Sept. 04--At the Riverwalk, choosing a place to eat is like choosing someone on a dating app -- it has to be the perfect match, or it won't work (and you want this to work out, right?).
With the recent opening of The Hideout, the Riverwalk scene now has five solid options that offer up the possibilities of great food and drinks, and a jolly good time. Here's your guide to the places you may fall for:
Cyrano's Cafe Wine Bar Cyrano's Farm Kitchen on Wells Street is no more, but get your fix of chef Didier Durand's French cooking at this charming Riverwalk outpost. Surrounded by beautiful trees, the outside patio -- modeled after Monet's Gardens in France -- is a popular attraction for brunch, lunch and dinner. Daytime food is perfect picnic fare (salads, sandwiches); at night, bring a date, and dip into options like escargots, ostrich country pate and duck l'orange.
Go if: You're a romantic who enjoys long walks on the ... Riverwalk. (OK, it's a short walk from the Michigan Avenue stairs. But still: a perfect date spot.) 233 E. Riverwalk South, cyranoscafeontheriver.com.
O'Brien's The longtime Old Town restaurant's riverfront location offers classic tavern fare, with burger, sandwich, salad, steak and seafood options, plus a kids menu. The atmosphere is chill, servers are friendly and meals are hearty. Prices are reasonable too: Discounting pricier cuts of steak or seafood, expect to spend $9-$14 per plate.
Go if: Your parents are in town. 45 E. Riverwalk South, obriensrestaurant.com.
The Hideout We never expected Chicago's most notoriously tucked-away bar to open a prominent Riverwalk location, but The Hideout is full of surprises. What's not surprising: First comes music, with a lineup of free bands several nights a week; then, great cocktails, such as the Chicago Typewriter ($10), with vodka, grapefruit, Aperol and cucumber. Beer, shots of Malort and meat pies from Bridgeport Pasty are also on tap.
Go if: You want to check out the music scene and want just enough food to prevent tomorrow's hangover. 35 E. Riverwalk South, hideoutchicago.com.
Island Party Hut Bring a few friends, gain some along the way and stop for colorful drinks at this outdoor Tiki bar, a nonstop festival that pairs food off the grill ($8-$13) with island-themed cocktails ($12). Draft, canned and bottled beer options are available as well. Have a few, and stay for reggae music and more.
Go if: You'd rather be on a boat (but don't have a boat). 355 E. Riverwalk South, islandpartyhut.com.
City Winery Nestled next to the water, this always-crowded venue -- a sister spot to the West Loop City Winery -- has cheese, gelato, sorbets, Mediterranean-style dishes and, of course, wine. It's a short list, but it's decent. For half the price of most upscale restaurants, you can (almost) dine in style, complete with a river view; I say almost because most dishes are served on paper plates. You can find better eats on the Riverwalk, but the crowd here is young and fun, and the people watching is primo.
Go if: You're OK fighting crowds of millennials. 11 W. Riverwalk South, citywinery.com.
