Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants takes great pride in operating some of the best restaurants in Chicago and the suburbs. From old-world Italian to prime steaks and seafood, our restaurants have been a staple in the Windy City for over 35 years.
Through the years, we’ve been included on many best-of lists and our restaurants have won numerous culinary awards. Our latest recognition has come from local food website Chicago Eater, which named two of our restaurants in its list of 23 Great Waterfront Spots for a Meal or Drink in Chicago, Summer 2016.
We’ve long known that Castaways Bar and Grill at North Avenue Beach has been the best gathering spot along Lake Michigan. So, we are happy to see it receiving this recognition. Castaways is a casual eatery that offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads and wraps. It serves as a centralized location for visitors to North Avenue Beach all summer. Not only is it perfect for weekend lounging at the lake, but it’s also an ideal spot for private summer parties for up to 500 people.
“North Avenue Beach was reborn when Castaways opened, providing tourists and surburbanites alike a base of operations during summer weekend,” the Eater reports. “It’s a great place for a private event.”
Chicago’s only seafood restaurant on Lake Michigan, Riva Crab House on Navy Pier, was also named as a top waterfront spot in the Eater listing. Riva serves fresh seafood, prime steaks and daily specials with magnificent views of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago skyline.
“If there’s one Navy Pier place that needs to be on the list, it has to be Riva,” wrote the Eater. “The city and park district made expanding food options a priority for 2015, but Riva is the best of the old guard.”
Riva has long been a popular spot for residents and Chicago tourists alike who are looking for a unique culinary experience along Lake Michigan. Even though the restaurant accepts walk-in diners, we recommend making reservations to ensure you get the best available seating.
As Chicago’s long summer comes to a close, we invite you to visit either one of these great waterfront dining locations for incredible food and drinks.
Castaways North Avenue Beach Bar & Grill
1603 N. LAKE SHORE DRIVE
CHICAGO, IL
773.281.1200
Riva Crab House
700 E. GRAND AVE.
CHICAGO, IL 60611
312.644.7482
© 2024 Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants
Photography by Nick Ulivieri