You go for the river view but you will not return because of the food. A co-worker and I went for lunch on a beautiful sunny 70 degree day. The setting was nice. Service was attentive but a bit awkward. The food was a big thumbs down. I had the BHT nicoise salad and the salmon in it was ineligibly salty. My co-worker had the steak sandwich and the meat was extremely rare so she avoided it for fear it would walk off her plate. Prime location but the point of a restaurant is to eat.
(2)
Leang E.
I am with Johnny T. on this one. My coworkers and I were looking for an outdoor eating area, and with seats along the river it seemed to fit the bill. We made reservations at 11:45am and it seemed like we were the 4th group that sat inside even though there were more people outdoors. We started out with the popcorn and the creamed corn. Both were very tasty and creative dishes. Half of us ordered the special shrimp po boy sandwiches, and this was confirmed by our waiter that there would be enough left. For some reason though 20 minutes later we were told that they ran out. I am not sure how this happened when the special on the board runs out at noon when the restaurant opens at 11am. I almost felt like we got pushed down the line somehow. I was really disappointed and went with what was recommended, which was the Pork Belly BLT. I think the combination of the pork belly and bacon made it a bit more on the salty side. Maybe I just felt salty about what happened. The sauce didn't have too much flavor, but the side salad I had was pretty tasty. Our water didn't seem like it got filled fast enough, and we got our food 10 minutes before we had to leave and pay. I might come back for a happy hour, but I don't want to take a second chance on not having my first choice option for a meal again.
(2)
Shradha A.
I was a huge fan of Flatwater and thankfully, an even bigger fan of Bridgehouse Tavern! Good drinks, good menu, vegetarian mac n cheese, grilled cheese and linguini options for entrees and some appetizer choices too! Service was wonderful - from the bar to the table. Place and decor are stylish but not overdone. By the water is of course a huge plus!
(4)
Theresa B.
Love, love, love! We had our rehearsal dinner at Bridge House and it was amazing. Even in the winter the views of the river were gorgeous and it was so cozy inside with the fireplace on. This place is not just for summer days! The wait staff was excellent and the management could not have been nicer with planning, accommodating my requests (and allergy laden family) and changes. The food was absolutely amazing and being greeted with glasses of champagne isn't to shabby either! I can't wait to have a reason to have another party here but in the mean time, I'll be back for dinner soon!!
3+ stars. Hambergers were good, fries were very good and the service was very good under the circumstances. It was the first warm Friday and bar area an river front was packed. Hats off Tom our server and the women server in the boot. They hustled the whole time we were thier.
(3)
Adam K.
I went here for Valentine's Day, mainly because I waited a little too long to make a reservation and this was one of the few places with space open. To my amazement, it was SPECTACULAR. From the friendliness of the entire staff, to the nice quaint atmosphere, and the tastiness of the food, everything was perfect. I was a little skeptical about going in the heart of winter without the patio being open, but I highly recommend checking this place out if you have some time and don't want to stay in hibernation all winter.
(5)
Jamie D.
What can I say... My party and I came here this afternoon to celebrate my wedding. We docked our boat along the river, which was perfect. Both the food and service was amazing, definitely 5-star presentation and flavors. There weren't a lot of people here (we came early, a little after 4:30, when their kitchen opened up again for the dinner menu) but that was perfect because we had a party of 12. Our favorite appetizers were the popcorn and the artichoke bruchetta (you have to order these, they were amazing!). For dinner, everyone ordered burgers, the sunflower salad, or the scallops, all of which were out of this world. Our server and Ryan, one of the owners, were extremely accommodating, and made our wedding dinner very special! I highly recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Mista L.
Visiting from Los Angeles I was looking for a nice place along the river to enjoy dinner with my family. I did a lot of research prior to booking my reservations. Based on reviews, pictures, and the view, I chose Bridge House Tavern as my dining destination. We had reservations for 4 on a Friday night and we were seated immediately. I observed right away that the restaurant itself is quite small but it doesn't feel that way. It's very cozy and comfortable and the lighting is perfect (lower lighting for more intimate experience). Due to the bad weather, patio seating wasn't available. However, I don't think there is a bad table in the place. The service was phenomenal and we couldn't have asked for a better waiter. The price is consistent with other fine dining establishments that offer spectacular views, so be prepared for a higher bill. I cant remember what the popcorn appetizer was called, but its a must have item!
(5)
Mahsa T.
Formerly the Flatwater Grill, the new Bridge House Tavern strives to be somewhat better than its predecessor, ever so slightly more upscale"ish"--but it fails. Is it trying to be a sports bar or a nice riverside restaurant? The many TVs mounted on the walls outside and broadcasting sports kind of ruined the mood for me. It looked tacky and why watch a TV when you're sitting on the river and can watch the passing boats and enjoy the city lights? The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back...the crowd is a mixture of tourists and locals, happy hour work groups and others that pulled up to the restaurant on their boat. Perhaps the atmosphere is too relaxed, like the server almost didn't care that we were there. It took way too long to get him to come over and take our drink order when the terrace was a little more than half full. And then there was his attitude, which I didn't care for. The menu is extremely limited--both food and drinks. It's a good thing they had just a handful of specialty beers that I could order from, otherwise I would've had to go with wine. I can't give Bridge House more than three stars without having tried the food. Based on drinks and service, it's a three. But they do have fantastic river views and great outdoor seating.
(3)
Chrysa L.
After chewing on this review for a couple of weeks, I have settled on three stars. It was a beautiful day and we were actually seated right near the open window. Felt like we were outside on the patio, but not in the direct sun, so that was a plus. Our waiter (at first) seemed attentive enough, but something about how long he took taking the drink orders of the young twentysomethings seated next to us really rubbed me the wrong way. Look, I understand they're asking you a billion questions about which drinks have rum in them, but we're clearly ready to order and we're clearly on our work lunch HOUR. In any event, I had the pork belly BLT with a side of fries. The fries were exceptionally delicious and the sandwich was yummy (though, the fried egg was a little bit on the overdone side). My dining companions enjoyed the brat (wrapped in bacon with blackberry jam, melted brie, and truffle mayo) and the Wild Boar patty melt...both got rave reviews. I would really like to give this place another shot for an after-work drink and snack whilst enjoying their patio right on the river.
(3)
Kep P.
We absolutely loved sitting by the river and enjoying drinks & small plates! The ambiance and scenery was to die for! As fast paced east coast natives we very much enjoyed taking our time and relaxing by the water. Our server Kristen was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. She was patient with answering our questions about beer and cheese board selections and offered excellent suggestions! She did not rush us and was kind to introduce us to another server once her shift was complete even though we weren't. Very professional and kind! I had the pink lemonade cocktail, which was refreshing and my boyfriend stuck with a Goose Island beer selection, which he loved. We shared the pretzels and cheese board. Honestly, the food was average. It wasn't bad but there wasn't anything differentiating about it either. Although, we did enjoy the stone ground mustard served with the pretzels! Overall, We enjoyed it for the most part and will definitely be visiting again once we're in Chicago during spring/summer time. Please note we were not particularly happy with any of our meals while visiting Chicago. We found the food to be very boring, bland or just made poorly but Bridge House Tavern is 1 out of 2 restaurants that will be receiving a 4 star rating on Yelp from us. The other 8 restaurants unfortunately did not meet standards of 4 or above, so be proud!
(4)
Stacy F.
The Spinach salad is wonderful and complete with pickled beets, pecans, goat cheese (let's face it anything with goat cheese is awesome), and a sunny, runny egg! Great place to sit outside by the river during the warmer days and watch the boats go by. Also, great for happy hour!
(4)
Kelly H.
Service, food and the ambiance were great. 1/2 price bottles of wine on Thursday's and 1/2 off all oysters everyday between 2-5 make this place a gem. Beautiful river front tables make this a perfect summer lunch spot.
(4)
Judy B.
Delicious and inexpensive brunch on the river, what more could you ask for?!
(5)
Liz L.
LOVE this place! My husband found it while searching for a place to grab brunch before Book of Mormon. We hit the jack pot! Bottomless mimosas, bloody's , and a brunch item all for $25. The food is great! I had the homemade corn beef and hash the first time and it was amazing. My friend got the bacon pancake and that was huge and very tasty. The location is right on the river. It can be a little hard to see but you take a cool little elevator down to the river level and enter into the restaurant. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. I have only sat inside but the patio would be amazing in the summer. There are great views of the city/river regardless if you sit inside or out. We enjoyed the place so much that my friends and I decided to throw my friends bachelorette party there! We had a group of 10 and did a brunch followed by some day drinking. Kristen from events and everyone at bridge house went out of their way to accommodate us. The hostess, the waiter and even one of the owners bent over backwards to make sure the bride had a great day. This would be a perfect place to take an out of town guest or gather with friends. Really can't say enough I HIGHLY recommend it!
(5)
Victoria G.
IF ONLY.... this place had better management it could really compete with the best terraces in the city, but... So I dragged my husband here because I remembered that two summers ago, this place was decent. The second we came in, a had a bad feeling, and, unfortunately, I was not wrong. It had a vibe of a sport bar on a Monday night. My husband was ready to leave after the cheese board. It wasn't your regular five 1oz. pieces of gourmet cheeses, imported jams and homemade honey, no, no... It was a load of Great Value looking/tasting cheese, a pile of some bread and dirty grapes. The look on my husband's face (who orders cheese boar everywhere we go) was priceless and that is why I give this place an extra star :) The rest of the dinner didn't matter any longer. We ate the bread, noone touched the cheese that stuck together awkwardly and decided to never come back... Now imagine this place with good chef ...? In summer times - it could be a gold mine.
(3)
Stina N.
I ended up here on a business lunch, and I was fairly certain I actually died and went to grilled cheese heaven. There's nothing I love more in the world than a really great grilled cheese - sophisticated palate right here ya know. The grilled cheese here was outstanding: Brie, Fontina, and Cheddar with bacon, tomato, and a stellar tomato jam on a soft, grilled roll of some sort. I figured all the cheese was plenty of fatty goodness for one meal so I opted to sub the french fries with the Green City Market Veggies (it was wild mushrooms and asparagus today). I was incredibly pleased with my decision. And my aforementioned sophisticated palate loves french fries so to make me not regret my decision even a little bit is an accomplishment in itself. We didn't have any service issues, but the restaurant also half empty (which seemed kind of odd considering we were there right at noon.) Our waitress was friendly, prompt and attentive without being overbearing. Unfortunately it's cold and rainy out today so we couldn't enjoy the patio, but the decor inside is lovely, and there's still a nice view of the river.
(4)
Amy W.
I really like this place. Coordinated an office happy hour here once, but had never been. My boss chose the location. I really loved the location and the food isn't bad either. Such a great place in the summer when you can sit out on the patio. Went back for drinks one night with the girls and then just had lunch there earlier this week. I've always had good service and like I said the location is great. I'll definitely go back and recommend it for company happy hours, drinks with friends, etc.
(4)
Christine C.
Sunday brunch, $5 mimosas, $5 bloody marys... need I say more? Well I will. It's on the river, with pretty good (and reasonably priced) food, great service and definitely the best atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, enjoying drenching ourselves in anything but water on this hot Sunday afternoon. At the table we had the croissant (tonsa egg, yum), the pig wings (meaty meat meat), the veg omelette - standard and good, annnd the horseshoe (large braised beef, egg, fries, cheese) it looked disgusting but I was assured it was the perfect hangover helper. Check this place out.
(4)
Yanyao N.
Do not deny a fat kid her bacon. Seriously. Nothing disappoints fat kids more than the promise of bacon with no delivery on said promise. Bridge House Tavern's fatal error? Seducing me with "popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapeno & smoked salt"... doesn't that sound AMAZING? My dining companion both zeroed in within seconds, looked at each other, and said "POPCORN!" but after ordering drinks and a few appetizers to start, we quickly became very disappointed. Let's rewind a little bit. We were led here with the glowing Yelp reviews. After arriving, we were told by the hostess there were 5 parties before us waiting for seats on the patio (I did not see any of them) and that she couldn't quote a wait time. Fair enough. I could see many empty tables inside the restaurant and waited around a little for her to offer up immediate seating inside. This didn't happen. We had to ask to if we could be seated immediately inside. Once inside, and seated, we spent out entire meal staring out onto the patio at 4 empty tables that remained empty throughout the entire meal. STRIKE 1! Then, we begin to focus on the menu. The popcorn, of course. A charcuterie plate from Butcher & Larder? Why, yes, of course! I was a little curious about the "pig wings" that were listed, so I asked our server who replied with "they're pork". REALLY? No other information. With the number of restaurants in this city that will not only describe to you what CUT of meat they are serving you, but also what specific farm the animal was sourced from, this is a plain no-no. Of course, I know that they are pork... but I asked because I want to know what part of the pig this comes from. Last time I checked, pigs didn't fly? STRIKE 2! When the food came out, the pig wings were lukewarm at best. But the popcorn almost made me cry. It was a sweet soggy mess with occasional bits of heat - completely lacking in the salt department. There was not a speck of bacon to be seen in the entire giant basket, and not a granule of smoked salt to be tasted. So disappointing. The charcuterie was not describes when brought to the table and the crostini were gum-cuttingly burnt. Not okay. STRIKE 3! So: if you intend to come here to eat, then don't. Turn around, and go somewhere else. However: if you want to sail in on your boat, and be all scene-y, and drink booze on the patio and pay for poorly-executed and over-priced food, then go ahead. I'm sure you'll have a terrific time! Just make sure to bring your own bacon.
(2)
Lotus G.
The food was ok. The views were awesome unfortunately most people were drinking at the bar and we could not eat dinner on the river. I was so bummed as I had a reservation for weeks. I think because we were not young and drinking we got stuck back in the restaurant and we were buying a meal! Ugh!!! Won't be back!!!!
(3)
Dave O.
Right on the river, must be a really nice place to dine outside in the summer but for some reason wife & I decide to drop by in mid-January. And...the place is absolutely dead. We were the only table, with maybe one person at the bar. But the pretzel bread appetizer we ordered was really really tasty. Then my Pork Osso Bucco arrived and the smell alone was amazing. That was one of the better dishes I've had in a while. Wife liked her braised short ribs. The entrees are not cheap, and come to think of it the shared plates weren't either, but definitely recommend if you're downtown and looking for good food.
(4)
Carol K.
Looking for a new place to share a drink with a friend along the Chicago River? Bridge House Tavern is quickly becoming my new favorite place in the city to do just that. I mean, what's not to like on a sunny afternoon or a warm Summer's night than sitting outside next to the river enjoying well poured drinks or some really good food. On my first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Ryan, the owner, who even though he had been at the restaurant all day, took the time to sit with our table and enjoy a drink with us while his staff explained the menu. Nice! We ordered a wide range of items starting with appetizers and working our way to dessert. For the appetizers- I would suggest the cheese plate, the chacuterie, the mussels and the oysters. All were delicious but the cheese plate and chacuterie were at the top of my list. For entrees- there were mostly winners- try the pork chop with the maple glaze quite good. Or if you really want to splurge- the grilled cheese with three kinds of cheese was the table favorite! And those fish sticks? Totally undersold on the menu. More like fish and chips with a light tempura batter that we all raved about. We also had the poor boy sandwich (eh- not so much) and the mac and cheese with Nueske's bacon. . . needs more cheese if you ask me but I hear they're working on that. Finally, just when we thought the food extravaganza was over- out came the deconstructed bread pudding. Funny. We all seemed to find room for this little plate of deliciousness! This is a great location right at Clark and the river. We sat inside right by the open windows on my first visit and out doors the other times. Both locations were perfect. And I have it on good authority that on Friday nights- sofas and chairs are put out on the mezzanine level and with music playing, it is THE place to be on the weekends! While the decor is upscale and trendy, the atmosphere is easy going and laid back. After all- there are people in their swimsuits on boats pulled up to the river side and guys in their suits conducting business just a few tables away. Love the diversity of it all. Check it out and I bet you will too!
(4)
Hayley N.
Didn't love this place. The a/c was not working, but they had a few fans. It was just super hot and humid outside, so it made for an unpleasant setting. The waitress got our orders mixed up, but brought the right order shortly after. The food wasn't all that great. I would say the atmosphere would be better sitting outside on a nice day getting something simple to eat.
(2)
Summer H.
This is a awesome restaurant with best Chicago night view n delicious food.
(4)
Tom K.
Brunch was great, we got the French toast and Eggs Benedict, both of which were one of the best kinds we have had.
(4)
TJ P.
Wow. Let me say that again... Wow. After reading reviews of several local places (and hearing about 2-3 hour waits) I decided to try this one. Let me just say again how much I love Yelp! I made a reservation through OpenTable for 8pm. I showed up a couple minutes early but was seated fairly quickly on the patio. It took a bit longer than I would have liked to get my order taken, but any misgivings spurred by that were quickly swept away. Patio overlooks the river. It can be breezy, so watch you keep hold of your napkin and menu. But it's worth it to feel marvelously out of the hustle and bustle if only for a while. A nice steady parade of boat tours goes by, and you will have plenty of chances to taunt them with the awesome meal you are having and they are not. I tried the popcorn appetizer. It has a delightful mix of jalapeno, bacon, honey and salt. It was positively mouth-watering. The portion is clearly big enough to be shared (probably with 3 or 4 people), so I asked the waiter to box up half of it for me. I'm snacking on it now as I write the review. Next I had the Beer Cheese Soup. It was the only soup they offered, and I was in the mood for soup, so what the heck. Glad I did. Rich and cheesy. Just the right blend of flavors. The "croutons" are made from pretzels. This is a serious soup for serious people. And oh so good. Entree was the double Prime Rib of Pork, which comes with their Nueske bacon Mac and Cheese. Both were stellar. The pork was a bit fatty, but since the fat is where the flavor comes from, I was happy to carve away the excess fat in exchange for the flavors left behind. Moist and tender, cooked exactly to perfection, which is nearly impossible to do with a chop that is a full three inches thick, but this chef has mad skillz. Did I just drop a "mad skillz" in my review? Must be the popcorn... mmm... popcorn. Any sane person would have been done at this point, but I felt obligated to sample a dessert if only to appease the curiosity of my fellow Yelpers. Honest! No other reason! ;) So the Banana Split was mine. No ordinary split this one. Carmelized banana. Pecans. Ice cream. Chocolate sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar... When the waiter came back to check on me, his only comment was "Wow, you must have hated it!" Hated it? An entire CSI team wouldn't have been able to find traces of it left in the bowl. So, so good. Damages including tip were just over $70. But they better raise their prices quick or this will be the next restaurant with 2 hour waits for tables. They've been open just 2 months now and word is getting out. Five and a half stars!
(5)
Marsha S.
Party of 6 for lunch. Fantastic salads, location/view and service. First tour of Chicago and this was a great choice for lunch!!
(5)
Michael M.
Beautiful view and good food. Service (waiter & hostess/seating policies) were "so-so"......After I posting this, the manager contacted me. Pretty impressive. Raised him stars (on my rating) & will go back.
(4)
Jacob S.
When you hear somebody talk about location, location, location - this is it. Right on the north bank of the river downtown in the same row as Fulton's etc. The food is excellent, and the river patio is a wonderful place for an afternoon cocktail. It's just a few blocks from our house so we visit often, and the owner (Ryan) and staff are always welcoming and helpful. In addition to the physical location, Bridge House also serves up the most intense and effective hangover therapy in town, in the form of "The Horseshoe." It's a bewildering but delicious pile of braised short ribs, giardiniera, beer cheese sauce, bacon, and a sunny side egg (I usually ask for an extra egg and then can't finish my meal, I'll never learn) on an open faced French roll. Good grief that'll patch you up on a Sunday morning. Our only poor experience here has been with spotty service outside, but we also have a habit of showing up exactly during shift changes and since the outside area is frequently used for corporate events (excellent place for your next company happy hour) the sections are fluid so the layout can be confusing for incoming servers. They've always resolved any issues with a free round of drinks or a friendly apology. Overall we love this place. It somehow manages to be just right for a weekend brunch, a company event, or a nice dinner on the river while maintaining reasonable prices and avoiding a generic or douchey atmosphere, which is a lot more than many of its competitors in the area can say. It's rare to find a place downtown that marries quality of food and service with a neighborhood feel. A real gem for us Loop-dwellers.
(4)
Lindsay L.
I would have given this place 5 stars a few months ago, because their brunch food is amazzzzing (I've only been for brunch), but they stopped doing all you can drink brunch... and now I dont really see a point in coming. Very sad. You stink BHT, now bring back AYCD brunch!
(3)
Tammi H.
First time here was with a group of coworkers from my firm. Service was fine, automatic 20% gratuity for groups 6 or more. I made a reservation for my boyfriend and I today and indicated we wanted a table by the window. But the hostess sat us at a table in the back (with seating for 4) away from the windows, even though there were empty tables by the windows (also seat 4). I asked if we could sit at a table by the window instead, but she said it was "prime seating" (those exact words) reserved for groups of 4 and we only had 2 people. Except a table next to the empty table also only had 2 men (that table also had seating for 4). I pointed that out, she realized she made a foolish statement, so she went back to ask some other girl if it would be okay for us to take the "prime seating" table by the windows. When she came back, she said we still couldn't take that table, but we could take a table behind those tables, which were still not by the windows. They wouldn't accommodate so we left and went to Tortoise Club instead, which had perfect service in comparison (I tipped 25% there). Seems like discriminatory seating to me. We're young, Asians. My boyfriend was wearing a polo instead of business clothes. Apparently "prime seating" is not for us.
(1)
Colin G.
Came for lunch on a very nice day. Chose this place because I recalled walking through their patio before they were open the last time I was in Chicago, and thought then that I should go back. Decor is modern and chic but it still feels very comfortable. There are varying seating options, from interior low tables to exterior high tables to the bar inside. But you get a good view, even if you do sit inside. Music was interesting. Definitely my kind of stuff, but I don't know that it would be for everyone: Black Keys, Beck, White Stripes, etc. Probably a Pandora station. It wasn't loud, but it was louder than I would expect. The menu at lunch is not minimal nor is it expansive. Sandwiches, salads, three entrees, and a variety of appetizers. $11-15 for the sandwiches and salads, which is not bad for the area. Good beer selection, although the menu said they had Guinness on draft and they do not. They've replaced it with a stout, but I don't recall which one. I had the chicken BLT, minus the T, and my companion had the steak sandwich, both with salads. You can also choose fries or chips. I had some food envy. The steak sandwich would be my choice if I come back. But my sandwich was very good also: chicken breast was well-cooked, bacon was nice and did not fall apart, the other ingredients (including the avocado) were a nice touch and worked well together. Dessert was very tempting because it seems like it would be very good here. Couldn't do it though. We both had just enough food to satisfy but not leave us with too much leftover. Service was very good and friendly. The knock I would give them is that it took quite a while to be seated. They have a sort of maitre'd + hostesses situation, which backed everything up. And they don't have much of a waiting area, so it was made worse. I think that, when they get really busy, they should meet you upstairs and work out some kind of communication system with the downstairs, but maybe they already do that. Overall, it was a good experience and I would come back. At least to try that steak sandwich.
(4)
Roberto H.
Excellent view of the river, great service, very enjoyable food. Highly recommended if you are looking for such a combination in the River North-ish area. FYI - if you choose to sit on the outdoor patio, the staff will even warn you to come inside if it's going to start raining. Very cool!
(5)
Melissa M.
Bridge House Tavern is AMAZING!! Best patio in Chicago, hands down.. I love their outdoor seating area, it's the perfect spot for whatever you're looking to do - happy hour cocktails, date night, girls night out, guys night out, group dinner or a work party - BHT is the best! The food is amazing and I love that the menu changes seasonally, there's a lot of thought and creativity goes into the dishes. The bartenders are awesome (Go Terry and Ken!) as are the waitstaff and hostesses. Guys, they've got flat screens on the patio so you can take your girl out and keep an eye on the game - bam!
(5)
Melissa H.
We loved this place so much we ate here twice during our visit to the city! Dinner along the river was just great - great view, light breeze, and great service. The place is lively with music and an indoor/outdoor bar. When the humidity is too high and the temps too hot, there are a handful of high top seats indoors as well and a few formal dining tables. Don't miss the burger or the mussels. The mussels come in a sauce with orange, coriander, and jalapeno. It was quite possibly the best mussels dish we've ever had. We also enjoyed the popcorn that comes seasoned with honey, smoked salt, and bacon. It's a large portion that is plenty for a group of 4-6. Tasty, sweet & spicy but be sure to eat it quickly before it gets soggy with the honey. I love honey on my popcorn so I might be biased! If you want to split a salad, they will glady divide it between plates at no extra charge. Tasty cocktail menu and a few decent wines by the glass.
(4)
Tim H.
Great location right next to the river. Great place for an outdoor seating brunch in the summer. Prices are very reasonable given location and riverside seating. Their corned beef hash was very good. I believe it had some truffle oil in it as I smelled and tasted a bit of truffle. I would say it was great if not for the fact that I thought it was a little bit too oily and there were chunks of fat purposely left in. The french toast I tried was very solid. It came with fresh blueberries and strawberries.
(4)
Julie Z.
BEST location! It's perfect for happy hour in the summer. I will never tire of drinking a cocktail while watching boats pass on the river. Even better is that they allow you to dock boats. My friend drove his boat over, docked, came to join our party and then we easily hopped back on the boat to go to our next location. River Bar Crawl??!?! Woohoo! The manager came over to introduce himself b/c of the boat. He was super friendly and invited us to come back whenever. I loved our server. He was a lil flighty but in a funny way and it was Friday so I was happy and not much was going to bother me :) Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - They actually are Spicy! YES!! Pig Wings - tasty Margs - on point! I like this place for apps and cocktails. I'm not sure if I would eat an entire meal here b/c it is more a social environment where you can easily meet others so the focus is not necessarily on the food.
(4)
Lauren Z.
Definitely some pluses and minuses about my first experience at this place. The good: The view and sitting outside in the warm sun was all I wanted to do this past Sunday and this place made it happen. I like how they have flat screens outside too. My entree was yummy: chicken and waffles. I recommend. The bad: Our server was slow. Service was also slow. It took FOREVER to get both of our rounds of mimosas. We were sitting next to the bar...and how long does it take to make a mimosa? Our service also spilled a drink on another guest behind us and did not apologize. She was obviously embarrassed but it is common sense and common decency to apologize. As a fellow diner, that bothered me. My boyfriend's huevos rancheros were way too salty which is sad because they would have been pretty good without all the salt.
(3)
Alana T.
This was all about Sunday Funday! My friend and I went here for brunch, because, that's what folks who like to get lushy and do it on a non-empty stomach, do. Those said folks, go to brunch. There's nothing like a brunch with BOTTOMLESS mimosas and bloody Mary's. This was, actually, my first time having a bloody mary and I must say, it was undoubtedly my last. I'm saying, who drinks that by choice! But, I digress! Where was I? Oh, yes! Food! So, I had the chicken and waffles and my friend had some kind of beef sandwich with TONS of fries and cheese sauce and OMG, it was really good! Her food was WAY better than mine. Along with the brunch menu, you were able to choose your drink of choice, of course, we went with Mimosas after I mistakenly went to the other side and returned to Mimosa on my hands and knees BEGGING for her to take me back and let me drink her. She obliged. Oh did she obliged. I think this brunch was $20 or something. We both drank $40 in Mimosas, so yeah, we got our money worth. It was a beautiful day outside, so we opted for the patio. What a beautiful view of the Chicago river and other "Sunday Funday" indulgers all around us. The sun was great, the food was great the company was awesome. I will definitely go back here if only for the view and the drinks.
(4)
Jennifer E.
Half off appetizers from 4pm-6pm during the week? Yes please! My coworkers and I went here for my going away dinner and we took advantage of the half off appetizers. First we started with the popcorn which was fabulous, but my friends who were drinking beer said it doesn't really go with the beer. Then we had the cheese board, mac and cheese, fries, onion dip, and shrimp and grits. It was all great. Definitely a great place to hang out after work,
(5)
J R.
This was a pleasant surprise. Friendly staff, nice location, good food and $5 mimosa or bloody marys for brunch.
(4)
jen r.
Delicious and at this price point + this view it can't be beat. I recommend: The shrimp and grits Bread and butter (truffled butter+honey=amazingness) Fish and chips.
(4)
KC C.
Small plates, great fresh oysters, mixologist options and Coors "The Banquet Beer", in a bottle, what else would you require? Maybe the best water view table in the City(at least prior to or after riverfront construction completion). I've been here with family, my girlfriend and always can depend on pleasant ambiance and great service. I also like the attention and presence of Ryan, the owner, who is always paying respects and making the rounds to ensure a good experience for all. Short rib, specialized popcorn, and great fresh oysters are the most notable menu choices. Will look forward to my next visit. With Graham Elliot River North closing ole GE no longer has to worry about competing with Bridgehouse-and really never could match the comfortable environment. Off to the gym!
(4)
Ed W.
We took some visitors into the city on a Saturday eve and wanted to eat somewhere outside with interesting city views. Bridge House Tavern fills the bill quite nicely. Our outdoor table was perfect for checking out the boats as they made their way up and down the river. The menu is varied - we started with the jalapeno popcorn and a shrimp appetizer. The entrees went from steak sandwich to turkey burger to fish and chips. All were very good. With beer and wine we spent $40 / person - which is not bad for a memorable night in the city. Service was great - we had a train to catch and they helped us out with a very quick checkout when we were ready to leave. The 20 minute walk to the Metra station makes it a convenient location as well. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a semi-casual dining experience in Chicago.
(4)
TONI B.
We went for a date night dinner and drinks after seeing this place featured on TV. Drinks were good, Southwest salad was very good. Service was bad , BLT was so bad we had to send it back. Fish and Chips: Fish was good chips were cold and stale. Artichoke bread appetizer did not make an appearance until late in the meal after we reminded server we had not received it. It was not worth the wait. The bread was so stale I could not bite into it. Very disappointed , what a waste of time and money on our day off.
(2)
Danielle D.
Food was great, the service was slow, but definitely worth the wait. I had the Crab Cake Benedict, it was amazing! The Bloody Mary was a little watery for my taste but my boyfriend loved it.
(4)
Wizdom T.
I've seen this place for a couple of years and totally ignored it, assuming it was as pretentious as I expected it to be. But today I got over myself and walked down the steps to the lions den. Come to find out, I was the one being the douche I thought I was avoiding. Great service from the new kid on the block, Cody. Shout out... your all kinds of awesome dude for only being on staff for a few weeks. Cody took care of me, even to the extent of finding out the real deal on the "recommended dessert" - the Turtle Brown Sundae. And this investigative reporting was based on my strict instructions.. " i don't care what folks usually order, find out what's good. He handled his biz, thanks Cody! Drinks, Appetizers, and Desserts were on point, with a great view of the Chicago River happenings. I will def come again!
(5)
Gretchen H.
I will say that sitting out on their patio is worthwhile. So while I don't think I'll be back for a full meal, I may come back for cocktails and snacks. My main complaint with BHT is that they have not really figured out portions or pricing. As I looked around it seemed that some options were a fair size for the price, however my friend and I got salads and they were tiny. We (luckily) both added protein to them and we ordered a side of fries, if we hadn't it wouldn't have been a filling meal. All in we ordered a side of fries and 2 salads, one with steak and one with shrimp. We drank water. Our bill was $50 w/ tip. There is no way the salads we got were $20 salads. So in closing, go for drinks and to enjoy the food. If you order food, avoid the salad because although tasty, they aren't a meal. As an interesting side note, they do offer a side salad with a sandwich instead of fries...it looked to be nearly the same size as our entree salads were.
(2)
Melan E.
The patio view makes this place awesome! The drinks are mediocre, the appetizer and cocktail menu rather scarce. But the service is great and the ambiance is perfect. Walking distance from other places so if you come before dinner on accident like we did you can grab food from somewhere nearby ;-)
(4)
Shannon H.
My boyfriend and I came here for brunch the other day when we saw that they had bottomless mimosa's and marys for $29 which also included our food. Boy did we get our money's worth! They aren't kidding when they say bottomless! They pass around the mimosas like they are iced tea or coffee, and the food was amazing! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for stunning views and a reasonably priced brunch/lunch in Chicago.
(5)
C P.
I've been to this restaurant several times, for lunch or dinner, and the food has wowed us every time. They have a great little patio overlooking the Chicago River (although there's currently construction on the river walk, so the view isn't as spectacular, but it's still a nice spot.) No kids menu, but a terrific burger the kids will love. Walking distance from the theaters, Millennium Park, and the tourist bus stops.
(5)
Karin L.
Perfect for a quick bite. Great beer menu and wonderful to sit outside and watch the boats go by.
(4)
M W.
Went during their $1 oyster happy hour and between the two of us we had 3 dozen and about 3 share apps. Waiter was stunned we ordered so much but warned us it was a lot of food. This was our first meal in Chicago and did not disappoint. View from the outside was perfect.
(5)
Raju S.
Great location and excellent food. I have been there for brunch a few times and the location can't be beat. Food is good, prices are decent and the atmosphere is relaxing. Definitely a great place to have a couple of beers on a lazy sunday afternoon.
(4)
Brian B.
We went here for Valentines day with a few couples. The food was amazing! Everyone loved their dish. The portions were plentiful and the prices were extremely reasonable. At the end of our meal the owner came by and gave us all free shots and thanked us for coming. I will definitely be going back here again.
(5)
Jason C.
We went here for brunch, mainly because of the bottomless mimosa and bloody mary special. The food was outstanding. The bloody mary made me a little sad. From the start it didn't have much flavor and was made with a lot of ice so got watery really fast. But the mimosa was fantastic, especially when they brought out a full carafe. The place wasn't too busy and we hung out a while and didn't feel rushed.
(4)
Nancy H.
The whole experience was an enjoyable success! We had late dinner reservations with a request for outside seating - had a table right by the River with beautiful view of the surrounding architecture at night. Our server, Emily, was energetic and personable. Our drinks and dinner arrived quickly and were to order, delicious - salads, burger, fish and chips, and reasonably priced. We would definitely return to Bridge House Tavern!
(5)
Chris G.
Elegance on the Chicago River. Bridge House Tavern's smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on toasted country wheat is upmarket and delicious! I've never tasted a turkey sandwich quite like it and something I'd expect from Grahamwich. It's not just about the moist turkey... in fact that's the least interesting thing about the sandwich. It's about the toppings and sauce! I could swear there's a touch of fresh cranberry in there, as it has a refreshingly similar tartness. This place used to be Flatwater, which was an overpriced, uninspired bar with so-so food. Bridge House didn't take the easy route out by becoming another frat boy, by-the-keg type establishment. They're succeeding by offering a minimal, yet elegant menu along with adult beverages to compliment. (My dry cava came to the table, filled to the brim in a huge, chubby, stemless champagne flute.) Though just steps from my office, I decided to give them a patio lunch trail on a near-100 degree, sweltering hot Chicago summer day. The patio, as you can see from the pics, is well-heeled and on top of the dirty river. It ain't a perfect view, but it's better than many other nearby restaurants. -- UPDATE: Took a friend with me today after yesterday's outing... met the nice owner Ryan who's live in North Carolina. I'm sharing this with you because I was born and raised in Mississippi, very close to where B.B. King lived and know what good grits taste like. OMG. Someone put their damn foot in the grits that came with the roasted herb chicken at lunch. So creamy, flavorful and awesome. Especially if you have NOT experienced good grits, go check these out! I'm trying to convince them to offer quick breakfast to the office folx nearby who are also from the South or Southern family. The mussels are served with toasted baguette and fresh, sliced jalepeño peppers. Never had it like that. Great prep!
(4)
Rick S.
Corned beef hash was outstanding! And the popcorn was awesome (think popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapenos, and smoky salt)! View is great and nice bar selection.
(4)
Melissa P.
Sat outside on the river (which smells), a boat pulled up and people basically climbed over our table to get into the patio of the restaurant. Salads are very mini. Bloody Mary's are great but expensive. The food was good, but nothing to rave about. Maybe I just had a weird experience.
(2)
Valerie M.
A great place...if you're young, single, and looking for a place to grab a round after work. Sadly, for my husband, 8-yr-old, and myself, it was not the dining destination we'd read reviews for and anticipated. We were greeted by your standard, aloof, disenchanted trio of hostesses who barely managed a smile and a welcome as one escorted us to a table on the patio, overlooking the river. Had we known in would have been quite a while before a server stopped by to acknowledge us ad take drink orders, we might not have been so quick to judge the hostess' indifference. There was entertainment as we waited to place drink and then food orders. The river is pretty, with a seemingly endless parade of boats and barges passing by. Offering more traffic than the Chicago River and the busy pedestrian bridge within view, though, was a steady stream of restaurant workers - barkeeps, busboys, a waiter, and even the manager at one point - setting up an unseen outdoor seating area. We were lucky to be seated next to a storage cabana holding what seemed like thousands of pieces of outdoor furniture. Like busy little ants, there was a steady stream of people walking by our table with chairs, cushions, and tables. This went on for a good half hour, begging the questions "what are they setting up?" and "what does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?" The waiter DID: - take forever to come to our table to welcome us take drink orders - act perplexed and even a little annoyed when asked if they had a kids' menu or anything suitable for a younger diner - barely manage a "thanks for coming in" upon our departure The waiter DID NOT: - act concerned or offer any type of apology when my husband pointed out his contradictory pork chop (dry and cooked just outside an inch of its flavor on the outside, raw in the middle) I will say the manager found time to break away from the furniture set up to come over and offer to make things right. He offered to bring another pork chop or another entree but the time had passed. Two of the three of us were completely finished with our meal and we had places to go and things to see. I believe they did wind up taking it off the bill, which was nice of them, but did not erase the literal and figurative bad taste in our mouths. Bottom line: Great place to grab a drink with friends after work. Not a great place to grab dinner with your family.
(2)
Dee I.
I'm not an oyster fan, but I decided to just try their version because it was dipped in tempura and I was feeling adventurous. It was great! The tempura batter was salted, thank goodness, and the dipping sauce was really great - a spicy chipotle tasting remoulade sauce! And since I was on a shellfish kick, I ordered the muscles. It was also very good. Cooked in a white wine orange sauce. Wish they added more jalapeños and wish the bread was crispier, but overall good. The bartenders Terry and Michelle were fantastic. Grounded, fun and casual. The manager(?) Chris also friendly and helpful. If I ever return to Chicago I'd come back and try more on their menu!
(4)
Brenda Lee J.
Review from December 7, 2013. We've been here a couple of times but I haven't written them up until now. I've always liked the service at this little hole in the wall. And this visit delivered on the food as well. The hub detests brussel sprouts--however, the description included bacon and a few pokes from me convinced him to try some of mine. He loved them! And so did I. We also enjoyed the pear salad, and, of course, the shortrib croissant. We will return to try more and review again. Enjoy!
(4)
John M.
Hello Chicago! On a clear & warm Sunday morning, the girlfriend & I found ourselves In Chicago for the 1st time & hungry. Stepping out of our hotel in the North end of the Loop, we didn't have a clue where to go for breakfast or brunch. As always, it was Yelp to the rescue. A quick search produced Bridge House Tavern as a good looking option within a short walking distance. After a leisurely stroll, we were at the entrance which turned out to be either an elevator or descending staircase on the other side of the Clark Street Bridge. Going down, Bridge House Tavern sits right next to the river with both indoor & outdoor seating. We didn't have reservations, but it was still early so there was plenty of open tables. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside & took in the views. Our server was along shortly. Though friendly, it was difficult to get her attention at times. For brunch, there was $5 Bloody Mary special. We both started off with 1. Skimming the menu, 1 particular item jumped out immediately: the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. On weekends, I love a heavy, rib-sticking breakfast. I also love biscuits & gravy. With grilled sausage, biscuits & sausage gravy all topped with bacon + 2 eggs, I had to have the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. Our food took a while, which was time enough to order a 2nd Bloody Mary round & enjoy our scenic surroundings. The Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy is a massive, heaping plate of food. Given its pig on pig on pig action, it was pretty good but the biscuits were really dry. More reason to seriously lay on the gravy & chase it all down with a couple more Bloody Marys. After soaking in some sun & scenery, as well as devouring our gut bomb brunch, the girlfriend & I were very well satisfied as we set off to see more of Chicago. Brunch at Bridge House Tavern was a great way to start the day with good eats & drinks. Hungry & in an unfamiliar city, Yelp came through yet again.
(4)
Saba A.
Beautiful view!! New, different things on the menu. I tried their bruschetta (it's a must) filling--and a great price and size for an appetizer! They got a whole new management this year. It's right off the river so you see boat tours. Very friendly people working there too. Here's the menu: thrillist.com/files/menu…
(5)
Melissa F.
This is a drinks-only review... I found Bridge House Tavern elegant, relaxed, and...average. I love that you have to take an elevator down, being right on the level of the river. Very cool. Unfortunately, the restaurant was weirdly hot and stuffy...it's not that cold outside yet! We had eaten and didn't have any food, so my friend got a beer (3 brothers?), and she enjoyed it. I enjoyed my Summer Shandy because, well, I am a girl, now aren't I? My next (and final) choice was a Malbec. It was OK. Few wines were under $9 a glass. Really? That's kind of odd. There were very few by-the-glass options. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. Cool views, really friendly and engaging service...but overpriced and boring. I wouldn't purposefully stay away from it, though. Maybe the food would change this review! We'll see.
(3)
Janine K.
I met a friend here for after work drinks last night. Nice warm day in downtown Chicago so I figured anywhere with outdoor seating would be crowded, especially in the city. My friend made reservations for two for 5:30. I got there a little early so I told them half of our party (myself) was here and we preferred outdoor seating seeing we made reservations and all...I was told that they'd try their best to seat us outside once our entire party arrived so I sat and waited. In the meantime, large groups, small groups, etc. walked in ... some with, some without reservations. Ok, so here's the dealio on this place... If you're looking to come here after work for drinks and or drinks/appetizers and want to sit outside...no need for a reservation. Reservations are for dinner ONLY. There is a section of first come first serve high top and at the bar outside seating and the other half of the place are tables for dinner reservations otherwise there was plenty of seating inside. They have drink specials during the week and a variety of beverage choices. Lucky for us we did score two seats at the outdoor bar. It wasn't over crowded and just fine for what we wanted to do right after work.
(3)
Lauren B.
Interesting experience here... Came on a Monday, gorgeous weather out, and we needed full party to be seated so we went to the bar area instead for half off shared plates. Prices, food, selection all very solid and typical for the area. Slight mishap when the bar started getting backed up and our third round never came and food was nowhere to be found. No refills on water. We started to get antsy and called over our "waiter" to chat. Finally he says he is the owner and is short staffed that night and chats about the service and experience and then gives us this round and food plus shots on the house. One thing I give owners and waitstaff a LOT of credit for is recognizing a shortfall and making up for it. We can all say it happens, but making it right will be bringing us back. Stand outs - Gin cocktail, mac and cheese, meatballs, blue cheese fries plate.
(4)
Jason D.
Great location and really cool atmosphere, but the food was just OK. Really liked the pretzel app but I got a seafood dish that was off and I got about three bites in before I pawned it off on my girlfriend. The burger my sister-in-law got did look pretty tasty though...
(3)
Hayley H.
GREAT VIEW. Right on the river, literally, a boat parked right by the dock when Jennifer Q and I had lunch. Though the food is mediocre with ridiculously large portions. Get ready to carry some home, unless starving. I'd visit again, but reservations dont apply to the outdoor seating. Good luck!
(3)
Wesley N.
This is a must for anyone visiting Chitown. River atmosphere, spectacular patio on sunny days, cosy and warm on colder days. I've been here a couple times now and its definitely a downtown favorite of mine. Emily was our server. Very bubbly and friendly. Crack a joke with her! If you like popcorn, order their honey bacon creation. Dayyyuuummnnn! We had the mussels which are incredible, especially the creamy broth they are served in. Soak it up with the crusty bread. Their sandwiches are huge and will satisfy you perfectly. Ensure to enjoy with something from the bar. And BRUNCH! $29 gets you a massive plate of breakfast (Chicken and waffles for this bloke) and bottomless bloody mary's and mimosas (altho you will discover the bottom at 2pm when service ends, and you are nicely prepped for day drinking elsewhere). The refills were regular and generous. Do yourself a favor: GET THEE TO BRIDGE HOUSE! Remember to drink responsibly! Need a ride home or to your next destination? Here, enjoy a $25 Lyft credit on me! (New users only). lyft.com/invited/WESLEY2…
(4)
Rachel I.
Great bloody Marys and mimosas! Really friendly bartender and manager! Awesome service! Will definitely come back
(5)
S G.
Had a sat night dinner here with friends. We started with specialty cocktails- I had a lemon champagne drink which was pretty good. Appetizers are large- we had the oysters, east and west coast, the mac and cheese, the mushroom bruschetta, and the chicken avocado rolls which were spicy and yummy! Main dishes: rigatoni with sausage and mushrooms, the short ribs and a large seafood pot which had lobster, corn, muscles and a great broth. The dessert menu looked good but we were too full! The place was actually pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I would definitely go again!
(4)
Ermelinda C.
Great atmosphere, great food, great drinks - probably the best bloody mary I have ever had. The popcorn was a real treat ( a must try!), even though too heavy and too generous a portion to actually finish :-) The outdoor area is very enjoyable and if you are lucky, you might get to see some of the Lollapalooza concerts being projected live on their several outdoor flat screen TVs :-)))
(4)
Lorena F.
I usually enjoy this place near the river. View of the river is awesome and the food is equally good. HOWEVER, I had to give this place ONE star because the hostess was very rude to us when she noticed that our party of five consisted of two adults and THREE children. She told us that it would be a long wait because they only have two tables that would fit our large party. Now I'm certain that they would jump through hoops to try to seat FIVE adults. Child discrimination in downtown restaurants is a huge problem!!!! I want to be able to eat a nice meal with a nice view with my kids too!
(1)
Kelly O.
Lovely atmosphere, right on the river with both tables and a good-sized bar outside of the main dining area. The drink menu was slightly better than expected for a place like this (they offered cans of the hibiscus beer from Revolution, so I was happy), although the food menu looked a little on the pricey side. A good place for grabbing a drink or two with friends in the nice weather.
(3)
Earl P.
This is the place for summer drinks! Watching the boats go by, enjoying the beauty of the bridges and the city is perfection!
(5)
Liz J.
Bridge House Tavern is worth the visit if you're simply looking for decent food. It's located right on the river, which is nice, but the smell of the river isn't really very pleasant when you're trying to enjoy a drink or a dish outside. The inside has comfy, if a little bit cramped seating, but a fine solution if you're not interested in the river. We started with the bread and cheese appetizer. There wasn't enough bread for the amount of cheese, but the two cheeses were pretty good. I liked the radish as a topper for the cheese as well. Although the food was fine, it was really nothing special and was a bit overpriced for the size and overall quality. It almost seems like BHT is trying too hard to do something unique and exciting. It's falling just a little short. It's not a bad option if you're staying in one of the nearby hotels, but I'm guessing the locals go elsewhere.
(3)
Kathleen C.
A friend and I visited last Friday when I was lucky enough to have a company holiday at work and she got to leave early. The weather was miserably hot, but we sat outside anyway as we just couldn't resist the river view. While I would have liked a few healthier options on the appetizer menu, I will say that the menu is pretty varied and the drink list was solid. A great little spot and surprisingly, I hadn't heard of it before I visited, so I'm not sure if we were lucky that it wasn't busy or if we beat the after work crowd.... Food - 3 Atmosphere - 5 Value - 3 Bathrooms - 5 Service - 5 (the owner came out to let us know a storm was coming!)
(4)
Adrienne T.
I was pleasantly surprised by Bridge House. In my experience, the places along the riverfront have mostly catered toward the tourists who flock this amazing city during the summer months. Usually, with a high turnover rate in customers, restaurants tend to be less on their game in terms of service and food. This was not the case for Bridge House Tavern. They had a great selection of micro-brews and their "for share items" were quite scrumptious. We ordered the popcorn and cheese plate to start and were quite impressed with the quantity and quality of both food items. I was so full from the popcorn and cheese plate that I wasn't able to order a meal. My friends ordered the fish and chips, mac n cheese, and grilled cheese. With each dish given a gourmet twist, my friends were very satisfied with their choices. Honestly, I really wanted to grab their plates and take a bite. Not only did they have a lovely food and beer selection, but their service was also quite good. I highly recommend Bridge House Tavern if you are looking for a restaurant that offers great views, beers, and food. bon appetit.
(4)
Jordan S.
One of my favorite places to go when visiting Chicago. My first time was for a pre-bachelor party dinner. I'd say it's definitely better to come during the spring/summer time due to the amazing view and patio area however it's worth it any time of year. I recommend the steak sandwich or fish and chips. Great food, great service and great atmosphere!
(5)
Stephanie L.
Hello BHT My first impression was that it is a very nice bar like restaurant. We came for brunch at about 1030ish on a Sunday. We were the only people in the place so it was a little weird because it was so quiet. HA. The space was really nice and it seems like in the summer, they will have a fantastic little patio with views of the river. Also, the server told us that boats can dock here...AMAZING! We might have to do this in the summer. There was also a cute little fireplace, etc. All of the windows looked like they could basically come off and be an open area. Everyone in Chicago likes to eat outside in the spring/summer. Our server was very attentive. I am not sure if this would have been the case if it was busier, but we were very happy with her. Not to mention, she was really nice. She explained the items that we had questions about and clearly stated the specials, which included $5 mimosas and bloodys. WHY NOT? The bloody mary was fantastic. It tasted like horseradish and shrimp? Sounds kind of gross, but I thought it was delicious. Plus, I asked for it spicy and she delivered. The brunch menu was pretty extensive. They definitely had something for everyone. The classics, the greasy, the sandwiches, etc. We decided on the pig trio biscuits and gravy and the huevos rancheros. They both just sounded great. We were not disappointed. I absolutely loved the huevos rancheros. It was crispy tortillas layered with beans, meat, peppers, tomatillo sauce, etc. Oh man, it was good. AND SPICY. Again, I love spice. Some would probably not appreciate this dish if they were sensitive to spice, however, I thought it was perfect. The pig trio was delish too. The biscuits were just dense enough to stand up to the gravy mixture. It was topped with bacon and there was sausage links under the gravy...heart attack waiting to happen. Only complaint was it was a little pricey...but again, what do you expect downtown on the river. I think the B&G was $15 and the huevos was $12. No more or less than other places in the area and the food was fantastic. I am thinking we might try this for a HH in the next couple of weeks. I am interested to see what we get based on the other reviews. Definitely a place to check out for brunch.
(5)
Vicki L.
Great for drinks outside on a Sunday afternoon. Fun 80s music playing and friendly service.
(4)
Benny J.
Right on the river. Went here on a weekday night, they had some good live music playing. The outdoor patio is really nice, food was pretty good...Perfect for a beer or two and enjoy the outdoors.
(4)
Debby K.
Our first trip to Chicago and after a day on the River we stopped at the Bridge House Tavern. The food was fantastic!!!! We had a large group and everyone had awesome meals. The setting is beautiful, the service was terrific and the food ever so yummy! We had the best spicy chicken, avocado rolls that I have EVER had. Came back to San Diego wishing I could have more of those mouth watering appetizers. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a special treat and experience. Loved this place!!!
(5)
Julie P.
I loved my evening and dinner here tonight. We sat outside by the River and devoured the delicious shrimp with grits dish, and they're real grits, by the way. We also tried the delicious beet salad. This spot needs to be on your radar. It's much different and much better than the last place that was at the same location. Don't assume that it's only for drinks and happy hour. My friend and I split the two, very generous dishes mentioned earlier for dinner and it was as good as more upscale and more expensive spots in the area. I will be back!
(5)
Anne C.
We went to Bridge House for the first time last night and I was a little skeptical-- the location is excellent, but I know there's super high turnover in that space and the last time we went it was Flatwater and our meal was sort of ho-hum. Bridge House definitely impressed-- our waitress was phenomenal. She was sweet and honest and made our night really fun. We sat outside on the patio so the ambience was great. And the food exceeded expectations. We especially loved the cauliflower gratin and the pig wing appetizers, which were like tender mini BBQ ribs. I had the Amish half chicken and it was excellent.
(4)
Alma C.
I happened to come here for drinks with clients after a bit of sightseeing. It's in a nice piece of real estate right off the river, but they ran out of the beer I wanted and the gimlet I ended up ordering wasn't made correctly. The servers were nice and attentive but there's a ton of better bars/bartenders around town.
(2)
Jarvis A.
This is my second second time visiting Bridge House Tavern, and this is the review I always wanted to give. Just to parrot a few items from previous reviews: 1) Boat watching on the river takes people watching to another level. 2) Yes the portion sizes are large, but that is a plus in my book. 3) The food is really good. At this point I've tried the Bridge House Burger (very good), Fish-n-Chips (very good), and the Braised Shirt Ribs (Also very good). Just remember to leave room for the Chocolate Mousse which was in the words of my wife "One of the best Chocolate Mousse's she has ever had. With that said, we didn't have the greatest experience with the Ceasar's salad, but judging by the quick and unexpected response from the owner, I will put that in the "unfortunately mistakes happen" category. Overall, a great experience and I'll be back.
(5)
Libby R.
I am going to start off by telling you about the two items on the menu that BLEW MY MIND! And then I'm going to give you all the other reasons to frequent Bridge House Tavern. 1) Bruschetta. Don't let the name fool you - this is not your typical, classical, tomato-mozzarella-basil salad. This is a, shall we call it, "deconstructed and refined" version? Large slices of crusty, toasted, warm bread are topped with chopped sundried tomatoes, heaps of creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a white been puree, and finished off with chopped chives and a balsamic glaze. I could have easily just had a couple of pieces of the bruschetta along with my rose sparkling wine, in my seat (which was the best in the house, overlooking the river next to a huge window) - but no, I kept on eating... 2) The second item on the appetizer menu that was really insane and super clever: "Pig Wings." They look like chicken wings, but when you bite into them, you find that they are, in fact, pork. Falling off the bone and glazed in a sweet bbq sauce. Served with a flavorful, inventive slaw. I'm not your typical wing-eater, but this item is a keeper. Something truly unique and different. And now for all the other reasons you should visit this place: The other items on the menu are also really just fantastic. I had the shrimp cocktail, which is plated table-side, and is not your typical shrimp cocktail. I also had the gazpacho, which was the soup of the day, and also plated table-side. A fantastic combo. Other items consumed by my group were a ginormous burger and fries; the grilled cheese, which was made up of the best cheeses and served with an insane tomato jam that will actually also blow your mind; and the turkey sandwhich, which was so much more than your normal lunch fare. The ambiance is great. Dark decor on the inside, but enough light and amazing river views. The patio is awesome, complete with two cabanas. I know I will be a frequenter this summer. Prices are insanely reasonable. This is the only restaurant on the river that has boat slips, so keep this in mind for the summer if you own a boat! You won't be disappointed. Make a reso today!
Great outdoor seating, great staff, great chicken club...HUGE chicken club, actually. Location can't be beat. Enjoy.
(5)
Carl G.
Pretty nice place to have a quick lunch in Chicago. Right on the river, with a deck that backs right onto a dock. The brunch menu is good enough. I had the smoked trout hash and was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the smoked trout. The eggs were over-easy, cooked perfectly, but served with a hollandaise that seemed a tad either inauthentic or hurried. It certainly wasn't 100% spot on though I'm certainly not going to accuse it of being from a packet. I think it might have just been cheap eggs. My attorney had a burger which appeared to be too large for any one human to consume. He drank Diet Coke (tm) and I had a coffee. It was good in that they brewed the pot for me, but bad in that after one cup, the waitress totally spaced on my refill. I'd go again to get a quick bite.
(3)
Meghan J.
Thank you Mr. See for ensuring we had a good time when we were in a couple weeks ago! Loved the fresh summer cocktails. Great oysters and the grilled cheese was amazing. Server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Perfect summer spot for enjoying a summer afternoon or evening by the river!
(5)
Jessica H.
Bridge House Tavern is a great setting. Maybe a little crowded but the view makes up for it. On the river, it's a great patio. The administrative wait staff was great. They were really trying to please. The bartenders were really good, too. The table staff is friendly but might be spread a little too thin. Reading other reviews there seems to be a service issue, but our experience was very good. I think they are trying, they were incredibly friendly. The popcorn is really good and delivers on it's promise of honey, jalapeño, and bacon! The grits might be the best I've had. Overall the food is quite good. **The restaurant previously occupying this space, Flat Water, had the best roast chicken. There is a roast chicken on this new menu - it's not the same, but it's very good. I wish they could get the old recipe, though :(
(4)
Shelene C.
Unfortunately I didn't even get to try the food because of the horrible customer service I received and I really don't think I'll be back to try it again because of how I was treated. I understand it's the holidays and I know restaurants make money by closing for holiday parties. It would be nice if you can post it on your website so that when myself and a few friends decide to meet up at a place, we aren't told your closed. If you haven't visited Bridge House Tavern, you need to go to the north side of the Clark Street Bridge and take a series of stairs down to the river. If you take the stairs, you miss the door entrance up top which has a slew of signs on it including hours, menus, etc. Upon me entering the restaurant, someone held the door open for me (so the second reason I didn't see the closed sign). Upon coming into the restaurant, I hang my coat and ask the hostess where myself and a few friends could grab a few drinks and some nibbles. She ignored me so I waited. I asked again, she said "ummmm" and waited for a gentleman to come over. He then told me the full restaurant was closed for a private party. I asked him if it was posted anywhere on their website and he responded very rudely with "at the top of the stairs", I apologized and said I took the stairs and didn't see anything. He also responded very rudely with "well, it's there and it's also on the door". I politely said someone opened it for me so I didn't see it. He said "well, we're closed". OK...so my fault for not seeing the signs, but there is absolutely no reason to speak to someone in that tone or be that rude. I felt as if he was arguing with me. I then told him I didn't want to argue and that I would grab my coat and probably not come back. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I'm in the hospitality business, so I go out of my way to always be kind. I can't believe how I was treated and that no effort was made to even apologize or invite me back when they were open. If I was treated that way, then I can absolutely say I would come back to try out what they had to offer. Sadly, I just won't tolerate being treated this way and will tell others if they are ever considering it themselves. I'm friends with a lot of hotel concierges and I will definitely spread the word.
(1)
Alecia G.
My friends and I stumbled upon this little gem on the Chicago River. What a fun place! Great ambiance, great crowd! I have to comment on the drinks which were made with fresh fruit-THEY WERE FANTASTIC! My friend had the club sandwich and it was huge! I had the sliders and they were perfect! The restaurant is small and on the water so I'm sure there is a wait on nice days, but we didn't have one! The staff was very accommodating to all of the customers around us. It was a fun lunch!!
(4)
Matt m.
You must take someone here if you know someone who is a fan of these three things: 1) Chicago's bridges 2) Chicago River 3) Elevators This place has an elevator inside one of the bridgetowers at Clark Street. That alone is the reason to go to this place. If you are looking for a bar/restaurant downtown, then this is the unique factor that makes this place different. I always want to go inside the bridgetowers in Chicago. Other than the Bridge Museum on Michigan Avenue, you can't enter any of the other bridgetowers. But here you can not only enter one of the bridgetowers, but you can take and elevator in it.
(4)
Jack L.
Bridge House Tavern ("BHT") is one of my favorite restaurants in the River North area. It is often my go-to lunch/dinner spot for visiting relatives, clients, colleagues, friends and first dates. The river views, staff friendliness and food quality cannot be beat. Now for my specific (outstanding) experience on Saturday, March 17, 2012. As many Chicagoans know, St. Patrick's Day in the city is usually marked by a delightful combination of wind, low temperatures and rain or snow. Despite these impediments, thousands migrate from the Chicagoland area to the river to witness the miraculous transformation of the Chicago river from a muddy, sewage-colored green to an unsettlingly bright, radioactive-looking shade -- myself included. This year, thanks to an unseasonably warm Winter finale, I was looking forward to a chance to finally leave my umbrella at home (rather than leave it somewhere during a day of barhopping). Imagine my joy when I noticed on Facebook (after "liking" their business page) that BHT would be hosting a St. Patrick's Day event! With a location directly on the waterfront, where else would you want to spend the day? By late morning, we had it all: sunny 80-degree weather, cups of green beer and what felt like V.I.P. front-row seats to the grand Chicago skyline -- not to mention some great photos with a woman dressed as a leprechaun! The BHT team pulled out all the stops on this one. After waiting in line (expectedly) to gain entry, my group was greeted by a smiling staff and offered plenty of shiny St. Patrick's Day flair. To prepare for possible rain showers, there were tents set up in the patio area -- while it never rained, the tents provided some cooling shade in the afternoon. In anticipation of large crowds, there was not one, not two, but three additional bars dotted around the restaurant (along with the primary bar) and I don't think we had to wait longer than a minute or two to get a drink -- compared to likely 10- to 15-minute wait times at Irish-named Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville bars. With all those drinks being served, BHT smartly sprinkled some extra portable toilets on the patio to supplement the four private, unisex bathrooms inside (BHT, if you're reading this, on behalf of all patrons that day, thank you VERY MUCH for doing this!). Predictably, not too many St. Patrick's Day revelers seek the sit-down-dinner experience while barhopping. Accordingly, instead of ordering my usual 10-ounce, organic "Bridge House Burger", I ordered a nice selection of appetizers for the group to nibble on, including: - Popcorn. You won't be able to go back to the movie-theater or microwaveable varieties again once you've had the flavorful BHT edition that includes a delicious mix of honey, bacon, jalapeno and smoked salt. - Tavern Fries. Another favorite here. Sure you can dip the perfectly crispy fries in customary ketchup, but why not try bearnaise sauce, bacon aioli or remoulade? My vote is for the bearnaise, but you get to try them all! Overall, my group had a fantastic experience and we will definitely be visiting again soon. Sure, I have had great experiences dining at BHT during winter, but this place really shines when it's warmer. Thanks to an early Spring, I know I'll be back many, many times over the next several months.
(5)
Nicole K.
Mediocre food and service, but there's a good view of the river from their patio. On a nice day, it's a great place to grab a drink and watch the boats and kayakers go by.
(3)
Nammy N.
Do go here to relax and enjoy the view of the river and sunburnt people on their boats passing by. Don't go on a Sunday if you're looking to get food. I think their kitchen closes at 4pm. However, their bar is still open and the drinks menu had a good variety to choose from. Not too often I get to drink on the river so this experience was pretty amazing. Only awkwardness was that the hostess tried to seat us in the blazing sun when there were plenty of umbrella shaded tables...and then she did the same for another group of people that came in after us, umm whyy??..our server was good and efficient though, she checked on us regularly and magically had the check ready in her pocket right as we asked for it.
(4)
Tara G.
I had high hopes for this place. I may have set my expectations too high. We did the champagne brunch on Sunday and the service was great. The food was just average though. Nothing special, my omelette was burnt and my friends bacon was very under-cooked. All of our toast was burnt. The view is great. This place has potential, perhaps maybe their dinner is better.
(3)
Sean B.
Stopped here for lunch before a wedding on the Lake. Off the brunch menu, but ordered a dozen oysters that were good. 4 of us ordered something different but it was the "Horseshoe" sandwich, recommend by the manager, that definitely pleased the table, it was huge and had to share.
(4)
Cathy K.
Loved this awesome place! My husband and I chose this place based on the recommendation of a good friend who was there a week earlier. We were greeted with an enthusiastic welcome by bartender Marco who suggested the champagne brunch special for $29.00. Sounded awesome but...we came for the beer selection and unique food offerings. We sat at the bar for a view of the river and chose a couple of beers from their extensive beer selection. Ryan, one of the business owners greeted us shortly when he heard us debating about what to choose from the very cool menu items. He and Marco both recommended the fabulous chicken &'waffles. I can't even to begin to describe how much deliciousness there was on one plate! Atmosphere was fun, unique and comfortable at the bar. Beer selection: excellent. We will definitely return very soon (with a group of friends in tow) to enjoy the fabulous brunch on a Saturday in April! Just a train ride away from lovely Geneva! Well worth the trip! On an added note of interest, Ryann S. is also a partner in another business on Diversey Pkwy., (Lincoln Park) Compas Bar! Yes, we headed there after to meet friends for some fantastic brick oven pizza and more unique beer "experiences"! Outstanding day/evening in the city!
(5)
John P.
Absolutely stunning views of the Chicago River. Food was good too.
(4)
Patrick H.
Everything on the breakfast menu is awesome. Perfect spot on the river with great views. When I return to the city in a few months, I def plan on going back
(4)
Johnny T.
A swing and a miss! I know better. Really, I do. I know that before I go to a place, sight unseen, I need some folks to vouch for it. Folks whose tastes I understand and with which I agree. I made the mistake of going here before doing my research, so the party with whom I should be most disappointed is me. But, Bridge House Tavern has plenty of blame to share. I came here with my dining Girl Friday in search of great food, fun service and river views. After all, that's what BHT was known for, right? Right? Not being particularly hungry, we ordered the popcorn, pig wings, the Butcher & Larder charcuterie. I went back and forth with ordering the fish & chips but determined to do so after tasting the other food. This might have been my only smart move at BHT. The popcorn was a soggy, sad mess. Described as "honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt," we received Orville Redenbacher's bastard castoffs. There was no smoked salt flavor (or crystals) or bacon of which to speak. Instead, the popcorn was drenched in honey (to the point that it was soggy and mushy) with occasional bites/bursts of heat from eating a jalapeno seed. Orly? No. The pig wings were more substantial (if overcooked) but the description on the menu was rather vague (wtf is a pig wing) and our server (more on the service later) was of absolutely no help in describing the dish. Basically, pig wings are little riblets (with bone). At $13, they are overpriced for what you get in taste and execution. Thinking that there's no way charcuterie from B&L could be screwed up, my hopes rested in the final dish. From the first (almost) tooth-cracking bite into the burst toast point, I knew this was not to be. Burnt toast? Really? REALLY??? Pack your knives and go... far away. Any latch-key kid worth his tv time can make toast. Pitiful. Adding insult to (almost) injury, the charcuterie wasn't explained. Our server dropped the board off and kept it moving. What's what? How best to pair which meat with which condiment? What is going on? So, the service thing... Our server wasn't the most engaged. In fact, we hardly saw him but when he came around, he definitely left an impression -- a bad one. I knew we were in trouble when he brought me a beer that was 1/4 head. Are you kidding? I could pour a better beer at 15. Granted, I am from Kentucky, but still. 15. No bueno. He couldn't have been less interested in serving us. He couldn't or didn't answer any of our questions about the menu and when he asked us how things were (and we told him), the response was , "Mmm hmm." Mmm hmm? What? Truthfully, I shouldn't have been surprised. Our auspicious experience began with a half-empty dining room and a hostess telling us that we couldn't sit outside because of the 'long wait.' Look to the left. Look to the right. Are we in the 6th Sense? Cuz, I don't see anyone. Who's waiting? Whatever. After patrolling the dining room for open seats (um, they're all around), she sits us at an unbalanced table with a view of the outside (and empty tables). Wanting to see this rush of people who were waiting for tables, we re-sat ourselves at a table that didn't weeble wobble and kept our gaze locked on the patio. THE TABLES STAYED EMPTY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE MEAL. Again, are you kidding? So, I ate soggy popcorn, tough ribs and burnt toast. I received disinterested (at best) service and a beer poured with more head than the Frankenstein monster. And, I was told that I couldn't enjoy a table outside on a nice evening because of the 'long wait.' These tables remained empty throughout our meal. No. Not at all. There's absolutely nothing at BHT for which I'd ever come back or ever recommend to a friend. To an enemy... well, that's another story.
(2)
Emily S.
Hey! This place is totally delightful. I read some unflattering reviews and they almost swayed me into avoiding Bridge House all together. I went anyway and must declare that the people who wrote those reviews must be crazy and/or not know how delicious pork and cheese taste together (especially in combination with berries). A friend and I met up here before a movie the other night and casually sat in the bar. We ordered the pig wings and the cheese plate and then, just for the hell of it, we got the fried waffles too. I recommend all of that. It was perfect to split between two folks. The pork was tender and the sauce was great. The cheese plate had plenty of bread and all sorts of interesting delicious bits and bites to taste. We sat, ate, talked and had some delicious beer while looking out on the river. Our servers were nice. The hostess was friendly. Everyone made sure we were well taken care of while still leaving us alone to gab it up. All in all, a big win. We'll be back in the summer for that great looking patio.
(4)
Elliott D.
I went to Bridge House Tavern recently with my family for a little pre-Easter brunch and had a very pleasant experience. We had an 11:30 AM reservation and were seated inside since it was a little chilly outside, but with the sun shining it made it very pleasant to be near the open door. They had special on "morning" drinks and it was five bucks for mimosas and bloody mary's. I availed myself of an Allagash White. They have a decent selection of beers on taps though it would be nice to see a few more craft breweries represented. Our server was incredibly attentive and had our drinks constantly filled and was knowledgeable about the menu. We all had something a little different so it was good to see how they do the different foods. Universally we were happy with our food. I had the Horseshoe so I can only speak to that. I was curious about the thing and I was not disappointed. Heaping portions of eggs, cheese, fries, and brisket are very pleasing. The cheese sauce was great and the brisket was very tender and tasty. It was a huge portion and for the price was a great value. I had to take a lot of it home. I'd definitely recommend trying it at least once if you are hungry. My dad was happy with the biscuits and gravy, my sister with the huevos rancheros, my brother in law with the chicken and waffles, and my stepmom with the egg white omelet. No complaints at all. On another note, we met one of the owners and he was incredibly friendly and made sure that we were having a good experience. There was actually a hometown connection and he was very attentive to us. Hats off to the personal touch. I'd definitely recommend it and will certainly be back.
(4)
Jen N.
A co-worker and I tried this place a couple weeks ago. The food was definitely good, although I wish we'd had more people so we could have sampled more! We had the bread and butter to start (tasty!) and we ordered the grilled cheese and grilled wedge salad. Both were very good, my only complaint was that they seemed a bit disorganized when it came to seating people, we waited about 15 minutes after we got there (right at the time of our reservation) before we were seated. It also took our waiter about 10 minutes to bring us our bill after we asked for it, and since we only have an hour for lunch this was a bit of an inconvenience. The staff was extremely friendly and enthusiastic though, and the outdoor seating was very nice. I think I would go back for happy hour/dinner, but not lunch considering how long it took!
(3)
Jonas B.
Went for lunch earlier this week, mainly in an effort to try the much-hyped burger, but I do love this particular venue, though I hadn't been since Bridge House opened in the space. Had the charcuterie to split, and it was quite well done, though not what I expected. Two rustic pates and a chicken liver pate, accompanied by a ton of pickled veggies and toasted bread. Very tasty, and an enormous portion. The burger itself was very good. Almost too tall to eat, this messy disaster was well seasoned, well cooked and highly enjoyable. On the day I was there it was pretty quiet, and the service was nothing short of terrific. Attentive to the details, they didn't bug us while we lingered over lunch for a couple of hours.
(5)
lindsay s.
After a terrible encounter at Bin 36 we wandered over here on a Friday afternoon (the 10th when the weather was AWFUL) We walked in and we were informed that they close from 2:30pm to ....to prepare for dinner. However, if the bartender would stay that we could! And she did! Anata (?) was her name I believe and she was so nice and willing to stay for 3 people. We ordered a cheese plate.. it was ok.. not super special. A burger, which was AWESOME & the ceasar salad. GREAT presentation. Anata was super friendly and chatted with us while we ate and drank! Great wine list! Another table of eventually 6 guys came in and they accommodated them as well. I think we all had a blast and I hope she made some $ since she stayed!
(4)
Pito S.
Nice restaurant in Chicago!
(3)
JJ W.
Was there for brunch and loved the food. I got the French brioche toast with fresh berries, mmmm so good!! Mimosa's at a good price too :). Just don't be surprised that their "house potatoes" even at brunch is mashed potatoes... was not expecting that. Usually brunch potatoes are hashbrowns or something similar. Still highly recommended!
(4)
Corinne M.
I wasn't impressed. I had really high expectations for great flavors and was disappointed. A group of 5 of us ordered plates to share - spicy chicken avocado rolls, veal meatballs and the bridge house burger. All were just ok. I will say that the location is fantastic and the ambiance is ideal. I think that is why I had expected great food and I really hoped it could be a favorite. If I went back I would enjoy the drinks and probably stick to a salad or simple sandwich.
(2)
George M.
Came here for an early lunch, and the fries we started with were good, and then we ordered bacon pancakes...and we waited...and waited...and waited. We were quite surprised that pancakes could take nearly an hour to arrive. Finally, we were graced with presence of bacon pancakes after becoming famished. Although they were good, I wouldn't say that they were worth the wait. Also, the host made a mistake at first seating us at the bar when we arrived, and because we are underaged, the bartender refused to take our order, which essentially killed the first twenty minutes of our experience. The food WAS good, (BLT's passing us looked awesome) but not good enough to warrant the poor service. Food: 3 stars Service: 1 star
(2)
Mike K.
The Riverdance - Bridging the Gap. We went to Bridge House on the actual birthday during the birth week that started the previous Saturday to kick off the big 2-9*. Celebrating a 29th birthday is a big deal because you have to really get it all out of yourself in order to prepare for the big freakout of the next 365 days. As far as big blowouts go, the 29th is the second biggest after the 21st. When is the next big, important, milestone blowout after 29? How about the Irish Wake, if they even do that sort of thing anymore and you're of that persuasion. Getting old sucks. Looking younger than your actual age doesn't. Hi. I met birthday girl and her entourage of colleagues at Bridge House for pre-game drinks and apps after they had completed their daily corporate chores of folding and neatly stacking clothes and swing, country and go-go dancing over on Michigan Avenue. We were seated at a nice six top with comfortable chairs in sort of the atrium, where in shine gobs of natural light. Sparkle. It was only a drinks and apps excursion, so it was Victorias, the french fries with four sauces deal and bruschetta. The Victorias, of course, were delicious. Those tall, thin Victoria glasses remind me of...never mind. The fries were very crispy and tasty. The sauce was actually what really put them over the top. I like to get muh dip awn, ye nah? The bruschetta was a bit different, with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, but it ended up being very good. Definitely do order both the fries and the bruschetta if you're having apps, especially if you're saddled with an unadventurous palate, as I am. As far as decor and ambiance go, I can't say the place is any different than Flatwater was (apart from what I saw on the TV the one time I was at Flatwater - see my review). I think what any restaurant that occupies this space is about more than anything else is the setting, as it is right on the river and has a quite spectacular view. Still, I would at least recommend it for drinks and apps if you can find your way to it. Four stars for the early evening experience. Thank you, corporate khaki people!
(4)
Peter O.
Very pleased with the food...we had the popcorn appetizer, prawns and grits, and grilled cheese. Also, the price point is very reasonable for downtown Chicago and great location. I didn't give it 5 stars because the service was a touch slow for a weekday, downtown lunch place.
(4)
Amanda L.
My boyfriend and I wanted to go out for dinner on a Wednesday night, so he yelped a few places and settled on Bridge House. When we got there, we were happy with the location and view, and the decor is pretty modern and comfortable. When we asked to be seated, she asked for an indoor or outdoor table, and of course we preferred outdoor, not only for the view, but really it was so stuffy I was breaking a sweat inside. I'm not really sure how to explain the series of events that followed, because I was thoroughly confused for the next 30 minutes... the hostess sort of rambled about just wandering around outside to see if there were any open tables and come back in to tell her, or we could wait at the bar for a party to clear out and they could seat us there. We opted to just enjoy a drink and wait to be seated, but she didn't take our names down or anything, she just instructed us to sit at the bar. While at the bar we noticed many outdoor tables that were open, so we talked to her and asked what exactly we should do, just go pick one? We wandered out there and tried sitting at one at her suggestion, but was scolded saying that they were 'reservation' tables (even though my boyfriend called and they said they didn't take reservations). We tried, again, talking to the hostess to see what we were waiting for exactly, and, again, just told us to wander around outside. We saw some high top tables clear up so we went to sit there, but again were shooed away saying they weren't available for another 15 minutes. What?? Eventually a server found a place for us to sit, and frankly I don't know what the point of having a hostess is then. We were both a little grumpy after this, but still in good spirits about the food. No server came to greet us, we eventually had to flag one down to ask for menus. The server turned out to be very friendly, but him and the rest of the servers all seemed to be so hurried and flustered... probably because they have to swim around and attend to all these confused, 'wandering' guests trying to sit at unavailable clear tables. We ordered spicy chicken avocado rolls as an appetizer, which were great! I decided on the White Fish entree, my boyfriend the Bridge House Burger. The entrees arrived rather promptly, which is good, but I couldn't even finish my meal, which is bad. For $25, you get 2 tiny slivers of dry, under-seasoned white fish atop a mess of dry greens, with four slices of tomato. I tried to stick it out because i hated the thought of wasting all that money, but my fish was so gray and chewy I couldn't risk my health over it. This is probably a fault on my end for not saying anything to the server, but he was so hurried with other guests I didn't want to bother him over it, and frankly I really just wanted to go home at this point. I can't tell you if it's like this all the time or I got a bad plate, because I don't plan on coming back to find out. My boyfriend is the least picky eater in the world, but he described his burger as lackluster, commenting "I'd prefer a Big Mac". Might be a good place just to go for drinks, which I rather liked, and to enjoy the view. But I wouldn't recommend anyone I know to go here for dinner, in fact I'd discourage it. I fear this place uses its location as a crutch, and knows they will get business despite the value of their food. I also fear service is a direct reflection of management, and if so many of these yelpers, I see, have had poor experiences, then perhaps the system needs polishing. *sigh..... and it has such potential!
(2)
Irene M.
My boyfriend and I had friends with us from out of town. We have heard fun things about Bridge House so took them to brunch on a warm Saturday morning. We sat outside and had a great time. There are flat screens outside so the boys were able to keep up with their ESPN. The food was above average. Bloody Mary's were flavorful and had a nice kick. We had great service. $5 mimosas and $5 bloody Marys made the brunch even more appealing. I would definitely recommend this to others. -Green Eggs 'N' Ham - pesto scrambled eggs, grilled ham steak -Smoked Trout Hash - roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style, old bay hollandaise -Huevos Rancheros - 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas -Bridge House Benedict - grilled ham steak, poached egg, ciabatta muffin, hollandaise served with house potatoes -Shrimp Cocktail - 4 jumbo tiger prawns, BHT cocktail sauce, lemon, greens
(5)
Desirae K.
Love the location and think this is a great spot for 2 people to visit enjoy some apps and cocktails while overlooking the river. Food: (+/-) ...... Oysters ...... love the fact that Bridge House Tavern always has a east and west coast oysters to choose from. I also love my oysters served cold on ice. Unfortunately, you will not get that here. Oysters are served on room temperature river rocks. Not nice. I like the idea of the reusable, environmentally friendly rocks, but come on people, store them in the freezer. While I'm on the topic, mignonette should also be cold with ice in it. (+) ...... Popcorn ...... honey + bacon + jalapeño & smoked salt = YUM! (-) ...... Fish Sticks ...... $18 for fish sticks? Ya, they're not worth it. I do not understand the price of fish sticks/fish and chips in Chicago. Every place I've been it's outrageous and not one restaurant has lived up to the price point. Overall I really wish they'd bulk up their menu. It's pretty limited. My first suggestion would be to bring back the bison steak that Flatwater Grill offered. Set-up/Space: The space is pretty tight and not somewhere I'd recommend for groups. Try to get a spot right next to the river. It's the best view. If you can't get a spot by the "wall" (river) then the outdoor bar is your next best bet.
(3)
Hadouken M.
On the water, nice space, tasty food and great libations. Can't beat this place on a nice spring, summer or fall day. Even in the winter still worth a visit for their menu.
(5)
Taka M.
I decided to write my first yelp review to warn people about this restaurant. I came here for dinner with a group of 6 two nights ago, and was extremely disappointed with the service and the food. The service: Our waitress was rude and inconsiderate. She brought out plates and they had pieces of leftover food on them. I gave her attitude about how ridiculous that was, and she seemed more irritated than sorry. The food: I ordered the mussels and 2 hours later had non-stop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, painful stomach cramps, etc. I haven't eaten for the last 48hrs now, I can't even keep a bottle of ensure down. I'm actually really concerned about my health at this point as I've never had a food poisoning episode this serious. This is by far the worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant.
(1)
Marc W.
Bacon popcorn drizzled with honey is all I need to say! Excellent mussels with some great scotch on the menu (Laphroaig, Oban)...it all came together in an upscale yet relaxed environment. I'd give it 4.5 stars if possible.
(4)
Chang L.
Great location, beautiful view! You will see people pulling up in yachts to eat here, but you don't have to pay $$$ to feel like a yacht-owner yourself. The food was affordable for what looked to be a fancier restaurant right on the river. Definitely a good date spot if you don't want to break the bank. As for food, I only ordered a sandwich, the turkey sandwich with horseradish. It was pretty darn delicious, but then again, I have a weakness for anything with horseradish. My friend's panini was 10 minutes late and they gave it to him for free, which we thought was unnecessarily nice. Definitely want to come back again on a nice summer night!
(4)
Pam L.
A group of us went to wish a co-worker good luck on his new venture. We had a lovely time on the patio. They sat us at the end in the cabana because were weren't eating dinner just having drinks. Megan was an excellent waitress. She came back frequently and actually ran separate tabs for each of us. They had heaters set up because it was a cool evening. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Alex N.
Closed Sundays even though their website says they're open and opentable let's you make a Sunday reservation - SO ANNOYING AND INCONVENIENT - we made the long trip for nothing and were so embarrassed in front of our friends from out of town.
(1)
Jeff R.
A friend suggested Bridge House for an outdoor lunch so that's where we went. I had heard the name but didn't fully realize it is in the former Flatwater Grill space until we approached the steps. BHT has been described as upscale pub food and I wouldn't disagree. It's a great location right on the water with a large patio riverside. There's a nice bar with plenty of TVs and a clean sophisticated white table cloth and dark wood setting. The menu isn't overly complicated and stays within the bounds of pub style. There are nice sharable appetizers, some salads, sandwiches and a few "main courses." We started with one of their most popular dishes - popcorn. This isn't regular popcorn but popcorn infused with honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt. It sounds goofy but it was quite delicious and the most interesting popcorn I've ever had. You get more than you need for only $4. I tried to keep it healthy that day and avoided the very tasty looking large burger. I went with a smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on country wheat (for $11). It sounded better than it was. the turkey had the day after thanksgiving dryness that I don't love and without a lot of flavor. The slaw and blackberry horseradish are overwhelmed by the wheat bread (i.e. more slaw and dressing needed). The sandwich grew on me as I ate more but it still needs some work. My side salad was very small but satisfying although I should have gone with the fries. The portions in general at BHT are very large and make sense with a larger price point - though given the location and style the prices are very reasonable and even more so considering portion size. I'd go back and try some other sandwiches or main items if I were hungry. It's definitely a summer scene and a great place to have a leisurely business lunch or a handful of happy hour cocktails.
(3)
Tiff W.
My company had a private event at Bridge House, and while the place is cozy and has an awesome view of the river (note to self: must take advantage of this in the summer), I thought that the food could be a little better (the quality might have been compromised because of the quantities they needed to make for a food buffet? who knows). You have to walk down a flight of stairs or take an elevator down to the actual restaurant, because Bridge House is literally located on the banks of the Chicago River. The place was smaller than I expected, but it was a perfect size for a party of around 45-60 people. The passed hor d'oeuvres were okay. The presentation of everything was really nice: shrimp cocktail served in a shot glass filled with cocktail sauce, chicken on skewers, caprese salad neatly wrapped on skewers, mini mini crabcakes, popcorn in a paper funnel. But there was something slightly wrong with everything that I tried...shrimp and chicken overcooked, popcorn funnel hard to eat from and hold while you also have a drink in your hand, etc. The food buffet was okay as well. Nothing really stood out to me except for this creamy linguine with mushrooms & truffle oil. The Nueske bacon mac & cheese was dried and kind of flavorless. Anyhow, I will give Bridge House Tavern the benefit of the doubt, because I always feel like catering food in large quantities always kind of screws up the taste a little bit. The restaurant is in a good enough location for me to want to come back and try it out during the summer for perhaps drinks & appetizers.
(3)
Kensuke Y.
Good location and great atmosphere, however customer service wasn't good.
(3)
Adam M.
Whoa! This place is the total package - great food, drinks, location, service, view...I could go on and on. And I will... My partner and I both had a Monday off recently and we were headed downtown for an afternoon of fabulous Chicago. A quick Yelp search lead me to this new place right on the river. The reports were positive - affordable prices and delicious food. Plus, a bar. Which was necessary when you have the day off and you're looking for the type of leisurely long lunch that could last into the early evening. We arrived and were seated right away since the lunch crowd had mostly dispersed. We got a GREAT spot right by the window that overlooked the river and HUGE outdoor seating area. Had mother nature cooperated by giving us the May weather we deserve then we would have been seated outside to enjoy the sun. Alas, this was not the case as it was 50 degrees (mental note: must return to sit outside and enjoy said awesome outdoor patio if summer ever arrives). We quickly ordered some dirty martinis (which were made perfectly) and the popcorn appetizer. Ok, so you know how movie theater popcorn is like 6, 7 buck these days? Here we got a very large portion of popcorn that is slathered in honey, bacon, herbs, and general goodness for $4. This is a steal and there was enough to keep at least four people properly appeteased. I then ordered the grilled cheese and was so glad I did. Now, there are many restaurants that claim they have a new, great twist on the grilled cheese and I am usually under-whelmed and will stay away from this option. However, Bridge House has done it! Two long sandwich slices of fontina cheesey goodness along with bacon and tomatoes. All of it tasted golden fried and delicious yet somehow light. A perfect side salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette even managed to hold it's on my plate alongside this glorious beauty of a grilled cheese. THIS IS A MUST TRY!! My partner had the fish sticks (the Tavern's play on fish and chips), but I really couldn't be bothered with that dish as I was in cheesy heaven. All in all, this was a FANTASTIC dining experience and extremely affordable for the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere. I will be bringing everyone I know down here just as soon as humanly possible.
(5)
Garrett A.
I have really mixed emotions about this place. On one hand, the food is nothing special. The pig wings, which seem to be what everyone is crazy about, was very dry and they seemed to be making up for it by drowning it in sauce. I got the grilled cheese and it was so greasy -- and not the good kind of grease -- that I couldn't even finish half of my meal. Finally, the fries tasted completely soaked like salt. If you screw up my fries, you've screwed up my meal. Sorry. It also took forever to get our drinks refilled. I know we were sitting on the far side, surrounded by tables, but that doesn't mean we don't deserve water. But on the other hand, we did get there early and snag a table right by the river, so it was great on a lazy, hot Sunday night. They get one more star for that.
(2)
Alex C.
Great location overlooking the river, especially over the summer. Loved the set up of this place - have to walk down to the tavern, has a bit of a gastropub/sports bar theme with indoor and outdoor seating. Fun place to hangout with friends, grab some drinks and maybe take in some food. I had the burger and chicken sandwich - good but wasn't spectacular. The one thing from the menu I have to call out is the Popcorn appetizer (flavored with honey/bacon/jalapeño/smoked salt)....that got devoured pretty quickly.
(4)
Heather P.
Took my boyfriend here for his birthday. This is the kind of place where the waitstaff are experts in their field and bend over backwards to make you happy. Sitting on the river watching the boats go by and the building lights come up was delightful. For drinks, we had a lava lamp (cava with raspberry puree) which was unbelievably good and a little bit sweet, and a black pearl (rum, ginger ale, pineapple juice with basil). It was also good and sweet and piratey enough for its name, but rum isn't so much my thing. Drinks are pricey, but okay sizes. The beer cheese soup was good, although different from what I was expecting. I love the play on pretzels and cheese with the croutons, but the flavor was slightly underwhelming (better with salt.) It was just a bit more subtle than I was expecting. Boyfriend got some sort of whitefish (doesn't matter because I wasn't going to try it anyway) over a sweet corn risotto that was completely fantastic. I got the tavern chicken, which was easily the best roasted chicken I've ever had, with an amazing herb butter sauce and thick, creamy grits. If I had one complaint about the chicken it's that the skin could have been crispier, but it was so tender and flavorful I found myself full of forgiveness. I'm still thinking about this chicken. Often. I miss it. :( I felt that the night's one pitfall was the dessert. We ordered bread pudding, and it was two small lumps sandwiching a quenelle of whipped cream ice cream. Which is exactly as strange and delicious as it sounds. I would have preferred just a big bowl of the whipped cream ice cream. The bread pudding was crispy, with streaks of chocolate, but it just wasn't that great. I am a bread pudding connoisseur, and I've definitely had better. It would have been fine at any other restaurant, I suppose, but from the Bridge House Tavern I was just expecting more. The bill was large. It was a large bill. I can't afford to go back often, but I am eagerly awaiting another special occasion so we can go back again.
(4)
Kat T.
After looking for a brunch spot in central/North Chicago that wasn't $60 and up Yelp led me to Bridge House Tavern. The price is definitely what makes the Yelp reviews so glowing. However, I have to give thanks to the owners for not gouging the tourists and locals who want to sit river-front and enjoy a nice meal. Ordered yogurt parfait with a side of eggs. More than filling. Excellent job on the poached eggs! Service was a little scattered. She messed up our order (actually brought too much food) but only charged us for what we ordered. $30 for 2 people- amazing deal with great river-side views.
(3)
Chad O.
Awesome! Just plain awesome! Food, service, location, atmosphere! They have it all
(4)
Christina P.
Holy smokes - where'd this place come from? On one of our first sunny and delicious Chicago summer afternoons, I was lucky enough to pick a new spot for a casual lunch. Bridge House Tavern did NOT disappoint. Amazing view, perfect location, the food is absurdly good (not your average - all gussied up even on standard items) and the people watching is a 10. It also has a beautiful interior in case your crew isn't looking to bake in the sun. My only warning (and something they cannot control) was how windy it was. So ladies, hold your skirts and everyone hold tight to the menus, etc. This will be a summer staple and I cannot wait to slap on some SPF and live it up at this spot!
(5)
Jon K.
Worst attitude from server and manager I've ever experienced. Went there for food and drinks on a Saturday lunch time. Bar menu was only available - so fine, ordered from that. Ordered some appetizers and half dozen oysters, at $2 per oyster. So mildly surprised when bill showed $21 for oysters. What's going on here we demanded? Server says he realized error and was taking care of it -- but only after we pointed it out. Suddenly copped an attitude too. New bill comes out , and we are now at $15. Ok, making progress, but still not correct. We were told that the "real" price for oysters was different and that bar menu was "out of date" (Note to manager, an out of date menu maybe should not be placed back to give to next customers). Manager, who also now copped an attitude, eventually just took off entire thing and only charged for other food we ate and drinks (which were also ordered off the mysterious menu that was "outdated"). It wasn't that a huge amount on the price, but it's the idea that people in hospitality admit a mistake when they are wrong. It's not like we sneaked in these menus ourselves. Honest mistakes get made all the time in bars and restaurants. Be big enough to admit when you have fouled up, rather than giving excuse after excuse. If the manger is reading this, and the guy working behind the bar (Ken) your "out of date" menu is still posted on your web-site. Better take that down. Right? Ooops!
(1)
Jenn W.
I'm new to River North from Lakeview and feared I would not find a place I'd like that wasn't overly priced or snobbish. But Bridge House Tavern exceeded my expectations. After looking at the simple menu, I wasn't expecting much. But we went on a Saturday night around 6pm and were very pleasantly surprised. The service was great, even with a large private event going on at the other side of the premise. Refills were prompt & our server was knowledgeable of the menu. The $4 fancy popcorn appetizer had a subtle spice to it with a sweet glaze. The burgers were perfectly cooked to our different requests and the potato bun had the texture of freshness, not of being defrosted like at other places. Beer menu could use some more diversity in my opinion, but there are a few good offerings. And the gin and juice cocktail was like drinking a garden; divine! Not to mention the view sitting outside on the river was pretty amazing, too. The owner Ryan walked over when we were about 1/3 of the way through our burgers and seemed very honest and casual and interested in our thoughts on this new joint. When we told him the website was down prior to our arrival, he seemed surprised and apologized and said "as the guy running the show, that's not what I like to hear!" We saw him later on the upper terrace pacing on the phone; can't imagine that's fun to sort out on a Sat night. The next day we checked the site again and it was up and running. Highly recommend this place and will certainly be returning. I hope they keep up the excellent service and good eats!
(5)
Eric M.
If you're looking for a great view of the river with your meal, then make this your spot. It's a fantastic view and there's a lot of seating for people. The service was good but infrequent. Our server didn't come often, but when she did she was very nice. The food was ok. I ordered their biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were quite dry and the sausage patties were a little rubbery. I don't know if I'll come back here for food but for drinks by the river it can't be beat.
(3)
India K.
Went back for the second time last night and was not disappointed. This time I tried a different menu: popcorn- whoa! unexpected and nice little snack Fruit and cheese board- delicious! Fish special was cod with veggies paired with chardonnay Great! I'll definitely be going back again-
(4)
Shawn L.
We stopped by here for brunch today; sitting by the river in the summer in Chicago is a great time. Bridge House Tavern has a great view of the bridges and boats going by on the river. Tables and chairs in the restaurant were clean and tidy, planters were filled with wonderful foliage, and while full we were able to sit as soon as we arrived. The bartender was friendly and informative, hostess was welcoming and kind, and we even saw the manager stopping by a few tables. Food was excellent we had the French toast it came with huge barriers and generous portions of very thick French toast. However the waitress was one of the worst we have ever seen in Chicago: the check said her name was Tammy but she never introduced herself. When we arrived we did not see her for 20 minutes at which point I asked the hostess to get her, when she did come we ordered and then did not see her again until we asked for our check. We ended up asking the bus boys and other servers for the items we needed for our meal.
(3)
Manny S.
