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The Dawson

New American Restaurant$$$$

Fulton River District, Chicago

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The Dawson

8.6^/10

484

ratings

The experts at Eater and Serious Eats recommend this place
"Pork tacos appetizer is amazing."(4 Tips)
"BBQ Bloody offers plenty of kick"(3 Tips)
"GTO cocktail is a must try-- one of my favorite drinks in the city"(2 Tips)
"River West: Is it the sprawling patio, the elevated..."(2 Tips)

94 Tips and reviews

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good for dates
trendy
outdoor seating
good for groups
river west
bar
pork
short ribs
deviled eggs
healthy food
great value
Aperol
Irish coffee
restaurants
hipster
candy
biscuits
meats
casual
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Bitches Who BrunchNovember 2, 2016
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
Upvoted Feb 11
EaterJuly 26, 2016
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
Upvoted Mar 2
EaterJanuary 13, 2017
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
NanaenaySeptember 27, 2015
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.
Chicago TribuneJune 25, 2015
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
Kevin DulinJanuary 9, 2017
Love the GTO cocktail. Both the Bacon Flight and Duck Confit Enchiladas were to die for!
SavoteurMay 31, 2016
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
Joseph VajdaFebruary 16, 2015
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.
ChicagoistJune 21, 2016
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
Karla PaolaMay 14, 2016
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 !
Serious EatsMarch 24, 2016
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
L KAugust 13, 2014
Nice selection of unique beers. A bit expensive, high end. Good wine selection. Excellent atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the upstairs.
Chicago TribuneMarch 19, 2015
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
EaterNovember 7, 2013
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.
Taylor KonigsederMarch 18, 2015
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!
AngelaJanuary 22, 2015
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.
ChristopherFebruary 8, 2014
Been here 25+ times
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!
StefanieAugust 27, 2014
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!
Angie OsmanskiAugust 13, 2015
Super cute outdoor patio. Sit at the bar because the bartenders are awesome and really know their stuff!
ReserveApril 5, 2017
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
James WrightOctober 28, 2013
Been here 5+ times
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.
PureWowMay 3, 2017
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
Redeye ChicagoSeptember 29, 2014
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
Bitches Who BrunchApril 19, 2016
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
s h .October 16, 2016
Awesome environment and cool food choices - try the Irish coffee and chicken-fried lobster!!
Melanie YoustraMarch 1, 2014
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 CuevasMarch 15, 2014
Delicious food, excellent drinks...get the pork tacos, grilled oysters or burgers. Specialty cocktails are delicious. Atmosphere is loud but tolerable.
Serious EatsNovember 18, 2013
You'll find cocktails, a daily dram, and an assortment of non-alcoholic concoctions from an in-house soda jerk here.
C ReyMarch 15, 2016
Oh yes. Drinks, apps, bites, entrees, socializing, people watching, west loop hanging and a little swank. Just what you wanted.
Noel RodriguezOctober 9, 2015
Great space. If the bar downstairs is crowded, just run up to the bar on the 2nd floor. Scallops dish is a solid choice.
ReserveFebruary 10, 2016
Cucumber, red onion, paprika and flatbread accompany a chickpea hummus appetizer at this traditional American destination in River West. Read more
Amanda WhitneyAugust 21, 2016
GTO cocktail is a must try-- one of my favorite drinks in the city
Darren JacksonAugust 16, 2014
The bacon flight might be the best thing I've ever pit in my mouth! And the biscuits and gravy ate so unique!
Yura LeeOctober 6, 2014
Drinks were good. Bartenders def know what they're doing. Love the atmosphere too :)
Dana JensenDecember 18, 2015
Went for brunch and loved their unusual take on grits. Small-ish brunch menu but great cocktails
BiancaJuly 7, 2019
Great outdoor place, lovely for an afternoon drink. Stick to the menu for cocktails.
VJuly 4, 2018
Brunch is ok, Aperol is amazing!! Very summerish vibes!
Lisa FowlerJune 26, 2019
Squash blossoms are delicious! Unusual pistachio mole really provides great flavor
ChristopherJanuary 11, 2014
Been here 25+ times
Woah, their menu went all deconstructed after the New Year - see the Hunters Consommé and the freeze dried ice cream Pecan Banana Bread
Talal AMay 9, 2021
Great brunch options. Good food, nice atmosphere. Enjoyed the chicken and waffles.
Karla PaolaMay 20, 2016
Mahi-mahi fish tacos are amazing!!!! And end the meal with strawberry cheesecake 👌🏻
Natalya LisaNovember 19, 2014
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.
Ron TorranceNovember 2, 2013
Super good food, super nice people, all around great meal and great experience. I look forward to coming back.
Kirstjen LorenzMarch 13, 2015
Great outdoor seating. And the pork belly lettuce cups? They are like candied pig. Yum!!
Veronica GuadalupeOctober 26, 2013
Amazing! I highly recommend the pigs in a blanket, squid and chorizo and the pork shank!
Eric BlasiusJuly 24, 2015
Any of the drinks are creative and delicious. However, try the GTO.
Loren MorrisFebruary 1, 2014
Great deviled eggs with white anchovies and deviled eggs. Great old school Manhattan
michelle jimenezDecember 11, 2015
Meat loaf only in Thursday's was on point! Love this place!
michelle jimenezAugust 25, 2015
This meal is so delicious. It's a must try'
Adam StaniszeskiOctober 29, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Do yourself a favor and get a shot from the cold press drippy drip! The cocktails are great as well as the beer list!

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