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312 Eats
River North · Italian · $$$

Erie Cafe

4.5808 reviews ·Opens at 11AM tomorrow
The sandwich is paired with fries and a delicate mustard/mayo to balance out the beef
david chendavid chen · 305 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

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 [$$$, patio]

☀️Patio — a River North classic in summer.

What 808 diners keep saying

Neighborhood institutionCozyOld schoolGreat cocktailsOutdoor diningGreat for groups
Plan your visit
Reserve on OpenTable
536 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
River North
Today11AM-11PM
Sun3-10PM
MonClosed
Tue–Sat11AM-11PM
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What 808 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Jeffery G
Jun 2026

This cute old Chicago style Italian steakhouse was cute! The atmosphere reminds you of a calmer and simpler time. Felt homey. Drinks were served quickly and were tasty. We got different classic cocktails of an old fashion, dirty martini, and French 75. Food were LARGE servings. Entrees came with a side salad. The mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and cheese ravioli were the best. The steak came out pretty undercooked. They fixed this quickly and had the steak cooked quickly.

Jeffery G

Jeffery G

81 reviews on Google

Review photo by Claudia D
Apr 2026

Secret Menu🥰 Steak Medallion with Bacon

Claudia D

Claudia D

20 reviews on Google

Review photo by July B
Apr 2026

I had a really great experience at Erie Cafe. Honestly, this place is how every restaurant should be run. Right from the start, the complimentary valet parking makes everything easy and stress free. When you walk in, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff makes you feel taken care of right away. Service was excellent, everyone was friendly, attentive, and just genuinely nice without overdoing it. The food was fresh, tasted great, and was cooked exactly how I asked. You can tell they care about quality and consistency. Overall, it’s just a solid spot that gets everything right service, food, and experience. I’d definitely recommend it.

July B

July B

248 reviews on Google

Review photo by Thomas Boyle
Mar 2026

This is the fourth time over the last 18 years I've eaten here. Never disappointed. If you want old school comfort food Chicago Italian Steakhouse it will not be much better than this. Low key, business dinner or family there is a great menu for all. Definitely try grilled calamari. Wife had ChickParm I did filet. Perfect. Save room for the carrot cake.

Thomas Boyle

Thomas Boyle

101 reviews on Google

Review photo by Skyy Strike
Jan 2026

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

Skyy Strike

172 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ryan Thomas
Sep 2025

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

Ryan Thomas

106 reviews on Google

Review photo by Michael Black
Aug 2025

The best local. The patio is a great place to relax in the summer months with a drink and a bit to eat. The calamari and cocktails are both excellent

Michael Black

Michael Black

476 reviews on Google

Review photo by Thaddeus Buggs
Jul 2025

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

Thaddeus Buggs

202 reviews on Google

Review photo by john beran
Jun 2026

This place is a little nondescript on the outside but it is a absolute gem of a spot. The inside of the restaurant has a beautiful classic vibe with that old school charm, I loved the ambiance. Service is exceptional, they were welcoming, friendly, and very attentive. The food is delicious, everything was very tasty and well prepared. Price point is a bit high, but given the quility of food, exceptional service, and location, I feel it is a good value. I highly recommend Erie Cafe! During the summer you can sit outside and enjoy the weather. There is some free parking behind the building.

john beran

john beran

502 reviews on Google

Review photo by sung-mi son
Feb 2026

아들 생일기념으로 오픈테이블 통해 일주일 전에 예약을 했는데 주방통로 앞 자리에 앉았어요. 다음에 가게 된다면 부스 자리로 미리요청해야겠어요. 스테이크가 간이 좀 덜 됐는지 아들은 A1소스에 계속 찍어 먹더라구요. 베이크드클램은 맛있었어요. 해감에 신경쓰셔야할것같아요.조개껍질이 씹혔어요. 전반적으로 만족합니다.

sung-mi son

sung-mi son

7 reviews on Google

Review photo by Maria Tulba
Aug 2025

Great place for lunch. The food was good. The salmon was way too condiment. Service was great.

Maria Tulba

Maria Tulba

525 reviews on Google

Review photo by Konrad AmunRa
Jun 2025

This Cafe is very inviting,friendly and serves a really food. The outdoor beer garden by Chicago river is beautiful and cozy. Street Parking is easy, you can also use valet.

Konrad AmunRa

Konrad AmunRa

562 reviews on Google

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