I have had two bad experiences in a row at the Bridge House, today being the worst. I am so disappointed too, because its near my house and I used to love coming here pretty regularly. Last time it was a terrible, woody salad. Today, the service and food were both horrible and ridiculously slow. It was a year to get out of there today. We sat 10 minutes before the waiter told us they were out of the first beer we ordered. Spent 15 minutes waiting for the second only to find out that is gone too. Then it was another 10 minutes before he bothered to come out with one in hand. By then, all our water from our dirty water glasses was gone and we still had no damn food. I said I don't think we should pay for that beer, and he questioned me why! I said because we have been sitting here 30 minutes for it, thats why. The food, besides being the slowest meal in the world? I got huevos rancheros and it had to have been the saltiest hot mess disaster I've ever had and was just drowned in ultra sour green salsa. Terrible. Im surprised Im not dying from an ulcer from the three bites I forced myself to choke down. I always go to places I love, I'm loyal to my favorites, and usually pretty easy to please. There is no excuse for being so rudely slow. This had to be probably one of the top five worst dining experiences I've ever had, you have to just almost laugh it off.
(1)
Reyna H.
Their food was atrocious- oysters that tasted like sweaty ballz, charcuterie in which the meat tasted old, and they served me chewy Jumbo Shrimp out of a shaker (they plated a bowl of greens and asked me to find the shrimp...weird). My stoli doli was pretty good I have to say, yet my bf's manhattan was completely watered down & tasteless..(he's a bartender so I believe his opinion counts) The seat by the River on a cool Sunday evening is fabulous, yet not enough to keep this place alive. Even though Flatwater chose to close their doors...you're kinda doomed if you don't do something with this food situation asap! Sorry to say, I had high hopes for this place!
(2)
Halide T.
It was my friend's first time in Chicago so I wanted to take him somewhere with a nice view. With a patio right by the river, we really didn't know if we could find seats but there was definitely plenty of space. To start off, we ordered some bruschetta to nimble on while we waited for out food. Bruschetta was quite big actually. It wasn't the usual tomato/basil version. This one had goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and few other things that gave it a different flavor. It was different in a good way. I would have enjoyed it more if the bread was toasted a bit more to give it a bit more crunch.. Along with bruschetta, I wanted to try the popcorn on the menu..I have a tendency to try things that seem to have a weird combination of flavors.. We were served a big basket of one of the most amazing popcorn I have ever had.. Popcorn with honey, bacon, jalapeno and a bit of salt.. AMAZING!!!! It might sound weird but definitely worth every single bite of it! On top of all these, I attempted to finish my Salmon BLT sandwich served with perfectly done fries... Sandwich was good but I think I had a bit too much from the appetizers to finish my sandwich, considering how big their portions were.. My friend enjoyed every bit of the burger he ordered. We had a really good, relaxing dinner right by the river.. The view was wonderful, service was great and the food was worth the try. I will definitely come back to try something else.. and some more popcorn !!!!!
(4)
Matthew H.
Let me give you a list of food items: - Popcorn - Honey - Bacon - Jalapeño - Smoked Salt What do these things have in common? They're all piled on top of each other for one of the tastiest (and messiest) snack foods I've ever had. And for only $4! After shoveling fistful after fistful of tasty goodness in my mouth, I was treated with the hands-down most tender piece of pork I've ever eaten (thanks to the waiter's recommendation) with the Prime Rib of Pork. With the late-night view of the river and city I can't imagine a more satisfying meal. A+
(5)
Julie K.
Very very satisfied with brunch. We saw the restaurant from the boat while on the architectural tour that takes you up the river and the outside seating from the water looked awesome. Once off boat we walked back to enjoy brunch riverside. $5 bloody marys and a house fruit punch! Our table for two was right next to the river. Enjoyed huevos rancheros that was "built" on large crispy tortillas, shared unbelivably good red skin mashed potatoes and split sausage. My husband enjoyed the brioche french toast that had bailey's in the whipped cream and lots of fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Service was great and they didn't rush us out despite having the best seats in the house!
(5)
Kim M.
Has fast become one of our favorite places in Chicago! Found them last February and have been back several times. The food is awesome, we had the Ossa bucco and it was some of the best I have ever had... The atmosphere is very relaxing and has almost a neighborhood feel to it.... One of the owners stopped by just to see how our meal was and if we were enjoying the evening....... Very nice touch! We're headed back later this summer and are hoping to sit on their patio! Totally recommend the bridge house!
(5)
Hauwei L.
10 of us came here today for birthday brunch. The location is very nice with an excellent view of the river. The food quality was uneven. The eggs benedict and salmon blt w bacon shake were great, the french toast, corn beef hash, trout beef hash, and shrimp omelet were good/above average. The biscuits and gravy were too salty to the point of being unpleasant to eat. The mimosas and bellinis were solid, decently strong and around 5 bucks. Pricing was as expected for the river north area, entrees ranged between 12 and 15. The low point was the service. I eat out frequently at all different types of restaurants in different price ranges and i found that our waitress Jillian had a poor attitude. Its hard to identify a specific thing she said, it was more of a cold attitude, lack of attention (forgotten drinks, wrong orders), and general lack of sincerity/bad vibe which put an unnecessary damper on the meal. While the restaurant is new and there were a good number of customers, it wasnt so busy that it should explain the poor service. The owner came over and said they were new and wanted our feedback which was nice. Update: as i was writing this, the waitress brought over a free birthday dessert. This was a nice touch. Not sure if this was her initiative or company policy. I guess BHT could be worth a second shot.
(3)
Nicki S.
Four friends and I visited this lovely 'on the river' establishment this past Saturday to check out their $25 mimosa brunch. Let me just say that we were not disappointed! The bartender was our server and he was very entertaining to say the least. He kept the mimosas coming without delay. Unfortunately, the weather was cool so we just had the door cracked for a bit of air as the sun was shining bright through the glass area we were sitting in. The food was just as good as the service. Collectively, we got the Chicken and Waffles, Bacon Omelet, Horseshoe, Corned Beef Hash, and Biscuits and Gravy. Everything was really good. I had never had proper Chicken and Waffles and I'm so glad I decided to give it a whirl as it was amazing. Next time I visit, (assuming we are allowed back after all of the mimosas we drank) I plan to try the Huevos Rancheros as well as the patio if the weather is nice enough! They also have fantastic happy hour specials during the week that will make for a nice post-work excursion.
(5)
Jen A.
The food was decent, but the service was just atrocious. Granted, we stopped in during lunch on a Friday. Yes, we sat outside on a beautiful afternoon. Yes, the restaurant was busy. But are these excuses for a 2-hour lunch where the waiter forgets to refill our glasses at all? We started with the honey bacon popcorn. It was kinda weird. Imagine slimy, sticky popcorn with a hint of bacon and spice. I ordered the Po Boy sandwich and some friends ordered the grilled cheese sandwiches. The french fries were fantastic, and everyone was pretty happy with their food. But sitting outside in the hot sun for two hours without a refill on drinks soured the meal.
Do like to be treated like sh$t by the staff? Then come here! I give this place zero stars. I had to put one in due to the program only letting you put stars in. Sorry this is long, but trust me you'll want to read this. Came here after work with a group of co workers to celebrate another co workers recent job promotion. Another co worker organized the event and she didn't realize that this place is strict on their table seating. I was just minding my own business at the table talking with my co workers when three more people showed up from work. We asked our waiter if we could add another table to our table. He had to go and ask to see if he could. He came back and said no it's reserved. We said well we have more people coming so what can we do? Our table was suddenly not able to accommodate the group. A few min go by and Ryan, I guess a manager, came over with an attitude and a tone telling us he can't accommodate us. He said he said we could only have 2 more chairs and that was it. A few of us not just me, said that we have more people coming. He did nothing. We got the two chairs and 4 people shared 2 chairs. I felt bad for our waiter. He was at least pleasant to us. I had to ask our waiter for Ryans name because he did not introduce himself or present himself in a professional way. Not only that but the table that was said to be reserved was never sat in. Now I was busy socializing having a good time when a few more people showed up that I didn't really know. I also wasn't really paying attention to them. All of a sudden Ryan comes over to me and said "I thought I asked you not have more people at this table! You had 13 now its at 15" I'm like what? He points over to a co worker of mine who was one of the four sharing a chair who got up and found an empty seat at the other end of the table. I asked Ryan why was he telling me this? He said because it was my table and that I organized this. I'm like no I didn't. But I wasn't about to call out my co worker and say it was her that organized it. Ryan said I'm "trying" to be nice about this but I asked you not to do that. I asked him what he would like me to do about it? He just said he came over to let me know that he was upset that "I" let someone take another chair. "Ok. "Whatever. Fine, you're right, and I, the customer am wrong." I told him. He walked away with attitute, once again. I mean what was I going to do, throw my co-worker in the river? Now at this point I was trying to enjoy the appetizers that our group had ordered but he offended me by scolding and repremanding me like I was a 5 year old, that I couldn't enjoy my apps that I ordered. At this point, I was ready to leave. Everyone in my group was offended by Ryan's treatment of me. They could hear him talk to me the way he did from across the table. When our check came, Ryan approached me again and asked if he could speak to me. I said "no, I'm in the middle of a conversation." He said that he came over to apologize. However, I was still not impressed by his immature tone with me. I don't even remember what he said after I told him "no", because I went into my rant back to him. I said that everyone in my group here is an adult. If one of them sees an open chair, they will sit in it to be comfortable rather than share the chair that you only allowed. I said if you don't want people sitting in more chairs that your tables can accommodate, then don't leave an empty chair nearby for someone to take. I said these are my co-workers and I don't and will not tell them where they can and cannot sit. It's your establishment figure it out and don't put the blame on a customer! After I said that, he said nothing and threw the bill down on the table in front of me. I was just shaking I was so upset. My co-workers and I all agree that we will never return to this establishment again and we also agreed to tell our friends not to come here either due to the way I was singled out and treated. By the way, we spent $400 on drinks and appetizers and for a scolding! B.S.!
(1)
Debby M.
this review based on brunch on a Saturday around 11:30. plus: outdoor seating with great view. minuses: weak bloody mary's (watered down and low in flavor), food is unremarkable to bad (odd jelly like pickled onion thing on salmon toast dish was unpalatable, egg sandwich was just a completely basic and lame cheese omelet on a croissant, french toast was tasteless), service not very attentive or pleasant (and it was not busy). overall: poor and really unmemorable dining experience, do not recommend, won't go back.
(1)
Kevin W.
This is about as good as it gets for a beautiful view of the Chicago river while having some drinks. Went there for a wedding preparty night and it was such a nice and gorgeous set up. In addition to the river side tables and seating, there's also a bar inside and a couple tvs if u wanna watch some sports games.
(4)
c d.
Never disappoints. Never! The food is great for lunch, happy hour or dinner. The cocktails are wonderful, great beer selection and amazing service. Love it on a nice day over looking the river or a rainy day inside the cozy restaurant.
(5)
Brenda E.
Was recommended by a friend & regular who lives in the area. Very attentive, great customer service. Food was excellent,( all recommended by one of the co-owners) and everyone loved their salads & main courses in our party of 5. Loved the popcorn with truffle oil, bacon, and honey was just the right balance and great with beer. Relaxed, intimate atmosphere , will definitely return when in Chicago again.
(5)
Lauren F.
So, I must say that I have never written a Yelp review, but this restaurant/bar has surpassed any expectation that I had of the place (due to its former name) that I just had to post! The service was excellent, and I don't remember the last time that I had so many people (including the waiters/bartenders/management) make sure I was having an enjoyable experience. The place was pleasantly busy and the service was still great. Prices were right on par with the area and in my opinion pretty cheap considering the OUTSTANDING view of the river which is the main focal point of the restaurant. The food was so delicious I can't wait to go back and try more. I had the grilled cheese, which was so so good and then my fair share of the unlimited drink options they had.
(5)
Vivi W.
I wouldn't recommend..location is great. Little over priced? Food looks GREAT, but tastes kinda bland. Had the boned-in pork chop. Had better. The fish and chips was greasy and soggy. The pop corn was super soggy. The buffalo pork was dry. My frd had a birthday, and the waitress bought some bread pudding, and charged us for $8...and she took over 15 min to get it...
(2)
Marie M.
I've been going there countless times this summer. And usually take out of town visitor for lunch/brunch. You CAN NOT beat the location. This place is beautifully located, and you get a perfect view of the river/neighborhood. The food is good. I do prefer the old menu (when it was still flat water) as there was more choice. But everything on the new menu is good quality and the prices are more than reasonnable for quality'location/service. If you go on a busy week end brunch, do not expect to be out of there fast, they still have some service issues to fix. But everyone is friendly and happy to help. Will definitely be back next summer!
(4)
Joe Z.
Great spot right on the water. So close that if you are not careful with your bag you could drop them into the river. Drinks were reasonably priced. Menu was somewhat limited, but the linguine with shrimp was quite good.
(4)
Lyn B.
Been here for brunch, lunch and dinner, and have enjoyed it every time! Best time to go here is when it's warm outside, so you can sit in their outdoor area overlooking the river. The service is always good, and favorites on the menu include the brioche french toast, potatoes, Caesar salad (be careful- it comes with the anchovies on top so ask to exclude them if you don't like them!), spinach salad, and burgers!
(4)
Claire F.
Turkey Sandwich! It was amazing, and the fries were something extra special with a delicious seasoning and tang to them. The best part about the restaurant is the view and setting. The service was also amazing! $13 for dinner in a really nice and beautiful restaurant, I'm sold!
(4)
Katie T.
Found this place on yelp. We decided to try it out because it has great reviews, a patio with a river view, and the photos of the interior looked so cozy with all of the wood. After a long day at work, sitting on the patio and having a beer was exactly what we needed. The popcorn starter was amazing and so different. We split the burger and fries which were so good, and plenty for 2 people. The staff was also very nice and welcoming. I can't wait to visit Chicago again to come back to this place.
(5)
J J.
Four of us had brunch there on a Sunday morning and the food was excellent! I had the Huevos Rancheros, others had the Eggs Benedict and Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy - all of them were great choices. Breakfast drinks were a bit of a let down. I wish they offered more than just drip coffee but there is no espresso machine in the house. The coffee was served in very basic cups - my school cafeteria had the same ones and I've seen them at the Golden Nugget too. The Bridge House Tavern can surely do better than those establishments. No good brunch in my book goes without OJ, and I was hoping for a treat of freshly squeezed one. The offering was far from my expectations - it was the basic OJ from concentrate, usually used for making bar drinks like Screw Drivers. The service staff was really nice and accommodating. We were seated in the atrium area by the windows, just past the bar and got to enjoy the river view. One issue I had was with the AC. The vent grills were directed straight down towards our table and blasted cold air all the time. I had to put my wool coat on with the collar up and left with a headache. The staff expressed similar concerns but could not do much to turn down the AC. I really appreciated that Mike, the new manager/owner, stopped by to say Hi and made sure we are enjoying our stay. Being a new place, I am sure the Bridge House Tavern will work out the kinks. For now I can barely award it four stars, mostly for the food and ambiance. It's right by my office so I am looking forward to going back there with friends and colleagues for lunch and after hours.
(4)
Jen C.
Second time there today. This time, we had a big work group that went for a celebratory lunch and it was wonderful. Our server, Annetta (sp?) was thoroughly knowledgeable about the menu, and offered some good suggestions. The food was delicious ... I mean, delicious! Everyone loved their meals. The staff was accommodating, and was able to change our seating from outside (it's 90 degrees, after all) to inside as quick as that. Additionally, the management made a point to check in with us to make sure we were happy and ask for suggestions. Classy. No one seemed 100% sold on the bacon milkshake (I didn't try it, so can't say), but everything else was stellar. Definitely coming back... soon!
(5)
Brad F.
We came here by boat one night for dinner. Wish we could of sat outside but unfortunately we were with a group of 12. The service was great everything came out perfect and our large group was very satisfied! The burger I got was excellent! Those fries that they serve with all the dipping sauces was out of this world. Cant wait to come get those fries again!
(4)
Justin P.
Delicious. Everything was great and the atmosphere was amazing. Try the pig wings or the bruschetta. So glad I chose this place.
(5)
Eeeee L.
We had a party of six here on Friday night for dinner. The server we had was great. The view was incredible. We could hear the nice live music drifting from another restaurant across the river, which really made the evening. The food was very delicious and well-received by our group overall. The drinks were tasty and prompt. Between us, we tried several menu items. To name a few: - "pig wings"...so good, definitely the hit of the table! - burgers...huge and all were yummy (good fries, too) - mussels...WARNING: we'll get to that in the next paragraph - salmon BLT...fabulous flavor and generous portion size - Tavern chicken...can't go wrong with chicken, although the grits weren't quite up to par My only unhappiness with this place was with the preparation of the mussels (appetizer I chose for my entree). I love seafood and know how it should be done, and I would not get this item again based on my recent experience. The quantity was scant compared to the 18-25 range given by the waiter (who confirmed with someone who seemed to be a manager). First disappointment, but I will forgive them for that. The second disappointment is why I write this review, mostly to caution to future customers. The mussels had not been cleaned properly and were full of VERY LARGE grains of sand. There was zero warning of this upon serving, and I was very startled when I bit into the first one and felt like I had chomped down on a bucket of gravel. (A very tasty gravel bucket nonetheless.) I joked around that I almost busted a tooth while we all ate up and enjoyed catching up. Several more were just as grainy, but I was being more careful than a Grandma when she eats taffy with her dentures in. I ended up swallowing most of them as if they were oysters. After we settled up and were walking down Clark, I felt around...I actually DID chip a very healthy tooth!!! I made an emergency appointment with my dentist first-chance I could this week to check out my mangled molar. Let's just say this is the most expensive bowl of mussels I have ever ordered. Well, when I get the dental bill...it will easily be the most expensive meal all together. Though the pan sauce for the mussels was completely delectable and right-on (oh, I would have sopped it up with every last piece of bread!!!)...this was not a pleasant experience for me due to ruining decades of a perfect dental record and depleting my wallet far beyond a $10 appetizer. RATING: - 4.5 stars for flavor - 5 stars for great outdoor seating on the river - 4 stars for the staff - 0 stars from the Tooth Fairy - overall rating of 3 stars
(3)
Lisa L.
Great place to have lunch in the summer! So cool to watch the water taxis and architectural tour boats going by as you eat! I definitely recommend eating outside! A little pricey for everyday lunch, but perfect for a special occassion!
(4)
shai h.
Best. Pork chop. Ever. In my while life. Seriously. And the oysters are amazing!
(5)
Mikey G.
I was in Chicago last week on business and decided to try this place based on the good reviews. All I can say is AWESOME. The turkey sandwich was the best I ever had.... No joke. The outdoor patio is right alongside the river and people were pulling up in their boats. Great atmosphere and yummy yummy food... Can't ask for more! And the waitstaff is super nice!
(5)
Curtis R.
I am not really the person to write a review! For the simple fact that every person is different. I never judge a place until I try it! That being said. This Saturday 8/20/2011 I was frustrated the Air n Water show had been delayed because of a storm! I found myself leaving my can/slip too water taxi into the city and explore! I had a few familiar places I wanted to have a beer at and maybe a sandwich! I started at Dick's Last Resort, they didn't open until 11 am I guess. So, I went next door to the House of Blues. They, again did not open. They all had plenty of staff, but would not budge on serving me. Then I remembered that an old friend started a new job at BRIDGE HOUSE TAVERN. I was very pleased to see it had a waterfront and a beautiful patio with canopy's for dinning out in the elements! I would love to see it in Autumn with the changing season! Further more I was greeted by my friend and the owner. We shared great conversation about the new business and how it has become a hit in downtown Chicago! I just had a regular Cheese Burger because I am simple. However, the chick next to me was eating an amazing breakfast plate with with eggs and thick slices of bacon! If i had been there early enough I would have ordered it. I do recommend this place for it's setting, staff, and awesome food with a unique menu! Also, there is a first come first serve waters edge docking for your personal watercraft in front of the building! They do have docking cleats for large cruiser boats. However, they need some cleats bolted into the wood down below for power boats that sit in the water lower! When your heading North on Clark just when you pass the Chicago Canal it's on the right... look for the old Bridge House elevator to take you down to the landing!! Thank you Bridge House Tavern and thanks Dana for the company! I can't wait to come back and try something new! Your Friend Waterboycurtis. Ps.. When you are a costumer at BHT, they don't care if you own a boat! So, they do not discriminate between travelers by foot or by water! They just like serving people well!
(5)
Emily M.
Ok, i'm sold now. I love the atmosphere during winter. It's like a cozy escape from the awful Chicago wind and snow. The fireplace and smaller sized floor plan makes it a really intimate and laid back place in the winter.
(4)
Amy F.
I had a blast here! I was here for my sister's wedding rehearsal dinner. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. We had half of the outdoor patio for our party and it was great. There were two cabanas with great ample seating. Plus tables and chairs available. The river was beautiful, watching the boats and kayaks pass was fun. Some even tied up to dine while we were there! Our out of town guests got a big kick out of that. One of the owners, Ryan, was very nice. He made sure everything was running smoothly and seemed genuinely interested in how our evening was going. I would recommend this place for everyone. Just a night out, hanging with friends, or a more formal dinner date, to a wonderful party! Thanks for a great time.
(5)
Rebecca C.
I rarely venture out of my Bucktown/Wicker Park nieghborhood but I was recommended this resturant by friends and yummo. The mussels and pig wings are sinfully good and the fish sticks were so different, delicious and unique. The great wine selection and view certainly tops off the whole atmosphere.
(5)
Lorena d.
This year I wanted to celebrate my birthday low key with just dinner and drinks with some of my family and friends, so we decided to go to Bridgehouse because some one had recommneded it to me. I called and made a reservation for 12 people, the day of I got a phone call to confirm my reservation and who ever I spoke to said 8 people, I told her No 12 so she said "ok that's fine see you tonite". I got to the restaurant a half hour before my friends and family and when they show me my table it was set uip for 8 people, I told the waitress right away and they took care of the problem by adding a table and some chairs right away, I was pleased because this all happend before my guests got there because that would have been embarssing if there wasn't enough seats when my guests arrived. We also got 2 orders of the popcorn complimentry for the misunderstaning which I must say the popcorn was excellent nothing I have ever had before. I love the sweet-salty taste of it and all foods in general. Service was excellent even though they goofed up on my reservation they quickly accomadated us. There was not an empty glass of water or any other drink for that matter the whole night. Our waitress was very knowledgable and served us very well and if she was not around the bus boys were very helpful with getting us what ever we needed, so that kind of made up for the reservation mess up. Mark the owner came out and apoligezed also for the reservation mishap which also very nice!All around good service from everyone! As we were waiting for the rest of our party we had Victoris beer on draft oh my God were they good, Victoria beer is a little pricey beer when you buy them in bottles and it's hard to find them on draft and actually taste good. We also went and ordered the mussles EXCELLENT loved them, the bread served with the mussles was also so good we asked if we could get an order of just the bread so we could finish the sauce the mussles came with. We went on to order the pigwings they were EXCELLENT as well couldn't help to lick my fingers. For our main courses 2 people ordered the big steak burgers I didn't hear any complaints. Some one ordered the po boy which she said she was even surprised to find that on the menu. She said it wasn't like the one she had in New Orleans but it was close enough! I personally had the steak frites it was delish cooked well nice size cuts of meat. The mac-n-cheese was the best part of my night it was above EXCELLENT, next time I go there I plan on ordering that for sure and YES I do plan on going back there and recommend you all do the same!!!
(5)
Jeremy M.
Credit where it is due: Not long after writing the initial review, the owner sent a reply acknowledging the problem. Such a rapid and genuine response deserves note: it's a sign of a restaurant that cares about its customers' experience. I hadn't been planning on going back, but this did change my mind, and I will try to find another time to go. It doesn't always take much to change the mind of an open-minded critic--but it is all the more notable because it happens so rarely.
(3)
Ebony G.
My visit here was mixed...it started off great, went horribly wrong in the middle and kind of worked itself out in the end. Let me explain.... A friend and I were meeting for food and drinks, we sat outside along the wall next to the river. The good.... Our waiter Bobby was AMAZING, he was friendly, attentive, gave great food and drink suggestions. I would go back just for him, because he was so nice. The view was great. The food was really good. I would come back for the food. I had the special, a whitefish with grilled calamari on top and my friend had the grilled cheese sandwich; for our appetizer we had the pig wings....all very tasty. The owner Ryan, he was pleasant came to our table, addressed our concerns, apologized profusely. He redeemed this restaurant experience. The bad..... Unbeknownst to us, we were sitting next to a dock enter and let off point. We saw the silver ladder on the other side of the wall but didn't expect a boat to dock and for people to try and unload right at our table. My friend had to move in order for the people to get off the boat. When she went to find a manager, the people coming off the boat were using her chair to step down to the ground. It was insanely rude and unsanitary. She found the other owner, NOT Ryan, and when she suggested they move that table from in front of the ladder he said to not have that table there means less money for them. It was a table for 2. REALLY?! When she mentioned the potential loss of customers, no response. So we moved to another table, and as soon as we left they sat another perosn there, who had the EXACT same experience and had to be moved as well. So Ryan, the great owner, spoke with us, apologized and moved the tables so that people unloading could do so without bothering the diners. I'll go back, I just won't sit next to the ladders.
(3)
Lila G.
This is the sort of place where you have a good time DESPITE the service and food. We went on a Wed night. Ideal location, beautiful waterfront tables, etc. The hostesses, in their haste to prevent you from becoming pushy people while waiting for tables outside, become ridiculously pushy in advance. We were perfectly fine sitting inside (which was completely empty) but they insisted "there was a wait" and that we put our names down on a list for a table outside. Oh and they're also "not allowed" to give out wait times. Odd. We finally got our way and sat inside, which was perfectly fine except it took a visit to the bartender to get a waitress to come over. Our waitress was really nice, but harried. Our appetizer arrived and 2 min later half the entrees. Awkward. 10 min later the rest of the food came out. Also awkward. The waitress also confessed that she was "AFRAID TO GO INTO THE KITCHEN" which made us all slightly nervous! The burger was decent, nothing special. The salmon BLT was tasty, but the much-touted "bacon milkshake" didn't taste at all like bacon. We're not smokers so our senses of taste are quite good. No bacon flavor. The fish and chips had an interesting skewer-like presentation, but they were covered in thick chunks of batter that puffed up in the fryer and became chewy and heavy rather than becoming crispy. Oh well. Go for the setting, do not go for the food or the service, and grit your teeth as the hostesses try to convince you to sit somewhere you don't want to. Hahahah! What can you say, takes all types to make the world!
(2)
Ami H.
I am as confused writing this review as I was reading the menu. The combinations of flavors in the dishes are so ... we'll say "unique" ... that it's hard to imagine what food is going to taste like. The popcorn - delicious. The beer & cheese soup, also delicious. The turkey sandwich, WAYYY too salty and unedible. The bread pudding, bland. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and despite the turkey sandwich, we were enjoying a mild evening on the river quite nicely. Then, just as dinner was wrapping up, a VERY LARGE ... we'll say "rodent" to be polite... started creeping under the tables looking for crumbs. I guess it's to be expected since the patio is ON the river, but still. So the moral of this story? Probably left you feeling as confused as I still am. Thumbs up for the unique flavors that work, thumbs down for the ones that don't. Thumbs up for atmosphere, thumbs down for critters.
(3)
Alison H.
Great outdoor seating. The service was very prompt, helpful and friendly. My friend and I had salads, which were creative and tasty. Loved the outdoor atmosphere. I highly recommend. Nice to see that Chicago is developing the riverfront. The scenery backdrop was fabulous. I look forward to going back from Happy Hour or dinner.
(4)
Howard C.
The view is great and provides alot of conversation opportunities. The meal was the cheapest, yet easily one of the best we had during our weekend in Chicago. The staff was nice and attentive. It's a tradition for us to stop there.
(5)
Mark C.
Food was alright, place was hot and stuffy, bloody Mary was full of horse radish. Turkey sandwich was dry, salad had no dressing.
(2)
Chrissy M.
We had dinner here on a Thursday night. We did call to make reservations. The reason I mention this is because my family (9 of us) arrived and were told we only have 45 minutes to eat and get out in time for a private event. We were extremely disappointed at first since we had made a reservation and were there to celebrate our dad's 50th birthday. We sat down and were considering leaving when the manager came back to our table and told us we would be seated in a different area of the restaurant out of the way with a wonderful view and would be able to take our time. We were very appreciative (although, I do believe we should have accepted nothing less). We did not have to go far, just to a table in the front portion of the restaurant and it actually worked out much nicer for us anyways. There are windows facing the river and an outdoor bar and patio. My 1 year old son came along and they were very accommodating. The food was very good but a little pricey. We had fine service. We did not have very nice weather so I would probably go back again for the patio and the views if nothing else!
(4)
Fuudcritic C.
Disaster! Went for brunch. Service was terrible! How can a restaurant mess up breakfast food? Really. Service? We had to find our waiter and ask for water. We had to find our waiter for our check. And, no, it was not busy. If you're there for just the view and drinks (in the evening), great. Food and service? FORGET IT!!
(1)
Andrea F.
Bridge House Tavern was the perfect place for Father's Day brunch. A friend of mine recommended it and I have to say - many thanks. Sitting outside along the river is something you have to take advantage of in the summer. We were fortunate and had perfect weather. We started with some very tasty mimosas. They also had a bloody mary special, the next table over ordered, which also looked pretty good too. Dad got the burger and I had the eggs benedict. The burger was no ordinary burger - stacked tall, and mouthwatering. Of course I had to steal some fries - yummm. I'm a big fan of eggs benedict and these did not disappoint. From ham to hollandaise, I ate every last bite. The Bridge House potatoes they are served with were equally amazing. I highly recommend this place for food, drinks and great location on the river.
(5)
Trish T.
Loved the location. It was our first time in Chicago and we got a table outside on the river. Such a fun place to eat and enjoy the beauty of the river...just a all round great setting. Our appetizers were great, we ordered the cheese board and oysters. Both were yummy. Both our entrees were also great and wine was great also. What I loved most was the location!!!
(4)
Red W.
While visiting Chicago today my family and I heard about this place and decided to give it a try. It's right on the river and has a great outdoor dining area. Watching the boats go by while staring at all the beautiful buildings we waited for our table. I was surprised that they didn't have any local brews but they had Sierra Nevada from Cali, so that was a plus. We got great service from the hostess station and our waitress was super friendly too. A pork chop dish we had was really tasty. Super tender and had a great garnish/set-up. Rockin' good Mac n cheese too. My meal came luke-warm at best, though, and was charred black/burned on the outside while raw in some parts. After our meal I mentioned my experience to the manager and she went above and beyond to make the issue right. When we come back to Chicago we'll definitely put it on the list of places to go back to.
(4)
Penny D.
Went here to celebrate a friend's birthday last night and loved it! The space was great with views overlooking the river. Casual vibe, but with sophisticated touches. This will be a great summer dining spot. The food was delicious and i would recommend the steak frites and pork dish. Huge portions. Attentive wait staff as well. The owner stopped by our table to welcome us and chat for a bit, very nice touch. It's always a joy to dine in a restaurant where they are welcoming and genuinely interested in making sure you are enjoying the experience. Keep up the good work and I think this is a winner!
(5)
Joan H.
Wonderful location, right on the river, and we were seated outside. The food was delicious, although the dessert menu was lacking. Service was solid.
(4)
Cheryl A.
I have gone to Bridgehouse a few times and really enjoy it. The outside patio is fantastic and on a warm day, nothing beats it. Sipping a cocktail while watching boats go by on the river is a great way to spend the afternoon on a nice, summer day in Chicago! They have a good selection of food (you gotta try the Honey, Bacon, Jalapeno popcorn---addictive!) and the wait staff has always been pleasant and attentive. Great vibe, good food and excellent location! Highly recommended!
(4)
Katie L.
Had dinner here and LOVED it! Warm, intimate atmosphere, great wine and beer, wonderful food. I love the location. Even on a cold, winter night...the river looked beautiful. I would highly recommend this restaurant!
I went to Bridge House Tavern on a recent summer Saturday at about 2 pm. There was a 15 minute wait. When I was seated, I was surprised to see that there were at least a half dozen empty tables. Most of the outdoor seating area is in direct sunlight, which is risky for me (I am very fair skinned and burn easily, both my parents have had skin cancer.) I waited for about 5 minutes to be greeted by my server, who asked what I wanted to drink -- coffee -- and then wanted to know "if I was interested in ordering any food." Why, yes. I ordered the Trout Hash with poached eggs. After at least a thirty minute wait in the sun -- during which my coffee cup and water glass got empty -- she brought my entree. The pieces of fish were very small and scarce, the portion overall was more the size of an appetizer than an entree, it did not come with any bread, and -- to top it off, literally -- I was served fried eggs, not what I ordered. Since by now it was 3 pm, & I was famished, I started eating it anyway. No one checked to see if it was OK or if I needed anything. When I was finally able to get the server's attention, I asked her if they looked like poached eggs to her, or if there had been some sort of problem. She said, "I noticed that." Well, she didn't correct it, or mention it when she brought them: she probably hoped I wouldn't notice. I work with the public, and I've never in my life treated anyone like this. I know several other places where I can get twice the food and twice the flavor for half the price, with good service too. I won't be back.
(1)
Chris H.
This place was great. It is right on the lake which is nice to see the boats go by. We went for a late lunch, around 3:30, and although they had a shortened menu, it was more than adequate. They also had $5 mimosas and bloody mary's so that was an added bonus. The food was excellent as was the service. If I lived in Chicago, I would be there all the time (weather permitting).
(4)
Susana D.
interesting salads, gorgeous views of the city and, yes, the servers, strangely exceptional side sauces (I seem to recall something pairing berries and horseradish, and a tomato relish that was a knock-out)...could use umbrellas, but if you can get the table at the far west end, the trees do the trick
(3)
Kim B.
Great location with huge patio overlooking the river. Inside, it is pretty small. I really wanted to like this place. The service was great, our waiter was super sweet and very attentive. I went with a friend for some after work wine and snacks. They were out of my first 2 choices of wine by the glass. I finally settled on a glass of red and the temperature of the wine was hot. It was a 95 degree day and it tasted like they were storing it on the patio in the sun. We had the cheese board and charcuterie. The cheeses were really disappointing, kinda grocery store type stuff. A blue, smoked mozzarella and swiss. The charcuterie was odd in that it was 3 pates, so all had the same texture and overall taste. They were great quality and flavor, just would have nice to have some variety with salumi or something else. I would go back for the outdoor seating.
(3)
Lauren U.
What a beautiful place for a summer evening. Delicious cheese platter, beer and cheddar soup, pasta with cream mushroom and truffle sauce. Summer beer, water, and sunshine -- a table right on the water. Just make sure to make reservations.
(5)
LeeAnn T.
WOW, this places screams that they don't need new business clientelle when not only is the host rude to the guests but the owner is also. We called two weeks in advavance for a reservation, and were told to call again the day of instead. We called the day of and were told we should have called sooner by the same person (TOBI). Once we arrived to the place, Tobi greeted us with a rude and condensending tone of "we won't set your party up until they all arrived." We all arrive and not only is the table not set up but we are told by Tobi that the tables assigned to us we can't put our things on. Then we are told by the busboy we can't sit at the tables Tobi walked us to. I proceed to call the owner who tells me on the phone that his staff handled the situation appropriately. Wow! I think the owner should stick to the back of the house improving the menu items critiqued by the Sun Times and stay out of running client services. The only thing charming about this place is the river, don't waste your time, go to another river view spot as these people don't care about customer service only their egos.
(1)
Jeff P.
One of our friends raved about Bridge House so we took a party of 10 there. Part of the appeal was the location - the restaurant's at river level so there is an unusual view. Asked for seating at the windows when we reserved and the restaurant said there would be no problem. Learned better; no windows on a Monday night when, aside from us, there were only 8 other customers. Let me bottom line this: menu selection was limited, food was poorly prepared. Chance of going back: zero. There are too many good restaurants in Chicago to waste a second chance on this place.
(2)
Andrew G.
Expectations EXCEEDED. The food is just as great as everybody says but the service was what made the night. I called in earlier this week and was excited to have been able to get a reservation for 8 on a Thursday night. Granted it was an early meal at 5:15 but I could tell that the hostess was doing me a favor because they had a private event planned for later that evening. We were thrown for a quick loop when we got there because they failed to mention that due to the private event we would have to be out of the place in just over an hour. My family had come into the city for the purpose of celebrating my parents' birthdays so we were ready to cancel and find a place where we could spend more of the evening together, something I knew wouldn't be easy to do last minute. We decided to at least sit down and get some appetizers when one of the managers came over and told us that they were able to move us to their "front" table where we could dine in private for as long as we'd like. This "front" table turned out to be a large full table with plush chairs situated beneath atrium windows... the kind of table you'd have in your house but use only on Thanksgiving. Our situation instantly went from stressful to best-case scenario and improved even more-so once the food came out... Appetizers - The pig wings were cooked perfectly and the sauce was one of the best I've had. The bruschetta was unique and equally as flavorful. There was enough to go around with both dishes. We ordered a few burgers - 10oz and two patties stacked about 5 inches high and stabbed with a wooden steak knife that brought the total height of the dish to what seemed like 3ft. I didn't try it but the reviews were glowing. The fish of the day - A generously-sized fillet of Mahi Mahi over a roasted red pepper and chipotle sauce with corn polenta. Fantastic. Shaved salad with chicken - I was skeptical about taking the healthy route with this one and although it came out looking small and light, it was incredibly flavorful and filling. Bonus points for the lightly fried ricotta croutons. The fish and chips - A substantial basket of lightly-fried whitefish over some excellent french fries. Also great. And lastly, a side of the grits - My parents happen to be true grits-eating Southerners who claim to have tried this dish in every possible form. These grits are officially their new favorite. Living down the street from this place and given the selection of over-priced so-so restaurants in River North I think I found a new favorite for the area. I can't wait to get back and get brunch out on the patio... I'm convinced it'll be as good as the other reviews say it is.
(5)
John C.
love the restauraunt and the food, location is great , staff is nice , hostess is the worst she makes u feel uncomfortable when u get there
(4)
Alexa F.
i came in not expecting much last Monday, and left truly happy! From the moment we walked in to the moment we left everyone was polite and made our experience worth the trip! Dominique was our server, its nice to have a person patient and knowlegable of there trade. Even though she was running around she still took the time to explain everything in detail and chit chat. The food was just amazing! from Apps to Dessert ! My friends and I will be back for sure ! Thank you!
(5)
Rielly M.
With $5 bloody Mary's and mimosas you really can't go wrong. It was one of the best eggs Benedict I've had this summer and all with a stunning view of the river. We only waited about 25 minutes to be seated even though it was pretty busy. I would go back again for the great location and cheap cocktails.
(5)
Rachel D.
This place is awesome! We came here on a Saturday around 4 p.m. with a party of 7 and were seated immediately. We wanted to sit outside but it was rainy so we got a long table right next to the window and were still able to see outside onto the river. They had $5 bloodys and $5 mimosas all day and they also had beer buckets on sale. We tried one of the drinks (wish I could remember the name of it) and it was very good & strong. We also ordered food at 5 p.m. (they don't serve food until that time) and I was surprised that it came out cold! The tator tots would have been awesome if they were hot! I was also a little shocked that a plate of tots cost $13. Oh well I probably would've thought it was worth it had they been hot! I definitely recommend this place though for a HH because they have specials every day!
(4)
Marie T.
Awesome when you can find a place where the food is amazing and the view is equally as awesome. St.BHT cocktail with a bacon omelet was the best brunch I've had in a long time. The service was outstanding (thanks Emily!). Highly recommend!
(5)
Karolina T.
I love the location because they have an amazing patio right on the Chicago river. The food is equally as good. We got the clams for an appetizer and the sauces it comes with are really flavorful. For an entree we had the burger, duck tacos, and pork belly BLT. Everything was pretty good and I though that you got a lot of food for your money. The waitress was also very nice.
(4)
Kelly J.
I went here Sunday for brunch. I've been wanting to go here for quite some time and was very excited. Boy, was I wrong. First, I asked the hostess for a gluten free menu and she said they didn't have one, but my server would be happy to help. When the server came over he immediately pointed out the "no substitutions" at the top of the menu. I asked if this included allergies, and he said yes. Then he continued to tell me the only thing I could have was FRUIT. And that he "didn't know much about gluten but recommend To stay away from bread and eggs" So first off, bread is a given, but then I state that eggs should be ok and he says they "add flour to all eggs and remember, no substitutions" FLOUR? IN EGGS? I've been celiac for quite some time and have never come across someone adding flour to eggs. Or a restaurant not being even a little bit accommodating. I will never return.
(1)
Jeffrey T.
This place is so good! The view is awesome, the service is great, the food is cheap & delicious and the mimosas are champagne with a pinch of OJ, definitely worth the 5 bucks for them ;) I will be returning soon
(5)
Caroline B.
Went there on Easter Sunday for brunch with no reservation. Oddly, we had no problem getting a table which was great for us. Service was very friendly, bloody mary tasty (not excellent but good), but my corned beef hash was AWESOME. One of the best brunch meals I've had in a while. I will definitely be back, can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can sit outside. One mark against them is no dog license for the patio. Boo - I would be a big time regular if they allowed my pooches to join me.
(4)
Benjamin R.
This place is cool because its right on the river. If you want to sit outside on a nice day, you can't do much better than their location. The food is solid pub fare, maybe nothing to write home about but everything we had was good, and reasonably priced. I don't think this is normally necessary at all, but I made a reservation many weeks in advance, because it was a holiday weekend and we had a party of 4. I requested in the reservation that we wanted to sit outside. When we came in, they were seating a walk-in party outside, but then told us that there were no tables available out there. Fine if you don't reserve specific tables, but if you have a request from someone weeks in advance, and another party that just strolled up, maybe give it to the people who specifically requested it.
(3)
Instant Y.
Either the most pretentious place or one with hosts that get it the least. Went in to get a drink at the bar with a group. Hostess stopped us and asked us to wait. She said 'the bar is standing room only, i need your name for a table reservation'. I said i just want to go to the bar with my friends for a drink. She says please wait. We left.
(1)
Brian W.
Pretty good place before a show at Cadillac Palace. I had the prosciutto wrapped chicken with polenta and asparagus, which was fantastic. I also tried a couple of appetizers. Overall the food is tasty, but a bit overpriced like many of the restaurants in the area. If you can, get a table outside on the river on a nice day. Perfect...
(4)
Derek B.
They told me "no substitutions" when I said I didn't want onion on my turkey burger. I pointed out that this wasn't exactly a substitution, but more like a deletion. They said they would try to accommodate and I ended up scraping the onions off of my burger when it arrived. Basic menu, nice views of the river and the staff is somewhat friendly. Could be a little more accommodating, though.
(3)
Mark B.
I came here for lunch with a coworker and we had a great lunch on a beautiful summer day. Decor: The location, and decor, of this place is fantastic. It is right on the river, and I mean RIGHT on it, and it is nicely upscale. It is not overly fancy but it is very nice. We sat outside, of course, and it was wonderful - the sun was shining, it was not very hot, and just sitting having lunch was nice. Bathroom: I did not use it during the visit. Staff: We were seated right away and our waiter promptly took our orders. He was very friendly and very speedy with brining, and refilling, everything. Food/Drink: The food was very good. We had a salad (fresh and tasty) and fish tacos (delicious!). The portion sizes are standard here and everything came out hot and fresh (well, the tacos at least haha). Value: The portions are pretty standard and the prices are not terrible. I was prepared for inflated prices, given the awesome location, but they were not too bad at all. We had a great lunch and I would definitely return for another meal. The location is great and the food is good (usually those two are inversely related).
(4)
Cassandra F.
Went here for lunch today and sat at the bar. My colleague and I decided to get a few of the "Shareables" to split as our lunch. The bartender didn't warn us that they were in fact huge portions, so we ordered way too much. Here is what we ordered: - mushroom bruschetta - this had so much truffle on it and the mushrooms tasted terrible. So terrible that I earnest thought I might need to spit it out. - chicken avocado rolls - just gross (despite being the bartenders favorite) - duck tacos - way too large and the meat was rubbery and disgusting. Only took one bite. - fries - the only thing we ended up eating. So basically, we ate a lunch of french fries and didn't left everything else with only one or two bites out of it. Needless to say, I will not be back and would advise people to go elsewhere.
(1)
E M.
We walked through this restaurant on Saturday afternoon and decided to make reservations for the very next day. The restaurant could not be better situated - right on the Chicago River with incredible views so probably one of the best patios in the city. I have to say the service was pretty exceptional. We arrived early for our reservation on Sunday for brunch and they did everything they could to accomodate our request for a table outside and offered up the cabana; they even switched up the tables so it would be easier for our group to dine. The host was really sweet which was helpful because we had our 77 year old mother with us. The food was really good - lots of options for brunch. I am looking forward to visiting for dinner, soon!
(4)
Debra C.
Visited our daughter in Chicago and she always likes taking us to new places. This was definitely a winner! The food was great - love doing shareables. The service was very good and we enjoyed the view of the river while eating. My husband and I would recommend!
(5)
Nick B.
This place is truly a hidden gem. I couldn't tell you how to get to it from the street, but last year was my first year owning a boat in Chicago and we stopped here every time we went through the locks and came down the river. Food menu was limited at the times we visited, but I haven't found something I haven't liked yet. Cocktails are amazing and the river view patio, in my opinion, is one of the best in the city. The true catalyst for writing this review is the kindness of the owner, Ryan. My friends and I went through a TOUGH learning curve during the first few weeks with the boat and we broke down there twice. He was extremely understanding and genuinely wasn't bothered we were occupying the limited dock space Bridge House has. He recognized and welcomed us every time we pulled up despite the risk we might be there an hour after our meal was finished, and never gave pushback on us wearing our bathing suits and tank tops. Super nice guy and an exemplar of stellar customer service. Ryan - if you're reading this: See you in a few months and be sure to get BHT listed here: chicagoharbors.info/life…
(5)
Tracy B.
Great brunch! Atmosphere was great too, river and skyline views. Our table was under a tent and wasn't really a table but lounge chairs and ottoman table but it worked well.
(5)
Jason U.
Went for a business lunch and sat outside. 5 stars for the location and scenery. Not so much for the food. The presentation is good and it seems like they try but taste wasn't on par. I had the burger. Not sure how you screw that up but it was soooo salty. The fries tasted either previously frozen or they had just sat out for while and reheated. I never send things back but traded for the tots. Great place for after work drinks and will probably only do that if I go back.
(3)
Kristi M.
Great brunch spot! Perfect location on the river. You can always count on their food being great and $5 mimosas Saturday/Sunday!
(5)
Marshall V.
Bridge House is always a great choice. Its become my go-to after work spot. It's always nice to sit along the Chicago River, especially with a carafe of one of their cocktails. They have a HUGE menu of small plates which I tend to order from. I especially love the Pig Wings and the Mussels! We definitely take advantage of the half price Oysters from 2-5 on weekdays too :) As far as entrees the braised short ribs are my favorite. I haven't made it there for brunch yet, but the menu looks superb, plus $5 Mimosas and Marys! I have to give a shoutout to Tom for being an excellent server, he is consistently great so we request him now :)
(5)
Anita L.
The view here can not be beat. Most beautiful patio I've found in my 14 years living in this city. I've come here sporadically over the last few years for dates or showing out of town friends some of the best this city has to offer, or when there is that freak out of season perfect day you can guarantee this patio is open and trying to make the best of Chicago's crazy weather. The staff is always friendly and trying their best to keep up with swarms of people that flock here when the weather is good. On more than one of my visits one of the owners has stopped by the table to check on things which are usually perfect. If it's beautiful expect to wait if you don't have a reservation. Personally Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days to come here. Wednesdays half price bottles of wine. If you love bacon this is the spot for you. Also the most amazing Bloody Mary mix (made in house by one of the owner's personal recipes) around.
(5)
Erica M.
small selection of entrees, best for drinks and appetizers. Ordered honey glazed cod, not as yummy as I had hoped.
(3)
Kristen B.
We went here for brunch while we were visiting Chicago. It is an awesome spot right near the river. The food was excellent and the service was even better. Our cups were never empty. You can tell they care about their customers.
(5)
Kristine R.
Great view! My friends and I came here to enjoy some small bites and cocktails while enjoying the view of the river. However, we came while there was some construction, so I'm sure the view could be better. I had the special drink of the month (some mojito sort of drink), it was good - a bit strong, even better! My friends had beer (they kept it simple). We all had some small bites: - spicy chicken avocado rolls - I enjoyed these and it was enough to share (not just two pieces!). It has a bit of a kick! - artichoke bruschetta - loved this! very simple yet tasty! - potato salad (I don't care for potato salad, but my friends liked it). These are labeled as small plates on the menu, but they're just enough to share. Service was fine. I'd come back but just for drinks, I'd probably go elsewhere for dinner.
(4)
Mandi P.
I have been here a few times and have had consistent food and service each time. I spent some of my youth in Florida and this place kind of reminds me of a cute little Florida seafood restaurant on the water. It's a bit smaller on the inside with a nice patio on the outside along the river. We always eat at the bar (that's our thang) and have never had an issue getting seats. The staff is super friendly and efficient and the food is delicious. My only negative is that they don't carry Captain Morgain...just that lowly Sailor Jerry. This is not really their fault, though. I know this because I have been in talks with Captain Morgan itself about their distributor issue in Chicago. Anyway, I would definitely recommend this place for a fun little evening with your love or small group of friends.
(4)
Erin H.
My husband and I hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner at Bridge House back in October. It was the perfect location to host our group ~ 35 people max. Kristen, the events manager, and everyone on the staff was so accommodating! The food was delicious and had just the right amount of uniqueness while still appealing to a diverse crowd. While it was a cold evening, the staff still allowed our group to have access to the outdoor patio which definitely added a fun component to the evening. Overall, Kristen was so easy to work with while we were planning. It was great to have one less thing to worry about during an insanely crazy weekend. She was detail-oriented and was sure to update me even when a few tables broke and we had to stray from our original floor plan just a bit. She absolutely made sure there were no surprises on the day-of. And quiet honestly she did a better job communicating and keeping me up to date than the premier caterers we used for our actual wedding reception. Thanks so much Kristen and the Bridge House Staff!
(5)
Caroline F.
Great drink deals for brunch. Half the table was impressed with their food. However, their portions are huge...you waste half the food if your in town for a mini vacation. It's in great location on river however seems very crowded. Huevos rancheros were horrible. The beignets were pretty good however over fried but what could I expect Chicago is not New Orleans. I asked the waiter for the same thing three times...third times a charm I suppose. I would personally only go back for a cheap mimosa.
(3)
Sarah V.
Oh hi, new favorite brunch spot! How are you? As drunk as you had me on Saturday? Probably so! During the winter, BHT has a $29 champagne brunch that includes an entree and unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary's on Saturdays. In the summer, the deal rolls over to Sundays. We were lucky enough to catch the deal on the last Saturday of the season for my friend's birthday, and quite frankly, I think BHT took a loss on our table. The Bloody's were legit. Nothing fancy added to them (a good Bloody doesn't need a cheeseburger on top of it, ahem), just spicy, tomato-y goodness. The mimosas were the best kind- champagne with a splash of orange juice. Our server was seriously on point and topped us off constantly. In addition to great drinks and great service, we all loved the food. The huevos rancheros were a responsible start to our day-drinking, but others opted for the pig trio of biscuits and gravy and the smoked trout hash. When the owner found out it was our friend's birthday, he brought a round of JaMo with pickle backs for us to share. I'm from nowhere near Michigan, but those 8 Milers know how to take a shot of whiskey, I'll say that. Riverwalk construction aside, BHT was a beautiful and perfect spot for a sunny Saturday brunch.
(5)
Dia S.
Was here last Wednesday with my boyfriend. We didn't have a reservation and it was busy at time of arrival. We wanted to sit outside so we asked the rude hostesses how long the wait was , they said there was 6 people in front of us and that they really couldn't "estimate a wait time, because it's so beautiful outside and we have half price bottles of wine!" ummm ok? They said give or take over an hour. They told us we could sit inside and if something opened up we can move to the outside. We settled and grabbed a tiny table near the bar area. After 20 minutes in to our drinks and just as we ordered our food, we start noticing that the outside starts to clear out a bit. My boyfriend went back up to the host stand to ask if we could move to an outside table, the short hostess abruptly replies with an awful tone "well um did you order food? " he says "yes about 60 seconds ago" she comes back with "NOPE SORRY WE DONT DO THAT HERE, we can't transfer food outside, that's our policy." Really? Last time I checked you accommodate your guests in any way you can. It's called good customer service. A tab is easily transferred to a patio, or to a different server. I have worked in the service industry for over 10 years and have never experienced something like this. So please save your "that's our policy" b.s. We would of closed out and tipped the server appropriately. All they had to do was run our food to the table on the patio but I guess this was too much work for them. Your staff needs a refresher on how to treat people. I wouldn't recommend this place or this type of service to my worst enemy. It's a shame because the atmosphere outside is beautiful!
(1)
Duska K.
Really good brunch - the location is wonderful, right next to the river. There is somewhat of a wait to sit outside, but the indoor seating was very nice and it felt like you were sitting outside anyway with all the windows and doors open. Food was good - very good brunch place!
(4)
Seana S.
I used to LOVE this place. The view is amazing and a fun place to go to. Recently, they started "No modifications or Substitutions" and it's in big BOLD print on the menu. I don't know if they follow that all week or only on the weekends. Regardless, if someone can't have cheese in their omelet, they should be able to say NO cheese. Instead I was told they cannot accommodate. Our server stated several times our kitchen can't keep up with special requests. MAYBE they should invest in a kitchen staff who can read a ticket for an extra 3 seconds and accommodate the people who are paying to keep your doors open. The person I was with wanted no meat in their hash, but the server made her choose and eat around. The burger comes with American cheese on the burger, but I was told no. Our server said she can't ask the chef for anything without getting yelled at. We also got a salad and it had avocado in it. The Avocado was brown and old. I used to love this place, but I will not return. People have allergies, and dietary restraints in today's world. Our server even said she couldn't accommodate a "no bun" request for a burger. If you are one of these people I would NOT recommend this place for you. Truly disappointed in the management here, and lack of customer service.
(1)
Angela D.
Two stars for ambiance...but other than that I was so disappointed. And that made me so sad because I really wanted to like this place. I ordered the the steam pot ($34) which was supposed to come with a 4oz lobster tail, but it was more like the carrion of what WAS a 4oz lobster tail. They also forgot the potatoes that are included in said pot. Though, the scallops were delicious. My girlfriend was bummed about her winter salad... It was $15 for about a cup and a half of roasted veggies... Bummer dude. The burger my cousin had looked good, but it's hard to mess up a burger. I don't know... I probably won't be back...the service was a big let down (I'm a bartender in the loop area) which is sad because I love to send the tourists to other good spots.
(2)
Sarah D.
Solid food, pretty solid service, but a $3 upcharge to use only egg whites in an omelette is a bit over the top.
(4)
Emma K.
I'm so surprised that this restaurant was half empty when my BF and I came here a couple of Saturdays ago. Our reservations were at 7, but we were so hungry at 6:15 we figured we would just go and have a drink while we waited. They were able to sit us down right away, and at one of the tables by the window. Food - Just get the pretzel appetizer. It was definitely the best thing that we tried from the menu. It comes with this magical beer cheese sauce that you should definitely keep if getting fries! We also had the Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls (only the dipping sauce is spicy btw), Tavern Fries, and Steak Sandwich. Nothing disappointed, and the 4 dishes + 5 drinks came in around $90. Definitely worth it for the yummy food, drinks, and atmosphere!
(5)
John I.
YELP REVIEW: Bridge House Tavern 4 Stars Third time's the charm. I've been here that many. The first time was a warm summer afternoon work event for drinks and appies, where we took over the place. Fun, but... you know... work event, and the baggage that goes with it. And at that job, high school cliques formed by people twice or even thrice that age. I'm sure everyone else on here has gushed about the river location, especially on the sunny side, and they're right. Second time, brunch, on a Sunday afternoon, with a gaggle of family, including out-of-towners. It hadn't occurred to me that Frontera might be closed (Rick Bayless, what happened to your work ethic?!?) My family had a good meal, mine was a comedy of errors. I ordered the green eggs and ham, here the green is pesto. Wow, that sounded good. The waiter came back; they were out of the green eggs. How is that possible? I could see if they were out of pesto, but... After a little keen, Sherlock Holmes, CSI, The Wire investigating, it turns out that they still had pesto. I think they brought it on the side. Doesn't say much for the chef's skills. THEN, the dish came with the wrong part of the pig: bacon instead of ham. Huh? Green eggs and ham. Three things. If one isn't available, tell me! I would have ordered something else. But it was another lovely day. Normally I would have docked stars here, but it seemed that I had really caught otherwise a competent and quite friendly server and manager on a bad day. I won't ding them on this visit. The third time was the charm. I was trying to think of a place to go that was near my friend's hotel, the Westin, in late August. He invited a couple others. We needed something nearby, and I had reserved at Havana, but as I walked across the bridge, I thought it would be good for him to experience the river on a nice night. I ran down the stairs to see if they were free for four: Cuba could wait. The popcorn was a big draw for me: adding bacon, jalapeño and smoked salt, with a little honey is genius (despite everyone & his concession-stand brother having a popcorn recipe lately). I would rave more, but you've read this far, and I know your patience is waning. It's hard to resist cocktails by the carafe, and we didn't. My friend and I shared the Chicago Breeze, his friends shared the adult lemonade. Very delicious on a warm summer night. The fish and chips was wonderful, crisp and not greasy. A little strange that they bring malt vinegar in little stainless steel containers in which you might find pancake syrups. To me, the vinegar is perhaps the best part of fish & chips; luckily the wonderful waitress with a great sense of humor & fun (my memory is bad, was it Marguerite?) brought plenty of extras. While the patio is the draw here, it's even better than one might imagine: You're outside in downtown Chicago, there is the wide expanse of the river, the moonlight above (if it's that time of the month), and, being a floor below street level, it's quite quiet (at least on a weekday evening).
(4)
Kelley L.
Just to be sure, BHT still does it right. I've been back several times, but after my last visit, it merits a confirmation that I love this place. My fella and I chose BHT as our celebration dinner locale after closing on our new condo. Good thing, since the closing didn't exactly go swimmingly, but our meal at BHT helped us forget the pain. The food was tasty, service friendly and quick despite a couple large parties in the same area, and the patio along the river on a summer evening just cant be beat. I may be biased because Kristen (marketing gal) and Ryan (owner) stopped by to chat for some time, but I'm a fan. If you're looking for a nice evening on the river, this is the place.
(5)
Jackie E.
I have always loved this place! Ryan and Deanna took great care of us today! Look forward to seeing you soon!!
(5)
K M.
Loved our meal at BHT. All of the staff were polite and accommodating and our waitress, Danielle could not have been more engaging and helpful. I'd go back for the service and ambiance alone but in this case one doesn't have to sacrifice anything bc the food was amazing too! Tavern TOTS...wow. Keep up the good work BHT!!
(5)
Renee L.
I am giving this place two stars, one of the popcorn appetizer and one for the good service and ambiance. I ordered a bloody mary that was so-so (& not fixed like the ones in other reviews) and split the pork belly BLT. The waiter said it was the best sandwich on the menu so I felt it was safe. Too bad thats their best sandwich, it was disgusting. The bread was soggy, over loaded on mayonnaise, the fried egg was not cooked properly and the pork belly was chewy and flavorless. I kept eating the sandwich in hopes it would start to taste better...that didn't happen and unfortunately I was starving so I covered my half in hot sauce, salt and pepper and finished it...the worst part is the stomachache I experienced immediately and lasted hours. i had to go back to the hotel and rest, my stomach was in so much pain. Ugh, the thought of this food makes me sick, I wouldn't come back here based solely on that sandwich. They may have other great dishes but It's really unfortunate this sandwich killed it for me and was a waste of a vacation meal.
(2)
Brittany L.
Great place with a great view to have some drinks on the river. Service was also a plus! Ask for Emily every time and you will not be disappointed!! We will be back without a doubt!
(5)
Sam Z.
Came here for St. Patricks day this year. It was a great location and lots of fun! They provided a great Irish breakfast, the bartenders were quick and efficient and the crowd was fun- lots of friendly nice people and good st. Patty's day costumes! They have some nicer liquors and decently priced drinks. The venue is cool - from street level you can't see it and it is right on the river- great view! For St. Patty's, I wouldn't recommend going to watch the river dying because it happened further east of us. Recommend it!
(5)
SHAMIKA L.
I stumbled on this place while in Chicago for the weekend!!! What a GREAT surprise!! The food is amazing and the service is impeccable. I had the bacon pancake and OMG is was the best pancake I've ever had. I'm a New Yorker and my expectation are extremely high. This place exceeded my expectations!!! I highly recommend eating here and will definitely go back during my next trip.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Great restaurant with great views! The staff here were exceptional, friendly and happy to make menu suggestions. I had the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, which comes with a fried egg on top, and it was wonderful! House chips with ranch are a must. We were seated indoors by the fireplace, so that a was a nice touch. Overall great experience!
(5)
Dan M.
I was looking for a place with a nice view to have dinner in Chicago. The restaurant is located right on the Chicago River. It offers an outside patio that is a must on a beautiful day. The beer/wine menu and dinner menu is small but has all the favorites you'd expect at a gastro pub. We started our dinner with their well known Popcorn made with bacon jalapeño and honey. What an amazing combination! It was spicy, sinful and sweet. I ordered the Short Ribs that was served with rapini and a baked potato. It was tasty but not spectacular. My date had the Steak and Frites which looked amazing. She loved the dish. Overall a good restaurant with amazing views, all priced reasonably. It's a great date place on a beautiful day or just a place to hang out with friends located near the Magnificent Mile. I'll be back even if it's just for popcorn and beer.
(4)
Nicholas D.
I had a great night cap at this place. Went on Wednesday for the wine down Wednesday special which was half of wine bottles. It was a cool experience and the view by the Chicago river was nice. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Shawn G.
We went for Saturday brunch and had the Corned-beef Hash and Crab-cake Benedict. Both were excellent. $5 Bloody Mary's on the outside deck with a great view on the river. A good option for brunch while visiting the city.
(5)
Rita R.
It's so sad to write a bad review because I really wanted to like this place, but it was a disappointment in EVERY way :( First of all, no one can argue with the beautiful location and if that's all you're looking for then this place has that. However, the service was terrible, the manager was rude,and it took almost an hour to get our food after we ordered it. We went there for brunch and the eggs/potatoes came out cold. They were over-salted and not all that great. I asked if I could substitute fruit for my toast and the answer was "no" before I even finished the sentence. What kind of a place doesn't allow substitutions?? Overall, terrible dining experience in a very beautiful patio. I hope they get some new management because this place has a lot of potential if they can get their act together!
(1)
Stanley G.
I hereby correct my prior review on the bridge house to give them 5 stars. The owner Ryan looked after my concerns and a gave stellar response. He listened and stated the customer is always right and acted beyond my expectations promptly to correct the misunderstanding of my St. Patty's Day visit. I personally will stop by on my next visit and shake his hand and have a drink with him in appreciation of his model customer service. I now know and believe you will be taken care of at the bridge house and it will exceed your expectations! This place cares about making sure things are right!
(5)
Sheetal P.
Im giving this place the second star ONLY because of its location right on the river. Besides that I dont have too many positive things to say about the first, and possibly last, visit to this restaurant. My friends and I actually went to brunch this past Sunday to celebrate one of the girls' pregnancy. She had actually been there already, unbeknownst to us, but not for brunch. Since this was my favorite meal of any day, I was beyond excited. But my excitement was abated when i saw, at the top of the menu, in ridiculously large font "NO SUBSTITUTIONS & NO MODIFICATIONS" None of us thought too much of it since most restaurants are still pretty accommodating to vegetarians or individuals with food allergies. As long as we didn't completely deconstruct the chef's recipe, we didn't think we'd have a problem removing the bacon or the chorizo or maybe the sprinkled on mushroom caps. We would later be proved wrong....much later seeing as we waited forever for any service. Before we ordered our meals, we ordered a basket of their fresh beignets to share along with a couple cups of coffee, mimosas and some non alcoholic bevvies for our pregnant girls. While the beignets were delicious, we had to wait for fresh plates and straws because the plates and glasses were DISGUSTING! The plates still had crusty remnants of previous meals and the glasses were covered with smudges and lip marks. The coffee tasted like itd been swirled around in an ashtray first so Id recommend staying away from it. When we were ready to place our orders after deliberating on how steadfast they might be about the modifications, we finally got the server to come by. Not only was she almost entirely unsure about ANYTHING that the restaurant could or couldn't do for us, she wasn't very well informed about the cheeses or juices either. My friend ordered a croissant egg and cheese sandwich without mushrooms. I asked for the huevos rancheros but just without the chorizo (I am a vegetarian). My other 3 friends didnt have any modifications but when the server came back she told me they couldnt remove the chorizo because EVERYTHING was cooked into the chorizo. They has peppers, onions, tomatoes, sauces and the egg and she was telling me that short of the egg, EVERYTHING else was just incorporated into the chorizo. I found this hard to believe as I have eaten huevos rancheros at many establishments and never ever been told this. If it's the chefs recipe and thats just how he/she does it, i think its silly and he/she should change it. Not just for me but for any person who may not like even ONE ingredient in that list of ingredients. Similarly, they did not remove the mushrooms on my other friends plate. I know for a fact those were sprinkled on top and could have just NOT been. All in all, I wouldnt suggest anyone go here unless its just for mimosas and the view. Food was far from spectacular, service was pretty poor, and it could stand a good kitchen/utensil cleaning.
(2)
Brent C.
Visiting Chicago for a convention and glad we decided to try this place out. They were busy but they went out of their way to make us feel welcome and that we got a table quickly. Our waitress was awesome...personable, friendly and very helpful with drinks and the menu. I had the Pork Wings appetizer which was wonderful! For dinner I had the Fish and Chips and was very happy with the fish. It was light, not greasy and very flavorful. The "chips" we're just OK but overall I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Soren N.
Obviously what sets this place apart from the thousand of other places in Chicago is the location, which really is unbeatable (especially for the price!) That being said the food is also stellar in my opinion. I've eaten most of what's on the menu, and never been disappointed. You gotta try the popcorn. It's such a bargain and a unique eat for sure. The drinks are great. The burger is better than most. To top it off Ryan and Mark are great owners and try their very best to make everyone's experience enjoyable. Come for any meal, including brunch! Or have an awesome happy hour.
(5)
Susan S.
Comfy little restaurant with great river views. Chicken avocado rolls and onion rings satisfied this party of two for dinner, followed by the absolutely amazing turtle cheesecake topped with toasted sugared spicy pecans and Bailey's whipped cream. Our server Katie took care of our every need. Can't wait to return in the spring-summer to soak up the sun and river activity!
(5)
Crystal I.
This is a hidden gem! On the river, perfect location. At first I thought it might be a tourist trap, but it wasn't. I met a few work colleagues for happy hour. We had a fabulous time. Excellent signature cocktails. Delicious appetizers. The owner introduced himself and the staff were very helpful. We will return, hopefully soon!
(5)
Kati O.
The location is amazing but the service was terrible. I love Bloody Mary's but the mix had a terrible flavor, it was sour- stay away. We had to hunt down our server to get anything. The meals were good and everything was priced right. I really wanted to love this place because of the location but sitting there with an empty glass for 20 minutes in between beers was not ideal. It is a great place to sit on a nice day so I'm not ruling out a return, just wish we could have had a better experience.
(2)
Brian C.
Great place, awesome location, good staff, not far from the train station so a good stop before you head to the airport. Popcorn was fabo, and the miller highlife cans were fresh, tasty, and cold!
(4)
Amanda W.
Hadn't tried this place for lunch yet - it's a solid choice. I asked about gluten-free options and the waiter brought out someone (manager? chef?) to talk me through it. They make all of the dressings in-house, so the salads were all okay. I went with the spinach salad, which was a nice, light, summer salad. I wish I'd asked for extra dressing, as it was a bit dry, and maybe added chicken x2 because it's only been a few hours and I'm starting to feel hungry again ...
(4)
Katy H.
I really just don't understand what the fuss is about this place. I was very exciting to come with a group of friends (8 of us) over Labor Day weekend. We called a week in advance and made reservations and they only had a 4:45 reservation. When we got there, we were able to get a table outside as the restaurant was mostly empty. I ordered the turkey sandwich and a salad and was just not impressed by either. The salad had no flavor and the sandwich was cold and falling apart. We stayed for a few hours and the place was pretty slow the entire night, so I wonder why we couldn't get a later reservation. There was nothing really exciting or impressive about this place and I definitely won't be back.
(3)
Bruce S.
My family came downtown for some shopping and met me for a late lunch this past Friday (last day before school starts). The weather was perfect, and we searched for a good outdoor lunch spot along the river with outdoor seating. I'd heard of the Bridge House, so I had them meet me there. First, the location is outstanding. It's along the river next to Clark, so you can see lake if you're looking that way. In our case, the food was excellent. We started with the popcorn and the fries for appetizers. The popcorn, well, you just have to try it. Sweet, tangy, spicy and bit of heat at the end. The fries were fresh, hot and fried crispy - which we like. They came with three sauces and ketchup. For main meals we had the burger (nearly 3/4 lb), the half chicken, a fish special, and the linguine. My daughter also tried the beer cheese soup. With the exception of the linguine, which was a little to garlicky for our taste, everything was very good to excellent, with everyone finishing their plates. Highly recommended.
(4)
S R.
I'll keep this short and sweet. Food was amazing. I went with a group of 5 and everything that we got was top notch, great atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. Things you must try: Drink: Manhattan Appetizer: Popcorn Risotto Entree: Braised short ribs Pork Ossobuco *favorite of the table Go! Now! Before it's so busy in the summer that you can't get a table!
(5)
Katie L.
I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 because of the view. I made a reservation to go here with my boyfriend and his family for his birthday. We ordered a few appetizers, the best was the spicy chicken avocado roll but there wasn't much avocado on it. Then we had the pork belly which was not amazing but okay. Lastly, we ordered the artichoke bruschetta which was soggy, super sweet because of too much balsamic sauce, and overall a disaster. In between the appetizers and before our entrees came out, a server put down two plates before hearing us tell him it wasn't our order. The staff seemed very confused since this happened again with drinks later in our meal. I had the sunny day salad which was served to me without the avocado (it was supposed it include it) and was not even close to worth the cost. No one else had much to say about their entrees. The rest of the dinner was spent protecting our plates because they kept trying to take them while we were still eating. This morning, I called and told the hostess over the phone was my boyfriends birthday. The hostess cheerfully let me know that they give birthday desserts. After our plates were cleared, his parents ask for the check and the waitress makes no notion of knowing that it was his birthday. So I go inside to ask if the hostess had told our waitress since I had already called and told them about it this morning... 15 minutes later a dessert (nothing special something with whip cream) comes out. The atmosphere and staff need improving. There was nirvana playing in between nickel back and the red hot chile peppers making the mood way too teenage emo for a nice evening on the river. On my walk to the elevator I found a spider on my foot...
(2)
Jennifer Z.
I really enjoyed dining at this restaurant. On a good day, you can sit outside and dine right next to the river. I went there at night for dinner and they have a really nice view of the river from the inside. The food was amazing! The butternut squash soup was perfect and very buttery. I had the salmon which was also really good. I have only positive things to say about this place. They were very accommodating to huge groups and private events. When I come back to Chicago I am definitely going to come back here again.
(5)
Shanti N.
Considering Chicago is either in the midst of or climbing out of vortex 2.0, coming to a spot known for its outdoor dining would seem to fly in the face of all that is sane and reasonable. I found myself at BHT this evening, as my condo building had organized a residents' happy hour here. Fortunately, my fears of having to spend any more time outdoors than absolutely necessary were allayed, as the event took place in the bar area, which struck a perfect balance between cozy and urban, with atrium windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. The in-wall gas fireplace is an especially inspired touch. Getting down to this place was not intuitive, as the entrance is not at street level. It turns out that this spot is the lower level of the ABA building. I soon figured it out, and took the elevator down to the lower level which led immediately into the bar/restaurant where I was greeted by Chris, the manager/front of house. Going below grade, as it were, lent a speakeasy feeling to the experience. This was enhanced when I spotted the selection of whiskeys above the bar--Oban, Talisker, and Koval to name just a few. Once I got to talking with the bartenders, I found they were more than happy to elucidate me on the finer points of the scotches, which made for an entertaining backdrop to my happy hour imbibing. As to the drink selection, the menu was edited seeing how this was a special event. On offer were wines (Pinot Grigio and Merlot by the glass) along with a couple of craft beers and a special concoction that contained lemonade, blueberries, and mint. I went with the Merlot to take the chill off the evening and was pleasantly surprised that the wine was of such high caliber. I found out that this is the house wine, and a proprietary label. The bartenders were good about keeping my glass topped up and my water filled. On the wine list, I spied an array of promising pours, including a bottle of Hess Cabernet, a personal favorite. There weren't any passed appetizers at this event so I can't speak to the quality of the food. I did get a chance to look at the brunch menu and the bar menu. From what I could see, I know I will be back for the $29 bottomless bloody mary brunch. The bar bites looked promising as well, but by the time I'd narrowed it down to wanting to try either the meatballs or the scallops, the event was winding down and there was limited time to order. From the gastropub chic ambiance and high quality drink offerings, to the friendliness of the staff who immediately made us all feel welcome, I know that I will be back. Knowing that this place exists gives me one more reason to look forward to spring, when I can experience iconic views in an outdoor setting.
(4)
Stephen W.
#awesomesauce. My wife was looking for something to keep my mouth shut.... Found it! Great food. Great service. Just darn great. If you've found this listing then you've come this far. Perhaps you could come just a little bit farther?
(5)
Zachary W.
Great food even better service, tuna was great spicy chicken rolls were out of this world. Great views of the river, cool to see the boats go by
There isn't one thing I disliked about this place. Our waitress was a delight. The chicken and waffles were out of this friggin world. And watching the boats lull by as I sipped my morning coffee was a treat. Highly recommend Bridge House! Oh and did I mention that they have a bacon pancake (!!!). Yeah.
(5)
Liz C.
We had dinner here last Saturday night. We ordered a lot of appetizers and shared them with the table. We had the brussels sprouts that were topped with bacon and cheese. They were great! I would also recommend the veal meatballs and pulled pork with gravy and biscuits. Many of the appetizers were served in small cast iron ramekins that had been baked in the oven making the flavors of the food pop. I would recommend and go back to the Bridge House Tavern!
(4)
Stephanie Q.
The owner/manager and staff here are so amazing. Came here for a brunch and lunch on Saturday stayed for hours. The food was fantastic and the drinks were even better. There's a great view of the river which helps too! I will definitely be back on my next trip to Chicago!
(5)
Jackie H.
Amazing. The food is fun and different. The server, Cody, was fantastic and the owner had drinks with us. Right on the river.. Can't think of a better place for brunch.
(5)
Thelin C.
Good view; Refreshing cocktail and Delicious grill; We go here for the dinner. And we first ordered 2 cocktails: Chicago breeze and Pink lemonade. I love pink lemonade and my girl friend love Chicago breeze very much. I think Pink lemonade is more sweet and chicago breeze is more sour, and both is great. really refreshing. We also ordered 1/2 dozen of western coast oyster, you can choose western coast or eastern coast oyster. and for weekdays from 2-5pm oysters are half price off. For the main dish we ordered 1/2 roasted chicken and short ribs. the chicken is served with mashed potato, the meat is very soft and it's great. the mashed potato is tasted milky, it's very good but I think it's not good to eat too much. anyway maybe it's because I am still not used to sweet and milky food. The ribs is served with vegetables and baked potato, it's more salty. So we have a great time combine this two dishes.
(5)
Emily J.
I have been literally looking at Bridge House Tavern from across the river for the last few months from my apartment building balcony and finally went here for brunch the other day. What a great restaurant! I love unfussy, unpretentious brunches and Bridge House was exactly what I needed after a long hot yoga class. My sister and I were pretty much delirious from hunger and were fulfilled by the excellent huevos rancheros at Bridge House. She has celiac disease and our server and the kitchen were more than accommodating to her needs. The huevos were just what the doctor ordered-lots of eggs, black beans, corn, and a whole lot of Cholula. The portions here are large, you certainly get your money's worth, and the even the side of fruit was bigger than we expected for $5. You really can't beat the setting here either-the patio is perched right on the river and you are forever entertained during your meal with the passing boats. I would highly recommend Bridge House Tavern to anyone wanting a traditional and delicious brunch with excellent service and a lovely setting. I will certainly be back to try their $5 mimosas and bloody Marys, just not right after a yoga class!
(5)
Ryan R.
I went to this place in early last November while at a conference, after finding it on yelp. They were having a private party to watch the man walk the tightrope over the Chicago River, but I was able to get a walk in ticket. I had a absolute blast. Great location, good drinks and snacks. The staff was very friendly and the owner Ryan was just awesome. I would highly suggest anyone visiting downtown Chicago to visit this place, great happy hour and food as well. I will def come back when I make my way up there again.
(4)
Kate M.
Danielle was the best waitress!! She was so friendly, engaging, and offered us so many suggestions! She made the entire experience fabulous! The food and drinks were delicious and the environment was perfect right on the river!
(5)
Melissa O.
The view is the only good thing about this place. I was pretty excited to dine here and it really disappointed. I had reservations and upon arriving we were never greeted, the hostess was no where to be found. It wasn't until a bus boy saw us standing there for a long time that he decided to go look for the hostess. When the hostess finally arrived she told us she had to sit us quickly because the kitchen was about to close. We were walked to a patio table with no chars. When chairs were finally brought to us we had to drag them to the table ourselves. The biggest problem I had were the dirty glasses we were served our water in. I brought it to the attention of our server, he apologized, and again brought dirty glasses. We ordered the avocado dip appetizer, two burgers and a Stella. The appetizer was served simultaneously with our entrees and our drinks weren't brought to us until we were half way done with our food. The service was terrible and the food was mediocre. You are better off trying another restaurant on the river because all they have to offer is a nice view. They were not even that busy, the patio was full but the inside was empty. I will not be returning.
(1)
Lindsay K.
I have NEVER been so disappointed with the service at a Chicago restaurant in my entire life. Made a reservation for 7:30 for a Tuesday night-- got there are 7:20 to be told that they "Gave our reservation to a fat old man" (not kidding)-- we asked if there was anything they could do... giving that it was their error, not ours. The rude hostess said "I don't really know. it could be 15 seconds or 30 minutes for the next table to open up... this really isn't the end of the world" Sorry. But to be completely honest this "hostess" was one of the rudest people I have ever come in contact with at a dining establishment. Isn't it the first rule of restaurant etiquette that the customer is always right? And for her to tell us "it's not the end of the world" with a snotty attitude/ rolling her eyes really got me mad. This chick seriously needs an attitude check and to have the manager sign her up for the TLC show "What not to wear" because dressing up like a human candy cane in the middle of the summer with red lipstick on your teeth and greasy hair really isn't appealing. Other than the psycho working the front, the food was good. Will never be coming back here again.
(1)
Rebecca F.
Good food and drinks. Very heavy food though. No way to leave this place without Thanksgiving pants. Service was prompt and friendly.
(4)
Jeremy K.
This is one of those wonderful hidden gems of Chicago. Beautiful location, great food, good price, and a staff that's legit friendly and knowledgeable. One of the neatest things about this place is its owner. The guy is fascinated with alcohol, and talking with him about scotch got me way excited. Talk with him, you won't regret it. I went there with two friends and chowed down on the delicious popcorn, had a few beers, burger, and the chocolate cake. It was a wonderful evening, and I'm looking forward to going here again.
(5)
Keith A.
I'm not really a river north guy. It's not my general place that I enjoy hanging out, but you have to just go with the flow sometimes and this is where I ended up with a friend as we waited for a party boat by the river. I was in a drinking mood as we had been at dryhop before hand. But, needing to switch it up, I grabbed one of the cocktails on their list and went with the Black Forest. Seeing that there was gin and blackberries made me know that was exactly what I needed to refresh my palate. Not only was it $10 for the drink, it was done perfectly. It was a warm night and did everything I needed it to. I also have to give props for just charging $10 a cocktail in River North and being directly on the river. I also had to get myself a flywheel from Metropolitan. Again, their pricing was very good as it was just $6 off the tap. These are some very good prices considering the area. I was hungry and my friend could eat as well. It also enabled some joking about the various 40 year olds trying their best 25 year old act. The spicy chicken avacado rolls were exactly what was needed and were more like taquitos, but really good. I was also a fan of the wild mushrooms that they had. It was all mixed in a pot with parmesan cheese and a fair amount of other things. I definitely enjoyed my trip here. It all worked out quite well and was a good place to relax on the river. I was surprised that it wasn't packed at 8:30 on a saturday evening, but everything was fine and dandy by me. It wasn't hard to get a hold of the server and she was always very friendly. I would come back here if the situation dictated it and it's nice to come across a place like this in river north.
(4)
Liz P.
Went here for an event. Food was fantastic and so was the view, although we ate inside because it wad a bit nippy out. Would like to come back here for a "regular" meal at some point.
(4)
Magen R.
Had an awesome experience a Bridge House Tavern today! Five of us went here to celebrate a birthday. We were seated outside on the gorgeous terrance overlooking the river, what a view! It was an amazing place to have Sunday brunch on a gorgeous day. We all decided to take advantage of the bottomless mimosa/bloody mary brunch special. The mimosas were really good and they brought carafes to our table every so often so we did not have to keep asking for more. None of us tried the bloody mary's but they looked delicious (very hangover friendly too). For our meals two of us got the pig trio biscuits and gravy, one got the veggie omelet, one got the chicken and waffles and I got the horseshoe. Everyone LOVED their meal. I had the horseshoe, it was seriously fabulous and way more than I could possibly eat but it was nice to be able to have fries to snack on for the table. I also tried a bit of the waffle which was also outstanding. Bridge House Tavern was a huge hit as far as all of us were concerned, the service was good not great and that is why I am only giving it 4 out of 5 stars; however, I hope to be back soon!
(4)
Alexis P.
This place is amazing. Everything from the food to the service was exceptional. Megan was our waitress and she was very sweet and attentive. I had the parfait and beignet, it was a lot better than I expected. Big portions and reasonably priced. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Sarah A.
This one star is for The ridiculous lunch hours, I've tried to come here on 3 different occasions & by some wicked magic it's always during the two hours between lunch & dinner when no food is being served. Wish I could write an actual review about the food, but until that time.... I appreciate the prompt response & have updated my star rating to 3, until I can get back here
(3)
R. J. R.
I might be a little bit obsessed with this place...the view is obviously beautiful out on the patio, but the food is fantastic (the shrimp tacos were amazing) and the interior is so warm and inviting. After seeing pictures of the brunch by other Yelpers, we're coming back tomorrow, that's how much we enjoyed it. PS - Get the nitro Lefthand Sawtooth, so good.
(4)
Dee B.
Wow this new drink is fantastic. Sultry summer in a glass - and it packs a punch! Franklin Peach- Buffalo Trace bourbon, 10 Cane rum, Peach Schnapps, fresh sweet & sour. Tart, sweet and smoky all in one sip. They were filming a tv show the last time I was there, which was fun!
(5)
Norm J.
Being that my office is close by, my colleagues and I have visited Bridge House Tavern a few times. Some occasions we've had great service and food, but on other occasions we've had so-so service and meh food. Overall I'd give Bridge House Tavern 3 stars. Recommendations: *Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - amazing! Loved these. *Pork Belly BLT - enjoyed every bite of this sandwich. Get it with a side of tater tots. *Onion Rings - while I'm not a fan of onion rings, my colleagues all said they liked them. *Steak Sandwich - the meat was juicy and the horseradish aioli made this a definite winner. Skip: *Grilled Chicken Sandwich - my colleague thought it was dry. *Wedge Salad with Chicken - nothing special about it.
(3)
Yaofu Z.
Very popular and usually much wait. The service is a little spotty given the number of customers. But the view and the food make everything worthwhile. We ordered mushroom bread, salmon spread, two salad. The two appetizers are exceptional. The salad I had is a little too acidic to my taste. But it is not bad. It is very nice to have dinner near the river. There are so many other items I want to try. Just note, the portion size is on the small size. If you are paying the bill and want to make sure everyone enjoy the time, get more appetizers.
(5)
C.C. H.
Pros: beautiful patio by the river, ok pricing for the view and amount of food given, nice waitstaff but slow on the water bottle refill cons: sometimes the river smells like sewage, some brunch items were mediocre - like the beignets (although the housemade whipped cream and cinnamon glaze were on point), and the wicked tots were rather salty. probably best to just drink mimosas specials all sunday.
(3)
Anthony N.
Obviously, the location here is amazing. Great view of all the river happenings if you're lucky enough to get a seat at the edge. The food, however, is just ok. My fries came out soggy and my friend's tots were cold. I've been a couple times and the only dish worth mentioning, surprisingly, is the tuna tartare. Have fun waiting if you come during after-work rush.
(3)
Cecille C.
I went to this place with a group of my favorite colleagues at work. We sat close to the big window next to the river, around a big wood table. It felt like a very cozy family dinner at holiday. The duck tacos I ordered were just perfect. Duck was very flavored and well cooked. I don't know the name of the little pink pickles they put on top of each taco, but they were just perfect companies to the duck meat - truly a creative and delicious dish! We also ordered each dessert on the menu to share - all delicious! So it's truly a risk-free desserts menu.
(5)
Caroline J.
I've been to Bridge House for both lunch and brunch, and it's been absolutely wonderful each time. The first time I came was for a weekday lunch with coworkers. We were seated outside almost immediately, and while I don't remember what I had, I remember that it was very good. The second time I came was on July 3rd with a few friends and while the wait was definitely longer, the food was just as incredible. I got the Pork Belly BLT (which be advised, is MESSY) and it was exactly what I wanted. It was a sizable portion, and the fact that it came with tots is just an added bonus. A friend got the pulled pork mac and cheese and proceeded to talk about how good it was for the rest of the day, and another got the steak sandwich and was equally impressed. My most recent visit was for brunch and as usual, it was outstanding. From the $5 mimosas during our (short) wait to be seated to the fantastic huevos rancheros, I was just as happy as the first few times I visited. The staff is friendly and has been very accommodating when we've wanted to move tables, and the location could not be more perfect for spending some quality time along the river. Can't wait to be back!
(5)
Bianca A.
Super yummy and great view! If you don't like the heat, come early or sit inside. I got the eggs Benedict and it was pretty awesome. Downside of this place is that they put very boldly on the menu "no substitutes or modifications". I don't like that
(4)
Lui F.
Excellent appetizers (or "shareables" as they call them), excellent drinks - nice selection of bourbon and done exactly as I ordered it. Service was great, ambiance was awesome. Made for a perfect afternoon after we did one of the tours along the river coming out of Navy Pier. We saw the restaurant from the boat and rode a cab back up there because we thought the ambiance would be great and it definitely was. Our water Tony was great and took really good care of us. I will definitely visit them again next time I'm up in Chitown!
(5)
Jenna C.
Bridge House Tavern is awesome! Great patio right on the river, and nice view from the inside too. As far as food, the smoked salmon was crazy good. My friend and I also shared the ceviche (ok), chicken rillettes (not a fan), and spicy chicken avocado rolls (tasty). This ended up being a lot of food for 2 people! It was half off shareables night, so we went a little overboard what can I say? Our waitress was great, and the manager (maybe owner?) stopped by our table towards the end of the meal too. Definitely friendly service all around, and quick too! Both food and drink were served faster than expected. However, the cocktails failed to impress. I'm a little spoiled from the great mixology around Chicago and so would recommend keeping it simple here with a beer or glass of wine. Enjoy!
(4)
Annie M.
I was in Chicago for 2 mornings... I love trying new places, ESP in a foodie city like Chicago, but this is so great I wanted to go twice. For my favorite meal of the day, brunch... It's basically a religion and it's very aggressive, this is a huge feat for a restaurant. First, the setting is beautiful. Right on the Chicago river. The staff was so much fun (we brunched from 10-430). And the crowd is fun. The food... I tried the tots, mashed potatoes, EGGS BENEDICT(!!!!)...perfect. I tried the steak and eggs... Ah-maze. It's a must must must.
First time visiting BHT with my cousins from Arizona. Started out sitting outside but of course the weather made us move inside due to windy conditions making it very chilly! Service was very good and the food was even better. Fish and chips were awesome! Tots, guacamole, and spicy chicken rolls were very good! Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Tamera B.
Bridge House provided a very solid tavern experience for my family and I. The food was good, service was cool, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Service - Thus was 4th of July weekend, so there was quite a crowd during peak lunch time. It was a beautiful day, so everyone was pining to get a table on the relaxing terrace, right on the river, with awesome views. We had the kiddos with us and they were "dying of hunger" so, we opted for 1st available seating. We were told our wait would be 1 hour, but it ended up only being a 35 minute wait. Shorter waits always make me giddy : ) Our server was great! Even with the busy crowd, she was just attentive enough and kept our drinks full......what more could we ask for! Food - the menu offers the standard tavern fare and some dishes with Bridge House's own twist to them. I had the fish & chips, with tots instead of fries. My food was delicious and plentiful. I got 3 large, fresh cod fillets and enough tots to feed our family of 4. The fish was delicious, not too greasy, tasty batter, and super fresh fish......none of that frozen melarky here!! I was full after eating 1 fillet. My husband had the Tavern burger, which was really good as well. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly and served on a brioche bun. They offer an unofficial kids menu that includes: chicken fingers, cheeseburger, or grilled cheese. These come with a side and they are $10 each. A little pricey for kids meals! Next time, we'll probably just get a $14 Tavern burger and cut it in half. One of my boys had the grilled cheese and the other had the cheeseburger. They were happy with their meals, so I was happy. We will definitely visit Bridge House again, preferably when it's not so busy, so that we can enjoy the terrace.
(4)
Jon L.
I was here with friends for dinner after work one day. We were seated very quickly and had a great view of the Chicago River. I ordered the greek goddess salad with chicken which had a decent assortment of veggies, some of which tasted strange to me. I also had the bbq pork mac n' cheese which actually tasted very good considering I'm normally not a big mac n' cheese guy. Service-wise, our waitress rarely if ever checked up on us and was often nowhere to be found when we called for her. I'm not sure if it was because it was a busy service night or if she just forgot about us, but I didn't really care for the lack of service. I would normally give two stars for the lack of service and mediocre-at-best salad but the view of the river and the mac n' cheese were their saving grace for the third star.
(3)
Hannah C.
I've been here twice now and I don't understand what all the fuss is about. We went there for an office happy hour a few months ago, and it was fine, although I found the apps unreasonably small for the price (also, like, they provided a freakishly small number of chips for all the dip-type things). Nevertheless, I thought "perhaps it's more of a meal place" and went to brunch. The bacon pancake was the only thing I can even try to recommend. It was perfectly fine and a great meal size. The bad: the beignets were painfully stale and not even warm. The house potatoes (mashed) were under seasoned, the wicked tots were too salty, and the Chicago 75 tasted like watered down gin (no other flavors). I wouldn't go back, especially with so many good options nearby.
(2)
Rachael B.
Come prepared for a wait... But a wait worth awhile! took 45 min to get a table for Saturday brunch but grab a drink at the bar ($5 bloody Mary's or mimosa) and wait for a table on the water. Amazing views, usually live music playing across the street, and so much to people watch. The food is a 5!!!! Absolutely divine! Chicken and waffles on point and huevos rancheros full of flavor. The mash potatoes are best I have ever had also! The drinks are so-so so the review lost a star cuz I was not too impressed with the cocktails or the front desk reception. But the views and food make it a must visit spot in Chicago!
(4)
Marc M.
nice location for summer. food was good and prices fair. its all about location.
(3)
Jesse B.
I don't know if we just had a horrible server or if it was because it was Saturday night but our first visit here was absolutely crap. A forgotten about appetizer, a server who seemed to not care about us after he found out we weren't ordering alcohol, and a dreadfully long wait for any sort of food made this a one time stop for us. Disappointing because the food was quite good but the service was wretched enough to make us not want to come back. He couldn't even be bothered to check-in with us to let us know why we had to wait over an hour for our food. He even still offered to put in for the appetizer at that point! Are you kidding me? What a disgrace.
(1)
Jaclyn S.
Went here for dinner on Mon with OpenTable reservation hoping to sit on the water. Due to forecasted storm we sat inside. No trouble or wait for a table at 7:30. $25/pp with one drink. For appetizers we had the spicy chicken Avo rolls - our waitress said the most ordered/popular thing on the menu- they were good, fried. The mushroom bruschetta was better, tangy, herby, and truffle oil always helps. I had the turkey burger which was ok, the side salad was simple, the burger had pepper jack, arugula, remoulade and onions- but was just missing that pow of flavor or spice and the bun was very greasy on the outside. Friends had the greenhouse salad which is very small for $12, but was saved by spicy pecans! The braised shortribs were cooked well and fell apart nicely- probably the best thing ordered at the table. The squash side was yummy and mashbos were just avg. Drink menu was large for beer options and they have daily specials during happy hour times. Service was mediocre. Our waitress didn't know the menu or what went into dishes. Overall this place is basic. Nothing stood out and I have no reason to go back or recommend. Sitting by the water would be awesome but bear in mind the avg food/service when going here.
(3)
Shelly D.
Great atmosphere, terrible food. Went here on Wednesday night, got a table outside. Beautiful weather and jazz music played while we ate, which was fantastic. We ordered the tater tots with blue cheese and asparagus which was ok, but very very salty. I ordered the cod with teriyaki and it was almost inedible. The teriyaki sauce tasted like it was from a jar (definitely not homemade) and the cod was undercooked. I have it 2 starts because the service was great, hostesses were friendly, we were seated right away, and the patio was lovely. Next time, i'll go for drinks not food. Or I will just go somewhere else.
(2)
Edna P.
Great view of the river, friendly staff and food was good. I got the duck tacos while hubby had the pork belly sandwich.
(5)
Mark J.
