Everyone loves having a meal with a view, especially a water view. There’s something so peaceful about being close to the water, watching boats and birds go by while you eat. In the Prairie State, there are some fantastic eateries sitting right along the river, giving guests unparalleled water views. Here is a list we have compiled of some of the best riverfront restaurants in Illinois.
- Rivers Restaurant, Chicago
Rivers Restaurant/Facebook The location is phenomenal, as you are in the lobby of the Mercantile Building. On top of that, you get a great view of the Chicago River while enjoying modern American cuisine. For more information, visit the Rivers Restaurant website.
Address: 30 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
- Twin Rivers Restaurant, Carmel
Twin Rivers Restaurant/Facebook This family-style restaurant has views of where the White and Wabash Rivers converge. Enjoy some delicious catfish or fried chicken as you look out on the water. For more information, visit the Twin Rivers Facebook page.
Address: 1120 Hydraulic Ave, Mt Carmel, IL 62863
- 3rd Chute Bar and Grill, Grafton
management/TripAdvisor Sitting just off the Illinois River, 3rd Chute Bar and Grill will give you incredible water views. This restaurant has two bars outside and serves some great Cajun food, including frog legs. This unique place is fun for people of all ages! For more information, visit the 3rd Chute website.
Address: 220 W Main St, Grafton, IL 62037
- E-Town River Restaurant, Elizabethtown
E-Town River Restaurant/Facebook This place is all about fresh fish, sourced right from the Ohio River. They catch the fish themselves then cut and cook it for some of the freshest fish you’ll ever have. They also offer pond-raised fresh fish. As one of the seasonal Illinois waterfront restaurants, you’ll have to call ahead or check their Facebook page to see when they’re open. For more information, visit the E-town River Restaurant Facebook page.
Address: 100 Front St., Elizabethtown, IL 62931
- Riverview Diner, Montgomery
Photo Courtesy: Riverview Diner In the Fox Valley along the Fox River is a great little restaurant serving good food. The place has won the Best of American Cuisine Award, arguably making it one of the best restaurants in Illinois! Riverview Diner has an extensive menu and breakfast is served all day. What could be better? For more information, visit the Riverview Diner website.
Address: 1420 SE River Rd, Montgomery, IL 60538
- Evandy’s Boatel, Naples
Evandy’s Boatel/Facebook This restaurant is right on the Illinois River and is a truly phenomenal place to catch a sunset. Order a Dockside Favorite like the blackened catfish, catfish fritters, or Evandy’s crab cakes while you take in the water views. For more information, visit the Evandy’s Boatel Facebook page.
Address: 100 Bob Michael St, Naples, IL 62665
- Kuchie’s on the Water, Creve Coeur
Kuchie’s on the Water/Facebook This riverfront restaurant has a casual atmosphere, complete with a lovely patio and is home to the Shipwreck Bloody Mary. They even have a monthly shake special which you should definitely order along with some incredibly tasty food. For more information, visit Kuchie’s on the Water Facebook page.
Address: 579 Wesley Rd, Creve Coeur, IL 61610
What are some other places you consider to be the best riverfront restaurants in Illinois? Please tell us in the comments comment!
Rivers Restaurant/Facebook
The location is phenomenal, as you are in the lobby of the Mercantile Building. On top of that, you get a great view of the Chicago River while enjoying modern American cuisine. For more information, visit the Rivers Restaurant website.
Address: 30 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Twin Rivers Restaurant/Facebook
This family-style restaurant has views of where the White and Wabash Rivers converge. Enjoy some delicious catfish or fried chicken as you look out on the water. For more information, visit the Twin Rivers Facebook page.
Address: 1120 Hydraulic Ave, Mt Carmel, IL 62863
management/TripAdvisor
Sitting just off the Illinois River, 3rd Chute Bar and Grill will give you incredible water views. This restaurant has two bars outside and serves some great Cajun food, including frog legs. This unique place is fun for people of all ages! For more information, visit the 3rd Chute website.
Address: 220 W Main St, Grafton, IL 62037
E-Town River Restaurant/Facebook
This place is all about fresh fish, sourced right from the Ohio River. They catch the fish themselves then cut and cook it for some of the freshest fish you’ll ever have. They also offer pond-raised fresh fish. As one of the seasonal Illinois waterfront restaurants, you’ll have to call ahead or check their Facebook page to see when they’re open. For more information, visit the E-town River Restaurant Facebook page.
Address: 100 Front St., Elizabethtown, IL 62931
Photo Courtesy: Riverview Diner
In the Fox Valley along the Fox River is a great little restaurant serving good food. The place has won the Best of American Cuisine Award, arguably making it one of the best restaurants in Illinois! Riverview Diner has an extensive menu and breakfast is served all day. What could be better? For more information, visit the Riverview Diner website.
