RL Restaurant
Chicago
Consider visiting during lunchtime for a quieter experience.
Located at 115 E Chicago Ave, RL Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines an elegant setting with a focus on classic American cuisine. Situated in Chicago, this restaurant provides an inviting atmosphere that appeals to a variety of diners. The interior of RL Restaurant is designed with a refined and subtle style that complements its sophisticated menu, making it suitable for both social dinners and business lunches.
The menu features American flavors that are both familiar and crafted with attention to detail. Patrons can expect a selection of dishes that emphasize high-quality ingredients and precise preparation. This attention to detail is evident throughout the dining experience, from the meticulous presentation to the attentive service provided by the staff.
The ambiance at RL Restaurant is characterized by its warmly lit rooms and comfortable furnishings, allowing guests to feel relaxed while enjoying their meal. This setting makes it a great choice for those seeking a tranquil yet refined dining environment. It's an ideal spot for both personal celebrations and professional gatherings, as the spacious layout can accommodate varying group sizes without compromising on comfort.
Whether visiting Chicago as a tourist or a local looking for a classic dining option, RL Restaurant caters to diverse tastes with its timeless approach to American cuisine. Its focus on providing a balanced dining experience through quality food in a pleasant environment ensures a memorable visit for guests.
Reviews
I have been here quite a few times for brunch (never tried their dinner service), and it's always satisfying. Rather than order the crab cake benedict, we typically just order a crab cake as an appetizer (off-menu) which comes with cole slaw and an amazing sauce. It's one of my top crab cakes in the city. Their sandwiches / burgers are good, though the past few times I've been sticking to the chicken milanese - so good! The herbs in the breading, the butter it's cooked in, the refreshing arugula salad all come together well. I wish they'd bring back their Gatsby drink but will just stick to the old fashioned for now. The free bread and the amazing, soft butter are always appreciated - it's rarer to see this offered these days so please keep it going! One word of advice, especially on weekends - make reservations.
RL sits adjacent to the Ralph Lauren flagship store right on Michigan Avenue, and the whole space carries that brand's signature aesthetic into a restaurant, dark wood paneling, leather booths, walls covered salon-style in art and photography, the kind of old-money English club atmosphere that feels intentional down to the smallest detail. It's a popular spot for ladies who lunch during the day and turns into a buzzing, well-dressed dinner crowd in the evening. We started with the chopped vegetable salad, which is something of a signature here, fresh and well-balanced, a nice lighter option before the heavier dishes arrived. The RL burger came next, and it genuinely lived up to its reputation, rich and juicy with a quality bun that held everything together, the kind of burger that makes you reconsider other restaurant burgers afterward. We also tried the lobster roll, mostly claw meat tossed in a lemon-herb aioli with just a hint of celery and chives, simple but well executed. One detail that stuck with us was the whiskey order arriving with a miniature polo mallet as the stirrer, a small touch that says a lot about the level of care put into the overall experience. For dessert, the Ralph's Coffee ice cream was smooth and deeply flavored, easily one of the better coffee ice creams we've had. Service throughout was attentive and polished, fitting for the setting. Weekday lunches tend to be calmer, while weekend evenings bring the full buzz and people-watching the restaurant is known for, busiest during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Dining at RL Restaurant, located at 115 E Chicago Ave just steps from the Magnificent Mile, is an absolutely magnificent and deeply sophisticated immersion into classic American luxury. As the premier culinary venture by Ralph Lauren, this iconic establishment captures a timeless elegance, making it an absolute masterpiece for anyone seeking a world-class dining experience in the heart of Chicago. From the moment you step through the doors, the atmosphere envelops you in a lavish, intimate warmth. The lavishly appointed interior—featuring rich wood paneling, original artwork, and plush leather seating—exudes the charm of a private, high-end club. The food is undeniably the star of the show; every dish is expertly prepared, incredibly delicious, and flawlessly executed. Complementing the fantastic meal is the top-tier, five-star hospitality. The staff operates with flawless precision; every team member is remarkably polite, organized, and enthusiastically attentive, ensuring a seamless and deeply welcoming experience amidst the vibrant city energy. For a truly wonderful and unforgettable luxury dining experience in Chicago, RL Restaurant is an absolute triumph.
What a great place to celebrate a party of 10. Service here was really good. Food was fantastic! I highly recommend the Corned Beef Bites, surprisingly really good. The ambiance was a 10 out of 10! Will be coming back to try other dishes!
