Dock and Dine: 4 Chicago Restaurants to Visit by Boat

Jonathan Timianko

Aug 22, 2022 — 2 min read

From deep-dish pizza and hot dogs to prime rib, seafood and Italian classics, Chicago is a favorite of foodies everywhere. Add in architecture, iconic landmarks, urban parks and lakefront beaches, and you’ve got the perfect place to spend a week, long weekend or extended stay at a private boat dock rental.

Whether you’re cruising through on a Great Loop adventure, hanging out at a private boat slip for rent or sightseeing along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, you’ll want to check out some of the Windy City’s best restaurants. The great news is that you can get to many of them by boat. Let’s check out a few!

Boat Drinks Bar and Grill

Photo: Boat Drinks Bar and Grill (Facebook)

Located on Burnham Harbor, Boat Drinks Bar and Grill serves sandwiches, salads, Polish sausage and pizza. It’s next to a boat launch and near Soldier Field if you happen to be going to a Bears game. Enjoy Lake Michigan views while listening to live music and sipping frosty boat drinks. There’s a boat ramp nearby if you’re trailering your boat from a private boat lift rental.

River Roast

Photo: River Roast (Facebook)

The menu at River Roast features roast beef, fire-roasted chicken, sandwiches, grilled skirt steak and creative cocktails. The restaurant sits right along the Chicago River at N. La Salle by the Marshall Suloway Bridge. Listen to live blues while enjoying river views and weekend brunch.

O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café

Photo: O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe (Facebook)

O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café, located just east of Wabash Bridge, has outdoor waterfront seating. Choose from black angus burgers, salads, wraps and more. We hear they have excellent bloody Marys. The location on the Chicago River makes it a great spot to visit from a private boat lift for rent. Check out some other sites on the Riverwalk (a 1.5-mile path where you’ll find restaurants, bars, cafes and attractions) while you’re there.

Smith & Wollensky

Photo: Smith & Wollensky (Facebook)

Smith & Wollensky sits at a unique vantage point above the water. The boat docks at Marina Towers are underneath the building. It’s across the river from the Riverwalk near the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge. Menu selections include seafood, steakhouse burgers, NY strip and USDA prime beef. Choose from indoor or patio seating for excellent views.

Looking for more docking in the Windy City? Check out Downtown Docks, which is along the Chicago Riverwalk. Transient spaces are available for boats, kayaks and canoes on an hourly basis.

We hope you’ve found a few new eateries and boat dock rentals to add to your Chicago boating itinerary. Happy docking!

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