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    RL Restaurant

    4.2 (1.1k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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    RL RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Dressy

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    Recommended Reviews - RL Restaurant

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    Inside
    Kailey M.

    Perfect cozy winter spot. We were seated in the main dining room in the beautiful booths. We ordered the RL burger, mini Reuben's and lobster roll. Everything was good - the Reuben's were a fun touch on the menu and perfect for sharing. I did order a glass of wine and I swear it was champagne, but I was able to send it back. Overall it was quite pricey for what we ordered. But we came more for the vibes anyways.

    RL Burger
    Emily D.

    RL was a fun experience! Our service was excellent and the food was tasty. We enjoyed our drinks as well, but they weren't really unique or special. The downside of this spot is that it is truly the most crowded restaurant I have ever been to. It was claustrophobic and we were literally on top of all of the tables around us. Because of that, we won't be back! If you don't like being super close to others while dining, make sure you avoid this spot.

    Anne S.

    If you are lucky enough to grab a spot un the bar, definitely do! The wait staff is amazing, the drinks are divine and the food is delicious. I highly recommend getting a martini and the RL burger and enjoy the dimly lit atmosphere of the bar. If you happen to get the corner seat, you can do some fun people watching of shoppers in the retail store.

    Fish
    Lisa L.

    We love the RL restaurant it's always a good experience and the food is delicious We tried the pasta for the first time It was very good and I had the fish which was good as well the ambience always adds to this restaurant experience which we love and will continue to return for

    Maria-Elena T.

    Review is for the bar. Came here for a pre-dinner cocktail with my cousins visiting from Italy. Can you get more American than Ralph Lauren?! Had not been here in years. And I mean many years! Never just sat at the bar so I did not remember the bar being so small but three of us got a seat right away. The turnover was fast. The bartenders were amazingly attentive and one even spoke Italian. Highly recommend!

    Menu
    Mario S.

    Cozy spot with an upscale forwardness to it that's the vibe at RL. It feels classic Chicago, polished but not pretentious. If you have reservations, you're in luck. You'll glide right in and get seated. Us? We like to wing it. And I mean truly wing it. My advice get there early and snag a seat at the bar. It's a tight space, but honestly, the magic is in the bar. That's where the energy is. We went for brunch and split the recommended burger and fries (solid choice), plus a half dozen East Coast and West Coast oysters. Paired it with a glass of wine and it just worked. Simple, well-executed, and exactly what we were in the mood for. Be prepared this place fills up fast. Either plan ahead or have a backup plan if you're walking in. The wait staff was friendly, drinks were good, and the overall experience felt worth the effort. We'll definitely be back. Just maybe with a few friends to explore this gem.

    Capuccino $6
    Araceli C.

    Exellent I stop in for lunch I order Tini french onion soup Waldorf salad and a capuccino Evrething was pretty good Great service I be back soon again

    Courtney E.

    Not in all my life have I ever seen shrimp that big in a shrimp cocktail. Seriously--you could make a meal out of just that, and honestly, I probably should have. But I have no chill and kept ordering... and ordering. I followed it up with the crab salad, which was absolutely delectable--fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. And then, because I clearly have no self-control, I went for the chocolate layer cake. It was so good and came with a soft, dreamy dollop of cream on the side. I should've just stopped there and called it a perfect lunch. The service was top-notch--attentive at every turn. I think they liked my husband more than me, but I'll let that slide. They don't have sweet tea, but I made it work with iced tea and sugar packets (Southern problems, I know). The decor is a dream--classic, cozy, and full of charm. It's the kind of place that feels like a little escape from the city bustle. Just know that if you don't make a reservation, you'll probably be waiting... unless you know some secret trick I don't. The only downside? The bill. Especially for lunch, it stung a bit. But hey, for a splurge-worthy experience, it was worth it.

    Gerald H.

    While in town, stopped here for lunch on a Friday. Made reservations for 2:15 and checked in about 5 after 2. Simply put - this place is an ant hill, folks crawling over each other, each believe they are more important than the last one. Atmosphere is very plush which dark wood, framed photos on the walls, etc. We were finally sat and made a drink order. I went with an old-fashioned which was good. They added table bread for us, and I went with a lobster bisque. They serve it in front of you with lobster meat in the bottom, and pour the soup over top it. Good flavor. I went with a burger for my meal - and as I write this I think I ate more burgers this trip than I have all last year combined. Anyway. Good flavor, bacon was a nice touch and cooked properly to temp. I added the chocolate cake as a dessert which was rich. Would love to come back here for dinner - but for now, good to come for lunch which in the city.

