The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake
Chicago
Visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience, especially if planning to enjoy the views.
The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake offers an upscale dining experience alongside Chicago's historic lakefront. Set within a Prairie-style building recognized for its architectural significance, the restaurant provides guests with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the city’s iconic skyline. Known for its upscale tavern ambiance, this venue is open year-round, serving a seasonal Midwestern menu. The focus is on fresh ingredients that reflect the changing seasons of the Midwest, contributing to the variety and quality of the offerings. Patrons can enjoy carefully curated dishes with influences from local traditions. The restaurant caters to both casual diners and those looking to host more formal events, giving it a versatile charm.
With flexible accommodation options, The Lakefront Restaurant serves as one of Chicago's prime spots for various gatherings. Whether for an intimate meal, a family outing, or a business event, the setting suits diverse needs. The eatery’s proximity to the lakefront grants it a picturesque air, ideal for visitors who appreciate outdoor beauty alongside their culinary adventures. Inside, the structures of the original building mesh with modern furnishings, creating a space that respects its history while providing contemporary comforts.
In addition to the dining experience, Theater on the Lake’s historic site is also used for a variety of events throughout the year. This enhances visitor engagement with different aspects of local culture, from theater to music and beyond. Such multifaceted use of space ensures that patrons can extend their visit beyond a meal, exploring what the theater aspect has to offer.
Reviews
Overall had a great experience. Went here to grab a quick bite to eat with a friend around 4:30-5:00ish and it was completely empty so didn’t have a long wait haha. I absolutely loved the chicken pesto sandwich and will be coming back for it soon. My friend got the burger (which looked eh) and she said it was pretty lack luster average. The fries were kinda perfection haha. The right amount of chew and thickness to them. The drinks were very strong so come if you love em heavy but I personally had to ask for a little mix in which I appreciate the staff dealing with me haha. The staff was nice and it was so beautiful to sit outside by the lake. Overall great time.
We came here on a Friday before seeing a show. The views and the atmosphere were great, but the food and service were not good. The crispy tuna was not very crispy, and the amount of tuna was minuscule. The deviled eggs were very dry and bland. The brisket dip was also very mid. The service was just very slow. We weren’t asked how the food was, I would have liked another drink and more water but our waiter was hardly around. If you do decide to go, I recommend just going for a drink and enjoying the lake side view.
Came here for restaurant week and had the most incredible meal. Appreciated the service and fantastic wine recommendation from our server Rich. He was fantastic! Highly recommend this spot for a casual meal or a fancy date night. Sunset views over the lake and city skyline can’t be beat!
What a lovely surprise to find on a cold Chicago Winter day. My husband and I decided to have an adventure and come to the lakeshore and view the frozen waves. It did not disappoint. We were headed to North Ave Beach but got off at Fullerton and drove into this pleasant surprise. For $15 we valeted our car and walked to the lakeshore for photos. Incredible view of the lake and Chicago skyline. Then, we went in for lunch and had a wonderful server, Frannie, who was staring a double shift since it was restaurant week in Chicago. She was engaging and attentive. I had the breakfast nachos, YUM, and my husband devoured the cheese board. Frannie recommended a hot toddy, which warmed me up quickly. We had a corner table that looked out on the lake and skyline. Our adventures that day were perfect because of the Lakefront Restaurant, Frannie, and Dominic who warmed our car.
Enjoyed a most wonderful night out at the restaurant and theater. We started our evening with dinner and we were very pleased with our service and meals. The venue is beautiful, very industrial but modern. Our server was wonderful. She inquired if we’re were there to attend the show and ensured prompt service so we make open doors. For starters we got the bread & butter, crispy tuna and French onion soup. The bread was warm and soft and the butter was the perfectly salty. I enjoyed the tuna however I felt the sushi rice was a bit too thick. And my husband loved the soup. For the entrees I got the Brisket dip and elote, and my husband got the burger and fries. He was not impressed with the burger and felt it tasted like a cheap grade beef but he said the fries were wonderful. The brisket dip was delicious and I loved the elote. Overall it wasn’t bad but I do think we would try some other options next time.
