River Roast – Chicago

If you are planning a trip to the Windy City, you must add a meal at River Roast Chicago to your to-do list! We first stumbled upon this place by accident.  We had arrived at our hotel, after a day of flight delays, and were looking for a place nearby to grab a quick bite. What a wonderful surprise this was! We loved it so much that we ended up going again that same weekend. 

The restaurant is pretty big and in the warmer months they have an awesome patio, overlooking the Chicago River, which makes it even larger.  They have private rooms available for gathering of all sizes.  Every time we have been there’s been a wedding reception or two happening. 

The food is severed family style and meant to be shared so keep that in mind when ordering.  The staff is really friendly and very happy to offer food and drink recommendations.  They have a very impressive wine and cocktail list and great local craft beers.  

If you are looking for a starter, or if you just pop in to have a drink and a few nibbles, try the Golden Gobbets.  These small pieces of golden fried chicken, drizzled with honey are to die for. Not into fried chicken, but want something small to start, they have house-made pickled vegetables with a little snap. 

Although we have tried several dishes, our favorite remains the Whole Chicken.  It’s a roasted whole apple wood smoked chicken, carved up table side, served with their famous RR potatoes.  These are the best potatoes you will ever have.  Yes, they are that good!  I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that they are dripping in chicken fat…  They have other fantastic sides as well. I was not a brussels sprouts lover but the ones here changed my life.  Really, you can’t go wrong with anything. 

They also have a list of interesting deserts but rarely do we have any room left to enjoy one. You will have to try some out and let us know! 

On their menu there is a quote that sums up this experience very well “Simple Food, Done Well”.  There’s nothing complicated or pretentious about their food, but it is done so well.