service in town. We sat by the riverfront and enjoyed an amazing meal. We choose burgers for brunch, topped with egg and bacon. Best smoked, flavor full bacon, and carrot cake for desert. Friendly server, manager greeted us, fast service. All around best waterfront experience to date. ”