Been here twice while visiting Chicago, the first for a drink and to enjoy the waterfront ambiance. A cocktail was only 10 dollars compared to 13 to 15 we've paid. Came for lunch Friday, the following day, and had steak sandwiches, a turkey burger and tater tots w asparagus. ..and turtle cheesecake. The flavors were wonderful. The host, and server Tony, were the same both days. They were warm and friendly.
(5)
Mykaila D.
Really the vibes and location are what gave this place three stars. The mac and cheese is super weak. Not enough cheese, the noodles are too intricate to absorb all the cheese the right way, and the bbq pork resembles dried squid. I know that sounds really weird, but if you've had it before you know exactly what I mean. The fries taste like cheap whataburger fries and based on the nibble I had of the tuna tartare I wasn't feeling the liquid base. Really disappointing, but I've had a day from hell so Malbec has put me in good spirits and I am completely disregarding the fact that this meal sucked.
(3)
Kristen L.
Went here on a cold and rainy night with a couple of old high school friends. The location is fantastic, but not so great when it's 40 degrees and raining. The food is okay...nothing to write home about. We ended up ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing since 2 out of the 3 of us weren't really that hungry. Also ordered drinks, but I didn't end up touching mine since it was waaaaaaay too strong for my taste. The service was okay--not great. Overall...Meh.
(2)
Ginny G.
Came into town from Kansas City to watch the Royals play and made a reservation for five on Saturday morning at 11. You enter through an elevator on Clark street that takes you down to the restaurant. Unfortunately it was raining so we didn't sit outside on the gorgeous patio. Instead, we were seated by the large windows so we had a great view. Saturday's they have $5 mimosas and Bloody Mary's. Both were great and they did not skimp on the alcohol. There were so many things on the brunch menu I wanted to order but I settled on the biscuits and gravy. It's more like two biscuit and sausage sandwiches drizzled in gravy and topped with bacon. You also get two eggs with the order. Tons of food. The group I was with ordered the hash, loaded tots and the chicken and waffles. All of it was amazing. Everyone loved their meal. I just wish I had also ordered the bacon pancake to top it off.
(5)
Amber A.
Looking for a killer patio on the water?? Boom, this is it. We spent no less that 3hrs here on a gorgeous Day having cocktails. The bar opens up to outside with seating both in and out, as well as a lot of tables on the water. We had typical cocktails- beer and Bloody Mary. They make their own Bloody Mary mix in house. We also split the turkey burger which, unlike most turkey burgers, was delicious!
(4)
Jackie C.
I love this place! It was so fun to be near the water on such a beautiful day! The service was lack luster but the food was really good. On Wednesdays they have half price bottles of wine.
(4)
Manasa S.
We went here for Saturday brunch and got the Hash, Veggie omelette, and the brioche French toast. All three were beautifully presented but the taste was mediocre at best. Also, there are no substations or changes to any of the dishes on the brunch menu which was a little limiting. However, their Bloody Mary was absolutely delicious and you can't beat the views by the river.
(3)
Renee S.
What a great view! I have been here with friends and had a great time with great service. What blew me out of the water was the exceptional service I had when i had booked a semi-private corporate event on the terrace. The service was top notch - servers and bartenders made sure all our guests had a drink in their hands and made sure everyone was satisfied. The food came out warm and delicious. The setting was BEAUTIFUL! The owner even stopped by to give us a thank you. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)
Jennifer C.
I came here with my husband for his birthday. We wanted to dine on the water but wanted something casual. The setting was wonderful; however, that was the only thing that was wonderful. They were out of several beers and the server didn't know the style of the beers they did have. So much for the "tavern." We asked what was great on the menu and the server replied "everything is good". Helpful. So, I turned to Yelp and got the chicken avocado rolls, bruschetta and fish and chips. Bruschetta: Bland is the best word to describe this. Lots of flavorless cheese. Chicken avocado rolls: Really more like tostadas. Super super fried. You could really taste all the oil. I had two but had to stop because my stomach became upset. Fish and chips: Bad batter and rubbery fish. Way overcooked. To end the meal we were notified by the server that she charged us for the wrong bill and had to void our transaction and recharge. So she gave me both the voided receipt and the correct one "in case I'm charged for both". Now I need to make sure I'm not charged twice for this terrible meal. Adding insult to injury I just got an email from OpenTable saying Bridge House Tavern reported I didn't honor this reservation. I was doing everything I could to forget this meal so at least this prompted me to write a bad review of the restaurant. I'm not sure I would have if not for the reminder. At least I have two receipts to prove that I did honor the reservation. The only reason I gave two stars is the setting. If you're looking for a place for a drink on the water this is a passable option. But dear god, don't eat here.
(2)
M H.
Ate brunch here today, waitress Meghan was so friendly, played with our baby, above and beyond service. Everything was amazing, crab cake egg benedict, and wicked tots are a must! Thank you bridge house for meeting high expectations of Chicago food!
(5)
Bob B.
Summing it up: Proof that a restaurant's success can be dictated strictly by it's location. It got picked as a brunch spot on a hazy Saturday morning strictly because it was on the river, with a great patio. There will be no more kind words. What it is: Whether it's 'Polished Casual' or 'Upscale Tavern' who cares, it's a patio on a river and prime example that in the game of poaching off unsuspecting tourists, business in Chicago is good. It offered a level of mediocrity that is honestly quite difficult to achieve. Ambiance: Large and long patio with lots of seating and lots of tables on the rail, see: Summing It Up. Ordered: Breakfast and Bloody Mary's, they were all mailed in. Everything about this place was mailed in. Eggs were chewy, toast wasn't buttered and came with no jelly, like the kitchen literally said here's plain toast sucker, we can't be bothered to do anything more than drop it on your plate. No condiments - ketchup, hot sauce, syrup - no salt + pepper on table, how much stuff do I have to ask our mediocre server for? The Bloody Mary's were $5 on a gorgeous Chicago Saturday in summer, that should have been our first clue. Worth the Risk?: No. This review is admittedly solely based off of one visit but in a city full of great restaurants don't waste a meal (or your money) on a place that is a celebration of all things average and very obviously just hooking tourists based on their location.
(2)
Brian M.
8÷2 = 4. 2+2 = 4. Tables and chairs are movable objects. These are math and physics lessons that could have been put to use the last time I attempted to dine here. When you seat a just-arrived incomplete large party at an 8 person table while ignoring a foursome that's been there for 40 minutes, that's irksome. When you're snippy about me asking about it, that's just poor form. When you seat two separate walk-in parties of two while there's an available small 4-top that you "thought about" offering but didn't, it's just not up to Chicago standards. I feel like Bridge House Tavern is *always* hamstrung with seating constraints, though. Three out of the four times I've been here (weekday evenings), there have been private parties taking up a much larger portion of the restaurant than necessary. I don't think that "sorry, we can't accommodate a private party during our busiest time" is an unreasonable thing to say. With that said, if you DO want to book a private party when nowhere else in the area would consider closing off half the restaurant, here's your spot. The bartenders have always been solid and drink prices are actually a bit lower than what's expected for its perfect prime location. But the quite average food (throw bacon in everything and hope for the best!), lackluster service, and disorganized front of house/space management will keep me from returning.
(2)
Jess G.
Came here for drinks and dinner. Got here before 5 and were told the kitchen opened didn't open until 5. When we got our menus at 5 the menu said 4:30.... Also When we arrived the hosted told us to watch our step because the floors were slippery when raining. We sat our table and saw at least five people fall on the ground while we were drinking. As an interior designer I made a comment about how the interior design was lacking and the floors were apparently not safe. We noticed no employees help people when they fall on the floor. Not sure if that's to avoid the lawsuit that's awaiting them. Note to management: Take the risk of shutting down a day or two to replace your floors to avoid the lawsuit that's just sitting in your face. Then I went to the bathroom, what tiny bathrooms!!!! I'm not one of those designers that's critics spaces when I walk into them but I can't but do that when being at this place. The food was ok , not great but the location is what sells this place. However when it's raining apparently it's nothing special. Edit: took almost 20 minutes to get and pay for our check.
(3)
Karen L.
This place was bangin! Went here on a Sunday super hung over and seeking something greasy. Had the cheeseburger and it was ahhhhhhhmazing! Legit two beef patties piled w cheese. Hit the spot! AND it came w tater tots! Couldn't get much better and the view of the water is perfect in the summer.
(5)
Jenny S.
4 stars only because the owner was nice. Yet it averages out to be a 2 1/2 stars for my overall experience. Mediocre is what I would call this place. Service was a 2. Unfortunately. :/ I had great expectations for this place because it was so beautiful sitting along the lake to enjoy my Bloody Mary. I wasn't a big fan of the Bloody Mary mix. The waiter had mentioned they make it in house. There was just something missing from it. I love a bold Bloody Mary, this was on the bland side. Anyway, back to the service. We came here around 1:45pm and the hostess told us the wait would be 20 minutes for the outdoor seating. We sat down a little after 2:30pm. Actually at 2:42pm to be exact. I had a call right at that time. Sat down, got our drinks, waited for them... I asked for extra olives and the waiter forgot. His helper who brought out our meals actually went back to grab them for me. He asked me how I'd like my burger and I specifically told him medium rare. The burger came out well done. Wasn't too happy. The only thing that was decent were the tater tots! Lol yum. Shortly after our meal, we told our waiter we were finished. He acknowledged it and walked away we assumed he was grabbing our checks. 9 minutes now rolls around, I tell him we'd like our checks and if he could wrap up our leftovers. Despite my par service, I still tipped the waiter $5 on my $25 tab. Got our checks and went on our way. My gf got the tuna tartare and it was a generous portion. Could use some salt! Suffice to say I won't be back though. :( I wish the service was better because this place is literally right behind my work! It's a shame because this would've been my go to spot. Hope this helps!
The only reason I would come back is the patio/view- but you would have to twist my arm a little bit.... an unpleasant waitress gave me attitude when i asked for salt/pepper and ketchup, as if I asked for her first born child, but i guess that says enough in itself-why werent these things on the table in the first place? Long wait, subpar food. Was excited to try this place but thumbs down
(2)
Jess P.
I came here for a private event, so I can't speak to the regular menu. The catering menu included very good passed appetizers: crab cakes, coconut shrimp, mini grilled cheese sandwiches with spicy tomato bisque, tomato mozzarella skewers, and chicken and avocado wraps. There was a buffet with mini burgers, portabello sliders, and short rib sliders, flatbreads with artichoke and another with proscuitto, mac and cheese with toppings, and desserts like fruit skewers, lemon bars, and chocolate pecan bars. The bar served decent wines and beers. But the real draw of this place is the view. There are outdoor seats along the river, and it is heated in the cool weather. The bathrooms are individual, unisex rooms.
(4)
Edward A.
Make no mistake, you're paying for the patio-by-the-river experience here. I'd definitely come back for a drink and maybe a snack. Dinner, not so much. If you're gonna change $14 for a cheese plate, please don't let the most exquisite cheese be a hunk of smoked gouda. Where's the funky stuff? My steak frites was cooked properly, I just couldn't taste the meat through all the sauce. Overall I enjoyed my experience on a beautiful night by the river but left underwhelmed with the food.
(3)
Nikki S.
On my recent trip to Chicago I choose Bridge house tavern for Sunday Brunch and my main reason for choosing BHT was the view but food was just as impressive. We choose outdoor seating and loved our table on the river. Beautiful sunny afternoon! with amazing view. Brunch was even more pleasant with $5 Bloody Mary and Mimosas they offer on weekends from 10 am to 3 pm :-) I ordered the Smoked Trout Hash: Smoked Trout with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style (I ordered my over medium), old bay hollandaise. This dish was so good...I never had smoked trout hash before so I can't compare it to previous experience but I truly enjoyed every bite of it. My friend ordered the Huevos Rancheros: 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas Super yummy again and the presentation was outstanding. Over all a great experience and must do if you are visiting Chicago in warm season. Great food..... great atmosphere and view and very good service. I will be back on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)
Jamie H.
Bridge House Tavern is an amazing dining experience: with good service, amazing view of the Chicago River and the food, in a word....AWESOME!! During the back-to-back visits I had last week with my best friends who also works in the area, I had their steak sandwich, the salmon mousse appetizer one day then went back again and had their Tavern Oyster Rockefeller! I also tried my friend's meals of their Fish & Chips and Duck Tacos, all were wonderful! The best part of all was that the meals were reasonably priced! I will be a returning customer, for sure! Thanks for a fabulous lunch!
(5)
Vanessa V.
Bridge House Tavern: Where I ate too much, yet had enough room for dessert -- story of my life, basically. The food here is pretty damn good, and the view isn't so bad either. The deck seems like the happening spot on weekdays when the weather isn't rough, but I much prefer dining indoors where it's less noisy, and the cool breeze flows right in. For starters we ordered the Tavern Chips for the bacon and blue cheese combo. The Oysters Rockerfeller were bomb with an added touch of crunchy bacon strips. Order that if you have the opportunity. My entree was the Steak Sandwich. Delicious, though I felt a little awkward tearing into my 6oz Angus steak in public. All around flavorful with its smoked cheese, grilled onions and that jalapeno mayo that contributed some heat. BACON FREAKS: Bacon can be added to almost every order. One of my friends ordered extra bacon for his BLT, and another asked for crumbled bacon to be sprinkled over his Fish & Chips. Both agreed that their respective dishes were tasty and filling. By the way, the bacon's thick. Definitely unlike the thinly sliced, shriveled bacon strips you can find elsewhere. Dessert was the Brownie Sundae, which my friends and I split. Overflowing with whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate and caramel sauce -- oh, and a cherry to top it off, of course -- we had to dig into the mason jar to scoop up all of the decadent, chocolaty brownie and ice cream. You know what might've gone great with this dessert? Bacon! -- err maybe. Someone out there has to try it... The restaurant was busy for dinner, but our server didn't miss a step. Great job. Come here with an appetite, and leave enough room for dessert, and maybe a little room for extra bacon.
Perfect for happy hour! Request for a cabana. Definitely go on a Wednesday for their half price wine (glass or bottle). The spicy chicken avocado rolls are delicious!
(4)
Michael S.
I went here for brunch a second time and just wanted say that this time I left happier than the first. This was due to the Wicked Tots brunch entree and the Beingets. Both were outrageously good. The tots were incredible because the meal included so many different types of brunch food all in one (eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham, etc.). It was also a lot of food such that it can be shared. The Beingets were medium sized donuts (quite a few too!) coated with cinnamon and sugar that came with glaze and whipped cream for dipping - truly amazing - also only $7! Overall, I loved both the tots and the beingets and I plan on going back specifically for those again soon!
(5)
Cristina M.
Great spot for brunch!!! We sat on the water and had a great view while eating. Wait was a little long, and they don't take reservations, but that wasn't where they lost their stars. We didn't mind waiting with a breakfast drink in hand. They lost the stars in their service, their service is horrific! While waiting for the table, we got a Bloody Mary and a mimosa. I asked for champagne with a splash of OJ. I got poured a glass out of their premade mimosa jug. Not what I asked for but that's ok, I didn't say anything and paid and drank it. Ordered a Bloody Mary the second round. Food is a little bland. My boyfriend had eggs Benedict and I had the Greek omelette I believe. Was very dry! Needed some Tabasco sauce, and if we ever saw our waiter I could have asked for some. We hadn't seen him since he first took our order. My boyfriend finally got up and asked for Tabasco, and I put it on the last two bites of my food. Had I had it at the beginning my food would have been more enjoyable and they would have got more stars. Great view, and this place could have great potential if they give some staff proper training!!
(3)
Julie J.
Brunch = a-ma-zing!!!! The corned beef hash is the most delicious brunch dish I'd ever had. We also had the bacon pancake, which was huge and delish! Needed more syrup but our server never came back to check on us for us to ask for more. The patio here is great, but there is guaranteed to be a wait. Sitting at the bar is a great option since they open all the windows. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because of the staff - the hostess had quite the unwelcoming attitude, and our not-so-attentive server counted her cash tip right in front of us.
(4)
Laura C.
I almost don't want to review this place as I don't want it to get too busy! We ended up here at 7:30 on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait for a table right on the river. Best meal I have had in Chicago thus far. Stunning setting and the parade of incredible looking food never stopped going by our table. Our meals were delicious and they came out quickly. Our waitresses was the perfect level of helpful even though she had some larger groups to look after. The scotch list is impressive and very reasonably priced.
(5)
Brit C.
Had breakfast here. Great atmosphere, nice views. Quick service. Our bloody Mary's and mimosas were good. Very generous portions. Beignets yummy. The food could be better. I ordered a dish that came out very bland, it seems that the kitchen forgot two of the ingredients that were listed on the menu as being a part of the dish. When I asked the server to bring me one of the items in the side (old bay) she had no idea what that even was. How do you not know what something is when it's listed in multiple items on your menu? All in all, decent but nothing special.
(3)
Bridgette H.
One of my favoriate brunch spots! I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely great! And the view alone deserves 5 stars! They have seating outside near the water and you can watch as the boats go by. It was perfect scenery for a perfect brunch :)
(5)
Miguel L.
The Bridge House Tavern is awesome!! Had burgers and east coast oysters with my co workers. Felt very relaxed and peaceful eating right by the Chicago river. You will love this place!
(5)
Abbie B.
The food was good. The presentation of the food was really nice and the ambiance, scenery and atmosphere was beautiful. #ChicagoNights worth the wait.
(4)
Reb A.
Great view. Good food. Excellent service. What else do you need? I have to write more in order to post so I'll just tell you that I had the shrimp/chorizo omelette. Get the tater tots because the other potatoes are mashed and don't really go with breakfast. Other than that, everything was really good. Next time I'm getting the brioche French Toast. It looked amazing!
(4)
Aaron M.
Wanted to have dinner on the river and have some good drinks. View is amazing, as it is pretty much all outdoor seating and the food was great too. We watched tons of boats go by, ate classy bar food and had a few beers. Would highly recommend!
(4)
Lori A.
Stopped for lunch on the river and both had incredible salads and bloody's! Wait staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely go back!
(4)
Nicole W.
This place is the biggest tourist trap and should be ashamed to call themselves a restaurant. I know that may sound harsh but the quality of this food is absolute crap. We ordered the spicy chicken avocado rolls for an app (barf). I ordered the steak sandwich which had way to much gristle. My fries tasted like they has been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. My friend ordered a grilled cheese.... The cheese wasn't completely melted. Drinks were ok. Nothing about this place is special. I've got better food at a concession stand. If you want good food on the river walk check out River Roast, where they actually care about the quality of their food.
(1)
Kyle D.
Overall: Good food and a good lead to an overall great experience at Bridge House. Not the most memorable experience, but definitely a solid option. The good: Good food with pretty reasonable pricing for downtown. Went for brunch and everything was tasty. Great river view and tons of patio seating. Portion sizes are large. The bad: Service was so-so. The menu, while good, did not have a ton of options. At least for brunch anyway. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 8/10
(4)
Christine G.
I went for Sunday Brunch and ended up ordering the Caramelized Banana and french toast. Be warned, the portion sizes are huge- mine was enough for 2 people. I also got the mash potatoes side, which was also delicious. Kind of felt a little ignored at times at the bar, but i was watching TV. Would love to do a dinner or something here next time I'm in town
(4)
Stefanie W.
Saturday morning late February brunch...delicious! I can't wait to return when the patio is open though. $5 Bloody Marys or Mimosas. A menu of brunch drinks for $8. Super good. Service was friendly and fun. We enjoyed the crab cake Benedict and chicken and waffles. Both came with a heaping mound of mashed potatoes. The Benedict was great and my husband described the chicken and waffles and unusual...disturbing...but delicious. So much savory and sweet in an unexpected way. Preceding all were the freshly made beignets which came with liqueur flavored whipped cream and a sort of sweet cinnamon dip. Mmmmm.....
(4)
Courtney W.
I'll start this off by saying the location and atmosphere are awesome. Hence the TWO stars. Otherwise, my friends and I (a party of four) came on a Tuesday night, hoping to sit outside on a beautiful night. Granted when we arrived the outside seating was crowded but as we waited for 30-40 minutes, we saw tables of 6 and 7 person parties walking in and getting seated right away. We asked and they said larger parties were seated faster because those tables were already put together. As were tables of 2, two couples came in and were seated before us as well. After being told we had a while to wait and as we gave up and left, we saw a table of three seats wide open and asked about that. They said "we were just going to ask you about that". Too late, it's a beautiful location but tables can move and be adjusted for the number of people that arrive, first come first served.
(2)
Andres G.
Ive never been here before but now I am definitely coming back. We had dinner at 630pm and we sat outside. The view from the waterfront was spectacular. Watching boats and duck swim by just added to the great skyscape of buildings and bridges. The manager, staff and our dinner was fantastic. I never had chicken stuffed with feta cheese wrapped in bacon: utterly delicious. Overall, a great time and a first class dinner.
(5)
t f.
After waiting at another riverwalk restaurant for 40 mins for a waiter to take our order we decided to leave and try Bridge House Tavern just a block away. Although there was a 30 mins wait for a table we sat at the bar until being seated to have a glass of mimosa~something to take the edge off from our previous experience. The staff seemed happy to be of service & once we were seated Jen our server was helpful in making recommendations; attentive in refilling our mimosa glasses & checking on us periodically if we needed anything else. Great job Jen considering how busy you were taking care of all the other tables around. The food was good; mimosas great and service on par! Will not hesitate to try again or recommend to friends!
(3)
Mellanie R.
My friend and I went there for dinner on a Tuesday night. I got the steamed pot (so delicious, I highly recommend!) and my friend got the steak frites, which she enjoyed. Great food, cocktails and view!
(5)
Jacqueline S.
Loved the food loved the view. Only complaint---Steak Sandwich-- too much sauce will make bread soggy ask for it on the side. Also meat was a bit fatty. Overall it was pleasant on the palette.
(4)
Katie L.
Our server Danyel was wonderful, very helpful explaining different options on the menu and had an up beat, fun attitude which made our dining experience enjoyable. Nice outdoor seating, beautiful view of the river!
(5)
Matt S.
Wow, I love this place, although our server and host this past time were awful. Trifecta of terrible service. First of all, while asking for a one of the many tables outside that were open, the host sat us at the one in the sun, while cleaning off a shaded table. When we asked if we could sit there, he said that they were saving it for someone. Umm, thought it was first come first serve? Second, when we sat down, the waitress said that they were only serving drinks (which we were fine with) but then why were people sitting next to us having a meal - is there special treatment for some? Third, the waitress forgot one of my drinks and ignored any opportunity to flag her down for the check. When we got the check, we paid with cash and tried handing the bill to her while making eye contact and handing off the bill she just walked away. Wow, how rude? I'll give this place another chance, but hopefully not while that server and host are working...
(1)
Tara B.
Fantastic and fun find. We are near the bar and had great service. The Mac and cheese appetizer is tiny but amazing. The Pork Belly BLT is really very yummy. It's clearly a popular place for 20 something locals and multi generational adult family members as well. Only downside is small servings of wine.
(4)
Kurt W.
Wow. Amazing view and great good. We had great service as well. With tons of great restaurants in the city, I will be coming back on my next visit. Can't beat the views, great food, and $5 mimosas.
(5)
Jenna G.
The view and the service was excellent! However the food we got was just ok.... I got the steak frites and there was a cream poured all over them... Not my thing, cream and steak..blah! My husband got the burger... He liked it. Not the best and not the worst.
(3)
Emily S.
The food was fairly good and the atmosphere and location is great. A big pet peeve is getting a Pepsi when you've asked for Coke and not being told what products they have.
(3)
Kentaro M.
Best place for a nice day in Chicago. next to the river and the food is great. joe the server was very nice and helped us get the best items on the menu. the crab cake egg Benedict and the corn beef hash was amazing would definitely recommend.
(5)
Julia T.
Great atmosphere if you can get a seat outside. Husband and I ordered a few "shareables". Guacamole and chips were delicious. Probably one of the best guacamoles I have ever had. Lamb meat balls were flavorful and tender. We also had the chicken and avocado rolls. They were tasty but fried and a little heavy.
(3)
Darl B.
Just meh not like bad. I actualy give yelp reviews per the words so if a place is not a-oaky ie i want to go back again and gain for some reason then this is rating. so take with that grain of salt. just not a fan for another lunch here. tried it sometime back and heres report: sides like fries and tater tots totally unispired. just bit oily and zero special. not sure why this is so but but im a foodie, as readers will remember, so thats a fail. got steak sand. was slightly overcooked. not end of the world. tough thick edge grsitle is though. here's a pro tip- cut it off before you server it on a sammy. I mean it was kind of gristle ya cant chew and have to like spit it in a napkin on the sly. rest of quality of meat is okay dont know fer sure tho was too overcooked to say seemed okay quality tho fo rest.. table next to us ordered some bbq on the side heard waiter say that a dollar. (dollar makes em holler) oMG are yo ukidding me u cant be serious!?. LOLz and thats what lends to this kind odd vibe. no farkin fun but hey you can look out over that pristine chicago river so theres that. all imo only. good luck but oy.
(2)
Kathy L.
If you are looking for a fun place to have a drink then go here. Make sure it isn't pouring down the time you go either so you can sit outside. The view of the river with the boats is worth it. The food was just ok. Next time I go it will be just for the drinks. The service is good though. The place was crowded. I would recommend a reservation especially on a nice night.
(3)
Kimberly K.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food for being in a touristy spot right along the river. The view is great and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but a little upscale and trendy. The ceviche and duck tacos were both solid. The cocktails leave a little to be desired. The few that we had were overly syrupy sweet. If you get a classic cocktail, make sure to tell them to go easy on the sweet vermouth or syrup. Or, just stick to beer like we did on the second round. ;-)
(3)
Mark S.
Went for the first time last night to BHT. I go their early and they had our table waiting for us. I had a signature Old Fashioned which was terrific. For starters we had the pretzels and a dozen oysters that were to die for - half a dozen east coast, half a dozen west. For entrees we selected fish and chips (with bacon), short rib, arugula salad, rigatoni with sausage, mac and cheese. I had the short rib with sauteed spinach (excellent) and cauliflower (baked with cheese, very luscious). My short rib was tasty but tough as though all the fat had been trimmed off. Everyone enjoyed their entrees quite a bit. The fish and chips (I snuck a taste) was really hot, crisp and fresh. For dessert we had the brownie sundae with ice cream and toppings. Very very good. The staff was very friendly and came by often enough, but not too often.
(4)
Michelle L.
This was our first stop when my friends and I arrived in Chicago. Drinks were good and reasonably priced. My friend and I shared a cheese plate while other friends had a salad. The salads were HUGE and delicious. The best part of the whole experience was the location. The restaurant is located right on the river and the view is beautiful. I will definitely return on my next Chicago visit!
(4)
Molly R.
What a patio! The Bridge House Tavern is a perfect urban spot to grab a bite under the sun and watch the boats drift by. We wanted to split the mussels, but they were out, so we settled on the cheese board for an app. For entrees we went light and had a couple of salads; the wedge (Nueske bacon, roasted tomatoes, hard egg, onion trio, bleu cheese) and spinach (roasted beets, goat cheese, spicy pecans, sunny egg, strawberry vin!!). Fresh and innovative salads, but the cheese board - eeek! Fresh strawberries - yes! Honey drizzled toasts - yes! Apple slices - yes! Kraft-like cheese cubes straight from Jewel Osco - oh, no you didn't! All dishes were be-a-u-tifully plated and reasonably priced for DT Chicago. The place needs to puh-lease add some more veg-friendly options and schedule a serious cheese plate revamp, but still gets a solid rating in my book for the view, the value, and the creative menu. Methinks you should go on a sunny day, and avoid the cheese plate.
(4)
Jennifer Q.
A girlfriend and I came here for lunch on a Wednesday at about 1 and were able to have a table outside which overlooked the river without having to wait. While it was a little cool and windy we still enjoyed sitting outside watching as boats and such passed by. At one point a group on a boat docked next to the restaurant to stop for lunch. Our server was very nice and quick to see what it was that we would like to for drinks. They had a good variety of on tap beers as well as a good wine list, I ended up having a Riesling and my friend had a Two Brothers beer. As for lunch, I had the chicken club sandwich with the side salad which came with an oil dressing. The sandwich was huge! And delicious! The sandwich had the normal tomato, lettuce and so on, but also had avocado, yum! The salad was good too and did not have iceberg lettuce if I remember correctly. My friend had the Reuben sandwich which was also a large serving. Overall, I would say that Bridge House Tavern is a relaxed and enjoyable place to have lunch, and I plan on eventually going back to have dinner there.
(4)
Jennifer G.
I'm torn between two and three stars. I'm giving it three because they let my group of five linger for a long time on a Saturday evening and it wasn't too loud, so it was a decent spot for a group.. It was too cold to sit outside, and I think the outside seating is probably the main reason to go to Bridge House Tavern instead of the many other great restaurants in the area. The place is cozy, our table was fine and the service was decent. I was excited about the popcorn--very disappointed. Every handful I took had hard kernels in it; it was like it was from the bottom of the barrel. The bread and butter was just ok. The mussels were the smallest I've ever seen or eaten and the broth was forgettable. The steak frites was odd--the steak was on top of the frites and it was covered in sauce; it was ok but not what I expect with steak frites. One person had a pork chop and another had a BLT and they were happy with their dishes. Overall this is an ok option for drinks outside, otherwise I wouldn't go back.
(3)
Maital S.
I was rather disappointed with my experience here. The service and ambiance/location was excellent, but the food was just okay. I had been looking forward to this restaurant for quite some time, so perhaps my hopes were high, but the food really did not impress me or the rest of my table. Go for the ambiance and location, not the food.
(3)
Tracey M.
I am not a barbecue fan. I'll have some if I get outvoted, but it won't be my first choice. Yet when I sat down at Bridge House Tavern last weekend, what's the first thing I wanted to try? The Pig Wings. Yes, they couldn't get any more BBQ. Nevertheless, I got them. And they were GREAT. Fall off the bone, tender, melt-in-your-mouth great. Got a few other things, too, including the goat-cheese bruschetta which was also very tasty. My friend got fish and chips. Nothing extraordinary there, your typical fish and chips. Our waitress was very attentive but not so much that she was bothersome. Great meal, good wine list.
(5)
L L.
Great location, indoor/outdoor options both look awesome, and a good atmosphere -- decor is good enough for a business dinner and TVs everywhere make it suitable for the sports fan. Menu, as others have stated, is on the short side but that's a good thing in my eyes. In fact, the menu somewhat characterizes the restaurant: concise but with a wide range (both drinks/cuisine), average pricing, and a few surprises (bacon shake with the salmon BLT). Having said all that, I give it 3.5* because of the service. I was on hold for at least a few minutes when I called to check for seats (at 8 pm) and was met with no apology. She was also obviously multi-tasking when I finally got to talk to her. Hostess wasn't friendly at all when we got there, waitress took a while to get to us, and she didn't really warm up untli the evening went along. I'm sure it'll get better, but I have to hold back that last star until the service improves.
(4)
Juliann P.
Pretty much a perfect spring afternoon thanks to BHT. It was a bit chilly outside but the with the heaters on you would have never noticed. Lovely setting right on the river, super cool location utilizing one of the old bridge towers, excellent "bar" food, Lagunitas IPA on tap, perfect service.
(5)
Tyler C.
Great view of the river, absolutely! This is a terrific brunch spot. Brunch mimosas and bloody marys. (great spice in the bloodys) The food was fair. I was expecting a little more with the biscuits and gravy and it was a little salty for my tastes, but, the Chicken and Waffles were terrific. They have many great choices, so its definitely worth going back. Besides, the people watching was fabulous, especially when boats dock up to the restaurant.
(4)
Carolyn B.
Nice location on the river, but the food was not good. Frozen tasteless hamburger patty, bottled Caesar salad dressing.
(1)
Natasha C.
I went to Bridge House Tavern for Dinner on a beautiful September night. We sat outside on the patio with the view of the river and the skyline which granted it 3 stars. However, I think you pay more for the view than the food. We got a macaroni and cheese app which was pretty good, but I've had better. Then I got the grilled cheese because I'm vegetarian which was pretty awful. I didn't eat any of it. My boyfriend got the steak sandwich which he said was okay, but not great. The drinks were good, but I thought the drink menu was limited. I would go back for the view in the summer because it's awesome not the food.
(3)
Rachel A.
Love this place! Great food, the AGM Rich was courteous and took care of us well. I met the owners and they were nice guys since they took time to stop by and say hello. Very nice staff and did I mention AMAZING food?!?!? Wow. Oh and a side note...Theo Epstein just happened to walk in and eat here...made my night as I am a HUGE Cubs fan :)
(5)
Lisa I.
I've been here multiple times already and every time we have had an exceptional experience! The wait staff is extremely attentive, the food is divine and I absolutely love the atmosphere! It has such unique flair, chic yet warm and inviting. This is for sure the new Chicago hot spot!
(5)
Ranjit V.
I got the roasted chicken. It came with grits by default so I asked if I could sub onion rings. At first, the waitress said no subs, so I ordered a side. Then she check with the manager and got the sub with an up-charge. They were very nice and the food was good. It came out fast too!
(3)
Julie K.
I loved sitting right on the river. Was so beautiful. We ordered appetizers and loved everything
(4)
Ray K.
Stopped in for happy hour after work. They're on the North side of the Chicago River and have a great outdoor patio & view. In the early evening it sits in the shadow so you're protected when its hot out and heat lamps will keep you warm when its chilly. Not a great beer selection (large that is...but on a good note, it has decent variety and brews as well as a good drink menu overall). Service was friendly and attentive. I've been there for lunch before and want to come back to try their food again. TV's on the outdoor patio was a surprise bonus to watch the game.
(4)
Morgan C.
This place is just not worth it, despite the fact that it provides river-front views. I have been here a couple times and I am really struggling to see how I will ever decide to come to this place again, especially since there are just so many places that pay closer attention to the details that make a dining experience enjoyable. If it's hard to justify coming here in summer, I really can't imagine how this place can survive over the long Chicago winter (clearly they rely heavily on tourist traffic). This review is a for people considering going to Bridge House but also is directed to the Manager/Owner of Bridge House (since I can see that he sometimes responds to yelp reviews, so I assume takes some consideration of them). FOOD: The food here is not bad in terms of flavor, but the problem is that the portion sizes are really ridiculous. After reading this complaint in other reviews, my first thought was "well, you can't fault a restaurant much for giving you too much food as opposed to too little." Well, I was wrong. My most recent trip here for brunch proved to me that there is such a thing as portions that are so big that they severely detract from the enjoyment of the meal and the setting. The food that could otherwise be described as slightly upscale comfort food, loses that characteristic because you can't be anything close to upscale when the portions are 2 or 3 times times too large. The ambiance of this place is lost when your server arrives with a cheesecake factory size dish. I would think that a restaurant would want to avoid this type of unnecessary waste. SERVICE: The large portion sizes could be excused if not for the HORRIBLE service, which is truly a reflection on management. Our server was friendly enough, and I don't think he is to blame. It's the overall lack of general service from the entire operation that is the problem. Just to give a couple examples (because there are too many to list them all), servers don't recognize that an empty water bottle sitting on the side of a table is an indication to get a table more water. Even if this is technically our waiter's job, other server's should be instructed to pitch in with something so simple yet critical to service (and of course our server should be told that he should look out for this). Our server also never seemed to recognize that our empty mimosa glasses sitting on the side of the table was an indication that we probably should be asked if we would like to order another drink. The overall unappetizing dishes plus many other service issues left us regretting our decision to have brunch at Bridge House. I really wanted to like this place and have given it a few tries as a result, but service is such a huge part of a dining experience and that it is hard to overlook when it is truly poor. I hope the manager takes the service aspect of the dining experience more seriously because I really would like to be able to return and enjoy a meal on the river in the future (or even return in the colder months if the food/service merits it). For now, it definitely does not.
(2)
Lanita T.
I enjoyed my food very much. The staff there was very nice and help. The shrimp and grits was sooooo delicious! I also ordered a turkey sandwich on Focaccia and asked the waitress to bring me some of their basil mayo and that took that sandwich to whole other level. I also took one of our VIPs to this restaurant and even though I hadn't told anyone I was bringing a VIP, the owner was there and greeted us and made sure we all were very comfortable. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Karen G.
Went here for lunch. No wait to sit onside on a beautiful Chicago day. It was delicious and I could barely walk when I left. We started with the popcorn (honey, bacon, jalapeno) and the shrimp and grits. The shrimp dish was phenomenal!! We then had sandwiches (turkey and chicken) and they were fine, large in portion size. We decided to end the meal with the fried waffle and ice cream. Again, phenomenal! There was also the bottle of Moscato mixed in, which was great as well (and well priced). Well I can't say that I eat this way for lunch every day, but I would definitely come back again. If you like shrimp and grits, you can't go wrong- and save room for dessert.
(4)
Tom H.
Quality control seems to be an issue here. Had this salad again a couple of times and it wasn't the same...too bad.
(2)
California J.
We loved this place! When we called and spoke to the hostess Danielle, she said she would be happy to seat us near a TV to watch the Bulls game. When we arrived she was so sweet and gave us options as to where to sit which was awesome. Our waitress Harmony was excellent. She gave us excellent recommendations on the menu: -Popcorn was delicious, we took it home and ate it the next day for leftovers -Pig wings were fall-off-the-bone amazing -Linguini with shrimp was to die for -Steak frites: now this was the only hiccup in the experience...we had to send the steak back because it was so charred it tasted like straight up charcoal even though I ordered it medium-rare. Harmony was happy to take it back and have the chef remake a new steak, and the second dish was unbelievably good. -Mousse cake, yummy but not out of this world Overall the place was awesome and I can't wait to go back when it warms up so I can sit outside and enjoy the river view! I will be back very soon.
(5)
Pauly S.
hardly ever write reviews but felt compelled to do so and this one is aimed right at the bar tender who looked like a less cute version of Seth Rogen. No only was he INCREDIBLY rude to my face, he also made horribly racist remarks to other patrons loudly and made the worst gin cocktails I have ever had. We actually had to ask for limes later on just to cover up how bad they were. Food was pretty good and our waitress was very pleasant but the bartender was so offensive I will absolutely never go back here. Maybe someone should teach him a thing or two about the service industry
(2)
Charley F.
We went during the winter...clearly this is a summer spot known more for drinks and space outside on the water than anything else. The food was pretty poor. I love specialty flavored popcorn however the flavors of theirs didnt seem to mesh well together. I had the beer cheese soup and a salad. Soup was pretty standard but still great comfort food. Salad was just ok. My boyfriend ordered the lamb which after ordering he was informed they were out of. He went with the short rib as an alternative which was way too tough and lacked flavor. We love to try new places. Happy to say I can check a new one off my list but I doubt we will return.
(1)
Brad R.
This place was amazing. We stopped in looking for a nice place to grab a bite to eat, looking for a nice view of the river, and yet needed a place that wasn't too rowdy as we had our 18month old daughter with us. This place had everything we needed. Solid beer selection of local brews (Goose Island, Two Brothers, Half Acre) and plenty of artisinal dishes. We started with the meat and cheese platter and were blown away by the great spread before us. With the location being right on the water, you can sit outside and watch the boats go by or soak up some sun. Even at night during winter, we found it was a great place to be. The interior is pretty narrow with a long bar and several tables on either side, but we thought the layout was just perfect. We found a quaint spot on the far side of the bar where our little one could walk around without disturbing anyone while mom and dad got their drink on! Great selection of wines and beers. We stayed for dinner and had the Mac n Cheese. It was incredible. I loved the entire menu, service, and ambiance. We'd definitely be back. To top it off, they even had baby changing tables in the bathroom. Woo Hoo!
(5)
Mark H.
Sat on the terrace on a beautiful Summer's evening. On the upper terrace we could only get appetizers and bottled beer which i later noticed she was pulling from a cooler. One of the appetizers was entitled the charcuterie plate and I do not exaggerate when I say it was a small amount of various meat cuts which clearly had been rejected from every other potential culinary use. These fatty grayish substances were accompanied by mounds of French toast in an effort to fill out the plate. It was about this time that I noticed I had clearly surpassed the limited capacity of the cooler and was being served warm beer. I suspect it's possible to have a much better experience elsewhere in this establishment perhaps with better food choices, but would strongly reccomend avoiding what's laughingly decribed as the "butcher and larder"
(2)
Lou A.
The atmosphere of this place is so calming and nice. We went here yesterday for brunch and the food was good. Nothing that I couldnt get anywhere else in the city, but the views are fantastic. All in all I will give this place another shot for dinner instead of brunch!
(4)
Matt R.
Went on a Saturday morning and had a great breakfast. For a name with tavern in it, highly above tavern food. Modern setting, American cuisine, and full bar. Friendly staff. Right on the river. Great place.
(5)
Vanessa K.
We dined at this restaurant over the 4th of July weekend. The location and view were great. Ping wings were delicious, popcorns were interesting; however, the mussels and salmon we ordered were stale, and the waitress brought a pile of "clean" plates with tomato and onion leftovers stuck on them. When we asked for new plates, she was not apologetic or even surprised with what had happened. After the dinner, my friend got a severe stomachache, followed by vomiting and diarrhea from food poisoning for the remainder of the holiday weekend; he has yet to feel better. Not speaking of the poor dinner selection, I was surprised by how bad the service and the quality of the food were at this seemingly trendy, high quality restaurant.
(1)
Matt S.
Spent my birthday at Bridge House Tavern last Saturday with a large group of friends for my first visit. Service, is one of the best of any restaurants/bars I have been to in Chicago. The popcorn and steak frites were excellent. Initially we intended to only visit Bridge House Tavern for dinner but ended up closing the place down. Incredible location, right on the river. Drink service was quick and quite reasonable for Chicago. The general manager Josh was extremely friendly, checking to make sure the restaurant was meeting our expectations. I was extremely impressed. Needless to say I will DEFINITELY be returning to Bridge House Tavern very soon. One of the best in Chicago hands down. Looking forward to their St. Patrick's day specials!
(5)
Prashant S.
We went at lunchtime to celebrate a colleague's birthday and it was a fantastic experience sitting outside overlooking the river on a beautiful afternoon. Service was prompt and friendly. Appetizers: Chicken Avocado rolls were fantastic, so was the popcorn. Entrees: I had the fish and chips and it was one of the best I have ever had. My friend had linguini and really liked it, a couple of folks in our group had the chicken club and raved about it... I am a fan!!!
(4)
David B.
This place was excellent! We had trouble deciding what to order since everything sounded good but our server was extremely helpful in offering suggestions and everything we tried was great! You must try the bacon popcorn. It is amazing! Between the excellent service, food, and amazing view, I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Andrew G.
Worst burger ever. Salad has no flavor. Save money. McDonalds is better. Stale bun. Mustard needs processed. Stay away.
(1)
Lala R.
I recently grabbed dinner and a glass of wine here with a group of friends for a girls night- enjoying a beautiful summer night on the river while catching up with great friends. It was delightful until, as the manger called them, "their furry little friends" showed up. Yes RATS RATS RATS! And they are big. One ran under our table while the other ran across the ledge NEXT to our table. Gross, right!? Nothing tastes good after seeing rats run around, not even all the wine in their bar could keep me there or coming back.
(1)
Pony J.
I enjoyed dining along the Chicago River. I had brunch on a sunny summer Saturday morning near kayakers along the river. It's a great location, decent Bloody Mary but I will make this a cocktails only stop.
(2)
Meagan C.
I went for brunch with my sister and my mom the other day. It was so beautiful out and being on the water was awesome. I wish I could say that the food was awesome, but I cannot. I ordered the bacon pancakes- there were two GIANT pancakes that were soggy and uncooked in the middle, they were way too heavy and only had four bacon pieces sticking out of the sides so you were tricked into thinking there was bacon throughout. My sister had the brioche french toast- besides lacking flavor, they were soggy and uncooked in the middle as well! Both our dishes came with fresh fruit which literally looked like someone took one little cube of a strawberry and diced it up into pieces that would be too small even for a baby to eat. My mom ordered the three pigs biscuit and gravy- the bread was rubbery, the sausage was tiny and chewy, the gravy was so sparse it was unbelievable! Biscuits and gravy usually have ample gravy, not a little tablespoon on top... Service was not great by any means! It was hot out and our glasses went unfilled for a long period of time. It was not even busy and they had at least 3-4 servers on hand that I saw for the 6 tables that were eating. Nobody checked on us and we were so over the meal. We will not be back and we will not send anyone there. I would rather wait in line at Yolk or Meli or IHOP even for breakfast... *Note to the restaurant, maybe you guys should always have your food and service on point because you never know who is dining with you. Like someone who has the ability to send you a good amount of business had everything been okay.
(2)
Andrea G.
This restaurant has such potential but it seems like some of the staff needs a training in good customer service. I made a reservation and requested a table outside, they told us we could sit inside right away or wait 20-25 min for a table outside. We decided to go to the bar and wait for the table outside. The bartender was incredibly rude, making jokes and racist comments about the bussers, then belittling one of us when we said we couldn't carry 3 glasses and a carafe to our table. He didn't deserve the small tip we left. The hostess said we could sit at a high top table but that other tables she had no idea how long the wait would be...then why did you quote us 20 min before? The high tops outside are too small for 3 people. Our server was attentive, we complained about the bartender a couple times but she didn't offer to comp anything. Food was good; we had pretzel bites, chop chop salad, avocado rolls and Mac n cheese. I would come again for drinks to be along the river, but would try other places before.
(3)
Kate O.
I went here for my birthday and loved it! My boyfriend made our reservations and apparently mentioned that we were celebrating my birthday; when we arrived at our table, our server came by with a delicious dessert on the house. Any meal that starts with free dessert is bound to be phenomenal! Everything from start to finish was just awesome---the pinot grigio by the glass is great; the spicy chicken avocado rolls were a yummy appetizer; and the spinach salad & linguini were delicious, too. Our servers (one was shadowing/training) were perfectly balanced in being attentive but not overbearing, and the manager checked in a couple of times to chat with us & make sure things were up to par. Our table was literally right next to the river, which was just what I was hoping for---good job to the bf & hostess for making that happen!---and the whole experience overall was just awesome. Good food, great service, and the perfect summertime dinner atmosphere. We will be back----particularly on Wednesdays for 1/2 priced bottles of wine!
(5)
H M.
Today, was my second meal at Bridge House and once again, I was impressed. The spinach salad is delicious (with or without the fried egg on top). I'm also a huge fan of the popcorn (unlike any other) and the Pig Wing (despite the name) is fantastic! I've heard the Mac n Cheese, the burger and the grilled cheese sandwich are also all delicious from friends who have visited. And it's always a nice bonus to have a polite/friendly staff around you. All told- it's a perfect outdoor venue given both the quality/unique variety of food coupled with the ambience. If you go at the right time over lunch (12:30-1:00 pm), all the bridges go up to let sailboats pass which is pretty cool to watch!
(5)
Trixy D.
Finally was open. Tried to go here for several weeks in January, but was closed for owners Christmas vacation till Jan 18th. The restaurant and bar are on River Level, the inside is pretty small. We came in for beer and ordered the popcorn with jalepeno, smoked salt, bacon and honey and it is pretty darned tasty!!! I'll bet it is a great place to drink on the outside patio and I would LOVE to go there and sit outside under a blanket with the heaters! Sounds cozy. In order to get down there you go into an elevator in one of the Bridge Towers...it is the only Bridge Tower you can go inside. Its not as cool as I thought it would be. :-) It was pretty dead in January when we went down there, and we tried to go there four times while they were closed...to the point that we just don't even think of going there anymore because it was closed for so long. Hopefully we will think of it once the weather gets nice and try it again.
(4)
Jay G.
A friend and I decided to eat here last minute, and I'm definitely glad we chose this place. It has a gorgeous view of the river and nearby buildings. The food was delicious, and it had a nice atmosphere. Definitely a good place for dinner.
(4)
Lisi Z.
The only reason I would come back is the patio/view- but you would have to twist my arm a little bit.... an unpleasant waitress gave me attitude when i asked for salt/pepper and ketchup, as if I asked for her first born child, but i guess that says enough in itself-why werent these things on the table in the first place? Long wait, subpar food. Was excited to try this place but thumbs down
(2)
Jess P.
I came here for a private event, so I can't speak to the regular menu. The catering menu included very good passed appetizers: crab cakes, coconut shrimp, mini grilled cheese sandwiches with spicy tomato bisque, tomato mozzarella skewers, and chicken and avocado wraps. There was a buffet with mini burgers, portabello sliders, and short rib sliders, flatbreads with artichoke and another with proscuitto, mac and cheese with toppings, and desserts like fruit skewers, lemon bars, and chocolate pecan bars. The bar served decent wines and beers. But the real draw of this place is the view. There are outdoor seats along the river, and it is heated in the cool weather. The bathrooms are individual, unisex rooms.
(4)
Edward A.
Make no mistake, you're paying for the patio-by-the-river experience here. I'd definitely come back for a drink and maybe a snack. Dinner, not so much. If you're gonna change $14 for a cheese plate, please don't let the most exquisite cheese be a hunk of smoked gouda. Where's the funky stuff? My steak frites was cooked properly, I just couldn't taste the meat through all the sauce. Overall I enjoyed my experience on a beautiful night by the river but left underwhelmed with the food.
(3)
Nikki S.
On my recent trip to Chicago I choose Bridge house tavern for Sunday Brunch and my main reason for choosing BHT was the view but food was just as impressive. We choose outdoor seating and loved our table on the river. Beautiful sunny afternoon! with amazing view. Brunch was even more pleasant with $5 Bloody Mary and Mimosas they offer on weekends from 10 am to 3 pm :-) I ordered the Smoked Trout Hash: Smoked Trout with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style (I ordered my over medium), old bay hollandaise. This dish was so good...I never had smoked trout hash before so I can't compare it to previous experience but I truly enjoyed every bite of it. My friend ordered the Huevos Rancheros: 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas Super yummy again and the presentation was outstanding. Over all a great experience and must do if you are visiting Chicago in warm season. Great food..... great atmosphere and view and very good service. I will be back on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)
Jamie H.
Bridge House Tavern is an amazing dining experience: with good service, amazing view of the Chicago River and the food, in a word....AWESOME!! During the back-to-back visits I had last week with my best friends who also works in the area, I had their steak sandwich, the salmon mousse appetizer one day then went back again and had their Tavern Oyster Rockefeller! I also tried my friend's meals of their Fish & Chips and Duck Tacos, all were wonderful! The best part of all was that the meals were reasonably priced! I will be a returning customer, for sure! Thanks for a fabulous lunch!
(5)
Vanessa V.
Bridge House Tavern: Where I ate too much, yet had enough room for dessert -- story of my life, basically. The food here is pretty damn good, and the view isn't so bad either. The deck seems like the happening spot on weekdays when the weather isn't rough, but I much prefer dining indoors where it's less noisy, and the cool breeze flows right in. For starters we ordered the Tavern Chips for the bacon and blue cheese combo. The Oysters Rockerfeller were bomb with an added touch of crunchy bacon strips. Order that if you have the opportunity. My entree was the Steak Sandwich. Delicious, though I felt a little awkward tearing into my 6oz Angus steak in public. All around flavorful with its smoked cheese, grilled onions and that jalapeno mayo that contributed some heat. BACON FREAKS: Bacon can be added to almost every order. One of my friends ordered extra bacon for his BLT, and another asked for crumbled bacon to be sprinkled over his Fish & Chips. Both agreed that their respective dishes were tasty and filling. By the way, the bacon's thick. Definitely unlike the thinly sliced, shriveled bacon strips you can find elsewhere. Dessert was the Brownie Sundae, which my friends and I split. Overflowing with whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate and caramel sauce -- oh, and a cherry to top it off, of course -- we had to dig into the mason jar to scoop up all of the decadent, chocolaty brownie and ice cream. You know what might've gone great with this dessert? Bacon! -- err maybe. Someone out there has to try it... The restaurant was busy for dinner, but our server didn't miss a step. Great job. Come here with an appetite, and leave enough room for dessert, and maybe a little room for extra bacon.
Perfect for happy hour! Request for a cabana. Definitely go on a Wednesday for their half price wine (glass or bottle). The spicy chicken avocado rolls are delicious!
(4)
Michael S.
I went here for brunch a second time and just wanted say that this time I left happier than the first. This was due to the Wicked Tots brunch entree and the Beingets. Both were outrageously good. The tots were incredible because the meal included so many different types of brunch food all in one (eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham, etc.). It was also a lot of food such that it can be shared. The Beingets were medium sized donuts (quite a few too!) coated with cinnamon and sugar that came with glaze and whipped cream for dipping - truly amazing - also only $7! Overall, I loved both the tots and the beingets and I plan on going back specifically for those again soon!
(5)
Cristina M.
Great spot for brunch!!! We sat on the water and had a great view while eating. Wait was a little long, and they don't take reservations, but that wasn't where they lost their stars. We didn't mind waiting with a breakfast drink in hand. They lost the stars in their service, their service is horrific! While waiting for the table, we got a Bloody Mary and a mimosa. I asked for champagne with a splash of OJ. I got poured a glass out of their premade mimosa jug. Not what I asked for but that's ok, I didn't say anything and paid and drank it. Ordered a Bloody Mary the second round. Food is a little bland. My boyfriend had eggs Benedict and I had the Greek omelette I believe. Was very dry! Needed some Tabasco sauce, and if we ever saw our waiter I could have asked for some. We hadn't seen him since he first took our order. My boyfriend finally got up and asked for Tabasco, and I put it on the last two bites of my food. Had I had it at the beginning my food would have been more enjoyable and they would have got more stars. Great view, and this place could have great potential if they give some staff proper training!!
(3)
Julie J.
Brunch = a-ma-zing!!!! The corned beef hash is the most delicious brunch dish I'd ever had. We also had the bacon pancake, which was huge and delish! Needed more syrup but our server never came back to check on us for us to ask for more. The patio here is great, but there is guaranteed to be a wait. Sitting at the bar is a great option since they open all the windows. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because of the staff - the hostess had quite the unwelcoming attitude, and our not-so-attentive server counted her cash tip right in front of us.
(4)
Laura C.
I almost don't want to review this place as I don't want it to get too busy! We ended up here at 7:30 on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait for a table right on the river. Best meal I have had in Chicago thus far. Stunning setting and the parade of incredible looking food never stopped going by our table. Our meals were delicious and they came out quickly. Our waitresses was the perfect level of helpful even though she had some larger groups to look after. The scotch list is impressive and very reasonably priced.
(5)
Brit C.
Had breakfast here. Great atmosphere, nice views. Quick service. Our bloody Mary's and mimosas were good. Very generous portions. Beignets yummy. The food could be better. I ordered a dish that came out very bland, it seems that the kitchen forgot two of the ingredients that were listed on the menu as being a part of the dish. When I asked the server to bring me one of the items in the side (old bay) she had no idea what that even was. How do you not know what something is when it's listed in multiple items on your menu? All in all, decent but nothing special.
(3)
Bridgette H.
One of my favoriate brunch spots! I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely great! And the view alone deserves 5 stars! They have seating outside near the water and you can watch as the boats go by. It was perfect scenery for a perfect brunch :)
(5)
Aaron M.
Wanted to have dinner on the river and have some good drinks. View is amazing, as it is pretty much all outdoor seating and the food was great too. We watched tons of boats go by, ate classy bar food and had a few beers. Would highly recommend!
(4)
Lori A.
Stopped for lunch on the river and both had incredible salads and bloody's! Wait staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely go back!
(4)
Nicole W.
This place is the biggest tourist trap and should be ashamed to call themselves a restaurant. I know that may sound harsh but the quality of this food is absolute crap. We ordered the spicy chicken avocado rolls for an app (barf). I ordered the steak sandwich which had way to much gristle. My fries tasted like they has been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. My friend ordered a grilled cheese.... The cheese wasn't completely melted. Drinks were ok. Nothing about this place is special. I've got better food at a concession stand. If you want good food on the river walk check out River Roast, where they actually care about the quality of their food.
(1)
Kyle D.
Overall: Good food and a good lead to an overall great experience at Bridge House. Not the most memorable experience, but definitely a solid option. The good: Good food with pretty reasonable pricing for downtown. Went for brunch and everything was tasty. Great river view and tons of patio seating. Portion sizes are large. The bad: Service was so-so. The menu, while good, did not have a ton of options. At least for brunch anyway. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 8/10
(4)
Christine G.
I went for Sunday Brunch and ended up ordering the Caramelized Banana and french toast. Be warned, the portion sizes are huge- mine was enough for 2 people. I also got the mash potatoes side, which was also delicious. Kind of felt a little ignored at times at the bar, but i was watching TV. Would love to do a dinner or something here next time I'm in town
(4)
Stefanie W.
Saturday morning late February brunch...delicious! I can't wait to return when the patio is open though. $5 Bloody Marys or Mimosas. A menu of brunch drinks for $8. Super good. Service was friendly and fun. We enjoyed the crab cake Benedict and chicken and waffles. Both came with a heaping mound of mashed potatoes. The Benedict was great and my husband described the chicken and waffles and unusual...disturbing...but delicious. So much savory and sweet in an unexpected way. Preceding all were the freshly made beignets which came with liqueur flavored whipped cream and a sort of sweet cinnamon dip. Mmmmm.....
(4)
Courtney W.
I'll start this off by saying the location and atmosphere are awesome. Hence the TWO stars. Otherwise, my friends and I (a party of four) came on a Tuesday night, hoping to sit outside on a beautiful night. Granted when we arrived the outside seating was crowded but as we waited for 30-40 minutes, we saw tables of 6 and 7 person parties walking in and getting seated right away. We asked and they said larger parties were seated faster because those tables were already put together. As were tables of 2, two couples came in and were seated before us as well. After being told we had a while to wait and as we gave up and left, we saw a table of three seats wide open and asked about that. They said "we were just going to ask you about that". Too late, it's a beautiful location but tables can move and be adjusted for the number of people that arrive, first come first served.
(2)
Andres G.
Ive never been here before but now I am definitely coming back. We had dinner at 630pm and we sat outside. The view from the waterfront was spectacular. Watching boats and duck swim by just added to the great skyscape of buildings and bridges. The manager, staff and our dinner was fantastic. I never had chicken stuffed with feta cheese wrapped in bacon: utterly delicious. Overall, a great time and a first class dinner.
(5)
t f.
After waiting at another riverwalk restaurant for 40 mins for a waiter to take our order we decided to leave and try Bridge House Tavern just a block away. Although there was a 30 mins wait for a table we sat at the bar until being seated to have a glass of mimosa~something to take the edge off from our previous experience. The staff seemed happy to be of service & once we were seated Jen our server was helpful in making recommendations; attentive in refilling our mimosa glasses & checking on us periodically if we needed anything else. Great job Jen considering how busy you were taking care of all the other tables around. The food was good; mimosas great and service on par! Will not hesitate to try again or recommend to friends!
(3)
Mellanie R.
My friend and I went there for dinner on a Tuesday night. I got the steamed pot (so delicious, I highly recommend!) and my friend got the steak frites, which she enjoyed. Great food, cocktails and view!
(5)
Jacqueline S.
Loved the food loved the view. Only complaint---Steak Sandwich-- too much sauce will make bread soggy ask for it on the side. Also meat was a bit fatty. Overall it was pleasant on the palette.
(4)
Katie L.
Our server Danyel was wonderful, very helpful explaining different options on the menu and had an up beat, fun attitude which made our dining experience enjoyable. Nice outdoor seating, beautiful view of the river!
(5)
Matt S.
Wow, I love this place, although our server and host this past time were awful. Trifecta of terrible service. First of all, while asking for a one of the many tables outside that were open, the host sat us at the one in the sun, while cleaning off a shaded table. When we asked if we could sit there, he said that they were saving it for someone. Umm, thought it was first come first serve? Second, when we sat down, the waitress said that they were only serving drinks (which we were fine with) but then why were people sitting next to us having a meal - is there special treatment for some? Third, the waitress forgot one of my drinks and ignored any opportunity to flag her down for the check. When we got the check, we paid with cash and tried handing the bill to her while making eye contact and handing off the bill she just walked away. Wow, how rude? I'll give this place another chance, but hopefully not while that server and host are working...
(1)
Tara B.
Fantastic and fun find. We are near the bar and had great service. The Mac and cheese appetizer is tiny but amazing. The Pork Belly BLT is really very yummy. It's clearly a popular place for 20 something locals and multi generational adult family members as well. Only downside is small servings of wine.
(4)
Kurt W.
Wow. Amazing view and great good. We had great service as well. With tons of great restaurants in the city, I will be coming back on my next visit. Can't beat the views, great food, and $5 mimosas.
(5)
Jenna G.
The view and the service was excellent! However the food we got was just ok.... I got the steak frites and there was a cream poured all over them... Not my thing, cream and steak..blah! My husband got the burger... He liked it. Not the best and not the worst.
(3)
Emily S.
The food was fairly good and the atmosphere and location is great. A big pet peeve is getting a Pepsi when you've asked for Coke and not being told what products they have.
(3)
Kentaro M.
Best place for a nice day in Chicago. next to the river and the food is great. joe the server was very nice and helped us get the best items on the menu. the crab cake egg Benedict and the corn beef hash was amazing would definitely recommend.
(5)
Julia T.
Great atmosphere if you can get a seat outside. Husband and I ordered a few "shareables". Guacamole and chips were delicious. Probably one of the best guacamoles I have ever had. Lamb meat balls were flavorful and tender. We also had the chicken and avocado rolls. They were tasty but fried and a little heavy.
(3)
Darl B.
Just meh not like bad. I actualy give yelp reviews per the words so if a place is not a-oaky ie i want to go back again and gain for some reason then this is rating. so take with that grain of salt. just not a fan for another lunch here. tried it sometime back and heres report: sides like fries and tater tots totally unispired. just bit oily and zero special. not sure why this is so but but im a foodie, as readers will remember, so thats a fail. got steak sand. was slightly overcooked. not end of the world. tough thick edge grsitle is though. here's a pro tip- cut it off before you server it on a sammy. I mean it was kind of gristle ya cant chew and have to like spit it in a napkin on the sly. rest of quality of meat is okay dont know fer sure tho was too overcooked to say seemed okay quality tho fo rest.. table next to us ordered some bbq on the side heard waiter say that a dollar. (dollar makes em holler) oMG are yo ukidding me u cant be serious!?. LOLz and thats what lends to this kind odd vibe. no farkin fun but hey you can look out over that pristine chicago river so theres that. all imo only. good luck but oy.
(2)
Kathy L.
If you are looking for a fun place to have a drink then go here. Make sure it isn't pouring down the time you go either so you can sit outside. The view of the river with the boats is worth it. The food was just ok. Next time I go it will be just for the drinks. The service is good though. The place was crowded. I would recommend a reservation especially on a nice night.
(3)
Kimberly K.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food for being in a touristy spot right along the river. The view is great and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but a little upscale and trendy. The ceviche and duck tacos were both solid. The cocktails leave a little to be desired. The few that we had were overly syrupy sweet. If you get a classic cocktail, make sure to tell them to go easy on the sweet vermouth or syrup. Or, just stick to beer like we did on the second round. ;-)
(3)
Mark S.
Went for the first time last night to BHT. I go their early and they had our table waiting for us. I had a signature Old Fashioned which was terrific. For starters we had the pretzels and a dozen oysters that were to die for - half a dozen east coast, half a dozen west. For entrees we selected fish and chips (with bacon), short rib, arugula salad, rigatoni with sausage, mac and cheese. I had the short rib with sauteed spinach (excellent) and cauliflower (baked with cheese, very luscious). My short rib was tasty but tough as though all the fat had been trimmed off. Everyone enjoyed their entrees quite a bit. The fish and chips (I snuck a taste) was really hot, crisp and fresh. For dessert we had the brownie sundae with ice cream and toppings. Very very good. The staff was very friendly and came by often enough, but not too often.
(4)
Rielly M.
With $5 bloody Mary's and mimosas you really can't go wrong. It was one of the best eggs Benedict I've had this summer and all with a stunning view of the river. We only waited about 25 minutes to be seated even though it was pretty busy. I would go back again for the great location and cheap cocktails.
(5)
Rachel D.
This place is awesome! We came here on a Saturday around 4 p.m. with a party of 7 and were seated immediately. We wanted to sit outside but it was rainy so we got a long table right next to the window and were still able to see outside onto the river. They had $5 bloodys and $5 mimosas all day and they also had beer buckets on sale. We tried one of the drinks (wish I could remember the name of it) and it was very good & strong. We also ordered food at 5 p.m. (they don't serve food until that time) and I was surprised that it came out cold! The tator tots would have been awesome if they were hot! I was also a little shocked that a plate of tots cost $13. Oh well I probably would've thought it was worth it had they been hot! I definitely recommend this place though for a HH because they have specials every day!
(4)
Marie T.
Awesome when you can find a place where the food is amazing and the view is equally as awesome. St.BHT cocktail with a bacon omelet was the best brunch I've had in a long time. The service was outstanding (thanks Emily!). Highly recommend!
(5)
Karolina T.
I love the location because they have an amazing patio right on the Chicago river. The food is equally as good. We got the clams for an appetizer and the sauces it comes with are really flavorful. For an entree we had the burger, duck tacos, and pork belly BLT. Everything was pretty good and I though that you got a lot of food for your money. The waitress was also very nice.
(4)
Kelly J.
I went here Sunday for brunch. I've been wanting to go here for quite some time and was very excited. Boy, was I wrong. First, I asked the hostess for a gluten free menu and she said they didn't have one, but my server would be happy to help. When the server came over he immediately pointed out the "no substitutions" at the top of the menu. I asked if this included allergies, and he said yes. Then he continued to tell me the only thing I could have was FRUIT. And that he "didn't know much about gluten but recommend To stay away from bread and eggs" So first off, bread is a given, but then I state that eggs should be ok and he says they "add flour to all eggs and remember, no substitutions" FLOUR? IN EGGS? I've been celiac for quite some time and have never come across someone adding flour to eggs. Or a restaurant not being even a little bit accommodating. I will never return.
(1)
Jeffrey T.
This place is so good! The view is awesome, the service is great, the food is cheap & delicious and the mimosas are champagne with a pinch of OJ, definitely worth the 5 bucks for them ;) I will be returning soon
(5)
Caroline B.
Went there on Easter Sunday for brunch with no reservation. Oddly, we had no problem getting a table which was great for us. Service was very friendly, bloody mary tasty (not excellent but good), but my corned beef hash was AWESOME. One of the best brunch meals I've had in a while. I will definitely be back, can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can sit outside. One mark against them is no dog license for the patio. Boo - I would be a big time regular if they allowed my pooches to join me.
(4)
Benjamin R.
This place is cool because its right on the river. If you want to sit outside on a nice day, you can't do much better than their location. The food is solid pub fare, maybe nothing to write home about but everything we had was good, and reasonably priced. I don't think this is normally necessary at all, but I made a reservation many weeks in advance, because it was a holiday weekend and we had a party of 4. I requested in the reservation that we wanted to sit outside. When we came in, they were seating a walk-in party outside, but then told us that there were no tables available out there. Fine if you don't reserve specific tables, but if you have a request from someone weeks in advance, and another party that just strolled up, maybe give it to the people who specifically requested it.
(3)
Instant Y.
Either the most pretentious place or one with hosts that get it the least. Went in to get a drink at the bar with a group. Hostess stopped us and asked us to wait. She said 'the bar is standing room only, i need your name for a table reservation'. I said i just want to go to the bar with my friends for a drink. She says please wait. We left.
(1)
Brian W.
Pretty good place before a show at Cadillac Palace. I had the prosciutto wrapped chicken with polenta and asparagus, which was fantastic. I also tried a couple of appetizers. Overall the food is tasty, but a bit overpriced like many of the restaurants in the area. If you can, get a table outside on the river on a nice day. Perfect...
(4)
Derek B.
They told me "no substitutions" when I said I didn't want onion on my turkey burger. I pointed out that this wasn't exactly a substitution, but more like a deletion. They said they would try to accommodate and I ended up scraping the onions off of my burger when it arrived. Basic menu, nice views of the river and the staff is somewhat friendly. Could be a little more accommodating, though.
(3)
Mark B.
I came here for lunch with a coworker and we had a great lunch on a beautiful summer day. Decor: The location, and decor, of this place is fantastic. It is right on the river, and I mean RIGHT on it, and it is nicely upscale. It is not overly fancy but it is very nice. We sat outside, of course, and it was wonderful - the sun was shining, it was not very hot, and just sitting having lunch was nice. Bathroom: I did not use it during the visit. Staff: We were seated right away and our waiter promptly took our orders. He was very friendly and very speedy with brining, and refilling, everything. Food/Drink: The food was very good. We had a salad (fresh and tasty) and fish tacos (delicious!). The portion sizes are standard here and everything came out hot and fresh (well, the tacos at least haha). Value: The portions are pretty standard and the prices are not terrible. I was prepared for inflated prices, given the awesome location, but they were not too bad at all. We had a great lunch and I would definitely return for another meal. The location is great and the food is good (usually those two are inversely related).
(4)
Cassandra F.
Went here for lunch today and sat at the bar. My colleague and I decided to get a few of the "Shareables" to split as our lunch. The bartender didn't warn us that they were in fact huge portions, so we ordered way too much. Here is what we ordered: - mushroom bruschetta - this had so much truffle on it and the mushrooms tasted terrible. So terrible that I earnest thought I might need to spit it out. - chicken avocado rolls - just gross (despite being the bartenders favorite) - duck tacos - way too large and the meat was rubbery and disgusting. Only took one bite. - fries - the only thing we ended up eating. So basically, we ate a lunch of french fries and didn't left everything else with only one or two bites out of it. Needless to say, I will not be back and would advise people to go elsewhere.
(1)
E M.
We walked through this restaurant on Saturday afternoon and decided to make reservations for the very next day. The restaurant could not be better situated - right on the Chicago River with incredible views so probably one of the best patios in the city. I have to say the service was pretty exceptional. We arrived early for our reservation on Sunday for brunch and they did everything they could to accomodate our request for a table outside and offered up the cabana; they even switched up the tables so it would be easier for our group to dine. The host was really sweet which was helpful because we had our 77 year old mother with us. The food was really good - lots of options for brunch. I am looking forward to visiting for dinner, soon!
(4)
Debra C.
Visited our daughter in Chicago and she always likes taking us to new places. This was definitely a winner! The food was great - love doing shareables. The service was very good and we enjoyed the view of the river while eating. My husband and I would recommend!
(5)
Nick B.
This place is truly a hidden gem. I couldn't tell you how to get to it from the street, but last year was my first year owning a boat in Chicago and we stopped here every time we went through the locks and came down the river. Food menu was limited at the times we visited, but I haven't found something I haven't liked yet. Cocktails are amazing and the river view patio, in my opinion, is one of the best in the city. The true catalyst for writing this review is the kindness of the owner, Ryan. My friends and I went through a TOUGH learning curve during the first few weeks with the boat and we broke down there twice. He was extremely understanding and genuinely wasn't bothered we were occupying the limited dock space Bridge House has. He recognized and welcomed us every time we pulled up despite the risk we might be there an hour after our meal was finished, and never gave pushback on us wearing our bathing suits and tank tops. Super nice guy and an exemplar of stellar customer service. Ryan - if you're reading this: See you in a few months and be sure to get BHT listed here: chicagoharbors.info/life…
(5)
Tracy B.
Great brunch! Atmosphere was great too, river and skyline views. Our table was under a tent and wasn't really a table but lounge chairs and ottoman table but it worked well.
(5)
Jason U.
Went for a business lunch and sat outside. 5 stars for the location and scenery. Not so much for the food. The presentation is good and it seems like they try but taste wasn't on par. I had the burger. Not sure how you screw that up but it was soooo salty. The fries tasted either previously frozen or they had just sat out for while and reheated. I never send things back but traded for the tots. Great place for after work drinks and will probably only do that if I go back.
(3)
Kristi M.
Great brunch spot! Perfect location on the river. You can always count on their food being great and $5 mimosas Saturday/Sunday!
(5)
Marshall V.
Bridge House is always a great choice. Its become my go-to after work spot. It's always nice to sit along the Chicago River, especially with a carafe of one of their cocktails. They have a HUGE menu of small plates which I tend to order from. I especially love the Pig Wings and the Mussels! We definitely take advantage of the half price Oysters from 2-5 on weekdays too :) As far as entrees the braised short ribs are my favorite. I haven't made it there for brunch yet, but the menu looks superb, plus $5 Mimosas and Marys! I have to give a shoutout to Tom for being an excellent server, he is consistently great so we request him now :)
(5)
Anita L.
The view here can not be beat. Most beautiful patio I've found in my 14 years living in this city. I've come here sporadically over the last few years for dates or showing out of town friends some of the best this city has to offer, or when there is that freak out of season perfect day you can guarantee this patio is open and trying to make the best of Chicago's crazy weather. The staff is always friendly and trying their best to keep up with swarms of people that flock here when the weather is good. On more than one of my visits one of the owners has stopped by the table to check on things which are usually perfect. If it's beautiful expect to wait if you don't have a reservation. Personally Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days to come here. Wednesdays half price bottles of wine. If you love bacon this is the spot for you. Also the most amazing Bloody Mary mix (made in house by one of the owner's personal recipes) around.
(5)
Erica M.
small selection of entrees, best for drinks and appetizers. Ordered honey glazed cod, not as yummy as I had hoped.
(3)
Kristen B.
We went here for brunch while we were visiting Chicago. It is an awesome spot right near the river. The food was excellent and the service was even better. Our cups were never empty. You can tell they care about their customers.
(5)
Kristine R.
Great view! My friends and I came here to enjoy some small bites and cocktails while enjoying the view of the river. However, we came while there was some construction, so I'm sure the view could be better. I had the special drink of the month (some mojito sort of drink), it was good - a bit strong, even better! My friends had beer (they kept it simple). We all had some small bites: - spicy chicken avocado rolls - I enjoyed these and it was enough to share (not just two pieces!). It has a bit of a kick! - artichoke bruschetta - loved this! very simple yet tasty! - potato salad (I don't care for potato salad, but my friends liked it). These are labeled as small plates on the menu, but they're just enough to share. Service was fine. I'd come back but just for drinks, I'd probably go elsewhere for dinner.
(4)
Mandi P.
I have been here a few times and have had consistent food and service each time. I spent some of my youth in Florida and this place kind of reminds me of a cute little Florida seafood restaurant on the water. It's a bit smaller on the inside with a nice patio on the outside along the river. We always eat at the bar (that's our thang) and have never had an issue getting seats. The staff is super friendly and efficient and the food is delicious. My only negative is that they don't carry Captain Morgain...just that lowly Sailor Jerry. This is not really their fault, though. I know this because I have been in talks with Captain Morgan itself about their distributor issue in Chicago. Anyway, I would definitely recommend this place for a fun little evening with your love or small group of friends.
(4)
Erin H.
My husband and I hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner at Bridge House back in October. It was the perfect location to host our group ~ 35 people max. Kristen, the events manager, and everyone on the staff was so accommodating! The food was delicious and had just the right amount of uniqueness while still appealing to a diverse crowd. While it was a cold evening, the staff still allowed our group to have access to the outdoor patio which definitely added a fun component to the evening. Overall, Kristen was so easy to work with while we were planning. It was great to have one less thing to worry about during an insanely crazy weekend. She was detail-oriented and was sure to update me even when a few tables broke and we had to stray from our original floor plan just a bit. She absolutely made sure there were no surprises on the day-of. And quiet honestly she did a better job communicating and keeping me up to date than the premier caterers we used for our actual wedding reception. Thanks so much Kristen and the Bridge House Staff!
(5)
Sarah V.
Oh hi, new favorite brunch spot! How are you? As drunk as you had me on Saturday? Probably so! During the winter, BHT has a $29 champagne brunch that includes an entree and unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary's on Saturdays. In the summer, the deal rolls over to Sundays. We were lucky enough to catch the deal on the last Saturday of the season for my friend's birthday, and quite frankly, I think BHT took a loss on our table. The Bloody's were legit. Nothing fancy added to them (a good Bloody doesn't need a cheeseburger on top of it, ahem), just spicy, tomato-y goodness. The mimosas were the best kind- champagne with a splash of orange juice. Our server was seriously on point and topped us off constantly. In addition to great drinks and great service, we all loved the food. The huevos rancheros were a responsible start to our day-drinking, but others opted for the pig trio of biscuits and gravy and the smoked trout hash. When the owner found out it was our friend's birthday, he brought a round of JaMo with pickle backs for us to share. I'm from nowhere near Michigan, but those 8 Milers know how to take a shot of whiskey, I'll say that. Riverwalk construction aside, BHT was a beautiful and perfect spot for a sunny Saturday brunch.
(5)
Dia S.
Was here last Wednesday with my boyfriend. We didn't have a reservation and it was busy at time of arrival. We wanted to sit outside so we asked the rude hostesses how long the wait was , they said there was 6 people in front of us and that they really couldn't "estimate a wait time, because it's so beautiful outside and we have half price bottles of wine!" ummm ok? They said give or take over an hour. They told us we could sit inside and if something opened up we can move to the outside. We settled and grabbed a tiny table near the bar area. After 20 minutes in to our drinks and just as we ordered our food, we start noticing that the outside starts to clear out a bit. My boyfriend went back up to the host stand to ask if we could move to an outside table, the short hostess abruptly replies with an awful tone "well um did you order food? " he says "yes about 60 seconds ago" she comes back with "NOPE SORRY WE DONT DO THAT HERE, we can't transfer food outside, that's our policy." Really? Last time I checked you accommodate your guests in any way you can. It's called good customer service. A tab is easily transferred to a patio, or to a different server. I have worked in the service industry for over 10 years and have never experienced something like this. So please save your "that's our policy" b.s. We would of closed out and tipped the server appropriately. All they had to do was run our food to the table on the patio but I guess this was too much work for them. Your staff needs a refresher on how to treat people. I wouldn't recommend this place or this type of service to my worst enemy. It's a shame because the atmosphere outside is beautiful!
(1)
Seana S.
I used to LOVE this place. The view is amazing and a fun place to go to. Recently, they started "No modifications or Substitutions" and it's in big BOLD print on the menu. I don't know if they follow that all week or only on the weekends. Regardless, if someone can't have cheese in their omelet, they should be able to say NO cheese. Instead I was told they cannot accommodate. Our server stated several times our kitchen can't keep up with special requests. MAYBE they should invest in a kitchen staff who can read a ticket for an extra 3 seconds and accommodate the people who are paying to keep your doors open. The person I was with wanted no meat in their hash, but the server made her choose and eat around. The burger comes with American cheese on the burger, but I was told no. Our server said she can't ask the chef for anything without getting yelled at. We also got a salad and it had avocado in it. The Avocado was brown and old. I used to love this place, but I will not return. People have allergies, and dietary restraints in today's world. Our server even said she couldn't accommodate a "no bun" request for a burger. If you are one of these people I would NOT recommend this place for you. Truly disappointed in the management here, and lack of customer service.
(1)
Angela D.
Two stars for ambiance...but other than that I was so disappointed. And that made me so sad because I really wanted to like this place. I ordered the the steam pot ($34) which was supposed to come with a 4oz lobster tail, but it was more like the carrion of what WAS a 4oz lobster tail. They also forgot the potatoes that are included in said pot. Though, the scallops were delicious. My girlfriend was bummed about her winter salad... It was $15 for about a cup and a half of roasted veggies... Bummer dude. The burger my cousin had looked good, but it's hard to mess up a burger. I don't know... I probably won't be back...the service was a big let down (I'm a bartender in the loop area) which is sad because I love to send the tourists to other good spots.
(2)
Sarah D.
Solid food, pretty solid service, but a $3 upcharge to use only egg whites in an omelette is a bit over the top.
(4)
Emma K.
I'm so surprised that this restaurant was half empty when my BF and I came here a couple of Saturdays ago. Our reservations were at 7, but we were so hungry at 6:15 we figured we would just go and have a drink while we waited. They were able to sit us down right away, and at one of the tables by the window. Food - Just get the pretzel appetizer. It was definitely the best thing that we tried from the menu. It comes with this magical beer cheese sauce that you should definitely keep if getting fries! We also had the Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls (only the dipping sauce is spicy btw), Tavern Fries, and Steak Sandwich. Nothing disappointed, and the 4 dishes + 5 drinks came in around $90. Definitely worth it for the yummy food, drinks, and atmosphere!
(5)
Caroline F.
Great drink deals for brunch. Half the table was impressed with their food. However, their portions are huge...you waste half the food if your in town for a mini vacation. It's in great location on river however seems very crowded. Huevos rancheros were horrible. The beignets were pretty good however over fried but what could I expect Chicago is not New Orleans. I asked the waiter for the same thing three times...third times a charm I suppose. I would personally only go back for a cheap mimosa.
(3)
Duska K.
Really good brunch - the location is wonderful, right next to the river. There is somewhat of a wait to sit outside, but the indoor seating was very nice and it felt like you were sitting outside anyway with all the windows and doors open. Food was good - very good brunch place!
(4)
Jackie E.
I have always loved this place! Ryan and Deanna took great care of us today! Look forward to seeing you soon!!
(5)
K M.
Loved our meal at BHT. All of the staff were polite and accommodating and our waitress, Danielle could not have been more engaging and helpful. I'd go back for the service and ambiance alone but in this case one doesn't have to sacrifice anything bc the food was amazing too! Tavern TOTS...wow. Keep up the good work BHT!!
(5)
John I.
YELP REVIEW: Bridge House Tavern 4 Stars Third time's the charm. I've been here that many. The first time was a warm summer afternoon work event for drinks and appies, where we took over the place. Fun, but... you know... work event, and the baggage that goes with it. And at that job, high school cliques formed by people twice or even thrice that age. I'm sure everyone else on here has gushed about the river location, especially on the sunny side, and they're right. Second time, brunch, on a Sunday afternoon, with a gaggle of family, including out-of-towners. It hadn't occurred to me that Frontera might be closed (Rick Bayless, what happened to your work ethic?!?) My family had a good meal, mine was a comedy of errors. I ordered the green eggs and ham, here the green is pesto. Wow, that sounded good. The waiter came back; they were out of the green eggs. How is that possible? I could see if they were out of pesto, but... After a little keen, Sherlock Holmes, CSI, The Wire investigating, it turns out that they still had pesto. I think they brought it on the side. Doesn't say much for the chef's skills. THEN, the dish came with the wrong part of the pig: bacon instead of ham. Huh? Green eggs and ham. Three things. If one isn't available, tell me! I would have ordered something else. But it was another lovely day. Normally I would have docked stars here, but it seemed that I had really caught otherwise a competent and quite friendly server and manager on a bad day. I won't ding them on this visit. The third time was the charm. I was trying to think of a place to go that was near my friend's hotel, the Westin, in late August. He invited a couple others. We needed something nearby, and I had reserved at Havana, but as I walked across the bridge, I thought it would be good for him to experience the river on a nice night. I ran down the stairs to see if they were free for four: Cuba could wait. The popcorn was a big draw for me: adding bacon, jalapeño and smoked salt, with a little honey is genius (despite everyone & his concession-stand brother having a popcorn recipe lately). I would rave more, but you've read this far, and I know your patience is waning. It's hard to resist cocktails by the carafe, and we didn't. My friend and I shared the Chicago Breeze, his friends shared the adult lemonade. Very delicious on a warm summer night. The fish and chips was wonderful, crisp and not greasy. A little strange that they bring malt vinegar in little stainless steel containers in which you might find pancake syrups. To me, the vinegar is perhaps the best part of fish & chips; luckily the wonderful waitress with a great sense of humor & fun (my memory is bad, was it Marguerite?) brought plenty of extras. While the patio is the draw here, it's even better than one might imagine: You're outside in downtown Chicago, there is the wide expanse of the river, the moonlight above (if it's that time of the month), and, being a floor below street level, it's quite quiet (at least on a weekday evening).
(4)
Kelley L.
Just to be sure, BHT still does it right. I've been back several times, but after my last visit, it merits a confirmation that I love this place. My fella and I chose BHT as our celebration dinner locale after closing on our new condo. Good thing, since the closing didn't exactly go swimmingly, but our meal at BHT helped us forget the pain. The food was tasty, service friendly and quick despite a couple large parties in the same area, and the patio along the river on a summer evening just cant be beat. I may be biased because Kristen (marketing gal) and Ryan (owner) stopped by to chat for some time, but I'm a fan. If you're looking for a nice evening on the river, this is the place.
(5)
Renee L.
I am giving this place two stars, one of the popcorn appetizer and one for the good service and ambiance. I ordered a bloody mary that was so-so (& not fixed like the ones in other reviews) and split the pork belly BLT. The waiter said it was the best sandwich on the menu so I felt it was safe. Too bad thats their best sandwich, it was disgusting. The bread was soggy, over loaded on mayonnaise, the fried egg was not cooked properly and the pork belly was chewy and flavorless. I kept eating the sandwich in hopes it would start to taste better...that didn't happen and unfortunately I was starving so I covered my half in hot sauce, salt and pepper and finished it...the worst part is the stomachache I experienced immediately and lasted hours. i had to go back to the hotel and rest, my stomach was in so much pain. Ugh, the thought of this food makes me sick, I wouldn't come back here based solely on that sandwich. They may have other great dishes but It's really unfortunate this sandwich killed it for me and was a waste of a vacation meal.
(2)
Brittany L.
Great place with a great view to have some drinks on the river. Service was also a plus! Ask for Emily every time and you will not be disappointed!! We will be back without a doubt!
(5)
Stanley G.
I hereby correct my prior review on the bridge house to give them 5 stars. The owner Ryan looked after my concerns and a gave stellar response. He listened and stated the customer is always right and acted beyond my expectations promptly to correct the misunderstanding of my St. Patty's Day visit. I personally will stop by on my next visit and shake his hand and have a drink with him in appreciation of his model customer service. I now know and believe you will be taken care of at the bridge house and it will exceed your expectations! This place cares about making sure things are right!
(5)
Sam Z.
Came here for St. Patricks day this year. It was a great location and lots of fun! They provided a great Irish breakfast, the bartenders were quick and efficient and the crowd was fun- lots of friendly nice people and good st. Patty's day costumes! They have some nicer liquors and decently priced drinks. The venue is cool - from street level you can't see it and it is right on the river- great view! For St. Patty's, I wouldn't recommend going to watch the river dying because it happened further east of us. Recommend it!
(5)
Dan M.
I was looking for a place with a nice view to have dinner in Chicago. The restaurant is located right on the Chicago River. It offers an outside patio that is a must on a beautiful day. The beer/wine menu and dinner menu is small but has all the favorites you'd expect at a gastro pub. We started our dinner with their well known Popcorn made with bacon jalapeño and honey. What an amazing combination! It was spicy, sinful and sweet. I ordered the Short Ribs that was served with rapini and a baked potato. It was tasty but not spectacular. My date had the Steak and Frites which looked amazing. She loved the dish. Overall a good restaurant with amazing views, all priced reasonably. It's a great date place on a beautiful day or just a place to hang out with friends located near the Magnificent Mile. I'll be back even if it's just for popcorn and beer.
(4)
Nicholas D.
I had a great night cap at this place. Went on Wednesday for the wine down Wednesday special which was half of wine bottles. It was a cool experience and the view by the Chicago river was nice. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Shawn G.
We went for Saturday brunch and had the Corned-beef Hash and Crab-cake Benedict. Both were excellent. $5 Bloody Mary's on the outside deck with a great view on the river. A good option for brunch while visiting the city.
(5)
Rita R.
It's so sad to write a bad review because I really wanted to like this place, but it was a disappointment in EVERY way :( First of all, no one can argue with the beautiful location and if that's all you're looking for then this place has that. However, the service was terrible, the manager was rude,and it took almost an hour to get our food after we ordered it. We went there for brunch and the eggs/potatoes came out cold. They were over-salted and not all that great. I asked if I could substitute fruit for my toast and the answer was "no" before I even finished the sentence. What kind of a place doesn't allow substitutions?? Overall, terrible dining experience in a very beautiful patio. I hope they get some new management because this place has a lot of potential if they can get their act together!
(1)
SHAMIKA L.
I stumbled on this place while in Chicago for the weekend!!! What a GREAT surprise!! The food is amazing and the service is impeccable. I had the bacon pancake and OMG is was the best pancake I've ever had. I'm a New Yorker and my expectation are extremely high. This place exceeded my expectations!!! I highly recommend eating here and will definitely go back during my next trip.
(5)
Jennifer Z.
I really enjoyed dining at this restaurant. On a good day, you can sit outside and dine right next to the river. I went there at night for dinner and they have a really nice view of the river from the inside. The food was amazing! The butternut squash soup was perfect and very buttery. I had the salmon which was also really good. I have only positive things to say about this place. They were very accommodating to huge groups and private events. When I come back to Chicago I am definitely going to come back here again.
(5)
Sheetal P.
Im giving this place the second star ONLY because of its location right on the river. Besides that I dont have too many positive things to say about the first, and possibly last, visit to this restaurant. My friends and I actually went to brunch this past Sunday to celebrate one of the girls' pregnancy. She had actually been there already, unbeknownst to us, but not for brunch. Since this was my favorite meal of any day, I was beyond excited. But my excitement was abated when i saw, at the top of the menu, in ridiculously large font "NO SUBSTITUTIONS & NO MODIFICATIONS" None of us thought too much of it since most restaurants are still pretty accommodating to vegetarians or individuals with food allergies. As long as we didn't completely deconstruct the chef's recipe, we didn't think we'd have a problem removing the bacon or the chorizo or maybe the sprinkled on mushroom caps. We would later be proved wrong....much later seeing as we waited forever for any service. Before we ordered our meals, we ordered a basket of their fresh beignets to share along with a couple cups of coffee, mimosas and some non alcoholic bevvies for our pregnant girls. While the beignets were delicious, we had to wait for fresh plates and straws because the plates and glasses were DISGUSTING! The plates still had crusty remnants of previous meals and the glasses were covered with smudges and lip marks. The coffee tasted like itd been swirled around in an ashtray first so Id recommend staying away from it. When we were ready to place our orders after deliberating on how steadfast they might be about the modifications, we finally got the server to come by. Not only was she almost entirely unsure about ANYTHING that the restaurant could or couldn't do for us, she wasn't very well informed about the cheeses or juices either. My friend ordered a croissant egg and cheese sandwich without mushrooms. I asked for the huevos rancheros but just without the chorizo (I am a vegetarian). My other 3 friends didnt have any modifications but when the server came back she told me they couldnt remove the chorizo because EVERYTHING was cooked into the chorizo. They has peppers, onions, tomatoes, sauces and the egg and she was telling me that short of the egg, EVERYTHING else was just incorporated into the chorizo. I found this hard to believe as I have eaten huevos rancheros at many establishments and never ever been told this. If it's the chefs recipe and thats just how he/she does it, i think its silly and he/she should change it. Not just for me but for any person who may not like even ONE ingredient in that list of ingredients. Similarly, they did not remove the mushrooms on my other friends plate. I know for a fact those were sprinkled on top and could have just NOT been. All in all, I wouldnt suggest anyone go here unless its just for mimosas and the view. Food was far from spectacular, service was pretty poor, and it could stand a good kitchen/utensil cleaning.
(2)
Brent C.
Visiting Chicago for a convention and glad we decided to try this place out. They were busy but they went out of their way to make us feel welcome and that we got a table quickly. Our waitress was awesome...personable, friendly and very helpful with drinks and the menu. I had the Pork Wings appetizer which was wonderful! For dinner I had the Fish and Chips and was very happy with the fish. It was light, not greasy and very flavorful. The "chips" we're just OK but overall I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Shanti N.
Considering Chicago is either in the midst of or climbing out of vortex 2.0, coming to a spot known for its outdoor dining would seem to fly in the face of all that is sane and reasonable. I found myself at BHT this evening, as my condo building had organized a residents' happy hour here. Fortunately, my fears of having to spend any more time outdoors than absolutely necessary were allayed, as the event took place in the bar area, which struck a perfect balance between cozy and urban, with atrium windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. The in-wall gas fireplace is an especially inspired touch. Getting down to this place was not intuitive, as the entrance is not at street level. It turns out that this spot is the lower level of the ABA building. I soon figured it out, and took the elevator down to the lower level which led immediately into the bar/restaurant where I was greeted by Chris, the manager/front of house. Going below grade, as it were, lent a speakeasy feeling to the experience. This was enhanced when I spotted the selection of whiskeys above the bar--Oban, Talisker, and Koval to name just a few. Once I got to talking with the bartenders, I found they were more than happy to elucidate me on the finer points of the scotches, which made for an entertaining backdrop to my happy hour imbibing. As to the drink selection, the menu was edited seeing how this was a special event. On offer were wines (Pinot Grigio and Merlot by the glass) along with a couple of craft beers and a special concoction that contained lemonade, blueberries, and mint. I went with the Merlot to take the chill off the evening and was pleasantly surprised that the wine was of such high caliber. I found out that this is the house wine, and a proprietary label. The bartenders were good about keeping my glass topped up and my water filled. On the wine list, I spied an array of promising pours, including a bottle of Hess Cabernet, a personal favorite. There weren't any passed appetizers at this event so I can't speak to the quality of the food. I did get a chance to look at the brunch menu and the bar menu. From what I could see, I know I will be back for the $29 bottomless bloody mary brunch. The bar bites looked promising as well, but by the time I'd narrowed it down to wanting to try either the meatballs or the scallops, the event was winding down and there was limited time to order. From the gastropub chic ambiance and high quality drink offerings, to the friendliness of the staff who immediately made us all feel welcome, I know that I will be back. Knowing that this place exists gives me one more reason to look forward to spring, when I can experience iconic views in an outdoor setting.
(4)
Stephen W.
#awesomesauce. My wife was looking for something to keep my mouth shut.... Found it! Great food. Great service. Just darn great. If you've found this listing then you've come this far. Perhaps you could come just a little bit farther?
(5)
Zachary W.
Great food even better service, tuna was great spicy chicken rolls were out of this world. Great views of the river, cool to see the boats go by
There isn't one thing I disliked about this place. Our waitress was a delight. The chicken and waffles were out of this friggin world. And watching the boats lull by as I sipped my morning coffee was a treat. Highly recommend Bridge House! Oh and did I mention that they have a bacon pancake (!!!). Yeah.
