Erie Cafe
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About
Erie Cafe — honest italian in River North. Classic neighborhood feel, nothing here chasing trends. The cocktail list is worth exploring, and handles groups well. "Johnny was amazing as the phenomenal staff was as well" — Samantha Witz
Experience Breakdown
david chen
305 reviews
“The sandwich is paired with fries and a delicate mustard/mayo to balance out the beef”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
Was at Erie Cafe on Saturday evening.
Average food (at best) at high end prices. Skip.
I was so disappointed in Erie. It seem to be such a great neighborhood spot. I was so excited to try it.
Location
536 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
What 775+ diners say about Erie Cafe
“We came here for a new year's eve dinner and was not disappointed.”
We came here for a new year's eve dinner and was not disappointed. The red wine recommended by the waiter and the food was all terrific. The crab cake was especially good and we loved it very much. Only downside of this restaurant is that on a busy night, it's really hard to hear each other and we had to yell to each other a bit like in a club.
Skyy Strike
Jan 2026
“Wow - phenomenal experience at a birthday party in the upstairs private room at Erie Cafe.”
Wow - phenomenal experience at a birthday party in the upstairs private room at Erie Cafe. Johnny and the service team were awesome and the food was unbelievable. Timeless Chicago vibes…Planning to come back soon!
Ryan Thomas
Sep 2025
“Great outdoor patio for wine and food, MARTIN is the best sommelier ever, please give him a...”
Great outdoor patio for wine and food, MARTIN is the best sommelier ever, please give him a promotion and raise in salary. Cheers #goodjuice
Thaddeus Buggs
Jul 2025
“Our group had a lovely, late night dinner here this evening.”
Our group had a lovely, late night dinner here this evening. Amazing service, delicious food and portions. Johnny was amazing as the phenomenal staff was as well. Thank you for your accommodations and recommendations. Kudos to the beautiful singer for the birthday boys! Thanks for a memorable night!
Samantha Witz
Dec 2024
“Fabulous outdoor cafe just across from indoor location overlooking the Chicago river.”
Fabulous outdoor cafe just across from indoor location overlooking the Chicago river. Great ambiance and cool vibe with excellent service! Highly recommend!!
Michael Cronin
Aug 2024
“It's been too long since I have been here & it definitely lived up to my fond memories.”
It's been too long since I have been here & it definitely lived up to my fond memories! The service is so impeccable and the food is divine. Having a great meal in this historic facility is a real pleasure.
Greg Koszut
Nov 2023
“Simply Amazing! Thank you Erie Cafe for a wonderful night! The staff, managers and owners made our...”
Simply Amazing! Thank you Erie Cafe for a wonderful night! The staff, managers and owners made our large group feel like VIPs with our own room, private bar, amazing food… look at that prime rib! Oh and they also brought out trays of desserts. It was a true Chicago experience! I cannot say enough. Thank you thank you!
lisA fRosT
Feb 2023
“I came in on a Monday at exactly 11am, opening time, for their lunch.”
I came in on a Monday at exactly 11am, opening time, for their lunch. Definitely knew this place was special immediately upon entering. There was a feeling of elegance and age with the lightning and cedar ceilings along with the exposed brick wall. Service was perfect as expected, and my shaved prime rib sandwich ($19.00, website needs to be updated) was juicy and full of that slow roasted rib roast flavor. The sandwich is paired with fries and a delicate mustard/mayo to balance out the beef. Definitely recommended for celebrations and family gatherings- there is plenty of parking along Montgomery park.
david chen
Oct 2022
“Great dining experience.”
Great dining experience. Drinks flowed with an attentive bartender. The food was outstanding with steaks the size of a football. Also a wonderful atmosphere to chat with your friends...
Matt D
Oct 2022
“Went for my girlfriends birthday.”
Went for my girlfriends birthday. We had a wonderful time. I order the pasta and seafood, delicious. My girlfriend ordered the veal chop, delicious. Steaks and sides were also ordered. Everything was super delicious and our waiter was very kind and professional.
Antonia Asimis
Nov 2021
“Great food, service, location and ambiance.”
Great food, service, location and ambiance. Five stars rating for sure! Can’t wait to return. They also do an amazing job with private party’s.
CherryBomb737
Dec 2019
“Great place for lunch.”
Great place for lunch. The food was good. The salmon was way too condiment. Service was great.
Maria Tulba
Aug 2025
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