Featured in this post
Keep Exploring
Chicago, Illinois
Essential Chicago
Explore More
CChicago is a top destination for many reasons. As the third-largest city in the U.S., this multicultural mecca attracts approximately 86 million visitors a year. Known as The Windy City, it is home to 100 neighborhoods, 36 annual parades, 40 film festivals, 74 music festivals, 600 parks, 500 playgrounds, and so much more, according to Chicago.gov. It is a city ingrained in America’s heartland, and while it has a big-city vibe, it is very much in tune with its Midwest roots.
Chicago is known for its appealing architecture and history. It’s a town that Frank Sinatra sang about and for good reasons. From the museums to gangster walking tours, parks, and sports, this city is exciting and has something for all. Chicago is also a great place for dining. Exceptional cuisine is at your fingertips here, and dining at the unique waterfront along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River is a pure treat for anyone who wants those skyline views alongside some great food.
According to Chicago.gov, the Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile path with four districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. The walk takes you right up and close to the Chicago River, offering spectacular sights and a perfect place for dining on the water. As for Lake Michigan, there’s the Navy Pier, which is full of parks, shops, attractions, and great restaurants on the water.
Waterfront Dining in Chicago Starts on Lake Michigan
For some of the top places to eat on the water in Chicago, City Cruises stands out among the rest. Start off right with the Chicago Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan. Gather friends and family for a picturesque day as you dine on Lake Michigan. You will enjoy a chef-prepared buffet meal of sweet and savory classics, including Scottish smoked salmon and French toast for early risers and salads, pasta, and Birria-style chicken for late risers.
The two-hour cruise also features bottomless mimosas and breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline, including Willis Tower and Adler Planetarium. You will enjoy top-notch service as you take in your surroundings from the comfortable indoor spaces and open-air decks aboard the vessel while listening to the sounds of our live DJ.
If it’s a delectable dinner you crave, take the Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. This is where you and your friends will delight in a memorable evening under Chicago’s night sky and stars. The highlight of the evening is the amazing backdrop of the city skyline. You will indulge in a chef-prepared buffet that includes oven-roasted salmon, baked orecchiette pasta, and Greek salad, along with other dishes.
Enjoy the views from the climate-controlled interior decks and take in sights such as the John Hancock Building and Navy Pier. The two- to three-hour cruise also features a fully stocked cash bar, live DJ entertainment, games, and an open-air deck.
For other dining on the lake, try The Lakefront Restaurant. According to its website, it is open year-round and located in the historic theater on the lake building at Fullerton. Known as an upscale tavern, the restaurant has 125 intimate tables, a seasonal skyline patio, and “stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.” Try the Annatto cauliflower tacos, chicken tinga tacos, or poblano beef stew. For dessert, indulge in the sour cream chocolate caramel cake.
Get Onboard with City Cruises and Dine on the Chicago River
For something just a little different, try the Premier Plus Architectural Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River. It’s a mix of fine dining and unrivaled skyline views that will keep you talking about it with your friends well after you’re back on land.
Delight your palate with delicious plated lunch specials, including butternut squash and kale salad, cauliflower and leek chowder, Atlantic striped bass, and potato gnocchi with tomato ragu. Pair with our craft cocktails. Your eyes will be amazed by Chicago’s iconic architecture as you take in the views from our glass-enclosed vessel. Landmarks include Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Old Chicago Post Office. Enjoy the narrated tour with ambient music as well as the onboard DJ entertainment and superb service.
Take your next dinner to the next level by sailing on board the Chicago Premier Plus Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River. You and your friends will indulge in an exquisite evening filled with gourmet dining, spectacular skyline views, and exciting entertainment. The menu includes everything from cauliflower and leek chowder and Italian sausage ravioli all’amatriciana for starters to cioppino and potato gnocchi with tomato ragu for your main course.
This 2.5-hour cruise is everything you imagine for a night along the water with the sights of Chicago’s iconic architectural marvels that you’ll see from our glass-enclosed vessel. Enjoy creative cocktails from a fully stocked cash bar, live DJ entertainment, and a night you will remember as you dance the night away with Chicago as your backdrop.
For a land-based restaurant with great views of the Chicago River, check out Beatnik on the River, “An exotic neighborhood escape with globetrotting cuisine, tropical cocktails and bohemian interiors in Chicago’s Loop,” according to the website. This dining oasis is “an exotic escape with maximalist interiors and lush gardens.” The food and drink bring together Eastern Mediterranean, Northern Africa, and Mexican flavors to bring your tastebuds alive. Try the beet mutabbal, mole verde gnocchi, or the shrimp esquites. Mouthwatering desserts include pumpkin cheesecake and dark chocolate tart.
