The Dawson

The Dawson is a west town restaurant, bar, and gathering place celebrating the craft of food, drink and hospitality.

9 / 10
484
ratings
  • Phone

    (312) 243-8955

  • Website

    the-dawson.com

  • Instagram

    No Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

    No X (Twitter)

  • Facebook

    549843948385159

  • Type

    New American Restaurant

Address

730 W Grand Ave (at N Halsted St) Chicago , IL 60654 United States

Credit Cards Yes (incl. Visa)
Wi-Fi Yes
Outdoor Seating Yes
Menus Lunch, Dinner
Drinks Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 94


Keywords:

good for dates trendy outdoor seating good for groups river west bar pork short ribs deviled eggs healthy food great value Aperol burrata cheese Irish coffee restaurants hipster candy biscuits meats casual
Bitches Who Brunch

The Dawson has a gorgeous industrial space that is ideal for a sunny brunch date in West Town . The brunch menu doesn’t win on cocktails , but is full of delicious modern twists on breakfast dishes Read more

Eater

The large, cozy patio can accommodate plenty of guests while a toasty fireplace keeps it warm when the temps drop. A bar outside makes ordering drinks like the popular Frozen Mai Tai a breeze. Read more

Eater

The Dawson actually sports multiple fireplaces , including one outdoors. This huge bar/restaurant at the corner of Grand and Halsted boasts an impressive beverage program. Read more

Chicago Tribune

The $11 Field & Stream at The Dawson is made with Famous Grouse scotch , Benedictine, spiced ginger hazelnut and lemon . Served hot, the drink has the lightness of tea with the spice of cider . Read more

Serious Eats

The Dawson offers an eclectic menu from Chicken-Fried Lobster to Grilled Oysters , and the Frozen Mai Thai is a must-try! This delightful lime drink gives your tastebuds the wakeup call it needs. Read more

Chicago Tribune

Drink this: the Field & Stream made with Famous Grouse scotch , Benedictine, spiced ginger hazelnut and lemon . Served hot, the drink has the lightness of tea with the spice of cider . Read more

Nanaenay

Get lots of things to share so you can really take in what this place has to offer. So. Good. Musts: Ceviche w/ tiger's milk , Chicken-Fried Lobster , Salted Candy Bar dessert - & the BBQ Pork Cupcake .

Chicagoist

An outdoor bar makes casual , bi-level The Dawson a go-to among al fresco enthusiasts, the wisest of whom snag shotcicles and frozen mai tais to accompany their burgers and chicken-fried lobster . Read more

Kevin Dulin

Love the GTO cocktail . Both the Bacon Flight and Duck Confit Enchiladas were to die for!

Karla Paola

Mahi-mahi fish tacos , ceviche with tiger milk and the octopus absolutely tasty and for dessert you need to try strawberry cheesecake and pistachio ice cream ???? I will definitely come back !

PureWow

River West : Is it the sprawling patio , the elevated mixology or the wood-fired steak and seafood that make us love this place so much? We don’t know and, frankly, we just want another old-fashioned. Read more

Joseph Vajda

Roasted chicken and Arctic Char are excellent entrees. Steamed mussels killed as an appetizer . Great atmosphere and some of the best service I have had in a restaurant in Chicago in a long time.

Eater

Chef Rene DeLeon's eclectic menu of comfort food twists combined with a vast innovative beverage program and a large layout is bringing patrons in.

L K

Nice selection of unique beers . A bit expensive , high end . Good wine selection . Excellent atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the upstairs.

Savoteur

With modern lighting and graphic, textile floor, The Dawson’s stylish bar is an ideal spot for taking in their handcrafted cocktails , international wines and beers . Read more

Taylor Konigseder

Great date spot . Cocktail menu is super impressive, as is their food menu. Tried the pork belly lettuce cup tacos and albacore tuna ceviche . Both appetizers were perfect!

Stefanie

Nice outdoor patio and cool vibe at the indoor downstairs bar , too. Cocktails are amazing. Don't miss the burrata app and short rib sandwich . Stellar!