(5)
Liz C.
We had dinner here last Saturday night. We ordered a lot of appetizers and shared them with the table. We had the brussels sprouts that were topped with bacon and cheese. They were great! I would also recommend the veal meatballs and pulled pork with gravy and biscuits. Many of the appetizers were served in small cast iron ramekins that had been baked in the oven making the flavors of the food pop. I would recommend and go back to the Bridge House Tavern!
(4)
Stephanie Q.
The owner/manager and staff here are so amazing. Came here for a brunch and lunch on Saturday stayed for hours. The food was fantastic and the drinks were even better. There's a great view of the river which helps too! I will definitely be back on my next trip to Chicago!
(5)
Jackie H.
Amazing. The food is fun and different. The server, Cody, was fantastic and the owner had drinks with us. Right on the river.. Can't think of a better place for brunch.
(5)
Thelin C.
Good view; Refreshing cocktail and Delicious grill; We go here for the dinner. And we first ordered 2 cocktails: Chicago breeze and Pink lemonade. I love pink lemonade and my girl friend love Chicago breeze very much. I think Pink lemonade is more sweet and chicago breeze is more sour, and both is great. really refreshing. We also ordered 1/2 dozen of western coast oyster, you can choose western coast or eastern coast oyster. and for weekdays from 2-5pm oysters are half price off. For the main dish we ordered 1/2 roasted chicken and short ribs. the chicken is served with mashed potato, the meat is very soft and it's great. the mashed potato is tasted milky, it's very good but I think it's not good to eat too much. anyway maybe it's because I am still not used to sweet and milky food. The ribs is served with vegetables and baked potato, it's more salty. So we have a great time combine this two dishes.
(5)
Emily J.
I have been literally looking at Bridge House Tavern from across the river for the last few months from my apartment building balcony and finally went here for brunch the other day. What a great restaurant! I love unfussy, unpretentious brunches and Bridge House was exactly what I needed after a long hot yoga class. My sister and I were pretty much delirious from hunger and were fulfilled by the excellent huevos rancheros at Bridge House. She has celiac disease and our server and the kitchen were more than accommodating to her needs. The huevos were just what the doctor ordered-lots of eggs, black beans, corn, and a whole lot of Cholula. The portions here are large, you certainly get your money's worth, and the even the side of fruit was bigger than we expected for $5. You really can't beat the setting here either-the patio is perched right on the river and you are forever entertained during your meal with the passing boats. I would highly recommend Bridge House Tavern to anyone wanting a traditional and delicious brunch with excellent service and a lovely setting. I will certainly be back to try their $5 mimosas and bloody Marys, just not right after a yoga class!
(5)
Ryan R.
I went to this place in early last November while at a conference, after finding it on yelp. They were having a private party to watch the man walk the tightrope over the Chicago River, but I was able to get a walk in ticket. I had a absolute blast. Great location, good drinks and snacks. The staff was very friendly and the owner Ryan was just awesome. I would highly suggest anyone visiting downtown Chicago to visit this place, great happy hour and food as well. I will def come back when I make my way up there again.
(4)
Kate M.
Danielle was the best waitress!! She was so friendly, engaging, and offered us so many suggestions! She made the entire experience fabulous! The food and drinks were delicious and the environment was perfect right on the river!
(5)
Melissa O.
The view is the only good thing about this place. I was pretty excited to dine here and it really disappointed. I had reservations and upon arriving we were never greeted, the hostess was no where to be found. It wasn't until a bus boy saw us standing there for a long time that he decided to go look for the hostess. When the hostess finally arrived she told us she had to sit us quickly because the kitchen was about to close. We were walked to a patio table with no chars. When chairs were finally brought to us we had to drag them to the table ourselves. The biggest problem I had were the dirty glasses we were served our water in. I brought it to the attention of our server, he apologized, and again brought dirty glasses. We ordered the avocado dip appetizer, two burgers and a Stella. The appetizer was served simultaneously with our entrees and our drinks weren't brought to us until we were half way done with our food. The service was terrible and the food was mediocre. You are better off trying another restaurant on the river because all they have to offer is a nice view. They were not even that busy, the patio was full but the inside was empty. I will not be returning.
(1)
Lindsay K.
I have NEVER been so disappointed with the service at a Chicago restaurant in my entire life. Made a reservation for 7:30 for a Tuesday night-- got there are 7:20 to be told that they "Gave our reservation to a fat old man" (not kidding)-- we asked if there was anything they could do... giving that it was their error, not ours. The rude hostess said "I don't really know. it could be 15 seconds or 30 minutes for the next table to open up... this really isn't the end of the world" Sorry. But to be completely honest this "hostess" was one of the rudest people I have ever come in contact with at a dining establishment. Isn't it the first rule of restaurant etiquette that the customer is always right? And for her to tell us "it's not the end of the world" with a snotty attitude/ rolling her eyes really got me mad. This chick seriously needs an attitude check and to have the manager sign her up for the TLC show "What not to wear" because dressing up like a human candy cane in the middle of the summer with red lipstick on your teeth and greasy hair really isn't appealing. Other than the psycho working the front, the food was good. Will never be coming back here again.
(1)
Rebecca F.
Good food and drinks. Very heavy food though. No way to leave this place without Thanksgiving pants. Service was prompt and friendly.
(4)
Jeremy K.
This is one of those wonderful hidden gems of Chicago. Beautiful location, great food, good price, and a staff that's legit friendly and knowledgeable. One of the neatest things about this place is its owner. The guy is fascinated with alcohol, and talking with him about scotch got me way excited. Talk with him, you won't regret it. I went there with two friends and chowed down on the delicious popcorn, had a few beers, burger, and the chocolate cake. It was a wonderful evening, and I'm looking forward to going here again.
(5)
Keith A.
I'm not really a river north guy. It's not my general place that I enjoy hanging out, but you have to just go with the flow sometimes and this is where I ended up with a friend as we waited for a party boat by the river. I was in a drinking mood as we had been at dryhop before hand. But, needing to switch it up, I grabbed one of the cocktails on their list and went with the Black Forest. Seeing that there was gin and blackberries made me know that was exactly what I needed to refresh my palate. Not only was it $10 for the drink, it was done perfectly. It was a warm night and did everything I needed it to. I also have to give props for just charging $10 a cocktail in River North and being directly on the river. I also had to get myself a flywheel from Metropolitan. Again, their pricing was very good as it was just $6 off the tap. These are some very good prices considering the area. I was hungry and my friend could eat as well. It also enabled some joking about the various 40 year olds trying their best 25 year old act. The spicy chicken avacado rolls were exactly what was needed and were more like taquitos, but really good. I was also a fan of the wild mushrooms that they had. It was all mixed in a pot with parmesan cheese and a fair amount of other things. I definitely enjoyed my trip here. It all worked out quite well and was a good place to relax on the river. I was surprised that it wasn't packed at 8:30 on a saturday evening, but everything was fine and dandy by me. It wasn't hard to get a hold of the server and she was always very friendly. I would come back here if the situation dictated it and it's nice to come across a place like this in river north.
(4)
Liz P.
Went here for an event. Food was fantastic and so was the view, although we ate inside because it wad a bit nippy out. Would like to come back here for a "regular" meal at some point.
(4)
Magen R.
Had an awesome experience a Bridge House Tavern today! Five of us went here to celebrate a birthday. We were seated outside on the gorgeous terrance overlooking the river, what a view! It was an amazing place to have Sunday brunch on a gorgeous day. We all decided to take advantage of the bottomless mimosa/bloody mary brunch special. The mimosas were really good and they brought carafes to our table every so often so we did not have to keep asking for more. None of us tried the bloody mary's but they looked delicious (very hangover friendly too). For our meals two of us got the pig trio biscuits and gravy, one got the veggie omelet, one got the chicken and waffles and I got the horseshoe. Everyone LOVED their meal. I had the horseshoe, it was seriously fabulous and way more than I could possibly eat but it was nice to be able to have fries to snack on for the table. I also tried a bit of the waffle which was also outstanding. Bridge House Tavern was a huge hit as far as all of us were concerned, the service was good not great and that is why I am only giving it 4 out of 5 stars; however, I hope to be back soon!
(4)
Alexis P.
This place is amazing. Everything from the food to the service was exceptional. Megan was our waitress and she was very sweet and attentive. I had the parfait and beignet, it was a lot better than I expected. Big portions and reasonably priced. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Earl P.
This is the place for summer drinks! Watching the boats go by, enjoying the beauty of the bridges and the city is perfection!
(5)
Liz J.
Bridge House Tavern is worth the visit if you're simply looking for decent food. It's located right on the river, which is nice, but the smell of the river isn't really very pleasant when you're trying to enjoy a drink or a dish outside. The inside has comfy, if a little bit cramped seating, but a fine solution if you're not interested in the river. We started with the bread and cheese appetizer. There wasn't enough bread for the amount of cheese, but the two cheeses were pretty good. I liked the radish as a topper for the cheese as well. Although the food was fine, it was really nothing special and was a bit overpriced for the size and overall quality. It almost seems like BHT is trying too hard to do something unique and exciting. It's falling just a little short. It's not a bad option if you're staying in one of the nearby hotels, but I'm guessing the locals go elsewhere.
(3)
Kathleen C.
A friend and I visited last Friday when I was lucky enough to have a company holiday at work and she got to leave early. The weather was miserably hot, but we sat outside anyway as we just couldn't resist the river view. While I would have liked a few healthier options on the appetizer menu, I will say that the menu is pretty varied and the drink list was solid. A great little spot and surprisingly, I hadn't heard of it before I visited, so I'm not sure if we were lucky that it wasn't busy or if we beat the after work crowd.... Food - 3 Atmosphere - 5 Value - 3 Bathrooms - 5 Service - 5 (the owner came out to let us know a storm was coming!)
(4)
Adrienne T.
I was pleasantly surprised by Bridge House. In my experience, the places along the riverfront have mostly catered toward the tourists who flock this amazing city during the summer months. Usually, with a high turnover rate in customers, restaurants tend to be less on their game in terms of service and food. This was not the case for Bridge House Tavern. They had a great selection of micro-brews and their "for share items" were quite scrumptious. We ordered the popcorn and cheese plate to start and were quite impressed with the quantity and quality of both food items. I was so full from the popcorn and cheese plate that I wasn't able to order a meal. My friends ordered the fish and chips, mac n cheese, and grilled cheese. With each dish given a gourmet twist, my friends were very satisfied with their choices. Honestly, I really wanted to grab their plates and take a bite. Not only did they have a lovely food and beer selection, but their service was also quite good. I highly recommend Bridge House Tavern if you are looking for a restaurant that offers great views, beers, and food. bon appetit.
(4)
Jordan S.
One of my favorite places to go when visiting Chicago. My first time was for a pre-bachelor party dinner. I'd say it's definitely better to come during the spring/summer time due to the amazing view and patio area however it's worth it any time of year. I recommend the steak sandwich or fish and chips. Great food, great service and great atmosphere!
(5)
Jennifer E.
Half off appetizers from 4pm-6pm during the week? Yes please! My coworkers and I went here for my going away dinner and we took advantage of the half off appetizers. First we started with the popcorn which was fabulous, but my friends who were drinking beer said it doesn't really go with the beer. Then we had the cheese board, mac and cheese, fries, onion dip, and shrimp and grits. It was all great. Definitely a great place to hang out after work,
(5)
J R.
This was a pleasant surprise. Friendly staff, nice location, good food and $5 mimosa or bloody marys for brunch.
(4)
jen r.
Delicious and at this price point + this view it can't be beat. I recommend: The shrimp and grits Bread and butter (truffled butter+honey=amazingness) Fish and chips.
(4)
KC C.
Small plates, great fresh oysters, mixologist options and Coors "The Banquet Beer", in a bottle, what else would you require? Maybe the best water view table in the City(at least prior to or after riverfront construction completion). I've been here with family, my girlfriend and always can depend on pleasant ambiance and great service. I also like the attention and presence of Ryan, the owner, who is always paying respects and making the rounds to ensure a good experience for all. Short rib, specialized popcorn, and great fresh oysters are the most notable menu choices. Will look forward to my next visit. With Graham Elliot River North closing ole GE no longer has to worry about competing with Bridgehouse-and really never could match the comfortable environment. Off to the gym!
(4)
Stephanie L.
Hello BHT My first impression was that it is a very nice bar like restaurant. We came for brunch at about 1030ish on a Sunday. We were the only people in the place so it was a little weird because it was so quiet. HA. The space was really nice and it seems like in the summer, they will have a fantastic little patio with views of the river. Also, the server told us that boats can dock here...AMAZING! We might have to do this in the summer. There was also a cute little fireplace, etc. All of the windows looked like they could basically come off and be an open area. Everyone in Chicago likes to eat outside in the spring/summer. Our server was very attentive. I am not sure if this would have been the case if it was busier, but we were very happy with her. Not to mention, she was really nice. She explained the items that we had questions about and clearly stated the specials, which included $5 mimosas and bloodys. WHY NOT? The bloody mary was fantastic. It tasted like horseradish and shrimp? Sounds kind of gross, but I thought it was delicious. Plus, I asked for it spicy and she delivered. The brunch menu was pretty extensive. They definitely had something for everyone. The classics, the greasy, the sandwiches, etc. We decided on the pig trio biscuits and gravy and the huevos rancheros. They both just sounded great. We were not disappointed. I absolutely loved the huevos rancheros. It was crispy tortillas layered with beans, meat, peppers, tomatillo sauce, etc. Oh man, it was good. AND SPICY. Again, I love spice. Some would probably not appreciate this dish if they were sensitive to spice, however, I thought it was perfect. The pig trio was delish too. The biscuits were just dense enough to stand up to the gravy mixture. It was topped with bacon and there was sausage links under the gravy...heart attack waiting to happen. Only complaint was it was a little pricey...but again, what do you expect downtown on the river. I think the B&G was $15 and the huevos was $12. No more or less than other places in the area and the food was fantastic. I am thinking we might try this for a HH in the next couple of weeks. I am interested to see what we get based on the other reviews. Definitely a place to check out for brunch.
(5)
Alana T.
This was all about Sunday Funday! My friend and I went here for brunch, because, that's what folks who like to get lushy and do it on a non-empty stomach, do. Those said folks, go to brunch. There's nothing like a brunch with BOTTOMLESS mimosas and bloody Mary's. This was, actually, my first time having a bloody mary and I must say, it was undoubtedly my last. I'm saying, who drinks that by choice! But, I digress! Where was I? Oh, yes! Food! So, I had the chicken and waffles and my friend had some kind of beef sandwich with TONS of fries and cheese sauce and OMG, it was really good! Her food was WAY better than mine. Along with the brunch menu, you were able to choose your drink of choice, of course, we went with Mimosas after I mistakenly went to the other side and returned to Mimosa on my hands and knees BEGGING for her to take me back and let me drink her. She obliged. Oh did she obliged. I think this brunch was $20 or something. We both drank $40 in Mimosas, so yeah, we got our money worth. It was a beautiful day outside, so we opted for the patio. What a beautiful view of the Chicago river and other "Sunday Funday" indulgers all around us. The sun was great, the food was great the company was awesome. I will definitely go back here if only for the view and the drinks.
(4)
Ed W.
We took some visitors into the city on a Saturday eve and wanted to eat somewhere outside with interesting city views. Bridge House Tavern fills the bill quite nicely. Our outdoor table was perfect for checking out the boats as they made their way up and down the river. The menu is varied - we started with the jalapeno popcorn and a shrimp appetizer. The entrees went from steak sandwich to turkey burger to fish and chips. All were very good. With beer and wine we spent $40 / person - which is not bad for a memorable night in the city. Service was great - we had a train to catch and they helped us out with a very quick checkout when we were ready to leave. The 20 minute walk to the Metra station makes it a convenient location as well. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a semi-casual dining experience in Chicago.
(4)
TONI B.
We went for a date night dinner and drinks after seeing this place featured on TV. Drinks were good, Southwest salad was very good. Service was bad , BLT was so bad we had to send it back. Fish and Chips: Fish was good chips were cold and stale. Artichoke bread appetizer did not make an appearance until late in the meal after we reminded server we had not received it. It was not worth the wait. The bread was so stale I could not bite into it. Very disappointed , what a waste of time and money on our day off.
(2)
Danielle D.
Food was great, the service was slow, but definitely worth the wait. I had the Crab Cake Benedict, it was amazing! The Bloody Mary was a little watery for my taste but my boyfriend loved it.
(4)
Wizdom T.
I've seen this place for a couple of years and totally ignored it, assuming it was as pretentious as I expected it to be. But today I got over myself and walked down the steps to the lions den. Come to find out, I was the one being the douche I thought I was avoiding. Great service from the new kid on the block, Cody. Shout out... your all kinds of awesome dude for only being on staff for a few weeks. Cody took care of me, even to the extent of finding out the real deal on the "recommended dessert" - the Turtle Brown Sundae. And this investigative reporting was based on my strict instructions.. " i don't care what folks usually order, find out what's good. He handled his biz, thanks Cody! Drinks, Appetizers, and Desserts were on point, with a great view of the Chicago River happenings. I will def come again!
(5)
Gretchen H.
I will say that sitting out on their patio is worthwhile. So while I don't think I'll be back for a full meal, I may come back for cocktails and snacks. My main complaint with BHT is that they have not really figured out portions or pricing. As I looked around it seemed that some options were a fair size for the price, however my friend and I got salads and they were tiny. We (luckily) both added protein to them and we ordered a side of fries, if we hadn't it wouldn't have been a filling meal. All in we ordered a side of fries and 2 salads, one with steak and one with shrimp. We drank water. Our bill was $50 w/ tip. There is no way the salads we got were $20 salads. So in closing, go for drinks and to enjoy the food. If you order food, avoid the salad because although tasty, they aren't a meal. As an interesting side note, they do offer a side salad with a sandwich instead of fries...it looked to be nearly the same size as our entree salads were.
(2)
Melan E.
The patio view makes this place awesome! The drinks are mediocre, the appetizer and cocktail menu rather scarce. But the service is great and the ambiance is perfect. Walking distance from other places so if you come before dinner on accident like we did you can grab food from somewhere nearby ;-)
(4)
Shannon H.
My boyfriend and I came here for brunch the other day when we saw that they had bottomless mimosa's and marys for $29 which also included our food. Boy did we get our money's worth! They aren't kidding when they say bottomless! They pass around the mimosas like they are iced tea or coffee, and the food was amazing! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for stunning views and a reasonably priced brunch/lunch in Chicago.
(5)
C P.
I've been to this restaurant several times, for lunch or dinner, and the food has wowed us every time. They have a great little patio overlooking the Chicago River (although there's currently construction on the river walk, so the view isn't as spectacular, but it's still a nice spot.) No kids menu, but a terrific burger the kids will love. Walking distance from the theaters, Millennium Park, and the tourist bus stops.
(5)
Karin L.
Perfect for a quick bite. Great beer menu and wonderful to sit outside and watch the boats go by.
(4)
M W.
Went during their $1 oyster happy hour and between the two of us we had 3 dozen and about 3 share apps. Waiter was stunned we ordered so much but warned us it was a lot of food. This was our first meal in Chicago and did not disappoint. View from the outside was perfect.
(5)
Raju S.
Great location and excellent food. I have been there for brunch a few times and the location can't be beat. Food is good, prices are decent and the atmosphere is relaxing. Definitely a great place to have a couple of beers on a lazy sunday afternoon.
(4)
Brian B.
We went here for Valentines day with a few couples. The food was amazing! Everyone loved their dish. The portions were plentiful and the prices were extremely reasonable. At the end of our meal the owner came by and gave us all free shots and thanked us for coming. I will definitely be going back here again.
(5)
Jason C.
We went here for brunch, mainly because of the bottomless mimosa and bloody mary special. The food was outstanding. The bloody mary made me a little sad. From the start it didn't have much flavor and was made with a lot of ice so got watery really fast. But the mimosa was fantastic, especially when they brought out a full carafe. The place wasn't too busy and we hung out a while and didn't feel rushed.
(4)
Nancy H.
The whole experience was an enjoyable success! We had late dinner reservations with a request for outside seating - had a table right by the River with beautiful view of the surrounding architecture at night. Our server, Emily, was energetic and personable. Our drinks and dinner arrived quickly and were to order, delicious - salads, burger, fish and chips, and reasonably priced. We would definitely return to Bridge House Tavern!
(5)
Chris G.
Elegance on the Chicago River. Bridge House Tavern's smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on toasted country wheat is upmarket and delicious! I've never tasted a turkey sandwich quite like it and something I'd expect from Grahamwich. It's not just about the moist turkey... in fact that's the least interesting thing about the sandwich. It's about the toppings and sauce! I could swear there's a touch of fresh cranberry in there, as it has a refreshingly similar tartness. This place used to be Flatwater, which was an overpriced, uninspired bar with so-so food. Bridge House didn't take the easy route out by becoming another frat boy, by-the-keg type establishment. They're succeeding by offering a minimal, yet elegant menu along with adult beverages to compliment. (My dry cava came to the table, filled to the brim in a huge, chubby, stemless champagne flute.) Though just steps from my office, I decided to give them a patio lunch trail on a near-100 degree, sweltering hot Chicago summer day. The patio, as you can see from the pics, is well-heeled and on top of the dirty river. It ain't a perfect view, but it's better than many other nearby restaurants. -- UPDATE: Took a friend with me today after yesterday's outing... met the nice owner Ryan who's live in North Carolina. I'm sharing this with you because I was born and raised in Mississippi, very close to where B.B. King lived and know what good grits taste like. OMG. Someone put their damn foot in the grits that came with the roasted herb chicken at lunch. So creamy, flavorful and awesome. Especially if you have NOT experienced good grits, go check these out! I'm trying to convince them to offer quick breakfast to the office folx nearby who are also from the South or Southern family. The mussels are served with toasted baguette and fresh, sliced jalepeño peppers. Never had it like that. Great prep!
(4)
Rick S.
Corned beef hash was outstanding! And the popcorn was awesome (think popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapenos, and smoky salt)! View is great and nice bar selection.
(4)
Melissa P.
Sat outside on the river (which smells), a boat pulled up and people basically climbed over our table to get into the patio of the restaurant. Salads are very mini. Bloody Mary's are great but expensive. The food was good, but nothing to rave about. Maybe I just had a weird experience.
(2)
Valerie M.
A great place...if you're young, single, and looking for a place to grab a round after work. Sadly, for my husband, 8-yr-old, and myself, it was not the dining destination we'd read reviews for and anticipated. We were greeted by your standard, aloof, disenchanted trio of hostesses who barely managed a smile and a welcome as one escorted us to a table on the patio, overlooking the river. Had we known in would have been quite a while before a server stopped by to acknowledge us ad take drink orders, we might not have been so quick to judge the hostess' indifference. There was entertainment as we waited to place drink and then food orders. The river is pretty, with a seemingly endless parade of boats and barges passing by. Offering more traffic than the Chicago River and the busy pedestrian bridge within view, though, was a steady stream of restaurant workers - barkeeps, busboys, a waiter, and even the manager at one point - setting up an unseen outdoor seating area. We were lucky to be seated next to a storage cabana holding what seemed like thousands of pieces of outdoor furniture. Like busy little ants, there was a steady stream of people walking by our table with chairs, cushions, and tables. This went on for a good half hour, begging the questions "what are they setting up?" and "what does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?" The waiter DID: - take forever to come to our table to welcome us take drink orders - act perplexed and even a little annoyed when asked if they had a kids' menu or anything suitable for a younger diner - barely manage a "thanks for coming in" upon our departure The waiter DID NOT: - act concerned or offer any type of apology when my husband pointed out his contradictory pork chop (dry and cooked just outside an inch of its flavor on the outside, raw in the middle) I will say the manager found time to break away from the furniture set up to come over and offer to make things right. He offered to bring another pork chop or another entree but the time had passed. Two of the three of us were completely finished with our meal and we had places to go and things to see. I believe they did wind up taking it off the bill, which was nice of them, but did not erase the literal and figurative bad taste in our mouths. Bottom line: Great place to grab a drink with friends after work. Not a great place to grab dinner with your family.
(2)
Stephanie S.
Great restaurant with great views! The staff here were exceptional, friendly and happy to make menu suggestions. I had the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, which comes with a fried egg on top, and it was wonderful! House chips with ranch are a must. We were seated indoors by the fireplace, so that a was a nice touch. Overall great experience!
(5)
Soren N.
Obviously what sets this place apart from the thousand of other places in Chicago is the location, which really is unbeatable (especially for the price!) That being said the food is also stellar in my opinion. I've eaten most of what's on the menu, and never been disappointed. You gotta try the popcorn. It's such a bargain and a unique eat for sure. The drinks are great. The burger is better than most. To top it off Ryan and Mark are great owners and try their very best to make everyone's experience enjoyable. Come for any meal, including brunch! Or have an awesome happy hour.
(5)
Susan S.
Comfy little restaurant with great river views. Chicken avocado rolls and onion rings satisfied this party of two for dinner, followed by the absolutely amazing turtle cheesecake topped with toasted sugared spicy pecans and Bailey's whipped cream. Our server Katie took care of our every need. Can't wait to return in the spring-summer to soak up the sun and river activity!
(5)
Crystal I.
This is a hidden gem! On the river, perfect location. At first I thought it might be a tourist trap, but it wasn't. I met a few work colleagues for happy hour. We had a fabulous time. Excellent signature cocktails. Delicious appetizers. The owner introduced himself and the staff were very helpful. We will return, hopefully soon!
(5)
Kati O.
The location is amazing but the service was terrible. I love Bloody Mary's but the mix had a terrible flavor, it was sour- stay away. We had to hunt down our server to get anything. The meals were good and everything was priced right. I really wanted to love this place because of the location but sitting there with an empty glass for 20 minutes in between beers was not ideal. It is a great place to sit on a nice day so I'm not ruling out a return, just wish we could have had a better experience.
(2)
S G.
Had a sat night dinner here with friends. We started with specialty cocktails- I had a lemon champagne drink which was pretty good. Appetizers are large- we had the oysters, east and west coast, the mac and cheese, the mushroom bruschetta, and the chicken avocado rolls which were spicy and yummy! Main dishes: rigatoni with sausage and mushrooms, the short ribs and a large seafood pot which had lobster, corn, muscles and a great broth. The dessert menu looked good but we were too full! The place was actually pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I would definitely go again!
(4)
Ermelinda C.
Great atmosphere, great food, great drinks - probably the best bloody mary I have ever had. The popcorn was a real treat ( a must try!), even though too heavy and too generous a portion to actually finish :-) The outdoor area is very enjoyable and if you are lucky, you might get to see some of the Lollapalooza concerts being projected live on their several outdoor flat screen TVs :-)))
(4)
Lorena F.
I usually enjoy this place near the river. View of the river is awesome and the food is equally good. HOWEVER, I had to give this place ONE star because the hostess was very rude to us when she noticed that our party of five consisted of two adults and THREE children. She told us that it would be a long wait because they only have two tables that would fit our large party. Now I'm certain that they would jump through hoops to try to seat FIVE adults. Child discrimination in downtown restaurants is a huge problem!!!! I want to be able to eat a nice meal with a nice view with my kids too!
(1)
Kelly O.
Lovely atmosphere, right on the river with both tables and a good-sized bar outside of the main dining area. The drink menu was slightly better than expected for a place like this (they offered cans of the hibiscus beer from Revolution, so I was happy), although the food menu looked a little on the pricey side. A good place for grabbing a drink or two with friends in the nice weather.
(3)
Katie L.
I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 because of the view. I made a reservation to go here with my boyfriend and his family for his birthday. We ordered a few appetizers, the best was the spicy chicken avocado roll but there wasn't much avocado on it. Then we had the pork belly which was not amazing but okay. Lastly, we ordered the artichoke bruschetta which was soggy, super sweet because of too much balsamic sauce, and overall a disaster. In between the appetizers and before our entrees came out, a server put down two plates before hearing us tell him it wasn't our order. The staff seemed very confused since this happened again with drinks later in our meal. I had the sunny day salad which was served to me without the avocado (it was supposed it include it) and was not even close to worth the cost. No one else had much to say about their entrees. The rest of the dinner was spent protecting our plates because they kept trying to take them while we were still eating. This morning, I called and told the hostess over the phone was my boyfriends birthday. The hostess cheerfully let me know that they give birthday desserts. After our plates were cleared, his parents ask for the check and the waitress makes no notion of knowing that it was his birthday. So I go inside to ask if the hostess had told our waitress since I had already called and told them about it this morning... 15 minutes later a dessert (nothing special something with whip cream) comes out. The atmosphere and staff need improving. There was nirvana playing in between nickel back and the red hot chile peppers making the mood way too teenage emo for a nice evening on the river. On my walk to the elevator I found a spider on my foot...
(2)
Rachel I.
Great bloody Marys and mimosas! Really friendly bartender and manager! Awesome service! Will definitely come back
(5)
Polly S.
You go for the river view but you will not return because of the food. A co-worker and I went for lunch on a beautiful sunny 70 degree day. The setting was nice. Service was attentive but a bit awkward. The food was a big thumbs down. I had the BHT nicoise salad and the salmon in it was ineligibly salty. My co-worker had the steak sandwich and the meat was extremely rare so she avoided it for fear it would walk off her plate. Prime location but the point of a restaurant is to eat.
(2)
Leang E.
I am with Johnny T. on this one. My coworkers and I were looking for an outdoor eating area, and with seats along the river it seemed to fit the bill. We made reservations at 11:45am and it seemed like we were the 4th group that sat inside even though there were more people outdoors. We started out with the popcorn and the creamed corn. Both were very tasty and creative dishes. Half of us ordered the special shrimp po boy sandwiches, and this was confirmed by our waiter that there would be enough left. For some reason though 20 minutes later we were told that they ran out. I am not sure how this happened when the special on the board runs out at noon when the restaurant opens at 11am. I almost felt like we got pushed down the line somehow. I was really disappointed and went with what was recommended, which was the Pork Belly BLT. I think the combination of the pork belly and bacon made it a bit more on the salty side. Maybe I just felt salty about what happened. The sauce didn't have too much flavor, but the side salad I had was pretty tasty. Our water didn't seem like it got filled fast enough, and we got our food 10 minutes before we had to leave and pay. I might come back for a happy hour, but I don't want to take a second chance on not having my first choice option for a meal again.
(2)
Shradha A.
I was a huge fan of Flatwater and thankfully, an even bigger fan of Bridgehouse Tavern! Good drinks, good menu, vegetarian mac n cheese, grilled cheese and linguini options for entrees and some appetizer choices too! Service was wonderful - from the bar to the table. Place and decor are stylish but not overdone. By the water is of course a huge plus!
3+ stars. Hambergers were good, fries were very good and the service was very good under the circumstances. It was the first warm Friday and bar area an river front was packed. Hats off Tom our server and the women server in the boot. They hustled the whole time we were thier.
(3)
Adam K.
I went here for Valentine's Day, mainly because I waited a little too long to make a reservation and this was one of the few places with space open. To my amazement, it was SPECTACULAR. From the friendliness of the entire staff, to the nice quaint atmosphere, and the tastiness of the food, everything was perfect. I was a little skeptical about going in the heart of winter without the patio being open, but I highly recommend checking this place out if you have some time and don't want to stay in hibernation all winter.
(5)
Jamie D.
What can I say... My party and I came here this afternoon to celebrate my wedding. We docked our boat along the river, which was perfect. Both the food and service was amazing, definitely 5-star presentation and flavors. There weren't a lot of people here (we came early, a little after 4:30, when their kitchen opened up again for the dinner menu) but that was perfect because we had a party of 12. Our favorite appetizers were the popcorn and the artichoke bruchetta (you have to order these, they were amazing!). For dinner, everyone ordered burgers, the sunflower salad, or the scallops, all of which were out of this world. Our server and Ryan, one of the owners, were extremely accommodating, and made our wedding dinner very special! I highly recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Mista L.
Visiting from Los Angeles I was looking for a nice place along the river to enjoy dinner with my family. I did a lot of research prior to booking my reservations. Based on reviews, pictures, and the view, I chose Bridge House Tavern as my dining destination. We had reservations for 4 on a Friday night and we were seated immediately. I observed right away that the restaurant itself is quite small but it doesn't feel that way. It's very cozy and comfortable and the lighting is perfect (lower lighting for more intimate experience). Due to the bad weather, patio seating wasn't available. However, I don't think there is a bad table in the place. The service was phenomenal and we couldn't have asked for a better waiter. The price is consistent with other fine dining establishments that offer spectacular views, so be prepared for a higher bill. I cant remember what the popcorn appetizer was called, but its a must have item!
(5)
Mahsa T.
Formerly the Flatwater Grill, the new Bridge House Tavern strives to be somewhat better than its predecessor, ever so slightly more upscale"ish"--but it fails. Is it trying to be a sports bar or a nice riverside restaurant? The many TVs mounted on the walls outside and broadcasting sports kind of ruined the mood for me. It looked tacky and why watch a TV when you're sitting on the river and can watch the passing boats and enjoy the city lights? The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back...the crowd is a mixture of tourists and locals, happy hour work groups and others that pulled up to the restaurant on their boat. Perhaps the atmosphere is too relaxed, like the server almost didn't care that we were there. It took way too long to get him to come over and take our drink order when the terrace was a little more than half full. And then there was his attitude, which I didn't care for. The menu is extremely limited--both food and drinks. It's a good thing they had just a handful of specialty beers that I could order from, otherwise I would've had to go with wine. I can't give Bridge House more than three stars without having tried the food. Based on drinks and service, it's a three. But they do have fantastic river views and great outdoor seating.
(3)
Chrysa L.
After chewing on this review for a couple of weeks, I have settled on three stars. It was a beautiful day and we were actually seated right near the open window. Felt like we were outside on the patio, but not in the direct sun, so that was a plus. Our waiter (at first) seemed attentive enough, but something about how long he took taking the drink orders of the young twentysomethings seated next to us really rubbed me the wrong way. Look, I understand they're asking you a billion questions about which drinks have rum in them, but we're clearly ready to order and we're clearly on our work lunch HOUR. In any event, I had the pork belly BLT with a side of fries. The fries were exceptionally delicious and the sandwich was yummy (though, the fried egg was a little bit on the overdone side). My dining companions enjoyed the brat (wrapped in bacon with blackberry jam, melted brie, and truffle mayo) and the Wild Boar patty melt...both got rave reviews. I would really like to give this place another shot for an after-work drink and snack whilst enjoying their patio right on the river.
(3)
Kep P.
We absolutely loved sitting by the river and enjoying drinks & small plates! The ambiance and scenery was to die for! As fast paced east coast natives we very much enjoyed taking our time and relaxing by the water. Our server Kristen was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. She was patient with answering our questions about beer and cheese board selections and offered excellent suggestions! She did not rush us and was kind to introduce us to another server once her shift was complete even though we weren't. Very professional and kind! I had the pink lemonade cocktail, which was refreshing and my boyfriend stuck with a Goose Island beer selection, which he loved. We shared the pretzels and cheese board. Honestly, the food was average. It wasn't bad but there wasn't anything differentiating about it either. Although, we did enjoy the stone ground mustard served with the pretzels! Overall, We enjoyed it for the most part and will definitely be visiting again once we're in Chicago during spring/summer time. Please note we were not particularly happy with any of our meals while visiting Chicago. We found the food to be very boring, bland or just made poorly but Bridge House Tavern is 1 out of 2 restaurants that will be receiving a 4 star rating on Yelp from us. The other 8 restaurants unfortunately did not meet standards of 4 or above, so be proud!
(4)
Stacy F.
The Spinach salad is wonderful and complete with pickled beets, pecans, goat cheese (let's face it anything with goat cheese is awesome), and a sunny, runny egg! Great place to sit outside by the river during the warmer days and watch the boats go by. Also, great for happy hour!
(4)
Kelly H.
Service, food and the ambiance were great. 1/2 price bottles of wine on Thursday's and 1/2 off all oysters everyday between 2-5 make this place a gem. Beautiful river front tables make this a perfect summer lunch spot.
(4)
Judy B.
Delicious and inexpensive brunch on the river, what more could you ask for?!
(5)
Liz L.
LOVE this place! My husband found it while searching for a place to grab brunch before Book of Mormon. We hit the jack pot! Bottomless mimosas, bloody's , and a brunch item all for $25. The food is great! I had the homemade corn beef and hash the first time and it was amazing. My friend got the bacon pancake and that was huge and very tasty. The location is right on the river. It can be a little hard to see but you take a cool little elevator down to the river level and enter into the restaurant. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. I have only sat inside but the patio would be amazing in the summer. There are great views of the city/river regardless if you sit inside or out. We enjoyed the place so much that my friends and I decided to throw my friends bachelorette party there! We had a group of 10 and did a brunch followed by some day drinking. Kristen from events and everyone at bridge house went out of their way to accommodate us. The hostess, the waiter and even one of the owners bent over backwards to make sure the bride had a great day. This would be a perfect place to take an out of town guest or gather with friends. Really can't say enough I HIGHLY recommend it!
(5)
Theresa B.
Love, love, love! We had our rehearsal dinner at Bridge House and it was amazing. Even in the winter the views of the river were gorgeous and it was so cozy inside with the fireplace on. This place is not just for summer days! The wait staff was excellent and the management could not have been nicer with planning, accommodating my requests (and allergy laden family) and changes. The food was absolutely amazing and being greeted with glasses of champagne isn't to shabby either! I can't wait to have a reason to have another party here but in the mean time, I'll be back for dinner soon!!
(5)
Jacob S.
When you hear somebody talk about location, location, location - this is it. Right on the north bank of the river downtown in the same row as Fulton's etc. The food is excellent, and the river patio is a wonderful place for an afternoon cocktail. It's just a few blocks from our house so we visit often, and the owner (Ryan) and staff are always welcoming and helpful. In addition to the physical location, Bridge House also serves up the most intense and effective hangover therapy in town, in the form of "The Horseshoe." It's a bewildering but delicious pile of braised short ribs, giardiniera, beer cheese sauce, bacon, and a sunny side egg (I usually ask for an extra egg and then can't finish my meal, I'll never learn) on an open faced French roll. Good grief that'll patch you up on a Sunday morning. Our only poor experience here has been with spotty service outside, but we also have a habit of showing up exactly during shift changes and since the outside area is frequently used for corporate events (excellent place for your next company happy hour) the sections are fluid so the layout can be confusing for incoming servers. They've always resolved any issues with a free round of drinks or a friendly apology. Overall we love this place. It somehow manages to be just right for a weekend brunch, a company event, or a nice dinner on the river while maintaining reasonable prices and avoiding a generic or douchey atmosphere, which is a lot more than many of its competitors in the area can say. It's rare to find a place downtown that marries quality of food and service with a neighborhood feel. A real gem for us Loop-dwellers.
(4)
Lindsay L.
I would have given this place 5 stars a few months ago, because their brunch food is amazzzzing (I've only been for brunch), but they stopped doing all you can drink brunch... and now I dont really see a point in coming. Very sad. You stink BHT, now bring back AYCD brunch!
(3)
Tammi H.
First time here was with a group of coworkers from my firm. Service was fine, automatic 20% gratuity for groups 6 or more. I made a reservation for my boyfriend and I today and indicated we wanted a table by the window. But the hostess sat us at a table in the back (with seating for 4) away from the windows, even though there were empty tables by the windows (also seat 4). I asked if we could sit at a table by the window instead, but she said it was "prime seating" (those exact words) reserved for groups of 4 and we only had 2 people. Except a table next to the empty table also only had 2 men (that table also had seating for 4). I pointed that out, she realized she made a foolish statement, so she went back to ask some other girl if it would be okay for us to take the "prime seating" table by the windows. When she came back, she said we still couldn't take that table, but we could take a table behind those tables, which were still not by the windows. They wouldn't accommodate so we left and went to Tortoise Club instead, which had perfect service in comparison (I tipped 25% there). Seems like discriminatory seating to me. We're young, Asians. My boyfriend was wearing a polo instead of business clothes. Apparently "prime seating" is not for us.
(1)
Lotus G.
The food was ok. The views were awesome unfortunately most people were drinking at the bar and we could not eat dinner on the river. I was so bummed as I had a reservation for weeks. I think because we were not young and drinking we got stuck back in the restaurant and we were buying a meal! Ugh!!! Won't be back!!!!
(3)
Lanita T.
I enjoyed my food very much. The staff there was very nice and help. The shrimp and grits was sooooo delicious! I also ordered a turkey sandwich on Focaccia and asked the waitress to bring me some of their basil mayo and that took that sandwich to whole other level. I also took one of our VIPs to this restaurant and even though I hadn't told anyone I was bringing a VIP, the owner was there and greeted us and made sure we all were very comfortable. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Rachel A.
Love this place! Great food, the AGM Rich was courteous and took care of us well. I met the owners and they were nice guys since they took time to stop by and say hello. Very nice staff and did I mention AMAZING food?!?!? Wow. Oh and a side note...Theo Epstein just happened to walk in and eat here...made my night as I am a HUGE Cubs fan :)
(5)
Lisa I.
I've been here multiple times already and every time we have had an exceptional experience! The wait staff is extremely attentive, the food is divine and I absolutely love the atmosphere! It has such unique flair, chic yet warm and inviting. This is for sure the new Chicago hot spot!
(5)
Ranjit V.
I got the roasted chicken. It came with grits by default so I asked if I could sub onion rings. At first, the waitress said no subs, so I ordered a side. Then she check with the manager and got the sub with an up-charge. They were very nice and the food was good. It came out fast too!
(3)
Julie K.
I loved sitting right on the river. Was so beautiful. We ordered appetizers and loved everything
(4)
Ray K.
Stopped in for happy hour after work. They're on the North side of the Chicago River and have a great outdoor patio & view. In the early evening it sits in the shadow so you're protected when its hot out and heat lamps will keep you warm when its chilly. Not a great beer selection (large that is...but on a good note, it has decent variety and brews as well as a good drink menu overall). Service was friendly and attentive. I've been there for lunch before and want to come back to try their food again. TV's on the outdoor patio was a surprise bonus to watch the game.
(4)
Karen G.
Went here for lunch. No wait to sit onside on a beautiful Chicago day. It was delicious and I could barely walk when I left. We started with the popcorn (honey, bacon, jalapeno) and the shrimp and grits. The shrimp dish was phenomenal!! We then had sandwiches (turkey and chicken) and they were fine, large in portion size. We decided to end the meal with the fried waffle and ice cream. Again, phenomenal! There was also the bottle of Moscato mixed in, which was great as well (and well priced). Well I can't say that I eat this way for lunch every day, but I would definitely come back again. If you like shrimp and grits, you can't go wrong- and save room for dessert.
(4)
Susana D.
interesting salads, gorgeous views of the city and, yes, the servers, strangely exceptional side sauces (I seem to recall something pairing berries and horseradish, and a tomato relish that was a knock-out)...could use umbrellas, but if you can get the table at the far west end, the trees do the trick
(3)
Kim B.
Great location with huge patio overlooking the river. Inside, it is pretty small. I really wanted to like this place. The service was great, our waiter was super sweet and very attentive. I went with a friend for some after work wine and snacks. They were out of my first 2 choices of wine by the glass. I finally settled on a glass of red and the temperature of the wine was hot. It was a 95 degree day and it tasted like they were storing it on the patio in the sun. We had the cheese board and charcuterie. The cheeses were really disappointing, kinda grocery store type stuff. A blue, smoked mozzarella and swiss. The charcuterie was odd in that it was 3 pates, so all had the same texture and overall taste. They were great quality and flavor, just would have nice to have some variety with salumi or something else. I would go back for the outdoor seating.
(3)
Lauren U.
What a beautiful place for a summer evening. Delicious cheese platter, beer and cheddar soup, pasta with cream mushroom and truffle sauce. Summer beer, water, and sunshine -- a table right on the water. Just make sure to make reservations.
(5)
LeeAnn T.
WOW, this places screams that they don't need new business clientelle when not only is the host rude to the guests but the owner is also. We called two weeks in advavance for a reservation, and were told to call again the day of instead. We called the day of and were told we should have called sooner by the same person (TOBI). Once we arrived to the place, Tobi greeted us with a rude and condensending tone of "we won't set your party up until they all arrived." We all arrive and not only is the table not set up but we are told by Tobi that the tables assigned to us we can't put our things on. Then we are told by the busboy we can't sit at the tables Tobi walked us to. I proceed to call the owner who tells me on the phone that his staff handled the situation appropriately. Wow! I think the owner should stick to the back of the house improving the menu items critiqued by the Sun Times and stay out of running client services. The only thing charming about this place is the river, don't waste your time, go to another river view spot as these people don't care about customer service only their egos.
(1)
Jeff P.
One of our friends raved about Bridge House so we took a party of 10 there. Part of the appeal was the location - the restaurant's at river level so there is an unusual view. Asked for seating at the windows when we reserved and the restaurant said there would be no problem. Learned better; no windows on a Monday night when, aside from us, there were only 8 other customers. Let me bottom line this: menu selection was limited, food was poorly prepared. Chance of going back: zero. There are too many good restaurants in Chicago to waste a second chance on this place.
(2)
Andrew G.
Expectations EXCEEDED. The food is just as great as everybody says but the service was what made the night. I called in earlier this week and was excited to have been able to get a reservation for 8 on a Thursday night. Granted it was an early meal at 5:15 but I could tell that the hostess was doing me a favor because they had a private event planned for later that evening. We were thrown for a quick loop when we got there because they failed to mention that due to the private event we would have to be out of the place in just over an hour. My family had come into the city for the purpose of celebrating my parents' birthdays so we were ready to cancel and find a place where we could spend more of the evening together, something I knew wouldn't be easy to do last minute. We decided to at least sit down and get some appetizers when one of the managers came over and told us that they were able to move us to their "front" table where we could dine in private for as long as we'd like. This "front" table turned out to be a large full table with plush chairs situated beneath atrium windows... the kind of table you'd have in your house but use only on Thanksgiving. Our situation instantly went from stressful to best-case scenario and improved even more-so once the food came out... Appetizers - The pig wings were cooked perfectly and the sauce was one of the best I've had. The bruschetta was unique and equally as flavorful. There was enough to go around with both dishes. We ordered a few burgers - 10oz and two patties stacked about 5 inches high and stabbed with a wooden steak knife that brought the total height of the dish to what seemed like 3ft. I didn't try it but the reviews were glowing. The fish of the day - A generously-sized fillet of Mahi Mahi over a roasted red pepper and chipotle sauce with corn polenta. Fantastic. Shaved salad with chicken - I was skeptical about taking the healthy route with this one and although it came out looking small and light, it was incredibly flavorful and filling. Bonus points for the lightly fried ricotta croutons. The fish and chips - A substantial basket of lightly-fried whitefish over some excellent french fries. Also great. And lastly, a side of the grits - My parents happen to be true grits-eating Southerners who claim to have tried this dish in every possible form. These grits are officially their new favorite. Living down the street from this place and given the selection of over-priced so-so restaurants in River North I think I found a new favorite for the area. I can't wait to get back and get brunch out on the patio... I'm convinced it'll be as good as the other reviews say it is.
(5)
John C.
love the restauraunt and the food, location is great , staff is nice , hostess is the worst she makes u feel uncomfortable when u get there
(4)
Alexa F.
i came in not expecting much last Monday, and left truly happy! From the moment we walked in to the moment we left everyone was polite and made our experience worth the trip! Dominique was our server, its nice to have a person patient and knowlegable of there trade. Even though she was running around she still took the time to explain everything in detail and chit chat. The food was just amazing! from Apps to Dessert ! My friends and I will be back for sure ! Thank you!
(5)
Andrea F.
Bridge House Tavern was the perfect place for Father's Day brunch. A friend of mine recommended it and I have to say - many thanks. Sitting outside along the river is something you have to take advantage of in the summer. We were fortunate and had perfect weather. We started with some very tasty mimosas. They also had a bloody mary special, the next table over ordered, which also looked pretty good too. Dad got the burger and I had the eggs benedict. The burger was no ordinary burger - stacked tall, and mouthwatering. Of course I had to steal some fries - yummm. I'm a big fan of eggs benedict and these did not disappoint. From ham to hollandaise, I ate every last bite. The Bridge House potatoes they are served with were equally amazing. I highly recommend this place for food, drinks and great location on the river.
(5)
Trish T.
Loved the location. It was our first time in Chicago and we got a table outside on the river. Such a fun place to eat and enjoy the beauty of the river...just a all round great setting. Our appetizers were great, we ordered the cheese board and oysters. Both were yummy. Both our entrees were also great and wine was great also. What I loved most was the location!!!
(4)
Red W.
While visiting Chicago today my family and I heard about this place and decided to give it a try. It's right on the river and has a great outdoor dining area. Watching the boats go by while staring at all the beautiful buildings we waited for our table. I was surprised that they didn't have any local brews but they had Sierra Nevada from Cali, so that was a plus. We got great service from the hostess station and our waitress was super friendly too. A pork chop dish we had was really tasty. Super tender and had a great garnish/set-up. Rockin' good Mac n cheese too. My meal came luke-warm at best, though, and was charred black/burned on the outside while raw in some parts. After our meal I mentioned my experience to the manager and she went above and beyond to make the issue right. When we come back to Chicago we'll definitely put it on the list of places to go back to.
(4)
Penny D.
Went here to celebrate a friend's birthday last night and loved it! The space was great with views overlooking the river. Casual vibe, but with sophisticated touches. This will be a great summer dining spot. The food was delicious and i would recommend the steak frites and pork dish. Huge portions. Attentive wait staff as well. The owner stopped by our table to welcome us and chat for a bit, very nice touch. It's always a joy to dine in a restaurant where they are welcoming and genuinely interested in making sure you are enjoying the experience. Keep up the good work and I think this is a winner!
(5)
Joan H.
Wonderful location, right on the river, and we were seated outside. The food was delicious, although the dessert menu was lacking. Service was solid.
(4)
Cheryl A.
I have gone to Bridgehouse a few times and really enjoy it. The outside patio is fantastic and on a warm day, nothing beats it. Sipping a cocktail while watching boats go by on the river is a great way to spend the afternoon on a nice, summer day in Chicago! They have a good selection of food (you gotta try the Honey, Bacon, Jalapeno popcorn---addictive!) and the wait staff has always been pleasant and attentive. Great vibe, good food and excellent location! Highly recommended!
(4)
Katie L.
Had dinner here and LOVED it! Warm, intimate atmosphere, great wine and beer, wonderful food. I love the location. Even on a cold, winter night...the river looked beautiful. I would highly recommend this restaurant!
IF ONLY.... this place had better management it could really compete with the best terraces in the city, but... So I dragged my husband here because I remembered that two summers ago, this place was decent. The second we came in, a had a bad feeling, and, unfortunately, I was not wrong. It had a vibe of a sport bar on a Monday night. My husband was ready to leave after the cheese board. It wasn't your regular five 1oz. pieces of gourmet cheeses, imported jams and homemade honey, no, no... It was a load of Great Value looking/tasting cheese, a pile of some bread and dirty grapes. The look on my husband's face (who orders cheese boar everywhere we go) was priceless and that is why I give this place an extra star :) The rest of the dinner didn't matter any longer. We ate the bread, noone touched the cheese that stuck together awkwardly and decided to never come back... Now imagine this place with good chef ...? In summer times - it could be a gold mine.
(3)
Christine C.
Sunday brunch, $5 mimosas, $5 bloody marys... need I say more? Well I will. It's on the river, with pretty good (and reasonably priced) food, great service and definitely the best atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, enjoying drenching ourselves in anything but water on this hot Sunday afternoon. At the table we had the croissant (tonsa egg, yum), the pig wings (meaty meat meat), the veg omelette - standard and good, annnd the horseshoe (large braised beef, egg, fries, cheese) it looked disgusting but I was assured it was the perfect hangover helper. Check this place out.
(4)
Stina N.
I ended up here on a business lunch, and I was fairly certain I actually died and went to grilled cheese heaven. There's nothing I love more in the world than a really great grilled cheese - sophisticated palate right here ya know. The grilled cheese here was outstanding: Brie, Fontina, and Cheddar with bacon, tomato, and a stellar tomato jam on a soft, grilled roll of some sort. I figured all the cheese was plenty of fatty goodness for one meal so I opted to sub the french fries with the Green City Market Veggies (it was wild mushrooms and asparagus today). I was incredibly pleased with my decision. And my aforementioned sophisticated palate loves french fries so to make me not regret my decision even a little bit is an accomplishment in itself. We didn't have any service issues, but the restaurant also half empty (which seemed kind of odd considering we were there right at noon.) Our waitress was friendly, prompt and attentive without being overbearing. Unfortunately it's cold and rainy out today so we couldn't enjoy the patio, but the decor inside is lovely, and there's still a nice view of the river.
(4)
Yanyao N.
Do not deny a fat kid her bacon. Seriously. Nothing disappoints fat kids more than the promise of bacon with no delivery on said promise. Bridge House Tavern's fatal error? Seducing me with "popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapeno & smoked salt"... doesn't that sound AMAZING? My dining companion both zeroed in within seconds, looked at each other, and said "POPCORN!" but after ordering drinks and a few appetizers to start, we quickly became very disappointed. Let's rewind a little bit. We were led here with the glowing Yelp reviews. After arriving, we were told by the hostess there were 5 parties before us waiting for seats on the patio (I did not see any of them) and that she couldn't quote a wait time. Fair enough. I could see many empty tables inside the restaurant and waited around a little for her to offer up immediate seating inside. This didn't happen. We had to ask to if we could be seated immediately inside. Once inside, and seated, we spent out entire meal staring out onto the patio at 4 empty tables that remained empty throughout the entire meal. STRIKE 1! Then, we begin to focus on the menu. The popcorn, of course. A charcuterie plate from Butcher & Larder? Why, yes, of course! I was a little curious about the "pig wings" that were listed, so I asked our server who replied with "they're pork". REALLY? No other information. With the number of restaurants in this city that will not only describe to you what CUT of meat they are serving you, but also what specific farm the animal was sourced from, this is a plain no-no. Of course, I know that they are pork... but I asked because I want to know what part of the pig this comes from. Last time I checked, pigs didn't fly? STRIKE 2! When the food came out, the pig wings were lukewarm at best. But the popcorn almost made me cry. It was a sweet soggy mess with occasional bits of heat - completely lacking in the salt department. There was not a speck of bacon to be seen in the entire giant basket, and not a granule of smoked salt to be tasted. So disappointing. The charcuterie was not describes when brought to the table and the crostini were gum-cuttingly burnt. Not okay. STRIKE 3! So: if you intend to come here to eat, then don't. Turn around, and go somewhere else. However: if you want to sail in on your boat, and be all scene-y, and drink booze on the patio and pay for poorly-executed and over-priced food, then go ahead. I'm sure you'll have a terrific time! Just make sure to bring your own bacon.
(2)
Carol K.
Looking for a new place to share a drink with a friend along the Chicago River? Bridge House Tavern is quickly becoming my new favorite place in the city to do just that. I mean, what's not to like on a sunny afternoon or a warm Summer's night than sitting outside next to the river enjoying well poured drinks or some really good food. On my first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Ryan, the owner, who even though he had been at the restaurant all day, took the time to sit with our table and enjoy a drink with us while his staff explained the menu. Nice! We ordered a wide range of items starting with appetizers and working our way to dessert. For the appetizers- I would suggest the cheese plate, the chacuterie, the mussels and the oysters. All were delicious but the cheese plate and chacuterie were at the top of my list. For entrees- there were mostly winners- try the pork chop with the maple glaze quite good. Or if you really want to splurge- the grilled cheese with three kinds of cheese was the table favorite! And those fish sticks? Totally undersold on the menu. More like fish and chips with a light tempura batter that we all raved about. We also had the poor boy sandwich (eh- not so much) and the mac and cheese with Nueske's bacon. . . needs more cheese if you ask me but I hear they're working on that. Finally, just when we thought the food extravaganza was over- out came the deconstructed bread pudding. Funny. We all seemed to find room for this little plate of deliciousness! This is a great location right at Clark and the river. We sat inside right by the open windows on my first visit and out doors the other times. Both locations were perfect. And I have it on good authority that on Friday nights- sofas and chairs are put out on the mezzanine level and with music playing, it is THE place to be on the weekends! While the decor is upscale and trendy, the atmosphere is easy going and laid back. After all- there are people in their swimsuits on boats pulled up to the river side and guys in their suits conducting business just a few tables away. Love the diversity of it all. Check it out and I bet you will too!
(4)
Hayley N.
Didn't love this place. The a/c was not working, but they had a few fans. It was just super hot and humid outside, so it made for an unpleasant setting. The waitress got our orders mixed up, but brought the right order shortly after. The food wasn't all that great. I would say the atmosphere would be better sitting outside on a nice day getting something simple to eat.
(2)
Summer H.
This is a awesome restaurant with best Chicago night view n delicious food.
(4)
Amy W.
I really like this place. Coordinated an office happy hour here once, but had never been. My boss chose the location. I really loved the location and the food isn't bad either. Such a great place in the summer when you can sit out on the patio. Went back for drinks one night with the girls and then just had lunch there earlier this week. I've always had good service and like I said the location is great. I'll definitely go back and recommend it for company happy hours, drinks with friends, etc.
(4)
TJ P.
Wow. Let me say that again... Wow. After reading reviews of several local places (and hearing about 2-3 hour waits) I decided to try this one. Let me just say again how much I love Yelp! I made a reservation through OpenTable for 8pm. I showed up a couple minutes early but was seated fairly quickly on the patio. It took a bit longer than I would have liked to get my order taken, but any misgivings spurred by that were quickly swept away. Patio overlooks the river. It can be breezy, so watch you keep hold of your napkin and menu. But it's worth it to feel marvelously out of the hustle and bustle if only for a while. A nice steady parade of boat tours goes by, and you will have plenty of chances to taunt them with the awesome meal you are having and they are not. I tried the popcorn appetizer. It has a delightful mix of jalapeno, bacon, honey and salt. It was positively mouth-watering. The portion is clearly big enough to be shared (probably with 3 or 4 people), so I asked the waiter to box up half of it for me. I'm snacking on it now as I write the review. Next I had the Beer Cheese Soup. It was the only soup they offered, and I was in the mood for soup, so what the heck. Glad I did. Rich and cheesy. Just the right blend of flavors. The "croutons" are made from pretzels. This is a serious soup for serious people. And oh so good. Entree was the double Prime Rib of Pork, which comes with their Nueske bacon Mac and Cheese. Both were stellar. The pork was a bit fatty, but since the fat is where the flavor comes from, I was happy to carve away the excess fat in exchange for the flavors left behind. Moist and tender, cooked exactly to perfection, which is nearly impossible to do with a chop that is a full three inches thick, but this chef has mad skillz. Did I just drop a "mad skillz" in my review? Must be the popcorn... mmm... popcorn. Any sane person would have been done at this point, but I felt obligated to sample a dessert if only to appease the curiosity of my fellow Yelpers. Honest! No other reason! ;) So the Banana Split was mine. No ordinary split this one. Carmelized banana. Pecans. Ice cream. Chocolate sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar... When the waiter came back to check on me, his only comment was "Wow, you must have hated it!" Hated it? An entire CSI team wouldn't have been able to find traces of it left in the bowl. So, so good. Damages including tip were just over $70. But they better raise their prices quick or this will be the next restaurant with 2 hour waits for tables. They've been open just 2 months now and word is getting out. Five and a half stars!
(5)
Marsha S.
Party of 6 for lunch. Fantastic salads, location/view and service. First tour of Chicago and this was a great choice for lunch!!
(5)
Michael M.
Beautiful view and good food. Service (waiter & hostess/seating policies) were "so-so"......After I posting this, the manager contacted me. Pretty impressive. Raised him stars (on my rating) & will go back.
(4)
Colin G.
Came for lunch on a very nice day. Chose this place because I recalled walking through their patio before they were open the last time I was in Chicago, and thought then that I should go back. Decor is modern and chic but it still feels very comfortable. There are varying seating options, from interior low tables to exterior high tables to the bar inside. But you get a good view, even if you do sit inside. Music was interesting. Definitely my kind of stuff, but I don't know that it would be for everyone: Black Keys, Beck, White Stripes, etc. Probably a Pandora station. It wasn't loud, but it was louder than I would expect. The menu at lunch is not minimal nor is it expansive. Sandwiches, salads, three entrees, and a variety of appetizers. $11-15 for the sandwiches and salads, which is not bad for the area. Good beer selection, although the menu said they had Guinness on draft and they do not. They've replaced it with a stout, but I don't recall which one. I had the chicken BLT, minus the T, and my companion had the steak sandwich, both with salads. You can also choose fries or chips. I had some food envy. The steak sandwich would be my choice if I come back. But my sandwich was very good also: chicken breast was well-cooked, bacon was nice and did not fall apart, the other ingredients (including the avocado) were a nice touch and worked well together. Dessert was very tempting because it seems like it would be very good here. Couldn't do it though. We both had just enough food to satisfy but not leave us with too much leftover. Service was very good and friendly. The knock I would give them is that it took quite a while to be seated. They have a sort of maitre'd + hostesses situation, which backed everything up. And they don't have much of a waiting area, so it was made worse. I think that, when they get really busy, they should meet you upstairs and work out some kind of communication system with the downstairs, but maybe they already do that. Overall, it was a good experience and I would come back. At least to try that steak sandwich.
(4)
Roberto H.
Excellent view of the river, great service, very enjoyable food. Highly recommended if you are looking for such a combination in the River North-ish area. FYI - if you choose to sit on the outdoor patio, the staff will even warn you to come inside if it's going to start raining. Very cool!
(5)
Melissa M.
Bridge House Tavern is AMAZING!! Best patio in Chicago, hands down.. I love their outdoor seating area, it's the perfect spot for whatever you're looking to do - happy hour cocktails, date night, girls night out, guys night out, group dinner or a work party - BHT is the best! The food is amazing and I love that the menu changes seasonally, there's a lot of thought and creativity goes into the dishes. The bartenders are awesome (Go Terry and Ken!) as are the waitstaff and hostesses. Guys, they've got flat screens on the patio so you can take your girl out and keep an eye on the game - bam!
(5)
Dave O.
Right on the river, must be a really nice place to dine outside in the summer but for some reason wife & I decide to drop by in mid-January. And...the place is absolutely dead. We were the only table, with maybe one person at the bar. But the pretzel bread appetizer we ordered was really really tasty. Then my Pork Osso Bucco arrived and the smell alone was amazing. That was one of the better dishes I've had in a while. Wife liked her braised short ribs. The entrees are not cheap, and come to think of it the shared plates weren't either, but definitely recommend if you're downtown and looking for good food.
(4)
Tom K.
Brunch was great, we got the French toast and Eggs Benedict, both of which were one of the best kinds we have had.
(4)
Melissa H.
We loved this place so much we ate here twice during our visit to the city! Dinner along the river was just great - great view, light breeze, and great service. The place is lively with music and an indoor/outdoor bar. When the humidity is too high and the temps too hot, there are a handful of high top seats indoors as well and a few formal dining tables. Don't miss the burger or the mussels. The mussels come in a sauce with orange, coriander, and jalapeno. It was quite possibly the best mussels dish we've ever had. We also enjoyed the popcorn that comes seasoned with honey, smoked salt, and bacon. It's a large portion that is plenty for a group of 4-6. Tasty, sweet & spicy but be sure to eat it quickly before it gets soggy with the honey. I love honey on my popcorn so I might be biased! If you want to split a salad, they will glady divide it between plates at no extra charge. Tasty cocktail menu and a few decent wines by the glass.
(4)
Tim H.
Great location right next to the river. Great place for an outdoor seating brunch in the summer. Prices are very reasonable given location and riverside seating. Their corned beef hash was very good. I believe it had some truffle oil in it as I smelled and tasted a bit of truffle. I would say it was great if not for the fact that I thought it was a little bit too oily and there were chunks of fat purposely left in. The french toast I tried was very solid. It came with fresh blueberries and strawberries.
(4)
Julie Z.
BEST location! It's perfect for happy hour in the summer. I will never tire of drinking a cocktail while watching boats pass on the river. Even better is that they allow you to dock boats. My friend drove his boat over, docked, came to join our party and then we easily hopped back on the boat to go to our next location. River Bar Crawl??!?! Woohoo! The manager came over to introduce himself b/c of the boat. He was super friendly and invited us to come back whenever. I loved our server. He was a lil flighty but in a funny way and it was Friday so I was happy and not much was going to bother me :) Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - They actually are Spicy! YES!! Pig Wings - tasty Margs - on point! I like this place for apps and cocktails. I'm not sure if I would eat an entire meal here b/c it is more a social environment where you can easily meet others so the focus is not necessarily on the food.
(4)
Lauren Z.
Definitely some pluses and minuses about my first experience at this place. The good: The view and sitting outside in the warm sun was all I wanted to do this past Sunday and this place made it happen. I like how they have flat screens outside too. My entree was yummy: chicken and waffles. I recommend. The bad: Our server was slow. Service was also slow. It took FOREVER to get both of our rounds of mimosas. We were sitting next to the bar...and how long does it take to make a mimosa? Our service also spilled a drink on another guest behind us and did not apologize. She was obviously embarrassed but it is common sense and common decency to apologize. As a fellow diner, that bothered me. My boyfriend's huevos rancheros were way too salty which is sad because they would have been pretty good without all the salt.
(3)
John M.
Hello Chicago! On a clear & warm Sunday morning, the girlfriend & I found ourselves In Chicago for the 1st time & hungry. Stepping out of our hotel in the North end of the Loop, we didn't have a clue where to go for breakfast or brunch. As always, it was Yelp to the rescue. A quick search produced Bridge House Tavern as a good looking option within a short walking distance. After a leisurely stroll, we were at the entrance which turned out to be either an elevator or descending staircase on the other side of the Clark Street Bridge. Going down, Bridge House Tavern sits right next to the river with both indoor & outdoor seating. We didn't have reservations, but it was still early so there was plenty of open tables. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside & took in the views. Our server was along shortly. Though friendly, it was difficult to get her attention at times. For brunch, there was $5 Bloody Mary special. We both started off with 1. Skimming the menu, 1 particular item jumped out immediately: the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. On weekends, I love a heavy, rib-sticking breakfast. I also love biscuits & gravy. With grilled sausage, biscuits & sausage gravy all topped with bacon + 2 eggs, I had to have the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. Our food took a while, which was time enough to order a 2nd Bloody Mary round & enjoy our scenic surroundings. The Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy is a massive, heaping plate of food. Given its pig on pig on pig action, it was pretty good but the biscuits were really dry. More reason to seriously lay on the gravy & chase it all down with a couple more Bloody Marys. After soaking in some sun & scenery, as well as devouring our gut bomb brunch, the girlfriend & I were very well satisfied as we set off to see more of Chicago. Brunch at Bridge House Tavern was a great way to start the day with good eats & drinks. Hungry & in an unfamiliar city, Yelp came through yet again.
(4)
Saba A.
Beautiful view!! New, different things on the menu. I tried their bruschetta (it's a must) filling--and a great price and size for an appetizer! They got a whole new management this year. It's right off the river so you see boat tours. Very friendly people working there too. Here's the menu: thrillist.com/files/menu…
(5)
Melissa F.
This is a drinks-only review... I found Bridge House Tavern elegant, relaxed, and...average. I love that you have to take an elevator down, being right on the level of the river. Very cool. Unfortunately, the restaurant was weirdly hot and stuffy...it's not that cold outside yet! We had eaten and didn't have any food, so my friend got a beer (3 brothers?), and she enjoyed it. I enjoyed my Summer Shandy because, well, I am a girl, now aren't I? My next (and final) choice was a Malbec. It was OK. Few wines were under $9 a glass. Really? That's kind of odd. There were very few by-the-glass options. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. Cool views, really friendly and engaging service...but overpriced and boring. I wouldn't purposefully stay away from it, though. Maybe the food would change this review! We'll see.
(3)
Dee I.
I'm not an oyster fan, but I decided to just try their version because it was dipped in tempura and I was feeling adventurous. It was great! The tempura batter was salted, thank goodness, and the dipping sauce was really great - a spicy chipotle tasting remoulade sauce! And since I was on a shellfish kick, I ordered the muscles. It was also very good. Cooked in a white wine orange sauce. Wish they added more jalapeños and wish the bread was crispier, but overall good. The bartenders Terry and Michelle were fantastic. Grounded, fun and casual. The manager(?) Chris also friendly and helpful. If I ever return to Chicago I'd come back and try more on their menu!
(4)
Brenda Lee J.
Review from December 7, 2013. We've been here a couple of times but I haven't written them up until now. I've always liked the service at this little hole in the wall. And this visit delivered on the food as well. The hub detests brussel sprouts--however, the description included bacon and a few pokes from me convinced him to try some of mine. He loved them! And so did I. We also enjoyed the pear salad, and, of course, the shortrib croissant. We will return to try more and review again. Enjoy!
(4)
Janine K.
I met a friend here for after work drinks last night. Nice warm day in downtown Chicago so I figured anywhere with outdoor seating would be crowded, especially in the city. My friend made reservations for two for 5:30. I got there a little early so I told them half of our party (myself) was here and we preferred outdoor seating seeing we made reservations and all...I was told that they'd try their best to seat us outside once our entire party arrived so I sat and waited. In the meantime, large groups, small groups, etc. walked in ... some with, some without reservations. Ok, so here's the dealio on this place... If you're looking to come here after work for drinks and or drinks/appetizers and want to sit outside...no need for a reservation. Reservations are for dinner ONLY. There is a section of first come first serve high top and at the bar outside seating and the other half of the place are tables for dinner reservations otherwise there was plenty of seating inside. They have drink specials during the week and a variety of beverage choices. Lucky for us we did score two seats at the outdoor bar. It wasn't over crowded and just fine for what we wanted to do right after work.
(3)
Lauren B.
Interesting experience here... Came on a Monday, gorgeous weather out, and we needed full party to be seated so we went to the bar area instead for half off shared plates. Prices, food, selection all very solid and typical for the area. Slight mishap when the bar started getting backed up and our third round never came and food was nowhere to be found. No refills on water. We started to get antsy and called over our "waiter" to chat. Finally he says he is the owner and is short staffed that night and chats about the service and experience and then gives us this round and food plus shots on the house. One thing I give owners and waitstaff a LOT of credit for is recognizing a shortfall and making up for it. We can all say it happens, but making it right will be bringing us back. Stand outs - Gin cocktail, mac and cheese, meatballs, blue cheese fries plate.
(4)
Jason D.
Great location and really cool atmosphere, but the food was just OK. Really liked the pretzel app but I got a seafood dish that was off and I got about three bites in before I pawned it off on my girlfriend. The burger my sister-in-law got did look pretty tasty though...
(3)
Hayley H.
GREAT VIEW. Right on the river, literally, a boat parked right by the dock when Jennifer Q and I had lunch. Though the food is mediocre with ridiculously large portions. Get ready to carry some home, unless starving. I'd visit again, but reservations dont apply to the outdoor seating. Good luck!
(3)
Wesley N.
This is a must for anyone visiting Chitown. River atmosphere, spectacular patio on sunny days, cosy and warm on colder days. I've been here a couple times now and its definitely a downtown favorite of mine. Emily was our server. Very bubbly and friendly. Crack a joke with her! If you like popcorn, order their honey bacon creation. Dayyyuuummnnn! We had the mussels which are incredible, especially the creamy broth they are served in. Soak it up with the crusty bread. Their sandwiches are huge and will satisfy you perfectly. Ensure to enjoy with something from the bar. And BRUNCH! $29 gets you a massive plate of breakfast (Chicken and waffles for this bloke) and bottomless bloody mary's and mimosas (altho you will discover the bottom at 2pm when service ends, and you are nicely prepped for day drinking elsewhere). The refills were regular and generous. Do yourself a favor: GET THEE TO BRIDGE HOUSE! Remember to drink responsibly! Need a ride home or to your next destination? Here, enjoy a $25 Lyft credit on me! (New users only). lyft.com/invited/WESLEY2…
(4)
Vicki L.
Great for drinks outside on a Sunday afternoon. Fun 80s music playing and friendly service.
(4)
Anne C.
We went to Bridge House for the first time last night and I was a little skeptical-- the location is excellent, but I know there's super high turnover in that space and the last time we went it was Flatwater and our meal was sort of ho-hum. Bridge House definitely impressed-- our waitress was phenomenal. She was sweet and honest and made our night really fun. We sat outside on the patio so the ambience was great. And the food exceeded expectations. We especially loved the cauliflower gratin and the pig wing appetizers, which were like tender mini BBQ ribs. I had the Amish half chicken and it was excellent.
(4)
Alma C.
I happened to come here for drinks with clients after a bit of sightseeing. It's in a nice piece of real estate right off the river, but they ran out of the beer I wanted and the gimlet I ended up ordering wasn't made correctly. The servers were nice and attentive but there's a ton of better bars/bartenders around town.
(2)
Julie P.
I loved my evening and dinner here tonight. We sat outside by the River and devoured the delicious shrimp with grits dish, and they're real grits, by the way. We also tried the delicious beet salad. This spot needs to be on your radar. It's much different and much better than the last place that was at the same location. Don't assume that it's only for drinks and happy hour. My friend and I split the two, very generous dishes mentioned earlier for dinner and it was as good as more upscale and more expensive spots in the area. I will be back!
(5)
Jarvis A.
This is my second second time visiting Bridge House Tavern, and this is the review I always wanted to give. Just to parrot a few items from previous reviews: 1) Boat watching on the river takes people watching to another level. 2) Yes the portion sizes are large, but that is a plus in my book. 3) The food is really good. At this point I've tried the Bridge House Burger (very good), Fish-n-Chips (very good), and the Braised Shirt Ribs (Also very good). Just remember to leave room for the Chocolate Mousse which was in the words of my wife "One of the best Chocolate Mousse's she has ever had. With that said, we didn't have the greatest experience with the Ceasar's salad, but judging by the quick and unexpected response from the owner, I will put that in the "unfortunately mistakes happen" category. Overall, a great experience and I'll be back.
(5)
Libby R.
I am going to start off by telling you about the two items on the menu that BLEW MY MIND! And then I'm going to give you all the other reasons to frequent Bridge House Tavern. 1) Bruschetta. Don't let the name fool you - this is not your typical, classical, tomato-mozzarella-basil salad. This is a, shall we call it, "deconstructed and refined" version? Large slices of crusty, toasted, warm bread are topped with chopped sundried tomatoes, heaps of creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a white been puree, and finished off with chopped chives and a balsamic glaze. I could have easily just had a couple of pieces of the bruschetta along with my rose sparkling wine, in my seat (which was the best in the house, overlooking the river next to a huge window) - but no, I kept on eating... 2) The second item on the appetizer menu that was really insane and super clever: "Pig Wings." They look like chicken wings, but when you bite into them, you find that they are, in fact, pork. Falling off the bone and glazed in a sweet bbq sauce. Served with a flavorful, inventive slaw. I'm not your typical wing-eater, but this item is a keeper. Something truly unique and different. And now for all the other reasons you should visit this place: The other items on the menu are also really just fantastic. I had the shrimp cocktail, which is plated table-side, and is not your typical shrimp cocktail. I also had the gazpacho, which was the soup of the day, and also plated table-side. A fantastic combo. Other items consumed by my group were a ginormous burger and fries; the grilled cheese, which was made up of the best cheeses and served with an insane tomato jam that will actually also blow your mind; and the turkey sandwhich, which was so much more than your normal lunch fare. The ambiance is great. Dark decor on the inside, but enough light and amazing river views. The patio is awesome, complete with two cabanas. I know I will be a frequenter this summer. Prices are insanely reasonable. This is the only restaurant on the river that has boat slips, so keep this in mind for the summer if you own a boat! You won't be disappointed. Make a reso today!
Great outdoor seating, great staff, great chicken club...HUGE chicken club, actually. Location can't be beat. Enjoy.
(5)
Carl G.
Pretty nice place to have a quick lunch in Chicago. Right on the river, with a deck that backs right onto a dock. The brunch menu is good enough. I had the smoked trout hash and was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the smoked trout. The eggs were over-easy, cooked perfectly, but served with a hollandaise that seemed a tad either inauthentic or hurried. It certainly wasn't 100% spot on though I'm certainly not going to accuse it of being from a packet. I think it might have just been cheap eggs. My attorney had a burger which appeared to be too large for any one human to consume. He drank Diet Coke (tm) and I had a coffee. It was good in that they brewed the pot for me, but bad in that after one cup, the waitress totally spaced on my refill. I'd go again to get a quick bite.
(3)
Meghan J.
Thank you Mr. See for ensuring we had a good time when we were in a couple weeks ago! Loved the fresh summer cocktails. Great oysters and the grilled cheese was amazing. Server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Perfect summer spot for enjoying a summer afternoon or evening by the river!
(5)
Jessica H.
Bridge House Tavern is a great setting. Maybe a little crowded but the view makes up for it. On the river, it's a great patio. The administrative wait staff was great. They were really trying to please. The bartenders were really good, too. The table staff is friendly but might be spread a little too thin. Reading other reviews there seems to be a service issue, but our experience was very good. I think they are trying, they were incredibly friendly. The popcorn is really good and delivers on it's promise of honey, jalapeño, and bacon! The grits might be the best I've had. Overall the food is quite good. **The restaurant previously occupying this space, Flat Water, had the best roast chicken. There is a roast chicken on this new menu - it's not the same, but it's very good. I wish they could get the old recipe, though :(
(4)
Shelene C.
Unfortunately I didn't even get to try the food because of the horrible customer service I received and I really don't think I'll be back to try it again because of how I was treated. I understand it's the holidays and I know restaurants make money by closing for holiday parties. It would be nice if you can post it on your website so that when myself and a few friends decide to meet up at a place, we aren't told your closed. If you haven't visited Bridge House Tavern, you need to go to the north side of the Clark Street Bridge and take a series of stairs down to the river. If you take the stairs, you miss the door entrance up top which has a slew of signs on it including hours, menus, etc. Upon me entering the restaurant, someone held the door open for me (so the second reason I didn't see the closed sign). Upon coming into the restaurant, I hang my coat and ask the hostess where myself and a few friends could grab a few drinks and some nibbles. She ignored me so I waited. I asked again, she said "ummmm" and waited for a gentleman to come over. He then told me the full restaurant was closed for a private party. I asked him if it was posted anywhere on their website and he responded very rudely with "at the top of the stairs", I apologized and said I took the stairs and didn't see anything. He also responded very rudely with "well, it's there and it's also on the door". I politely said someone opened it for me so I didn't see it. He said "well, we're closed". OK...so my fault for not seeing the signs, but there is absolutely no reason to speak to someone in that tone or be that rude. I felt as if he was arguing with me. I then told him I didn't want to argue and that I would grab my coat and probably not come back. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I'm in the hospitality business, so I go out of my way to always be kind. I can't believe how I was treated and that no effort was made to even apologize or invite me back when they were open. If I was treated that way, then I can absolutely say I would come back to try out what they had to offer. Sadly, I just won't tolerate being treated this way and will tell others if they are ever considering it themselves. I'm friends with a lot of hotel concierges and I will definitely spread the word.
(1)
Alecia G.
My friends and I stumbled upon this little gem on the Chicago River. What a fun place! Great ambiance, great crowd! I have to comment on the drinks which were made with fresh fruit-THEY WERE FANTASTIC! My friend had the club sandwich and it was huge! I had the sliders and they were perfect! The restaurant is small and on the water so I'm sure there is a wait on nice days, but we didn't have one! The staff was very accommodating to all of the customers around us. It was a fun lunch!!
(4)
Matt m.
You must take someone here if you know someone who is a fan of these three things: 1) Chicago's bridges 2) Chicago River 3) Elevators This place has an elevator inside one of the bridgetowers at Clark Street. That alone is the reason to go to this place. If you are looking for a bar/restaurant downtown, then this is the unique factor that makes this place different. I always want to go inside the bridgetowers in Chicago. Other than the Bridge Museum on Michigan Avenue, you can't enter any of the other bridgetowers. But here you can not only enter one of the bridgetowers, but you can take and elevator in it.
(4)
Benny J.
Right on the river. Went here on a weekday night, they had some good live music playing. The outdoor patio is really nice, food was pretty good...Perfect for a beer or two and enjoy the outdoors.
(4)
Jack L.
Bridge House Tavern ("BHT") is one of my favorite restaurants in the River North area. It is often my go-to lunch/dinner spot for visiting relatives, clients, colleagues, friends and first dates. The river views, staff friendliness and food quality cannot be beat. Now for my specific (outstanding) experience on Saturday, March 17, 2012. As many Chicagoans know, St. Patrick's Day in the city is usually marked by a delightful combination of wind, low temperatures and rain or snow. Despite these impediments, thousands migrate from the Chicagoland area to the river to witness the miraculous transformation of the Chicago river from a muddy, sewage-colored green to an unsettlingly bright, radioactive-looking shade -- myself included. This year, thanks to an unseasonably warm Winter finale, I was looking forward to a chance to finally leave my umbrella at home (rather than leave it somewhere during a day of barhopping). Imagine my joy when I noticed on Facebook (after "liking" their business page) that BHT would be hosting a St. Patrick's Day event! With a location directly on the waterfront, where else would you want to spend the day? By late morning, we had it all: sunny 80-degree weather, cups of green beer and what felt like V.I.P. front-row seats to the grand Chicago skyline -- not to mention some great photos with a woman dressed as a leprechaun! The BHT team pulled out all the stops on this one. After waiting in line (expectedly) to gain entry, my group was greeted by a smiling staff and offered plenty of shiny St. Patrick's Day flair. To prepare for possible rain showers, there were tents set up in the patio area -- while it never rained, the tents provided some cooling shade in the afternoon. In anticipation of large crowds, there was not one, not two, but three additional bars dotted around the restaurant (along with the primary bar) and I don't think we had to wait longer than a minute or two to get a drink -- compared to likely 10- to 15-minute wait times at Irish-named Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville bars. With all those drinks being served, BHT smartly sprinkled some extra portable toilets on the patio to supplement the four private, unisex bathrooms inside (BHT, if you're reading this, on behalf of all patrons that day, thank you VERY MUCH for doing this!). Predictably, not too many St. Patrick's Day revelers seek the sit-down-dinner experience while barhopping. Accordingly, instead of ordering my usual 10-ounce, organic "Bridge House Burger", I ordered a nice selection of appetizers for the group to nibble on, including: - Popcorn. You won't be able to go back to the movie-theater or microwaveable varieties again once you've had the flavorful BHT edition that includes a delicious mix of honey, bacon, jalapeno and smoked salt. - Tavern Fries. Another favorite here. Sure you can dip the perfectly crispy fries in customary ketchup, but why not try bearnaise sauce, bacon aioli or remoulade? My vote is for the bearnaise, but you get to try them all! Overall, my group had a fantastic experience and we will definitely be visiting again soon. Sure, I have had great experiences dining at BHT during winter, but this place really shines when it's warmer. Thanks to an early Spring, I know I'll be back many, many times over the next several months.
(5)
Nicole K.
Mediocre food and service, but there's a good view of the river from their patio. On a nice day, it's a great place to grab a drink and watch the boats and kayakers go by.
(3)
Nammy N.
Do go here to relax and enjoy the view of the river and sunburnt people on their boats passing by. Don't go on a Sunday if you're looking to get food. I think their kitchen closes at 4pm. However, their bar is still open and the drinks menu had a good variety to choose from. Not too often I get to drink on the river so this experience was pretty amazing. Only awkwardness was that the hostess tried to seat us in the blazing sun when there were plenty of umbrella shaded tables...and then she did the same for another group of people that came in after us, umm whyy??..our server was good and efficient though, she checked on us regularly and magically had the check ready in her pocket right as we asked for it.
(4)
Tara G.
I had high hopes for this place. I may have set my expectations too high. We did the champagne brunch on Sunday and the service was great. The food was just average though. Nothing special, my omelette was burnt and my friends bacon was very under-cooked. All of our toast was burnt. The view is great. This place has potential, perhaps maybe their dinner is better.
(3)
Sean B.
Stopped here for lunch before a wedding on the Lake. Off the brunch menu, but ordered a dozen oysters that were good. 4 of us ordered something different but it was the "Horseshoe" sandwich, recommend by the manager, that definitely pleased the table, it was huge and had to share.
(4)
Johnny T.
A swing and a miss! I know better. Really, I do. I know that before I go to a place, sight unseen, I need some folks to vouch for it. Folks whose tastes I understand and with which I agree. I made the mistake of going here before doing my research, so the party with whom I should be most disappointed is me. But, Bridge House Tavern has plenty of blame to share. I came here with my dining Girl Friday in search of great food, fun service and river views. After all, that's what BHT was known for, right? Right? Not being particularly hungry, we ordered the popcorn, pig wings, the Butcher & Larder charcuterie. I went back and forth with ordering the fish & chips but determined to do so after tasting the other food. This might have been my only smart move at BHT. The popcorn was a soggy, sad mess. Described as "honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt," we received Orville Redenbacher's bastard castoffs. There was no smoked salt flavor (or crystals) or bacon of which to speak. Instead, the popcorn was drenched in honey (to the point that it was soggy and mushy) with occasional bites/bursts of heat from eating a jalapeno seed. Orly? No. The pig wings were more substantial (if overcooked) but the description on the menu was rather vague (wtf is a pig wing) and our server (more on the service later) was of absolutely no help in describing the dish. Basically, pig wings are little riblets (with bone). At $13, they are overpriced for what you get in taste and execution. Thinking that there's no way charcuterie from B&L could be screwed up, my hopes rested in the final dish. From the first (almost) tooth-cracking bite into the burst toast point, I knew this was not to be. Burnt toast? Really? REALLY??? Pack your knives and go... far away. Any latch-key kid worth his tv time can make toast. Pitiful. Adding insult to (almost) injury, the charcuterie wasn't explained. Our server dropped the board off and kept it moving. What's what? How best to pair which meat with which condiment? What is going on? So, the service thing... Our server wasn't the most engaged. In fact, we hardly saw him but when he came around, he definitely left an impression -- a bad one. I knew we were in trouble when he brought me a beer that was 1/4 head. Are you kidding? I could pour a better beer at 15. Granted, I am from Kentucky, but still. 15. No bueno. He couldn't have been less interested in serving us. He couldn't or didn't answer any of our questions about the menu and when he asked us how things were (and we told him), the response was , "Mmm hmm." Mmm hmm? What? Truthfully, I shouldn't have been surprised. Our auspicious experience began with a half-empty dining room and a hostess telling us that we couldn't sit outside because of the 'long wait.' Look to the left. Look to the right. Are we in the 6th Sense? Cuz, I don't see anyone. Who's waiting? Whatever. After patrolling the dining room for open seats (um, they're all around), she sits us at an unbalanced table with a view of the outside (and empty tables). Wanting to see this rush of people who were waiting for tables, we re-sat ourselves at a table that didn't weeble wobble and kept our gaze locked on the patio. THE TABLES STAYED EMPTY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE MEAL. Again, are you kidding? So, I ate soggy popcorn, tough ribs and burnt toast. I received disinterested (at best) service and a beer poured with more head than the Frankenstein monster. And, I was told that I couldn't enjoy a table outside on a nice evening because of the 'long wait.' These tables remained empty throughout our meal. No. Not at all. There's absolutely nothing at BHT for which I'd ever come back or ever recommend to a friend. To an enemy... well, that's another story.
(2)
Cathy K.
Loved this awesome place! My husband and I chose this place based on the recommendation of a good friend who was there a week earlier. We were greeted with an enthusiastic welcome by bartender Marco who suggested the champagne brunch special for $29.00. Sounded awesome but...we came for the beer selection and unique food offerings. We sat at the bar for a view of the river and chose a couple of beers from their extensive beer selection. Ryan, one of the business owners greeted us shortly when he heard us debating about what to choose from the very cool menu items. He and Marco both recommended the fabulous chicken &'waffles. I can't even to begin to describe how much deliciousness there was on one plate! Atmosphere was fun, unique and comfortable at the bar. Beer selection: excellent. We will definitely return very soon (with a group of friends in tow) to enjoy the fabulous brunch on a Saturday in April! Just a train ride away from lovely Geneva! Well worth the trip! On an added note of interest, Ryann S. is also a partner in another business on Diversey Pkwy., (Lincoln Park) Compas Bar! Yes, we headed there after to meet friends for some fantastic brick oven pizza and more unique beer "experiences"! Outstanding day/evening in the city!
(5)
John P.
Absolutely stunning views of the Chicago River. Food was good too.
(4)
Patrick H.
Everything on the breakfast menu is awesome. Perfect spot on the river with great views. When I return to the city in a few months, I def plan on going back
(4)
Emily S.
Hey! This place is totally delightful. I read some unflattering reviews and they almost swayed me into avoiding Bridge House all together. I went anyway and must declare that the people who wrote those reviews must be crazy and/or not know how delicious pork and cheese taste together (especially in combination with berries). A friend and I met up here before a movie the other night and casually sat in the bar. We ordered the pig wings and the cheese plate and then, just for the hell of it, we got the fried waffles too. I recommend all of that. It was perfect to split between two folks. The pork was tender and the sauce was great. The cheese plate had plenty of bread and all sorts of interesting delicious bits and bites to taste. We sat, ate, talked and had some delicious beer while looking out on the river. Our servers were nice. The hostess was friendly. Everyone made sure we were well taken care of while still leaving us alone to gab it up. All in all, a big win. We'll be back in the summer for that great looking patio.
(4)
Elliott D.
I went to Bridge House Tavern recently with my family for a little pre-Easter brunch and had a very pleasant experience. We had an 11:30 AM reservation and were seated inside since it was a little chilly outside, but with the sun shining it made it very pleasant to be near the open door. They had special on "morning" drinks and it was five bucks for mimosas and bloody mary's. I availed myself of an Allagash White. They have a decent selection of beers on taps though it would be nice to see a few more craft breweries represented. Our server was incredibly attentive and had our drinks constantly filled and was knowledgeable about the menu. We all had something a little different so it was good to see how they do the different foods. Universally we were happy with our food. I had the Horseshoe so I can only speak to that. I was curious about the thing and I was not disappointed. Heaping portions of eggs, cheese, fries, and brisket are very pleasing. The cheese sauce was great and the brisket was very tender and tasty. It was a huge portion and for the price was a great value. I had to take a lot of it home. I'd definitely recommend trying it at least once if you are hungry. My dad was happy with the biscuits and gravy, my sister with the huevos rancheros, my brother in law with the chicken and waffles, and my stepmom with the egg white omelet. No complaints at all. On another note, we met one of the owners and he was incredibly friendly and made sure that we were having a good experience. There was actually a hometown connection and he was very attentive to us. Hats off to the personal touch. I'd definitely recommend it and will certainly be back.
(4)
Jen N.
A co-worker and I tried this place a couple weeks ago. The food was definitely good, although I wish we'd had more people so we could have sampled more! We had the bread and butter to start (tasty!) and we ordered the grilled cheese and grilled wedge salad. Both were very good, my only complaint was that they seemed a bit disorganized when it came to seating people, we waited about 15 minutes after we got there (right at the time of our reservation) before we were seated. It also took our waiter about 10 minutes to bring us our bill after we asked for it, and since we only have an hour for lunch this was a bit of an inconvenience. The staff was extremely friendly and enthusiastic though, and the outdoor seating was very nice. I think I would go back for happy hour/dinner, but not lunch considering how long it took!
(3)
Debby K.
Our first trip to Chicago and after a day on the River we stopped at the Bridge House Tavern. The food was fantastic!!!! We had a large group and everyone had awesome meals. The setting is beautiful, the service was terrific and the food ever so yummy! We had the best spicy chicken, avocado rolls that I have EVER had. Came back to San Diego wishing I could have more of those mouth watering appetizers. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a special treat and experience. Loved this place!!!
(5)
Jonas B.
Went for lunch earlier this week, mainly in an effort to try the much-hyped burger, but I do love this particular venue, though I hadn't been since Bridge House opened in the space. Had the charcuterie to split, and it was quite well done, though not what I expected. Two rustic pates and a chicken liver pate, accompanied by a ton of pickled veggies and toasted bread. Very tasty, and an enormous portion. The burger itself was very good. Almost too tall to eat, this messy disaster was well seasoned, well cooked and highly enjoyable. On the day I was there it was pretty quiet, and the service was nothing short of terrific. Attentive to the details, they didn't bug us while we lingered over lunch for a couple of hours.
(5)
lindsay s.
After a terrible encounter at Bin 36 we wandered over here on a Friday afternoon (the 10th when the weather was AWFUL) We walked in and we were informed that they close from 2:30pm to ....to prepare for dinner. However, if the bartender would stay that we could! And she did! Anata (?) was her name I believe and she was so nice and willing to stay for 3 people. We ordered a cheese plate.. it was ok.. not super special. A burger, which was AWESOME & the ceasar salad. GREAT presentation. Anata was super friendly and chatted with us while we ate and drank! Great wine list! Another table of eventually 6 guys came in and they accommodated them as well. I think we all had a blast and I hope she made some $ since she stayed!
(4)
Pito S.
Nice restaurant in Chicago!
(3)
JJ W.
Was there for brunch and loved the food. I got the French brioche toast with fresh berries, mmmm so good!! Mimosa's at a good price too :). Just don't be surprised that their "house potatoes" even at brunch is mashed potatoes... was not expecting that. Usually brunch potatoes are hashbrowns or something similar. Still highly recommended!
(4)
Corinne M.
I wasn't impressed. I had really high expectations for great flavors and was disappointed. A group of 5 of us ordered plates to share - spicy chicken avocado rolls, veal meatballs and the bridge house burger. All were just ok. I will say that the location is fantastic and the ambiance is ideal. I think that is why I had expected great food and I really hoped it could be a favorite. If I went back I would enjoy the drinks and probably stick to a salad or simple sandwich.
(2)
George M.