City Cruises Can Host Private Waterfront Events in Chicago
Need a great venue for a special private event? Our Chicago Group & Private Events can assist you with events from corporate functions for small or large parties. We can also help with your wedding, engagement party, shower, or bachelor/bachelorette party. Have a special anniversary on the calendar, a family reunion, or a birthday? City Cruises private events will help you plan the perfect party within your budget. We also offer education events and holiday parties.
Explore our Chicago Fleet to find the venue that best suits your needs. Whether it’s a larger event or a more intimate gathering, City Cruises has seven venues from which to choose, including:
- Odyssey Lake Michigan: The largest vessel in the Chicago fleet offers stunning panoramic views from four decks and includes an open-air rooftop.
- Spirit of Navy Pier: The newest vessel in the Chicago fleet, this four-level yacht has three interior dining decks, two exterior observation decks, and three bars.
- Chicago Elite: This luxury yacht is a private charter vessel that boasts stunning skyline views from climate-controlled decks or the open-air sky deck.
Chicago Fleet and Venues
Book Your Chicago Waterfront Dining Experience Today!
Chicago is everyone’s kind of town and the perfect city to enjoy dining on the water or along Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. No matter what you’re looking for in your next dining experience, City Cruises has it. You and your guests will love every minute on board with us. We can’t wait to see you!
Featured in this post
Pompeii Tour with Archaeologist & Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome
Rome, Lazio
Exclusive Alone In St. Mark's Basilica After Hours
Venice, Veneto
Rome Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine With A Local Chef
Rome, Lazio
Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour
Florence, Toscana
Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour
Venice, Veneto
Best of Florence Walking Tour With David & The Duomo
Florence, Toscana
Venice in a Day With St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, & Gondola Ride
Venice, Veneto
Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour
Rome, Lazio
Premium Colosseum Tour
Rome, Lazio
Tastes & Traditions of Florence: Food Tour with Sant'Ambrogio Market Visit
Florence, Toscana
Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Farmers Market & Lunch
Venice, Veneto
VIP David & Duomo Tour: Early Accademia Tour & Skip the Line Dome Climb with Exclusive Terrace Access
Florence, Toscana
Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour
Vatican City, Lazio
Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour
Venice, Veneto
Trastevere & Historic Center VIP Food Tour with Rooftop Spritz
Rome, Lazio
Florence In A Day with David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour
Florence, Toscana
The Chianti Experience: Small Group Half-Day Wine Tour from Florence
Florence, Toscana
Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour, St. Mark's Basilica & Gondola Ride
Venice, Veneto
Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
Rome, Lazio
Rome Pizza-Making Class in Trastevere
Rome, Lazio
Tuscany Day Trip From Florence With Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano
Florence, Toscana
Alone in the Duomo: VIP After-Hours Tour with Dome Climb & Private Terrace Access
Florence, Toscana
Exclusive Alone In St. Mark's & Doge's Palace Tour
Venice, Veneto
Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour
Rome, Lazio
Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center
Rome, Lazio
VIP Doge's Palace Secret Passages Tour
Venice, Veneto
The Key Master's Tour: Open the Sistine Chapel
Vatican City,
Tastes & Traditions of Bologna: Food Tour with Market Visit
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Ultimate Naples Food Tour
Naples, Campania
St. Peter’s Basilica from Top to Bottom with Dome Climb & Crypt
Vatican City, Lazio
VIP Venice Boat Tour with Grand Canal
Venice, Veneto
The Complete Vatican Tour With Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican City, Lazio
Premium Lagoon Excursion: Burano & Murano Glass Blowing
Venice, Veneto
Alone In The Vatican: Exclusive VIP Access Vatican Tour
Vatican City,
Colosseum Arena Floor & VIP Caesar's Palace SUPER Sites Tour
Rome, Lazio
Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Winery Lunch & Medieval Towns
Rome, Lazio
Boat-Hopping on the Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Rome
Rome, Lazio
Alone in Rome's Catacombs: After-Hours Tour with Bone Crypt
Rome, Lazio
Welcome to Rome: City Stroll with Gelato Tasting
Rome, Lazio
Borghese Gallery Tour & Tickets: With Bernini, Caravaggio & Raphael
Rome, Lazio
VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Rome, Lazio
Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide
Pompeii, Campania
Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome
Rome, Lazio
3-in-1 Bologna Foodie Day Trip with Pasta Making Class
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
Best of Venice Tour: Doge's Palace, Private Boat Ride & Murano
Venice, Veneto
Best of Milan: The Last Supper Tickets, Duomo & City Highlights Tour
Milan, Lombardia
Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour
Vatican City, Lazio
Venice Express Day Tour: Gondola, St. Mark's & Doge's Palace
Venice, Veneto
Keep Exploring
Chicago, Illinois
Essential Chicago
Explore More