    Hot Mini Lobster Rolls Escargot
    Raymond P.

    Had the chance to dine here on a recent visit to Chicago. I've had the opportunity to dine at the NYC polo bar as well so will provide comparison. RL restaurant in chicago was a relatively easy reservation compared to nyc. Similar atmosphere/decor. It is nice that you can walk in and sit at the bar in chicago (not the case in New York). The menu is fairly similar, small differences in items between the 2 locations. The service is phenomenal but the NYC staff is just a bit better. The vesper martini was delicious. We shared escargot and lobster rolls to start which were delicious. The RL burger did not disappoint and I would argue was better than the NY equivalent. For dessert had the NY cheesecake which came with blueberries and it was amazing. Highly recommend. Would go back.

    Sara G.

    RL Restaurant, nestled just off Michigan Avenue in Chicago, has been a cherished staple since its opening in 1999. It has a cigar bar library vibe, adorned with dark wood, paneled walls, and classic oil paintings, reflecting the timeless elegance of the Ralph Lauren brand. The seafood selection is particularly noteworthy. For those like me who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail, RL's old-fashioned is great. I pair that with fresh oysters. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, RL Restaurant is a very solid choice. Bar is first come first serve but if you want to dine in the dining room, get a res.

    RL Filet Rossini w/ Sauted Spinach and mashed potatoes
    Andre W.

    I have a good friend that loves this place as its totally her steez! Very uppity, classic and a god all around joint! Not mad at it as Ralph Lauren is a classic brand and its right next to the actual store. Sometimes we get the bar area and there are times we get the dining area...either is usually a good time. Some of the goodies here are: Escargot Oysters Rockefeller Filet Rossini (w/fois grois) Sauteed Spinach & Mashed Potatoes Roasted Cauliflower Shrimp Cocktail Key Lime Pie (that gingersnap crust is different) Old Fashioned (Reg & Oaxacan), Manhattan, Sidecar Service is always dope whether you have Blake near the bar area or Mauricio in the dining space. Love the classic pics all over the place as it makes you feel like you're in a classy joint. Great for dates or outings with friends. Its usually packed (especially bar area) so you have to get in where you fit in or make a resy ahead of time.

    Special sea bass sandwich and truffle fries

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    9 months ago

    Outstanding service and delicious food. The room is calm and beautiful, library atmosphere, and just welcoming and friendly.

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    6 months ago

    A beautiful and warm environment! The food was outstanding. The staff was amazing and very welcoming and friendly.

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    Page 2 of 27

    RL Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - RL Restaurant

    Possible to make any of the steak dishes without dairy/ butter due to allergies?

    How dressy do you have to be for lunch?

    Casual- everyone is dressed how you are up to evening, dressy date attire!

    Does the salad fill you up or is it just another appetizer/starter?

    The salad is a good size portion. You can have it as a meal.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    I got the strawberry Negroni drink and loved it! Very smooth and flavorful. They have good non…read morealcoholic options as well. I enjoyed all the food we received, it was tasty, warm, fast, and you get a good portion. The lobster roll was good, the lamb was good and the zucchini was as well! We got Brussel sprouts for the app and those were my favorite. The dessert was also very delicious and I would get again! They validate parking if you park in the north parking garage for $13. Make sure to bring your ticket with you! More details are on their website. The service was great and the place was clean. I loved the aesthetic!

    We've been to The Gage many times over the years since it's one of our top sit-down spots near…read moreSymphony Center before or after concert. Our favorite dish is definitely the PEI mussels. The broth is the kind you want to keep dipping bread into and practically lick off your fingers afterward -- flavorful, savory, and a little briny without being the heavy creamy type of sauce that some places do. Very comforting but not overly rich. Honestly, I don't even remember all the other dishes we've ordered over the years, but our experiences have consistently been good. Service is polished, the space feels classic Chicago, and it's a great place to relax before or after a performance downtown.