Came here for an early lunch, and the fries we started with were good, and then we ordered bacon pancakes...and we waited...and waited...and waited. We were quite surprised that pancakes could take nearly an hour to arrive. Finally, we were graced with presence of bacon pancakes after becoming famished. Although they were good, I wouldn't say that they were worth the wait. Also, the host made a mistake at first seating us at the bar when we arrived, and because we are underaged, the bartender refused to take our order, which essentially killed the first twenty minutes of our experience. The food WAS good, (BLT's passing us looked awesome) but not good enough to warrant the poor service. Food: 3 stars Service: 1 star
(2)
Mike K.
The Riverdance - Bridging the Gap. We went to Bridge House on the actual birthday during the birth week that started the previous Saturday to kick off the big 2-9*. Celebrating a 29th birthday is a big deal because you have to really get it all out of yourself in order to prepare for the big freakout of the next 365 days. As far as big blowouts go, the 29th is the second biggest after the 21st. When is the next big, important, milestone blowout after 29? How about the Irish Wake, if they even do that sort of thing anymore and you're of that persuasion. Getting old sucks. Looking younger than your actual age doesn't. Hi. I met birthday girl and her entourage of colleagues at Bridge House for pre-game drinks and apps after they had completed their daily corporate chores of folding and neatly stacking clothes and swing, country and go-go dancing over on Michigan Avenue. We were seated at a nice six top with comfortable chairs in sort of the atrium, where in shine gobs of natural light. Sparkle. It was only a drinks and apps excursion, so it was Victorias, the french fries with four sauces deal and bruschetta. The Victorias, of course, were delicious. Those tall, thin Victoria glasses remind me of...never mind. The fries were very crispy and tasty. The sauce was actually what really put them over the top. I like to get muh dip awn, ye nah? The bruschetta was a bit different, with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, but it ended up being very good. Definitely do order both the fries and the bruschetta if you're having apps, especially if you're saddled with an unadventurous palate, as I am. As far as decor and ambiance go, I can't say the place is any different than Flatwater was (apart from what I saw on the TV the one time I was at Flatwater - see my review). I think what any restaurant that occupies this space is about more than anything else is the setting, as it is right on the river and has a quite spectacular view. Still, I would at least recommend it for drinks and apps if you can find your way to it. Four stars for the early evening experience. Thank you, corporate khaki people!
(4)
Peter O.
Very pleased with the food...we had the popcorn appetizer, prawns and grits, and grilled cheese. Also, the price point is very reasonable for downtown Chicago and great location. I didn't give it 5 stars because the service was a touch slow for a weekday, downtown lunch place.
(4)
Amanda L.
My boyfriend and I wanted to go out for dinner on a Wednesday night, so he yelped a few places and settled on Bridge House. When we got there, we were happy with the location and view, and the decor is pretty modern and comfortable. When we asked to be seated, she asked for an indoor or outdoor table, and of course we preferred outdoor, not only for the view, but really it was so stuffy I was breaking a sweat inside. I'm not really sure how to explain the series of events that followed, because I was thoroughly confused for the next 30 minutes... the hostess sort of rambled about just wandering around outside to see if there were any open tables and come back in to tell her, or we could wait at the bar for a party to clear out and they could seat us there. We opted to just enjoy a drink and wait to be seated, but she didn't take our names down or anything, she just instructed us to sit at the bar. While at the bar we noticed many outdoor tables that were open, so we talked to her and asked what exactly we should do, just go pick one? We wandered out there and tried sitting at one at her suggestion, but was scolded saying that they were 'reservation' tables (even though my boyfriend called and they said they didn't take reservations). We tried, again, talking to the hostess to see what we were waiting for exactly, and, again, just told us to wander around outside. We saw some high top tables clear up so we went to sit there, but again were shooed away saying they weren't available for another 15 minutes. What?? Eventually a server found a place for us to sit, and frankly I don't know what the point of having a hostess is then. We were both a little grumpy after this, but still in good spirits about the food. No server came to greet us, we eventually had to flag one down to ask for menus. The server turned out to be very friendly, but him and the rest of the servers all seemed to be so hurried and flustered... probably because they have to swim around and attend to all these confused, 'wandering' guests trying to sit at unavailable clear tables. We ordered spicy chicken avocado rolls as an appetizer, which were great! I decided on the White Fish entree, my boyfriend the Bridge House Burger. The entrees arrived rather promptly, which is good, but I couldn't even finish my meal, which is bad. For $25, you get 2 tiny slivers of dry, under-seasoned white fish atop a mess of dry greens, with four slices of tomato. I tried to stick it out because i hated the thought of wasting all that money, but my fish was so gray and chewy I couldn't risk my health over it. This is probably a fault on my end for not saying anything to the server, but he was so hurried with other guests I didn't want to bother him over it, and frankly I really just wanted to go home at this point. I can't tell you if it's like this all the time or I got a bad plate, because I don't plan on coming back to find out. My boyfriend is the least picky eater in the world, but he described his burger as lackluster, commenting "I'd prefer a Big Mac". Might be a good place just to go for drinks, which I rather liked, and to enjoy the view. But I wouldn't recommend anyone I know to go here for dinner, in fact I'd discourage it. I fear this place uses its location as a crutch, and knows they will get business despite the value of their food. I also fear service is a direct reflection of management, and if so many of these yelpers, I see, have had poor experiences, then perhaps the system needs polishing. *sigh..... and it has such potential!
(2)
Irene M.
My boyfriend and I had friends with us from out of town. We have heard fun things about Bridge House so took them to brunch on a warm Saturday morning. We sat outside and had a great time. There are flat screens outside so the boys were able to keep up with their ESPN. The food was above average. Bloody Mary's were flavorful and had a nice kick. We had great service. $5 mimosas and $5 bloody Marys made the brunch even more appealing. I would definitely recommend this to others. -Green Eggs 'N' Ham - pesto scrambled eggs, grilled ham steak -Smoked Trout Hash - roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style, old bay hollandaise -Huevos Rancheros - 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas -Bridge House Benedict - grilled ham steak, poached egg, ciabatta muffin, hollandaise served with house potatoes -Shrimp Cocktail - 4 jumbo tiger prawns, BHT cocktail sauce, lemon, greens
(5)
Desirae K.
Love the location and think this is a great spot for 2 people to visit enjoy some apps and cocktails while overlooking the river. Food: (+/-) ...... Oysters ...... love the fact that Bridge House Tavern always has a east and west coast oysters to choose from. I also love my oysters served cold on ice. Unfortunately, you will not get that here. Oysters are served on room temperature river rocks. Not nice. I like the idea of the reusable, environmentally friendly rocks, but come on people, store them in the freezer. While I'm on the topic, mignonette should also be cold with ice in it. (+) ...... Popcorn ...... honey + bacon + jalapeño & smoked salt = YUM! (-) ...... Fish Sticks ...... $18 for fish sticks? Ya, they're not worth it. I do not understand the price of fish sticks/fish and chips in Chicago. Every place I've been it's outrageous and not one restaurant has lived up to the price point. Overall I really wish they'd bulk up their menu. It's pretty limited. My first suggestion would be to bring back the bison steak that Flatwater Grill offered. Set-up/Space: The space is pretty tight and not somewhere I'd recommend for groups. Try to get a spot right next to the river. It's the best view. If you can't get a spot by the "wall" (river) then the outdoor bar is your next best bet.
(3)
Hadouken M.
On the water, nice space, tasty food and great libations. Can't beat this place on a nice spring, summer or fall day. Even in the winter still worth a visit for their menu.
(5)
Taka M.
I decided to write my first yelp review to warn people about this restaurant. I came here for dinner with a group of 6 two nights ago, and was extremely disappointed with the service and the food. The service: Our waitress was rude and inconsiderate. She brought out plates and they had pieces of leftover food on them. I gave her attitude about how ridiculous that was, and she seemed more irritated than sorry. The food: I ordered the mussels and 2 hours later had non-stop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, painful stomach cramps, etc. I haven't eaten for the last 48hrs now, I can't even keep a bottle of ensure down. I'm actually really concerned about my health at this point as I've never had a food poisoning episode this serious. This is by far the worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant.
(1)
Marc W.
Bacon popcorn drizzled with honey is all I need to say! Excellent mussels with some great scotch on the menu (Laphroaig, Oban)...it all came together in an upscale yet relaxed environment. I'd give it 4.5 stars if possible.
(4)
Chang L.
Great location, beautiful view! You will see people pulling up in yachts to eat here, but you don't have to pay $$$ to feel like a yacht-owner yourself. The food was affordable for what looked to be a fancier restaurant right on the river. Definitely a good date spot if you don't want to break the bank. As for food, I only ordered a sandwich, the turkey sandwich with horseradish. It was pretty darn delicious, but then again, I have a weakness for anything with horseradish. My friend's panini was 10 minutes late and they gave it to him for free, which we thought was unnecessarily nice. Definitely want to come back again on a nice summer night!
(4)
Pam L.
A group of us went to wish a co-worker good luck on his new venture. We had a lovely time on the patio. They sat us at the end in the cabana because were weren't eating dinner just having drinks. Megan was an excellent waitress. She came back frequently and actually ran separate tabs for each of us. They had heaters set up because it was a cool evening. Would definitely go back.
(5)
Alex N.
Closed Sundays even though their website says they're open and opentable let's you make a Sunday reservation - SO ANNOYING AND INCONVENIENT - we made the long trip for nothing and were so embarrassed in front of our friends from out of town.
(1)
India K.
Went back for the second time last night and was not disappointed. This time I tried a different menu: popcorn- whoa! unexpected and nice little snack Fruit and cheese board- delicious! Fish special was cod with veggies paired with chardonnay Great! I'll definitely be going back again-
(4)
Jeff R.
A friend suggested Bridge House for an outdoor lunch so that's where we went. I had heard the name but didn't fully realize it is in the former Flatwater Grill space until we approached the steps. BHT has been described as upscale pub food and I wouldn't disagree. It's a great location right on the water with a large patio riverside. There's a nice bar with plenty of TVs and a clean sophisticated white table cloth and dark wood setting. The menu isn't overly complicated and stays within the bounds of pub style. There are nice sharable appetizers, some salads, sandwiches and a few "main courses." We started with one of their most popular dishes - popcorn. This isn't regular popcorn but popcorn infused with honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt. It sounds goofy but it was quite delicious and the most interesting popcorn I've ever had. You get more than you need for only $4. I tried to keep it healthy that day and avoided the very tasty looking large burger. I went with a smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on country wheat (for $11). It sounded better than it was. the turkey had the day after thanksgiving dryness that I don't love and without a lot of flavor. The slaw and blackberry horseradish are overwhelmed by the wheat bread (i.e. more slaw and dressing needed). The sandwich grew on me as I ate more but it still needs some work. My side salad was very small but satisfying although I should have gone with the fries. The portions in general at BHT are very large and make sense with a larger price point - though given the location and style the prices are very reasonable and even more so considering portion size. I'd go back and try some other sandwiches or main items if I were hungry. It's definitely a summer scene and a great place to have a leisurely business lunch or a handful of happy hour cocktails.
(3)
Tiff W.
My company had a private event at Bridge House, and while the place is cozy and has an awesome view of the river (note to self: must take advantage of this in the summer), I thought that the food could be a little better (the quality might have been compromised because of the quantities they needed to make for a food buffet? who knows). You have to walk down a flight of stairs or take an elevator down to the actual restaurant, because Bridge House is literally located on the banks of the Chicago River. The place was smaller than I expected, but it was a perfect size for a party of around 45-60 people. The passed hor d'oeuvres were okay. The presentation of everything was really nice: shrimp cocktail served in a shot glass filled with cocktail sauce, chicken on skewers, caprese salad neatly wrapped on skewers, mini mini crabcakes, popcorn in a paper funnel. But there was something slightly wrong with everything that I tried...shrimp and chicken overcooked, popcorn funnel hard to eat from and hold while you also have a drink in your hand, etc. The food buffet was okay as well. Nothing really stood out to me except for this creamy linguine with mushrooms & truffle oil. The Nueske bacon mac & cheese was dried and kind of flavorless. Anyhow, I will give Bridge House Tavern the benefit of the doubt, because I always feel like catering food in large quantities always kind of screws up the taste a little bit. The restaurant is in a good enough location for me to want to come back and try it out during the summer for perhaps drinks & appetizers.
(3)
Kensuke Y.
Good location and great atmosphere, however customer service wasn't good.
(3)
Adam M.
Whoa! This place is the total package - great food, drinks, location, service, view...I could go on and on. And I will... My partner and I both had a Monday off recently and we were headed downtown for an afternoon of fabulous Chicago. A quick Yelp search lead me to this new place right on the river. The reports were positive - affordable prices and delicious food. Plus, a bar. Which was necessary when you have the day off and you're looking for the type of leisurely long lunch that could last into the early evening. We arrived and were seated right away since the lunch crowd had mostly dispersed. We got a GREAT spot right by the window that overlooked the river and HUGE outdoor seating area. Had mother nature cooperated by giving us the May weather we deserve then we would have been seated outside to enjoy the sun. Alas, this was not the case as it was 50 degrees (mental note: must return to sit outside and enjoy said awesome outdoor patio if summer ever arrives). We quickly ordered some dirty martinis (which were made perfectly) and the popcorn appetizer. Ok, so you know how movie theater popcorn is like 6, 7 buck these days? Here we got a very large portion of popcorn that is slathered in honey, bacon, herbs, and general goodness for $4. This is a steal and there was enough to keep at least four people properly appeteased. I then ordered the grilled cheese and was so glad I did. Now, there are many restaurants that claim they have a new, great twist on the grilled cheese and I am usually under-whelmed and will stay away from this option. However, Bridge House has done it! Two long sandwich slices of fontina cheesey goodness along with bacon and tomatoes. All of it tasted golden fried and delicious yet somehow light. A perfect side salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette even managed to hold it's on my plate alongside this glorious beauty of a grilled cheese. THIS IS A MUST TRY!! My partner had the fish sticks (the Tavern's play on fish and chips), but I really couldn't be bothered with that dish as I was in cheesy heaven. All in all, this was a FANTASTIC dining experience and extremely affordable for the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere. I will be bringing everyone I know down here just as soon as humanly possible.
(5)
Garrett A.
I have really mixed emotions about this place. On one hand, the food is nothing special. The pig wings, which seem to be what everyone is crazy about, was very dry and they seemed to be making up for it by drowning it in sauce. I got the grilled cheese and it was so greasy -- and not the good kind of grease -- that I couldn't even finish half of my meal. Finally, the fries tasted completely soaked like salt. If you screw up my fries, you've screwed up my meal. Sorry. It also took forever to get our drinks refilled. I know we were sitting on the far side, surrounded by tables, but that doesn't mean we don't deserve water. But on the other hand, we did get there early and snag a table right by the river, so it was great on a lazy, hot Sunday night. They get one more star for that.
(2)
Alex C.
Great location overlooking the river, especially over the summer. Loved the set up of this place - have to walk down to the tavern, has a bit of a gastropub/sports bar theme with indoor and outdoor seating. Fun place to hangout with friends, grab some drinks and maybe take in some food. I had the burger and chicken sandwich - good but wasn't spectacular. The one thing from the menu I have to call out is the Popcorn appetizer (flavored with honey/bacon/jalapeño/smoked salt)....that got devoured pretty quickly.
(4)
Heather P.
Took my boyfriend here for his birthday. This is the kind of place where the waitstaff are experts in their field and bend over backwards to make you happy. Sitting on the river watching the boats go by and the building lights come up was delightful. For drinks, we had a lava lamp (cava with raspberry puree) which was unbelievably good and a little bit sweet, and a black pearl (rum, ginger ale, pineapple juice with basil). It was also good and sweet and piratey enough for its name, but rum isn't so much my thing. Drinks are pricey, but okay sizes. The beer cheese soup was good, although different from what I was expecting. I love the play on pretzels and cheese with the croutons, but the flavor was slightly underwhelming (better with salt.) It was just a bit more subtle than I was expecting. Boyfriend got some sort of whitefish (doesn't matter because I wasn't going to try it anyway) over a sweet corn risotto that was completely fantastic. I got the tavern chicken, which was easily the best roasted chicken I've ever had, with an amazing herb butter sauce and thick, creamy grits. If I had one complaint about the chicken it's that the skin could have been crispier, but it was so tender and flavorful I found myself full of forgiveness. I'm still thinking about this chicken. Often. I miss it. :( I felt that the night's one pitfall was the dessert. We ordered bread pudding, and it was two small lumps sandwiching a quenelle of whipped cream ice cream. Which is exactly as strange and delicious as it sounds. I would have preferred just a big bowl of the whipped cream ice cream. The bread pudding was crispy, with streaks of chocolate, but it just wasn't that great. I am a bread pudding connoisseur, and I've definitely had better. It would have been fine at any other restaurant, I suppose, but from the Bridge House Tavern I was just expecting more. The bill was large. It was a large bill. I can't afford to go back often, but I am eagerly awaiting another special occasion so we can go back again.
(4)
Kat T.
After looking for a brunch spot in central/North Chicago that wasn't $60 and up Yelp led me to Bridge House Tavern. The price is definitely what makes the Yelp reviews so glowing. However, I have to give thanks to the owners for not gouging the tourists and locals who want to sit river-front and enjoy a nice meal. Ordered yogurt parfait with a side of eggs. More than filling. Excellent job on the poached eggs! Service was a little scattered. She messed up our order (actually brought too much food) but only charged us for what we ordered. $30 for 2 people- amazing deal with great river-side views.
(3)
Chad O.
Awesome! Just plain awesome! Food, service, location, atmosphere! They have it all
(4)
Christina P.
Holy smokes - where'd this place come from? On one of our first sunny and delicious Chicago summer afternoons, I was lucky enough to pick a new spot for a casual lunch. Bridge House Tavern did NOT disappoint. Amazing view, perfect location, the food is absurdly good (not your average - all gussied up even on standard items) and the people watching is a 10. It also has a beautiful interior in case your crew isn't looking to bake in the sun. My only warning (and something they cannot control) was how windy it was. So ladies, hold your skirts and everyone hold tight to the menus, etc. This will be a summer staple and I cannot wait to slap on some SPF and live it up at this spot!
(5)
Jon K.
Worst attitude from server and manager I've ever experienced. Went there for food and drinks on a Saturday lunch time. Bar menu was only available - so fine, ordered from that. Ordered some appetizers and half dozen oysters, at $2 per oyster. So mildly surprised when bill showed $21 for oysters. What's going on here we demanded? Server says he realized error and was taking care of it -- but only after we pointed it out. Suddenly copped an attitude too. New bill comes out , and we are now at $15. Ok, making progress, but still not correct. We were told that the "real" price for oysters was different and that bar menu was "out of date" (Note to manager, an out of date menu maybe should not be placed back to give to next customers). Manager, who also now copped an attitude, eventually just took off entire thing and only charged for other food we ate and drinks (which were also ordered off the mysterious menu that was "outdated"). It wasn't that a huge amount on the price, but it's the idea that people in hospitality admit a mistake when they are wrong. It's not like we sneaked in these menus ourselves. Honest mistakes get made all the time in bars and restaurants. Be big enough to admit when you have fouled up, rather than giving excuse after excuse. If the manger is reading this, and the guy working behind the bar (Ken) your "out of date" menu is still posted on your web-site. Better take that down. Right? Ooops!
(1)
Jenn W.
I'm new to River North from Lakeview and feared I would not find a place I'd like that wasn't overly priced or snobbish. But Bridge House Tavern exceeded my expectations. After looking at the simple menu, I wasn't expecting much. But we went on a Saturday night around 6pm and were very pleasantly surprised. The service was great, even with a large private event going on at the other side of the premise. Refills were prompt & our server was knowledgeable of the menu. The $4 fancy popcorn appetizer had a subtle spice to it with a sweet glaze. The burgers were perfectly cooked to our different requests and the potato bun had the texture of freshness, not of being defrosted like at other places. Beer menu could use some more diversity in my opinion, but there are a few good offerings. And the gin and juice cocktail was like drinking a garden; divine! Not to mention the view sitting outside on the river was pretty amazing, too. The owner Ryan walked over when we were about 1/3 of the way through our burgers and seemed very honest and casual and interested in our thoughts on this new joint. When we told him the website was down prior to our arrival, he seemed surprised and apologized and said "as the guy running the show, that's not what I like to hear!" We saw him later on the upper terrace pacing on the phone; can't imagine that's fun to sort out on a Sat night. The next day we checked the site again and it was up and running. Highly recommend this place and will certainly be returning. I hope they keep up the excellent service and good eats!
(5)
Eric M.
If you're looking for a great view of the river with your meal, then make this your spot. It's a fantastic view and there's a lot of seating for people. The service was good but infrequent. Our server didn't come often, but when she did she was very nice. The food was ok. I ordered their biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were quite dry and the sausage patties were a little rubbery. I don't know if I'll come back here for food but for drinks by the river it can't be beat.
(3)
Shawn L.
We stopped by here for brunch today; sitting by the river in the summer in Chicago is a great time. Bridge House Tavern has a great view of the bridges and boats going by on the river. Tables and chairs in the restaurant were clean and tidy, planters were filled with wonderful foliage, and while full we were able to sit as soon as we arrived. The bartender was friendly and informative, hostess was welcoming and kind, and we even saw the manager stopping by a few tables. Food was excellent we had the French toast it came with huge barriers and generous portions of very thick French toast. However the waitress was one of the worst we have ever seen in Chicago: the check said her name was Tammy but she never introduced herself. When we arrived we did not see her for 20 minutes at which point I asked the hostess to get her, when she did come we ordered and then did not see her again until we asked for our check. We ended up asking the bus boys and other servers for the items we needed for our meal.
(3)
Manny S.
I have had two bad experiences in a row at the Bridge House, today being the worst. I am so disappointed too, because its near my house and I used to love coming here pretty regularly. Last time it was a terrible, woody salad. Today, the service and food were both horrible and ridiculously slow. It was a year to get out of there today. We sat 10 minutes before the waiter told us they were out of the first beer we ordered. Spent 15 minutes waiting for the second only to find out that is gone too. Then it was another 10 minutes before he bothered to come out with one in hand. By then, all our water from our dirty water glasses was gone and we still had no damn food. I said I don't think we should pay for that beer, and he questioned me why! I said because we have been sitting here 30 minutes for it, thats why. The food, besides being the slowest meal in the world? I got huevos rancheros and it had to have been the saltiest hot mess disaster I've ever had and was just drowned in ultra sour green salsa. Terrible. Im surprised Im not dying from an ulcer from the three bites I forced myself to choke down. I always go to places I love, I'm loyal to my favorites, and usually pretty easy to please. There is no excuse for being so rudely slow. This had to be probably one of the top five worst dining experiences I've ever had, you have to just almost laugh it off.
(1)
Reyna H.
Their food was atrocious- oysters that tasted like sweaty ballz, charcuterie in which the meat tasted old, and they served me chewy Jumbo Shrimp out of a shaker (they plated a bowl of greens and asked me to find the shrimp...weird). My stoli doli was pretty good I have to say, yet my bf's manhattan was completely watered down & tasteless..(he's a bartender so I believe his opinion counts) The seat by the River on a cool Sunday evening is fabulous, yet not enough to keep this place alive. Even though Flatwater chose to close their doors...you're kinda doomed if you don't do something with this food situation asap! Sorry to say, I had high hopes for this place!
(2)
Halide T.
It was my friend's first time in Chicago so I wanted to take him somewhere with a nice view. With a patio right by the river, we really didn't know if we could find seats but there was definitely plenty of space. To start off, we ordered some bruschetta to nimble on while we waited for out food. Bruschetta was quite big actually. It wasn't the usual tomato/basil version. This one had goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and few other things that gave it a different flavor. It was different in a good way. I would have enjoyed it more if the bread was toasted a bit more to give it a bit more crunch.. Along with bruschetta, I wanted to try the popcorn on the menu..I have a tendency to try things that seem to have a weird combination of flavors.. We were served a big basket of one of the most amazing popcorn I have ever had.. Popcorn with honey, bacon, jalapeno and a bit of salt.. AMAZING!!!! It might sound weird but definitely worth every single bite of it! On top of all these, I attempted to finish my Salmon BLT sandwich served with perfectly done fries... Sandwich was good but I think I had a bit too much from the appetizers to finish my sandwich, considering how big their portions were.. My friend enjoyed every bit of the burger he ordered. We had a really good, relaxing dinner right by the river.. The view was wonderful, service was great and the food was worth the try. I will definitely come back to try something else.. and some more popcorn !!!!!
(4)
Matthew H.
Let me give you a list of food items: - Popcorn - Honey - Bacon - Jalapeño - Smoked Salt What do these things have in common? They're all piled on top of each other for one of the tastiest (and messiest) snack foods I've ever had. And for only $4! After shoveling fistful after fistful of tasty goodness in my mouth, I was treated with the hands-down most tender piece of pork I've ever eaten (thanks to the waiter's recommendation) with the Prime Rib of Pork. With the late-night view of the river and city I can't imagine a more satisfying meal. A+
(5)
Julie K.
Very very satisfied with brunch. We saw the restaurant from the boat while on the architectural tour that takes you up the river and the outside seating from the water looked awesome. Once off boat we walked back to enjoy brunch riverside. $5 bloody marys and a house fruit punch! Our table for two was right next to the river. Enjoyed huevos rancheros that was "built" on large crispy tortillas, shared unbelivably good red skin mashed potatoes and split sausage. My husband enjoyed the brioche french toast that had bailey's in the whipped cream and lots of fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Service was great and they didn't rush us out despite having the best seats in the house!
(5)
Kim M.
Has fast become one of our favorite places in Chicago! Found them last February and have been back several times. The food is awesome, we had the Ossa bucco and it was some of the best I have ever had... The atmosphere is very relaxing and has almost a neighborhood feel to it.... One of the owners stopped by just to see how our meal was and if we were enjoying the evening....... Very nice touch! We're headed back later this summer and are hoping to sit on their patio! Totally recommend the bridge house!
(5)
Hauwei L.
10 of us came here today for birthday brunch. The location is very nice with an excellent view of the river. The food quality was uneven. The eggs benedict and salmon blt w bacon shake were great, the french toast, corn beef hash, trout beef hash, and shrimp omelet were good/above average. The biscuits and gravy were too salty to the point of being unpleasant to eat. The mimosas and bellinis were solid, decently strong and around 5 bucks. Pricing was as expected for the river north area, entrees ranged between 12 and 15. The low point was the service. I eat out frequently at all different types of restaurants in different price ranges and i found that our waitress Jillian had a poor attitude. Its hard to identify a specific thing she said, it was more of a cold attitude, lack of attention (forgotten drinks, wrong orders), and general lack of sincerity/bad vibe which put an unnecessary damper on the meal. While the restaurant is new and there were a good number of customers, it wasnt so busy that it should explain the poor service. The owner came over and said they were new and wanted our feedback which was nice. Update: as i was writing this, the waitress brought over a free birthday dessert. This was a nice touch. Not sure if this was her initiative or company policy. I guess BHT could be worth a second shot.
(3)
Nicki S.
Four friends and I visited this lovely 'on the river' establishment this past Saturday to check out their $25 mimosa brunch. Let me just say that we were not disappointed! The bartender was our server and he was very entertaining to say the least. He kept the mimosas coming without delay. Unfortunately, the weather was cool so we just had the door cracked for a bit of air as the sun was shining bright through the glass area we were sitting in. The food was just as good as the service. Collectively, we got the Chicken and Waffles, Bacon Omelet, Horseshoe, Corned Beef Hash, and Biscuits and Gravy. Everything was really good. I had never had proper Chicken and Waffles and I'm so glad I decided to give it a whirl as it was amazing. Next time I visit, (assuming we are allowed back after all of the mimosas we drank) I plan to try the Huevos Rancheros as well as the patio if the weather is nice enough! They also have fantastic happy hour specials during the week that will make for a nice post-work excursion.
(5)
Jen A.
The food was decent, but the service was just atrocious. Granted, we stopped in during lunch on a Friday. Yes, we sat outside on a beautiful afternoon. Yes, the restaurant was busy. But are these excuses for a 2-hour lunch where the waiter forgets to refill our glasses at all? We started with the honey bacon popcorn. It was kinda weird. Imagine slimy, sticky popcorn with a hint of bacon and spice. I ordered the Po Boy sandwich and some friends ordered the grilled cheese sandwiches. The french fries were fantastic, and everyone was pretty happy with their food. But sitting outside in the hot sun for two hours without a refill on drinks soured the meal.
Do like to be treated like sh$t by the staff? Then come here! I give this place zero stars. I had to put one in due to the program only letting you put stars in. Sorry this is long, but trust me you'll want to read this. Came here after work with a group of co workers to celebrate another co workers recent job promotion. Another co worker organized the event and she didn't realize that this place is strict on their table seating. I was just minding my own business at the table talking with my co workers when three more people showed up from work. We asked our waiter if we could add another table to our table. He had to go and ask to see if he could. He came back and said no it's reserved. We said well we have more people coming so what can we do? Our table was suddenly not able to accommodate the group. A few min go by and Ryan, I guess a manager, came over with an attitude and a tone telling us he can't accommodate us. He said he said we could only have 2 more chairs and that was it. A few of us not just me, said that we have more people coming. He did nothing. We got the two chairs and 4 people shared 2 chairs. I felt bad for our waiter. He was at least pleasant to us. I had to ask our waiter for Ryans name because he did not introduce himself or present himself in a professional way. Not only that but the table that was said to be reserved was never sat in. Now I was busy socializing having a good time when a few more people showed up that I didn't really know. I also wasn't really paying attention to them. All of a sudden Ryan comes over to me and said "I thought I asked you not have more people at this table! You had 13 now its at 15" I'm like what? He points over to a co worker of mine who was one of the four sharing a chair who got up and found an empty seat at the other end of the table. I asked Ryan why was he telling me this? He said because it was my table and that I organized this. I'm like no I didn't. But I wasn't about to call out my co worker and say it was her that organized it. Ryan said I'm "trying" to be nice about this but I asked you not to do that. I asked him what he would like me to do about it? He just said he came over to let me know that he was upset that "I" let someone take another chair. "Ok. "Whatever. Fine, you're right, and I, the customer am wrong." I told him. He walked away with attitute, once again. I mean what was I going to do, throw my co-worker in the river? Now at this point I was trying to enjoy the appetizers that our group had ordered but he offended me by scolding and repremanding me like I was a 5 year old, that I couldn't enjoy my apps that I ordered. At this point, I was ready to leave. Everyone in my group was offended by Ryan's treatment of me. They could hear him talk to me the way he did from across the table. When our check came, Ryan approached me again and asked if he could speak to me. I said "no, I'm in the middle of a conversation." He said that he came over to apologize. However, I was still not impressed by his immature tone with me. I don't even remember what he said after I told him "no", because I went into my rant back to him. I said that everyone in my group here is an adult. If one of them sees an open chair, they will sit in it to be comfortable rather than share the chair that you only allowed. I said if you don't want people sitting in more chairs that your tables can accommodate, then don't leave an empty chair nearby for someone to take. I said these are my co-workers and I don't and will not tell them where they can and cannot sit. It's your establishment figure it out and don't put the blame on a customer! After I said that, he said nothing and threw the bill down on the table in front of me. I was just shaking I was so upset. My co-workers and I all agree that we will never return to this establishment again and we also agreed to tell our friends not to come here either due to the way I was singled out and treated. By the way, we spent $400 on drinks and appetizers and for a scolding! B.S.!
(1)
Debby M.
this review based on brunch on a Saturday around 11:30. plus: outdoor seating with great view. minuses: weak bloody mary's (watered down and low in flavor), food is unremarkable to bad (odd jelly like pickled onion thing on salmon toast dish was unpalatable, egg sandwich was just a completely basic and lame cheese omelet on a croissant, french toast was tasteless), service not very attentive or pleasant (and it was not busy). overall: poor and really unmemorable dining experience, do not recommend, won't go back.
(1)
Kevin W.
This is about as good as it gets for a beautiful view of the Chicago river while having some drinks. Went there for a wedding preparty night and it was such a nice and gorgeous set up. In addition to the river side tables and seating, there's also a bar inside and a couple tvs if u wanna watch some sports games.
(4)
c d.
Never disappoints. Never! The food is great for lunch, happy hour or dinner. The cocktails are wonderful, great beer selection and amazing service. Love it on a nice day over looking the river or a rainy day inside the cozy restaurant.
(5)
Brenda E.
Was recommended by a friend & regular who lives in the area. Very attentive, great customer service. Food was excellent,( all recommended by one of the co-owners) and everyone loved their salads & main courses in our party of 5. Loved the popcorn with truffle oil, bacon, and honey was just the right balance and great with beer. Relaxed, intimate atmosphere , will definitely return when in Chicago again.
(5)
Brian C.
Great place, awesome location, good staff, not far from the train station so a good stop before you head to the airport. Popcorn was fabo, and the miller highlife cans were fresh, tasty, and cold!
(4)
Amanda W.
Hadn't tried this place for lunch yet - it's a solid choice. I asked about gluten-free options and the waiter brought out someone (manager? chef?) to talk me through it. They make all of the dressings in-house, so the salads were all okay. I went with the spinach salad, which was a nice, light, summer salad. I wish I'd asked for extra dressing, as it was a bit dry, and maybe added chicken x2 because it's only been a few hours and I'm starting to feel hungry again ...
(4)
Katy H.
I really just don't understand what the fuss is about this place. I was very exciting to come with a group of friends (8 of us) over Labor Day weekend. We called a week in advance and made reservations and they only had a 4:45 reservation. When we got there, we were able to get a table outside as the restaurant was mostly empty. I ordered the turkey sandwich and a salad and was just not impressed by either. The salad had no flavor and the sandwich was cold and falling apart. We stayed for a few hours and the place was pretty slow the entire night, so I wonder why we couldn't get a later reservation. There was nothing really exciting or impressive about this place and I definitely won't be back.
(3)
Bruce S.
My family came downtown for some shopping and met me for a late lunch this past Friday (last day before school starts). The weather was perfect, and we searched for a good outdoor lunch spot along the river with outdoor seating. I'd heard of the Bridge House, so I had them meet me there. First, the location is outstanding. It's along the river next to Clark, so you can see lake if you're looking that way. In our case, the food was excellent. We started with the popcorn and the fries for appetizers. The popcorn, well, you just have to try it. Sweet, tangy, spicy and bit of heat at the end. The fries were fresh, hot and fried crispy - which we like. They came with three sauces and ketchup. For main meals we had the burger (nearly 3/4 lb), the half chicken, a fish special, and the linguine. My daughter also tried the beer cheese soup. With the exception of the linguine, which was a little to garlicky for our taste, everything was very good to excellent, with everyone finishing their plates. Highly recommended.
(4)
S R.
I'll keep this short and sweet. Food was amazing. I went with a group of 5 and everything that we got was top notch, great atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. Things you must try: Drink: Manhattan Appetizer: Popcorn Risotto Entree: Braised short ribs Pork Ossobuco *favorite of the table Go! Now! Before it's so busy in the summer that you can't get a table!
(5)
Michelle L.
This was our first stop when my friends and I arrived in Chicago. Drinks were good and reasonably priced. My friend and I shared a cheese plate while other friends had a salad. The salads were HUGE and delicious. The best part of the whole experience was the location. The restaurant is located right on the river and the view is beautiful. I will definitely return on my next Chicago visit!
(4)
Molly R.
What a patio! The Bridge House Tavern is a perfect urban spot to grab a bite under the sun and watch the boats drift by. We wanted to split the mussels, but they were out, so we settled on the cheese board for an app. For entrees we went light and had a couple of salads; the wedge (Nueske bacon, roasted tomatoes, hard egg, onion trio, bleu cheese) and spinach (roasted beets, goat cheese, spicy pecans, sunny egg, strawberry vin!!). Fresh and innovative salads, but the cheese board - eeek! Fresh strawberries - yes! Honey drizzled toasts - yes! Apple slices - yes! Kraft-like cheese cubes straight from Jewel Osco - oh, no you didn't! All dishes were be-a-u-tifully plated and reasonably priced for DT Chicago. The place needs to puh-lease add some more veg-friendly options and schedule a serious cheese plate revamp, but still gets a solid rating in my book for the view, the value, and the creative menu. Methinks you should go on a sunny day, and avoid the cheese plate.
(4)
Jennifer Q.
A girlfriend and I came here for lunch on a Wednesday at about 1 and were able to have a table outside which overlooked the river without having to wait. While it was a little cool and windy we still enjoyed sitting outside watching as boats and such passed by. At one point a group on a boat docked next to the restaurant to stop for lunch. Our server was very nice and quick to see what it was that we would like to for drinks. They had a good variety of on tap beers as well as a good wine list, I ended up having a Riesling and my friend had a Two Brothers beer. As for lunch, I had the chicken club sandwich with the side salad which came with an oil dressing. The sandwich was huge! And delicious! The sandwich had the normal tomato, lettuce and so on, but also had avocado, yum! The salad was good too and did not have iceberg lettuce if I remember correctly. My friend had the Reuben sandwich which was also a large serving. Overall, I would say that Bridge House Tavern is a relaxed and enjoyable place to have lunch, and I plan on eventually going back to have dinner there.
(4)
Jennifer G.
I'm torn between two and three stars. I'm giving it three because they let my group of five linger for a long time on a Saturday evening and it wasn't too loud, so it was a decent spot for a group.. It was too cold to sit outside, and I think the outside seating is probably the main reason to go to Bridge House Tavern instead of the many other great restaurants in the area. The place is cozy, our table was fine and the service was decent. I was excited about the popcorn--very disappointed. Every handful I took had hard kernels in it; it was like it was from the bottom of the barrel. The bread and butter was just ok. The mussels were the smallest I've ever seen or eaten and the broth was forgettable. The steak frites was odd--the steak was on top of the frites and it was covered in sauce; it was ok but not what I expect with steak frites. One person had a pork chop and another had a BLT and they were happy with their dishes. Overall this is an ok option for drinks outside, otherwise I wouldn't go back.
(3)
Maital S.
I was rather disappointed with my experience here. The service and ambiance/location was excellent, but the food was just okay. I had been looking forward to this restaurant for quite some time, so perhaps my hopes were high, but the food really did not impress me or the rest of my table. Go for the ambiance and location, not the food.
(3)
Tracey M.
I am not a barbecue fan. I'll have some if I get outvoted, but it won't be my first choice. Yet when I sat down at Bridge House Tavern last weekend, what's the first thing I wanted to try? The Pig Wings. Yes, they couldn't get any more BBQ. Nevertheless, I got them. And they were GREAT. Fall off the bone, tender, melt-in-your-mouth great. Got a few other things, too, including the goat-cheese bruschetta which was also very tasty. My friend got fish and chips. Nothing extraordinary there, your typical fish and chips. Our waitress was very attentive but not so much that she was bothersome. Great meal, good wine list.
(5)
L L.
Great location, indoor/outdoor options both look awesome, and a good atmosphere -- decor is good enough for a business dinner and TVs everywhere make it suitable for the sports fan. Menu, as others have stated, is on the short side but that's a good thing in my eyes. In fact, the menu somewhat characterizes the restaurant: concise but with a wide range (both drinks/cuisine), average pricing, and a few surprises (bacon shake with the salmon BLT). Having said all that, I give it 3.5* because of the service. I was on hold for at least a few minutes when I called to check for seats (at 8 pm) and was met with no apology. She was also obviously multi-tasking when I finally got to talk to her. Hostess wasn't friendly at all when we got there, waitress took a while to get to us, and she didn't really warm up untli the evening went along. I'm sure it'll get better, but I have to hold back that last star until the service improves.
(4)
Juliann P.
Pretty much a perfect spring afternoon thanks to BHT. It was a bit chilly outside but the with the heaters on you would have never noticed. Lovely setting right on the river, super cool location utilizing one of the old bridge towers, excellent "bar" food, Lagunitas IPA on tap, perfect service.
(5)
Tyler C.
Great view of the river, absolutely! This is a terrific brunch spot. Brunch mimosas and bloody marys. (great spice in the bloodys) The food was fair. I was expecting a little more with the biscuits and gravy and it was a little salty for my tastes, but, the Chicken and Waffles were terrific. They have many great choices, so its definitely worth going back. Besides, the people watching was fabulous, especially when boats dock up to the restaurant.
(4)
Tom H.
Quality control seems to be an issue here. Had this salad again a couple of times and it wasn't the same...too bad.
(2)
California J.
We loved this place! When we called and spoke to the hostess Danielle, she said she would be happy to seat us near a TV to watch the Bulls game. When we arrived she was so sweet and gave us options as to where to sit which was awesome. Our waitress Harmony was excellent. She gave us excellent recommendations on the menu: -Popcorn was delicious, we took it home and ate it the next day for leftovers -Pig wings were fall-off-the-bone amazing -Linguini with shrimp was to die for -Steak frites: now this was the only hiccup in the experience...we had to send the steak back because it was so charred it tasted like straight up charcoal even though I ordered it medium-rare. Harmony was happy to take it back and have the chef remake a new steak, and the second dish was unbelievably good. -Mousse cake, yummy but not out of this world Overall the place was awesome and I can't wait to go back when it warms up so I can sit outside and enjoy the river view! I will be back very soon.
(5)
Pauly S.
hardly ever write reviews but felt compelled to do so and this one is aimed right at the bar tender who looked like a less cute version of Seth Rogen. No only was he INCREDIBLY rude to my face, he also made horribly racist remarks to other patrons loudly and made the worst gin cocktails I have ever had. We actually had to ask for limes later on just to cover up how bad they were. Food was pretty good and our waitress was very pleasant but the bartender was so offensive I will absolutely never go back here. Maybe someone should teach him a thing or two about the service industry
(2)
Charley F.
We went during the winter...clearly this is a summer spot known more for drinks and space outside on the water than anything else. The food was pretty poor. I love specialty flavored popcorn however the flavors of theirs didnt seem to mesh well together. I had the beer cheese soup and a salad. Soup was pretty standard but still great comfort food. Salad was just ok. My boyfriend ordered the lamb which after ordering he was informed they were out of. He went with the short rib as an alternative which was way too tough and lacked flavor. We love to try new places. Happy to say I can check a new one off my list but I doubt we will return.
(1)
Brad R.
This place was amazing. We stopped in looking for a nice place to grab a bite to eat, looking for a nice view of the river, and yet needed a place that wasn't too rowdy as we had our 18month old daughter with us. This place had everything we needed. Solid beer selection of local brews (Goose Island, Two Brothers, Half Acre) and plenty of artisinal dishes. We started with the meat and cheese platter and were blown away by the great spread before us. With the location being right on the water, you can sit outside and watch the boats go by or soak up some sun. Even at night during winter, we found it was a great place to be. The interior is pretty narrow with a long bar and several tables on either side, but we thought the layout was just perfect. We found a quaint spot on the far side of the bar where our little one could walk around without disturbing anyone while mom and dad got their drink on! Great selection of wines and beers. We stayed for dinner and had the Mac n Cheese. It was incredible. I loved the entire menu, service, and ambiance. We'd definitely be back. To top it off, they even had baby changing tables in the bathroom. Woo Hoo!
(5)
Mark H.
Sat on the terrace on a beautiful Summer's evening. On the upper terrace we could only get appetizers and bottled beer which i later noticed she was pulling from a cooler. One of the appetizers was entitled the charcuterie plate and I do not exaggerate when I say it was a small amount of various meat cuts which clearly had been rejected from every other potential culinary use. These fatty grayish substances were accompanied by mounds of French toast in an effort to fill out the plate. It was about this time that I noticed I had clearly surpassed the limited capacity of the cooler and was being served warm beer. I suspect it's possible to have a much better experience elsewhere in this establishment perhaps with better food choices, but would strongly reccomend avoiding what's laughingly decribed as the "butcher and larder"
(2)
Lou A.
The atmosphere of this place is so calming and nice. We went here yesterday for brunch and the food was good. Nothing that I couldnt get anywhere else in the city, but the views are fantastic. All in all I will give this place another shot for dinner instead of brunch!
(4)
Matt R.
Went on a Saturday morning and had a great breakfast. For a name with tavern in it, highly above tavern food. Modern setting, American cuisine, and full bar. Friendly staff. Right on the river. Great place.
(5)
Vanessa K.
We dined at this restaurant over the 4th of July weekend. The location and view were great. Ping wings were delicious, popcorns were interesting; however, the mussels and salmon we ordered were stale, and the waitress brought a pile of "clean" plates with tomato and onion leftovers stuck on them. When we asked for new plates, she was not apologetic or even surprised with what had happened. After the dinner, my friend got a severe stomachache, followed by vomiting and diarrhea from food poisoning for the remainder of the holiday weekend; he has yet to feel better. Not speaking of the poor dinner selection, I was surprised by how bad the service and the quality of the food were at this seemingly trendy, high quality restaurant.
(1)
Matt S.
Spent my birthday at Bridge House Tavern last Saturday with a large group of friends for my first visit. Service, is one of the best of any restaurants/bars I have been to in Chicago. The popcorn and steak frites were excellent. Initially we intended to only visit Bridge House Tavern for dinner but ended up closing the place down. Incredible location, right on the river. Drink service was quick and quite reasonable for Chicago. The general manager Josh was extremely friendly, checking to make sure the restaurant was meeting our expectations. I was extremely impressed. Needless to say I will DEFINITELY be returning to Bridge House Tavern very soon. One of the best in Chicago hands down. Looking forward to their St. Patrick's day specials!
(5)
Prashant S.
We went at lunchtime to celebrate a colleague's birthday and it was a fantastic experience sitting outside overlooking the river on a beautiful afternoon. Service was prompt and friendly. Appetizers: Chicken Avocado rolls were fantastic, so was the popcorn. Entrees: I had the fish and chips and it was one of the best I have ever had. My friend had linguini and really liked it, a couple of folks in our group had the chicken club and raved about it... I am a fan!!!
(4)
David B.
This place was excellent! We had trouble deciding what to order since everything sounded good but our server was extremely helpful in offering suggestions and everything we tried was great! You must try the bacon popcorn. It is amazing! Between the excellent service, food, and amazing view, I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Andrew G.
Worst burger ever. Salad has no flavor. Save money. McDonalds is better. Stale bun. Mustard needs processed. Stay away.
(1)
Lala R.
I recently grabbed dinner and a glass of wine here with a group of friends for a girls night- enjoying a beautiful summer night on the river while catching up with great friends. It was delightful until, as the manger called them, "their furry little friends" showed up. Yes RATS RATS RATS! And they are big. One ran under our table while the other ran across the ledge NEXT to our table. Gross, right!? Nothing tastes good after seeing rats run around, not even all the wine in their bar could keep me there or coming back.
(1)
Pony J.
I enjoyed dining along the Chicago River. I had brunch on a sunny summer Saturday morning near kayakers along the river. It's a great location, decent Bloody Mary but I will make this a cocktails only stop.
(2)
Meagan C.
I went for brunch with my sister and my mom the other day. It was so beautiful out and being on the water was awesome. I wish I could say that the food was awesome, but I cannot. I ordered the bacon pancakes- there were two GIANT pancakes that were soggy and uncooked in the middle, they were way too heavy and only had four bacon pieces sticking out of the sides so you were tricked into thinking there was bacon throughout. My sister had the brioche french toast- besides lacking flavor, they were soggy and uncooked in the middle as well! Both our dishes came with fresh fruit which literally looked like someone took one little cube of a strawberry and diced it up into pieces that would be too small even for a baby to eat. My mom ordered the three pigs biscuit and gravy- the bread was rubbery, the sausage was tiny and chewy, the gravy was so sparse it was unbelievable! Biscuits and gravy usually have ample gravy, not a little tablespoon on top... Service was not great by any means! It was hot out and our glasses went unfilled for a long period of time. It was not even busy and they had at least 3-4 servers on hand that I saw for the 6 tables that were eating. Nobody checked on us and we were so over the meal. We will not be back and we will not send anyone there. I would rather wait in line at Yolk or Meli or IHOP even for breakfast... *Note to the restaurant, maybe you guys should always have your food and service on point because you never know who is dining with you. Like someone who has the ability to send you a good amount of business had everything been okay.
(2)
Andrea G.
This restaurant has such potential but it seems like some of the staff needs a training in good customer service. I made a reservation and requested a table outside, they told us we could sit inside right away or wait 20-25 min for a table outside. We decided to go to the bar and wait for the table outside. The bartender was incredibly rude, making jokes and racist comments about the bussers, then belittling one of us when we said we couldn't carry 3 glasses and a carafe to our table. He didn't deserve the small tip we left. The hostess said we could sit at a high top table but that other tables she had no idea how long the wait would be...then why did you quote us 20 min before? The high tops outside are too small for 3 people. Our server was attentive, we complained about the bartender a couple times but she didn't offer to comp anything. Food was good; we had pretzel bites, chop chop salad, avocado rolls and Mac n cheese. I would come again for drinks to be along the river, but would try other places before.
(3)
Kate O.
I went here for my birthday and loved it! My boyfriend made our reservations and apparently mentioned that we were celebrating my birthday; when we arrived at our table, our server came by with a delicious dessert on the house. Any meal that starts with free dessert is bound to be phenomenal! Everything from start to finish was just awesome---the pinot grigio by the glass is great; the spicy chicken avocado rolls were a yummy appetizer; and the spinach salad & linguini were delicious, too. Our servers (one was shadowing/training) were perfectly balanced in being attentive but not overbearing, and the manager checked in a couple of times to chat with us & make sure things were up to par. Our table was literally right next to the river, which was just what I was hoping for---good job to the bf & hostess for making that happen!---and the whole experience overall was just awesome. Good food, great service, and the perfect summertime dinner atmosphere. We will be back----particularly on Wednesdays for 1/2 priced bottles of wine!
(5)
H M.
Today, was my second meal at Bridge House and once again, I was impressed. The spinach salad is delicious (with or without the fried egg on top). I'm also a huge fan of the popcorn (unlike any other) and the Pig Wing (despite the name) is fantastic! I've heard the Mac n Cheese, the burger and the grilled cheese sandwich are also all delicious from friends who have visited. And it's always a nice bonus to have a polite/friendly staff around you. All told- it's a perfect outdoor venue given both the quality/unique variety of food coupled with the ambience. If you go at the right time over lunch (12:30-1:00 pm), all the bridges go up to let sailboats pass which is pretty cool to watch!
(5)
Trixy D.
Finally was open. Tried to go here for several weeks in January, but was closed for owners Christmas vacation till Jan 18th. The restaurant and bar are on River Level, the inside is pretty small. We came in for beer and ordered the popcorn with jalepeno, smoked salt, bacon and honey and it is pretty darned tasty!!! I'll bet it is a great place to drink on the outside patio and I would LOVE to go there and sit outside under a blanket with the heaters! Sounds cozy. In order to get down there you go into an elevator in one of the Bridge Towers...it is the only Bridge Tower you can go inside. Its not as cool as I thought it would be. :-) It was pretty dead in January when we went down there, and we tried to go there four times while they were closed...to the point that we just don't even think of going there anymore because it was closed for so long. Hopefully we will think of it once the weather gets nice and try it again.
(4)
Jay G.
A friend and I decided to eat here last minute, and I'm definitely glad we chose this place. It has a gorgeous view of the river and nearby buildings. The food was delicious, and it had a nice atmosphere. Definitely a good place for dinner.
(4)
Bert T.
I went to Bridge House Tavern on a recent summer Saturday at about 2 pm. There was a 15 minute wait. When I was seated, I was surprised to see that there were at least a half dozen empty tables. Most of the outdoor seating area is in direct sunlight, which is risky for me (I am very fair skinned and burn easily, both my parents have had skin cancer.) I waited for about 5 minutes to be greeted by my server, who asked what I wanted to drink -- coffee -- and then wanted to know "if I was interested in ordering any food." Why, yes. I ordered the Trout Hash with poached eggs. After at least a thirty minute wait in the sun -- during which my coffee cup and water glass got empty -- she brought my entree. The pieces of fish were very small and scarce, the portion overall was more the size of an appetizer than an entree, it did not come with any bread, and -- to top it off, literally -- I was served fried eggs, not what I ordered. Since by now it was 3 pm, & I was famished, I started eating it anyway. No one checked to see if it was OK or if I needed anything. When I was finally able to get the server's attention, I asked her if they looked like poached eggs to her, or if there had been some sort of problem. She said, "I noticed that." Well, she didn't correct it, or mention it when she brought them: she probably hoped I wouldn't notice. I work with the public, and I've never in my life treated anyone like this. I know several other places where I can get twice the food and twice the flavor for half the price, with good service too. I won't be back.
(1)
Chris H.
This place was great. It is right on the lake which is nice to see the boats go by. We went for a late lunch, around 3:30, and although they had a shortened menu, it was more than adequate. They also had $5 mimosas and bloody mary's so that was an added bonus. The food was excellent as was the service. If I lived in Chicago, I would be there all the time (weather permitting).
(4)
Jennifer C.
I came here with my husband for his birthday. We wanted to dine on the water but wanted something casual. The setting was wonderful; however, that was the only thing that was wonderful. They were out of several beers and the server didn't know the style of the beers they did have. So much for the "tavern." We asked what was great on the menu and the server replied "everything is good". Helpful. So, I turned to Yelp and got the chicken avocado rolls, bruschetta and fish and chips. Bruschetta: Bland is the best word to describe this. Lots of flavorless cheese. Chicken avocado rolls: Really more like tostadas. Super super fried. You could really taste all the oil. I had two but had to stop because my stomach became upset. Fish and chips: Bad batter and rubbery fish. Way overcooked. To end the meal we were notified by the server that she charged us for the wrong bill and had to void our transaction and recharge. So she gave me both the voided receipt and the correct one "in case I'm charged for both". Now I need to make sure I'm not charged twice for this terrible meal. Adding insult to injury I just got an email from OpenTable saying Bridge House Tavern reported I didn't honor this reservation. I was doing everything I could to forget this meal so at least this prompted me to write a bad review of the restaurant. I'm not sure I would have if not for the reminder. At least I have two receipts to prove that I did honor the reservation. The only reason I gave two stars is the setting. If you're looking for a place for a drink on the water this is a passable option. But dear god, don't eat here.
(2)
M H.
Ate brunch here today, waitress Meghan was so friendly, played with our baby, above and beyond service. Everything was amazing, crab cake egg benedict, and wicked tots are a must! Thank you bridge house for meeting high expectations of Chicago food!
(5)
Bob B.
Summing it up: Proof that a restaurant's success can be dictated strictly by it's location. It got picked as a brunch spot on a hazy Saturday morning strictly because it was on the river, with a great patio. There will be no more kind words. What it is: Whether it's 'Polished Casual' or 'Upscale Tavern' who cares, it's a patio on a river and prime example that in the game of poaching off unsuspecting tourists, business in Chicago is good. It offered a level of mediocrity that is honestly quite difficult to achieve. Ambiance: Large and long patio with lots of seating and lots of tables on the rail, see: Summing It Up. Ordered: Breakfast and Bloody Mary's, they were all mailed in. Everything about this place was mailed in. Eggs were chewy, toast wasn't buttered and came with no jelly, like the kitchen literally said here's plain toast sucker, we can't be bothered to do anything more than drop it on your plate. No condiments - ketchup, hot sauce, syrup - no salt + pepper on table, how much stuff do I have to ask our mediocre server for? The Bloody Mary's were $5 on a gorgeous Chicago Saturday in summer, that should have been our first clue. Worth the Risk?: No. This review is admittedly solely based off of one visit but in a city full of great restaurants don't waste a meal (or your money) on a place that is a celebration of all things average and very obviously just hooking tourists based on their location.
(2)
Brian M.
8÷2 = 4. 2+2 = 4. Tables and chairs are movable objects. These are math and physics lessons that could have been put to use the last time I attempted to dine here. When you seat a just-arrived incomplete large party at an 8 person table while ignoring a foursome that's been there for 40 minutes, that's irksome. When you're snippy about me asking about it, that's just poor form. When you seat two separate walk-in parties of two while there's an available small 4-top that you "thought about" offering but didn't, it's just not up to Chicago standards. I feel like Bridge House Tavern is *always* hamstrung with seating constraints, though. Three out of the four times I've been here (weekday evenings), there have been private parties taking up a much larger portion of the restaurant than necessary. I don't think that "sorry, we can't accommodate a private party during our busiest time" is an unreasonable thing to say. With that said, if you DO want to book a private party when nowhere else in the area would consider closing off half the restaurant, here's your spot. The bartenders have always been solid and drink prices are actually a bit lower than what's expected for its perfect prime location. But the quite average food (throw bacon in everything and hope for the best!), lackluster service, and disorganized front of house/space management will keep me from returning.
(2)
Jess G.
Came here for drinks and dinner. Got here before 5 and were told the kitchen opened didn't open until 5. When we got our menus at 5 the menu said 4:30.... Also When we arrived the hosted told us to watch our step because the floors were slippery when raining. We sat our table and saw at least five people fall on the ground while we were drinking. As an interior designer I made a comment about how the interior design was lacking and the floors were apparently not safe. We noticed no employees help people when they fall on the floor. Not sure if that's to avoid the lawsuit that's awaiting them. Note to management: Take the risk of shutting down a day or two to replace your floors to avoid the lawsuit that's just sitting in your face. Then I went to the bathroom, what tiny bathrooms!!!! I'm not one of those designers that's critics spaces when I walk into them but I can't but do that when being at this place. The food was ok , not great but the location is what sells this place. However when it's raining apparently it's nothing special. Edit: took almost 20 minutes to get and pay for our check.
(3)
Karen L.
This place was bangin! Went here on a Sunday super hung over and seeking something greasy. Had the cheeseburger and it was ahhhhhhhmazing! Legit two beef patties piled w cheese. Hit the spot! AND it came w tater tots! Couldn't get much better and the view of the water is perfect in the summer.
(5)
Jenny S.
4 stars only because the owner was nice. Yet it averages out to be a 2 1/2 stars for my overall experience. Mediocre is what I would call this place. Service was a 2. Unfortunately. :/ I had great expectations for this place because it was so beautiful sitting along the lake to enjoy my Bloody Mary. I wasn't a big fan of the Bloody Mary mix. The waiter had mentioned they make it in house. There was just something missing from it. I love a bold Bloody Mary, this was on the bland side. Anyway, back to the service. We came here around 1:45pm and the hostess told us the wait would be 20 minutes for the outdoor seating. We sat down a little after 2:30pm. Actually at 2:42pm to be exact. I had a call right at that time. Sat down, got our drinks, waited for them... I asked for extra olives and the waiter forgot. His helper who brought out our meals actually went back to grab them for me. He asked me how I'd like my burger and I specifically told him medium rare. The burger came out well done. Wasn't too happy. The only thing that was decent were the tater tots! Lol yum. Shortly after our meal, we told our waiter we were finished. He acknowledged it and walked away we assumed he was grabbing our checks. 9 minutes now rolls around, I tell him we'd like our checks and if he could wrap up our leftovers. Despite my par service, I still tipped the waiter $5 on my $25 tab. Got our checks and went on our way. My gf got the tuna tartare and it was a generous portion. Could use some salt! Suffice to say I won't be back though. :( I wish the service was better because this place is literally right behind my work! It's a shame because this would've been my go to spot. Hope this helps!
The Bridge House Tavern is awesome!! Had burgers and east coast oysters with my co workers. Felt very relaxed and peaceful eating right by the Chicago river. You will love this place!
(5)
Abbie B.
The food was good. The presentation of the food was really nice and the ambiance, scenery and atmosphere was beautiful. #ChicagoNights worth the wait.
(4)
Reb A.
Great view. Good food. Excellent service. What else do you need? I have to write more in order to post so I'll just tell you that I had the shrimp/chorizo omelette. Get the tater tots because the other potatoes are mashed and don't really go with breakfast. Other than that, everything was really good. Next time I'm getting the brioche French Toast. It looked amazing!
(4)
Dee B.
Wow this new drink is fantastic. Sultry summer in a glass - and it packs a punch! Franklin Peach- Buffalo Trace bourbon, 10 Cane rum, Peach Schnapps, fresh sweet & sour. Tart, sweet and smoky all in one sip. They were filming a tv show the last time I was there, which was fun!
(5)
Sarah A.
This one star is for The ridiculous lunch hours, I've tried to come here on 3 different occasions & by some wicked magic it's always during the two hours between lunch & dinner when no food is being served. Wish I could write an actual review about the food, but until that time.... I appreciate the prompt response & have updated my star rating to 3, until I can get back here
(3)
R. J. R.
I might be a little bit obsessed with this place...the view is obviously beautiful out on the patio, but the food is fantastic (the shrimp tacos were amazing) and the interior is so warm and inviting. After seeing pictures of the brunch by other Yelpers, we're coming back tomorrow, that's how much we enjoyed it. PS - Get the nitro Lefthand Sawtooth, so good.
(4)
Norm J.
Being that my office is close by, my colleagues and I have visited Bridge House Tavern a few times. Some occasions we've had great service and food, but on other occasions we've had so-so service and meh food. Overall I'd give Bridge House Tavern 3 stars. Recommendations: *Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - amazing! Loved these. *Pork Belly BLT - enjoyed every bite of this sandwich. Get it with a side of tater tots. *Onion Rings - while I'm not a fan of onion rings, my colleagues all said they liked them. *Steak Sandwich - the meat was juicy and the horseradish aioli made this a definite winner. Skip: *Grilled Chicken Sandwich - my colleague thought it was dry. *Wedge Salad with Chicken - nothing special about it.
(3)
Yaofu Z.
Very popular and usually much wait. The service is a little spotty given the number of customers. But the view and the food make everything worthwhile. We ordered mushroom bread, salmon spread, two salad. The two appetizers are exceptional. The salad I had is a little too acidic to my taste. But it is not bad. It is very nice to have dinner near the river. There are so many other items I want to try. Just note, the portion size is on the small size. If you are paying the bill and want to make sure everyone enjoy the time, get more appetizers.
(5)
C.C. H.
Pros: beautiful patio by the river, ok pricing for the view and amount of food given, nice waitstaff but slow on the water bottle refill cons: sometimes the river smells like sewage, some brunch items were mediocre - like the beignets (although the housemade whipped cream and cinnamon glaze were on point), and the wicked tots were rather salty. probably best to just drink mimosas specials all sunday.
(3)
Anthony N.
Obviously, the location here is amazing. Great view of all the river happenings if you're lucky enough to get a seat at the edge. The food, however, is just ok. My fries came out soggy and my friend's tots were cold. I've been a couple times and the only dish worth mentioning, surprisingly, is the tuna tartare. Have fun waiting if you come during after-work rush.
(3)
Cecille C.
I went to this place with a group of my favorite colleagues at work. We sat close to the big window next to the river, around a big wood table. It felt like a very cozy family dinner at holiday. The duck tacos I ordered were just perfect. Duck was very flavored and well cooked. I don't know the name of the little pink pickles they put on top of each taco, but they were just perfect companies to the duck meat - truly a creative and delicious dish! We also ordered each dessert on the menu to share - all delicious! So it's truly a risk-free desserts menu.
(5)
Caroline J.
I've been to Bridge House for both lunch and brunch, and it's been absolutely wonderful each time. The first time I came was for a weekday lunch with coworkers. We were seated outside almost immediately, and while I don't remember what I had, I remember that it was very good. The second time I came was on July 3rd with a few friends and while the wait was definitely longer, the food was just as incredible. I got the Pork Belly BLT (which be advised, is MESSY) and it was exactly what I wanted. It was a sizable portion, and the fact that it came with tots is just an added bonus. A friend got the pulled pork mac and cheese and proceeded to talk about how good it was for the rest of the day, and another got the steak sandwich and was equally impressed. My most recent visit was for brunch and as usual, it was outstanding. From the $5 mimosas during our (short) wait to be seated to the fantastic huevos rancheros, I was just as happy as the first few times I visited. The staff is friendly and has been very accommodating when we've wanted to move tables, and the location could not be more perfect for spending some quality time along the river. Can't wait to be back!
(5)
Bianca A.
Super yummy and great view! If you don't like the heat, come early or sit inside. I got the eggs Benedict and it was pretty awesome. Downside of this place is that they put very boldly on the menu "no substitutes or modifications". I don't like that
(4)
Lui F.
Excellent appetizers (or "shareables" as they call them), excellent drinks - nice selection of bourbon and done exactly as I ordered it. Service was great, ambiance was awesome. Made for a perfect afternoon after we did one of the tours along the river coming out of Navy Pier. We saw the restaurant from the boat and rode a cab back up there because we thought the ambiance would be great and it definitely was. Our water Tony was great and took really good care of us. I will definitely visit them again next time I'm up in Chitown!
(5)
Jenna C.
Bridge House Tavern is awesome! Great patio right on the river, and nice view from the inside too. As far as food, the smoked salmon was crazy good. My friend and I also shared the ceviche (ok), chicken rillettes (not a fan), and spicy chicken avocado rolls (tasty). This ended up being a lot of food for 2 people! It was half off shareables night, so we went a little overboard what can I say? Our waitress was great, and the manager (maybe owner?) stopped by our table towards the end of the meal too. Definitely friendly service all around, and quick too! Both food and drink were served faster than expected. However, the cocktails failed to impress. I'm a little spoiled from the great mixology around Chicago and so would recommend keeping it simple here with a beer or glass of wine. Enjoy!
(4)
Annie M.
I was in Chicago for 2 mornings... I love trying new places, ESP in a foodie city like Chicago, but this is so great I wanted to go twice. For my favorite meal of the day, brunch... It's basically a religion and it's very aggressive, this is a huge feat for a restaurant. First, the setting is beautiful. Right on the Chicago river. The staff was so much fun (we brunched from 10-430). And the crowd is fun. The food... I tried the tots, mashed potatoes, EGGS BENEDICT(!!!!)...perfect. I tried the steak and eggs... Ah-maze. It's a must must must.
First time visiting BHT with my cousins from Arizona. Started out sitting outside but of course the weather made us move inside due to windy conditions making it very chilly! Service was very good and the food was even better. Fish and chips were awesome! Tots, guacamole, and spicy chicken rolls were very good! Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Tamera B.
Bridge House provided a very solid tavern experience for my family and I. The food was good, service was cool, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Service - Thus was 4th of July weekend, so there was quite a crowd during peak lunch time. It was a beautiful day, so everyone was pining to get a table on the relaxing terrace, right on the river, with awesome views. We had the kiddos with us and they were "dying of hunger" so, we opted for 1st available seating. We were told our wait would be 1 hour, but it ended up only being a 35 minute wait. Shorter waits always make me giddy : ) Our server was great! Even with the busy crowd, she was just attentive enough and kept our drinks full......what more could we ask for! Food - the menu offers the standard tavern fare and some dishes with Bridge House's own twist to them. I had the fish & chips, with tots instead of fries. My food was delicious and plentiful. I got 3 large, fresh cod fillets and enough tots to feed our family of 4. The fish was delicious, not too greasy, tasty batter, and super fresh fish......none of that frozen melarky here!! I was full after eating 1 fillet. My husband had the Tavern burger, which was really good as well. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly and served on a brioche bun. They offer an unofficial kids menu that includes: chicken fingers, cheeseburger, or grilled cheese. These come with a side and they are $10 each. A little pricey for kids meals! Next time, we'll probably just get a $14 Tavern burger and cut it in half. One of my boys had the grilled cheese and the other had the cheeseburger. They were happy with their meals, so I was happy. We will definitely visit Bridge House again, preferably when it's not so busy, so that we can enjoy the terrace.
(4)
Jon L.
I was here with friends for dinner after work one day. We were seated very quickly and had a great view of the Chicago River. I ordered the greek goddess salad with chicken which had a decent assortment of veggies, some of which tasted strange to me. I also had the bbq pork mac n' cheese which actually tasted very good considering I'm normally not a big mac n' cheese guy. Service-wise, our waitress rarely if ever checked up on us and was often nowhere to be found when we called for her. I'm not sure if it was because it was a busy service night or if she just forgot about us, but I didn't really care for the lack of service. I would normally give two stars for the lack of service and mediocre-at-best salad but the view of the river and the mac n' cheese were their saving grace for the third star.
(3)
Hannah C.
I've been here twice now and I don't understand what all the fuss is about. We went there for an office happy hour a few months ago, and it was fine, although I found the apps unreasonably small for the price (also, like, they provided a freakishly small number of chips for all the dip-type things). Nevertheless, I thought "perhaps it's more of a meal place" and went to brunch. The bacon pancake was the only thing I can even try to recommend. It was perfectly fine and a great meal size. The bad: the beignets were painfully stale and not even warm. The house potatoes (mashed) were under seasoned, the wicked tots were too salty, and the Chicago 75 tasted like watered down gin (no other flavors). I wouldn't go back, especially with so many good options nearby.
(2)
Rachael B.
Come prepared for a wait... But a wait worth awhile! took 45 min to get a table for Saturday brunch but grab a drink at the bar ($5 bloody Mary's or mimosa) and wait for a table on the water. Amazing views, usually live music playing across the street, and so much to people watch. The food is a 5!!!! Absolutely divine! Chicken and waffles on point and huevos rancheros full of flavor. The mash potatoes are best I have ever had also! The drinks are so-so so the review lost a star cuz I was not too impressed with the cocktails or the front desk reception. But the views and food make it a must visit spot in Chicago!
(4)
Marc M.
nice location for summer. food was good and prices fair. its all about location.
(3)
Jesse B.
I don't know if we just had a horrible server or if it was because it was Saturday night but our first visit here was absolutely crap. A forgotten about appetizer, a server who seemed to not care about us after he found out we weren't ordering alcohol, and a dreadfully long wait for any sort of food made this a one time stop for us. Disappointing because the food was quite good but the service was wretched enough to make us not want to come back. He couldn't even be bothered to check-in with us to let us know why we had to wait over an hour for our food. He even still offered to put in for the appetizer at that point! Are you kidding me? What a disgrace.
(1)
Jaclyn S.
Went here for dinner on Mon with OpenTable reservation hoping to sit on the water. Due to forecasted storm we sat inside. No trouble or wait for a table at 7:30. $25/pp with one drink. For appetizers we had the spicy chicken Avo rolls - our waitress said the most ordered/popular thing on the menu- they were good, fried. The mushroom bruschetta was better, tangy, herby, and truffle oil always helps. I had the turkey burger which was ok, the side salad was simple, the burger had pepper jack, arugula, remoulade and onions- but was just missing that pow of flavor or spice and the bun was very greasy on the outside. Friends had the greenhouse salad which is very small for $12, but was saved by spicy pecans! The braised shortribs were cooked well and fell apart nicely- probably the best thing ordered at the table. The squash side was yummy and mashbos were just avg. Drink menu was large for beer options and they have daily specials during happy hour times. Service was mediocre. Our waitress didn't know the menu or what went into dishes. Overall this place is basic. Nothing stood out and I have no reason to go back or recommend. Sitting by the water would be awesome but bear in mind the avg food/service when going here.
(3)
Shelly D.
Great atmosphere, terrible food. Went here on Wednesday night, got a table outside. Beautiful weather and jazz music played while we ate, which was fantastic. We ordered the tater tots with blue cheese and asparagus which was ok, but very very salty. I ordered the cod with teriyaki and it was almost inedible. The teriyaki sauce tasted like it was from a jar (definitely not homemade) and the cod was undercooked. I have it 2 starts because the service was great, hostesses were friendly, we were seated right away, and the patio was lovely. Next time, i'll go for drinks not food. Or I will just go somewhere else.
(2)
Edna P.
Great view of the river, friendly staff and food was good. I got the duck tacos while hubby had the pork belly sandwich.
(5)
Mark J.
Been here twice while visiting Chicago, the first for a drink and to enjoy the waterfront ambiance. A cocktail was only 10 dollars compared to 13 to 15 we've paid. Came for lunch Friday, the following day, and had steak sandwiches, a turkey burger and tater tots w asparagus. ..and turtle cheesecake. The flavors were wonderful. The host, and server Tony, were the same both days. They were warm and friendly.
(5)
Mykaila D.
Really the vibes and location are what gave this place three stars. The mac and cheese is super weak. Not enough cheese, the noodles are too intricate to absorb all the cheese the right way, and the bbq pork resembles dried squid. I know that sounds really weird, but if you've had it before you know exactly what I mean. The fries taste like cheap whataburger fries and based on the nibble I had of the tuna tartare I wasn't feeling the liquid base. Really disappointing, but I've had a day from hell so Malbec has put me in good spirits and I am completely disregarding the fact that this meal sucked.
(3)
Kristen L.
Went here on a cold and rainy night with a couple of old high school friends. The location is fantastic, but not so great when it's 40 degrees and raining. The food is okay...nothing to write home about. We ended up ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing since 2 out of the 3 of us weren't really that hungry. Also ordered drinks, but I didn't end up touching mine since it was waaaaaaay too strong for my taste. The service was okay--not great. Overall...Meh.
(2)
Ginny G.
Came into town from Kansas City to watch the Royals play and made a reservation for five on Saturday morning at 11. You enter through an elevator on Clark street that takes you down to the restaurant. Unfortunately it was raining so we didn't sit outside on the gorgeous patio. Instead, we were seated by the large windows so we had a great view. Saturday's they have $5 mimosas and Bloody Mary's. Both were great and they did not skimp on the alcohol. There were so many things on the brunch menu I wanted to order but I settled on the biscuits and gravy. It's more like two biscuit and sausage sandwiches drizzled in gravy and topped with bacon. You also get two eggs with the order. Tons of food. The group I was with ordered the hash, loaded tots and the chicken and waffles. All of it was amazing. Everyone loved their meal. I just wish I had also ordered the bacon pancake to top it off.
(5)
Amber A.
Looking for a killer patio on the water?? Boom, this is it. We spent no less that 3hrs here on a gorgeous Day having cocktails. The bar opens up to outside with seating both in and out, as well as a lot of tables on the water. We had typical cocktails- beer and Bloody Mary. They make their own Bloody Mary mix in house. We also split the turkey burger which, unlike most turkey burgers, was delicious!
(4)
Jackie C.
I love this place! It was so fun to be near the water on such a beautiful day! The service was lack luster but the food was really good. On Wednesdays they have half price bottles of wine.
(4)
Manasa S.
We went here for Saturday brunch and got the Hash, Veggie omelette, and the brioche French toast. All three were beautifully presented but the taste was mediocre at best. Also, there are no substations or changes to any of the dishes on the brunch menu which was a little limiting. However, their Bloody Mary was absolutely delicious and you can't beat the views by the river.
(3)
Renee S.
What a great view! I have been here with friends and had a great time with great service. What blew me out of the water was the exceptional service I had when i had booked a semi-private corporate event on the terrace. The service was top notch - servers and bartenders made sure all our guests had a drink in their hands and made sure everyone was satisfied. The food came out warm and delicious. The setting was BEAUTIFUL! The owner even stopped by to give us a thank you. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)
Lauren F.
So, I must say that I have never written a Yelp review, but this restaurant/bar has surpassed any expectation that I had of the place (due to its former name) that I just had to post! The service was excellent, and I don't remember the last time that I had so many people (including the waiters/bartenders/management) make sure I was having an enjoyable experience. The place was pleasantly busy and the service was still great. Prices were right on par with the area and in my opinion pretty cheap considering the OUTSTANDING view of the river which is the main focal point of the restaurant. The food was so delicious I can't wait to go back and try more. I had the grilled cheese, which was so so good and then my fair share of the unlimited drink options they had.
(5)
Vivi W.
I wouldn't recommend..location is great. Little over priced? Food looks GREAT, but tastes kinda bland. Had the boned-in pork chop. Had better. The fish and chips was greasy and soggy. The pop corn was super soggy. The buffalo pork was dry. My frd had a birthday, and the waitress bought some bread pudding, and charged us for $8...and she took over 15 min to get it...
(2)
Marie M.
I've been going there countless times this summer. And usually take out of town visitor for lunch/brunch. You CAN NOT beat the location. This place is beautifully located, and you get a perfect view of the river/neighborhood. The food is good. I do prefer the old menu (when it was still flat water) as there was more choice. But everything on the new menu is good quality and the prices are more than reasonnable for quality'location/service. If you go on a busy week end brunch, do not expect to be out of there fast, they still have some service issues to fix. But everyone is friendly and happy to help. Will definitely be back next summer!
(4)
Joe Z.
Great spot right on the water. So close that if you are not careful with your bag you could drop them into the river. Drinks were reasonably priced. Menu was somewhat limited, but the linguine with shrimp was quite good.
(4)
Lyn B.
Been here for brunch, lunch and dinner, and have enjoyed it every time! Best time to go here is when it's warm outside, so you can sit in their outdoor area overlooking the river. The service is always good, and favorites on the menu include the brioche french toast, potatoes, Caesar salad (be careful- it comes with the anchovies on top so ask to exclude them if you don't like them!), spinach salad, and burgers!
(4)
Claire F.
Turkey Sandwich! It was amazing, and the fries were something extra special with a delicious seasoning and tang to them. The best part about the restaurant is the view and setting. The service was also amazing! $13 for dinner in a really nice and beautiful restaurant, I'm sold!
(4)
Katie T.
Found this place on yelp. We decided to try it out because it has great reviews, a patio with a river view, and the photos of the interior looked so cozy with all of the wood. After a long day at work, sitting on the patio and having a beer was exactly what we needed. The popcorn starter was amazing and so different. We split the burger and fries which were so good, and plenty for 2 people. The staff was also very nice and welcoming. I can't wait to visit Chicago again to come back to this place.
(5)
J J.
Four of us had brunch there on a Sunday morning and the food was excellent! I had the Huevos Rancheros, others had the Eggs Benedict and Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy - all of them were great choices. Breakfast drinks were a bit of a let down. I wish they offered more than just drip coffee but there is no espresso machine in the house. The coffee was served in very basic cups - my school cafeteria had the same ones and I've seen them at the Golden Nugget too. The Bridge House Tavern can surely do better than those establishments. No good brunch in my book goes without OJ, and I was hoping for a treat of freshly squeezed one. The offering was far from my expectations - it was the basic OJ from concentrate, usually used for making bar drinks like Screw Drivers. The service staff was really nice and accommodating. We were seated in the atrium area by the windows, just past the bar and got to enjoy the river view. One issue I had was with the AC. The vent grills were directed straight down towards our table and blasted cold air all the time. I had to put my wool coat on with the collar up and left with a headache. The staff expressed similar concerns but could not do much to turn down the AC. I really appreciated that Mike, the new manager/owner, stopped by to say Hi and made sure we are enjoying our stay. Being a new place, I am sure the Bridge House Tavern will work out the kinks. For now I can barely award it four stars, mostly for the food and ambiance. It's right by my office so I am looking forward to going back there with friends and colleagues for lunch and after hours.
(4)
Jen C.
Second time there today. This time, we had a big work group that went for a celebratory lunch and it was wonderful. Our server, Annetta (sp?) was thoroughly knowledgeable about the menu, and offered some good suggestions. The food was delicious ... I mean, delicious! Everyone loved their meals. The staff was accommodating, and was able to change our seating from outside (it's 90 degrees, after all) to inside as quick as that. Additionally, the management made a point to check in with us to make sure we were happy and ask for suggestions. Classy. No one seemed 100% sold on the bacon milkshake (I didn't try it, so can't say), but everything else was stellar. Definitely coming back... soon!
(5)
Brad F.
We came here by boat one night for dinner. Wish we could of sat outside but unfortunately we were with a group of 12. The service was great everything came out perfect and our large group was very satisfied! The burger I got was excellent! Those fries that they serve with all the dipping sauces was out of this world. Cant wait to come get those fries again!
(4)
Eeeee L.
We had a party of six here on Friday night for dinner. The server we had was great. The view was incredible. We could hear the nice live music drifting from another restaurant across the river, which really made the evening. The food was very delicious and well-received by our group overall. The drinks were tasty and prompt. Between us, we tried several menu items. To name a few: - "pig wings"...so good, definitely the hit of the table! - burgers...huge and all were yummy (good fries, too) - mussels...WARNING: we'll get to that in the next paragraph - salmon BLT...fabulous flavor and generous portion size - Tavern chicken...can't go wrong with chicken, although the grits weren't quite up to par My only unhappiness with this place was with the preparation of the mussels (appetizer I chose for my entree). I love seafood and know how it should be done, and I would not get this item again based on my recent experience. The quantity was scant compared to the 18-25 range given by the waiter (who confirmed with someone who seemed to be a manager). First disappointment, but I will forgive them for that. The second disappointment is why I write this review, mostly to caution to future customers. The mussels had not been cleaned properly and were full of VERY LARGE grains of sand. There was zero warning of this upon serving, and I was very startled when I bit into the first one and felt like I had chomped down on a bucket of gravel. (A very tasty gravel bucket nonetheless.) I joked around that I almost busted a tooth while we all ate up and enjoyed catching up. Several more were just as grainy, but I was being more careful than a Grandma when she eats taffy with her dentures in. I ended up swallowing most of them as if they were oysters. After we settled up and were walking down Clark, I felt around...I actually DID chip a very healthy tooth!!! I made an emergency appointment with my dentist first-chance I could this week to check out my mangled molar. Let's just say this is the most expensive bowl of mussels I have ever ordered. Well, when I get the dental bill...it will easily be the most expensive meal all together. Though the pan sauce for the mussels was completely delectable and right-on (oh, I would have sopped it up with every last piece of bread!!!)...this was not a pleasant experience for me due to ruining decades of a perfect dental record and depleting my wallet far beyond a $10 appetizer. RATING: - 4.5 stars for flavor - 5 stars for great outdoor seating on the river - 4 stars for the staff - 0 stars from the Tooth Fairy - overall rating of 3 stars
(3)
Lisa L.
Great place to have lunch in the summer! So cool to watch the water taxis and architectural tour boats going by as you eat! I definitely recommend eating outside! A little pricey for everyday lunch, but perfect for a special occassion!
(4)
shai h.
Best. Pork chop. Ever. In my while life. Seriously. And the oysters are amazing!
(5)
Mikey G.
I was in Chicago last week on business and decided to try this place based on the good reviews. All I can say is AWESOME. The turkey sandwich was the best I ever had.... No joke. The outdoor patio is right alongside the river and people were pulling up in their boats. Great atmosphere and yummy yummy food... Can't ask for more! And the waitstaff is super nice!
(5)
Curtis R.
I am not really the person to write a review! For the simple fact that every person is different. I never judge a place until I try it! That being said. This Saturday 8/20/2011 I was frustrated the Air n Water show had been delayed because of a storm! I found myself leaving my can/slip too water taxi into the city and explore! I had a few familiar places I wanted to have a beer at and maybe a sandwich! I started at Dick's Last Resort, they didn't open until 11 am I guess. So, I went next door to the House of Blues. They, again did not open. They all had plenty of staff, but would not budge on serving me. Then I remembered that an old friend started a new job at BRIDGE HOUSE TAVERN. I was very pleased to see it had a waterfront and a beautiful patio with canopy's for dinning out in the elements! I would love to see it in Autumn with the changing season! Further more I was greeted by my friend and the owner. We shared great conversation about the new business and how it has become a hit in downtown Chicago! I just had a regular Cheese Burger because I am simple. However, the chick next to me was eating an amazing breakfast plate with with eggs and thick slices of bacon! If i had been there early enough I would have ordered it. I do recommend this place for it's setting, staff, and awesome food with a unique menu! Also, there is a first come first serve waters edge docking for your personal watercraft in front of the building! They do have docking cleats for large cruiser boats. However, they need some cleats bolted into the wood down below for power boats that sit in the water lower! When your heading North on Clark just when you pass the Chicago Canal it's on the right... look for the old Bridge House elevator to take you down to the landing!! Thank you Bridge House Tavern and thanks Dana for the company! I can't wait to come back and try something new! Your Friend Waterboycurtis. Ps.. When you are a costumer at BHT, they don't care if you own a boat! So, they do not discriminate between travelers by foot or by water! They just like serving people well!
(5)
Emily M.
Ok, i'm sold now. I love the atmosphere during winter. It's like a cozy escape from the awful Chicago wind and snow. The fireplace and smaller sized floor plan makes it a really intimate and laid back place in the winter.
(4)
Amy F.
I had a blast here! I was here for my sister's wedding rehearsal dinner. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. We had half of the outdoor patio for our party and it was great. There were two cabanas with great ample seating. Plus tables and chairs available. The river was beautiful, watching the boats and kayaks pass was fun. Some even tied up to dine while we were there! Our out of town guests got a big kick out of that. One of the owners, Ryan, was very nice. He made sure everything was running smoothly and seemed genuinely interested in how our evening was going. I would recommend this place for everyone. Just a night out, hanging with friends, or a more formal dinner date, to a wonderful party! Thanks for a great time.
(5)
Rebecca C.
I rarely venture out of my Bucktown/Wicker Park nieghborhood but I was recommended this resturant by friends and yummo. The mussels and pig wings are sinfully good and the fish sticks were so different, delicious and unique. The great wine selection and view certainly tops off the whole atmosphere.
(5)
Justin P.
Delicious. Everything was great and the atmosphere was amazing. Try the pig wings or the bruschetta. So glad I chose this place.
(5)
Lorena d.
This year I wanted to celebrate my birthday low key with just dinner and drinks with some of my family and friends, so we decided to go to Bridgehouse because some one had recommneded it to me. I called and made a reservation for 12 people, the day of I got a phone call to confirm my reservation and who ever I spoke to said 8 people, I told her No 12 so she said "ok that's fine see you tonite". I got to the restaurant a half hour before my friends and family and when they show me my table it was set uip for 8 people, I told the waitress right away and they took care of the problem by adding a table and some chairs right away, I was pleased because this all happend before my guests got there because that would have been embarssing if there wasn't enough seats when my guests arrived. We also got 2 orders of the popcorn complimentry for the misunderstaning which I must say the popcorn was excellent nothing I have ever had before. I love the sweet-salty taste of it and all foods in general. Service was excellent even though they goofed up on my reservation they quickly accomadated us. There was not an empty glass of water or any other drink for that matter the whole night. Our waitress was very knowledgable and served us very well and if she was not around the bus boys were very helpful with getting us what ever we needed, so that kind of made up for the reservation mess up. Mark the owner came out and apoligezed also for the reservation mishap which also very nice!All around good service from everyone! As we were waiting for the rest of our party we had Victoris beer on draft oh my God were they good, Victoria beer is a little pricey beer when you buy them in bottles and it's hard to find them on draft and actually taste good. We also went and ordered the mussles EXCELLENT loved them, the bread served with the mussles was also so good we asked if we could get an order of just the bread so we could finish the sauce the mussles came with. We went on to order the pigwings they were EXCELLENT as well couldn't help to lick my fingers. For our main courses 2 people ordered the big steak burgers I didn't hear any complaints. Some one ordered the po boy which she said she was even surprised to find that on the menu. She said it wasn't like the one she had in New Orleans but it was close enough! I personally had the steak frites it was delish cooked well nice size cuts of meat. The mac-n-cheese was the best part of my night it was above EXCELLENT, next time I go there I plan on ordering that for sure and YES I do plan on going back there and recommend you all do the same!!!
(5)
Jeremy M.
Credit where it is due: Not long after writing the initial review, the owner sent a reply acknowledging the problem. Such a rapid and genuine response deserves note: it's a sign of a restaurant that cares about its customers' experience. I hadn't been planning on going back, but this did change my mind, and I will try to find another time to go. It doesn't always take much to change the mind of an open-minded critic--but it is all the more notable because it happens so rarely.
(3)
Carolyn B.
Nice location on the river, but the food was not good. Frozen tasteless hamburger patty, bottled Caesar salad dressing.
(1)
Ebony G.
My visit here was mixed...it started off great, went horribly wrong in the middle and kind of worked itself out in the end. Let me explain.... A friend and I were meeting for food and drinks, we sat outside along the wall next to the river. The good.... Our waiter Bobby was AMAZING, he was friendly, attentive, gave great food and drink suggestions. I would go back just for him, because he was so nice. The view was great. The food was really good. I would come back for the food. I had the special, a whitefish with grilled calamari on top and my friend had the grilled cheese sandwich; for our appetizer we had the pig wings....all very tasty. The owner Ryan, he was pleasant came to our table, addressed our concerns, apologized profusely. He redeemed this restaurant experience. The bad..... Unbeknownst to us, we were sitting next to a dock enter and let off point. We saw the silver ladder on the other side of the wall but didn't expect a boat to dock and for people to try and unload right at our table. My friend had to move in order for the people to get off the boat. When she went to find a manager, the people coming off the boat were using her chair to step down to the ground. It was insanely rude and unsanitary. She found the other owner, NOT Ryan, and when she suggested they move that table from in front of the ladder he said to not have that table there means less money for them. It was a table for 2. REALLY?! When she mentioned the potential loss of customers, no response. So we moved to another table, and as soon as we left they sat another perosn there, who had the EXACT same experience and had to be moved as well. So Ryan, the great owner, spoke with us, apologized and moved the tables so that people unloading could do so without bothering the diners. I'll go back, I just won't sit next to the ladders.
(3)
Lila G.
This is the sort of place where you have a good time DESPITE the service and food. We went on a Wed night. Ideal location, beautiful waterfront tables, etc. The hostesses, in their haste to prevent you from becoming pushy people while waiting for tables outside, become ridiculously pushy in advance. We were perfectly fine sitting inside (which was completely empty) but they insisted "there was a wait" and that we put our names down on a list for a table outside. Oh and they're also "not allowed" to give out wait times. Odd. We finally got our way and sat inside, which was perfectly fine except it took a visit to the bartender to get a waitress to come over. Our waitress was really nice, but harried. Our appetizer arrived and 2 min later half the entrees. Awkward. 10 min later the rest of the food came out. Also awkward. The waitress also confessed that she was "AFRAID TO GO INTO THE KITCHEN" which made us all slightly nervous! The burger was decent, nothing special. The salmon BLT was tasty, but the much-touted "bacon milkshake" didn't taste at all like bacon. We're not smokers so our senses of taste are quite good. No bacon flavor. The fish and chips had an interesting skewer-like presentation, but they were covered in thick chunks of batter that puffed up in the fryer and became chewy and heavy rather than becoming crispy. Oh well. Go for the setting, do not go for the food or the service, and grit your teeth as the hostesses try to convince you to sit somewhere you don't want to. Hahahah! What can you say, takes all types to make the world!
(2)
Ami H.
I am as confused writing this review as I was reading the menu. The combinations of flavors in the dishes are so ... we'll say "unique" ... that it's hard to imagine what food is going to taste like. The popcorn - delicious. The beer & cheese soup, also delicious. The turkey sandwich, WAYYY too salty and unedible. The bread pudding, bland. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and despite the turkey sandwich, we were enjoying a mild evening on the river quite nicely. Then, just as dinner was wrapping up, a VERY LARGE ... we'll say "rodent" to be polite... started creeping under the tables looking for crumbs. I guess it's to be expected since the patio is ON the river, but still. So the moral of this story? Probably left you feeling as confused as I still am. Thumbs up for the unique flavors that work, thumbs down for the ones that don't. Thumbs up for atmosphere, thumbs down for critters.
(3)
Alison H.
Great outdoor seating. The service was very prompt, helpful and friendly. My friend and I had salads, which were creative and tasty. Loved the outdoor atmosphere. I highly recommend. Nice to see that Chicago is developing the riverfront. The scenery backdrop was fabulous. I look forward to going back from Happy Hour or dinner.
(4)
Howard C.
The view is great and provides alot of conversation opportunities. The meal was the cheapest, yet easily one of the best we had during our weekend in Chicago. The staff was nice and attentive. It's a tradition for us to stop there.
(5)
Mark C.
Food was alright, place was hot and stuffy, bloody Mary was full of horse radish. Turkey sandwich was dry, salad had no dressing.
(2)
Chrissy M.
We had dinner here on a Thursday night. We did call to make reservations. The reason I mention this is because my family (9 of us) arrived and were told we only have 45 minutes to eat and get out in time for a private event. We were extremely disappointed at first since we had made a reservation and were there to celebrate our dad's 50th birthday. We sat down and were considering leaving when the manager came back to our table and told us we would be seated in a different area of the restaurant out of the way with a wonderful view and would be able to take our time. We were very appreciative (although, I do believe we should have accepted nothing less). We did not have to go far, just to a table in the front portion of the restaurant and it actually worked out much nicer for us anyways. There are windows facing the river and an outdoor bar and patio. My 1 year old son came along and they were very accommodating. The food was very good but a little pricey. We had fine service. We did not have very nice weather so I would probably go back again for the patio and the views if nothing else!
(4)
Fuudcritic C.
Disaster! Went for brunch. Service was terrible! How can a restaurant mess up breakfast food? Really. Service? We had to find our waiter and ask for water. We had to find our waiter for our check. And, no, it was not busy. If you're there for just the view and drinks (in the evening), great. Food and service? FORGET IT!!
(1)
Natasha C.
I went to Bridge House Tavern for Dinner on a beautiful September night. We sat outside on the patio with the view of the river and the skyline which granted it 3 stars. However, I think you pay more for the view than the food. We got a macaroni and cheese app which was pretty good, but I've had better. Then I got the grilled cheese because I'm vegetarian which was pretty awful. I didn't eat any of it. My boyfriend got the steak sandwich which he said was okay, but not great. The drinks were good, but I thought the drink menu was limited. I would go back for the view in the summer because it's awesome not the food.
(3)
Morgan C.