Christopher

Had an amazing assortment of seafood last night at The Dawson. They can do a mean raw bar - hope they put the crab claw salad and ceviche on the menu soon!

Bitches Who Brunch

With a new build-your-own Bloody bar , and creative twists on brunch classics, The Dawson will be one of the busiest patios this season, guaranteed. Read more

Angela

The cocktails here are fan freakin tastic. Superb service with the friendliest staff working here. Can't wait to go back and try the food. It looks so good.

Reserve

There’s nothing like a frozen drink to cool you down, and at The Dawson in Chicago, the Frozen Mai-Thai will do just that, while also looking pretty cool itself. Read more

Natalya Lisa

Great drinks atmosphere Again 2 of the BEST(yes needed capitals) owners to welcome Chicago diners to one of the Billy's 3 establishments. Always the host with the most.

Redeye Chicago

The BBQ Bloody offers plenty of kick, blending vodka , Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce , tomato , cheddar , jalapeno and onion . If whiskey 's more your style, try the Brunch Manhattan . Read more

s h .

Awesome environment and cool food choices - try the Irish coffee and chicken-fried lobster !!

Angie Osmanski

Super cute outdoor patio . Sit at the bar because the bartenders are awesome and really know their stuff!

James Wright

Annemarie, Clint, Jason, and Chef Rene - how could anything go wrong? The cocktails are delicious; the food is fantastic! Can't wait to go back for more.

Melanie Youstra

The food was delicious, especially the gnocchi . The drinks were great, and the music rocked as well . This place definitely deserves a thumbs up.

Allie Cuevas

Delicious food, excellent drinks...get the pork tacos , grilled oysters or burgers . Specialty cocktails are delicious. Atmosphere is loud but tolerable.

Noel Rodriguez

Great space. If the bar downstairs is crowded , just run up to the bar on the 2nd floor. Scallops dish is a solid choice.

C Rey

Oh yes. Drinks, apps, bites, entrees, socializing, people watching , west loop hanging and a little swank. Just what you wanted.

Serious Eats

You'll find cocktails , a daily dram, and an assortment of non-alcoholic concoctions from an in-house soda jerk here.

Amanda Whitney

GTO cocktail is a must try-- one of my favorite drinks in the city

Darren Jackson

The bacon flight might be the best thing I've ever pit in my mouth! And the biscuits and gravy ate so unique!

Adam Staniszeski

Do yourself a favor and get a shot from the cold press drippy drip! The cocktails are great as well as the beer list !

Dana Jensen

Went for brunch and loved their unusual take on grits . Small-ish brunch menu but great cocktails

Bianca

Great outdoor place, lovely for an afternoon drink. Stick to the menu for cocktails .

V

Brunch is ok, Aperol is amazing!! Very summerish vibes!

Lisa Fowler

Squash blossoms are delicious! Unusual pistachio mole really provides great flavor

Talal A

Great brunch options. Good food, nice atmosphere. Enjoyed the chicken and waffles .

Yura Lee

Drinks were good. Bartenders def know what they're doing. Love the atmosphere too :)

Christopher

Woah, their menu went all deconstructed after the New Year - see the Hunters Consommé and the freeze dried ice cream Pecan Banana Bread

Ron Torrance

Super good food, super nice people, all around great meal and great experience. I look forward to coming back.

Karla Paola

Mahi-mahi fish tacos are amazing!!!! And end the meal with strawberry cheesecake ????????

Mirko Pintar

Started with wine and we are happy with wine selection and recommendation to try "Poema" by Clint Rogers, General manager

michelle jimenez

This meal is so delicious. It's a must try'

Reserve

Cucumber , red onion , paprika and flatbread accompany a chickpea hummus appetizer at this traditional American destination in River West . Read more

michelle jimenez

Meat loaf only in Thursday's was on point! Love this place!

Kirstjen Lorenz

Great outdoor seating . And the pork belly lettuce cups ? They are like candied pig . Yum!!

Loren Morris

Great deviled eggs with white anchovies and deviled eggs . Great old school Manhattan

Eric Blasius

Any of the drinks are creative and delicious. However, try the GTO.

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