Categories: Navy Pier

Navy Pier: Dining & Restaurants

Author: Molly Ryan

Stop into any of the lakeside restaurants to watch the animated crowd glide by, or pick up an authentic Chicago-style hot dog from a vendor and navigate your way through the sea of awed visitors. Either way, the restaurants at Navy Pier know how to satisfy the masses with large portions oozing with flavor.

Upon entrance to Navy Pier, visitors are greeted by a block of well-known restaurants. First in line next to the entrance gate is the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Taken straight from the script of Forrest Gump, this Cajun-inspired restaurant serves up plenty of shrimp (fried, sautéed, stuffed, etc.), but also has a selection of other creative seafood dishes and a slew of spicy sandwiches. Hand shaken cocktails made tableside provide a refreshing beverage for the hot summer nights. If shrimp does not tempt your palate, but you are still in the mood for some belly-warming Southern cooking, head on over to Joe’s Be-Bop Café and Jazz Emporium. Local jazz artists will swoon you with their funky smooth tones while you fill up on baby-back ribs, brisket cooked for 24 hours, and pulled pork all slathered in the exceptional secret-recipe barbeque sauce.

If beer is your passion, Charlie’s Ale House is a great restaurant to try out brews from around the world. While sloshing down a foamy pint, make sure to try some of the hearty home-cooked foods such as the chicken pot pie, the macaroni and cheese or the meatloaf. Another choice at Navy Pier is to move away from home cooking and travel to Italy at Capi’s Italian Kitchen. Taste all of the classic Italian foods at a casual setting with efficient service. One of the highlights at Capi’s is the make-your-own individual pizza with all-natural ingredients. As a more health-conscious restaurant than some of the other dining choices at Navy Pier, Capi’s attracts a family-oriented crowd. 

For a fast meal of a classic American hamburger, stop by the Billy Goat Tavern. Home of the famous cheezborger idolized in a Saturday Night Live sketch, this burger joint only serves meat. Steak, corned beef, and hamburgers round out the simple menu so don’t expect any fries. A classier (and much more pricy) option than a burger is located at Riva. The large dining room provides guests with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan while they dine or lunch with fresh seafood and prime cut steaks. The Riva Cafe below the restaurant serves visitors in search of more casual dining.

Instead of having a sit-down meal at one of the above restaurants, try out the food court  in the shopping center which packs in Ben and Jerry’s, Connie’s Pizza, McDonalds, America’s Dog, the Chicago Cookie Shop, the Popcorn Palace & Candy Emporium and other tasty eateries. The food court is great for snacks like a real Chicago hotdog piled high with all of the toppings straight from the book or a fresh baked cookie still steaming from the oven.

On a nice summer day, take a stroll around the dock and take your time in choosing one of the various food vendors scattered among the mass of visitors congesting the pier. Candied nuts, fried dough, buttered corn and Dippin Dots are only a few of the succulent sweet and salty munchies offered to the public during the spring and summer months. Relaxing outdoor cafes provide ample sit-down space at the Navy Pier Beer Garden and the new Mexican restaurant Chango Loco.

Check out places of interest near Navy Pier: Dining & Restaurants:

Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Graham Elliot
217 W. Huron Street, Chicago , IL 60654

This contemporary-American restaurant, located in the River North gallery district inside a 19th century printing warehouse, has all the taste of an uppity resaurant, but none of the bitterness.

Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.

Riva
700 E. Grand Avenue , Chicago, IL 60611

For a chic atmosphere and fine dining, Navy Pier guests should visit RIVA. Visitors can dine on specialty steak, seafood and pasta while viewing Chicago's epic skyline. If casual dining is desired, guests can choose RIVA Café below the main restaurant for great food without the candlelight.
Contact: (312) 644- RIVA

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located on Navy Pier, is  an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you are doubled over laughing and delightfully dizzy is the name of the game here--as is finding your way out!

 

 

Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Anita Dee yacht charters are available for anyone looking for a Chicago boat tour experience for a private event--or whatever reason.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

John Hancock Center Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60661

See Chicago from the top of the Hancock Building in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Center Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago, is among the oldest zoological gardens in the country (established in 1868) and is also among the most modern. Generations of Chicago kids and visitors to the city alike take the time to stand face to face with apes and even go palm-to-palm with them through the glass. Human-to-animal interaction is mixed with the heavily scientific- and research-based initiatives here.

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610

Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.

Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides. Take either a 30-minute lakefront cruise or a 75-minute river architectural cruise on the 130-passenger speedboat. Lakefront cruise: every half hour.

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.

Comfort Inn
15 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

Right in the middle of the bustling Mag Mile, this affordable hotel takes care of the basics and leaves you free to roam one of the busiest streets in the country.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.