This place is just not worth it, despite the fact that it provides river-front views. I have been here a couple times and I am really struggling to see how I will ever decide to come to this place again, especially since there are just so many places that pay closer attention to the details that make a dining experience enjoyable. If it's hard to justify coming here in summer, I really can't imagine how this place can survive over the long Chicago winter (clearly they rely heavily on tourist traffic). This review is a for people considering going to Bridge House but also is directed to the Manager/Owner of Bridge House (since I can see that he sometimes responds to yelp reviews, so I assume takes some consideration of them). FOOD: The food here is not bad in terms of flavor, but the problem is that the portion sizes are really ridiculous. After reading this complaint in other reviews, my first thought was "well, you can't fault a restaurant much for giving you too much food as opposed to too little." Well, I was wrong. My most recent trip here for brunch proved to me that there is such a thing as portions that are so big that they severely detract from the enjoyment of the meal and the setting. The food that could otherwise be described as slightly upscale comfort food, loses that characteristic because you can't be anything close to upscale when the portions are 2 or 3 times times too large. The ambiance of this place is lost when your server arrives with a cheesecake factory size dish. I would think that a restaurant would want to avoid this type of unnecessary waste. SERVICE: The large portion sizes could be excused if not for the HORRIBLE service, which is truly a reflection on management. Our server was friendly enough, and I don't think he is to blame. It's the overall lack of general service from the entire operation that is the problem. Just to give a couple examples (because there are too many to list them all), servers don't recognize that an empty water bottle sitting on the side of a table is an indication to get a table more water. Even if this is technically our waiter's job, other server's should be instructed to pitch in with something so simple yet critical to service (and of course our server should be told that he should look out for this). Our server also never seemed to recognize that our empty mimosa glasses sitting on the side of the table was an indication that we probably should be asked if we would like to order another drink. The overall unappetizing dishes plus many other service issues left us regretting our decision to have brunch at Bridge House. I really wanted to like this place and have given it a few tries as a result, but service is such a huge part of a dining experience and that it is hard to overlook when it is truly poor. I hope the manager takes the service aspect of the dining experience more seriously because I really would like to be able to return and enjoy a meal on the river in the future (or even return in the colder months if the food/service merits it). For now, it definitely does not.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Lunch, Dinner Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Tue, Wed, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Polly S.
You go for the river view but you will not return because of the food. A co-worker and I went for lunch on a beautiful sunny 70 degree day. The setting was nice. Service was attentive but a bit awkward. The food was a big thumbs down. I had the BHT nicoise salad and the salmon in it was ineligibly salty. My co-worker had the steak sandwich and the meat was extremely rare so she avoided it for fear it would walk off her plate. Prime location but the point of a restaurant is to eat.
(2)Leang E.
I am with Johnny T. on this one. My coworkers and I were looking for an outdoor eating area, and with seats along the river it seemed to fit the bill. We made reservations at 11:45am and it seemed like we were the 4th group that sat inside even though there were more people outdoors. We started out with the popcorn and the creamed corn. Both were very tasty and creative dishes. Half of us ordered the special shrimp po boy sandwiches, and this was confirmed by our waiter that there would be enough left. For some reason though 20 minutes later we were told that they ran out. I am not sure how this happened when the special on the board runs out at noon when the restaurant opens at 11am. I almost felt like we got pushed down the line somehow. I was really disappointed and went with what was recommended, which was the Pork Belly BLT. I think the combination of the pork belly and bacon made it a bit more on the salty side. Maybe I just felt salty about what happened. The sauce didn't have too much flavor, but the side salad I had was pretty tasty. Our water didn't seem like it got filled fast enough, and we got our food 10 minutes before we had to leave and pay. I might come back for a happy hour, but I don't want to take a second chance on not having my first choice option for a meal again.
(2)Shradha A.
I was a huge fan of Flatwater and thankfully, an even bigger fan of Bridgehouse Tavern! Good drinks, good menu, vegetarian mac n cheese, grilled cheese and linguini options for entrees and some appetizer choices too! Service was wonderful - from the bar to the table. Place and decor are stylish but not overdone. By the water is of course a huge plus!
(4)Theresa B.
Love, love, love! We had our rehearsal dinner at Bridge House and it was amazing. Even in the winter the views of the river were gorgeous and it was so cozy inside with the fireplace on. This place is not just for summer days! The wait staff was excellent and the management could not have been nicer with planning, accommodating my requests (and allergy laden family) and changes. The food was absolutely amazing and being greeted with glasses of champagne isn't to shabby either! I can't wait to have a reason to have another party here but in the mean time, I'll be back for dinner soon!!
(5)Erin K.
The menu looked promising and you can't beat the location right on the river. However, our experience here was not the best. We arrived around 2 and were told they closed the kitchen early (no undisclosed reasons) and were only serving bar food. We were disappointed, but some of the bar food items sounded good, so we stayed. We ordered the popcorn (honey, bacon, jalapeno & smoked salt), spicy chicken avocado rolls (caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, potato curls, blue cheese sauce), tavern fries (sauce béarnaise, bacon aioli, ketchup, remoulade), and pig wings (buttermilk ranch, house made bbq, maytag celery root slaw). Unfortunately everything sounded better than it actually tasted. The popcorn was boring and after one taste, we didn't want anymore. The chicken rolls did not seem at all as described. They were hot and that was the only real flavor they had. We both liked the fries, but only the remoulade sauce, the rest were flavorless and the pig wings were pretty good. We also ordered a carafe of Jalisco Blue (El Milagro Resposado, blueberry puree, basil, lemon & lime). This was good, but I also think this was not made correctly as the herb in the carafe did not taste or look like basil. Also, our service was really poor. We didn't get our drinks until 30 minutes after we got there. However, we did see another server that was on the ball so I guess it is hit or miss. I would try this place if you are looking to dine on the water, but expect to be there a while and to pay for mediocre food.
(2)Rich A.
3+ stars. Hambergers were good, fries were very good and the service was very good under the circumstances. It was the first warm Friday and bar area an river front was packed. Hats off Tom our server and the women server in the boot. They hustled the whole time we were thier.
(3)Adam K.
I went here for Valentine's Day, mainly because I waited a little too long to make a reservation and this was one of the few places with space open. To my amazement, it was SPECTACULAR. From the friendliness of the entire staff, to the nice quaint atmosphere, and the tastiness of the food, everything was perfect. I was a little skeptical about going in the heart of winter without the patio being open, but I highly recommend checking this place out if you have some time and don't want to stay in hibernation all winter.
(5)Jamie D.
What can I say... My party and I came here this afternoon to celebrate my wedding. We docked our boat along the river, which was perfect. Both the food and service was amazing, definitely 5-star presentation and flavors. There weren't a lot of people here (we came early, a little after 4:30, when their kitchen opened up again for the dinner menu) but that was perfect because we had a party of 12. Our favorite appetizers were the popcorn and the artichoke bruchetta (you have to order these, they were amazing!). For dinner, everyone ordered burgers, the sunflower salad, or the scallops, all of which were out of this world. Our server and Ryan, one of the owners, were extremely accommodating, and made our wedding dinner very special! I highly recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Mista L.
Visiting from Los Angeles I was looking for a nice place along the river to enjoy dinner with my family. I did a lot of research prior to booking my reservations. Based on reviews, pictures, and the view, I chose Bridge House Tavern as my dining destination. We had reservations for 4 on a Friday night and we were seated immediately. I observed right away that the restaurant itself is quite small but it doesn't feel that way. It's very cozy and comfortable and the lighting is perfect (lower lighting for more intimate experience). Due to the bad weather, patio seating wasn't available. However, I don't think there is a bad table in the place. The service was phenomenal and we couldn't have asked for a better waiter. The price is consistent with other fine dining establishments that offer spectacular views, so be prepared for a higher bill. I cant remember what the popcorn appetizer was called, but its a must have item!
(5)Mahsa T.
Formerly the Flatwater Grill, the new Bridge House Tavern strives to be somewhat better than its predecessor, ever so slightly more upscale"ish"--but it fails. Is it trying to be a sports bar or a nice riverside restaurant? The many TVs mounted on the walls outside and broadcasting sports kind of ruined the mood for me. It looked tacky and why watch a TV when you're sitting on the river and can watch the passing boats and enjoy the city lights? The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back...the crowd is a mixture of tourists and locals, happy hour work groups and others that pulled up to the restaurant on their boat. Perhaps the atmosphere is too relaxed, like the server almost didn't care that we were there. It took way too long to get him to come over and take our drink order when the terrace was a little more than half full. And then there was his attitude, which I didn't care for. The menu is extremely limited--both food and drinks. It's a good thing they had just a handful of specialty beers that I could order from, otherwise I would've had to go with wine. I can't give Bridge House more than three stars without having tried the food. Based on drinks and service, it's a three. But they do have fantastic river views and great outdoor seating.
(3)Chrysa L.
After chewing on this review for a couple of weeks, I have settled on three stars. It was a beautiful day and we were actually seated right near the open window. Felt like we were outside on the patio, but not in the direct sun, so that was a plus. Our waiter (at first) seemed attentive enough, but something about how long he took taking the drink orders of the young twentysomethings seated next to us really rubbed me the wrong way. Look, I understand they're asking you a billion questions about which drinks have rum in them, but we're clearly ready to order and we're clearly on our work lunch HOUR. In any event, I had the pork belly BLT with a side of fries. The fries were exceptionally delicious and the sandwich was yummy (though, the fried egg was a little bit on the overdone side). My dining companions enjoyed the brat (wrapped in bacon with blackberry jam, melted brie, and truffle mayo) and the Wild Boar patty melt...both got rave reviews. I would really like to give this place another shot for an after-work drink and snack whilst enjoying their patio right on the river.
(3)Kep P.
We absolutely loved sitting by the river and enjoying drinks & small plates! The ambiance and scenery was to die for! As fast paced east coast natives we very much enjoyed taking our time and relaxing by the water. Our server Kristen was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. She was patient with answering our questions about beer and cheese board selections and offered excellent suggestions! She did not rush us and was kind to introduce us to another server once her shift was complete even though we weren't. Very professional and kind! I had the pink lemonade cocktail, which was refreshing and my boyfriend stuck with a Goose Island beer selection, which he loved. We shared the pretzels and cheese board. Honestly, the food was average. It wasn't bad but there wasn't anything differentiating about it either. Although, we did enjoy the stone ground mustard served with the pretzels! Overall, We enjoyed it for the most part and will definitely be visiting again once we're in Chicago during spring/summer time. Please note we were not particularly happy with any of our meals while visiting Chicago. We found the food to be very boring, bland or just made poorly but Bridge House Tavern is 1 out of 2 restaurants that will be receiving a 4 star rating on Yelp from us. The other 8 restaurants unfortunately did not meet standards of 4 or above, so be proud!
(4)Stacy F.
The Spinach salad is wonderful and complete with pickled beets, pecans, goat cheese (let's face it anything with goat cheese is awesome), and a sunny, runny egg! Great place to sit outside by the river during the warmer days and watch the boats go by. Also, great for happy hour!
(4)Kelly H.
Service, food and the ambiance were great. 1/2 price bottles of wine on Thursday's and 1/2 off all oysters everyday between 2-5 make this place a gem. Beautiful river front tables make this a perfect summer lunch spot.
(4)Judy B.
Delicious and inexpensive brunch on the river, what more could you ask for?!
(5)Liz L.
LOVE this place! My husband found it while searching for a place to grab brunch before Book of Mormon. We hit the jack pot! Bottomless mimosas, bloody's , and a brunch item all for $25. The food is great! I had the homemade corn beef and hash the first time and it was amazing. My friend got the bacon pancake and that was huge and very tasty. The location is right on the river. It can be a little hard to see but you take a cool little elevator down to the river level and enter into the restaurant. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. I have only sat inside but the patio would be amazing in the summer. There are great views of the city/river regardless if you sit inside or out. We enjoyed the place so much that my friends and I decided to throw my friends bachelorette party there! We had a group of 10 and did a brunch followed by some day drinking. Kristen from events and everyone at bridge house went out of their way to accommodate us. The hostess, the waiter and even one of the owners bent over backwards to make sure the bride had a great day. This would be a perfect place to take an out of town guest or gather with friends. Really can't say enough I HIGHLY recommend it!
(5)Victoria G.
IF ONLY.... this place had better management it could really compete with the best terraces in the city, but... So I dragged my husband here because I remembered that two summers ago, this place was decent. The second we came in, a had a bad feeling, and, unfortunately, I was not wrong. It had a vibe of a sport bar on a Monday night. My husband was ready to leave after the cheese board. It wasn't your regular five 1oz. pieces of gourmet cheeses, imported jams and homemade honey, no, no... It was a load of Great Value looking/tasting cheese, a pile of some bread and dirty grapes. The look on my husband's face (who orders cheese boar everywhere we go) was priceless and that is why I give this place an extra star :) The rest of the dinner didn't matter any longer. We ate the bread, noone touched the cheese that stuck together awkwardly and decided to never come back... Now imagine this place with good chef ...? In summer times - it could be a gold mine.
(3)Stina N.
I ended up here on a business lunch, and I was fairly certain I actually died and went to grilled cheese heaven. There's nothing I love more in the world than a really great grilled cheese - sophisticated palate right here ya know. The grilled cheese here was outstanding: Brie, Fontina, and Cheddar with bacon, tomato, and a stellar tomato jam on a soft, grilled roll of some sort. I figured all the cheese was plenty of fatty goodness for one meal so I opted to sub the french fries with the Green City Market Veggies (it was wild mushrooms and asparagus today). I was incredibly pleased with my decision. And my aforementioned sophisticated palate loves french fries so to make me not regret my decision even a little bit is an accomplishment in itself. We didn't have any service issues, but the restaurant also half empty (which seemed kind of odd considering we were there right at noon.) Our waitress was friendly, prompt and attentive without being overbearing. Unfortunately it's cold and rainy out today so we couldn't enjoy the patio, but the decor inside is lovely, and there's still a nice view of the river.
(4)Amy W.
I really like this place. Coordinated an office happy hour here once, but had never been. My boss chose the location. I really loved the location and the food isn't bad either. Such a great place in the summer when you can sit out on the patio. Went back for drinks one night with the girls and then just had lunch there earlier this week. I've always had good service and like I said the location is great. I'll definitely go back and recommend it for company happy hours, drinks with friends, etc.
(4)Christine C.
Sunday brunch, $5 mimosas, $5 bloody marys... need I say more? Well I will. It's on the river, with pretty good (and reasonably priced) food, great service and definitely the best atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, enjoying drenching ourselves in anything but water on this hot Sunday afternoon. At the table we had the croissant (tonsa egg, yum), the pig wings (meaty meat meat), the veg omelette - standard and good, annnd the horseshoe (large braised beef, egg, fries, cheese) it looked disgusting but I was assured it was the perfect hangover helper. Check this place out.
(4)Yanyao N.
Do not deny a fat kid her bacon. Seriously. Nothing disappoints fat kids more than the promise of bacon with no delivery on said promise. Bridge House Tavern's fatal error? Seducing me with "popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapeno & smoked salt"... doesn't that sound AMAZING? My dining companion both zeroed in within seconds, looked at each other, and said "POPCORN!" but after ordering drinks and a few appetizers to start, we quickly became very disappointed. Let's rewind a little bit. We were led here with the glowing Yelp reviews. After arriving, we were told by the hostess there were 5 parties before us waiting for seats on the patio (I did not see any of them) and that she couldn't quote a wait time. Fair enough. I could see many empty tables inside the restaurant and waited around a little for her to offer up immediate seating inside. This didn't happen. We had to ask to if we could be seated immediately inside. Once inside, and seated, we spent out entire meal staring out onto the patio at 4 empty tables that remained empty throughout the entire meal. STRIKE 1! Then, we begin to focus on the menu. The popcorn, of course. A charcuterie plate from Butcher & Larder? Why, yes, of course! I was a little curious about the "pig wings" that were listed, so I asked our server who replied with "they're pork". REALLY? No other information. With the number of restaurants in this city that will not only describe to you what CUT of meat they are serving you, but also what specific farm the animal was sourced from, this is a plain no-no. Of course, I know that they are pork... but I asked because I want to know what part of the pig this comes from. Last time I checked, pigs didn't fly? STRIKE 2! When the food came out, the pig wings were lukewarm at best. But the popcorn almost made me cry. It was a sweet soggy mess with occasional bits of heat - completely lacking in the salt department. There was not a speck of bacon to be seen in the entire giant basket, and not a granule of smoked salt to be tasted. So disappointing. The charcuterie was not describes when brought to the table and the crostini were gum-cuttingly burnt. Not okay. STRIKE 3! So: if you intend to come here to eat, then don't. Turn around, and go somewhere else. However: if you want to sail in on your boat, and be all scene-y, and drink booze on the patio and pay for poorly-executed and over-priced food, then go ahead. I'm sure you'll have a terrific time! Just make sure to bring your own bacon.
(2)Lotus G.
The food was ok. The views were awesome unfortunately most people were drinking at the bar and we could not eat dinner on the river. I was so bummed as I had a reservation for weeks. I think because we were not young and drinking we got stuck back in the restaurant and we were buying a meal! Ugh!!! Won't be back!!!!
(3)Dave O.
Right on the river, must be a really nice place to dine outside in the summer but for some reason wife & I decide to drop by in mid-January. And...the place is absolutely dead. We were the only table, with maybe one person at the bar. But the pretzel bread appetizer we ordered was really really tasty. Then my Pork Osso Bucco arrived and the smell alone was amazing. That was one of the better dishes I've had in a while. Wife liked her braised short ribs. The entrees are not cheap, and come to think of it the shared plates weren't either, but definitely recommend if you're downtown and looking for good food.
(4)Carol K.
Looking for a new place to share a drink with a friend along the Chicago River? Bridge House Tavern is quickly becoming my new favorite place in the city to do just that. I mean, what's not to like on a sunny afternoon or a warm Summer's night than sitting outside next to the river enjoying well poured drinks or some really good food. On my first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Ryan, the owner, who even though he had been at the restaurant all day, took the time to sit with our table and enjoy a drink with us while his staff explained the menu. Nice! We ordered a wide range of items starting with appetizers and working our way to dessert. For the appetizers- I would suggest the cheese plate, the chacuterie, the mussels and the oysters. All were delicious but the cheese plate and chacuterie were at the top of my list. For entrees- there were mostly winners- try the pork chop with the maple glaze quite good. Or if you really want to splurge- the grilled cheese with three kinds of cheese was the table favorite! And those fish sticks? Totally undersold on the menu. More like fish and chips with a light tempura batter that we all raved about. We also had the poor boy sandwich (eh- not so much) and the mac and cheese with Nueske's bacon. . . needs more cheese if you ask me but I hear they're working on that. Finally, just when we thought the food extravaganza was over- out came the deconstructed bread pudding. Funny. We all seemed to find room for this little plate of deliciousness! This is a great location right at Clark and the river. We sat inside right by the open windows on my first visit and out doors the other times. Both locations were perfect. And I have it on good authority that on Friday nights- sofas and chairs are put out on the mezzanine level and with music playing, it is THE place to be on the weekends! While the decor is upscale and trendy, the atmosphere is easy going and laid back. After all- there are people in their swimsuits on boats pulled up to the river side and guys in their suits conducting business just a few tables away. Love the diversity of it all. Check it out and I bet you will too!
(4)Hayley N.
Didn't love this place. The a/c was not working, but they had a few fans. It was just super hot and humid outside, so it made for an unpleasant setting. The waitress got our orders mixed up, but brought the right order shortly after. The food wasn't all that great. I would say the atmosphere would be better sitting outside on a nice day getting something simple to eat.
(2)Summer H.
This is a awesome restaurant with best Chicago night view n delicious food.
(4)Tom K.
Brunch was great, we got the French toast and Eggs Benedict, both of which were one of the best kinds we have had.
(4)TJ P.
Wow. Let me say that again... Wow. After reading reviews of several local places (and hearing about 2-3 hour waits) I decided to try this one. Let me just say again how much I love Yelp! I made a reservation through OpenTable for 8pm. I showed up a couple minutes early but was seated fairly quickly on the patio. It took a bit longer than I would have liked to get my order taken, but any misgivings spurred by that were quickly swept away. Patio overlooks the river. It can be breezy, so watch you keep hold of your napkin and menu. But it's worth it to feel marvelously out of the hustle and bustle if only for a while. A nice steady parade of boat tours goes by, and you will have plenty of chances to taunt them with the awesome meal you are having and they are not. I tried the popcorn appetizer. It has a delightful mix of jalapeno, bacon, honey and salt. It was positively mouth-watering. The portion is clearly big enough to be shared (probably with 3 or 4 people), so I asked the waiter to box up half of it for me. I'm snacking on it now as I write the review. Next I had the Beer Cheese Soup. It was the only soup they offered, and I was in the mood for soup, so what the heck. Glad I did. Rich and cheesy. Just the right blend of flavors. The "croutons" are made from pretzels. This is a serious soup for serious people. And oh so good. Entree was the double Prime Rib of Pork, which comes with their Nueske bacon Mac and Cheese. Both were stellar. The pork was a bit fatty, but since the fat is where the flavor comes from, I was happy to carve away the excess fat in exchange for the flavors left behind. Moist and tender, cooked exactly to perfection, which is nearly impossible to do with a chop that is a full three inches thick, but this chef has mad skillz. Did I just drop a "mad skillz" in my review? Must be the popcorn... mmm... popcorn. Any sane person would have been done at this point, but I felt obligated to sample a dessert if only to appease the curiosity of my fellow Yelpers. Honest! No other reason! ;) So the Banana Split was mine. No ordinary split this one. Carmelized banana. Pecans. Ice cream. Chocolate sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar... When the waiter came back to check on me, his only comment was "Wow, you must have hated it!" Hated it? An entire CSI team wouldn't have been able to find traces of it left in the bowl. So, so good. Damages including tip were just over $70. But they better raise their prices quick or this will be the next restaurant with 2 hour waits for tables. They've been open just 2 months now and word is getting out. Five and a half stars!
(5)Marsha S.
Party of 6 for lunch. Fantastic salads, location/view and service. First tour of Chicago and this was a great choice for lunch!!
(5)Michael M.
Beautiful view and good food. Service (waiter & hostess/seating policies) were "so-so"......After I posting this, the manager contacted me. Pretty impressive. Raised him stars (on my rating) & will go back.
(4)Jacob S.
When you hear somebody talk about location, location, location - this is it. Right on the north bank of the river downtown in the same row as Fulton's etc. The food is excellent, and the river patio is a wonderful place for an afternoon cocktail. It's just a few blocks from our house so we visit often, and the owner (Ryan) and staff are always welcoming and helpful. In addition to the physical location, Bridge House also serves up the most intense and effective hangover therapy in town, in the form of "The Horseshoe." It's a bewildering but delicious pile of braised short ribs, giardiniera, beer cheese sauce, bacon, and a sunny side egg (I usually ask for an extra egg and then can't finish my meal, I'll never learn) on an open faced French roll. Good grief that'll patch you up on a Sunday morning. Our only poor experience here has been with spotty service outside, but we also have a habit of showing up exactly during shift changes and since the outside area is frequently used for corporate events (excellent place for your next company happy hour) the sections are fluid so the layout can be confusing for incoming servers. They've always resolved any issues with a free round of drinks or a friendly apology. Overall we love this place. It somehow manages to be just right for a weekend brunch, a company event, or a nice dinner on the river while maintaining reasonable prices and avoiding a generic or douchey atmosphere, which is a lot more than many of its competitors in the area can say. It's rare to find a place downtown that marries quality of food and service with a neighborhood feel. A real gem for us Loop-dwellers.
(4)Lindsay L.
I would have given this place 5 stars a few months ago, because their brunch food is amazzzzing (I've only been for brunch), but they stopped doing all you can drink brunch... and now I dont really see a point in coming. Very sad. You stink BHT, now bring back AYCD brunch!
(3)Tammi H.
First time here was with a group of coworkers from my firm. Service was fine, automatic 20% gratuity for groups 6 or more. I made a reservation for my boyfriend and I today and indicated we wanted a table by the window. But the hostess sat us at a table in the back (with seating for 4) away from the windows, even though there were empty tables by the windows (also seat 4). I asked if we could sit at a table by the window instead, but she said it was "prime seating" (those exact words) reserved for groups of 4 and we only had 2 people. Except a table next to the empty table also only had 2 men (that table also had seating for 4). I pointed that out, she realized she made a foolish statement, so she went back to ask some other girl if it would be okay for us to take the "prime seating" table by the windows. When she came back, she said we still couldn't take that table, but we could take a table behind those tables, which were still not by the windows. They wouldn't accommodate so we left and went to Tortoise Club instead, which had perfect service in comparison (I tipped 25% there). Seems like discriminatory seating to me. We're young, Asians. My boyfriend was wearing a polo instead of business clothes. Apparently "prime seating" is not for us.
(1)Colin G.
Came for lunch on a very nice day. Chose this place because I recalled walking through their patio before they were open the last time I was in Chicago, and thought then that I should go back. Decor is modern and chic but it still feels very comfortable. There are varying seating options, from interior low tables to exterior high tables to the bar inside. But you get a good view, even if you do sit inside. Music was interesting. Definitely my kind of stuff, but I don't know that it would be for everyone: Black Keys, Beck, White Stripes, etc. Probably a Pandora station. It wasn't loud, but it was louder than I would expect. The menu at lunch is not minimal nor is it expansive. Sandwiches, salads, three entrees, and a variety of appetizers. $11-15 for the sandwiches and salads, which is not bad for the area. Good beer selection, although the menu said they had Guinness on draft and they do not. They've replaced it with a stout, but I don't recall which one. I had the chicken BLT, minus the T, and my companion had the steak sandwich, both with salads. You can also choose fries or chips. I had some food envy. The steak sandwich would be my choice if I come back. But my sandwich was very good also: chicken breast was well-cooked, bacon was nice and did not fall apart, the other ingredients (including the avocado) were a nice touch and worked well together. Dessert was very tempting because it seems like it would be very good here. Couldn't do it though. We both had just enough food to satisfy but not leave us with too much leftover. Service was very good and friendly. The knock I would give them is that it took quite a while to be seated. They have a sort of maitre'd + hostesses situation, which backed everything up. And they don't have much of a waiting area, so it was made worse. I think that, when they get really busy, they should meet you upstairs and work out some kind of communication system with the downstairs, but maybe they already do that. Overall, it was a good experience and I would come back. At least to try that steak sandwich.
(4)Roberto H.
Excellent view of the river, great service, very enjoyable food. Highly recommended if you are looking for such a combination in the River North-ish area. FYI - if you choose to sit on the outdoor patio, the staff will even warn you to come inside if it's going to start raining. Very cool!
(5)Melissa M.
Bridge House Tavern is AMAZING!! Best patio in Chicago, hands down.. I love their outdoor seating area, it's the perfect spot for whatever you're looking to do - happy hour cocktails, date night, girls night out, guys night out, group dinner or a work party - BHT is the best! The food is amazing and I love that the menu changes seasonally, there's a lot of thought and creativity goes into the dishes. The bartenders are awesome (Go Terry and Ken!) as are the waitstaff and hostesses. Guys, they've got flat screens on the patio so you can take your girl out and keep an eye on the game - bam!
(5)Melissa H.
We loved this place so much we ate here twice during our visit to the city! Dinner along the river was just great - great view, light breeze, and great service. The place is lively with music and an indoor/outdoor bar. When the humidity is too high and the temps too hot, there are a handful of high top seats indoors as well and a few formal dining tables. Don't miss the burger or the mussels. The mussels come in a sauce with orange, coriander, and jalapeno. It was quite possibly the best mussels dish we've ever had. We also enjoyed the popcorn that comes seasoned with honey, smoked salt, and bacon. It's a large portion that is plenty for a group of 4-6. Tasty, sweet & spicy but be sure to eat it quickly before it gets soggy with the honey. I love honey on my popcorn so I might be biased! If you want to split a salad, they will glady divide it between plates at no extra charge. Tasty cocktail menu and a few decent wines by the glass.
(4)Tim H.
Great location right next to the river. Great place for an outdoor seating brunch in the summer. Prices are very reasonable given location and riverside seating. Their corned beef hash was very good. I believe it had some truffle oil in it as I smelled and tasted a bit of truffle. I would say it was great if not for the fact that I thought it was a little bit too oily and there were chunks of fat purposely left in. The french toast I tried was very solid. It came with fresh blueberries and strawberries.
(4)Julie Z.
BEST location! It's perfect for happy hour in the summer. I will never tire of drinking a cocktail while watching boats pass on the river. Even better is that they allow you to dock boats. My friend drove his boat over, docked, came to join our party and then we easily hopped back on the boat to go to our next location. River Bar Crawl??!?! Woohoo! The manager came over to introduce himself b/c of the boat. He was super friendly and invited us to come back whenever. I loved our server. He was a lil flighty but in a funny way and it was Friday so I was happy and not much was going to bother me :) Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - They actually are Spicy! YES!! Pig Wings - tasty Margs - on point! I like this place for apps and cocktails. I'm not sure if I would eat an entire meal here b/c it is more a social environment where you can easily meet others so the focus is not necessarily on the food.
(4)Lauren Z.
Definitely some pluses and minuses about my first experience at this place. The good: The view and sitting outside in the warm sun was all I wanted to do this past Sunday and this place made it happen. I like how they have flat screens outside too. My entree was yummy: chicken and waffles. I recommend. The bad: Our server was slow. Service was also slow. It took FOREVER to get both of our rounds of mimosas. We were sitting next to the bar...and how long does it take to make a mimosa? Our service also spilled a drink on another guest behind us and did not apologize. She was obviously embarrassed but it is common sense and common decency to apologize. As a fellow diner, that bothered me. My boyfriend's huevos rancheros were way too salty which is sad because they would have been pretty good without all the salt.
(3)Alana T.
This was all about Sunday Funday! My friend and I went here for brunch, because, that's what folks who like to get lushy and do it on a non-empty stomach, do. Those said folks, go to brunch. There's nothing like a brunch with BOTTOMLESS mimosas and bloody Mary's. This was, actually, my first time having a bloody mary and I must say, it was undoubtedly my last. I'm saying, who drinks that by choice! But, I digress! Where was I? Oh, yes! Food! So, I had the chicken and waffles and my friend had some kind of beef sandwich with TONS of fries and cheese sauce and OMG, it was really good! Her food was WAY better than mine. Along with the brunch menu, you were able to choose your drink of choice, of course, we went with Mimosas after I mistakenly went to the other side and returned to Mimosa on my hands and knees BEGGING for her to take me back and let me drink her. She obliged. Oh did she obliged. I think this brunch was $20 or something. We both drank $40 in Mimosas, so yeah, we got our money worth. It was a beautiful day outside, so we opted for the patio. What a beautiful view of the Chicago river and other "Sunday Funday" indulgers all around us. The sun was great, the food was great the company was awesome. I will definitely go back here if only for the view and the drinks.
(4)Jennifer E.
Half off appetizers from 4pm-6pm during the week? Yes please! My coworkers and I went here for my going away dinner and we took advantage of the half off appetizers. First we started with the popcorn which was fabulous, but my friends who were drinking beer said it doesn't really go with the beer. Then we had the cheese board, mac and cheese, fries, onion dip, and shrimp and grits. It was all great. Definitely a great place to hang out after work,
(5)J R.
This was a pleasant surprise. Friendly staff, nice location, good food and $5 mimosa or bloody marys for brunch.
(4)jen r.
Delicious and at this price point + this view it can't be beat. I recommend: The shrimp and grits Bread and butter (truffled butter+honey=amazingness) Fish and chips.
(4)KC C.
Small plates, great fresh oysters, mixologist options and Coors "The Banquet Beer", in a bottle, what else would you require? Maybe the best water view table in the City(at least prior to or after riverfront construction completion). I've been here with family, my girlfriend and always can depend on pleasant ambiance and great service. I also like the attention and presence of Ryan, the owner, who is always paying respects and making the rounds to ensure a good experience for all. Short rib, specialized popcorn, and great fresh oysters are the most notable menu choices. Will look forward to my next visit. With Graham Elliot River North closing ole GE no longer has to worry about competing with Bridgehouse-and really never could match the comfortable environment. Off to the gym!
(4)Ed W.
We took some visitors into the city on a Saturday eve and wanted to eat somewhere outside with interesting city views. Bridge House Tavern fills the bill quite nicely. Our outdoor table was perfect for checking out the boats as they made their way up and down the river. The menu is varied - we started with the jalapeno popcorn and a shrimp appetizer. The entrees went from steak sandwich to turkey burger to fish and chips. All were very good. With beer and wine we spent $40 / person - which is not bad for a memorable night in the city. Service was great - we had a train to catch and they helped us out with a very quick checkout when we were ready to leave. The 20 minute walk to the Metra station makes it a convenient location as well. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a semi-casual dining experience in Chicago.
(4)TONI B.
We went for a date night dinner and drinks after seeing this place featured on TV. Drinks were good, Southwest salad was very good. Service was bad , BLT was so bad we had to send it back. Fish and Chips: Fish was good chips were cold and stale. Artichoke bread appetizer did not make an appearance until late in the meal after we reminded server we had not received it. It was not worth the wait. The bread was so stale I could not bite into it. Very disappointed , what a waste of time and money on our day off.
(2)Danielle D.
Food was great, the service was slow, but definitely worth the wait. I had the Crab Cake Benedict, it was amazing! The Bloody Mary was a little watery for my taste but my boyfriend loved it.
(4)Wizdom T.
I've seen this place for a couple of years and totally ignored it, assuming it was as pretentious as I expected it to be. But today I got over myself and walked down the steps to the lions den. Come to find out, I was the one being the douche I thought I was avoiding. Great service from the new kid on the block, Cody. Shout out... your all kinds of awesome dude for only being on staff for a few weeks. Cody took care of me, even to the extent of finding out the real deal on the "recommended dessert" - the Turtle Brown Sundae. And this investigative reporting was based on my strict instructions.. " i don't care what folks usually order, find out what's good. He handled his biz, thanks Cody! Drinks, Appetizers, and Desserts were on point, with a great view of the Chicago River happenings. I will def come again!
(5)Gretchen H.
I will say that sitting out on their patio is worthwhile. So while I don't think I'll be back for a full meal, I may come back for cocktails and snacks. My main complaint with BHT is that they have not really figured out portions or pricing. As I looked around it seemed that some options were a fair size for the price, however my friend and I got salads and they were tiny. We (luckily) both added protein to them and we ordered a side of fries, if we hadn't it wouldn't have been a filling meal. All in we ordered a side of fries and 2 salads, one with steak and one with shrimp. We drank water. Our bill was $50 w/ tip. There is no way the salads we got were $20 salads. So in closing, go for drinks and to enjoy the food. If you order food, avoid the salad because although tasty, they aren't a meal. As an interesting side note, they do offer a side salad with a sandwich instead of fries...it looked to be nearly the same size as our entree salads were.
(2)Melan E.
The patio view makes this place awesome! The drinks are mediocre, the appetizer and cocktail menu rather scarce. But the service is great and the ambiance is perfect. Walking distance from other places so if you come before dinner on accident like we did you can grab food from somewhere nearby ;-)
(4)Shannon H.
My boyfriend and I came here for brunch the other day when we saw that they had bottomless mimosa's and marys for $29 which also included our food. Boy did we get our money's worth! They aren't kidding when they say bottomless! They pass around the mimosas like they are iced tea or coffee, and the food was amazing! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for stunning views and a reasonably priced brunch/lunch in Chicago.
(5)C P.
I've been to this restaurant several times, for lunch or dinner, and the food has wowed us every time. They have a great little patio overlooking the Chicago River (although there's currently construction on the river walk, so the view isn't as spectacular, but it's still a nice spot.) No kids menu, but a terrific burger the kids will love. Walking distance from the theaters, Millennium Park, and the tourist bus stops.
(5)Karin L.
Perfect for a quick bite. Great beer menu and wonderful to sit outside and watch the boats go by.
(4)M W.
Went during their $1 oyster happy hour and between the two of us we had 3 dozen and about 3 share apps. Waiter was stunned we ordered so much but warned us it was a lot of food. This was our first meal in Chicago and did not disappoint. View from the outside was perfect.
(5)Raju S.
Great location and excellent food. I have been there for brunch a few times and the location can't be beat. Food is good, prices are decent and the atmosphere is relaxing. Definitely a great place to have a couple of beers on a lazy sunday afternoon.
(4)Brian B.
We went here for Valentines day with a few couples. The food was amazing! Everyone loved their dish. The portions were plentiful and the prices were extremely reasonable. At the end of our meal the owner came by and gave us all free shots and thanked us for coming. I will definitely be going back here again.
(5)Jason C.
We went here for brunch, mainly because of the bottomless mimosa and bloody mary special. The food was outstanding. The bloody mary made me a little sad. From the start it didn't have much flavor and was made with a lot of ice so got watery really fast. But the mimosa was fantastic, especially when they brought out a full carafe. The place wasn't too busy and we hung out a while and didn't feel rushed.
(4)Nancy H.
The whole experience was an enjoyable success! We had late dinner reservations with a request for outside seating - had a table right by the River with beautiful view of the surrounding architecture at night. Our server, Emily, was energetic and personable. Our drinks and dinner arrived quickly and were to order, delicious - salads, burger, fish and chips, and reasonably priced. We would definitely return to Bridge House Tavern!
(5)Chris G.
Elegance on the Chicago River. Bridge House Tavern's smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on toasted country wheat is upmarket and delicious! I've never tasted a turkey sandwich quite like it and something I'd expect from Grahamwich. It's not just about the moist turkey... in fact that's the least interesting thing about the sandwich. It's about the toppings and sauce! I could swear there's a touch of fresh cranberry in there, as it has a refreshingly similar tartness. This place used to be Flatwater, which was an overpriced, uninspired bar with so-so food. Bridge House didn't take the easy route out by becoming another frat boy, by-the-keg type establishment. They're succeeding by offering a minimal, yet elegant menu along with adult beverages to compliment. (My dry cava came to the table, filled to the brim in a huge, chubby, stemless champagne flute.) Though just steps from my office, I decided to give them a patio lunch trail on a near-100 degree, sweltering hot Chicago summer day. The patio, as you can see from the pics, is well-heeled and on top of the dirty river. It ain't a perfect view, but it's better than many other nearby restaurants. -- UPDATE: Took a friend with me today after yesterday's outing... met the nice owner Ryan who's live in North Carolina. I'm sharing this with you because I was born and raised in Mississippi, very close to where B.B. King lived and know what good grits taste like. OMG. Someone put their damn foot in the grits that came with the roasted herb chicken at lunch. So creamy, flavorful and awesome. Especially if you have NOT experienced good grits, go check these out! I'm trying to convince them to offer quick breakfast to the office folx nearby who are also from the South or Southern family. The mussels are served with toasted baguette and fresh, sliced jalepeño peppers. Never had it like that. Great prep!
(4)Rick S.
Corned beef hash was outstanding! And the popcorn was awesome (think popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapenos, and smoky salt)! View is great and nice bar selection.
(4)Melissa P.
Sat outside on the river (which smells), a boat pulled up and people basically climbed over our table to get into the patio of the restaurant. Salads are very mini. Bloody Mary's are great but expensive. The food was good, but nothing to rave about. Maybe I just had a weird experience.
(2)Valerie M.
A great place...if you're young, single, and looking for a place to grab a round after work. Sadly, for my husband, 8-yr-old, and myself, it was not the dining destination we'd read reviews for and anticipated. We were greeted by your standard, aloof, disenchanted trio of hostesses who barely managed a smile and a welcome as one escorted us to a table on the patio, overlooking the river. Had we known in would have been quite a while before a server stopped by to acknowledge us ad take drink orders, we might not have been so quick to judge the hostess' indifference. There was entertainment as we waited to place drink and then food orders. The river is pretty, with a seemingly endless parade of boats and barges passing by. Offering more traffic than the Chicago River and the busy pedestrian bridge within view, though, was a steady stream of restaurant workers - barkeeps, busboys, a waiter, and even the manager at one point - setting up an unseen outdoor seating area. We were lucky to be seated next to a storage cabana holding what seemed like thousands of pieces of outdoor furniture. Like busy little ants, there was a steady stream of people walking by our table with chairs, cushions, and tables. This went on for a good half hour, begging the questions "what are they setting up?" and "what does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?" The waiter DID: - take forever to come to our table to welcome us take drink orders - act perplexed and even a little annoyed when asked if they had a kids' menu or anything suitable for a younger diner - barely manage a "thanks for coming in" upon our departure The waiter DID NOT: - act concerned or offer any type of apology when my husband pointed out his contradictory pork chop (dry and cooked just outside an inch of its flavor on the outside, raw in the middle) I will say the manager found time to break away from the furniture set up to come over and offer to make things right. He offered to bring another pork chop or another entree but the time had passed. Two of the three of us were completely finished with our meal and we had places to go and things to see. I believe they did wind up taking it off the bill, which was nice of them, but did not erase the literal and figurative bad taste in our mouths. Bottom line: Great place to grab a drink with friends after work. Not a great place to grab dinner with your family.
(2)Dee I.
I'm not an oyster fan, but I decided to just try their version because it was dipped in tempura and I was feeling adventurous. It was great! The tempura batter was salted, thank goodness, and the dipping sauce was really great - a spicy chipotle tasting remoulade sauce! And since I was on a shellfish kick, I ordered the muscles. It was also very good. Cooked in a white wine orange sauce. Wish they added more jalapeños and wish the bread was crispier, but overall good. The bartenders Terry and Michelle were fantastic. Grounded, fun and casual. The manager(?) Chris also friendly and helpful. If I ever return to Chicago I'd come back and try more on their menu!
(4)Brenda Lee J.
Review from December 7, 2013. We've been here a couple of times but I haven't written them up until now. I've always liked the service at this little hole in the wall. And this visit delivered on the food as well. The hub detests brussel sprouts--however, the description included bacon and a few pokes from me convinced him to try some of mine. He loved them! And so did I. We also enjoyed the pear salad, and, of course, the shortrib croissant. We will return to try more and review again. Enjoy!
(4)John M.
Hello Chicago! On a clear & warm Sunday morning, the girlfriend & I found ourselves In Chicago for the 1st time & hungry. Stepping out of our hotel in the North end of the Loop, we didn't have a clue where to go for breakfast or brunch. As always, it was Yelp to the rescue. A quick search produced Bridge House Tavern as a good looking option within a short walking distance. After a leisurely stroll, we were at the entrance which turned out to be either an elevator or descending staircase on the other side of the Clark Street Bridge. Going down, Bridge House Tavern sits right next to the river with both indoor & outdoor seating. We didn't have reservations, but it was still early so there was plenty of open tables. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside & took in the views. Our server was along shortly. Though friendly, it was difficult to get her attention at times. For brunch, there was $5 Bloody Mary special. We both started off with 1. Skimming the menu, 1 particular item jumped out immediately: the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. On weekends, I love a heavy, rib-sticking breakfast. I also love biscuits & gravy. With grilled sausage, biscuits & sausage gravy all topped with bacon + 2 eggs, I had to have the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. Our food took a while, which was time enough to order a 2nd Bloody Mary round & enjoy our scenic surroundings. The Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy is a massive, heaping plate of food. Given its pig on pig on pig action, it was pretty good but the biscuits were really dry. More reason to seriously lay on the gravy & chase it all down with a couple more Bloody Marys. After soaking in some sun & scenery, as well as devouring our gut bomb brunch, the girlfriend & I were very well satisfied as we set off to see more of Chicago. Brunch at Bridge House Tavern was a great way to start the day with good eats & drinks. Hungry & in an unfamiliar city, Yelp came through yet again.
(4)Saba A.
Beautiful view!! New, different things on the menu. I tried their bruschetta (it's a must) filling--and a great price and size for an appetizer! They got a whole new management this year. It's right off the river so you see boat tours. Very friendly people working there too. Here's the menu: thrillist.com/files/menu…
(5)Melissa F.
This is a drinks-only review... I found Bridge House Tavern elegant, relaxed, and...average. I love that you have to take an elevator down, being right on the level of the river. Very cool. Unfortunately, the restaurant was weirdly hot and stuffy...it's not that cold outside yet! We had eaten and didn't have any food, so my friend got a beer (3 brothers?), and she enjoyed it. I enjoyed my Summer Shandy because, well, I am a girl, now aren't I? My next (and final) choice was a Malbec. It was OK. Few wines were under $9 a glass. Really? That's kind of odd. There were very few by-the-glass options. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. Cool views, really friendly and engaging service...but overpriced and boring. I wouldn't purposefully stay away from it, though. Maybe the food would change this review! We'll see.
(3)Janine K.
I met a friend here for after work drinks last night. Nice warm day in downtown Chicago so I figured anywhere with outdoor seating would be crowded, especially in the city. My friend made reservations for two for 5:30. I got there a little early so I told them half of our party (myself) was here and we preferred outdoor seating seeing we made reservations and all...I was told that they'd try their best to seat us outside once our entire party arrived so I sat and waited. In the meantime, large groups, small groups, etc. walked in ... some with, some without reservations. Ok, so here's the dealio on this place... If you're looking to come here after work for drinks and or drinks/appetizers and want to sit outside...no need for a reservation. Reservations are for dinner ONLY. There is a section of first come first serve high top and at the bar outside seating and the other half of the place are tables for dinner reservations otherwise there was plenty of seating inside. They have drink specials during the week and a variety of beverage choices. Lucky for us we did score two seats at the outdoor bar. It wasn't over crowded and just fine for what we wanted to do right after work.
(3)Lauren B.
Interesting experience here... Came on a Monday, gorgeous weather out, and we needed full party to be seated so we went to the bar area instead for half off shared plates. Prices, food, selection all very solid and typical for the area. Slight mishap when the bar started getting backed up and our third round never came and food was nowhere to be found. No refills on water. We started to get antsy and called over our "waiter" to chat. Finally he says he is the owner and is short staffed that night and chats about the service and experience and then gives us this round and food plus shots on the house. One thing I give owners and waitstaff a LOT of credit for is recognizing a shortfall and making up for it. We can all say it happens, but making it right will be bringing us back. Stand outs - Gin cocktail, mac and cheese, meatballs, blue cheese fries plate.
(4)Jason D.
Great location and really cool atmosphere, but the food was just OK. Really liked the pretzel app but I got a seafood dish that was off and I got about three bites in before I pawned it off on my girlfriend. The burger my sister-in-law got did look pretty tasty though...
(3)Hayley H.
GREAT VIEW. Right on the river, literally, a boat parked right by the dock when Jennifer Q and I had lunch. Though the food is mediocre with ridiculously large portions. Get ready to carry some home, unless starving. I'd visit again, but reservations dont apply to the outdoor seating. Good luck!
(3)Wesley N.
This is a must for anyone visiting Chitown. River atmosphere, spectacular patio on sunny days, cosy and warm on colder days. I've been here a couple times now and its definitely a downtown favorite of mine. Emily was our server. Very bubbly and friendly. Crack a joke with her! If you like popcorn, order their honey bacon creation. Dayyyuuummnnn! We had the mussels which are incredible, especially the creamy broth they are served in. Soak it up with the crusty bread. Their sandwiches are huge and will satisfy you perfectly. Ensure to enjoy with something from the bar. And BRUNCH! $29 gets you a massive plate of breakfast (Chicken and waffles for this bloke) and bottomless bloody mary's and mimosas (altho you will discover the bottom at 2pm when service ends, and you are nicely prepped for day drinking elsewhere). The refills were regular and generous. Do yourself a favor: GET THEE TO BRIDGE HOUSE! Remember to drink responsibly! Need a ride home or to your next destination? Here, enjoy a $25 Lyft credit on me! (New users only). lyft.com/invited/WESLEY2…
(4)Rachel I.
Great bloody Marys and mimosas! Really friendly bartender and manager! Awesome service! Will definitely come back
(5)S G.
Had a sat night dinner here with friends. We started with specialty cocktails- I had a lemon champagne drink which was pretty good. Appetizers are large- we had the oysters, east and west coast, the mac and cheese, the mushroom bruschetta, and the chicken avocado rolls which were spicy and yummy! Main dishes: rigatoni with sausage and mushrooms, the short ribs and a large seafood pot which had lobster, corn, muscles and a great broth. The dessert menu looked good but we were too full! The place was actually pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I would definitely go again!
(4)Ermelinda C.
Great atmosphere, great food, great drinks - probably the best bloody mary I have ever had. The popcorn was a real treat ( a must try!), even though too heavy and too generous a portion to actually finish :-) The outdoor area is very enjoyable and if you are lucky, you might get to see some of the Lollapalooza concerts being projected live on their several outdoor flat screen TVs :-)))
(4)Lorena F.
I usually enjoy this place near the river. View of the river is awesome and the food is equally good. HOWEVER, I had to give this place ONE star because the hostess was very rude to us when she noticed that our party of five consisted of two adults and THREE children. She told us that it would be a long wait because they only have two tables that would fit our large party. Now I'm certain that they would jump through hoops to try to seat FIVE adults. Child discrimination in downtown restaurants is a huge problem!!!! I want to be able to eat a nice meal with a nice view with my kids too!
(1)Kelly O.
Lovely atmosphere, right on the river with both tables and a good-sized bar outside of the main dining area. The drink menu was slightly better than expected for a place like this (they offered cans of the hibiscus beer from Revolution, so I was happy), although the food menu looked a little on the pricey side. A good place for grabbing a drink or two with friends in the nice weather.
(3)Earl P.
This is the place for summer drinks! Watching the boats go by, enjoying the beauty of the bridges and the city is perfection!
(5)Liz J.
Bridge House Tavern is worth the visit if you're simply looking for decent food. It's located right on the river, which is nice, but the smell of the river isn't really very pleasant when you're trying to enjoy a drink or a dish outside. The inside has comfy, if a little bit cramped seating, but a fine solution if you're not interested in the river. We started with the bread and cheese appetizer. There wasn't enough bread for the amount of cheese, but the two cheeses were pretty good. I liked the radish as a topper for the cheese as well. Although the food was fine, it was really nothing special and was a bit overpriced for the size and overall quality. It almost seems like BHT is trying too hard to do something unique and exciting. It's falling just a little short. It's not a bad option if you're staying in one of the nearby hotels, but I'm guessing the locals go elsewhere.
(3)Kathleen C.
A friend and I visited last Friday when I was lucky enough to have a company holiday at work and she got to leave early. The weather was miserably hot, but we sat outside anyway as we just couldn't resist the river view. While I would have liked a few healthier options on the appetizer menu, I will say that the menu is pretty varied and the drink list was solid. A great little spot and surprisingly, I hadn't heard of it before I visited, so I'm not sure if we were lucky that it wasn't busy or if we beat the after work crowd.... Food - 3 Atmosphere - 5 Value - 3 Bathrooms - 5 Service - 5 (the owner came out to let us know a storm was coming!)
(4)Adrienne T.
I was pleasantly surprised by Bridge House. In my experience, the places along the riverfront have mostly catered toward the tourists who flock this amazing city during the summer months. Usually, with a high turnover rate in customers, restaurants tend to be less on their game in terms of service and food. This was not the case for Bridge House Tavern. They had a great selection of micro-brews and their "for share items" were quite scrumptious. We ordered the popcorn and cheese plate to start and were quite impressed with the quantity and quality of both food items. I was so full from the popcorn and cheese plate that I wasn't able to order a meal. My friends ordered the fish and chips, mac n cheese, and grilled cheese. With each dish given a gourmet twist, my friends were very satisfied with their choices. Honestly, I really wanted to grab their plates and take a bite. Not only did they have a lovely food and beer selection, but their service was also quite good. I highly recommend Bridge House Tavern if you are looking for a restaurant that offers great views, beers, and food. bon appetit.
(4)Jordan S.
One of my favorite places to go when visiting Chicago. My first time was for a pre-bachelor party dinner. I'd say it's definitely better to come during the spring/summer time due to the amazing view and patio area however it's worth it any time of year. I recommend the steak sandwich or fish and chips. Great food, great service and great atmosphere!
(5)Stephanie L.
Hello BHT My first impression was that it is a very nice bar like restaurant. We came for brunch at about 1030ish on a Sunday. We were the only people in the place so it was a little weird because it was so quiet. HA. The space was really nice and it seems like in the summer, they will have a fantastic little patio with views of the river. Also, the server told us that boats can dock here...AMAZING! We might have to do this in the summer. There was also a cute little fireplace, etc. All of the windows looked like they could basically come off and be an open area. Everyone in Chicago likes to eat outside in the spring/summer. Our server was very attentive. I am not sure if this would have been the case if it was busier, but we were very happy with her. Not to mention, she was really nice. She explained the items that we had questions about and clearly stated the specials, which included $5 mimosas and bloodys. WHY NOT? The bloody mary was fantastic. It tasted like horseradish and shrimp? Sounds kind of gross, but I thought it was delicious. Plus, I asked for it spicy and she delivered. The brunch menu was pretty extensive. They definitely had something for everyone. The classics, the greasy, the sandwiches, etc. We decided on the pig trio biscuits and gravy and the huevos rancheros. They both just sounded great. We were not disappointed. I absolutely loved the huevos rancheros. It was crispy tortillas layered with beans, meat, peppers, tomatillo sauce, etc. Oh man, it was good. AND SPICY. Again, I love spice. Some would probably not appreciate this dish if they were sensitive to spice, however, I thought it was perfect. The pig trio was delish too. The biscuits were just dense enough to stand up to the gravy mixture. It was topped with bacon and there was sausage links under the gravy...heart attack waiting to happen. Only complaint was it was a little pricey...but again, what do you expect downtown on the river. I think the B&G was $15 and the huevos was $12. No more or less than other places in the area and the food was fantastic. I am thinking we might try this for a HH in the next couple of weeks. I am interested to see what we get based on the other reviews. Definitely a place to check out for brunch.
(5)Vicki L.
Great for drinks outside on a Sunday afternoon. Fun 80s music playing and friendly service.
(4)Benny J.
Right on the river. Went here on a weekday night, they had some good live music playing. The outdoor patio is really nice, food was pretty good...Perfect for a beer or two and enjoy the outdoors.
(4)Debby K.
Our first trip to Chicago and after a day on the River we stopped at the Bridge House Tavern. The food was fantastic!!!! We had a large group and everyone had awesome meals. The setting is beautiful, the service was terrific and the food ever so yummy! We had the best spicy chicken, avocado rolls that I have EVER had. Came back to San Diego wishing I could have more of those mouth watering appetizers. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a special treat and experience. Loved this place!!!
(5)Julie P.
I loved my evening and dinner here tonight. We sat outside by the River and devoured the delicious shrimp with grits dish, and they're real grits, by the way. We also tried the delicious beet salad. This spot needs to be on your radar. It's much different and much better than the last place that was at the same location. Don't assume that it's only for drinks and happy hour. My friend and I split the two, very generous dishes mentioned earlier for dinner and it was as good as more upscale and more expensive spots in the area. I will be back!
(5)Anne C.
We went to Bridge House for the first time last night and I was a little skeptical-- the location is excellent, but I know there's super high turnover in that space and the last time we went it was Flatwater and our meal was sort of ho-hum. Bridge House definitely impressed-- our waitress was phenomenal. She was sweet and honest and made our night really fun. We sat outside on the patio so the ambience was great. And the food exceeded expectations. We especially loved the cauliflower gratin and the pig wing appetizers, which were like tender mini BBQ ribs. I had the Amish half chicken and it was excellent.
(4)Alma C.
I happened to come here for drinks with clients after a bit of sightseeing. It's in a nice piece of real estate right off the river, but they ran out of the beer I wanted and the gimlet I ended up ordering wasn't made correctly. The servers were nice and attentive but there's a ton of better bars/bartenders around town.
(2)Jarvis A.
This is my second second time visiting Bridge House Tavern, and this is the review I always wanted to give. Just to parrot a few items from previous reviews: 1) Boat watching on the river takes people watching to another level. 2) Yes the portion sizes are large, but that is a plus in my book. 3) The food is really good. At this point I've tried the Bridge House Burger (very good), Fish-n-Chips (very good), and the Braised Shirt Ribs (Also very good). Just remember to leave room for the Chocolate Mousse which was in the words of my wife "One of the best Chocolate Mousse's she has ever had. With that said, we didn't have the greatest experience with the Ceasar's salad, but judging by the quick and unexpected response from the owner, I will put that in the "unfortunately mistakes happen" category. Overall, a great experience and I'll be back.
(5)Libby R.
I am going to start off by telling you about the two items on the menu that BLEW MY MIND! And then I'm going to give you all the other reasons to frequent Bridge House Tavern. 1) Bruschetta. Don't let the name fool you - this is not your typical, classical, tomato-mozzarella-basil salad. This is a, shall we call it, "deconstructed and refined" version? Large slices of crusty, toasted, warm bread are topped with chopped sundried tomatoes, heaps of creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a white been puree, and finished off with chopped chives and a balsamic glaze. I could have easily just had a couple of pieces of the bruschetta along with my rose sparkling wine, in my seat (which was the best in the house, overlooking the river next to a huge window) - but no, I kept on eating... 2) The second item on the appetizer menu that was really insane and super clever: "Pig Wings." They look like chicken wings, but when you bite into them, you find that they are, in fact, pork. Falling off the bone and glazed in a sweet bbq sauce. Served with a flavorful, inventive slaw. I'm not your typical wing-eater, but this item is a keeper. Something truly unique and different. And now for all the other reasons you should visit this place: The other items on the menu are also really just fantastic. I had the shrimp cocktail, which is plated table-side, and is not your typical shrimp cocktail. I also had the gazpacho, which was the soup of the day, and also plated table-side. A fantastic combo. Other items consumed by my group were a ginormous burger and fries; the grilled cheese, which was made up of the best cheeses and served with an insane tomato jam that will actually also blow your mind; and the turkey sandwhich, which was so much more than your normal lunch fare. The ambiance is great. Dark decor on the inside, but enough light and amazing river views. The patio is awesome, complete with two cabanas. I know I will be a frequenter this summer. Prices are insanely reasonable. This is the only restaurant on the river that has boat slips, so keep this in mind for the summer if you own a boat! You won't be disappointed. Make a reso today!
(5)Justin K.
Space: Great. Right on the river. Very nice. Service: 2 parts: first, they made a mistake and did not have our table ready. Their response to this was amazing. They seated us in a cabana for drinks and quickly made a table ready. The second part, the actual table service was pretty bad. It took a very long time to simply place our order and I don't recall more than 1 check-in or refill to my water. Very unimpressed with the table service. Food: I was impressed with the menu. They had a variety of small plate items that all seemed interesting, good salad options and a handful of large plate items that seemed to be focused on specific items. I had the roast chicken and it was OK. The meat was alright but it was covered in a pretty unappetizing sauce that masked all the herbs/chicken flavor and was kind of soupy. The chicken did come with some cheese grits which were pretty on point. Highlights: Popcorn: I know...it is popcorn. Try it. Honey, jalapeno, bacon, and salt? Done. Mac n Cheese: coming from Wisconsin I know mac n cheese. this was done very well. Value: Overall price was reasonable and we left happy at under $60 for 2 people. That included 1 appetizer, 3 drinks, 2 entrées and a side.
(3)Joel W.
Great outdoor seating, great staff, great chicken club...HUGE chicken club, actually. Location can't be beat. Enjoy.
(5)Carl G.
Pretty nice place to have a quick lunch in Chicago. Right on the river, with a deck that backs right onto a dock. The brunch menu is good enough. I had the smoked trout hash and was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the smoked trout. The eggs were over-easy, cooked perfectly, but served with a hollandaise that seemed a tad either inauthentic or hurried. It certainly wasn't 100% spot on though I'm certainly not going to accuse it of being from a packet. I think it might have just been cheap eggs. My attorney had a burger which appeared to be too large for any one human to consume. He drank Diet Coke (tm) and I had a coffee. It was good in that they brewed the pot for me, but bad in that after one cup, the waitress totally spaced on my refill. I'd go again to get a quick bite.
(3)Meghan J.
Thank you Mr. See for ensuring we had a good time when we were in a couple weeks ago! Loved the fresh summer cocktails. Great oysters and the grilled cheese was amazing. Server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Perfect summer spot for enjoying a summer afternoon or evening by the river!
(5)Jessica H.
Bridge House Tavern is a great setting. Maybe a little crowded but the view makes up for it. On the river, it's a great patio. The administrative wait staff was great. They were really trying to please. The bartenders were really good, too. The table staff is friendly but might be spread a little too thin. Reading other reviews there seems to be a service issue, but our experience was very good. I think they are trying, they were incredibly friendly. The popcorn is really good and delivers on it's promise of honey, jalapeño, and bacon! The grits might be the best I've had. Overall the food is quite good. **The restaurant previously occupying this space, Flat Water, had the best roast chicken. There is a roast chicken on this new menu - it's not the same, but it's very good. I wish they could get the old recipe, though :(
(4)Shelene C.
Unfortunately I didn't even get to try the food because of the horrible customer service I received and I really don't think I'll be back to try it again because of how I was treated. I understand it's the holidays and I know restaurants make money by closing for holiday parties. It would be nice if you can post it on your website so that when myself and a few friends decide to meet up at a place, we aren't told your closed. If you haven't visited Bridge House Tavern, you need to go to the north side of the Clark Street Bridge and take a series of stairs down to the river. If you take the stairs, you miss the door entrance up top which has a slew of signs on it including hours, menus, etc. Upon me entering the restaurant, someone held the door open for me (so the second reason I didn't see the closed sign). Upon coming into the restaurant, I hang my coat and ask the hostess where myself and a few friends could grab a few drinks and some nibbles. She ignored me so I waited. I asked again, she said "ummmm" and waited for a gentleman to come over. He then told me the full restaurant was closed for a private party. I asked him if it was posted anywhere on their website and he responded very rudely with "at the top of the stairs", I apologized and said I took the stairs and didn't see anything. He also responded very rudely with "well, it's there and it's also on the door". I politely said someone opened it for me so I didn't see it. He said "well, we're closed". OK...so my fault for not seeing the signs, but there is absolutely no reason to speak to someone in that tone or be that rude. I felt as if he was arguing with me. I then told him I didn't want to argue and that I would grab my coat and probably not come back. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I'm in the hospitality business, so I go out of my way to always be kind. I can't believe how I was treated and that no effort was made to even apologize or invite me back when they were open. If I was treated that way, then I can absolutely say I would come back to try out what they had to offer. Sadly, I just won't tolerate being treated this way and will tell others if they are ever considering it themselves. I'm friends with a lot of hotel concierges and I will definitely spread the word.
(1)Alecia G.
My friends and I stumbled upon this little gem on the Chicago River. What a fun place! Great ambiance, great crowd! I have to comment on the drinks which were made with fresh fruit-THEY WERE FANTASTIC! My friend had the club sandwich and it was huge! I had the sliders and they were perfect! The restaurant is small and on the water so I'm sure there is a wait on nice days, but we didn't have one! The staff was very accommodating to all of the customers around us. It was a fun lunch!!
(4)Matt m.
You must take someone here if you know someone who is a fan of these three things: 1) Chicago's bridges 2) Chicago River 3) Elevators This place has an elevator inside one of the bridgetowers at Clark Street. That alone is the reason to go to this place. If you are looking for a bar/restaurant downtown, then this is the unique factor that makes this place different. I always want to go inside the bridgetowers in Chicago. Other than the Bridge Museum on Michigan Avenue, you can't enter any of the other bridgetowers. But here you can not only enter one of the bridgetowers, but you can take and elevator in it.
(4)Jack L.
Bridge House Tavern ("BHT") is one of my favorite restaurants in the River North area. It is often my go-to lunch/dinner spot for visiting relatives, clients, colleagues, friends and first dates. The river views, staff friendliness and food quality cannot be beat. Now for my specific (outstanding) experience on Saturday, March 17, 2012. As many Chicagoans know, St. Patrick's Day in the city is usually marked by a delightful combination of wind, low temperatures and rain or snow. Despite these impediments, thousands migrate from the Chicagoland area to the river to witness the miraculous transformation of the Chicago river from a muddy, sewage-colored green to an unsettlingly bright, radioactive-looking shade -- myself included. This year, thanks to an unseasonably warm Winter finale, I was looking forward to a chance to finally leave my umbrella at home (rather than leave it somewhere during a day of barhopping). Imagine my joy when I noticed on Facebook (after "liking" their business page) that BHT would be hosting a St. Patrick's Day event! With a location directly on the waterfront, where else would you want to spend the day? By late morning, we had it all: sunny 80-degree weather, cups of green beer and what felt like V.I.P. front-row seats to the grand Chicago skyline -- not to mention some great photos with a woman dressed as a leprechaun! The BHT team pulled out all the stops on this one. After waiting in line (expectedly) to gain entry, my group was greeted by a smiling staff and offered plenty of shiny St. Patrick's Day flair. To prepare for possible rain showers, there were tents set up in the patio area -- while it never rained, the tents provided some cooling shade in the afternoon. In anticipation of large crowds, there was not one, not two, but three additional bars dotted around the restaurant (along with the primary bar) and I don't think we had to wait longer than a minute or two to get a drink -- compared to likely 10- to 15-minute wait times at Irish-named Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville bars. With all those drinks being served, BHT smartly sprinkled some extra portable toilets on the patio to supplement the four private, unisex bathrooms inside (BHT, if you're reading this, on behalf of all patrons that day, thank you VERY MUCH for doing this!). Predictably, not too many St. Patrick's Day revelers seek the sit-down-dinner experience while barhopping. Accordingly, instead of ordering my usual 10-ounce, organic "Bridge House Burger", I ordered a nice selection of appetizers for the group to nibble on, including: - Popcorn. You won't be able to go back to the movie-theater or microwaveable varieties again once you've had the flavorful BHT edition that includes a delicious mix of honey, bacon, jalapeno and smoked salt. - Tavern Fries. Another favorite here. Sure you can dip the perfectly crispy fries in customary ketchup, but why not try bearnaise sauce, bacon aioli or remoulade? My vote is for the bearnaise, but you get to try them all! Overall, my group had a fantastic experience and we will definitely be visiting again soon. Sure, I have had great experiences dining at BHT during winter, but this place really shines when it's warmer. Thanks to an early Spring, I know I'll be back many, many times over the next several months.
(5)Nicole K.
Mediocre food and service, but there's a good view of the river from their patio. On a nice day, it's a great place to grab a drink and watch the boats and kayakers go by.
(3)Nammy N.
Do go here to relax and enjoy the view of the river and sunburnt people on their boats passing by. Don't go on a Sunday if you're looking to get food. I think their kitchen closes at 4pm. However, their bar is still open and the drinks menu had a good variety to choose from. Not too often I get to drink on the river so this experience was pretty amazing. Only awkwardness was that the hostess tried to seat us in the blazing sun when there were plenty of umbrella shaded tables...and then she did the same for another group of people that came in after us, umm whyy??..our server was good and efficient though, she checked on us regularly and magically had the check ready in her pocket right as we asked for it.
(4)Tara G.
I had high hopes for this place. I may have set my expectations too high. We did the champagne brunch on Sunday and the service was great. The food was just average though. Nothing special, my omelette was burnt and my friends bacon was very under-cooked. All of our toast was burnt. The view is great. This place has potential, perhaps maybe their dinner is better.
(3)Sean B.
Stopped here for lunch before a wedding on the Lake. Off the brunch menu, but ordered a dozen oysters that were good. 4 of us ordered something different but it was the "Horseshoe" sandwich, recommend by the manager, that definitely pleased the table, it was huge and had to share.
(4)Cathy K.
Loved this awesome place! My husband and I chose this place based on the recommendation of a good friend who was there a week earlier. We were greeted with an enthusiastic welcome by bartender Marco who suggested the champagne brunch special for $29.00. Sounded awesome but...we came for the beer selection and unique food offerings. We sat at the bar for a view of the river and chose a couple of beers from their extensive beer selection. Ryan, one of the business owners greeted us shortly when he heard us debating about what to choose from the very cool menu items. He and Marco both recommended the fabulous chicken &'waffles. I can't even to begin to describe how much deliciousness there was on one plate! Atmosphere was fun, unique and comfortable at the bar. Beer selection: excellent. We will definitely return very soon (with a group of friends in tow) to enjoy the fabulous brunch on a Saturday in April! Just a train ride away from lovely Geneva! Well worth the trip! On an added note of interest, Ryann S. is also a partner in another business on Diversey Pkwy., (Lincoln Park) Compas Bar! Yes, we headed there after to meet friends for some fantastic brick oven pizza and more unique beer "experiences"! Outstanding day/evening in the city!
(5)John P.
Absolutely stunning views of the Chicago River. Food was good too.
(4)Patrick H.
Everything on the breakfast menu is awesome. Perfect spot on the river with great views. When I return to the city in a few months, I def plan on going back
(4)Johnny T.
A swing and a miss! I know better. Really, I do. I know that before I go to a place, sight unseen, I need some folks to vouch for it. Folks whose tastes I understand and with which I agree. I made the mistake of going here before doing my research, so the party with whom I should be most disappointed is me. But, Bridge House Tavern has plenty of blame to share. I came here with my dining Girl Friday in search of great food, fun service and river views. After all, that's what BHT was known for, right? Right? Not being particularly hungry, we ordered the popcorn, pig wings, the Butcher & Larder charcuterie. I went back and forth with ordering the fish & chips but determined to do so after tasting the other food. This might have been my only smart move at BHT. The popcorn was a soggy, sad mess. Described as "honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt," we received Orville Redenbacher's bastard castoffs. There was no smoked salt flavor (or crystals) or bacon of which to speak. Instead, the popcorn was drenched in honey (to the point that it was soggy and mushy) with occasional bites/bursts of heat from eating a jalapeno seed. Orly? No. The pig wings were more substantial (if overcooked) but the description on the menu was rather vague (wtf is a pig wing) and our server (more on the service later) was of absolutely no help in describing the dish. Basically, pig wings are little riblets (with bone). At $13, they are overpriced for what you get in taste and execution. Thinking that there's no way charcuterie from B&L could be screwed up, my hopes rested in the final dish. From the first (almost) tooth-cracking bite into the burst toast point, I knew this was not to be. Burnt toast? Really? REALLY??? Pack your knives and go... far away. Any latch-key kid worth his tv time can make toast. Pitiful. Adding insult to (almost) injury, the charcuterie wasn't explained. Our server dropped the board off and kept it moving. What's what? How best to pair which meat with which condiment? What is going on? So, the service thing... Our server wasn't the most engaged. In fact, we hardly saw him but when he came around, he definitely left an impression -- a bad one. I knew we were in trouble when he brought me a beer that was 1/4 head. Are you kidding? I could pour a better beer at 15. Granted, I am from Kentucky, but still. 15. No bueno. He couldn't have been less interested in serving us. He couldn't or didn't answer any of our questions about the menu and when he asked us how things were (and we told him), the response was , "Mmm hmm." Mmm hmm? What? Truthfully, I shouldn't have been surprised. Our auspicious experience began with a half-empty dining room and a hostess telling us that we couldn't sit outside because of the 'long wait.' Look to the left. Look to the right. Are we in the 6th Sense? Cuz, I don't see anyone. Who's waiting? Whatever. After patrolling the dining room for open seats (um, they're all around), she sits us at an unbalanced table with a view of the outside (and empty tables). Wanting to see this rush of people who were waiting for tables, we re-sat ourselves at a table that didn't weeble wobble and kept our gaze locked on the patio. THE TABLES STAYED EMPTY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE MEAL. Again, are you kidding? So, I ate soggy popcorn, tough ribs and burnt toast. I received disinterested (at best) service and a beer poured with more head than the Frankenstein monster. And, I was told that I couldn't enjoy a table outside on a nice evening because of the 'long wait.' These tables remained empty throughout our meal. No. Not at all. There's absolutely nothing at BHT for which I'd ever come back or ever recommend to a friend. To an enemy... well, that's another story.
(2)Emily S.
Hey! This place is totally delightful. I read some unflattering reviews and they almost swayed me into avoiding Bridge House all together. I went anyway and must declare that the people who wrote those reviews must be crazy and/or not know how delicious pork and cheese taste together (especially in combination with berries). A friend and I met up here before a movie the other night and casually sat in the bar. We ordered the pig wings and the cheese plate and then, just for the hell of it, we got the fried waffles too. I recommend all of that. It was perfect to split between two folks. The pork was tender and the sauce was great. The cheese plate had plenty of bread and all sorts of interesting delicious bits and bites to taste. We sat, ate, talked and had some delicious beer while looking out on the river. Our servers were nice. The hostess was friendly. Everyone made sure we were well taken care of while still leaving us alone to gab it up. All in all, a big win. We'll be back in the summer for that great looking patio.
(4)Elliott D.
I went to Bridge House Tavern recently with my family for a little pre-Easter brunch and had a very pleasant experience. We had an 11:30 AM reservation and were seated inside since it was a little chilly outside, but with the sun shining it made it very pleasant to be near the open door. They had special on "morning" drinks and it was five bucks for mimosas and bloody mary's. I availed myself of an Allagash White. They have a decent selection of beers on taps though it would be nice to see a few more craft breweries represented. Our server was incredibly attentive and had our drinks constantly filled and was knowledgeable about the menu. We all had something a little different so it was good to see how they do the different foods. Universally we were happy with our food. I had the Horseshoe so I can only speak to that. I was curious about the thing and I was not disappointed. Heaping portions of eggs, cheese, fries, and brisket are very pleasing. The cheese sauce was great and the brisket was very tender and tasty. It was a huge portion and for the price was a great value. I had to take a lot of it home. I'd definitely recommend trying it at least once if you are hungry. My dad was happy with the biscuits and gravy, my sister with the huevos rancheros, my brother in law with the chicken and waffles, and my stepmom with the egg white omelet. No complaints at all. On another note, we met one of the owners and he was incredibly friendly and made sure that we were having a good experience. There was actually a hometown connection and he was very attentive to us. Hats off to the personal touch. I'd definitely recommend it and will certainly be back.
(4)Jen N.
A co-worker and I tried this place a couple weeks ago. The food was definitely good, although I wish we'd had more people so we could have sampled more! We had the bread and butter to start (tasty!) and we ordered the grilled cheese and grilled wedge salad. Both were very good, my only complaint was that they seemed a bit disorganized when it came to seating people, we waited about 15 minutes after we got there (right at the time of our reservation) before we were seated. It also took our waiter about 10 minutes to bring us our bill after we asked for it, and since we only have an hour for lunch this was a bit of an inconvenience. The staff was extremely friendly and enthusiastic though, and the outdoor seating was very nice. I think I would go back for happy hour/dinner, but not lunch considering how long it took!
(3)Jonas B.
Went for lunch earlier this week, mainly in an effort to try the much-hyped burger, but I do love this particular venue, though I hadn't been since Bridge House opened in the space. Had the charcuterie to split, and it was quite well done, though not what I expected. Two rustic pates and a chicken liver pate, accompanied by a ton of pickled veggies and toasted bread. Very tasty, and an enormous portion. The burger itself was very good. Almost too tall to eat, this messy disaster was well seasoned, well cooked and highly enjoyable. On the day I was there it was pretty quiet, and the service was nothing short of terrific. Attentive to the details, they didn't bug us while we lingered over lunch for a couple of hours.
(5)lindsay s.
After a terrible encounter at Bin 36 we wandered over here on a Friday afternoon (the 10th when the weather was AWFUL) We walked in and we were informed that they close from 2:30pm to ....to prepare for dinner. However, if the bartender would stay that we could! And she did! Anata (?) was her name I believe and she was so nice and willing to stay for 3 people. We ordered a cheese plate.. it was ok.. not super special. A burger, which was AWESOME & the ceasar salad. GREAT presentation. Anata was super friendly and chatted with us while we ate and drank! Great wine list! Another table of eventually 6 guys came in and they accommodated them as well. I think we all had a blast and I hope she made some $ since she stayed!
(4)Pito S.
Nice restaurant in Chicago!
(3)JJ W.
Was there for brunch and loved the food. I got the French brioche toast with fresh berries, mmmm so good!! Mimosa's at a good price too :). Just don't be surprised that their "house potatoes" even at brunch is mashed potatoes... was not expecting that. Usually brunch potatoes are hashbrowns or something similar. Still highly recommended!
(4)Corinne M.
I wasn't impressed. I had really high expectations for great flavors and was disappointed. A group of 5 of us ordered plates to share - spicy chicken avocado rolls, veal meatballs and the bridge house burger. All were just ok. I will say that the location is fantastic and the ambiance is ideal. I think that is why I had expected great food and I really hoped it could be a favorite. If I went back I would enjoy the drinks and probably stick to a salad or simple sandwich.
(2)George M.
Came here for an early lunch, and the fries we started with were good, and then we ordered bacon pancakes...and we waited...and waited...and waited. We were quite surprised that pancakes could take nearly an hour to arrive. Finally, we were graced with presence of bacon pancakes after becoming famished. Although they were good, I wouldn't say that they were worth the wait. Also, the host made a mistake at first seating us at the bar when we arrived, and because we are underaged, the bartender refused to take our order, which essentially killed the first twenty minutes of our experience. The food WAS good, (BLT's passing us looked awesome) but not good enough to warrant the poor service. Food: 3 stars Service: 1 star
(2)Mike K.
The Riverdance - Bridging the Gap. We went to Bridge House on the actual birthday during the birth week that started the previous Saturday to kick off the big 2-9*. Celebrating a 29th birthday is a big deal because you have to really get it all out of yourself in order to prepare for the big freakout of the next 365 days. As far as big blowouts go, the 29th is the second biggest after the 21st. When is the next big, important, milestone blowout after 29? How about the Irish Wake, if they even do that sort of thing anymore and you're of that persuasion. Getting old sucks. Looking younger than your actual age doesn't. Hi. I met birthday girl and her entourage of colleagues at Bridge House for pre-game drinks and apps after they had completed their daily corporate chores of folding and neatly stacking clothes and swing, country and go-go dancing over on Michigan Avenue. We were seated at a nice six top with comfortable chairs in sort of the atrium, where in shine gobs of natural light. Sparkle. It was only a drinks and apps excursion, so it was Victorias, the french fries with four sauces deal and bruschetta. The Victorias, of course, were delicious. Those tall, thin Victoria glasses remind me of...never mind. The fries were very crispy and tasty. The sauce was actually what really put them over the top. I like to get muh dip awn, ye nah? The bruschetta was a bit different, with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, but it ended up being very good. Definitely do order both the fries and the bruschetta if you're having apps, especially if you're saddled with an unadventurous palate, as I am. As far as decor and ambiance go, I can't say the place is any different than Flatwater was (apart from what I saw on the TV the one time I was at Flatwater - see my review). I think what any restaurant that occupies this space is about more than anything else is the setting, as it is right on the river and has a quite spectacular view. Still, I would at least recommend it for drinks and apps if you can find your way to it. Four stars for the early evening experience. Thank you, corporate khaki people!
(4)Peter O.
Very pleased with the food...we had the popcorn appetizer, prawns and grits, and grilled cheese. Also, the price point is very reasonable for downtown Chicago and great location. I didn't give it 5 stars because the service was a touch slow for a weekday, downtown lunch place.
(4)Amanda L.
My boyfriend and I wanted to go out for dinner on a Wednesday night, so he yelped a few places and settled on Bridge House. When we got there, we were happy with the location and view, and the decor is pretty modern and comfortable. When we asked to be seated, she asked for an indoor or outdoor table, and of course we preferred outdoor, not only for the view, but really it was so stuffy I was breaking a sweat inside. I'm not really sure how to explain the series of events that followed, because I was thoroughly confused for the next 30 minutes... the hostess sort of rambled about just wandering around outside to see if there were any open tables and come back in to tell her, or we could wait at the bar for a party to clear out and they could seat us there. We opted to just enjoy a drink and wait to be seated, but she didn't take our names down or anything, she just instructed us to sit at the bar. While at the bar we noticed many outdoor tables that were open, so we talked to her and asked what exactly we should do, just go pick one? We wandered out there and tried sitting at one at her suggestion, but was scolded saying that they were 'reservation' tables (even though my boyfriend called and they said they didn't take reservations). We tried, again, talking to the hostess to see what we were waiting for exactly, and, again, just told us to wander around outside. We saw some high top tables clear up so we went to sit there, but again were shooed away saying they weren't available for another 15 minutes. What?? Eventually a server found a place for us to sit, and frankly I don't know what the point of having a hostess is then. We were both a little grumpy after this, but still in good spirits about the food. No server came to greet us, we eventually had to flag one down to ask for menus. The server turned out to be very friendly, but him and the rest of the servers all seemed to be so hurried and flustered... probably because they have to swim around and attend to all these confused, 'wandering' guests trying to sit at unavailable clear tables. We ordered spicy chicken avocado rolls as an appetizer, which were great! I decided on the White Fish entree, my boyfriend the Bridge House Burger. The entrees arrived rather promptly, which is good, but I couldn't even finish my meal, which is bad. For $25, you get 2 tiny slivers of dry, under-seasoned white fish atop a mess of dry greens, with four slices of tomato. I tried to stick it out because i hated the thought of wasting all that money, but my fish was so gray and chewy I couldn't risk my health over it. This is probably a fault on my end for not saying anything to the server, but he was so hurried with other guests I didn't want to bother him over it, and frankly I really just wanted to go home at this point. I can't tell you if it's like this all the time or I got a bad plate, because I don't plan on coming back to find out. My boyfriend is the least picky eater in the world, but he described his burger as lackluster, commenting "I'd prefer a Big Mac". Might be a good place just to go for drinks, which I rather liked, and to enjoy the view. But I wouldn't recommend anyone I know to go here for dinner, in fact I'd discourage it. I fear this place uses its location as a crutch, and knows they will get business despite the value of their food. I also fear service is a direct reflection of management, and if so many of these yelpers, I see, have had poor experiences, then perhaps the system needs polishing. *sigh..... and it has such potential!
(2)Irene M.
My boyfriend and I had friends with us from out of town. We have heard fun things about Bridge House so took them to brunch on a warm Saturday morning. We sat outside and had a great time. There are flat screens outside so the boys were able to keep up with their ESPN. The food was above average. Bloody Mary's were flavorful and had a nice kick. We had great service. $5 mimosas and $5 bloody Marys made the brunch even more appealing. I would definitely recommend this to others. -Green Eggs 'N' Ham - pesto scrambled eggs, grilled ham steak -Smoked Trout Hash - roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style, old bay hollandaise -Huevos Rancheros - 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas -Bridge House Benedict - grilled ham steak, poached egg, ciabatta muffin, hollandaise served with house potatoes -Shrimp Cocktail - 4 jumbo tiger prawns, BHT cocktail sauce, lemon, greens
(5)Desirae K.
Love the location and think this is a great spot for 2 people to visit enjoy some apps and cocktails while overlooking the river. Food: (+/-) ...... Oysters ...... love the fact that Bridge House Tavern always has a east and west coast oysters to choose from. I also love my oysters served cold on ice. Unfortunately, you will not get that here. Oysters are served on room temperature river rocks. Not nice. I like the idea of the reusable, environmentally friendly rocks, but come on people, store them in the freezer. While I'm on the topic, mignonette should also be cold with ice in it. (+) ...... Popcorn ...... honey + bacon + jalapeño & smoked salt = YUM! (-) ...... Fish Sticks ...... $18 for fish sticks? Ya, they're not worth it. I do not understand the price of fish sticks/fish and chips in Chicago. Every place I've been it's outrageous and not one restaurant has lived up to the price point. Overall I really wish they'd bulk up their menu. It's pretty limited. My first suggestion would be to bring back the bison steak that Flatwater Grill offered. Set-up/Space: The space is pretty tight and not somewhere I'd recommend for groups. Try to get a spot right next to the river. It's the best view. If you can't get a spot by the "wall" (river) then the outdoor bar is your next best bet.
(3)Hadouken M.
On the water, nice space, tasty food and great libations. Can't beat this place on a nice spring, summer or fall day. Even in the winter still worth a visit for their menu.
(5)Taka M.
I decided to write my first yelp review to warn people about this restaurant. I came here for dinner with a group of 6 two nights ago, and was extremely disappointed with the service and the food. The service: Our waitress was rude and inconsiderate. She brought out plates and they had pieces of leftover food on them. I gave her attitude about how ridiculous that was, and she seemed more irritated than sorry. The food: I ordered the mussels and 2 hours later had non-stop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, painful stomach cramps, etc. I haven't eaten for the last 48hrs now, I can't even keep a bottle of ensure down. I'm actually really concerned about my health at this point as I've never had a food poisoning episode this serious. This is by far the worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant.
(1)Marc W.
Bacon popcorn drizzled with honey is all I need to say! Excellent mussels with some great scotch on the menu (Laphroaig, Oban)...it all came together in an upscale yet relaxed environment. I'd give it 4.5 stars if possible.
(4)Chang L.
Great location, beautiful view! You will see people pulling up in yachts to eat here, but you don't have to pay $$$ to feel like a yacht-owner yourself. The food was affordable for what looked to be a fancier restaurant right on the river. Definitely a good date spot if you don't want to break the bank. As for food, I only ordered a sandwich, the turkey sandwich with horseradish. It was pretty darn delicious, but then again, I have a weakness for anything with horseradish. My friend's panini was 10 minutes late and they gave it to him for free, which we thought was unnecessarily nice. Definitely want to come back again on a nice summer night!
(4)Pam L.
A group of us went to wish a co-worker good luck on his new venture. We had a lovely time on the patio. They sat us at the end in the cabana because were weren't eating dinner just having drinks. Megan was an excellent waitress. She came back frequently and actually ran separate tabs for each of us. They had heaters set up because it was a cool evening. Would definitely go back.
(5)Alex N.
Closed Sundays even though their website says they're open and opentable let's you make a Sunday reservation - SO ANNOYING AND INCONVENIENT - we made the long trip for nothing and were so embarrassed in front of our friends from out of town.
(1)Jeff R.
A friend suggested Bridge House for an outdoor lunch so that's where we went. I had heard the name but didn't fully realize it is in the former Flatwater Grill space until we approached the steps. BHT has been described as upscale pub food and I wouldn't disagree. It's a great location right on the water with a large patio riverside. There's a nice bar with plenty of TVs and a clean sophisticated white table cloth and dark wood setting. The menu isn't overly complicated and stays within the bounds of pub style. There are nice sharable appetizers, some salads, sandwiches and a few "main courses." We started with one of their most popular dishes - popcorn. This isn't regular popcorn but popcorn infused with honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt. It sounds goofy but it was quite delicious and the most interesting popcorn I've ever had. You get more than you need for only $4. I tried to keep it healthy that day and avoided the very tasty looking large burger. I went with a smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on country wheat (for $11). It sounded better than it was. the turkey had the day after thanksgiving dryness that I don't love and without a lot of flavor. The slaw and blackberry horseradish are overwhelmed by the wheat bread (i.e. more slaw and dressing needed). The sandwich grew on me as I ate more but it still needs some work. My side salad was very small but satisfying although I should have gone with the fries. The portions in general at BHT are very large and make sense with a larger price point - though given the location and style the prices are very reasonable and even more so considering portion size. I'd go back and try some other sandwiches or main items if I were hungry. It's definitely a summer scene and a great place to have a leisurely business lunch or a handful of happy hour cocktails.
(3)Tiff W.
My company had a private event at Bridge House, and while the place is cozy and has an awesome view of the river (note to self: must take advantage of this in the summer), I thought that the food could be a little better (the quality might have been compromised because of the quantities they needed to make for a food buffet? who knows). You have to walk down a flight of stairs or take an elevator down to the actual restaurant, because Bridge House is literally located on the banks of the Chicago River. The place was smaller than I expected, but it was a perfect size for a party of around 45-60 people. The passed hor d'oeuvres were okay. The presentation of everything was really nice: shrimp cocktail served in a shot glass filled with cocktail sauce, chicken on skewers, caprese salad neatly wrapped on skewers, mini mini crabcakes, popcorn in a paper funnel. But there was something slightly wrong with everything that I tried...shrimp and chicken overcooked, popcorn funnel hard to eat from and hold while you also have a drink in your hand, etc. The food buffet was okay as well. Nothing really stood out to me except for this creamy linguine with mushrooms & truffle oil. The Nueske bacon mac & cheese was dried and kind of flavorless. Anyhow, I will give Bridge House Tavern the benefit of the doubt, because I always feel like catering food in large quantities always kind of screws up the taste a little bit. The restaurant is in a good enough location for me to want to come back and try it out during the summer for perhaps drinks & appetizers.
(3)Kensuke Y.
Good location and great atmosphere, however customer service wasn't good.
(3)Adam M.
Whoa! This place is the total package - great food, drinks, location, service, view...I could go on and on. And I will... My partner and I both had a Monday off recently and we were headed downtown for an afternoon of fabulous Chicago. A quick Yelp search lead me to this new place right on the river. The reports were positive - affordable prices and delicious food. Plus, a bar. Which was necessary when you have the day off and you're looking for the type of leisurely long lunch that could last into the early evening. We arrived and were seated right away since the lunch crowd had mostly dispersed. We got a GREAT spot right by the window that overlooked the river and HUGE outdoor seating area. Had mother nature cooperated by giving us the May weather we deserve then we would have been seated outside to enjoy the sun. Alas, this was not the case as it was 50 degrees (mental note: must return to sit outside and enjoy said awesome outdoor patio if summer ever arrives). We quickly ordered some dirty martinis (which were made perfectly) and the popcorn appetizer. Ok, so you know how movie theater popcorn is like 6, 7 buck these days? Here we got a very large portion of popcorn that is slathered in honey, bacon, herbs, and general goodness for $4. This is a steal and there was enough to keep at least four people properly appeteased. I then ordered the grilled cheese and was so glad I did. Now, there are many restaurants that claim they have a new, great twist on the grilled cheese and I am usually under-whelmed and will stay away from this option. However, Bridge House has done it! Two long sandwich slices of fontina cheesey goodness along with bacon and tomatoes. All of it tasted golden fried and delicious yet somehow light. A perfect side salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette even managed to hold it's on my plate alongside this glorious beauty of a grilled cheese. THIS IS A MUST TRY!! My partner had the fish sticks (the Tavern's play on fish and chips), but I really couldn't be bothered with that dish as I was in cheesy heaven. All in all, this was a FANTASTIC dining experience and extremely affordable for the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere. I will be bringing everyone I know down here just as soon as humanly possible.
(5)Garrett A.
I have really mixed emotions about this place. On one hand, the food is nothing special. The pig wings, which seem to be what everyone is crazy about, was very dry and they seemed to be making up for it by drowning it in sauce. I got the grilled cheese and it was so greasy -- and not the good kind of grease -- that I couldn't even finish half of my meal. Finally, the fries tasted completely soaked like salt. If you screw up my fries, you've screwed up my meal. Sorry. It also took forever to get our drinks refilled. I know we were sitting on the far side, surrounded by tables, but that doesn't mean we don't deserve water. But on the other hand, we did get there early and snag a table right by the river, so it was great on a lazy, hot Sunday night. They get one more star for that.
(2)Alex C.
Great location overlooking the river, especially over the summer. Loved the set up of this place - have to walk down to the tavern, has a bit of a gastropub/sports bar theme with indoor and outdoor seating. Fun place to hangout with friends, grab some drinks and maybe take in some food. I had the burger and chicken sandwich - good but wasn't spectacular. The one thing from the menu I have to call out is the Popcorn appetizer (flavored with honey/bacon/jalapeño/smoked salt)....that got devoured pretty quickly.
(4)Heather P.
Took my boyfriend here for his birthday. This is the kind of place where the waitstaff are experts in their field and bend over backwards to make you happy. Sitting on the river watching the boats go by and the building lights come up was delightful. For drinks, we had a lava lamp (cava with raspberry puree) which was unbelievably good and a little bit sweet, and a black pearl (rum, ginger ale, pineapple juice with basil). It was also good and sweet and piratey enough for its name, but rum isn't so much my thing. Drinks are pricey, but okay sizes. The beer cheese soup was good, although different from what I was expecting. I love the play on pretzels and cheese with the croutons, but the flavor was slightly underwhelming (better with salt.) It was just a bit more subtle than I was expecting. Boyfriend got some sort of whitefish (doesn't matter because I wasn't going to try it anyway) over a sweet corn risotto that was completely fantastic. I got the tavern chicken, which was easily the best roasted chicken I've ever had, with an amazing herb butter sauce and thick, creamy grits. If I had one complaint about the chicken it's that the skin could have been crispier, but it was so tender and flavorful I found myself full of forgiveness. I'm still thinking about this chicken. Often. I miss it. :( I felt that the night's one pitfall was the dessert. We ordered bread pudding, and it was two small lumps sandwiching a quenelle of whipped cream ice cream. Which is exactly as strange and delicious as it sounds. I would have preferred just a big bowl of the whipped cream ice cream. The bread pudding was crispy, with streaks of chocolate, but it just wasn't that great. I am a bread pudding connoisseur, and I've definitely had better. It would have been fine at any other restaurant, I suppose, but from the Bridge House Tavern I was just expecting more. The bill was large. It was a large bill. I can't afford to go back often, but I am eagerly awaiting another special occasion so we can go back again.
(4)Kat T.
After looking for a brunch spot in central/North Chicago that wasn't $60 and up Yelp led me to Bridge House Tavern. The price is definitely what makes the Yelp reviews so glowing. However, I have to give thanks to the owners for not gouging the tourists and locals who want to sit river-front and enjoy a nice meal. Ordered yogurt parfait with a side of eggs. More than filling. Excellent job on the poached eggs! Service was a little scattered. She messed up our order (actually brought too much food) but only charged us for what we ordered. $30 for 2 people- amazing deal with great river-side views.
(3)Chad O.
Awesome! Just plain awesome! Food, service, location, atmosphere! They have it all
(4)Christina P.
Holy smokes - where'd this place come from? On one of our first sunny and delicious Chicago summer afternoons, I was lucky enough to pick a new spot for a casual lunch. Bridge House Tavern did NOT disappoint. Amazing view, perfect location, the food is absurdly good (not your average - all gussied up even on standard items) and the people watching is a 10. It also has a beautiful interior in case your crew isn't looking to bake in the sun. My only warning (and something they cannot control) was how windy it was. So ladies, hold your skirts and everyone hold tight to the menus, etc. This will be a summer staple and I cannot wait to slap on some SPF and live it up at this spot!
(5)Jon K.
Worst attitude from server and manager I've ever experienced. Went there for food and drinks on a Saturday lunch time. Bar menu was only available - so fine, ordered from that. Ordered some appetizers and half dozen oysters, at $2 per oyster. So mildly surprised when bill showed $21 for oysters. What's going on here we demanded? Server says he realized error and was taking care of it -- but only after we pointed it out. Suddenly copped an attitude too. New bill comes out , and we are now at $15. Ok, making progress, but still not correct. We were told that the "real" price for oysters was different and that bar menu was "out of date" (Note to manager, an out of date menu maybe should not be placed back to give to next customers). Manager, who also now copped an attitude, eventually just took off entire thing and only charged for other food we ate and drinks (which were also ordered off the mysterious menu that was "outdated"). It wasn't that a huge amount on the price, but it's the idea that people in hospitality admit a mistake when they are wrong. It's not like we sneaked in these menus ourselves. Honest mistakes get made all the time in bars and restaurants. Be big enough to admit when you have fouled up, rather than giving excuse after excuse. If the manger is reading this, and the guy working behind the bar (Ken) your "out of date" menu is still posted on your web-site. Better take that down. Right? Ooops!
