Chicago is known for its famous skyline and urban neighborhoods, but it’s also right next to one of the largest lakes in the country. That means miles and miles of coastline — and tons of great beach bars and restaurants located right on Lake Michigan’s sandy shores.
Check out some of the best lakefront restaurants in Chicago right on the beach, offering great food, live music, and stunning lake and skyline views.
Want more waterfront dining? Check out restaurants & bars on the Chicago Riverwalk.
What are some restaurants on the beach in Chicago?
The Waterfront Cafe
All summer long, The Waterfront Cafe welcomes guests to Edgewater’s lakeside on the grounds of Berger Park & Cultural Center. This hidden urban oasis offers a relaxed atmosphere, serving up salads, seafood rolls, and spirits all summer long with sweeping views of Chicago’s skyline. An open-air patio features nightly live music, showcasing local jazz and blues musicians. Dogs are also welcome to join in on this experience.
Aura on the Lake
If you’re after a different vibe, Edgewater has another gem worth visiting.Aura on the Lake’s upscale bites, summery cocktails, and lakefront views make this beachside cafe feel like an elevated getaway on Kathy Osterman Beach. This cafe from the team behind Kitchen & Wine Bar features a lively summer calendar with live music and weekly events to keep things fresh.
The Dock at Montrose Beach
A favorite for waterfront dining on the north side, The Dock at Montrose Beach is located near the Uptown neighborhood. After playing in the waves, strolling in the gardens, or letting your pup splash around at Montrose Beach, you can continue enjoying Lake Michigan from The Dock’s large open patio. The food is simple and fresh, the scenery is spectacular, and you can even catch live music every evening.
Explore more: Visit our guide to Chicago’s beaches for even more ways to enjoy the city’s scenic waterfront.
Clock Tower Café
The striking English Gothic clock tower that sits along the lakefront north of Belmont Harbor is home to the Clock Tower Café. This casual spot in the Lakeview neighborhood is popular with those playing on the nearby tennis courts and golf course, but all are welcome to enjoy cold drinks and a casual menu. Choose from burgers, salads, sandwiches, and hot dogs, plus your choice of seating on two different patios.
The Lakefront Restaurant
Located inside the historic Theater on the Lake, The Lakefront Restaurant is Chicago’s only lakefront spot open all year round. This Lincoln Park spot serves upscale tavern fare in its soaring interior or on the alfresco patio, offering unbeatable views of both the skyline and Lake Michigan. Choose from a diverse menu of seasonally inspired dishes, from seafood to gourmet burgers to fresh salads. Their weekend brunch service is also popular. Patio seating is weather dependent.
Castaways
North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park is home to one of Chicago’s most popular beachfront restaurants. Castaways is instantly recognizable — when you spot the giant ship washed up on the sand, you’ll know you’re in the right place. While the first level’s menu consists of ice cream and snacks, the rooftop is a beach bar and grill with coastal American fare and signature frozen cocktails. The atmosphere is laid-back during the week with casual beachgoers and more high-energy on summer weekends when live DJs bring a party vibe.
Explore more: Many of these beachfront restaurants are connected via the 18-mile Lakefront Trail that runs along Lake Michigan.
Shore Club
Also on the sands of North Avenue Beach, the resort-inspired Shore Club feels like an island getaway without leaving the city. Offering both indoor and outdoor space, the Shore Club features Mediterranean-inspired shared plates and plenty of beachy cocktails. In the clubby Oasis area, reserve a private cabana where you can lounge on a daybed while enjoying personalized bottle service.
Whispers at Oak Street Beach
Nestled in the corner of the beach, this casual eatery is the perfect spot to sip on a drink or enjoy handheld bites. The outdoor patio at Whispers at Oak Street Beach offers a front-row spot to take in Oak Street Beach’s high-energy atmosphere — and, of course, the city’s skyline views. For special occasions, Whispers also offers the space to book a private event in their private cabana area.
Caffè Oliva
Tucked away on the calm shores of Ohio Street Beach, the beachfront Caffè Oliva offers a casual menu and sweeping lake views in a charming atmosphere. This spot is nestled just north of Navy Pier in the Streeterville neighborhood. Food options include fresh salads, fish tacos, coconut shrimp, and more. The patio welcomes dogs and even offers a small menu just for your furry companion.
Explore more: Check out outdoor dining options throughout the city, from popular patios to rooftop bars.
Navy Pier
The lakefront on Navy Pier offers tons of dining options, including many outdoor patios with sweeping water views. Enjoy live music and cold drinks at the Navy Pier Beer Garden, casual Latin fare at Bar Sol, cocktails and breathtaking views at Offshore Rooftop, and upscale Spanish cuisine at Lírica.
Explore all outdoor food and drink options at Navy Pier.
Boat Drinks Bar & Grill
Take in lake views, enjoy live music, and savor summer-friendly plates at Boat Drinks Bar & Grill. Tucked away in Burnham Harbor, this relaxed atmosphere is known for live music, even hosting live band karaoke nights, making it a great place for a night out with friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink by the water or evening plans, Boat Drinks offers something to enjoy all summer long. Bonus points for great views of the Navy Pier fireworks show twice a week.
Pier 31
Enjoy a quick bite, cocktails, and panoramic water views at this casual waterfront patio. Pier 31, located at 31st Street Beach, is a beachside bar and grill featuring a walk-up window for ordering, plenty of outdoor seating on the lively deck, and free live music while you watch the boats drift in and out of the harbor.
Reggies on the Beach
This beloved South Loop rock club has opened a waterfront restaurant and bar on 63rd Street Beach in Jackson Park. Reggies on the Beach is open all day for food and drinks, featuring casual dishes like burgers and salads, and plenty of tropical drinks. Check the schedule for their line-up of free concerts with an emphasis on reggae, blues, jazz, and funk.
South Shore Social Beach Club
Part of the stunning South Shore Cultural Center, South Shore Social Beach Club is a hub for fun events all summer long. Check the calendar for live music, line dancing, paint nights, invigorating beach workouts, and a plethora of other outdoor activities. Then grab a bite to eat from their culinary offerings, including burgers, wings, desserts, and a full bar.
Want more waterfront dining? Check out restaurants & bars on the Chicago Riverwalk.