Address: 1420 SE River Rd, Montgomery, IL 60538
Evandy’s Boatel/Facebook
This restaurant is right on the Illinois River and is a truly phenomenal place to catch a sunset. Order a Dockside Favorite like the blackened catfish, catfish fritters, or Evandy’s crab cakes while you take in the water views. For more information, visit the Evandy’s Boatel Facebook page.
Address: 100 Bob Michael St, Naples, IL 62665
Kuchie’s on the Water/Facebook
This riverfront restaurant has a casual atmosphere, complete with a lovely patio and is home to the Shipwreck Bloody Mary. They even have a monthly shake special which you should definitely order along with some incredibly tasty food. For more information, visit Kuchie’s on the Water Facebook page.
Address: 579 Wesley Rd, Creve Coeur, IL 61610
Want to see other Illinois restaurants with awesome views? Check out this list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 30 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USAAddress: 1120 Hydraulic Ave, Mt Carmel, IL 62863, USAAddress: 220 W Main St, Grafton, IL 62037, USAAddress: 100 Front St, Elizabethtown, IL 62931, USAAddress: 1420 SE River Rd, Montgomery, IL 60538, USAAddress: Bob Michael St, Naples, IL 62621, USAAddress: 579 Wesley Rd, Creve Coeur, IL 61610, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Riverfront Restaurants In Illinois February 19, 2021 Melissa Mahoney What are some of the best places for outdoor dining in Illinois? It’s usually just the warmer months when we can enjoy outdoor dining in the Prairie State. But many restaurants have added heated igloos to their patios so guests can enjoy eating outdoors any time of year. For outdoor summer dining, you can peruse our list in this previous article: 8 Outdoor Restaurants In Illinois You’ll Want To Visit Before Summer’s End. If you want to dine in an igloo in the colder months, try Chicago’s City Winery or The Ivy in Wheaton. What are some of the most beautiful restaurants in Illinois? One of the most beautifully unique restaurants is housed in a historic Georgian mansion. Mesón Sabika is so pretty that weddings are often held here and sits on four acres close to downtown Naperville. Then there’s Lino’s, which will transport you to Italy with its incredible decor once you step inside. You wouldn’t think a pizzeria could be one of the most beautiful restaurants in the state, but we assure you, it is! What are the best waterfront restaurants in Illinois? With gorgeous views of Lake Decatur, the Beach House Restaurant is a must-visit! Enjoy a tasty dish in a relaxed atmosphere here as you look out on the water. Ryan’s Pier has lovely views of the Kankakee River, so order a drink on the patio and take it all in!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Riverfront Restaurants In Illinois
February 19, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
What are some of the best places for outdoor dining in Illinois? It’s usually just the warmer months when we can enjoy outdoor dining in the Prairie State. But many restaurants have added heated igloos to their patios so guests can enjoy eating outdoors any time of year. For outdoor summer dining, you can peruse our list in this previous article: 8 Outdoor Restaurants In Illinois You’ll Want To Visit Before Summer’s End. If you want to dine in an igloo in the colder months, try Chicago’s City Winery or The Ivy in Wheaton. What are some of the most beautiful restaurants in Illinois? One of the most beautifully unique restaurants is housed in a historic Georgian mansion. Mesón Sabika is so pretty that weddings are often held here and sits on four acres close to downtown Naperville. Then there’s Lino’s, which will transport you to Italy with its incredible decor once you step inside. You wouldn’t think a pizzeria could be one of the most beautiful restaurants in the state, but we assure you, it is! What are the best waterfront restaurants in Illinois? With gorgeous views of Lake Decatur, the Beach House Restaurant is a must-visit! Enjoy a tasty dish in a relaxed atmosphere here as you look out on the water. Ryan’s Pier has lovely views of the Kankakee River, so order a drink on the patio and take it all in!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s usually just the warmer months when we can enjoy outdoor dining in the Prairie State. But many restaurants have added heated igloos to their patios so guests can enjoy eating outdoors any time of year. For outdoor summer dining, you can peruse our list in this previous article: 8 Outdoor Restaurants In Illinois You’ll Want To Visit Before Summer’s End. If you want to dine in an igloo in the colder months, try Chicago’s City Winery or The Ivy in Wheaton.
What are some of the most beautiful restaurants in Illinois?
One of the most beautifully unique restaurants is housed in a historic Georgian mansion. Mesón Sabika is so pretty that weddings are often held here and sits on four acres close to downtown Naperville. Then there’s Lino’s, which will transport you to Italy with its incredible decor once you step inside. You wouldn’t think a pizzeria could be one of the most beautiful restaurants in the state, but we assure you, it is!
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Illinois?
With gorgeous views of Lake Decatur, the Beach House Restaurant is a must-visit! Enjoy a tasty dish in a relaxed atmosphere here as you look out on the water. Ryan’s Pier has lovely views of the Kankakee River, so order a drink on the patio and take it all in!
