River Roast

Reviews

• DA

  Dimitri Ajazi

  3 days ago
  4.0
  10 Oct 2025's opening, ie an 1130 Mon CA brunch: **** Food: very good although note that its prices reflected the times, location and scenery. Orders included burrata (burrata cheese surrounded by brown butter roasted pears, toasted almonds, sage, and grilled sourdough bread), with earl grey black tea. This proved to be a wonderful pairing for any day brunch. The cheese and bread were fantastic. The pears appeared to be a segregated, sparsely-populated afterthought. Still, the dish and drink were definitely a back-for-more combination. Orders also included a half branzino (Mediterranean sea bass, chimichurri, grilled lemon). It was flavorful but meagre to my fellow diner, who doesn't eat anywhere near the volume I do. But I agree, the burrata offered much more. ***** Service: excellent with a bright and chipper server. If diners weren't streaming in for the under-co-staffed soul to tend to, he would have been fun conversation. **** Atmosphere: as stated previously, prices reflected the times, location and scenery, the last two of which were beautiful. I'm sure there are posted ample photos of same. Diners were Chicago polite, which isn't a criticism; instead, it's a reference to the people's truly Midwestern charm.
• LU

  Louie K’s Up

  4 days ago
  4.0
  River Roast brings that downtown charm with a side of soul. The food’s fresh, cooked to perfection, and you can taste the effort in every bite. The staff stayed attentive, and the riverside view adds the perfect touch peaceful, classy, and photogenic. It’s a spot you pull up to for good vibes and conversation that lasts longer than the meal. Louie K’s Up certified.🔥💯
• SC

  Stefano Casati

  Oct 16, 2025
  5.0
  What an amazing experience! I sat on the patio overlooking the river — the view of the city and skyline is just beautiful. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The White Bean Soup, Pull Apart Rolls, and the Half Chicken (their specialty) were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere inside is also stylish and well cared for. A must-try spot in Chicago — I’ll definitely be back!
• SG

  Stephen Gold

  Oct 5, 2025
  3.0
  An Exceptional Meal Marred by a Disappointing Ending We had what began as an exceptional dining experience that unfortunately ended very poorly. Our meal started with the ahi appetizer and continued with the branzino, accompanied by several sides including asparagus, mushrooms, and broccolini. However, shortly after dinner, two members of our party became violently ill, followed by the remaining two a short time later. When we contacted the restaurant the next day to inform them of the situation, the manager’s response was notably indifferent. They mentioned they would notify the chef but did not ask for details about our order or express any genuine concern for our well-being. A restaurant that demonstrates such disregard for its guests’ health and experience will find it difficult to sustain its reputation. Given the vast dining options in Chicago there are so many better alternatives to choose from, starting with RPM Seafood which is literally next door.
• MM

  Mez

  Sep 29, 2025
  1.0
  I made a reservation for 2:15 a week ago at river roast. My mom, my grandma and I showed up a bit before 2:30, my mom got caught in an important phone call but I saw that they had a 15 minute grace period so I wasn’t worried and was expecting to be sat. We even got a text at 2:20 asking if we were on the way and we said yes. When we got there, the hostess (I’m assuming was the manager) was not welcoming at all, just stood there with a blank look on her face as we walked in, no greeting. I sensed something was off and said Hi, she told me unfortunately the kitchen was closed and this was the time they switched from lunch to dinner. She said we had to wait an hour. This wasn’t the problem , I’m in the industry and very well know that this happens, what was ridiculous is that they didn’t bother or call or let us know. Why would you let us make a reservation if you know the kitchen closes at 2:15? When this has happened at restaurant I’ve worked at, we always call to let the customer know so they know not to come all the way. If she was nice about it I would’ve felt a little better, but she just seemed like wanted to get us out. I usually don’t write reviews, again I’m in the industry and I know how things are but this was unacceptable and ridiculous.

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