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    4.1(2.8k reviews)
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    Late night dinner and sips after the ghost gangster tour around Chicago! We picked Cindy's…read morerooftop at the Chicago Athletic Association on the 13th floor for stunning skyline views which was the perfect spot to just unwind from the busy day. Though we couldn't see much of Lake Michigan, we knew it was just right there. We enjoyed the fresh Caesar salad, creamy Rigatoni alla Vodka, and warm bread with herbed butter. , and an espresso martini and a glass of prosecco. For dessert, we ordered the baked Alaska (So good), and coffees which ended the night with perfection. Service: Cheers to Anthony for the wonderful service and great menu suggestions!

    The restaurant's ambiance and views make for a special meal but I had a quite frenzied experience…read more They had booked a space next to my table/the balcony for a networking event so it was very loud the whole time. There were people walking around socializing right next to my table and towards the end of my meal, a couple was waiting for a table while basically sitting on my table's couch seat. I don't know what they were doing there as they weren't part of the networking event and the bar was on the other side of the restaurant. The front/hostesses were friendly and helpful but the main waitstaff service was lacking. That being said, the mussels and the roasted carrots I got were surprisingly good. On the pricy side, but you're paying for the views.

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    Cindy's Rooftop - Espresso martini also #basic but also good.

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    Girl & The Goat

    Girl & The Goat

    4.4(10.7k reviews)
    1.5 miWest Loop, Near West Side
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    Girl & the Goat is a must go in Chicago. Between the reputation, the awards, and the fame of chef…read moreStephanie Izard, my expectations were high. I made this reservation more than a month in advance and was genuinely excited when I finally snagged a table. Thankfully, the meal delivered. The space itself is exactly what I hoped for--minimal, chic, and effortlessly cool. Nothing feels overdesigned or trendy for the sake of being trendy. The menu is also refreshingly approachable. It's creative without being overwhelming, and there's enough variety that everyone can find something they'll love. Before I even get into the food, I have to give a huge shoutout to our server, Kona. She was absolutely incredible and deserves a raise. Attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and genuinely invested in making sure we had a great experience. Service like that elevates an entire meal. The drinks were fantastic too. Strong, well-balanced, and with enough variety that there's truly something for everyone. I had both a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned, and neither disappointed. The Manhattan was bold and spirit-forward, while the Old Fashioned was exactly what I wanted--strong, slightly sweet, and the perfect companion to dessert. To start, we ordered the Pita & Dips, and thank goodness we did. The pita itself is enormous, warm, and beautifully prepared. The dips were fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. It's one of those dishes that seems simple on paper but ends up being one of the most satisfying things on the table. The famous Green Beans absolutely lived up to the hype. Kona came by and suggested pairing them with the halibut, which is exactly the kind of thoughtful service that makes a difference. She didn't have to do that, but she did, and she was right. The green beans were incredible--crunchy, savory, addictive, and somehow far more exciting than green beans have any right to be. I'd honestly come back just for this dish. The Pan-Roasted Halibut was another standout. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. The acidity cut through the richness of the fish while the subtle sweetness tied everything together. It felt bright and refined without losing comfort-factor. The Goat Empanadas were exactly what fried food should be. Crispy, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating. Sometimes restaurants try to overcomplicate things, but this dish succeeded because it simply executed the fundamentals perfectly. Then came the Roasted Pig Face, which might have been the most fun dish of the night. Mixing everything together transformed the plate into something completely different from its individual parts. The textures were fantastic, and the potatoes added an element I wasn't expecting but thoroughly enjoyed. It's playful, creative, and a perfect example of why Girl & the Goat became famous in the first place. And then dessert happened. We ordered the Popcorn Situation, and I now understand why people talk about it. The combination of sweetness, saltiness, creaminess, and crunch somehow works perfectly. That cake, the cheese component, the salty notes - everything came together in a way that sounds unusual on paper but tastes absolutely incredible. Overall, Girl & the Goat lives up to its hype. I'll 100% be back

    Love that they have a vegan menu! We sat outside on a sunny day. There was plenty of indoor and…read moreoutdoor seating. Service was great. As a group of 3, we ordered both vegan and non vegan dishes. For the chickpea fritters, they were able to make a half portion vegan and the other half as is. My friends ordered the chicken skewers and goat empanadas and loved them! I got the maitake mushroom dish. The mushrooms were very flavorful and paired well with the wrap and fresh strawberry cucumber salad. My favorite part was the vegan dessert "vacation, please!" - pineapple cake with passion fruit sorbet

    Photos
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    RL Restaurant - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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