Located along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois, the Navy Pier entertainment complex with its carousel, live performances and other attractions draws 8 million people each year. For visitors, the Pier offers a large food court as well as eight sit-down restaurants. Among these establishments are those that specialize in American fare and seafood and some that have received high ratings for their cuisine.
Riva has offered guests views of Lake Michigan from its dining room since it opened on Navy Pier in August 1995. The restaurant held "Zagat" dining ratings of "very good to excellent" for its food, decor and service as of September 2010. The menu begins with 11 appetizers, such as the jumbo lump crab cakes with Louis sauce and the spicy tuna sushi roll with wasabi and pickled ginger. The restaurant specializes in seafood with signature entrees that include an ahi tuna filet with oyster mushrooms, whole Maine lobster and Atlantic salmon and scallops with heirloom tomatoes and aged balsamic vinegar. The wine list features more than 120 selections from around the world. Riva serves lunch and dinner daily and stays open late on Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are highly recommended and taken online and by phone. Casual attire is acceptable.
Riva
700 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-644-7482
rivanavypier.com
Cite is on the 70th floor of the Lake Point Tower at Navy Pier and provides 360-degree views of the Chicago city skyline and Lake Michigan. These views and the overall decor earned Cite a rating of "extraordinary to perfection" from "Zagat," which it held along with rankings of "very good to excellent" for its food and service as of September 2010. Eleven appetizers lead the menu, such as the Siberian Ostera caviar with cornmeal blinis and the escargot in garlic sauce. A signature dinner entree is the U.S.D.A. prime New York strip steak served coated in peppercorns with sides of dauphine potatoes and wilted spinach. The restaurant has a full bar and specializes in cocktails like the framboise mojito and the sangria margarita. Cite is open nightly for dinner. Reservations are highly suggested and taken online and by phone. For men, a jacket is suggested, but not required. Women typically wear business casual attire.
Cite
505 North Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-644-4050
citechicago.com
The Billy Goat Tavern opened in 1934 and, according to Chicago legend, its owner was responsible for placing a curse on the Chicago Cubs that prevented them from winning the World Series. The tavern has become a Chicago institution and a small number of the restaurants are located in Chicago, including a location at Navy Pier. As of September 2010, this location held "Zagat" ratings of "good to very good" for its food and "fair to good" for its service and decor. The lunch and dinner menu consists of more than 25 sandwiches like the triple cheeseburger, steak and egg or ham and cheese. The Billy Goat Tavern at Navy Pier is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and features counter service with a dining room for guests to sit-down and enjoy their meals. Outdoor seating is also available.
Billy Goat Tavern
700 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-670-8789
billygoattavern.com