(1)Jenn W.
I'm new to River North from Lakeview and feared I would not find a place I'd like that wasn't overly priced or snobbish. But Bridge House Tavern exceeded my expectations. After looking at the simple menu, I wasn't expecting much. But we went on a Saturday night around 6pm and were very pleasantly surprised. The service was great, even with a large private event going on at the other side of the premise. Refills were prompt & our server was knowledgeable of the menu. The $4 fancy popcorn appetizer had a subtle spice to it with a sweet glaze. The burgers were perfectly cooked to our different requests and the potato bun had the texture of freshness, not of being defrosted like at other places. Beer menu could use some more diversity in my opinion, but there are a few good offerings. And the gin and juice cocktail was like drinking a garden; divine! Not to mention the view sitting outside on the river was pretty amazing, too. The owner Ryan walked over when we were about 1/3 of the way through our burgers and seemed very honest and casual and interested in our thoughts on this new joint. When we told him the website was down prior to our arrival, he seemed surprised and apologized and said "as the guy running the show, that's not what I like to hear!" We saw him later on the upper terrace pacing on the phone; can't imagine that's fun to sort out on a Sat night. The next day we checked the site again and it was up and running. Highly recommend this place and will certainly be returning. I hope they keep up the excellent service and good eats!
(5)Eric M.
If you're looking for a great view of the river with your meal, then make this your spot. It's a fantastic view and there's a lot of seating for people. The service was good but infrequent. Our server didn't come often, but when she did she was very nice. The food was ok. I ordered their biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were quite dry and the sausage patties were a little rubbery. I don't know if I'll come back here for food but for drinks by the river it can't be beat.
(3)India K.
Went back for the second time last night and was not disappointed. This time I tried a different menu: popcorn- whoa! unexpected and nice little snack Fruit and cheese board- delicious! Fish special was cod with veggies paired with chardonnay Great! I'll definitely be going back again-
(4)Shawn L.
We stopped by here for brunch today; sitting by the river in the summer in Chicago is a great time. Bridge House Tavern has a great view of the bridges and boats going by on the river. Tables and chairs in the restaurant were clean and tidy, planters were filled with wonderful foliage, and while full we were able to sit as soon as we arrived. The bartender was friendly and informative, hostess was welcoming and kind, and we even saw the manager stopping by a few tables. Food was excellent we had the French toast it came with huge barriers and generous portions of very thick French toast. However the waitress was one of the worst we have ever seen in Chicago: the check said her name was Tammy but she never introduced herself. When we arrived we did not see her for 20 minutes at which point I asked the hostess to get her, when she did come we ordered and then did not see her again until we asked for our check. We ended up asking the bus boys and other servers for the items we needed for our meal.
(3)Manny S.
I have had two bad experiences in a row at the Bridge House, today being the worst. I am so disappointed too, because its near my house and I used to love coming here pretty regularly. Last time it was a terrible, woody salad. Today, the service and food were both horrible and ridiculously slow. It was a year to get out of there today. We sat 10 minutes before the waiter told us they were out of the first beer we ordered. Spent 15 minutes waiting for the second only to find out that is gone too. Then it was another 10 minutes before he bothered to come out with one in hand. By then, all our water from our dirty water glasses was gone and we still had no damn food. I said I don't think we should pay for that beer, and he questioned me why! I said because we have been sitting here 30 minutes for it, thats why. The food, besides being the slowest meal in the world? I got huevos rancheros and it had to have been the saltiest hot mess disaster I've ever had and was just drowned in ultra sour green salsa. Terrible. Im surprised Im not dying from an ulcer from the three bites I forced myself to choke down. I always go to places I love, I'm loyal to my favorites, and usually pretty easy to please. There is no excuse for being so rudely slow. This had to be probably one of the top five worst dining experiences I've ever had, you have to just almost laugh it off.
(1)Reyna H.
Their food was atrocious- oysters that tasted like sweaty ballz, charcuterie in which the meat tasted old, and they served me chewy Jumbo Shrimp out of a shaker (they plated a bowl of greens and asked me to find the shrimp...weird). My stoli doli was pretty good I have to say, yet my bf's manhattan was completely watered down & tasteless..(he's a bartender so I believe his opinion counts) The seat by the River on a cool Sunday evening is fabulous, yet not enough to keep this place alive. Even though Flatwater chose to close their doors...you're kinda doomed if you don't do something with this food situation asap! Sorry to say, I had high hopes for this place!
(2)Halide T.
It was my friend's first time in Chicago so I wanted to take him somewhere with a nice view. With a patio right by the river, we really didn't know if we could find seats but there was definitely plenty of space. To start off, we ordered some bruschetta to nimble on while we waited for out food. Bruschetta was quite big actually. It wasn't the usual tomato/basil version. This one had goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and few other things that gave it a different flavor. It was different in a good way. I would have enjoyed it more if the bread was toasted a bit more to give it a bit more crunch.. Along with bruschetta, I wanted to try the popcorn on the menu..I have a tendency to try things that seem to have a weird combination of flavors.. We were served a big basket of one of the most amazing popcorn I have ever had.. Popcorn with honey, bacon, jalapeno and a bit of salt.. AMAZING!!!! It might sound weird but definitely worth every single bite of it! On top of all these, I attempted to finish my Salmon BLT sandwich served with perfectly done fries... Sandwich was good but I think I had a bit too much from the appetizers to finish my sandwich, considering how big their portions were.. My friend enjoyed every bit of the burger he ordered. We had a really good, relaxing dinner right by the river.. The view was wonderful, service was great and the food was worth the try. I will definitely come back to try something else.. and some more popcorn !!!!!
(4)Matthew H.
Let me give you a list of food items: - Popcorn - Honey - Bacon - Jalapeño - Smoked Salt What do these things have in common? They're all piled on top of each other for one of the tastiest (and messiest) snack foods I've ever had. And for only $4! After shoveling fistful after fistful of tasty goodness in my mouth, I was treated with the hands-down most tender piece of pork I've ever eaten (thanks to the waiter's recommendation) with the Prime Rib of Pork. With the late-night view of the river and city I can't imagine a more satisfying meal. A+
(5)Julie K.
Very very satisfied with brunch. We saw the restaurant from the boat while on the architectural tour that takes you up the river and the outside seating from the water looked awesome. Once off boat we walked back to enjoy brunch riverside. $5 bloody marys and a house fruit punch! Our table for two was right next to the river. Enjoyed huevos rancheros that was "built" on large crispy tortillas, shared unbelivably good red skin mashed potatoes and split sausage. My husband enjoyed the brioche french toast that had bailey's in the whipped cream and lots of fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Service was great and they didn't rush us out despite having the best seats in the house!
(5)Kim M.
Has fast become one of our favorite places in Chicago! Found them last February and have been back several times. The food is awesome, we had the Ossa bucco and it was some of the best I have ever had... The atmosphere is very relaxing and has almost a neighborhood feel to it.... One of the owners stopped by just to see how our meal was and if we were enjoying the evening....... Very nice touch! We're headed back later this summer and are hoping to sit on their patio! Totally recommend the bridge house!
(5)Hauwei L.
10 of us came here today for birthday brunch. The location is very nice with an excellent view of the river. The food quality was uneven. The eggs benedict and salmon blt w bacon shake were great, the french toast, corn beef hash, trout beef hash, and shrimp omelet were good/above average. The biscuits and gravy were too salty to the point of being unpleasant to eat. The mimosas and bellinis were solid, decently strong and around 5 bucks. Pricing was as expected for the river north area, entrees ranged between 12 and 15. The low point was the service. I eat out frequently at all different types of restaurants in different price ranges and i found that our waitress Jillian had a poor attitude. Its hard to identify a specific thing she said, it was more of a cold attitude, lack of attention (forgotten drinks, wrong orders), and general lack of sincerity/bad vibe which put an unnecessary damper on the meal. While the restaurant is new and there were a good number of customers, it wasnt so busy that it should explain the poor service. The owner came over and said they were new and wanted our feedback which was nice. Update: as i was writing this, the waitress brought over a free birthday dessert. This was a nice touch. Not sure if this was her initiative or company policy. I guess BHT could be worth a second shot.
(3)Nicki S.
Four friends and I visited this lovely 'on the river' establishment this past Saturday to check out their $25 mimosa brunch. Let me just say that we were not disappointed! The bartender was our server and he was very entertaining to say the least. He kept the mimosas coming without delay. Unfortunately, the weather was cool so we just had the door cracked for a bit of air as the sun was shining bright through the glass area we were sitting in. The food was just as good as the service. Collectively, we got the Chicken and Waffles, Bacon Omelet, Horseshoe, Corned Beef Hash, and Biscuits and Gravy. Everything was really good. I had never had proper Chicken and Waffles and I'm so glad I decided to give it a whirl as it was amazing. Next time I visit, (assuming we are allowed back after all of the mimosas we drank) I plan to try the Huevos Rancheros as well as the patio if the weather is nice enough! They also have fantastic happy hour specials during the week that will make for a nice post-work excursion.
(5)Jen A.
The food was decent, but the service was just atrocious. Granted, we stopped in during lunch on a Friday. Yes, we sat outside on a beautiful afternoon. Yes, the restaurant was busy. But are these excuses for a 2-hour lunch where the waiter forgets to refill our glasses at all? We started with the honey bacon popcorn. It was kinda weird. Imagine slimy, sticky popcorn with a hint of bacon and spice. I ordered the Po Boy sandwich and some friends ordered the grilled cheese sandwiches. The french fries were fantastic, and everyone was pretty happy with their food. But sitting outside in the hot sun for two hours without a refill on drinks soured the meal.
(3)Thao N.
Amazing location. Impeccable service. Phenomenal food. It was my birthday weekend and I somehow always end up downtown. We were at the hotel searching for nearby restaurants on the Yelp app when I saw Bridge House Tavern with 4.5 stars. When the taxi stopped at the address, we looked at each other and wondered where the restaurant was. We took the elevator down and found ourselves in a really modern space that butts right up to the river. There was a private event so, we couldn't get a table but were able to sit at the bar. I believe those were the best seats. You could people watch or watch the boats go by. Our bartender was attentive and personable. I think her name was Dana. To share, we had ordered the Popcorn. They flavored it with honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt. It was distinctly different in a good way. i can still taste it. For my entree, I ordered the Steak Frites. 10 oz. of hanger steak served over a bed of fries drizzled with a béarnaise sauce and truffle oil. The béarnaise and truffle oil really made this dish unforgettable. The beef was melt in your mouth perfect. If I could find any fries that weren't in the sauce, I would dip them in my sister in-laws ketchup. And I'm sure it was just Heinz but ketchup is my favorite vegetable and it tasted so much better in that setting. When we asked for the bill, the bartender said to not rush out. She had the kitchen plate some bread pudding with a candle for me. The pudding was dryer than others that I've had but really good with the ice cream. I really enjoyed my experience here and I can't wait to come back!
(5)Catherine H.
Do like to be treated like sh$t by the staff? Then come here! I give this place zero stars. I had to put one in due to the program only letting you put stars in. Sorry this is long, but trust me you'll want to read this. Came here after work with a group of co workers to celebrate another co workers recent job promotion. Another co worker organized the event and she didn't realize that this place is strict on their table seating. I was just minding my own business at the table talking with my co workers when three more people showed up from work. We asked our waiter if we could add another table to our table. He had to go and ask to see if he could. He came back and said no it's reserved. We said well we have more people coming so what can we do? Our table was suddenly not able to accommodate the group. A few min go by and Ryan, I guess a manager, came over with an attitude and a tone telling us he can't accommodate us. He said he said we could only have 2 more chairs and that was it. A few of us not just me, said that we have more people coming. He did nothing. We got the two chairs and 4 people shared 2 chairs. I felt bad for our waiter. He was at least pleasant to us. I had to ask our waiter for Ryans name because he did not introduce himself or present himself in a professional way. Not only that but the table that was said to be reserved was never sat in. Now I was busy socializing having a good time when a few more people showed up that I didn't really know. I also wasn't really paying attention to them. All of a sudden Ryan comes over to me and said "I thought I asked you not have more people at this table! You had 13 now its at 15" I'm like what? He points over to a co worker of mine who was one of the four sharing a chair who got up and found an empty seat at the other end of the table. I asked Ryan why was he telling me this? He said because it was my table and that I organized this. I'm like no I didn't. But I wasn't about to call out my co worker and say it was her that organized it. Ryan said I'm "trying" to be nice about this but I asked you not to do that. I asked him what he would like me to do about it? He just said he came over to let me know that he was upset that "I" let someone take another chair. "Ok. "Whatever. Fine, you're right, and I, the customer am wrong." I told him. He walked away with attitute, once again. I mean what was I going to do, throw my co-worker in the river? Now at this point I was trying to enjoy the appetizers that our group had ordered but he offended me by scolding and repremanding me like I was a 5 year old, that I couldn't enjoy my apps that I ordered. At this point, I was ready to leave. Everyone in my group was offended by Ryan's treatment of me. They could hear him talk to me the way he did from across the table. When our check came, Ryan approached me again and asked if he could speak to me. I said "no, I'm in the middle of a conversation." He said that he came over to apologize. However, I was still not impressed by his immature tone with me. I don't even remember what he said after I told him "no", because I went into my rant back to him. I said that everyone in my group here is an adult. If one of them sees an open chair, they will sit in it to be comfortable rather than share the chair that you only allowed. I said if you don't want people sitting in more chairs that your tables can accommodate, then don't leave an empty chair nearby for someone to take. I said these are my co-workers and I don't and will not tell them where they can and cannot sit. It's your establishment figure it out and don't put the blame on a customer! After I said that, he said nothing and threw the bill down on the table in front of me. I was just shaking I was so upset. My co-workers and I all agree that we will never return to this establishment again and we also agreed to tell our friends not to come here either due to the way I was singled out and treated. By the way, we spent $400 on drinks and appetizers and for a scolding! B.S.!
(1)Debby M.
this review based on brunch on a Saturday around 11:30. plus: outdoor seating with great view. minuses: weak bloody mary's (watered down and low in flavor), food is unremarkable to bad (odd jelly like pickled onion thing on salmon toast dish was unpalatable, egg sandwich was just a completely basic and lame cheese omelet on a croissant, french toast was tasteless), service not very attentive or pleasant (and it was not busy). overall: poor and really unmemorable dining experience, do not recommend, won't go back.
(1)Kevin W.
This is about as good as it gets for a beautiful view of the Chicago river while having some drinks. Went there for a wedding preparty night and it was such a nice and gorgeous set up. In addition to the river side tables and seating, there's also a bar inside and a couple tvs if u wanna watch some sports games.
(4)c d.
Never disappoints. Never! The food is great for lunch, happy hour or dinner. The cocktails are wonderful, great beer selection and amazing service. Love it on a nice day over looking the river or a rainy day inside the cozy restaurant.
(5)Brenda E.
Was recommended by a friend & regular who lives in the area. Very attentive, great customer service. Food was excellent,( all recommended by one of the co-owners) and everyone loved their salads & main courses in our party of 5. Loved the popcorn with truffle oil, bacon, and honey was just the right balance and great with beer. Relaxed, intimate atmosphere , will definitely return when in Chicago again.
(5)Lauren F.
So, I must say that I have never written a Yelp review, but this restaurant/bar has surpassed any expectation that I had of the place (due to its former name) that I just had to post! The service was excellent, and I don't remember the last time that I had so many people (including the waiters/bartenders/management) make sure I was having an enjoyable experience. The place was pleasantly busy and the service was still great. Prices were right on par with the area and in my opinion pretty cheap considering the OUTSTANDING view of the river which is the main focal point of the restaurant. The food was so delicious I can't wait to go back and try more. I had the grilled cheese, which was so so good and then my fair share of the unlimited drink options they had.
(5)Vivi W.
I wouldn't recommend..location is great. Little over priced? Food looks GREAT, but tastes kinda bland. Had the boned-in pork chop. Had better. The fish and chips was greasy and soggy. The pop corn was super soggy. The buffalo pork was dry. My frd had a birthday, and the waitress bought some bread pudding, and charged us for $8...and she took over 15 min to get it...
(2)Marie M.
I've been going there countless times this summer. And usually take out of town visitor for lunch/brunch. You CAN NOT beat the location. This place is beautifully located, and you get a perfect view of the river/neighborhood. The food is good. I do prefer the old menu (when it was still flat water) as there was more choice. But everything on the new menu is good quality and the prices are more than reasonnable for quality'location/service. If you go on a busy week end brunch, do not expect to be out of there fast, they still have some service issues to fix. But everyone is friendly and happy to help. Will definitely be back next summer!
(4)Joe Z.
Great spot right on the water. So close that if you are not careful with your bag you could drop them into the river. Drinks were reasonably priced. Menu was somewhat limited, but the linguine with shrimp was quite good.
(4)Lyn B.
Been here for brunch, lunch and dinner, and have enjoyed it every time! Best time to go here is when it's warm outside, so you can sit in their outdoor area overlooking the river. The service is always good, and favorites on the menu include the brioche french toast, potatoes, Caesar salad (be careful- it comes with the anchovies on top so ask to exclude them if you don't like them!), spinach salad, and burgers!
(4)Claire F.
Turkey Sandwich! It was amazing, and the fries were something extra special with a delicious seasoning and tang to them. The best part about the restaurant is the view and setting. The service was also amazing! $13 for dinner in a really nice and beautiful restaurant, I'm sold!
(4)Katie T.
Found this place on yelp. We decided to try it out because it has great reviews, a patio with a river view, and the photos of the interior looked so cozy with all of the wood. After a long day at work, sitting on the patio and having a beer was exactly what we needed. The popcorn starter was amazing and so different. We split the burger and fries which were so good, and plenty for 2 people. The staff was also very nice and welcoming. I can't wait to visit Chicago again to come back to this place.
(5)J J.
Four of us had brunch there on a Sunday morning and the food was excellent! I had the Huevos Rancheros, others had the Eggs Benedict and Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy - all of them were great choices. Breakfast drinks were a bit of a let down. I wish they offered more than just drip coffee but there is no espresso machine in the house. The coffee was served in very basic cups - my school cafeteria had the same ones and I've seen them at the Golden Nugget too. The Bridge House Tavern can surely do better than those establishments. No good brunch in my book goes without OJ, and I was hoping for a treat of freshly squeezed one. The offering was far from my expectations - it was the basic OJ from concentrate, usually used for making bar drinks like Screw Drivers. The service staff was really nice and accommodating. We were seated in the atrium area by the windows, just past the bar and got to enjoy the river view. One issue I had was with the AC. The vent grills were directed straight down towards our table and blasted cold air all the time. I had to put my wool coat on with the collar up and left with a headache. The staff expressed similar concerns but could not do much to turn down the AC. I really appreciated that Mike, the new manager/owner, stopped by to say Hi and made sure we are enjoying our stay. Being a new place, I am sure the Bridge House Tavern will work out the kinks. For now I can barely award it four stars, mostly for the food and ambiance. It's right by my office so I am looking forward to going back there with friends and colleagues for lunch and after hours.
(4)Jen C.
Second time there today. This time, we had a big work group that went for a celebratory lunch and it was wonderful. Our server, Annetta (sp?) was thoroughly knowledgeable about the menu, and offered some good suggestions. The food was delicious ... I mean, delicious! Everyone loved their meals. The staff was accommodating, and was able to change our seating from outside (it's 90 degrees, after all) to inside as quick as that. Additionally, the management made a point to check in with us to make sure we were happy and ask for suggestions. Classy. No one seemed 100% sold on the bacon milkshake (I didn't try it, so can't say), but everything else was stellar. Definitely coming back... soon!
(5)Brad F.
We came here by boat one night for dinner. Wish we could of sat outside but unfortunately we were with a group of 12. The service was great everything came out perfect and our large group was very satisfied! The burger I got was excellent! Those fries that they serve with all the dipping sauces was out of this world. Cant wait to come get those fries again!
(4)Justin P.
Delicious. Everything was great and the atmosphere was amazing. Try the pig wings or the bruschetta. So glad I chose this place.
(5)Eeeee L.
We had a party of six here on Friday night for dinner. The server we had was great. The view was incredible. We could hear the nice live music drifting from another restaurant across the river, which really made the evening. The food was very delicious and well-received by our group overall. The drinks were tasty and prompt. Between us, we tried several menu items. To name a few: - "pig wings"...so good, definitely the hit of the table! - burgers...huge and all were yummy (good fries, too) - mussels...WARNING: we'll get to that in the next paragraph - salmon BLT...fabulous flavor and generous portion size - Tavern chicken...can't go wrong with chicken, although the grits weren't quite up to par My only unhappiness with this place was with the preparation of the mussels (appetizer I chose for my entree). I love seafood and know how it should be done, and I would not get this item again based on my recent experience. The quantity was scant compared to the 18-25 range given by the waiter (who confirmed with someone who seemed to be a manager). First disappointment, but I will forgive them for that. The second disappointment is why I write this review, mostly to caution to future customers. The mussels had not been cleaned properly and were full of VERY LARGE grains of sand. There was zero warning of this upon serving, and I was very startled when I bit into the first one and felt like I had chomped down on a bucket of gravel. (A very tasty gravel bucket nonetheless.) I joked around that I almost busted a tooth while we all ate up and enjoyed catching up. Several more were just as grainy, but I was being more careful than a Grandma when she eats taffy with her dentures in. I ended up swallowing most of them as if they were oysters. After we settled up and were walking down Clark, I felt around...I actually DID chip a very healthy tooth!!! I made an emergency appointment with my dentist first-chance I could this week to check out my mangled molar. Let's just say this is the most expensive bowl of mussels I have ever ordered. Well, when I get the dental bill...it will easily be the most expensive meal all together. Though the pan sauce for the mussels was completely delectable and right-on (oh, I would have sopped it up with every last piece of bread!!!)...this was not a pleasant experience for me due to ruining decades of a perfect dental record and depleting my wallet far beyond a $10 appetizer. RATING: - 4.5 stars for flavor - 5 stars for great outdoor seating on the river - 4 stars for the staff - 0 stars from the Tooth Fairy - overall rating of 3 stars
(3)Lisa L.
Great place to have lunch in the summer! So cool to watch the water taxis and architectural tour boats going by as you eat! I definitely recommend eating outside! A little pricey for everyday lunch, but perfect for a special occassion!
(4)shai h.
Best. Pork chop. Ever. In my while life. Seriously. And the oysters are amazing!
(5)Mikey G.
I was in Chicago last week on business and decided to try this place based on the good reviews. All I can say is AWESOME. The turkey sandwich was the best I ever had.... No joke. The outdoor patio is right alongside the river and people were pulling up in their boats. Great atmosphere and yummy yummy food... Can't ask for more! And the waitstaff is super nice!
(5)Curtis R.
I am not really the person to write a review! For the simple fact that every person is different. I never judge a place until I try it! That being said. This Saturday 8/20/2011 I was frustrated the Air n Water show had been delayed because of a storm! I found myself leaving my can/slip too water taxi into the city and explore! I had a few familiar places I wanted to have a beer at and maybe a sandwich! I started at Dick's Last Resort, they didn't open until 11 am I guess. So, I went next door to the House of Blues. They, again did not open. They all had plenty of staff, but would not budge on serving me. Then I remembered that an old friend started a new job at BRIDGE HOUSE TAVERN. I was very pleased to see it had a waterfront and a beautiful patio with canopy's for dinning out in the elements! I would love to see it in Autumn with the changing season! Further more I was greeted by my friend and the owner. We shared great conversation about the new business and how it has become a hit in downtown Chicago! I just had a regular Cheese Burger because I am simple. However, the chick next to me was eating an amazing breakfast plate with with eggs and thick slices of bacon! If i had been there early enough I would have ordered it. I do recommend this place for it's setting, staff, and awesome food with a unique menu! Also, there is a first come first serve waters edge docking for your personal watercraft in front of the building! They do have docking cleats for large cruiser boats. However, they need some cleats bolted into the wood down below for power boats that sit in the water lower! When your heading North on Clark just when you pass the Chicago Canal it's on the right... look for the old Bridge House elevator to take you down to the landing!! Thank you Bridge House Tavern and thanks Dana for the company! I can't wait to come back and try something new! Your Friend Waterboycurtis. Ps.. When you are a costumer at BHT, they don't care if you own a boat! So, they do not discriminate between travelers by foot or by water! They just like serving people well!
(5)Emily M.
Ok, i'm sold now. I love the atmosphere during winter. It's like a cozy escape from the awful Chicago wind and snow. The fireplace and smaller sized floor plan makes it a really intimate and laid back place in the winter.
(4)Amy F.
I had a blast here! I was here for my sister's wedding rehearsal dinner. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. We had half of the outdoor patio for our party and it was great. There were two cabanas with great ample seating. Plus tables and chairs available. The river was beautiful, watching the boats and kayaks pass was fun. Some even tied up to dine while we were there! Our out of town guests got a big kick out of that. One of the owners, Ryan, was very nice. He made sure everything was running smoothly and seemed genuinely interested in how our evening was going. I would recommend this place for everyone. Just a night out, hanging with friends, or a more formal dinner date, to a wonderful party! Thanks for a great time.
(5)Rebecca C.
I rarely venture out of my Bucktown/Wicker Park nieghborhood but I was recommended this resturant by friends and yummo. The mussels and pig wings are sinfully good and the fish sticks were so different, delicious and unique. The great wine selection and view certainly tops off the whole atmosphere.
(5)Lorena d.
This year I wanted to celebrate my birthday low key with just dinner and drinks with some of my family and friends, so we decided to go to Bridgehouse because some one had recommneded it to me. I called and made a reservation for 12 people, the day of I got a phone call to confirm my reservation and who ever I spoke to said 8 people, I told her No 12 so she said "ok that's fine see you tonite". I got to the restaurant a half hour before my friends and family and when they show me my table it was set uip for 8 people, I told the waitress right away and they took care of the problem by adding a table and some chairs right away, I was pleased because this all happend before my guests got there because that would have been embarssing if there wasn't enough seats when my guests arrived. We also got 2 orders of the popcorn complimentry for the misunderstaning which I must say the popcorn was excellent nothing I have ever had before. I love the sweet-salty taste of it and all foods in general. Service was excellent even though they goofed up on my reservation they quickly accomadated us. There was not an empty glass of water or any other drink for that matter the whole night. Our waitress was very knowledgable and served us very well and if she was not around the bus boys were very helpful with getting us what ever we needed, so that kind of made up for the reservation mess up. Mark the owner came out and apoligezed also for the reservation mishap which also very nice!All around good service from everyone! As we were waiting for the rest of our party we had Victoris beer on draft oh my God were they good, Victoria beer is a little pricey beer when you buy them in bottles and it's hard to find them on draft and actually taste good. We also went and ordered the mussles EXCELLENT loved them, the bread served with the mussles was also so good we asked if we could get an order of just the bread so we could finish the sauce the mussles came with. We went on to order the pigwings they were EXCELLENT as well couldn't help to lick my fingers. For our main courses 2 people ordered the big steak burgers I didn't hear any complaints. Some one ordered the po boy which she said she was even surprised to find that on the menu. She said it wasn't like the one she had in New Orleans but it was close enough! I personally had the steak frites it was delish cooked well nice size cuts of meat. The mac-n-cheese was the best part of my night it was above EXCELLENT, next time I go there I plan on ordering that for sure and YES I do plan on going back there and recommend you all do the same!!!
(5)Jeremy M.
Credit where it is due: Not long after writing the initial review, the owner sent a reply acknowledging the problem. Such a rapid and genuine response deserves note: it's a sign of a restaurant that cares about its customers' experience. I hadn't been planning on going back, but this did change my mind, and I will try to find another time to go. It doesn't always take much to change the mind of an open-minded critic--but it is all the more notable because it happens so rarely.
(3)Ebony G.
My visit here was mixed...it started off great, went horribly wrong in the middle and kind of worked itself out in the end. Let me explain.... A friend and I were meeting for food and drinks, we sat outside along the wall next to the river. The good.... Our waiter Bobby was AMAZING, he was friendly, attentive, gave great food and drink suggestions. I would go back just for him, because he was so nice. The view was great. The food was really good. I would come back for the food. I had the special, a whitefish with grilled calamari on top and my friend had the grilled cheese sandwich; for our appetizer we had the pig wings....all very tasty. The owner Ryan, he was pleasant came to our table, addressed our concerns, apologized profusely. He redeemed this restaurant experience. The bad..... Unbeknownst to us, we were sitting next to a dock enter and let off point. We saw the silver ladder on the other side of the wall but didn't expect a boat to dock and for people to try and unload right at our table. My friend had to move in order for the people to get off the boat. When she went to find a manager, the people coming off the boat were using her chair to step down to the ground. It was insanely rude and unsanitary. She found the other owner, NOT Ryan, and when she suggested they move that table from in front of the ladder he said to not have that table there means less money for them. It was a table for 2. REALLY?! When she mentioned the potential loss of customers, no response. So we moved to another table, and as soon as we left they sat another perosn there, who had the EXACT same experience and had to be moved as well. So Ryan, the great owner, spoke with us, apologized and moved the tables so that people unloading could do so without bothering the diners. I'll go back, I just won't sit next to the ladders.
(3)Lila G.
This is the sort of place where you have a good time DESPITE the service and food. We went on a Wed night. Ideal location, beautiful waterfront tables, etc. The hostesses, in their haste to prevent you from becoming pushy people while waiting for tables outside, become ridiculously pushy in advance. We were perfectly fine sitting inside (which was completely empty) but they insisted "there was a wait" and that we put our names down on a list for a table outside. Oh and they're also "not allowed" to give out wait times. Odd. We finally got our way and sat inside, which was perfectly fine except it took a visit to the bartender to get a waitress to come over. Our waitress was really nice, but harried. Our appetizer arrived and 2 min later half the entrees. Awkward. 10 min later the rest of the food came out. Also awkward. The waitress also confessed that she was "AFRAID TO GO INTO THE KITCHEN" which made us all slightly nervous! The burger was decent, nothing special. The salmon BLT was tasty, but the much-touted "bacon milkshake" didn't taste at all like bacon. We're not smokers so our senses of taste are quite good. No bacon flavor. The fish and chips had an interesting skewer-like presentation, but they were covered in thick chunks of batter that puffed up in the fryer and became chewy and heavy rather than becoming crispy. Oh well. Go for the setting, do not go for the food or the service, and grit your teeth as the hostesses try to convince you to sit somewhere you don't want to. Hahahah! What can you say, takes all types to make the world!
(2)Ami H.
I am as confused writing this review as I was reading the menu. The combinations of flavors in the dishes are so ... we'll say "unique" ... that it's hard to imagine what food is going to taste like. The popcorn - delicious. The beer & cheese soup, also delicious. The turkey sandwich, WAYYY too salty and unedible. The bread pudding, bland. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and despite the turkey sandwich, we were enjoying a mild evening on the river quite nicely. Then, just as dinner was wrapping up, a VERY LARGE ... we'll say "rodent" to be polite... started creeping under the tables looking for crumbs. I guess it's to be expected since the patio is ON the river, but still. So the moral of this story? Probably left you feeling as confused as I still am. Thumbs up for the unique flavors that work, thumbs down for the ones that don't. Thumbs up for atmosphere, thumbs down for critters.
(3)Alison H.
Great outdoor seating. The service was very prompt, helpful and friendly. My friend and I had salads, which were creative and tasty. Loved the outdoor atmosphere. I highly recommend. Nice to see that Chicago is developing the riverfront. The scenery backdrop was fabulous. I look forward to going back from Happy Hour or dinner.
(4)Howard C.
The view is great and provides alot of conversation opportunities. The meal was the cheapest, yet easily one of the best we had during our weekend in Chicago. The staff was nice and attentive. It's a tradition for us to stop there.
(5)Mark C.
Food was alright, place was hot and stuffy, bloody Mary was full of horse radish. Turkey sandwich was dry, salad had no dressing.
(2)Chrissy M.
We had dinner here on a Thursday night. We did call to make reservations. The reason I mention this is because my family (9 of us) arrived and were told we only have 45 minutes to eat and get out in time for a private event. We were extremely disappointed at first since we had made a reservation and were there to celebrate our dad's 50th birthday. We sat down and were considering leaving when the manager came back to our table and told us we would be seated in a different area of the restaurant out of the way with a wonderful view and would be able to take our time. We were very appreciative (although, I do believe we should have accepted nothing less). We did not have to go far, just to a table in the front portion of the restaurant and it actually worked out much nicer for us anyways. There are windows facing the river and an outdoor bar and patio. My 1 year old son came along and they were very accommodating. The food was very good but a little pricey. We had fine service. We did not have very nice weather so I would probably go back again for the patio and the views if nothing else!
(4)Fuudcritic C.
Disaster! Went for brunch. Service was terrible! How can a restaurant mess up breakfast food? Really. Service? We had to find our waiter and ask for water. We had to find our waiter for our check. And, no, it was not busy. If you're there for just the view and drinks (in the evening), great. Food and service? FORGET IT!!
(1)Andrea F.
Bridge House Tavern was the perfect place for Father's Day brunch. A friend of mine recommended it and I have to say - many thanks. Sitting outside along the river is something you have to take advantage of in the summer. We were fortunate and had perfect weather. We started with some very tasty mimosas. They also had a bloody mary special, the next table over ordered, which also looked pretty good too. Dad got the burger and I had the eggs benedict. The burger was no ordinary burger - stacked tall, and mouthwatering. Of course I had to steal some fries - yummm. I'm a big fan of eggs benedict and these did not disappoint. From ham to hollandaise, I ate every last bite. The Bridge House potatoes they are served with were equally amazing. I highly recommend this place for food, drinks and great location on the river.
(5)Trish T.
Loved the location. It was our first time in Chicago and we got a table outside on the river. Such a fun place to eat and enjoy the beauty of the river...just a all round great setting. Our appetizers were great, we ordered the cheese board and oysters. Both were yummy. Both our entrees were also great and wine was great also. What I loved most was the location!!!
(4)Red W.
While visiting Chicago today my family and I heard about this place and decided to give it a try. It's right on the river and has a great outdoor dining area. Watching the boats go by while staring at all the beautiful buildings we waited for our table. I was surprised that they didn't have any local brews but they had Sierra Nevada from Cali, so that was a plus. We got great service from the hostess station and our waitress was super friendly too. A pork chop dish we had was really tasty. Super tender and had a great garnish/set-up. Rockin' good Mac n cheese too. My meal came luke-warm at best, though, and was charred black/burned on the outside while raw in some parts. After our meal I mentioned my experience to the manager and she went above and beyond to make the issue right. When we come back to Chicago we'll definitely put it on the list of places to go back to.
(4)Penny D.
Went here to celebrate a friend's birthday last night and loved it! The space was great with views overlooking the river. Casual vibe, but with sophisticated touches. This will be a great summer dining spot. The food was delicious and i would recommend the steak frites and pork dish. Huge portions. Attentive wait staff as well. The owner stopped by our table to welcome us and chat for a bit, very nice touch. It's always a joy to dine in a restaurant where they are welcoming and genuinely interested in making sure you are enjoying the experience. Keep up the good work and I think this is a winner!
(5)Joan H.
Wonderful location, right on the river, and we were seated outside. The food was delicious, although the dessert menu was lacking. Service was solid.
(4)Cheryl A.
I have gone to Bridgehouse a few times and really enjoy it. The outside patio is fantastic and on a warm day, nothing beats it. Sipping a cocktail while watching boats go by on the river is a great way to spend the afternoon on a nice, summer day in Chicago! They have a good selection of food (you gotta try the Honey, Bacon, Jalapeno popcorn---addictive!) and the wait staff has always been pleasant and attentive. Great vibe, good food and excellent location! Highly recommended!
(4)Katie L.
Had dinner here and LOVED it! Warm, intimate atmosphere, great wine and beer, wonderful food. I love the location. Even on a cold, winter night...the river looked beautiful. I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(4)donna y.
carafe of spiked Pink lemonade + outdoor seating = perfect summer
(4)Bert T.
I went to Bridge House Tavern on a recent summer Saturday at about 2 pm. There was a 15 minute wait. When I was seated, I was surprised to see that there were at least a half dozen empty tables. Most of the outdoor seating area is in direct sunlight, which is risky for me (I am very fair skinned and burn easily, both my parents have had skin cancer.) I waited for about 5 minutes to be greeted by my server, who asked what I wanted to drink -- coffee -- and then wanted to know "if I was interested in ordering any food." Why, yes. I ordered the Trout Hash with poached eggs. After at least a thirty minute wait in the sun -- during which my coffee cup and water glass got empty -- she brought my entree. The pieces of fish were very small and scarce, the portion overall was more the size of an appetizer than an entree, it did not come with any bread, and -- to top it off, literally -- I was served fried eggs, not what I ordered. Since by now it was 3 pm, & I was famished, I started eating it anyway. No one checked to see if it was OK or if I needed anything. When I was finally able to get the server's attention, I asked her if they looked like poached eggs to her, or if there had been some sort of problem. She said, "I noticed that." Well, she didn't correct it, or mention it when she brought them: she probably hoped I wouldn't notice. I work with the public, and I've never in my life treated anyone like this. I know several other places where I can get twice the food and twice the flavor for half the price, with good service too. I won't be back.
(1)Chris H.
This place was great. It is right on the lake which is nice to see the boats go by. We went for a late lunch, around 3:30, and although they had a shortened menu, it was more than adequate. They also had $5 mimosas and bloody mary's so that was an added bonus. The food was excellent as was the service. If I lived in Chicago, I would be there all the time (weather permitting).
(4)Susana D.
interesting salads, gorgeous views of the city and, yes, the servers, strangely exceptional side sauces (I seem to recall something pairing berries and horseradish, and a tomato relish that was a knock-out)...could use umbrellas, but if you can get the table at the far west end, the trees do the trick
(3)Kim B.
Great location with huge patio overlooking the river. Inside, it is pretty small. I really wanted to like this place. The service was great, our waiter was super sweet and very attentive. I went with a friend for some after work wine and snacks. They were out of my first 2 choices of wine by the glass. I finally settled on a glass of red and the temperature of the wine was hot. It was a 95 degree day and it tasted like they were storing it on the patio in the sun. We had the cheese board and charcuterie. The cheeses were really disappointing, kinda grocery store type stuff. A blue, smoked mozzarella and swiss. The charcuterie was odd in that it was 3 pates, so all had the same texture and overall taste. They were great quality and flavor, just would have nice to have some variety with salumi or something else. I would go back for the outdoor seating.
(3)Lauren U.
What a beautiful place for a summer evening. Delicious cheese platter, beer and cheddar soup, pasta with cream mushroom and truffle sauce. Summer beer, water, and sunshine -- a table right on the water. Just make sure to make reservations.
(5)LeeAnn T.
WOW, this places screams that they don't need new business clientelle when not only is the host rude to the guests but the owner is also. We called two weeks in advavance for a reservation, and were told to call again the day of instead. We called the day of and were told we should have called sooner by the same person (TOBI). Once we arrived to the place, Tobi greeted us with a rude and condensending tone of "we won't set your party up until they all arrived." We all arrive and not only is the table not set up but we are told by Tobi that the tables assigned to us we can't put our things on. Then we are told by the busboy we can't sit at the tables Tobi walked us to. I proceed to call the owner who tells me on the phone that his staff handled the situation appropriately. Wow! I think the owner should stick to the back of the house improving the menu items critiqued by the Sun Times and stay out of running client services. The only thing charming about this place is the river, don't waste your time, go to another river view spot as these people don't care about customer service only their egos.
(1)Jeff P.
One of our friends raved about Bridge House so we took a party of 10 there. Part of the appeal was the location - the restaurant's at river level so there is an unusual view. Asked for seating at the windows when we reserved and the restaurant said there would be no problem. Learned better; no windows on a Monday night when, aside from us, there were only 8 other customers. Let me bottom line this: menu selection was limited, food was poorly prepared. Chance of going back: zero. There are too many good restaurants in Chicago to waste a second chance on this place.
(2)Andrew G.
Expectations EXCEEDED. The food is just as great as everybody says but the service was what made the night. I called in earlier this week and was excited to have been able to get a reservation for 8 on a Thursday night. Granted it was an early meal at 5:15 but I could tell that the hostess was doing me a favor because they had a private event planned for later that evening. We were thrown for a quick loop when we got there because they failed to mention that due to the private event we would have to be out of the place in just over an hour. My family had come into the city for the purpose of celebrating my parents' birthdays so we were ready to cancel and find a place where we could spend more of the evening together, something I knew wouldn't be easy to do last minute. We decided to at least sit down and get some appetizers when one of the managers came over and told us that they were able to move us to their "front" table where we could dine in private for as long as we'd like. This "front" table turned out to be a large full table with plush chairs situated beneath atrium windows... the kind of table you'd have in your house but use only on Thanksgiving. Our situation instantly went from stressful to best-case scenario and improved even more-so once the food came out... Appetizers - The pig wings were cooked perfectly and the sauce was one of the best I've had. The bruschetta was unique and equally as flavorful. There was enough to go around with both dishes. We ordered a few burgers - 10oz and two patties stacked about 5 inches high and stabbed with a wooden steak knife that brought the total height of the dish to what seemed like 3ft. I didn't try it but the reviews were glowing. The fish of the day - A generously-sized fillet of Mahi Mahi over a roasted red pepper and chipotle sauce with corn polenta. Fantastic. Shaved salad with chicken - I was skeptical about taking the healthy route with this one and although it came out looking small and light, it was incredibly flavorful and filling. Bonus points for the lightly fried ricotta croutons. The fish and chips - A substantial basket of lightly-fried whitefish over some excellent french fries. Also great. And lastly, a side of the grits - My parents happen to be true grits-eating Southerners who claim to have tried this dish in every possible form. These grits are officially their new favorite. Living down the street from this place and given the selection of over-priced so-so restaurants in River North I think I found a new favorite for the area. I can't wait to get back and get brunch out on the patio... I'm convinced it'll be as good as the other reviews say it is.
(5)John C.
love the restauraunt and the food, location is great , staff is nice , hostess is the worst she makes u feel uncomfortable when u get there
(4)Alexa F.
i came in not expecting much last Monday, and left truly happy! From the moment we walked in to the moment we left everyone was polite and made our experience worth the trip! Dominique was our server, its nice to have a person patient and knowlegable of there trade. Even though she was running around she still took the time to explain everything in detail and chit chat. The food was just amazing! from Apps to Dessert ! My friends and I will be back for sure ! Thank you!
(5)Rielly M.
With $5 bloody Mary's and mimosas you really can't go wrong. It was one of the best eggs Benedict I've had this summer and all with a stunning view of the river. We only waited about 25 minutes to be seated even though it was pretty busy. I would go back again for the great location and cheap cocktails.
(5)Rachel D.
This place is awesome! We came here on a Saturday around 4 p.m. with a party of 7 and were seated immediately. We wanted to sit outside but it was rainy so we got a long table right next to the window and were still able to see outside onto the river. They had $5 bloodys and $5 mimosas all day and they also had beer buckets on sale. We tried one of the drinks (wish I could remember the name of it) and it was very good & strong. We also ordered food at 5 p.m. (they don't serve food until that time) and I was surprised that it came out cold! The tator tots would have been awesome if they were hot! I was also a little shocked that a plate of tots cost $13. Oh well I probably would've thought it was worth it had they been hot! I definitely recommend this place though for a HH because they have specials every day!
(4)Marie T.
Awesome when you can find a place where the food is amazing and the view is equally as awesome. St.BHT cocktail with a bacon omelet was the best brunch I've had in a long time. The service was outstanding (thanks Emily!). Highly recommend!
(5)Karolina T.
I love the location because they have an amazing patio right on the Chicago river. The food is equally as good. We got the clams for an appetizer and the sauces it comes with are really flavorful. For an entree we had the burger, duck tacos, and pork belly BLT. Everything was pretty good and I though that you got a lot of food for your money. The waitress was also very nice.
(4)Kelly J.
I went here Sunday for brunch. I've been wanting to go here for quite some time and was very excited. Boy, was I wrong. First, I asked the hostess for a gluten free menu and she said they didn't have one, but my server would be happy to help. When the server came over he immediately pointed out the "no substitutions" at the top of the menu. I asked if this included allergies, and he said yes. Then he continued to tell me the only thing I could have was FRUIT. And that he "didn't know much about gluten but recommend To stay away from bread and eggs" So first off, bread is a given, but then I state that eggs should be ok and he says they "add flour to all eggs and remember, no substitutions" FLOUR? IN EGGS? I've been celiac for quite some time and have never come across someone adding flour to eggs. Or a restaurant not being even a little bit accommodating. I will never return.
(1)Jeffrey T.
This place is so good! The view is awesome, the service is great, the food is cheap & delicious and the mimosas are champagne with a pinch of OJ, definitely worth the 5 bucks for them ;) I will be returning soon
(5)Caroline B.
Went there on Easter Sunday for brunch with no reservation. Oddly, we had no problem getting a table which was great for us. Service was very friendly, bloody mary tasty (not excellent but good), but my corned beef hash was AWESOME. One of the best brunch meals I've had in a while. I will definitely be back, can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can sit outside. One mark against them is no dog license for the patio. Boo - I would be a big time regular if they allowed my pooches to join me.
(4)Benjamin R.
This place is cool because its right on the river. If you want to sit outside on a nice day, you can't do much better than their location. The food is solid pub fare, maybe nothing to write home about but everything we had was good, and reasonably priced. I don't think this is normally necessary at all, but I made a reservation many weeks in advance, because it was a holiday weekend and we had a party of 4. I requested in the reservation that we wanted to sit outside. When we came in, they were seating a walk-in party outside, but then told us that there were no tables available out there. Fine if you don't reserve specific tables, but if you have a request from someone weeks in advance, and another party that just strolled up, maybe give it to the people who specifically requested it.
(3)Instant Y.
Either the most pretentious place or one with hosts that get it the least. Went in to get a drink at the bar with a group. Hostess stopped us and asked us to wait. She said 'the bar is standing room only, i need your name for a table reservation'. I said i just want to go to the bar with my friends for a drink. She says please wait. We left.
(1)Brian W.
Pretty good place before a show at Cadillac Palace. I had the prosciutto wrapped chicken with polenta and asparagus, which was fantastic. I also tried a couple of appetizers. Overall the food is tasty, but a bit overpriced like many of the restaurants in the area. If you can, get a table outside on the river on a nice day. Perfect...
(4)Derek B.
They told me "no substitutions" when I said I didn't want onion on my turkey burger. I pointed out that this wasn't exactly a substitution, but more like a deletion. They said they would try to accommodate and I ended up scraping the onions off of my burger when it arrived. Basic menu, nice views of the river and the staff is somewhat friendly. Could be a little more accommodating, though.
(3)Mark B.
I came here for lunch with a coworker and we had a great lunch on a beautiful summer day. Decor: The location, and decor, of this place is fantastic. It is right on the river, and I mean RIGHT on it, and it is nicely upscale. It is not overly fancy but it is very nice. We sat outside, of course, and it was wonderful - the sun was shining, it was not very hot, and just sitting having lunch was nice. Bathroom: I did not use it during the visit. Staff: We were seated right away and our waiter promptly took our orders. He was very friendly and very speedy with brining, and refilling, everything. Food/Drink: The food was very good. We had a salad (fresh and tasty) and fish tacos (delicious!). The portion sizes are standard here and everything came out hot and fresh (well, the tacos at least haha). Value: The portions are pretty standard and the prices are not terrible. I was prepared for inflated prices, given the awesome location, but they were not too bad at all. We had a great lunch and I would definitely return for another meal. The location is great and the food is good (usually those two are inversely related).
(4)Cassandra F.
Went here for lunch today and sat at the bar. My colleague and I decided to get a few of the "Shareables" to split as our lunch. The bartender didn't warn us that they were in fact huge portions, so we ordered way too much. Here is what we ordered: - mushroom bruschetta - this had so much truffle on it and the mushrooms tasted terrible. So terrible that I earnest thought I might need to spit it out. - chicken avocado rolls - just gross (despite being the bartenders favorite) - duck tacos - way too large and the meat was rubbery and disgusting. Only took one bite. - fries - the only thing we ended up eating. So basically, we ate a lunch of french fries and didn't left everything else with only one or two bites out of it. Needless to say, I will not be back and would advise people to go elsewhere.
(1)E M.
We walked through this restaurant on Saturday afternoon and decided to make reservations for the very next day. The restaurant could not be better situated - right on the Chicago River with incredible views so probably one of the best patios in the city. I have to say the service was pretty exceptional. We arrived early for our reservation on Sunday for brunch and they did everything they could to accomodate our request for a table outside and offered up the cabana; they even switched up the tables so it would be easier for our group to dine. The host was really sweet which was helpful because we had our 77 year old mother with us. The food was really good - lots of options for brunch. I am looking forward to visiting for dinner, soon!
(4)Debra C.
Visited our daughter in Chicago and she always likes taking us to new places. This was definitely a winner! The food was great - love doing shareables. The service was very good and we enjoyed the view of the river while eating. My husband and I would recommend!
(5)Nick B.
This place is truly a hidden gem. I couldn't tell you how to get to it from the street, but last year was my first year owning a boat in Chicago and we stopped here every time we went through the locks and came down the river. Food menu was limited at the times we visited, but I haven't found something I haven't liked yet. Cocktails are amazing and the river view patio, in my opinion, is one of the best in the city. The true catalyst for writing this review is the kindness of the owner, Ryan. My friends and I went through a TOUGH learning curve during the first few weeks with the boat and we broke down there twice. He was extremely understanding and genuinely wasn't bothered we were occupying the limited dock space Bridge House has. He recognized and welcomed us every time we pulled up despite the risk we might be there an hour after our meal was finished, and never gave pushback on us wearing our bathing suits and tank tops. Super nice guy and an exemplar of stellar customer service. Ryan - if you're reading this: See you in a few months and be sure to get BHT listed here: chicagoharbors.info/life…
(5)Tracy B.
Great brunch! Atmosphere was great too, river and skyline views. Our table was under a tent and wasn't really a table but lounge chairs and ottoman table but it worked well.
(5)Jason U.
Went for a business lunch and sat outside. 5 stars for the location and scenery. Not so much for the food. The presentation is good and it seems like they try but taste wasn't on par. I had the burger. Not sure how you screw that up but it was soooo salty. The fries tasted either previously frozen or they had just sat out for while and reheated. I never send things back but traded for the tots. Great place for after work drinks and will probably only do that if I go back.
(3)Kristi M.
Great brunch spot! Perfect location on the river. You can always count on their food being great and $5 mimosas Saturday/Sunday!
(5)Marshall V.
Bridge House is always a great choice. Its become my go-to after work spot. It's always nice to sit along the Chicago River, especially with a carafe of one of their cocktails. They have a HUGE menu of small plates which I tend to order from. I especially love the Pig Wings and the Mussels! We definitely take advantage of the half price Oysters from 2-5 on weekdays too :) As far as entrees the braised short ribs are my favorite. I haven't made it there for brunch yet, but the menu looks superb, plus $5 Mimosas and Marys! I have to give a shoutout to Tom for being an excellent server, he is consistently great so we request him now :)
(5)Anita L.
The view here can not be beat. Most beautiful patio I've found in my 14 years living in this city. I've come here sporadically over the last few years for dates or showing out of town friends some of the best this city has to offer, or when there is that freak out of season perfect day you can guarantee this patio is open and trying to make the best of Chicago's crazy weather. The staff is always friendly and trying their best to keep up with swarms of people that flock here when the weather is good. On more than one of my visits one of the owners has stopped by the table to check on things which are usually perfect. If it's beautiful expect to wait if you don't have a reservation. Personally Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days to come here. Wednesdays half price bottles of wine. If you love bacon this is the spot for you. Also the most amazing Bloody Mary mix (made in house by one of the owner's personal recipes) around.
(5)Erica M.
small selection of entrees, best for drinks and appetizers. Ordered honey glazed cod, not as yummy as I had hoped.
(3)Kristen B.
We went here for brunch while we were visiting Chicago. It is an awesome spot right near the river. The food was excellent and the service was even better. Our cups were never empty. You can tell they care about their customers.
(5)Kristine R.
Great view! My friends and I came here to enjoy some small bites and cocktails while enjoying the view of the river. However, we came while there was some construction, so I'm sure the view could be better. I had the special drink of the month (some mojito sort of drink), it was good - a bit strong, even better! My friends had beer (they kept it simple). We all had some small bites: - spicy chicken avocado rolls - I enjoyed these and it was enough to share (not just two pieces!). It has a bit of a kick! - artichoke bruschetta - loved this! very simple yet tasty! - potato salad (I don't care for potato salad, but my friends liked it). These are labeled as small plates on the menu, but they're just enough to share. Service was fine. I'd come back but just for drinks, I'd probably go elsewhere for dinner.
(4)Mandi P.
I have been here a few times and have had consistent food and service each time. I spent some of my youth in Florida and this place kind of reminds me of a cute little Florida seafood restaurant on the water. It's a bit smaller on the inside with a nice patio on the outside along the river. We always eat at the bar (that's our thang) and have never had an issue getting seats. The staff is super friendly and efficient and the food is delicious. My only negative is that they don't carry Captain Morgain...just that lowly Sailor Jerry. This is not really their fault, though. I know this because I have been in talks with Captain Morgan itself about their distributor issue in Chicago. Anyway, I would definitely recommend this place for a fun little evening with your love or small group of friends.
(4)Erin H.
My husband and I hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner at Bridge House back in October. It was the perfect location to host our group ~ 35 people max. Kristen, the events manager, and everyone on the staff was so accommodating! The food was delicious and had just the right amount of uniqueness while still appealing to a diverse crowd. While it was a cold evening, the staff still allowed our group to have access to the outdoor patio which definitely added a fun component to the evening. Overall, Kristen was so easy to work with while we were planning. It was great to have one less thing to worry about during an insanely crazy weekend. She was detail-oriented and was sure to update me even when a few tables broke and we had to stray from our original floor plan just a bit. She absolutely made sure there were no surprises on the day-of. And quiet honestly she did a better job communicating and keeping me up to date than the premier caterers we used for our actual wedding reception. Thanks so much Kristen and the Bridge House Staff!
(5)Caroline F.
Great drink deals for brunch. Half the table was impressed with their food. However, their portions are huge...you waste half the food if your in town for a mini vacation. It's in great location on river however seems very crowded. Huevos rancheros were horrible. The beignets were pretty good however over fried but what could I expect Chicago is not New Orleans. I asked the waiter for the same thing three times...third times a charm I suppose. I would personally only go back for a cheap mimosa.
(3)Sarah V.
Oh hi, new favorite brunch spot! How are you? As drunk as you had me on Saturday? Probably so! During the winter, BHT has a $29 champagne brunch that includes an entree and unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary's on Saturdays. In the summer, the deal rolls over to Sundays. We were lucky enough to catch the deal on the last Saturday of the season for my friend's birthday, and quite frankly, I think BHT took a loss on our table. The Bloody's were legit. Nothing fancy added to them (a good Bloody doesn't need a cheeseburger on top of it, ahem), just spicy, tomato-y goodness. The mimosas were the best kind- champagne with a splash of orange juice. Our server was seriously on point and topped us off constantly. In addition to great drinks and great service, we all loved the food. The huevos rancheros were a responsible start to our day-drinking, but others opted for the pig trio of biscuits and gravy and the smoked trout hash. When the owner found out it was our friend's birthday, he brought a round of JaMo with pickle backs for us to share. I'm from nowhere near Michigan, but those 8 Milers know how to take a shot of whiskey, I'll say that. Riverwalk construction aside, BHT was a beautiful and perfect spot for a sunny Saturday brunch.
(5)Dia S.
Was here last Wednesday with my boyfriend. We didn't have a reservation and it was busy at time of arrival. We wanted to sit outside so we asked the rude hostesses how long the wait was , they said there was 6 people in front of us and that they really couldn't "estimate a wait time, because it's so beautiful outside and we have half price bottles of wine!" ummm ok? They said give or take over an hour. They told us we could sit inside and if something opened up we can move to the outside. We settled and grabbed a tiny table near the bar area. After 20 minutes in to our drinks and just as we ordered our food, we start noticing that the outside starts to clear out a bit. My boyfriend went back up to the host stand to ask if we could move to an outside table, the short hostess abruptly replies with an awful tone "well um did you order food? " he says "yes about 60 seconds ago" she comes back with "NOPE SORRY WE DONT DO THAT HERE, we can't transfer food outside, that's our policy." Really? Last time I checked you accommodate your guests in any way you can. It's called good customer service. A tab is easily transferred to a patio, or to a different server. I have worked in the service industry for over 10 years and have never experienced something like this. So please save your "that's our policy" b.s. We would of closed out and tipped the server appropriately. All they had to do was run our food to the table on the patio but I guess this was too much work for them. Your staff needs a refresher on how to treat people. I wouldn't recommend this place or this type of service to my worst enemy. It's a shame because the atmosphere outside is beautiful!
(1)Duska K.
Really good brunch - the location is wonderful, right next to the river. There is somewhat of a wait to sit outside, but the indoor seating was very nice and it felt like you were sitting outside anyway with all the windows and doors open. Food was good - very good brunch place!
(4)Seana S.
I used to LOVE this place. The view is amazing and a fun place to go to. Recently, they started "No modifications or Substitutions" and it's in big BOLD print on the menu. I don't know if they follow that all week or only on the weekends. Regardless, if someone can't have cheese in their omelet, they should be able to say NO cheese. Instead I was told they cannot accommodate. Our server stated several times our kitchen can't keep up with special requests. MAYBE they should invest in a kitchen staff who can read a ticket for an extra 3 seconds and accommodate the people who are paying to keep your doors open. The person I was with wanted no meat in their hash, but the server made her choose and eat around. The burger comes with American cheese on the burger, but I was told no. Our server said she can't ask the chef for anything without getting yelled at. We also got a salad and it had avocado in it. The Avocado was brown and old. I used to love this place, but I will not return. People have allergies, and dietary restraints in today's world. Our server even said she couldn't accommodate a "no bun" request for a burger. If you are one of these people I would NOT recommend this place for you. Truly disappointed in the management here, and lack of customer service.
(1)Angela D.
Two stars for ambiance...but other than that I was so disappointed. And that made me so sad because I really wanted to like this place. I ordered the the steam pot ($34) which was supposed to come with a 4oz lobster tail, but it was more like the carrion of what WAS a 4oz lobster tail. They also forgot the potatoes that are included in said pot. Though, the scallops were delicious. My girlfriend was bummed about her winter salad... It was $15 for about a cup and a half of roasted veggies... Bummer dude. The burger my cousin had looked good, but it's hard to mess up a burger. I don't know... I probably won't be back...the service was a big let down (I'm a bartender in the loop area) which is sad because I love to send the tourists to other good spots.
(2)Sarah D.
Solid food, pretty solid service, but a $3 upcharge to use only egg whites in an omelette is a bit over the top.
(4)Emma K.
I'm so surprised that this restaurant was half empty when my BF and I came here a couple of Saturdays ago. Our reservations were at 7, but we were so hungry at 6:15 we figured we would just go and have a drink while we waited. They were able to sit us down right away, and at one of the tables by the window. Food - Just get the pretzel appetizer. It was definitely the best thing that we tried from the menu. It comes with this magical beer cheese sauce that you should definitely keep if getting fries! We also had the Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls (only the dipping sauce is spicy btw), Tavern Fries, and Steak Sandwich. Nothing disappointed, and the 4 dishes + 5 drinks came in around $90. Definitely worth it for the yummy food, drinks, and atmosphere!
(5)John I.
YELP REVIEW: Bridge House Tavern 4 Stars Third time's the charm. I've been here that many. The first time was a warm summer afternoon work event for drinks and appies, where we took over the place. Fun, but... you know... work event, and the baggage that goes with it. And at that job, high school cliques formed by people twice or even thrice that age. I'm sure everyone else on here has gushed about the river location, especially on the sunny side, and they're right. Second time, brunch, on a Sunday afternoon, with a gaggle of family, including out-of-towners. It hadn't occurred to me that Frontera might be closed (Rick Bayless, what happened to your work ethic?!?) My family had a good meal, mine was a comedy of errors. I ordered the green eggs and ham, here the green is pesto. Wow, that sounded good. The waiter came back; they were out of the green eggs. How is that possible? I could see if they were out of pesto, but... After a little keen, Sherlock Holmes, CSI, The Wire investigating, it turns out that they still had pesto. I think they brought it on the side. Doesn't say much for the chef's skills. THEN, the dish came with the wrong part of the pig: bacon instead of ham. Huh? Green eggs and ham. Three things. If one isn't available, tell me! I would have ordered something else. But it was another lovely day. Normally I would have docked stars here, but it seemed that I had really caught otherwise a competent and quite friendly server and manager on a bad day. I won't ding them on this visit. The third time was the charm. I was trying to think of a place to go that was near my friend's hotel, the Westin, in late August. He invited a couple others. We needed something nearby, and I had reserved at Havana, but as I walked across the bridge, I thought it would be good for him to experience the river on a nice night. I ran down the stairs to see if they were free for four: Cuba could wait. The popcorn was a big draw for me: adding bacon, jalapeño and smoked salt, with a little honey is genius (despite everyone & his concession-stand brother having a popcorn recipe lately). I would rave more, but you've read this far, and I know your patience is waning. It's hard to resist cocktails by the carafe, and we didn't. My friend and I shared the Chicago Breeze, his friends shared the adult lemonade. Very delicious on a warm summer night. The fish and chips was wonderful, crisp and not greasy. A little strange that they bring malt vinegar in little stainless steel containers in which you might find pancake syrups. To me, the vinegar is perhaps the best part of fish & chips; luckily the wonderful waitress with a great sense of humor & fun (my memory is bad, was it Marguerite?) brought plenty of extras. While the patio is the draw here, it's even better than one might imagine: You're outside in downtown Chicago, there is the wide expanse of the river, the moonlight above (if it's that time of the month), and, being a floor below street level, it's quite quiet (at least on a weekday evening).
(4)Kelley L.
Just to be sure, BHT still does it right. I've been back several times, but after my last visit, it merits a confirmation that I love this place. My fella and I chose BHT as our celebration dinner locale after closing on our new condo. Good thing, since the closing didn't exactly go swimmingly, but our meal at BHT helped us forget the pain. The food was tasty, service friendly and quick despite a couple large parties in the same area, and the patio along the river on a summer evening just cant be beat. I may be biased because Kristen (marketing gal) and Ryan (owner) stopped by to chat for some time, but I'm a fan. If you're looking for a nice evening on the river, this is the place.
(5)Jackie E.
I have always loved this place! Ryan and Deanna took great care of us today! Look forward to seeing you soon!!
(5)K M.
Loved our meal at BHT. All of the staff were polite and accommodating and our waitress, Danielle could not have been more engaging and helpful. I'd go back for the service and ambiance alone but in this case one doesn't have to sacrifice anything bc the food was amazing too! Tavern TOTS...wow. Keep up the good work BHT!!
(5)Renee L.
I am giving this place two stars, one of the popcorn appetizer and one for the good service and ambiance. I ordered a bloody mary that was so-so (& not fixed like the ones in other reviews) and split the pork belly BLT. The waiter said it was the best sandwich on the menu so I felt it was safe. Too bad thats their best sandwich, it was disgusting. The bread was soggy, over loaded on mayonnaise, the fried egg was not cooked properly and the pork belly was chewy and flavorless. I kept eating the sandwich in hopes it would start to taste better...that didn't happen and unfortunately I was starving so I covered my half in hot sauce, salt and pepper and finished it...the worst part is the stomachache I experienced immediately and lasted hours. i had to go back to the hotel and rest, my stomach was in so much pain. Ugh, the thought of this food makes me sick, I wouldn't come back here based solely on that sandwich. They may have other great dishes but It's really unfortunate this sandwich killed it for me and was a waste of a vacation meal.
(2)Brittany L.
Great place with a great view to have some drinks on the river. Service was also a plus! Ask for Emily every time and you will not be disappointed!! We will be back without a doubt!
(5)Sam Z.
Came here for St. Patricks day this year. It was a great location and lots of fun! They provided a great Irish breakfast, the bartenders were quick and efficient and the crowd was fun- lots of friendly nice people and good st. Patty's day costumes! They have some nicer liquors and decently priced drinks. The venue is cool - from street level you can't see it and it is right on the river- great view! For St. Patty's, I wouldn't recommend going to watch the river dying because it happened further east of us. Recommend it!
(5)SHAMIKA L.
I stumbled on this place while in Chicago for the weekend!!! What a GREAT surprise!! The food is amazing and the service is impeccable. I had the bacon pancake and OMG is was the best pancake I've ever had. I'm a New Yorker and my expectation are extremely high. This place exceeded my expectations!!! I highly recommend eating here and will definitely go back during my next trip.
(5)Stephanie S.
Great restaurant with great views! The staff here were exceptional, friendly and happy to make menu suggestions. I had the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, which comes with a fried egg on top, and it was wonderful! House chips with ranch are a must. We were seated indoors by the fireplace, so that a was a nice touch. Overall great experience!
(5)Dan M.
I was looking for a place with a nice view to have dinner in Chicago. The restaurant is located right on the Chicago River. It offers an outside patio that is a must on a beautiful day. The beer/wine menu and dinner menu is small but has all the favorites you'd expect at a gastro pub. We started our dinner with their well known Popcorn made with bacon jalapeño and honey. What an amazing combination! It was spicy, sinful and sweet. I ordered the Short Ribs that was served with rapini and a baked potato. It was tasty but not spectacular. My date had the Steak and Frites which looked amazing. She loved the dish. Overall a good restaurant with amazing views, all priced reasonably. It's a great date place on a beautiful day or just a place to hang out with friends located near the Magnificent Mile. I'll be back even if it's just for popcorn and beer.
(4)Nicholas D.
I had a great night cap at this place. Went on Wednesday for the wine down Wednesday special which was half of wine bottles. It was a cool experience and the view by the Chicago river was nice. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)Shawn G.
We went for Saturday brunch and had the Corned-beef Hash and Crab-cake Benedict. Both were excellent. $5 Bloody Mary's on the outside deck with a great view on the river. A good option for brunch while visiting the city.
(5)Rita R.
It's so sad to write a bad review because I really wanted to like this place, but it was a disappointment in EVERY way :( First of all, no one can argue with the beautiful location and if that's all you're looking for then this place has that. However, the service was terrible, the manager was rude,and it took almost an hour to get our food after we ordered it. We went there for brunch and the eggs/potatoes came out cold. They were over-salted and not all that great. I asked if I could substitute fruit for my toast and the answer was "no" before I even finished the sentence. What kind of a place doesn't allow substitutions?? Overall, terrible dining experience in a very beautiful patio. I hope they get some new management because this place has a lot of potential if they can get their act together!
(1)Stanley G.
I hereby correct my prior review on the bridge house to give them 5 stars. The owner Ryan looked after my concerns and a gave stellar response. He listened and stated the customer is always right and acted beyond my expectations promptly to correct the misunderstanding of my St. Patty's Day visit. I personally will stop by on my next visit and shake his hand and have a drink with him in appreciation of his model customer service. I now know and believe you will be taken care of at the bridge house and it will exceed your expectations! This place cares about making sure things are right!
(5)Sheetal P.
Im giving this place the second star ONLY because of its location right on the river. Besides that I dont have too many positive things to say about the first, and possibly last, visit to this restaurant. My friends and I actually went to brunch this past Sunday to celebrate one of the girls' pregnancy. She had actually been there already, unbeknownst to us, but not for brunch. Since this was my favorite meal of any day, I was beyond excited. But my excitement was abated when i saw, at the top of the menu, in ridiculously large font "NO SUBSTITUTIONS & NO MODIFICATIONS" None of us thought too much of it since most restaurants are still pretty accommodating to vegetarians or individuals with food allergies. As long as we didn't completely deconstruct the chef's recipe, we didn't think we'd have a problem removing the bacon or the chorizo or maybe the sprinkled on mushroom caps. We would later be proved wrong....much later seeing as we waited forever for any service. Before we ordered our meals, we ordered a basket of their fresh beignets to share along with a couple cups of coffee, mimosas and some non alcoholic bevvies for our pregnant girls. While the beignets were delicious, we had to wait for fresh plates and straws because the plates and glasses were DISGUSTING! The plates still had crusty remnants of previous meals and the glasses were covered with smudges and lip marks. The coffee tasted like itd been swirled around in an ashtray first so Id recommend staying away from it. When we were ready to place our orders after deliberating on how steadfast they might be about the modifications, we finally got the server to come by. Not only was she almost entirely unsure about ANYTHING that the restaurant could or couldn't do for us, she wasn't very well informed about the cheeses or juices either. My friend ordered a croissant egg and cheese sandwich without mushrooms. I asked for the huevos rancheros but just without the chorizo (I am a vegetarian). My other 3 friends didnt have any modifications but when the server came back she told me they couldnt remove the chorizo because EVERYTHING was cooked into the chorizo. They has peppers, onions, tomatoes, sauces and the egg and she was telling me that short of the egg, EVERYTHING else was just incorporated into the chorizo. I found this hard to believe as I have eaten huevos rancheros at many establishments and never ever been told this. If it's the chefs recipe and thats just how he/she does it, i think its silly and he/she should change it. Not just for me but for any person who may not like even ONE ingredient in that list of ingredients. Similarly, they did not remove the mushrooms on my other friends plate. I know for a fact those were sprinkled on top and could have just NOT been. All in all, I wouldnt suggest anyone go here unless its just for mimosas and the view. Food was far from spectacular, service was pretty poor, and it could stand a good kitchen/utensil cleaning.
(2)Brent C.
Visiting Chicago for a convention and glad we decided to try this place out. They were busy but they went out of their way to make us feel welcome and that we got a table quickly. Our waitress was awesome...personable, friendly and very helpful with drinks and the menu. I had the Pork Wings appetizer which was wonderful! For dinner I had the Fish and Chips and was very happy with the fish. It was light, not greasy and very flavorful. The "chips" we're just OK but overall I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Soren N.
Obviously what sets this place apart from the thousand of other places in Chicago is the location, which really is unbeatable (especially for the price!) That being said the food is also stellar in my opinion. I've eaten most of what's on the menu, and never been disappointed. You gotta try the popcorn. It's such a bargain and a unique eat for sure. The drinks are great. The burger is better than most. To top it off Ryan and Mark are great owners and try their very best to make everyone's experience enjoyable. Come for any meal, including brunch! Or have an awesome happy hour.
(5)Susan S.
Comfy little restaurant with great river views. Chicken avocado rolls and onion rings satisfied this party of two for dinner, followed by the absolutely amazing turtle cheesecake topped with toasted sugared spicy pecans and Bailey's whipped cream. Our server Katie took care of our every need. Can't wait to return in the spring-summer to soak up the sun and river activity!
(5)Crystal I.
This is a hidden gem! On the river, perfect location. At first I thought it might be a tourist trap, but it wasn't. I met a few work colleagues for happy hour. We had a fabulous time. Excellent signature cocktails. Delicious appetizers. The owner introduced himself and the staff were very helpful. We will return, hopefully soon!
(5)Kati O.
The location is amazing but the service was terrible. I love Bloody Mary's but the mix had a terrible flavor, it was sour- stay away. We had to hunt down our server to get anything. The meals were good and everything was priced right. I really wanted to love this place because of the location but sitting there with an empty glass for 20 minutes in between beers was not ideal. It is a great place to sit on a nice day so I'm not ruling out a return, just wish we could have had a better experience.
(2)Brian C.
Great place, awesome location, good staff, not far from the train station so a good stop before you head to the airport. Popcorn was fabo, and the miller highlife cans were fresh, tasty, and cold!
(4)Amanda W.
Hadn't tried this place for lunch yet - it's a solid choice. I asked about gluten-free options and the waiter brought out someone (manager? chef?) to talk me through it. They make all of the dressings in-house, so the salads were all okay. I went with the spinach salad, which was a nice, light, summer salad. I wish I'd asked for extra dressing, as it was a bit dry, and maybe added chicken x2 because it's only been a few hours and I'm starting to feel hungry again ...
(4)Katy H.
I really just don't understand what the fuss is about this place. I was very exciting to come with a group of friends (8 of us) over Labor Day weekend. We called a week in advance and made reservations and they only had a 4:45 reservation. When we got there, we were able to get a table outside as the restaurant was mostly empty. I ordered the turkey sandwich and a salad and was just not impressed by either. The salad had no flavor and the sandwich was cold and falling apart. We stayed for a few hours and the place was pretty slow the entire night, so I wonder why we couldn't get a later reservation. There was nothing really exciting or impressive about this place and I definitely won't be back.
(3)Bruce S.
My family came downtown for some shopping and met me for a late lunch this past Friday (last day before school starts). The weather was perfect, and we searched for a good outdoor lunch spot along the river with outdoor seating. I'd heard of the Bridge House, so I had them meet me there. First, the location is outstanding. It's along the river next to Clark, so you can see lake if you're looking that way. In our case, the food was excellent. We started with the popcorn and the fries for appetizers. The popcorn, well, you just have to try it. Sweet, tangy, spicy and bit of heat at the end. The fries were fresh, hot and fried crispy - which we like. They came with three sauces and ketchup. For main meals we had the burger (nearly 3/4 lb), the half chicken, a fish special, and the linguine. My daughter also tried the beer cheese soup. With the exception of the linguine, which was a little to garlicky for our taste, everything was very good to excellent, with everyone finishing their plates. Highly recommended.
(4)S R.
I'll keep this short and sweet. Food was amazing. I went with a group of 5 and everything that we got was top notch, great atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. Things you must try: Drink: Manhattan Appetizer: Popcorn Risotto Entree: Braised short ribs Pork Ossobuco *favorite of the table Go! Now! Before it's so busy in the summer that you can't get a table!
(5)Katie L.
I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 because of the view. I made a reservation to go here with my boyfriend and his family for his birthday. We ordered a few appetizers, the best was the spicy chicken avocado roll but there wasn't much avocado on it. Then we had the pork belly which was not amazing but okay. Lastly, we ordered the artichoke bruschetta which was soggy, super sweet because of too much balsamic sauce, and overall a disaster. In between the appetizers and before our entrees came out, a server put down two plates before hearing us tell him it wasn't our order. The staff seemed very confused since this happened again with drinks later in our meal. I had the sunny day salad which was served to me without the avocado (it was supposed it include it) and was not even close to worth the cost. No one else had much to say about their entrees. The rest of the dinner was spent protecting our plates because they kept trying to take them while we were still eating. This morning, I called and told the hostess over the phone was my boyfriends birthday. The hostess cheerfully let me know that they give birthday desserts. After our plates were cleared, his parents ask for the check and the waitress makes no notion of knowing that it was his birthday. So I go inside to ask if the hostess had told our waitress since I had already called and told them about it this morning... 15 minutes later a dessert (nothing special something with whip cream) comes out. The atmosphere and staff need improving. There was nirvana playing in between nickel back and the red hot chile peppers making the mood way too teenage emo for a nice evening on the river. On my walk to the elevator I found a spider on my foot...
(2)Jennifer Z.
I really enjoyed dining at this restaurant. On a good day, you can sit outside and dine right next to the river. I went there at night for dinner and they have a really nice view of the river from the inside. The food was amazing! The butternut squash soup was perfect and very buttery. I had the salmon which was also really good. I have only positive things to say about this place. They were very accommodating to huge groups and private events. When I come back to Chicago I am definitely going to come back here again.
(5)Shanti N.
Considering Chicago is either in the midst of or climbing out of vortex 2.0, coming to a spot known for its outdoor dining would seem to fly in the face of all that is sane and reasonable. I found myself at BHT this evening, as my condo building had organized a residents' happy hour here. Fortunately, my fears of having to spend any more time outdoors than absolutely necessary were allayed, as the event took place in the bar area, which struck a perfect balance between cozy and urban, with atrium windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. The in-wall gas fireplace is an especially inspired touch. Getting down to this place was not intuitive, as the entrance is not at street level. It turns out that this spot is the lower level of the ABA building. I soon figured it out, and took the elevator down to the lower level which led immediately into the bar/restaurant where I was greeted by Chris, the manager/front of house. Going below grade, as it were, lent a speakeasy feeling to the experience. This was enhanced when I spotted the selection of whiskeys above the bar--Oban, Talisker, and Koval to name just a few. Once I got to talking with the bartenders, I found they were more than happy to elucidate me on the finer points of the scotches, which made for an entertaining backdrop to my happy hour imbibing. As to the drink selection, the menu was edited seeing how this was a special event. On offer were wines (Pinot Grigio and Merlot by the glass) along with a couple of craft beers and a special concoction that contained lemonade, blueberries, and mint. I went with the Merlot to take the chill off the evening and was pleasantly surprised that the wine was of such high caliber. I found out that this is the house wine, and a proprietary label. The bartenders were good about keeping my glass topped up and my water filled. On the wine list, I spied an array of promising pours, including a bottle of Hess Cabernet, a personal favorite. There weren't any passed appetizers at this event so I can't speak to the quality of the food. I did get a chance to look at the brunch menu and the bar menu. From what I could see, I know I will be back for the $29 bottomless bloody mary brunch. The bar bites looked promising as well, but by the time I'd narrowed it down to wanting to try either the meatballs or the scallops, the event was winding down and there was limited time to order. From the gastropub chic ambiance and high quality drink offerings, to the friendliness of the staff who immediately made us all feel welcome, I know that I will be back. Knowing that this place exists gives me one more reason to look forward to spring, when I can experience iconic views in an outdoor setting.
(4)Stephen W.
#awesomesauce. My wife was looking for something to keep my mouth shut.... Found it! Great food. Great service. Just darn great. If you've found this listing then you've come this far. Perhaps you could come just a little bit farther?
(5)Zachary W.
Great food even better service, tuna was great spicy chicken rolls were out of this world. Great views of the river, cool to see the boats go by
(5)JoAnna E.
My fiancé and I have been visiting Bridge House since just a few months after it opened and we are never disappointed! The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is beautiful and intimate. The service is superb. We always have the popcorn appetizer as it id delicious and unique. We also had the bratwurst and steak frittes for dinner and I am still raving about how good it all tasted. We will continue to visit this restaurant every chance we get.
(5)Lauren C.
There isn't one thing I disliked about this place. Our waitress was a delight. The chicken and waffles were out of this friggin world. And watching the boats lull by as I sipped my morning coffee was a treat. Highly recommend Bridge House! Oh and did I mention that they have a bacon pancake (!!!). Yeah.
(5)Liz C.
We had dinner here last Saturday night. We ordered a lot of appetizers and shared them with the table. We had the brussels sprouts that were topped with bacon and cheese. They were great! I would also recommend the veal meatballs and pulled pork with gravy and biscuits. Many of the appetizers were served in small cast iron ramekins that had been baked in the oven making the flavors of the food pop. I would recommend and go back to the Bridge House Tavern!
(4)Stephanie Q.
The owner/manager and staff here are so amazing. Came here for a brunch and lunch on Saturday stayed for hours. The food was fantastic and the drinks were even better. There's a great view of the river which helps too! I will definitely be back on my next trip to Chicago!
(5)Jackie H.
Amazing. The food is fun and different. The server, Cody, was fantastic and the owner had drinks with us. Right on the river.. Can't think of a better place for brunch.
(5)Thelin C.
Good view; Refreshing cocktail and Delicious grill; We go here for the dinner. And we first ordered 2 cocktails: Chicago breeze and Pink lemonade. I love pink lemonade and my girl friend love Chicago breeze very much. I think Pink lemonade is more sweet and chicago breeze is more sour, and both is great. really refreshing. We also ordered 1/2 dozen of western coast oyster, you can choose western coast or eastern coast oyster. and for weekdays from 2-5pm oysters are half price off. For the main dish we ordered 1/2 roasted chicken and short ribs. the chicken is served with mashed potato, the meat is very soft and it's great. the mashed potato is tasted milky, it's very good but I think it's not good to eat too much. anyway maybe it's because I am still not used to sweet and milky food. The ribs is served with vegetables and baked potato, it's more salty. So we have a great time combine this two dishes.
(5)Emily J.
I have been literally looking at Bridge House Tavern from across the river for the last few months from my apartment building balcony and finally went here for brunch the other day. What a great restaurant! I love unfussy, unpretentious brunches and Bridge House was exactly what I needed after a long hot yoga class. My sister and I were pretty much delirious from hunger and were fulfilled by the excellent huevos rancheros at Bridge House. She has celiac disease and our server and the kitchen were more than accommodating to her needs. The huevos were just what the doctor ordered-lots of eggs, black beans, corn, and a whole lot of Cholula. The portions here are large, you certainly get your money's worth, and the even the side of fruit was bigger than we expected for $5. You really can't beat the setting here either-the patio is perched right on the river and you are forever entertained during your meal with the passing boats. I would highly recommend Bridge House Tavern to anyone wanting a traditional and delicious brunch with excellent service and a lovely setting. I will certainly be back to try their $5 mimosas and bloody Marys, just not right after a yoga class!
(5)Ryan R.
I went to this place in early last November while at a conference, after finding it on yelp. They were having a private party to watch the man walk the tightrope over the Chicago River, but I was able to get a walk in ticket. I had a absolute blast. Great location, good drinks and snacks. The staff was very friendly and the owner Ryan was just awesome. I would highly suggest anyone visiting downtown Chicago to visit this place, great happy hour and food as well. I will def come back when I make my way up there again.
(4)Kate M.
Danielle was the best waitress!! She was so friendly, engaging, and offered us so many suggestions! She made the entire experience fabulous! The food and drinks were delicious and the environment was perfect right on the river!
(5)Melissa O.
The view is the only good thing about this place. I was pretty excited to dine here and it really disappointed. I had reservations and upon arriving we were never greeted, the hostess was no where to be found. It wasn't until a bus boy saw us standing there for a long time that he decided to go look for the hostess. When the hostess finally arrived she told us she had to sit us quickly because the kitchen was about to close. We were walked to a patio table with no chars. When chairs were finally brought to us we had to drag them to the table ourselves. The biggest problem I had were the dirty glasses we were served our water in. I brought it to the attention of our server, he apologized, and again brought dirty glasses. We ordered the avocado dip appetizer, two burgers and a Stella. The appetizer was served simultaneously with our entrees and our drinks weren't brought to us until we were half way done with our food. The service was terrible and the food was mediocre. You are better off trying another restaurant on the river because all they have to offer is a nice view. They were not even that busy, the patio was full but the inside was empty. I will not be returning.
(1)Lindsay K.
I have NEVER been so disappointed with the service at a Chicago restaurant in my entire life. Made a reservation for 7:30 for a Tuesday night-- got there are 7:20 to be told that they "Gave our reservation to a fat old man" (not kidding)-- we asked if there was anything they could do... giving that it was their error, not ours. The rude hostess said "I don't really know. it could be 15 seconds or 30 minutes for the next table to open up... this really isn't the end of the world" Sorry. But to be completely honest this "hostess" was one of the rudest people I have ever come in contact with at a dining establishment. Isn't it the first rule of restaurant etiquette that the customer is always right? And for her to tell us "it's not the end of the world" with a snotty attitude/ rolling her eyes really got me mad. This chick seriously needs an attitude check and to have the manager sign her up for the TLC show "What not to wear" because dressing up like a human candy cane in the middle of the summer with red lipstick on your teeth and greasy hair really isn't appealing. Other than the psycho working the front, the food was good. Will never be coming back here again.
(1)Rebecca F.
Good food and drinks. Very heavy food though. No way to leave this place without Thanksgiving pants. Service was prompt and friendly.
(4)Jeremy K.
This is one of those wonderful hidden gems of Chicago. Beautiful location, great food, good price, and a staff that's legit friendly and knowledgeable. One of the neatest things about this place is its owner. The guy is fascinated with alcohol, and talking with him about scotch got me way excited. Talk with him, you won't regret it. I went there with two friends and chowed down on the delicious popcorn, had a few beers, burger, and the chocolate cake. It was a wonderful evening, and I'm looking forward to going here again.
(5)Keith A.
I'm not really a river north guy. It's not my general place that I enjoy hanging out, but you have to just go with the flow sometimes and this is where I ended up with a friend as we waited for a party boat by the river. I was in a drinking mood as we had been at dryhop before hand. But, needing to switch it up, I grabbed one of the cocktails on their list and went with the Black Forest. Seeing that there was gin and blackberries made me know that was exactly what I needed to refresh my palate. Not only was it $10 for the drink, it was done perfectly. It was a warm night and did everything I needed it to. I also have to give props for just charging $10 a cocktail in River North and being directly on the river. I also had to get myself a flywheel from Metropolitan. Again, their pricing was very good as it was just $6 off the tap. These are some very good prices considering the area. I was hungry and my friend could eat as well. It also enabled some joking about the various 40 year olds trying their best 25 year old act. The spicy chicken avacado rolls were exactly what was needed and were more like taquitos, but really good. I was also a fan of the wild mushrooms that they had. It was all mixed in a pot with parmesan cheese and a fair amount of other things. I definitely enjoyed my trip here. It all worked out quite well and was a good place to relax on the river. I was surprised that it wasn't packed at 8:30 on a saturday evening, but everything was fine and dandy by me. It wasn't hard to get a hold of the server and she was always very friendly. I would come back here if the situation dictated it and it's nice to come across a place like this in river north.
(4)Liz P.
Went here for an event. Food was fantastic and so was the view, although we ate inside because it wad a bit nippy out. Would like to come back here for a "regular" meal at some point.
(4)Magen R.
Had an awesome experience a Bridge House Tavern today! Five of us went here to celebrate a birthday. We were seated outside on the gorgeous terrance overlooking the river, what a view! It was an amazing place to have Sunday brunch on a gorgeous day. We all decided to take advantage of the bottomless mimosa/bloody mary brunch special. The mimosas were really good and they brought carafes to our table every so often so we did not have to keep asking for more. None of us tried the bloody mary's but they looked delicious (very hangover friendly too). For our meals two of us got the pig trio biscuits and gravy, one got the veggie omelet, one got the chicken and waffles and I got the horseshoe. Everyone LOVED their meal. I had the horseshoe, it was seriously fabulous and way more than I could possibly eat but it was nice to be able to have fries to snack on for the table. I also tried a bit of the waffle which was also outstanding. Bridge House Tavern was a huge hit as far as all of us were concerned, the service was good not great and that is why I am only giving it 4 out of 5 stars; however, I hope to be back soon!
(4)Alexis P.
This place is amazing. Everything from the food to the service was exceptional. Megan was our waitress and she was very sweet and attentive. I had the parfait and beignet, it was a lot better than I expected. Big portions and reasonably priced. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Sarah A.
This one star is for The ridiculous lunch hours, I've tried to come here on 3 different occasions & by some wicked magic it's always during the two hours between lunch & dinner when no food is being served. Wish I could write an actual review about the food, but until that time.... I appreciate the prompt response & have updated my star rating to 3, until I can get back here
(3)R. J. R.
I might be a little bit obsessed with this place...the view is obviously beautiful out on the patio, but the food is fantastic (the shrimp tacos were amazing) and the interior is so warm and inviting. After seeing pictures of the brunch by other Yelpers, we're coming back tomorrow, that's how much we enjoyed it. PS - Get the nitro Lefthand Sawtooth, so good.
(4)Dee B.
Wow this new drink is fantastic. Sultry summer in a glass - and it packs a punch! Franklin Peach- Buffalo Trace bourbon, 10 Cane rum, Peach Schnapps, fresh sweet & sour. Tart, sweet and smoky all in one sip. They were filming a tv show the last time I was there, which was fun!
(5)Norm J.
Being that my office is close by, my colleagues and I have visited Bridge House Tavern a few times. Some occasions we've had great service and food, but on other occasions we've had so-so service and meh food. Overall I'd give Bridge House Tavern 3 stars. Recommendations: *Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - amazing! Loved these. *Pork Belly BLT - enjoyed every bite of this sandwich. Get it with a side of tater tots. *Onion Rings - while I'm not a fan of onion rings, my colleagues all said they liked them. *Steak Sandwich - the meat was juicy and the horseradish aioli made this a definite winner. Skip: *Grilled Chicken Sandwich - my colleague thought it was dry. *Wedge Salad with Chicken - nothing special about it.
(3)Yaofu Z.
Very popular and usually much wait. The service is a little spotty given the number of customers. But the view and the food make everything worthwhile. We ordered mushroom bread, salmon spread, two salad. The two appetizers are exceptional. The salad I had is a little too acidic to my taste. But it is not bad. It is very nice to have dinner near the river. There are so many other items I want to try. Just note, the portion size is on the small size. If you are paying the bill and want to make sure everyone enjoy the time, get more appetizers.
(5)C.C. H.
Pros: beautiful patio by the river, ok pricing for the view and amount of food given, nice waitstaff but slow on the water bottle refill cons: sometimes the river smells like sewage, some brunch items were mediocre - like the beignets (although the housemade whipped cream and cinnamon glaze were on point), and the wicked tots were rather salty. probably best to just drink mimosas specials all sunday.
(3)Anthony N.
Obviously, the location here is amazing. Great view of all the river happenings if you're lucky enough to get a seat at the edge. The food, however, is just ok. My fries came out soggy and my friend's tots were cold. I've been a couple times and the only dish worth mentioning, surprisingly, is the tuna tartare. Have fun waiting if you come during after-work rush.
(3)Cecille C.
I went to this place with a group of my favorite colleagues at work. We sat close to the big window next to the river, around a big wood table. It felt like a very cozy family dinner at holiday. The duck tacos I ordered were just perfect. Duck was very flavored and well cooked. I don't know the name of the little pink pickles they put on top of each taco, but they were just perfect companies to the duck meat - truly a creative and delicious dish! We also ordered each dessert on the menu to share - all delicious! So it's truly a risk-free desserts menu.
(5)Caroline J.
I've been to Bridge House for both lunch and brunch, and it's been absolutely wonderful each time. The first time I came was for a weekday lunch with coworkers. We were seated outside almost immediately, and while I don't remember what I had, I remember that it was very good. The second time I came was on July 3rd with a few friends and while the wait was definitely longer, the food was just as incredible. I got the Pork Belly BLT (which be advised, is MESSY) and it was exactly what I wanted. It was a sizable portion, and the fact that it came with tots is just an added bonus. A friend got the pulled pork mac and cheese and proceeded to talk about how good it was for the rest of the day, and another got the steak sandwich and was equally impressed. My most recent visit was for brunch and as usual, it was outstanding. From the $5 mimosas during our (short) wait to be seated to the fantastic huevos rancheros, I was just as happy as the first few times I visited. The staff is friendly and has been very accommodating when we've wanted to move tables, and the location could not be more perfect for spending some quality time along the river. Can't wait to be back!
(5)Bianca A.
Super yummy and great view! If you don't like the heat, come early or sit inside. I got the eggs Benedict and it was pretty awesome. Downside of this place is that they put very boldly on the menu "no substitutes or modifications". I don't like that
(4)Lui F.
Excellent appetizers (or "shareables" as they call them), excellent drinks - nice selection of bourbon and done exactly as I ordered it. Service was great, ambiance was awesome. Made for a perfect afternoon after we did one of the tours along the river coming out of Navy Pier. We saw the restaurant from the boat and rode a cab back up there because we thought the ambiance would be great and it definitely was. Our water Tony was great and took really good care of us. I will definitely visit them again next time I'm up in Chitown!
(5)Jenna C.
Bridge House Tavern is awesome! Great patio right on the river, and nice view from the inside too. As far as food, the smoked salmon was crazy good. My friend and I also shared the ceviche (ok), chicken rillettes (not a fan), and spicy chicken avocado rolls (tasty). This ended up being a lot of food for 2 people! It was half off shareables night, so we went a little overboard what can I say? Our waitress was great, and the manager (maybe owner?) stopped by our table towards the end of the meal too. Definitely friendly service all around, and quick too! Both food and drink were served faster than expected. However, the cocktails failed to impress. I'm a little spoiled from the great mixology around Chicago and so would recommend keeping it simple here with a beer or glass of wine. Enjoy!
(4)Annie M.
I was in Chicago for 2 mornings... I love trying new places, ESP in a foodie city like Chicago, but this is so great I wanted to go twice. For my favorite meal of the day, brunch... It's basically a religion and it's very aggressive, this is a huge feat for a restaurant. First, the setting is beautiful. Right on the Chicago river. The staff was so much fun (we brunched from 10-430). And the crowd is fun. The food... I tried the tots, mashed potatoes, EGGS BENEDICT(!!!!)...perfect. I tried the steak and eggs... Ah-maze. It's a must must must.
(5)Donna W.
We arrived in Chicago on a Saturday day and when we arrived at the bridge house they were only serving brunch. Unfortunately I needed massive amounts of protein my glucose levels were bottoming out on me and I was ready for a wonderful Chicago steak so this was a poorly chosen option considering my needs and what they had to offer. They offer Beingets so we ordered those in both agreed double they didn't quite live up to café Du Monde! After contemplating enjoying an adult beverage and then leaving We chose to stay I ordered the crabcake Benedict it was OK my husband ordered the burger they had a burger on the menu for brunch and it was OK. Adult beverages reordered and we were feeling good. It's obviously a hotspot for weekends river watching people watching. Can't imagine this place on St. Patrick's Day crazy!
(3)Sargon K.
First time visiting BHT with my cousins from Arizona. Started out sitting outside but of course the weather made us move inside due to windy conditions making it very chilly! Service was very good and the food was even better. Fish and chips were awesome! Tots, guacamole, and spicy chicken rolls were very good! Can't wait to come back!
(4)Tamera B.
Bridge House provided a very solid tavern experience for my family and I. The food was good, service was cool, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Service - Thus was 4th of July weekend, so there was quite a crowd during peak lunch time. It was a beautiful day, so everyone was pining to get a table on the relaxing terrace, right on the river, with awesome views. We had the kiddos with us and they were "dying of hunger" so, we opted for 1st available seating. We were told our wait would be 1 hour, but it ended up only being a 35 minute wait. Shorter waits always make me giddy : ) Our server was great! Even with the busy crowd, she was just attentive enough and kept our drinks full......what more could we ask for! Food - the menu offers the standard tavern fare and some dishes with Bridge House's own twist to them. I had the fish & chips, with tots instead of fries. My food was delicious and plentiful. I got 3 large, fresh cod fillets and enough tots to feed our family of 4. The fish was delicious, not too greasy, tasty batter, and super fresh fish......none of that frozen melarky here!! I was full after eating 1 fillet. My husband had the Tavern burger, which was really good as well. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly and served on a brioche bun. They offer an unofficial kids menu that includes: chicken fingers, cheeseburger, or grilled cheese. These come with a side and they are $10 each. A little pricey for kids meals! Next time, we'll probably just get a $14 Tavern burger and cut it in half. One of my boys had the grilled cheese and the other had the cheeseburger. They were happy with their meals, so I was happy. We will definitely visit Bridge House again, preferably when it's not so busy, so that we can enjoy the terrace.
(4)Jon L.
I was here with friends for dinner after work one day. We were seated very quickly and had a great view of the Chicago River. I ordered the greek goddess salad with chicken which had a decent assortment of veggies, some of which tasted strange to me. I also had the bbq pork mac n' cheese which actually tasted very good considering I'm normally not a big mac n' cheese guy. Service-wise, our waitress rarely if ever checked up on us and was often nowhere to be found when we called for her. I'm not sure if it was because it was a busy service night or if she just forgot about us, but I didn't really care for the lack of service. I would normally give two stars for the lack of service and mediocre-at-best salad but the view of the river and the mac n' cheese were their saving grace for the third star.
(3)Hannah C.
I've been here twice now and I don't understand what all the fuss is about. We went there for an office happy hour a few months ago, and it was fine, although I found the apps unreasonably small for the price (also, like, they provided a freakishly small number of chips for all the dip-type things). Nevertheless, I thought "perhaps it's more of a meal place" and went to brunch. The bacon pancake was the only thing I can even try to recommend. It was perfectly fine and a great meal size. The bad: the beignets were painfully stale and not even warm. The house potatoes (mashed) were under seasoned, the wicked tots were too salty, and the Chicago 75 tasted like watered down gin (no other flavors). I wouldn't go back, especially with so many good options nearby.
(2)Rachael B.
Come prepared for a wait... But a wait worth awhile! took 45 min to get a table for Saturday brunch but grab a drink at the bar ($5 bloody Mary's or mimosa) and wait for a table on the water. Amazing views, usually live music playing across the street, and so much to people watch. The food is a 5!!!! Absolutely divine! Chicken and waffles on point and huevos rancheros full of flavor. The mash potatoes are best I have ever had also! The drinks are so-so so the review lost a star cuz I was not too impressed with the cocktails or the front desk reception. But the views and food make it a must visit spot in Chicago!
(4)Marc M.
nice location for summer. food was good and prices fair. its all about location.
(3)Jesse B.
I don't know if we just had a horrible server or if it was because it was Saturday night but our first visit here was absolutely crap. A forgotten about appetizer, a server who seemed to not care about us after he found out we weren't ordering alcohol, and a dreadfully long wait for any sort of food made this a one time stop for us. Disappointing because the food was quite good but the service was wretched enough to make us not want to come back. He couldn't even be bothered to check-in with us to let us know why we had to wait over an hour for our food. He even still offered to put in for the appetizer at that point! Are you kidding me? What a disgrace.
(1)Jaclyn S.
Went here for dinner on Mon with OpenTable reservation hoping to sit on the water. Due to forecasted storm we sat inside. No trouble or wait for a table at 7:30. $25/pp with one drink. For appetizers we had the spicy chicken Avo rolls - our waitress said the most ordered/popular thing on the menu- they were good, fried. The mushroom bruschetta was better, tangy, herby, and truffle oil always helps. I had the turkey burger which was ok, the side salad was simple, the burger had pepper jack, arugula, remoulade and onions- but was just missing that pow of flavor or spice and the bun was very greasy on the outside. Friends had the greenhouse salad which is very small for $12, but was saved by spicy pecans! The braised shortribs were cooked well and fell apart nicely- probably the best thing ordered at the table. The squash side was yummy and mashbos were just avg. Drink menu was large for beer options and they have daily specials during happy hour times. Service was mediocre. Our waitress didn't know the menu or what went into dishes. Overall this place is basic. Nothing stood out and I have no reason to go back or recommend. Sitting by the water would be awesome but bear in mind the avg food/service when going here.
(3)Shelly D.
Great atmosphere, terrible food. Went here on Wednesday night, got a table outside. Beautiful weather and jazz music played while we ate, which was fantastic. We ordered the tater tots with blue cheese and asparagus which was ok, but very very salty. I ordered the cod with teriyaki and it was almost inedible. The teriyaki sauce tasted like it was from a jar (definitely not homemade) and the cod was undercooked. I have it 2 starts because the service was great, hostesses were friendly, we were seated right away, and the patio was lovely. Next time, i'll go for drinks not food. Or I will just go somewhere else.
(2)Edna P.
Great view of the river, friendly staff and food was good. I got the duck tacos while hubby had the pork belly sandwich.
(5)Mark J.
Been here twice while visiting Chicago, the first for a drink and to enjoy the waterfront ambiance. A cocktail was only 10 dollars compared to 13 to 15 we've paid. Came for lunch Friday, the following day, and had steak sandwiches, a turkey burger and tater tots w asparagus. ..and turtle cheesecake. The flavors were wonderful. The host, and server Tony, were the same both days. They were warm and friendly.
(5)Mykaila D.
Really the vibes and location are what gave this place three stars. The mac and cheese is super weak. Not enough cheese, the noodles are too intricate to absorb all the cheese the right way, and the bbq pork resembles dried squid. I know that sounds really weird, but if you've had it before you know exactly what I mean. The fries taste like cheap whataburger fries and based on the nibble I had of the tuna tartare I wasn't feeling the liquid base. Really disappointing, but I've had a day from hell so Malbec has put me in good spirits and I am completely disregarding the fact that this meal sucked.
(3)Kristen L.
Went here on a cold and rainy night with a couple of old high school friends. The location is fantastic, but not so great when it's 40 degrees and raining. The food is okay...nothing to write home about. We ended up ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing since 2 out of the 3 of us weren't really that hungry. Also ordered drinks, but I didn't end up touching mine since it was waaaaaaay too strong for my taste. The service was okay--not great. Overall...Meh.
(2)Ginny G.
Came into town from Kansas City to watch the Royals play and made a reservation for five on Saturday morning at 11. You enter through an elevator on Clark street that takes you down to the restaurant. Unfortunately it was raining so we didn't sit outside on the gorgeous patio. Instead, we were seated by the large windows so we had a great view. Saturday's they have $5 mimosas and Bloody Mary's. Both were great and they did not skimp on the alcohol. There were so many things on the brunch menu I wanted to order but I settled on the biscuits and gravy. It's more like two biscuit and sausage sandwiches drizzled in gravy and topped with bacon. You also get two eggs with the order. Tons of food. The group I was with ordered the hash, loaded tots and the chicken and waffles. All of it was amazing. Everyone loved their meal. I just wish I had also ordered the bacon pancake to top it off.
(5)Amber A.
Looking for a killer patio on the water?? Boom, this is it. We spent no less that 3hrs here on a gorgeous Day having cocktails. The bar opens up to outside with seating both in and out, as well as a lot of tables on the water. We had typical cocktails- beer and Bloody Mary. They make their own Bloody Mary mix in house. We also split the turkey burger which, unlike most turkey burgers, was delicious!
(4)Jackie C.
I love this place! It was so fun to be near the water on such a beautiful day! The service was lack luster but the food was really good. On Wednesdays they have half price bottles of wine.
(4)Manasa S.
We went here for Saturday brunch and got the Hash, Veggie omelette, and the brioche French toast. All three were beautifully presented but the taste was mediocre at best. Also, there are no substations or changes to any of the dishes on the brunch menu which was a little limiting. However, their Bloody Mary was absolutely delicious and you can't beat the views by the river.
(3)Renee S.
What a great view! I have been here with friends and had a great time with great service. What blew me out of the water was the exceptional service I had when i had booked a semi-private corporate event on the terrace. The service was top notch - servers and bartenders made sure all our guests had a drink in their hands and made sure everyone was satisfied. The food came out warm and delicious. The setting was BEAUTIFUL! The owner even stopped by to give us a thank you. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)Jennifer C.
I came here with my husband for his birthday. We wanted to dine on the water but wanted something casual. The setting was wonderful; however, that was the only thing that was wonderful. They were out of several beers and the server didn't know the style of the beers they did have. So much for the "tavern." We asked what was great on the menu and the server replied "everything is good". Helpful. So, I turned to Yelp and got the chicken avocado rolls, bruschetta and fish and chips. Bruschetta: Bland is the best word to describe this. Lots of flavorless cheese. Chicken avocado rolls: Really more like tostadas. Super super fried. You could really taste all the oil. I had two but had to stop because my stomach became upset. Fish and chips: Bad batter and rubbery fish. Way overcooked. To end the meal we were notified by the server that she charged us for the wrong bill and had to void our transaction and recharge. So she gave me both the voided receipt and the correct one "in case I'm charged for both". Now I need to make sure I'm not charged twice for this terrible meal. Adding insult to injury I just got an email from OpenTable saying Bridge House Tavern reported I didn't honor this reservation. I was doing everything I could to forget this meal so at least this prompted me to write a bad review of the restaurant. I'm not sure I would have if not for the reminder. At least I have two receipts to prove that I did honor the reservation. The only reason I gave two stars is the setting. If you're looking for a place for a drink on the water this is a passable option. But dear god, don't eat here.
(2)M H.
Ate brunch here today, waitress Meghan was so friendly, played with our baby, above and beyond service. Everything was amazing, crab cake egg benedict, and wicked tots are a must! Thank you bridge house for meeting high expectations of Chicago food!
(5)Bob B.
Summing it up: Proof that a restaurant's success can be dictated strictly by it's location. It got picked as a brunch spot on a hazy Saturday morning strictly because it was on the river, with a great patio. There will be no more kind words. What it is: Whether it's 'Polished Casual' or 'Upscale Tavern' who cares, it's a patio on a river and prime example that in the game of poaching off unsuspecting tourists, business in Chicago is good. It offered a level of mediocrity that is honestly quite difficult to achieve. Ambiance: Large and long patio with lots of seating and lots of tables on the rail, see: Summing It Up. Ordered: Breakfast and Bloody Mary's, they were all mailed in. Everything about this place was mailed in. Eggs were chewy, toast wasn't buttered and came with no jelly, like the kitchen literally said here's plain toast sucker, we can't be bothered to do anything more than drop it on your plate. No condiments - ketchup, hot sauce, syrup - no salt + pepper on table, how much stuff do I have to ask our mediocre server for? The Bloody Mary's were $5 on a gorgeous Chicago Saturday in summer, that should have been our first clue. Worth the Risk?: No. This review is admittedly solely based off of one visit but in a city full of great restaurants don't waste a meal (or your money) on a place that is a celebration of all things average and very obviously just hooking tourists based on their location.
(2)Brian M.
8÷2 = 4. 2+2 = 4. Tables and chairs are movable objects. These are math and physics lessons that could have been put to use the last time I attempted to dine here. When you seat a just-arrived incomplete large party at an 8 person table while ignoring a foursome that's been there for 40 minutes, that's irksome. When you're snippy about me asking about it, that's just poor form. When you seat two separate walk-in parties of two while there's an available small 4-top that you "thought about" offering but didn't, it's just not up to Chicago standards. I feel like Bridge House Tavern is *always* hamstrung with seating constraints, though. Three out of the four times I've been here (weekday evenings), there have been private parties taking up a much larger portion of the restaurant than necessary. I don't think that "sorry, we can't accommodate a private party during our busiest time" is an unreasonable thing to say. With that said, if you DO want to book a private party when nowhere else in the area would consider closing off half the restaurant, here's your spot. The bartenders have always been solid and drink prices are actually a bit lower than what's expected for its perfect prime location. But the quite average food (throw bacon in everything and hope for the best!), lackluster service, and disorganized front of house/space management will keep me from returning.
(2)Jess G.
Came here for drinks and dinner. Got here before 5 and were told the kitchen opened didn't open until 5. When we got our menus at 5 the menu said 4:30.... Also When we arrived the hosted told us to watch our step because the floors were slippery when raining. We sat our table and saw at least five people fall on the ground while we were drinking. As an interior designer I made a comment about how the interior design was lacking and the floors were apparently not safe. We noticed no employees help people when they fall on the floor. Not sure if that's to avoid the lawsuit that's awaiting them. Note to management: Take the risk of shutting down a day or two to replace your floors to avoid the lawsuit that's just sitting in your face. Then I went to the bathroom, what tiny bathrooms!!!! I'm not one of those designers that's critics spaces when I walk into them but I can't but do that when being at this place. The food was ok , not great but the location is what sells this place. However when it's raining apparently it's nothing special. Edit: took almost 20 minutes to get and pay for our check.
(3)Karen L.
This place was bangin! Went here on a Sunday super hung over and seeking something greasy. Had the cheeseburger and it was ahhhhhhhmazing! Legit two beef patties piled w cheese. Hit the spot! AND it came w tater tots! Couldn't get much better and the view of the water is perfect in the summer.
(5)Jenny S.
4 stars only because the owner was nice. Yet it averages out to be a 2 1/2 stars for my overall experience. Mediocre is what I would call this place. Service was a 2. Unfortunately. :/ I had great expectations for this place because it was so beautiful sitting along the lake to enjoy my Bloody Mary. I wasn't a big fan of the Bloody Mary mix. The waiter had mentioned they make it in house. There was just something missing from it. I love a bold Bloody Mary, this was on the bland side. Anyway, back to the service. We came here around 1:45pm and the hostess told us the wait would be 20 minutes for the outdoor seating. We sat down a little after 2:30pm. Actually at 2:42pm to be exact. I had a call right at that time. Sat down, got our drinks, waited for them... I asked for extra olives and the waiter forgot. His helper who brought out our meals actually went back to grab them for me. He asked me how I'd like my burger and I specifically told him medium rare. The burger came out well done. Wasn't too happy. The only thing that was decent were the tater tots! Lol yum. Shortly after our meal, we told our waiter we were finished. He acknowledged it and walked away we assumed he was grabbing our checks. 9 minutes now rolls around, I tell him we'd like our checks and if he could wrap up our leftovers. Despite my par service, I still tipped the waiter $5 on my $25 tab. Got our checks and went on our way. My gf got the tuna tartare and it was a generous portion. Could use some salt! Suffice to say I won't be back though. :( I wish the service was better because this place is literally right behind my work! It's a shame because this would've been my go to spot. Hope this helps!
(2)D W.
Went last night w/ a great group of coworkers/foodies. The company I was with + the view were the best parts of dinner. Chicken avocado rolls were just ok. (Grand Lux buffalo rolls are much better imo) Bacon queso dip was not traditional bacon, more like HAM which is OK but don't mislead me. Onion rings were too doughy with an unnecessary truffle oil sauce? on them. Served a warm glass of champagne. Wasted an entire cocktail on a coworker so she had to sit there wet for the latter part of dinner. (& they did not comp anything for their clumsiness) Ordered the prosciutto wrapped chicken with grits for entrée. Meat was overcooked & looked like pig feet. Grits were undercooked and only lukewarm...tasted like lumps of cornmeal. How 1 could mess up grits is beyond me. Another person ordered a turkey burger + tots. The burger came out burnt and the tots were at least a day old. She had to send it back and get a mediocre salad instead for $14 Fried waffle dessert was good. Ordered the brownie as well and it tasted artificial. Definitely not fresh baked and for $10 that is absurd. (I will stick with Ghiradelli's BOX MIX) With a downtown Chicago location and pricing, you come to expect THE BEST and this place DOES NOT fit the bill!
(2)Lisi Z.
The only reason I would come back is the patio/view- but you would have to twist my arm a little bit.... an unpleasant waitress gave me attitude when i asked for salt/pepper and ketchup, as if I asked for her first born child, but i guess that says enough in itself-why werent these things on the table in the first place? Long wait, subpar food. Was excited to try this place but thumbs down
(2)Jess P.
I came here for a private event, so I can't speak to the regular menu. The catering menu included very good passed appetizers: crab cakes, coconut shrimp, mini grilled cheese sandwiches with spicy tomato bisque, tomato mozzarella skewers, and chicken and avocado wraps. There was a buffet with mini burgers, portabello sliders, and short rib sliders, flatbreads with artichoke and another with proscuitto, mac and cheese with toppings, and desserts like fruit skewers, lemon bars, and chocolate pecan bars. The bar served decent wines and beers. But the real draw of this place is the view. There are outdoor seats along the river, and it is heated in the cool weather. The bathrooms are individual, unisex rooms.
(4)Edward A.
Make no mistake, you're paying for the patio-by-the-river experience here. I'd definitely come back for a drink and maybe a snack. Dinner, not so much. If you're gonna change $14 for a cheese plate, please don't let the most exquisite cheese be a hunk of smoked gouda. Where's the funky stuff? My steak frites was cooked properly, I just couldn't taste the meat through all the sauce. Overall I enjoyed my experience on a beautiful night by the river but left underwhelmed with the food.
(3)Nikki S.
On my recent trip to Chicago I choose Bridge house tavern for Sunday Brunch and my main reason for choosing BHT was the view but food was just as impressive. We choose outdoor seating and loved our table on the river. Beautiful sunny afternoon! with amazing view. Brunch was even more pleasant with $5 Bloody Mary and Mimosas they offer on weekends from 10 am to 3 pm :-) I ordered the Smoked Trout Hash: Smoked Trout with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style (I ordered my over medium), old bay hollandaise. This dish was so good...I never had smoked trout hash before so I can't compare it to previous experience but I truly enjoyed every bite of it. My friend ordered the Huevos Rancheros: 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas Super yummy again and the presentation was outstanding. Over all a great experience and must do if you are visiting Chicago in warm season. Great food..... great atmosphere and view and very good service. I will be back on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)Jamie H.
Bridge House Tavern is an amazing dining experience: with good service, amazing view of the Chicago River and the food, in a word....AWESOME!! During the back-to-back visits I had last week with my best friends who also works in the area, I had their steak sandwich, the salmon mousse appetizer one day then went back again and had their Tavern Oyster Rockefeller! I also tried my friend's meals of their Fish & Chips and Duck Tacos, all were wonderful! The best part of all was that the meals were reasonably priced! I will be a returning customer, for sure! Thanks for a fabulous lunch!
(5)Vanessa V.
Bridge House Tavern: Where I ate too much, yet had enough room for dessert -- story of my life, basically. The food here is pretty damn good, and the view isn't so bad either. The deck seems like the happening spot on weekdays when the weather isn't rough, but I much prefer dining indoors where it's less noisy, and the cool breeze flows right in. For starters we ordered the Tavern Chips for the bacon and blue cheese combo. The Oysters Rockerfeller were bomb with an added touch of crunchy bacon strips. Order that if you have the opportunity. My entree was the Steak Sandwich. Delicious, though I felt a little awkward tearing into my 6oz Angus steak in public. All around flavorful with its smoked cheese, grilled onions and that jalapeno mayo that contributed some heat. BACON FREAKS: Bacon can be added to almost every order. One of my friends ordered extra bacon for his BLT, and another asked for crumbled bacon to be sprinkled over his Fish & Chips. Both agreed that their respective dishes were tasty and filling. By the way, the bacon's thick. Definitely unlike the thinly sliced, shriveled bacon strips you can find elsewhere. Dessert was the Brownie Sundae, which my friends and I split. Overflowing with whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate and caramel sauce -- oh, and a cherry to top it off, of course -- we had to dig into the mason jar to scoop up all of the decadent, chocolaty brownie and ice cream. You know what might've gone great with this dessert? Bacon! -- err maybe. Someone out there has to try it... The restaurant was busy for dinner, but our server didn't miss a step. Great job. Come here with an appetite, and leave enough room for dessert, and maybe a little room for extra bacon.
(4)Merrill O.
Went here for brunch with a couple of friends this past weekend. The food wasn't out-of-this world fabulous, but it was pretty good. We had the Bridge House Benedict (nice, but the Hollandaise sauce wasn't great...get it on the side), the Wicked Tots (better in theory than in actuality), and the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy (massive, with excellent gravy). Service was attentive, indoor décor was nice, and they have a nice outdoor seating area right on the river. Although it was too cold to sit outside when we went this past weekend, that will be something to look forward to when the weather warms up, and when the city finishes all the construction on the nearby bridge and the river-walk area. Oh, and a nice weekend bonus....they have Bloody Mary and Mimosa specials for $5! Cheers!
(3)WilmetteMom X.
Perfect for happy hour! Request for a cabana. Definitely go on a Wednesday for their half price wine (glass or bottle). The spicy chicken avocado rolls are delicious!
(4)Michael S.
I went here for brunch a second time and just wanted say that this time I left happier than the first. This was due to the Wicked Tots brunch entree and the Beingets. Both were outrageously good. The tots were incredible because the meal included so many different types of brunch food all in one (eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham, etc.). It was also a lot of food such that it can be shared. The Beingets were medium sized donuts (quite a few too!) coated with cinnamon and sugar that came with glaze and whipped cream for dipping - truly amazing - also only $7! Overall, I loved both the tots and the beingets and I plan on going back specifically for those again soon!
(5)Cristina M.
Great spot for brunch!!! We sat on the water and had a great view while eating. Wait was a little long, and they don't take reservations, but that wasn't where they lost their stars. We didn't mind waiting with a breakfast drink in hand. They lost the stars in their service, their service is horrific! While waiting for the table, we got a Bloody Mary and a mimosa. I asked for champagne with a splash of OJ. I got poured a glass out of their premade mimosa jug. Not what I asked for but that's ok, I didn't say anything and paid and drank it. Ordered a Bloody Mary the second round. Food is a little bland. My boyfriend had eggs Benedict and I had the Greek omelette I believe. Was very dry! Needed some Tabasco sauce, and if we ever saw our waiter I could have asked for some. We hadn't seen him since he first took our order. My boyfriend finally got up and asked for Tabasco, and I put it on the last two bites of my food. Had I had it at the beginning my food would have been more enjoyable and they would have got more stars. Great view, and this place could have great potential if they give some staff proper training!!
(3)Julie J.
Brunch = a-ma-zing!!!! The corned beef hash is the most delicious brunch dish I'd ever had. We also had the bacon pancake, which was huge and delish! Needed more syrup but our server never came back to check on us for us to ask for more. The patio here is great, but there is guaranteed to be a wait. Sitting at the bar is a great option since they open all the windows. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because of the staff - the hostess had quite the unwelcoming attitude, and our not-so-attentive server counted her cash tip right in front of us.
(4)Laura C.
I almost don't want to review this place as I don't want it to get too busy! We ended up here at 7:30 on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait for a table right on the river. Best meal I have had in Chicago thus far. Stunning setting and the parade of incredible looking food never stopped going by our table. Our meals were delicious and they came out quickly. Our waitresses was the perfect level of helpful even though she had some larger groups to look after. The scotch list is impressive and very reasonably priced.
(5)Brit C.
Had breakfast here. Great atmosphere, nice views. Quick service. Our bloody Mary's and mimosas were good. Very generous portions. Beignets yummy. The food could be better. I ordered a dish that came out very bland, it seems that the kitchen forgot two of the ingredients that were listed on the menu as being a part of the dish. When I asked the server to bring me one of the items in the side (old bay) she had no idea what that even was. How do you not know what something is when it's listed in multiple items on your menu? All in all, decent but nothing special.
(3)Bridgette H.
One of my favoriate brunch spots! I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely great! And the view alone deserves 5 stars! They have seating outside near the water and you can watch as the boats go by. It was perfect scenery for a perfect brunch :)
(5)Miguel L.
The Bridge House Tavern is awesome!! Had burgers and east coast oysters with my co workers. Felt very relaxed and peaceful eating right by the Chicago river. You will love this place!
(5)Abbie B.
The food was good. The presentation of the food was really nice and the ambiance, scenery and atmosphere was beautiful. #ChicagoNights worth the wait.
(4)Reb A.
Great view. Good food. Excellent service. What else do you need? I have to write more in order to post so I'll just tell you that I had the shrimp/chorizo omelette. Get the tater tots because the other potatoes are mashed and don't really go with breakfast. Other than that, everything was really good. Next time I'm getting the brioche French Toast. It looked amazing!
(4)Aaron M.
Wanted to have dinner on the river and have some good drinks. View is amazing, as it is pretty much all outdoor seating and the food was great too. We watched tons of boats go by, ate classy bar food and had a few beers. Would highly recommend!
(4)Lori A.
Stopped for lunch on the river and both had incredible salads and bloody's! Wait staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely go back!
(4)Nicole W.
This place is the biggest tourist trap and should be ashamed to call themselves a restaurant. I know that may sound harsh but the quality of this food is absolute crap. We ordered the spicy chicken avocado rolls for an app (barf). I ordered the steak sandwich which had way to much gristle. My fries tasted like they has been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. My friend ordered a grilled cheese.... The cheese wasn't completely melted. Drinks were ok. Nothing about this place is special. I've got better food at a concession stand. If you want good food on the river walk check out River Roast, where they actually care about the quality of their food.
(1)Kyle D.
Overall: Good food and a good lead to an overall great experience at Bridge House. Not the most memorable experience, but definitely a solid option. The good: Good food with pretty reasonable pricing for downtown. Went for brunch and everything was tasty. Great river view and tons of patio seating. Portion sizes are large. The bad: Service was so-so. The menu, while good, did not have a ton of options. At least for brunch anyway. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Christine G.
I went for Sunday Brunch and ended up ordering the Caramelized Banana and french toast. Be warned, the portion sizes are huge- mine was enough for 2 people. I also got the mash potatoes side, which was also delicious. Kind of felt a little ignored at times at the bar, but i was watching TV. Would love to do a dinner or something here next time I'm in town
(4)Stefanie W.
Saturday morning late February brunch...delicious! I can't wait to return when the patio is open though. $5 Bloody Marys or Mimosas. A menu of brunch drinks for $8. Super good. Service was friendly and fun. We enjoyed the crab cake Benedict and chicken and waffles. Both came with a heaping mound of mashed potatoes. The Benedict was great and my husband described the chicken and waffles and unusual...disturbing...but delicious. So much savory and sweet in an unexpected way. Preceding all were the freshly made beignets which came with liqueur flavored whipped cream and a sort of sweet cinnamon dip. Mmmmm.....
(4)Courtney W.
I'll start this off by saying the location and atmosphere are awesome. Hence the TWO stars. Otherwise, my friends and I (a party of four) came on a Tuesday night, hoping to sit outside on a beautiful night. Granted when we arrived the outside seating was crowded but as we waited for 30-40 minutes, we saw tables of 6 and 7 person parties walking in and getting seated right away. We asked and they said larger parties were seated faster because those tables were already put together. As were tables of 2, two couples came in and were seated before us as well. After being told we had a while to wait and as we gave up and left, we saw a table of three seats wide open and asked about that. They said "we were just going to ask you about that". Too late, it's a beautiful location but tables can move and be adjusted for the number of people that arrive, first come first served.
(2)Andres G.
Ive never been here before but now I am definitely coming back. We had dinner at 630pm and we sat outside. The view from the waterfront was spectacular. Watching boats and duck swim by just added to the great skyscape of buildings and bridges. The manager, staff and our dinner was fantastic. I never had chicken stuffed with feta cheese wrapped in bacon: utterly delicious. Overall, a great time and a first class dinner.
(5)t f.
After waiting at another riverwalk restaurant for 40 mins for a waiter to take our order we decided to leave and try Bridge House Tavern just a block away. Although there was a 30 mins wait for a table we sat at the bar until being seated to have a glass of mimosa~something to take the edge off from our previous experience. The staff seemed happy to be of service & once we were seated Jen our server was helpful in making recommendations; attentive in refilling our mimosa glasses & checking on us periodically if we needed anything else. Great job Jen considering how busy you were taking care of all the other tables around. The food was good; mimosas great and service on par! Will not hesitate to try again or recommend to friends!
(3)Mellanie R.
My friend and I went there for dinner on a Tuesday night. I got the steamed pot (so delicious, I highly recommend!) and my friend got the steak frites, which she enjoyed. Great food, cocktails and view!
(5)Jacqueline S.
Loved the food loved the view. Only complaint---Steak Sandwich-- too much sauce will make bread soggy ask for it on the side. Also meat was a bit fatty. Overall it was pleasant on the palette.
(4)Katie L.
Our server Danyel was wonderful, very helpful explaining different options on the menu and had an up beat, fun attitude which made our dining experience enjoyable. Nice outdoor seating, beautiful view of the river!
(5)Matt S.
Wow, I love this place, although our server and host this past time were awful. Trifecta of terrible service. First of all, while asking for a one of the many tables outside that were open, the host sat us at the one in the sun, while cleaning off a shaded table. When we asked if we could sit there, he said that they were saving it for someone. Umm, thought it was first come first serve? Second, when we sat down, the waitress said that they were only serving drinks (which we were fine with) but then why were people sitting next to us having a meal - is there special treatment for some? Third, the waitress forgot one of my drinks and ignored any opportunity to flag her down for the check. When we got the check, we paid with cash and tried handing the bill to her while making eye contact and handing off the bill she just walked away. Wow, how rude? I'll give this place another chance, but hopefully not while that server and host are working...
(1)Tara B.
Fantastic and fun find. We are near the bar and had great service. The Mac and cheese appetizer is tiny but amazing. The Pork Belly BLT is really very yummy. It's clearly a popular place for 20 something locals and multi generational adult family members as well. Only downside is small servings of wine.
(4)Kurt W.
Wow. Amazing view and great good. We had great service as well. With tons of great restaurants in the city, I will be coming back on my next visit. Can't beat the views, great food, and $5 mimosas.
(5)Jenna G.
The view and the service was excellent! However the food we got was just ok.... I got the steak frites and there was a cream poured all over them... Not my thing, cream and steak..blah! My husband got the burger... He liked it. Not the best and not the worst.
(3)Emily S.
The food was fairly good and the atmosphere and location is great. A big pet peeve is getting a Pepsi when you've asked for Coke and not being told what products they have.
(3)Kentaro M.
Best place for a nice day in Chicago. next to the river and the food is great. joe the server was very nice and helped us get the best items on the menu. the crab cake egg Benedict and the corn beef hash was amazing would definitely recommend.
(5)Julia T.
Great atmosphere if you can get a seat outside. Husband and I ordered a few "shareables". Guacamole and chips were delicious. Probably one of the best guacamoles I have ever had. Lamb meat balls were flavorful and tender. We also had the chicken and avocado rolls. They were tasty but fried and a little heavy.
(3)Darl B.
Just meh not like bad. I actualy give yelp reviews per the words so if a place is not a-oaky ie i want to go back again and gain for some reason then this is rating. so take with that grain of salt. just not a fan for another lunch here. tried it sometime back and heres report: sides like fries and tater tots totally unispired. just bit oily and zero special. not sure why this is so but but im a foodie, as readers will remember, so thats a fail. got steak sand. was slightly overcooked. not end of the world. tough thick edge grsitle is though. here's a pro tip- cut it off before you server it on a sammy. I mean it was kind of gristle ya cant chew and have to like spit it in a napkin on the sly. rest of quality of meat is okay dont know fer sure tho was too overcooked to say seemed okay quality tho fo rest.. table next to us ordered some bbq on the side heard waiter say that a dollar. (dollar makes em holler) oMG are yo ukidding me u cant be serious!?. LOLz and thats what lends to this kind odd vibe. no farkin fun but hey you can look out over that pristine chicago river so theres that. all imo only. good luck but oy.
(2)Kathy L.
If you are looking for a fun place to have a drink then go here. Make sure it isn't pouring down the time you go either so you can sit outside. The view of the river with the boats is worth it. The food was just ok. Next time I go it will be just for the drinks. The service is good though. The place was crowded. I would recommend a reservation especially on a nice night.
(3)Kimberly K.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food for being in a touristy spot right along the river. The view is great and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but a little upscale and trendy. The ceviche and duck tacos were both solid. The cocktails leave a little to be desired. The few that we had were overly syrupy sweet. If you get a classic cocktail, make sure to tell them to go easy on the sweet vermouth or syrup. Or, just stick to beer like we did on the second round. ;-)
(3)Mark S.
Went for the first time last night to BHT. I go their early and they had our table waiting for us. I had a signature Old Fashioned which was terrific. For starters we had the pretzels and a dozen oysters that were to die for - half a dozen east coast, half a dozen west. For entrees we selected fish and chips (with bacon), short rib, arugula salad, rigatoni with sausage, mac and cheese. I had the short rib with sauteed spinach (excellent) and cauliflower (baked with cheese, very luscious). My short rib was tasty but tough as though all the fat had been trimmed off. Everyone enjoyed their entrees quite a bit. The fish and chips (I snuck a taste) was really hot, crisp and fresh. For dessert we had the brownie sundae with ice cream and toppings. Very very good. The staff was very friendly and came by often enough, but not too often.
(4)Michelle L.
This was our first stop when my friends and I arrived in Chicago. Drinks were good and reasonably priced. My friend and I shared a cheese plate while other friends had a salad. The salads were HUGE and delicious. The best part of the whole experience was the location. The restaurant is located right on the river and the view is beautiful. I will definitely return on my next Chicago visit!
(4)Molly R.
What a patio! The Bridge House Tavern is a perfect urban spot to grab a bite under the sun and watch the boats drift by. We wanted to split the mussels, but they were out, so we settled on the cheese board for an app. For entrees we went light and had a couple of salads; the wedge (Nueske bacon, roasted tomatoes, hard egg, onion trio, bleu cheese) and spinach (roasted beets, goat cheese, spicy pecans, sunny egg, strawberry vin!!). Fresh and innovative salads, but the cheese board - eeek! Fresh strawberries - yes! Honey drizzled toasts - yes! Apple slices - yes! Kraft-like cheese cubes straight from Jewel Osco - oh, no you didn't! All dishes were be-a-u-tifully plated and reasonably priced for DT Chicago. The place needs to puh-lease add some more veg-friendly options and schedule a serious cheese plate revamp, but still gets a solid rating in my book for the view, the value, and the creative menu. Methinks you should go on a sunny day, and avoid the cheese plate.
(4)Jennifer Q.
A girlfriend and I came here for lunch on a Wednesday at about 1 and were able to have a table outside which overlooked the river without having to wait. While it was a little cool and windy we still enjoyed sitting outside watching as boats and such passed by. At one point a group on a boat docked next to the restaurant to stop for lunch. Our server was very nice and quick to see what it was that we would like to for drinks. They had a good variety of on tap beers as well as a good wine list, I ended up having a Riesling and my friend had a Two Brothers beer. As for lunch, I had the chicken club sandwich with the side salad which came with an oil dressing. The sandwich was huge! And delicious! The sandwich had the normal tomato, lettuce and so on, but also had avocado, yum! The salad was good too and did not have iceberg lettuce if I remember correctly. My friend had the Reuben sandwich which was also a large serving. Overall, I would say that Bridge House Tavern is a relaxed and enjoyable place to have lunch, and I plan on eventually going back to have dinner there.
(4)Jennifer G.
I'm torn between two and three stars. I'm giving it three because they let my group of five linger for a long time on a Saturday evening and it wasn't too loud, so it was a decent spot for a group.. It was too cold to sit outside, and I think the outside seating is probably the main reason to go to Bridge House Tavern instead of the many other great restaurants in the area. The place is cozy, our table was fine and the service was decent. I was excited about the popcorn--very disappointed. Every handful I took had hard kernels in it; it was like it was from the bottom of the barrel. The bread and butter was just ok. The mussels were the smallest I've ever seen or eaten and the broth was forgettable. The steak frites was odd--the steak was on top of the frites and it was covered in sauce; it was ok but not what I expect with steak frites. One person had a pork chop and another had a BLT and they were happy with their dishes. Overall this is an ok option for drinks outside, otherwise I wouldn't go back.
(3)Maital S.
I was rather disappointed with my experience here. The service and ambiance/location was excellent, but the food was just okay. I had been looking forward to this restaurant for quite some time, so perhaps my hopes were high, but the food really did not impress me or the rest of my table. Go for the ambiance and location, not the food.
(3)Tracey M.
I am not a barbecue fan. I'll have some if I get outvoted, but it won't be my first choice. Yet when I sat down at Bridge House Tavern last weekend, what's the first thing I wanted to try? The Pig Wings. Yes, they couldn't get any more BBQ. Nevertheless, I got them. And they were GREAT. Fall off the bone, tender, melt-in-your-mouth great. Got a few other things, too, including the goat-cheese bruschetta which was also very tasty. My friend got fish and chips. Nothing extraordinary there, your typical fish and chips. Our waitress was very attentive but not so much that she was bothersome. Great meal, good wine list.
(5)L L.
Great location, indoor/outdoor options both look awesome, and a good atmosphere -- decor is good enough for a business dinner and TVs everywhere make it suitable for the sports fan. Menu, as others have stated, is on the short side but that's a good thing in my eyes. In fact, the menu somewhat characterizes the restaurant: concise but with a wide range (both drinks/cuisine), average pricing, and a few surprises (bacon shake with the salmon BLT). Having said all that, I give it 3.5* because of the service. I was on hold for at least a few minutes when I called to check for seats (at 8 pm) and was met with no apology. She was also obviously multi-tasking when I finally got to talk to her. Hostess wasn't friendly at all when we got there, waitress took a while to get to us, and she didn't really warm up untli the evening went along. I'm sure it'll get better, but I have to hold back that last star until the service improves.
(4)Juliann P.
Pretty much a perfect spring afternoon thanks to BHT. It was a bit chilly outside but the with the heaters on you would have never noticed. Lovely setting right on the river, super cool location utilizing one of the old bridge towers, excellent "bar" food, Lagunitas IPA on tap, perfect service.
(5)Tyler C.
Great view of the river, absolutely! This is a terrific brunch spot. Brunch mimosas and bloody marys. (great spice in the bloodys) The food was fair. I was expecting a little more with the biscuits and gravy and it was a little salty for my tastes, but, the Chicken and Waffles were terrific. They have many great choices, so its definitely worth going back. Besides, the people watching was fabulous, especially when boats dock up to the restaurant.
(4)Carolyn B.
Nice location on the river, but the food was not good. Frozen tasteless hamburger patty, bottled Caesar salad dressing.
(1)Natasha C.
I went to Bridge House Tavern for Dinner on a beautiful September night. We sat outside on the patio with the view of the river and the skyline which granted it 3 stars. However, I think you pay more for the view than the food. We got a macaroni and cheese app which was pretty good, but I've had better. Then I got the grilled cheese because I'm vegetarian which was pretty awful. I didn't eat any of it. My boyfriend got the steak sandwich which he said was okay, but not great. The drinks were good, but I thought the drink menu was limited. I would go back for the view in the summer because it's awesome not the food.
(3)Rachel A.
Love this place! Great food, the AGM Rich was courteous and took care of us well. I met the owners and they were nice guys since they took time to stop by and say hello. Very nice staff and did I mention AMAZING food?!?!? Wow. Oh and a side note...Theo Epstein just happened to walk in and eat here...made my night as I am a HUGE Cubs fan :)
(5)Lisa I.
I've been here multiple times already and every time we have had an exceptional experience! The wait staff is extremely attentive, the food is divine and I absolutely love the atmosphere! It has such unique flair, chic yet warm and inviting. This is for sure the new Chicago hot spot!
(5)Ranjit V.
I got the roasted chicken. It came with grits by default so I asked if I could sub onion rings. At first, the waitress said no subs, so I ordered a side. Then she check with the manager and got the sub with an up-charge. They were very nice and the food was good. It came out fast too!
(3)Julie K.
I loved sitting right on the river. Was so beautiful. We ordered appetizers and loved everything
(4)Ray K.
Stopped in for happy hour after work. They're on the North side of the Chicago River and have a great outdoor patio & view. In the early evening it sits in the shadow so you're protected when its hot out and heat lamps will keep you warm when its chilly. Not a great beer selection (large that is...but on a good note, it has decent variety and brews as well as a good drink menu overall). Service was friendly and attentive. I've been there for lunch before and want to come back to try their food again. TV's on the outdoor patio was a surprise bonus to watch the game.
(4)Morgan C.
This place is just not worth it, despite the fact that it provides river-front views. I have been here a couple times and I am really struggling to see how I will ever decide to come to this place again, especially since there are just so many places that pay closer attention to the details that make a dining experience enjoyable. If it's hard to justify coming here in summer, I really can't imagine how this place can survive over the long Chicago winter (clearly they rely heavily on tourist traffic). This review is a for people considering going to Bridge House but also is directed to the Manager/Owner of Bridge House (since I can see that he sometimes responds to yelp reviews, so I assume takes some consideration of them). FOOD: The food here is not bad in terms of flavor, but the problem is that the portion sizes are really ridiculous. After reading this complaint in other reviews, my first thought was "well, you can't fault a restaurant much for giving you too much food as opposed to too little." Well, I was wrong. My most recent trip here for brunch proved to me that there is such a thing as portions that are so big that they severely detract from the enjoyment of the meal and the setting. The food that could otherwise be described as slightly upscale comfort food, loses that characteristic because you can't be anything close to upscale when the portions are 2 or 3 times times too large. The ambiance of this place is lost when your server arrives with a cheesecake factory size dish. I would think that a restaurant would want to avoid this type of unnecessary waste. SERVICE: The large portion sizes could be excused if not for the HORRIBLE service, which is truly a reflection on management. Our server was friendly enough, and I don't think he is to blame. It's the overall lack of general service from the entire operation that is the problem. Just to give a couple examples (because there are too many to list them all), servers don't recognize that an empty water bottle sitting on the side of a table is an indication to get a table more water. Even if this is technically our waiter's job, other server's should be instructed to pitch in with something so simple yet critical to service (and of course our server should be told that he should look out for this). Our server also never seemed to recognize that our empty mimosa glasses sitting on the side of the table was an indication that we probably should be asked if we would like to order another drink. The overall unappetizing dishes plus many other service issues left us regretting our decision to have brunch at Bridge House. I really wanted to like this place and have given it a few tries as a result, but service is such a huge part of a dining experience and that it is hard to overlook when it is truly poor. I hope the manager takes the service aspect of the dining experience more seriously because I really would like to be able to return and enjoy a meal on the river in the future (or even return in the colder months if the food/service merits it). For now, it definitely does not.
(2)Lanita T.
I enjoyed my food very much. The staff there was very nice and help. The shrimp and grits was sooooo delicious! I also ordered a turkey sandwich on Focaccia and asked the waitress to bring me some of their basil mayo and that took that sandwich to whole other level. I also took one of our VIPs to this restaurant and even though I hadn't told anyone I was bringing a VIP, the owner was there and greeted us and made sure we all were very comfortable. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Karen G.
Went here for lunch. No wait to sit onside on a beautiful Chicago day. It was delicious and I could barely walk when I left. We started with the popcorn (honey, bacon, jalapeno) and the shrimp and grits. The shrimp dish was phenomenal!! We then had sandwiches (turkey and chicken) and they were fine, large in portion size. We decided to end the meal with the fried waffle and ice cream. Again, phenomenal! There was also the bottle of Moscato mixed in, which was great as well (and well priced). Well I can't say that I eat this way for lunch every day, but I would definitely come back again. If you like shrimp and grits, you can't go wrong- and save room for dessert.
(4)Tom H.
Quality control seems to be an issue here. Had this salad again a couple of times and it wasn't the same...too bad.
(2)California J.
We loved this place! When we called and spoke to the hostess Danielle, she said she would be happy to seat us near a TV to watch the Bulls game. When we arrived she was so sweet and gave us options as to where to sit which was awesome. Our waitress Harmony was excellent. She gave us excellent recommendations on the menu: -Popcorn was delicious, we took it home and ate it the next day for leftovers -Pig wings were fall-off-the-bone amazing -Linguini with shrimp was to die for -Steak frites: now this was the only hiccup in the experience...we had to send the steak back because it was so charred it tasted like straight up charcoal even though I ordered it medium-rare. Harmony was happy to take it back and have the chef remake a new steak, and the second dish was unbelievably good. -Mousse cake, yummy but not out of this world Overall the place was awesome and I can't wait to go back when it warms up so I can sit outside and enjoy the river view! I will be back very soon.
(5)Pauly S.
hardly ever write reviews but felt compelled to do so and this one is aimed right at the bar tender who looked like a less cute version of Seth Rogen. No only was he INCREDIBLY rude to my face, he also made horribly racist remarks to other patrons loudly and made the worst gin cocktails I have ever had. We actually had to ask for limes later on just to cover up how bad they were. Food was pretty good and our waitress was very pleasant but the bartender was so offensive I will absolutely never go back here. Maybe someone should teach him a thing or two about the service industry
(2)Charley F.
We went during the winter...clearly this is a summer spot known more for drinks and space outside on the water than anything else. The food was pretty poor. I love specialty flavored popcorn however the flavors of theirs didnt seem to mesh well together. I had the beer cheese soup and a salad. Soup was pretty standard but still great comfort food. Salad was just ok. My boyfriend ordered the lamb which after ordering he was informed they were out of. He went with the short rib as an alternative which was way too tough and lacked flavor. We love to try new places. Happy to say I can check a new one off my list but I doubt we will return.
(1)Brad R.
This place was amazing. We stopped in looking for a nice place to grab a bite to eat, looking for a nice view of the river, and yet needed a place that wasn't too rowdy as we had our 18month old daughter with us. This place had everything we needed. Solid beer selection of local brews (Goose Island, Two Brothers, Half Acre) and plenty of artisinal dishes. We started with the meat and cheese platter and were blown away by the great spread before us. With the location being right on the water, you can sit outside and watch the boats go by or soak up some sun. Even at night during winter, we found it was a great place to be. The interior is pretty narrow with a long bar and several tables on either side, but we thought the layout was just perfect. We found a quaint spot on the far side of the bar where our little one could walk around without disturbing anyone while mom and dad got their drink on! Great selection of wines and beers. We stayed for dinner and had the Mac n Cheese. It was incredible. I loved the entire menu, service, and ambiance. We'd definitely be back. To top it off, they even had baby changing tables in the bathroom. Woo Hoo!
(5)Mark H.
Sat on the terrace on a beautiful Summer's evening. On the upper terrace we could only get appetizers and bottled beer which i later noticed she was pulling from a cooler. One of the appetizers was entitled the charcuterie plate and I do not exaggerate when I say it was a small amount of various meat cuts which clearly had been rejected from every other potential culinary use. These fatty grayish substances were accompanied by mounds of French toast in an effort to fill out the plate. It was about this time that I noticed I had clearly surpassed the limited capacity of the cooler and was being served warm beer. I suspect it's possible to have a much better experience elsewhere in this establishment perhaps with better food choices, but would strongly reccomend avoiding what's laughingly decribed as the "butcher and larder"
(2)Lou A.
The atmosphere of this place is so calming and nice. We went here yesterday for brunch and the food was good. Nothing that I couldnt get anywhere else in the city, but the views are fantastic. All in all I will give this place another shot for dinner instead of brunch!
(4)Matt R.
Went on a Saturday morning and had a great breakfast. For a name with tavern in it, highly above tavern food. Modern setting, American cuisine, and full bar. Friendly staff. Right on the river. Great place.
(5)Vanessa K.
We dined at this restaurant over the 4th of July weekend. The location and view were great. Ping wings were delicious, popcorns were interesting; however, the mussels and salmon we ordered were stale, and the waitress brought a pile of "clean" plates with tomato and onion leftovers stuck on them. When we asked for new plates, she was not apologetic or even surprised with what had happened. After the dinner, my friend got a severe stomachache, followed by vomiting and diarrhea from food poisoning for the remainder of the holiday weekend; he has yet to feel better. Not speaking of the poor dinner selection, I was surprised by how bad the service and the quality of the food were at this seemingly trendy, high quality restaurant.
(1)Matt S.
Spent my birthday at Bridge House Tavern last Saturday with a large group of friends for my first visit. Service, is one of the best of any restaurants/bars I have been to in Chicago. The popcorn and steak frites were excellent. Initially we intended to only visit Bridge House Tavern for dinner but ended up closing the place down. Incredible location, right on the river. Drink service was quick and quite reasonable for Chicago. The general manager Josh was extremely friendly, checking to make sure the restaurant was meeting our expectations. I was extremely impressed. Needless to say I will DEFINITELY be returning to Bridge House Tavern very soon. One of the best in Chicago hands down. Looking forward to their St. Patrick's day specials!
(5)Prashant S.
We went at lunchtime to celebrate a colleague's birthday and it was a fantastic experience sitting outside overlooking the river on a beautiful afternoon. Service was prompt and friendly. Appetizers: Chicken Avocado rolls were fantastic, so was the popcorn. Entrees: I had the fish and chips and it was one of the best I have ever had. My friend had linguini and really liked it, a couple of folks in our group had the chicken club and raved about it... I am a fan!!!
(4)David B.
This place was excellent! We had trouble deciding what to order since everything sounded good but our server was extremely helpful in offering suggestions and everything we tried was great! You must try the bacon popcorn. It is amazing! Between the excellent service, food, and amazing view, I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Andrew G.
Worst burger ever. Salad has no flavor. Save money. McDonalds is better. Stale bun. Mustard needs processed. Stay away.
(1)Lala R.
I recently grabbed dinner and a glass of wine here with a group of friends for a girls night- enjoying a beautiful summer night on the river while catching up with great friends. It was delightful until, as the manger called them, "their furry little friends" showed up. Yes RATS RATS RATS! And they are big. One ran under our table while the other ran across the ledge NEXT to our table. Gross, right!? Nothing tastes good after seeing rats run around, not even all the wine in their bar could keep me there or coming back.
(1)Pony J.
I enjoyed dining along the Chicago River. I had brunch on a sunny summer Saturday morning near kayakers along the river. It's a great location, decent Bloody Mary but I will make this a cocktails only stop.
(2)Meagan C.
I went for brunch with my sister and my mom the other day. It was so beautiful out and being on the water was awesome. I wish I could say that the food was awesome, but I cannot. I ordered the bacon pancakes- there were two GIANT pancakes that were soggy and uncooked in the middle, they were way too heavy and only had four bacon pieces sticking out of the sides so you were tricked into thinking there was bacon throughout. My sister had the brioche french toast- besides lacking flavor, they were soggy and uncooked in the middle as well! Both our dishes came with fresh fruit which literally looked like someone took one little cube of a strawberry and diced it up into pieces that would be too small even for a baby to eat. My mom ordered the three pigs biscuit and gravy- the bread was rubbery, the sausage was tiny and chewy, the gravy was so sparse it was unbelievable! Biscuits and gravy usually have ample gravy, not a little tablespoon on top... Service was not great by any means! It was hot out and our glasses went unfilled for a long period of time. It was not even busy and they had at least 3-4 servers on hand that I saw for the 6 tables that were eating. Nobody checked on us and we were so over the meal. We will not be back and we will not send anyone there. I would rather wait in line at Yolk or Meli or IHOP even for breakfast... *Note to the restaurant, maybe you guys should always have your food and service on point because you never know who is dining with you. Like someone who has the ability to send you a good amount of business had everything been okay.
(2)Andrea G.
This restaurant has such potential but it seems like some of the staff needs a training in good customer service. I made a reservation and requested a table outside, they told us we could sit inside right away or wait 20-25 min for a table outside. We decided to go to the bar and wait for the table outside. The bartender was incredibly rude, making jokes and racist comments about the bussers, then belittling one of us when we said we couldn't carry 3 glasses and a carafe to our table. He didn't deserve the small tip we left. The hostess said we could sit at a high top table but that other tables she had no idea how long the wait would be...then why did you quote us 20 min before? The high tops outside are too small for 3 people. Our server was attentive, we complained about the bartender a couple times but she didn't offer to comp anything. Food was good; we had pretzel bites, chop chop salad, avocado rolls and Mac n cheese. I would come again for drinks to be along the river, but would try other places before.
(3)Kate O.
I went here for my birthday and loved it! My boyfriend made our reservations and apparently mentioned that we were celebrating my birthday; when we arrived at our table, our server came by with a delicious dessert on the house. Any meal that starts with free dessert is bound to be phenomenal! Everything from start to finish was just awesome---the pinot grigio by the glass is great; the spicy chicken avocado rolls were a yummy appetizer; and the spinach salad & linguini were delicious, too. Our servers (one was shadowing/training) were perfectly balanced in being attentive but not overbearing, and the manager checked in a couple of times to chat with us & make sure things were up to par. Our table was literally right next to the river, which was just what I was hoping for---good job to the bf & hostess for making that happen!---and the whole experience overall was just awesome. Good food, great service, and the perfect summertime dinner atmosphere. We will be back----particularly on Wednesdays for 1/2 priced bottles of wine!
(5)H M.
Today, was my second meal at Bridge House and once again, I was impressed. The spinach salad is delicious (with or without the fried egg on top). I'm also a huge fan of the popcorn (unlike any other) and the Pig Wing (despite the name) is fantastic! I've heard the Mac n Cheese, the burger and the grilled cheese sandwich are also all delicious from friends who have visited. And it's always a nice bonus to have a polite/friendly staff around you. All told- it's a perfect outdoor venue given both the quality/unique variety of food coupled with the ambience. If you go at the right time over lunch (12:30-1:00 pm), all the bridges go up to let sailboats pass which is pretty cool to watch!
(5)Trixy D.
Finally was open. Tried to go here for several weeks in January, but was closed for owners Christmas vacation till Jan 18th. The restaurant and bar are on River Level, the inside is pretty small. We came in for beer and ordered the popcorn with jalepeno, smoked salt, bacon and honey and it is pretty darned tasty!!! I'll bet it is a great place to drink on the outside patio and I would LOVE to go there and sit outside under a blanket with the heaters! Sounds cozy. In order to get down there you go into an elevator in one of the Bridge Towers...it is the only Bridge Tower you can go inside. Its not as cool as I thought it would be. :-) It was pretty dead in January when we went down there, and we tried to go there four times while they were closed...to the point that we just don't even think of going there anymore because it was closed for so long. Hopefully we will think of it once the weather gets nice and try it again.
(4)Jay G.
A friend and I decided to eat here last minute, and I'm definitely glad we chose this place. It has a gorgeous view of the river and nearby buildings. The food was delicious, and it had a nice atmosphere. Definitely a good place for dinner.
(4)Lisi Z.
The only reason I would come back is the patio/view- but you would have to twist my arm a little bit.... an unpleasant waitress gave me attitude when i asked for salt/pepper and ketchup, as if I asked for her first born child, but i guess that says enough in itself-why werent these things on the table in the first place? Long wait, subpar food. Was excited to try this place but thumbs down
(2)Jess P.
I came here for a private event, so I can't speak to the regular menu. The catering menu included very good passed appetizers: crab cakes, coconut shrimp, mini grilled cheese sandwiches with spicy tomato bisque, tomato mozzarella skewers, and chicken and avocado wraps. There was a buffet with mini burgers, portabello sliders, and short rib sliders, flatbreads with artichoke and another with proscuitto, mac and cheese with toppings, and desserts like fruit skewers, lemon bars, and chocolate pecan bars. The bar served decent wines and beers. But the real draw of this place is the view. There are outdoor seats along the river, and it is heated in the cool weather. The bathrooms are individual, unisex rooms.
(4)Edward A.
Make no mistake, you're paying for the patio-by-the-river experience here. I'd definitely come back for a drink and maybe a snack. Dinner, not so much. If you're gonna change $14 for a cheese plate, please don't let the most exquisite cheese be a hunk of smoked gouda. Where's the funky stuff? My steak frites was cooked properly, I just couldn't taste the meat through all the sauce. Overall I enjoyed my experience on a beautiful night by the river but left underwhelmed with the food.
(3)Nikki S.
On my recent trip to Chicago I choose Bridge house tavern for Sunday Brunch and my main reason for choosing BHT was the view but food was just as impressive. We choose outdoor seating and loved our table on the river. Beautiful sunny afternoon! with amazing view. Brunch was even more pleasant with $5 Bloody Mary and Mimosas they offer on weekends from 10 am to 3 pm :-) I ordered the Smoked Trout Hash: Smoked Trout with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style (I ordered my over medium), old bay hollandaise. This dish was so good...I never had smoked trout hash before so I can't compare it to previous experience but I truly enjoyed every bite of it. My friend ordered the Huevos Rancheros: 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas Super yummy again and the presentation was outstanding. Over all a great experience and must do if you are visiting Chicago in warm season. Great food..... great atmosphere and view and very good service. I will be back on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)Jamie H.
Bridge House Tavern is an amazing dining experience: with good service, amazing view of the Chicago River and the food, in a word....AWESOME!! During the back-to-back visits I had last week with my best friends who also works in the area, I had their steak sandwich, the salmon mousse appetizer one day then went back again and had their Tavern Oyster Rockefeller! I also tried my friend's meals of their Fish & Chips and Duck Tacos, all were wonderful! The best part of all was that the meals were reasonably priced! I will be a returning customer, for sure! Thanks for a fabulous lunch!
(5)Vanessa V.
Bridge House Tavern: Where I ate too much, yet had enough room for dessert -- story of my life, basically. The food here is pretty damn good, and the view isn't so bad either. The deck seems like the happening spot on weekdays when the weather isn't rough, but I much prefer dining indoors where it's less noisy, and the cool breeze flows right in. For starters we ordered the Tavern Chips for the bacon and blue cheese combo. The Oysters Rockerfeller were bomb with an added touch of crunchy bacon strips. Order that if you have the opportunity. My entree was the Steak Sandwich. Delicious, though I felt a little awkward tearing into my 6oz Angus steak in public. All around flavorful with its smoked cheese, grilled onions and that jalapeno mayo that contributed some heat. BACON FREAKS: Bacon can be added to almost every order. One of my friends ordered extra bacon for his BLT, and another asked for crumbled bacon to be sprinkled over his Fish & Chips. Both agreed that their respective dishes were tasty and filling. By the way, the bacon's thick. Definitely unlike the thinly sliced, shriveled bacon strips you can find elsewhere. Dessert was the Brownie Sundae, which my friends and I split. Overflowing with whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate and caramel sauce -- oh, and a cherry to top it off, of course -- we had to dig into the mason jar to scoop up all of the decadent, chocolaty brownie and ice cream. You know what might've gone great with this dessert? Bacon! -- err maybe. Someone out there has to try it... The restaurant was busy for dinner, but our server didn't miss a step. Great job. Come here with an appetite, and leave enough room for dessert, and maybe a little room for extra bacon.
(4)Merrill O.
Went here for brunch with a couple of friends this past weekend. The food wasn't out-of-this world fabulous, but it was pretty good. We had the Bridge House Benedict (nice, but the Hollandaise sauce wasn't great...get it on the side), the Wicked Tots (better in theory than in actuality), and the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy (massive, with excellent gravy). Service was attentive, indoor décor was nice, and they have a nice outdoor seating area right on the river. Although it was too cold to sit outside when we went this past weekend, that will be something to look forward to when the weather warms up, and when the city finishes all the construction on the nearby bridge and the river-walk area. Oh, and a nice weekend bonus....they have Bloody Mary and Mimosa specials for $5! Cheers!
(3)WilmetteMom X.
Perfect for happy hour! Request for a cabana. Definitely go on a Wednesday for their half price wine (glass or bottle). The spicy chicken avocado rolls are delicious!
(4)Michael S.
I went here for brunch a second time and just wanted say that this time I left happier than the first. This was due to the Wicked Tots brunch entree and the Beingets. Both were outrageously good. The tots were incredible because the meal included so many different types of brunch food all in one (eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham, etc.). It was also a lot of food such that it can be shared. The Beingets were medium sized donuts (quite a few too!) coated with cinnamon and sugar that came with glaze and whipped cream for dipping - truly amazing - also only $7! Overall, I loved both the tots and the beingets and I plan on going back specifically for those again soon!
(5)Cristina M.
Great spot for brunch!!! We sat on the water and had a great view while eating. Wait was a little long, and they don't take reservations, but that wasn't where they lost their stars. We didn't mind waiting with a breakfast drink in hand. They lost the stars in their service, their service is horrific! While waiting for the table, we got a Bloody Mary and a mimosa. I asked for champagne with a splash of OJ. I got poured a glass out of their premade mimosa jug. Not what I asked for but that's ok, I didn't say anything and paid and drank it. Ordered a Bloody Mary the second round. Food is a little bland. My boyfriend had eggs Benedict and I had the Greek omelette I believe. Was very dry! Needed some Tabasco sauce, and if we ever saw our waiter I could have asked for some. We hadn't seen him since he first took our order. My boyfriend finally got up and asked for Tabasco, and I put it on the last two bites of my food. Had I had it at the beginning my food would have been more enjoyable and they would have got more stars. Great view, and this place could have great potential if they give some staff proper training!!
(3)Julie J.
Brunch = a-ma-zing!!!! The corned beef hash is the most delicious brunch dish I'd ever had. We also had the bacon pancake, which was huge and delish! Needed more syrup but our server never came back to check on us for us to ask for more. The patio here is great, but there is guaranteed to be a wait. Sitting at the bar is a great option since they open all the windows. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because of the staff - the hostess had quite the unwelcoming attitude, and our not-so-attentive server counted her cash tip right in front of us.
(4)Laura C.
I almost don't want to review this place as I don't want it to get too busy! We ended up here at 7:30 on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait for a table right on the river. Best meal I have had in Chicago thus far. Stunning setting and the parade of incredible looking food never stopped going by our table. Our meals were delicious and they came out quickly. Our waitresses was the perfect level of helpful even though she had some larger groups to look after. The scotch list is impressive and very reasonably priced.
(5)Brit C.
Had breakfast here. Great atmosphere, nice views. Quick service. Our bloody Mary's and mimosas were good. Very generous portions. Beignets yummy. The food could be better. I ordered a dish that came out very bland, it seems that the kitchen forgot two of the ingredients that were listed on the menu as being a part of the dish. When I asked the server to bring me one of the items in the side (old bay) she had no idea what that even was. How do you not know what something is when it's listed in multiple items on your menu? All in all, decent but nothing special.
(3)Bridgette H.
One of my favoriate brunch spots! I had the chicken and waffles and it was absolutely great! And the view alone deserves 5 stars! They have seating outside near the water and you can watch as the boats go by. It was perfect scenery for a perfect brunch :)
(5)Aaron M.
Wanted to have dinner on the river and have some good drinks. View is amazing, as it is pretty much all outdoor seating and the food was great too. We watched tons of boats go by, ate classy bar food and had a few beers. Would highly recommend!
(4)Lori A.
Stopped for lunch on the river and both had incredible salads and bloody's! Wait staff was friendly and attentive. We will definitely go back!
(4)Nicole W.
This place is the biggest tourist trap and should be ashamed to call themselves a restaurant. I know that may sound harsh but the quality of this food is absolute crap. We ordered the spicy chicken avocado rolls for an app (barf). I ordered the steak sandwich which had way to much gristle. My fries tasted like they has been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. My friend ordered a grilled cheese.... The cheese wasn't completely melted. Drinks were ok. Nothing about this place is special. I've got better food at a concession stand. If you want good food on the river walk check out River Roast, where they actually care about the quality of their food.
(1)Kyle D.
Overall: Good food and a good lead to an overall great experience at Bridge House. Not the most memorable experience, but definitely a solid option. The good: Good food with pretty reasonable pricing for downtown. Went for brunch and everything was tasty. Great river view and tons of patio seating. Portion sizes are large. The bad: Service was so-so. The menu, while good, did not have a ton of options. At least for brunch anyway. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Christine G.
I went for Sunday Brunch and ended up ordering the Caramelized Banana and french toast. Be warned, the portion sizes are huge- mine was enough for 2 people. I also got the mash potatoes side, which was also delicious. Kind of felt a little ignored at times at the bar, but i was watching TV. Would love to do a dinner or something here next time I'm in town
(4)Stefanie W.
Saturday morning late February brunch...delicious! I can't wait to return when the patio is open though. $5 Bloody Marys or Mimosas. A menu of brunch drinks for $8. Super good. Service was friendly and fun. We enjoyed the crab cake Benedict and chicken and waffles. Both came with a heaping mound of mashed potatoes. The Benedict was great and my husband described the chicken and waffles and unusual...disturbing...but delicious. So much savory and sweet in an unexpected way. Preceding all were the freshly made beignets which came with liqueur flavored whipped cream and a sort of sweet cinnamon dip. Mmmmm.....
(4)Courtney W.
I'll start this off by saying the location and atmosphere are awesome. Hence the TWO stars. Otherwise, my friends and I (a party of four) came on a Tuesday night, hoping to sit outside on a beautiful night. Granted when we arrived the outside seating was crowded but as we waited for 30-40 minutes, we saw tables of 6 and 7 person parties walking in and getting seated right away. We asked and they said larger parties were seated faster because those tables were already put together. As were tables of 2, two couples came in and were seated before us as well. After being told we had a while to wait and as we gave up and left, we saw a table of three seats wide open and asked about that. They said "we were just going to ask you about that". Too late, it's a beautiful location but tables can move and be adjusted for the number of people that arrive, first come first served.
(2)Andres G.
Ive never been here before but now I am definitely coming back. We had dinner at 630pm and we sat outside. The view from the waterfront was spectacular. Watching boats and duck swim by just added to the great skyscape of buildings and bridges. The manager, staff and our dinner was fantastic. I never had chicken stuffed with feta cheese wrapped in bacon: utterly delicious. Overall, a great time and a first class dinner.
(5)t f.
After waiting at another riverwalk restaurant for 40 mins for a waiter to take our order we decided to leave and try Bridge House Tavern just a block away. Although there was a 30 mins wait for a table we sat at the bar until being seated to have a glass of mimosa~something to take the edge off from our previous experience. The staff seemed happy to be of service & once we were seated Jen our server was helpful in making recommendations; attentive in refilling our mimosa glasses & checking on us periodically if we needed anything else. Great job Jen considering how busy you were taking care of all the other tables around. The food was good; mimosas great and service on par! Will not hesitate to try again or recommend to friends!
(3)Mellanie R.
My friend and I went there for dinner on a Tuesday night. I got the steamed pot (so delicious, I highly recommend!) and my friend got the steak frites, which she enjoyed. Great food, cocktails and view!
(5)Jacqueline S.
Loved the food loved the view. Only complaint---Steak Sandwich-- too much sauce will make bread soggy ask for it on the side. Also meat was a bit fatty. Overall it was pleasant on the palette.
(4)Katie L.
Our server Danyel was wonderful, very helpful explaining different options on the menu and had an up beat, fun attitude which made our dining experience enjoyable. Nice outdoor seating, beautiful view of the river!
(5)Matt S.
Wow, I love this place, although our server and host this past time were awful. Trifecta of terrible service. First of all, while asking for a one of the many tables outside that were open, the host sat us at the one in the sun, while cleaning off a shaded table. When we asked if we could sit there, he said that they were saving it for someone. Umm, thought it was first come first serve? Second, when we sat down, the waitress said that they were only serving drinks (which we were fine with) but then why were people sitting next to us having a meal - is there special treatment for some? Third, the waitress forgot one of my drinks and ignored any opportunity to flag her down for the check. When we got the check, we paid with cash and tried handing the bill to her while making eye contact and handing off the bill she just walked away. Wow, how rude? I'll give this place another chance, but hopefully not while that server and host are working...
(1)Tara B.
Fantastic and fun find. We are near the bar and had great service. The Mac and cheese appetizer is tiny but amazing. The Pork Belly BLT is really very yummy. It's clearly a popular place for 20 something locals and multi generational adult family members as well. Only downside is small servings of wine.
(4)Kurt W.
Wow. Amazing view and great good. We had great service as well. With tons of great restaurants in the city, I will be coming back on my next visit. Can't beat the views, great food, and $5 mimosas.
(5)Jenna G.
The view and the service was excellent! However the food we got was just ok.... I got the steak frites and there was a cream poured all over them... Not my thing, cream and steak..blah! My husband got the burger... He liked it. Not the best and not the worst.
(3)Emily S.
The food was fairly good and the atmosphere and location is great. A big pet peeve is getting a Pepsi when you've asked for Coke and not being told what products they have.
(3)Kentaro M.
Best place for a nice day in Chicago. next to the river and the food is great. joe the server was very nice and helped us get the best items on the menu. the crab cake egg Benedict and the corn beef hash was amazing would definitely recommend.
(5)Julia T.
Great atmosphere if you can get a seat outside. Husband and I ordered a few "shareables". Guacamole and chips were delicious. Probably one of the best guacamoles I have ever had. Lamb meat balls were flavorful and tender. We also had the chicken and avocado rolls. They were tasty but fried and a little heavy.
(3)Darl B.
Just meh not like bad. I actualy give yelp reviews per the words so if a place is not a-oaky ie i want to go back again and gain for some reason then this is rating. so take with that grain of salt. just not a fan for another lunch here. tried it sometime back and heres report: sides like fries and tater tots totally unispired. just bit oily and zero special. not sure why this is so but but im a foodie, as readers will remember, so thats a fail. got steak sand. was slightly overcooked. not end of the world. tough thick edge grsitle is though. here's a pro tip- cut it off before you server it on a sammy. I mean it was kind of gristle ya cant chew and have to like spit it in a napkin on the sly. rest of quality of meat is okay dont know fer sure tho was too overcooked to say seemed okay quality tho fo rest.. table next to us ordered some bbq on the side heard waiter say that a dollar. (dollar makes em holler) oMG are yo ukidding me u cant be serious!?. LOLz and thats what lends to this kind odd vibe. no farkin fun but hey you can look out over that pristine chicago river so theres that. all imo only. good luck but oy.
(2)Kathy L.
If you are looking for a fun place to have a drink then go here. Make sure it isn't pouring down the time you go either so you can sit outside. The view of the river with the boats is worth it. The food was just ok. Next time I go it will be just for the drinks. The service is good though. The place was crowded. I would recommend a reservation especially on a nice night.
(3)Kimberly K.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food for being in a touristy spot right along the river. The view is great and the decor and atmosphere is casual, but a little upscale and trendy. The ceviche and duck tacos were both solid. The cocktails leave a little to be desired. The few that we had were overly syrupy sweet. If you get a classic cocktail, make sure to tell them to go easy on the sweet vermouth or syrup. Or, just stick to beer like we did on the second round. ;-)
(3)Mark S.
Went for the first time last night to BHT. I go their early and they had our table waiting for us. I had a signature Old Fashioned which was terrific. For starters we had the pretzels and a dozen oysters that were to die for - half a dozen east coast, half a dozen west. For entrees we selected fish and chips (with bacon), short rib, arugula salad, rigatoni with sausage, mac and cheese. I had the short rib with sauteed spinach (excellent) and cauliflower (baked with cheese, very luscious). My short rib was tasty but tough as though all the fat had been trimmed off. Everyone enjoyed their entrees quite a bit. The fish and chips (I snuck a taste) was really hot, crisp and fresh. For dessert we had the brownie sundae with ice cream and toppings. Very very good. The staff was very friendly and came by often enough, but not too often.
(4)Rielly M.
With $5 bloody Mary's and mimosas you really can't go wrong. It was one of the best eggs Benedict I've had this summer and all with a stunning view of the river. We only waited about 25 minutes to be seated even though it was pretty busy. I would go back again for the great location and cheap cocktails.
(5)Rachel D.
This place is awesome! We came here on a Saturday around 4 p.m. with a party of 7 and were seated immediately. We wanted to sit outside but it was rainy so we got a long table right next to the window and were still able to see outside onto the river. They had $5 bloodys and $5 mimosas all day and they also had beer buckets on sale. We tried one of the drinks (wish I could remember the name of it) and it was very good & strong. We also ordered food at 5 p.m. (they don't serve food until that time) and I was surprised that it came out cold! The tator tots would have been awesome if they were hot! I was also a little shocked that a plate of tots cost $13. Oh well I probably would've thought it was worth it had they been hot! I definitely recommend this place though for a HH because they have specials every day!
(4)Marie T.
Awesome when you can find a place where the food is amazing and the view is equally as awesome. St.BHT cocktail with a bacon omelet was the best brunch I've had in a long time. The service was outstanding (thanks Emily!). Highly recommend!
(5)Karolina T.
I love the location because they have an amazing patio right on the Chicago river. The food is equally as good. We got the clams for an appetizer and the sauces it comes with are really flavorful. For an entree we had the burger, duck tacos, and pork belly BLT. Everything was pretty good and I though that you got a lot of food for your money. The waitress was also very nice.
(4)Kelly J.
I went here Sunday for brunch. I've been wanting to go here for quite some time and was very excited. Boy, was I wrong. First, I asked the hostess for a gluten free menu and she said they didn't have one, but my server would be happy to help. When the server came over he immediately pointed out the "no substitutions" at the top of the menu. I asked if this included allergies, and he said yes. Then he continued to tell me the only thing I could have was FRUIT. And that he "didn't know much about gluten but recommend To stay away from bread and eggs" So first off, bread is a given, but then I state that eggs should be ok and he says they "add flour to all eggs and remember, no substitutions" FLOUR? IN EGGS? I've been celiac for quite some time and have never come across someone adding flour to eggs. Or a restaurant not being even a little bit accommodating. I will never return.
(1)Jeffrey T.
This place is so good! The view is awesome, the service is great, the food is cheap & delicious and the mimosas are champagne with a pinch of OJ, definitely worth the 5 bucks for them ;) I will be returning soon
(5)Caroline B.
Went there on Easter Sunday for brunch with no reservation. Oddly, we had no problem getting a table which was great for us. Service was very friendly, bloody mary tasty (not excellent but good), but my corned beef hash was AWESOME. One of the best brunch meals I've had in a while. I will definitely be back, can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can sit outside. One mark against them is no dog license for the patio. Boo - I would be a big time regular if they allowed my pooches to join me.
(4)Benjamin R.
This place is cool because its right on the river. If you want to sit outside on a nice day, you can't do much better than their location. The food is solid pub fare, maybe nothing to write home about but everything we had was good, and reasonably priced. I don't think this is normally necessary at all, but I made a reservation many weeks in advance, because it was a holiday weekend and we had a party of 4. I requested in the reservation that we wanted to sit outside. When we came in, they were seating a walk-in party outside, but then told us that there were no tables available out there. Fine if you don't reserve specific tables, but if you have a request from someone weeks in advance, and another party that just strolled up, maybe give it to the people who specifically requested it.
(3)Instant Y.
Either the most pretentious place or one with hosts that get it the least. Went in to get a drink at the bar with a group. Hostess stopped us and asked us to wait. She said 'the bar is standing room only, i need your name for a table reservation'. I said i just want to go to the bar with my friends for a drink. She says please wait. We left.
(1)Brian W.
Pretty good place before a show at Cadillac Palace. I had the prosciutto wrapped chicken with polenta and asparagus, which was fantastic. I also tried a couple of appetizers. Overall the food is tasty, but a bit overpriced like many of the restaurants in the area. If you can, get a table outside on the river on a nice day. Perfect...
(4)Derek B.
They told me "no substitutions" when I said I didn't want onion on my turkey burger. I pointed out that this wasn't exactly a substitution, but more like a deletion. They said they would try to accommodate and I ended up scraping the onions off of my burger when it arrived. Basic menu, nice views of the river and the staff is somewhat friendly. Could be a little more accommodating, though.
(3)Mark B.
I came here for lunch with a coworker and we had a great lunch on a beautiful summer day. Decor: The location, and decor, of this place is fantastic. It is right on the river, and I mean RIGHT on it, and it is nicely upscale. It is not overly fancy but it is very nice. We sat outside, of course, and it was wonderful - the sun was shining, it was not very hot, and just sitting having lunch was nice. Bathroom: I did not use it during the visit. Staff: We were seated right away and our waiter promptly took our orders. He was very friendly and very speedy with brining, and refilling, everything. Food/Drink: The food was very good. We had a salad (fresh and tasty) and fish tacos (delicious!). The portion sizes are standard here and everything came out hot and fresh (well, the tacos at least haha). Value: The portions are pretty standard and the prices are not terrible. I was prepared for inflated prices, given the awesome location, but they were not too bad at all. We had a great lunch and I would definitely return for another meal. The location is great and the food is good (usually those two are inversely related).
(4)Cassandra F.
Went here for lunch today and sat at the bar. My colleague and I decided to get a few of the "Shareables" to split as our lunch. The bartender didn't warn us that they were in fact huge portions, so we ordered way too much. Here is what we ordered: - mushroom bruschetta - this had so much truffle on it and the mushrooms tasted terrible. So terrible that I earnest thought I might need to spit it out. - chicken avocado rolls - just gross (despite being the bartenders favorite) - duck tacos - way too large and the meat was rubbery and disgusting. Only took one bite. - fries - the only thing we ended up eating. So basically, we ate a lunch of french fries and didn't left everything else with only one or two bites out of it. Needless to say, I will not be back and would advise people to go elsewhere.
(1)E M.
We walked through this restaurant on Saturday afternoon and decided to make reservations for the very next day. The restaurant could not be better situated - right on the Chicago River with incredible views so probably one of the best patios in the city. I have to say the service was pretty exceptional. We arrived early for our reservation on Sunday for brunch and they did everything they could to accomodate our request for a table outside and offered up the cabana; they even switched up the tables so it would be easier for our group to dine. The host was really sweet which was helpful because we had our 77 year old mother with us. The food was really good - lots of options for brunch. I am looking forward to visiting for dinner, soon!
(4)Debra C.
Visited our daughter in Chicago and she always likes taking us to new places. This was definitely a winner! The food was great - love doing shareables. The service was very good and we enjoyed the view of the river while eating. My husband and I would recommend!
(5)Nick B.
This place is truly a hidden gem. I couldn't tell you how to get to it from the street, but last year was my first year owning a boat in Chicago and we stopped here every time we went through the locks and came down the river. Food menu was limited at the times we visited, but I haven't found something I haven't liked yet. Cocktails are amazing and the river view patio, in my opinion, is one of the best in the city. The true catalyst for writing this review is the kindness of the owner, Ryan. My friends and I went through a TOUGH learning curve during the first few weeks with the boat and we broke down there twice. He was extremely understanding and genuinely wasn't bothered we were occupying the limited dock space Bridge House has. He recognized and welcomed us every time we pulled up despite the risk we might be there an hour after our meal was finished, and never gave pushback on us wearing our bathing suits and tank tops. Super nice guy and an exemplar of stellar customer service. Ryan - if you're reading this: See you in a few months and be sure to get BHT listed here: chicagoharbors.info/life…
(5)Tracy B.
Great brunch! Atmosphere was great too, river and skyline views. Our table was under a tent and wasn't really a table but lounge chairs and ottoman table but it worked well.
(5)Jason U.
Went for a business lunch and sat outside. 5 stars for the location and scenery. Not so much for the food. The presentation is good and it seems like they try but taste wasn't on par. I had the burger. Not sure how you screw that up but it was soooo salty. The fries tasted either previously frozen or they had just sat out for while and reheated. I never send things back but traded for the tots. Great place for after work drinks and will probably only do that if I go back.
(3)Kristi M.
Great brunch spot! Perfect location on the river. You can always count on their food being great and $5 mimosas Saturday/Sunday!
(5)Marshall V.
Bridge House is always a great choice. Its become my go-to after work spot. It's always nice to sit along the Chicago River, especially with a carafe of one of their cocktails. They have a HUGE menu of small plates which I tend to order from. I especially love the Pig Wings and the Mussels! We definitely take advantage of the half price Oysters from 2-5 on weekdays too :) As far as entrees the braised short ribs are my favorite. I haven't made it there for brunch yet, but the menu looks superb, plus $5 Mimosas and Marys! I have to give a shoutout to Tom for being an excellent server, he is consistently great so we request him now :)
(5)Anita L.
The view here can not be beat. Most beautiful patio I've found in my 14 years living in this city. I've come here sporadically over the last few years for dates or showing out of town friends some of the best this city has to offer, or when there is that freak out of season perfect day you can guarantee this patio is open and trying to make the best of Chicago's crazy weather. The staff is always friendly and trying their best to keep up with swarms of people that flock here when the weather is good. On more than one of my visits one of the owners has stopped by the table to check on things which are usually perfect. If it's beautiful expect to wait if you don't have a reservation. Personally Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days to come here. Wednesdays half price bottles of wine. If you love bacon this is the spot for you. Also the most amazing Bloody Mary mix (made in house by one of the owner's personal recipes) around.
(5)Erica M.
small selection of entrees, best for drinks and appetizers. Ordered honey glazed cod, not as yummy as I had hoped.
(3)Kristen B.
We went here for brunch while we were visiting Chicago. It is an awesome spot right near the river. The food was excellent and the service was even better. Our cups were never empty. You can tell they care about their customers.
(5)Kristine R.
Great view! My friends and I came here to enjoy some small bites and cocktails while enjoying the view of the river. However, we came while there was some construction, so I'm sure the view could be better. I had the special drink of the month (some mojito sort of drink), it was good - a bit strong, even better! My friends had beer (they kept it simple). We all had some small bites: - spicy chicken avocado rolls - I enjoyed these and it was enough to share (not just two pieces!). It has a bit of a kick! - artichoke bruschetta - loved this! very simple yet tasty! - potato salad (I don't care for potato salad, but my friends liked it). These are labeled as small plates on the menu, but they're just enough to share. Service was fine. I'd come back but just for drinks, I'd probably go elsewhere for dinner.
(4)Mandi P.
I have been here a few times and have had consistent food and service each time. I spent some of my youth in Florida and this place kind of reminds me of a cute little Florida seafood restaurant on the water. It's a bit smaller on the inside with a nice patio on the outside along the river. We always eat at the bar (that's our thang) and have never had an issue getting seats. The staff is super friendly and efficient and the food is delicious. My only negative is that they don't carry Captain Morgain...just that lowly Sailor Jerry. This is not really their fault, though. I know this because I have been in talks with Captain Morgan itself about their distributor issue in Chicago. Anyway, I would definitely recommend this place for a fun little evening with your love or small group of friends.
(4)Erin H.
My husband and I hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner at Bridge House back in October. It was the perfect location to host our group ~ 35 people max. Kristen, the events manager, and everyone on the staff was so accommodating! The food was delicious and had just the right amount of uniqueness while still appealing to a diverse crowd. While it was a cold evening, the staff still allowed our group to have access to the outdoor patio which definitely added a fun component to the evening. Overall, Kristen was so easy to work with while we were planning. It was great to have one less thing to worry about during an insanely crazy weekend. She was detail-oriented and was sure to update me even when a few tables broke and we had to stray from our original floor plan just a bit. She absolutely made sure there were no surprises on the day-of. And quiet honestly she did a better job communicating and keeping me up to date than the premier caterers we used for our actual wedding reception. Thanks so much Kristen and the Bridge House Staff!
(5)Sarah V.
Oh hi, new favorite brunch spot! How are you? As drunk as you had me on Saturday? Probably so! During the winter, BHT has a $29 champagne brunch that includes an entree and unlimited mimosas and Bloody Mary's on Saturdays. In the summer, the deal rolls over to Sundays. We were lucky enough to catch the deal on the last Saturday of the season for my friend's birthday, and quite frankly, I think BHT took a loss on our table. The Bloody's were legit. Nothing fancy added to them (a good Bloody doesn't need a cheeseburger on top of it, ahem), just spicy, tomato-y goodness. The mimosas were the best kind- champagne with a splash of orange juice. Our server was seriously on point and topped us off constantly. In addition to great drinks and great service, we all loved the food. The huevos rancheros were a responsible start to our day-drinking, but others opted for the pig trio of biscuits and gravy and the smoked trout hash. When the owner found out it was our friend's birthday, he brought a round of JaMo with pickle backs for us to share. I'm from nowhere near Michigan, but those 8 Milers know how to take a shot of whiskey, I'll say that. Riverwalk construction aside, BHT was a beautiful and perfect spot for a sunny Saturday brunch.
(5)Dia S.
Was here last Wednesday with my boyfriend. We didn't have a reservation and it was busy at time of arrival. We wanted to sit outside so we asked the rude hostesses how long the wait was , they said there was 6 people in front of us and that they really couldn't "estimate a wait time, because it's so beautiful outside and we have half price bottles of wine!" ummm ok? They said give or take over an hour. They told us we could sit inside and if something opened up we can move to the outside. We settled and grabbed a tiny table near the bar area. After 20 minutes in to our drinks and just as we ordered our food, we start noticing that the outside starts to clear out a bit. My boyfriend went back up to the host stand to ask if we could move to an outside table, the short hostess abruptly replies with an awful tone "well um did you order food? " he says "yes about 60 seconds ago" she comes back with "NOPE SORRY WE DONT DO THAT HERE, we can't transfer food outside, that's our policy." Really? Last time I checked you accommodate your guests in any way you can. It's called good customer service. A tab is easily transferred to a patio, or to a different server. I have worked in the service industry for over 10 years and have never experienced something like this. So please save your "that's our policy" b.s. We would of closed out and tipped the server appropriately. All they had to do was run our food to the table on the patio but I guess this was too much work for them. Your staff needs a refresher on how to treat people. I wouldn't recommend this place or this type of service to my worst enemy. It's a shame because the atmosphere outside is beautiful!
(1)Seana S.
I used to LOVE this place. The view is amazing and a fun place to go to. Recently, they started "No modifications or Substitutions" and it's in big BOLD print on the menu. I don't know if they follow that all week or only on the weekends. Regardless, if someone can't have cheese in their omelet, they should be able to say NO cheese. Instead I was told they cannot accommodate. Our server stated several times our kitchen can't keep up with special requests. MAYBE they should invest in a kitchen staff who can read a ticket for an extra 3 seconds and accommodate the people who are paying to keep your doors open. The person I was with wanted no meat in their hash, but the server made her choose and eat around. The burger comes with American cheese on the burger, but I was told no. Our server said she can't ask the chef for anything without getting yelled at. We also got a salad and it had avocado in it. The Avocado was brown and old. I used to love this place, but I will not return. People have allergies, and dietary restraints in today's world. Our server even said she couldn't accommodate a "no bun" request for a burger. If you are one of these people I would NOT recommend this place for you. Truly disappointed in the management here, and lack of customer service.
(1)Angela D.
Two stars for ambiance...but other than that I was so disappointed. And that made me so sad because I really wanted to like this place. I ordered the the steam pot ($34) which was supposed to come with a 4oz lobster tail, but it was more like the carrion of what WAS a 4oz lobster tail. They also forgot the potatoes that are included in said pot. Though, the scallops were delicious. My girlfriend was bummed about her winter salad... It was $15 for about a cup and a half of roasted veggies... Bummer dude. The burger my cousin had looked good, but it's hard to mess up a burger. I don't know... I probably won't be back...the service was a big let down (I'm a bartender in the loop area) which is sad because I love to send the tourists to other good spots.
(2)Sarah D.
Solid food, pretty solid service, but a $3 upcharge to use only egg whites in an omelette is a bit over the top.
(4)Emma K.
I'm so surprised that this restaurant was half empty when my BF and I came here a couple of Saturdays ago. Our reservations were at 7, but we were so hungry at 6:15 we figured we would just go and have a drink while we waited. They were able to sit us down right away, and at one of the tables by the window. Food - Just get the pretzel appetizer. It was definitely the best thing that we tried from the menu. It comes with this magical beer cheese sauce that you should definitely keep if getting fries! We also had the Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls (only the dipping sauce is spicy btw), Tavern Fries, and Steak Sandwich. Nothing disappointed, and the 4 dishes + 5 drinks came in around $90. Definitely worth it for the yummy food, drinks, and atmosphere!
(5)Caroline F.
Great drink deals for brunch. Half the table was impressed with their food. However, their portions are huge...you waste half the food if your in town for a mini vacation. It's in great location on river however seems very crowded. Huevos rancheros were horrible. The beignets were pretty good however over fried but what could I expect Chicago is not New Orleans. I asked the waiter for the same thing three times...third times a charm I suppose. I would personally only go back for a cheap mimosa.
(3)Duska K.
Really good brunch - the location is wonderful, right next to the river. There is somewhat of a wait to sit outside, but the indoor seating was very nice and it felt like you were sitting outside anyway with all the windows and doors open. Food was good - very good brunch place!
(4)Jackie E.
I have always loved this place! Ryan and Deanna took great care of us today! Look forward to seeing you soon!!
(5)K M.
Loved our meal at BHT. All of the staff were polite and accommodating and our waitress, Danielle could not have been more engaging and helpful. I'd go back for the service and ambiance alone but in this case one doesn't have to sacrifice anything bc the food was amazing too! Tavern TOTS...wow. Keep up the good work BHT!!
(5)John I.
YELP REVIEW: Bridge House Tavern 4 Stars Third time's the charm. I've been here that many. The first time was a warm summer afternoon work event for drinks and appies, where we took over the place. Fun, but... you know... work event, and the baggage that goes with it. And at that job, high school cliques formed by people twice or even thrice that age. I'm sure everyone else on here has gushed about the river location, especially on the sunny side, and they're right. Second time, brunch, on a Sunday afternoon, with a gaggle of family, including out-of-towners. It hadn't occurred to me that Frontera might be closed (Rick Bayless, what happened to your work ethic?!?) My family had a good meal, mine was a comedy of errors. I ordered the green eggs and ham, here the green is pesto. Wow, that sounded good. The waiter came back; they were out of the green eggs. How is that possible? I could see if they were out of pesto, but... After a little keen, Sherlock Holmes, CSI, The Wire investigating, it turns out that they still had pesto. I think they brought it on the side. Doesn't say much for the chef's skills. THEN, the dish came with the wrong part of the pig: bacon instead of ham. Huh? Green eggs and ham. Three things. If one isn't available, tell me! I would have ordered something else. But it was another lovely day. Normally I would have docked stars here, but it seemed that I had really caught otherwise a competent and quite friendly server and manager on a bad day. I won't ding them on this visit. The third time was the charm. I was trying to think of a place to go that was near my friend's hotel, the Westin, in late August. He invited a couple others. We needed something nearby, and I had reserved at Havana, but as I walked across the bridge, I thought it would be good for him to experience the river on a nice night. I ran down the stairs to see if they were free for four: Cuba could wait. The popcorn was a big draw for me: adding bacon, jalapeño and smoked salt, with a little honey is genius (despite everyone & his concession-stand brother having a popcorn recipe lately). I would rave more, but you've read this far, and I know your patience is waning. It's hard to resist cocktails by the carafe, and we didn't. My friend and I shared the Chicago Breeze, his friends shared the adult lemonade. Very delicious on a warm summer night. The fish and chips was wonderful, crisp and not greasy. A little strange that they bring malt vinegar in little stainless steel containers in which you might find pancake syrups. To me, the vinegar is perhaps the best part of fish & chips; luckily the wonderful waitress with a great sense of humor & fun (my memory is bad, was it Marguerite?) brought plenty of extras. While the patio is the draw here, it's even better than one might imagine: You're outside in downtown Chicago, there is the wide expanse of the river, the moonlight above (if it's that time of the month), and, being a floor below street level, it's quite quiet (at least on a weekday evening).
(4)Kelley L.
Just to be sure, BHT still does it right. I've been back several times, but after my last visit, it merits a confirmation that I love this place. My fella and I chose BHT as our celebration dinner locale after closing on our new condo. Good thing, since the closing didn't exactly go swimmingly, but our meal at BHT helped us forget the pain. The food was tasty, service friendly and quick despite a couple large parties in the same area, and the patio along the river on a summer evening just cant be beat. I may be biased because Kristen (marketing gal) and Ryan (owner) stopped by to chat for some time, but I'm a fan. If you're looking for a nice evening on the river, this is the place.
(5)Renee L.
I am giving this place two stars, one of the popcorn appetizer and one for the good service and ambiance. I ordered a bloody mary that was so-so (& not fixed like the ones in other reviews) and split the pork belly BLT. The waiter said it was the best sandwich on the menu so I felt it was safe. Too bad thats their best sandwich, it was disgusting. The bread was soggy, over loaded on mayonnaise, the fried egg was not cooked properly and the pork belly was chewy and flavorless. I kept eating the sandwich in hopes it would start to taste better...that didn't happen and unfortunately I was starving so I covered my half in hot sauce, salt and pepper and finished it...the worst part is the stomachache I experienced immediately and lasted hours. i had to go back to the hotel and rest, my stomach was in so much pain. Ugh, the thought of this food makes me sick, I wouldn't come back here based solely on that sandwich. They may have other great dishes but It's really unfortunate this sandwich killed it for me and was a waste of a vacation meal.
(2)Brittany L.
Great place with a great view to have some drinks on the river. Service was also a plus! Ask for Emily every time and you will not be disappointed!! We will be back without a doubt!
(5)Stanley G.
I hereby correct my prior review on the bridge house to give them 5 stars. The owner Ryan looked after my concerns and a gave stellar response. He listened and stated the customer is always right and acted beyond my expectations promptly to correct the misunderstanding of my St. Patty's Day visit. I personally will stop by on my next visit and shake his hand and have a drink with him in appreciation of his model customer service. I now know and believe you will be taken care of at the bridge house and it will exceed your expectations! This place cares about making sure things are right!
(5)Sam Z.
Came here for St. Patricks day this year. It was a great location and lots of fun! They provided a great Irish breakfast, the bartenders were quick and efficient and the crowd was fun- lots of friendly nice people and good st. Patty's day costumes! They have some nicer liquors and decently priced drinks. The venue is cool - from street level you can't see it and it is right on the river- great view! For St. Patty's, I wouldn't recommend going to watch the river dying because it happened further east of us. Recommend it!
(5)Dan M.
I was looking for a place with a nice view to have dinner in Chicago. The restaurant is located right on the Chicago River. It offers an outside patio that is a must on a beautiful day. The beer/wine menu and dinner menu is small but has all the favorites you'd expect at a gastro pub. We started our dinner with their well known Popcorn made with bacon jalapeño and honey. What an amazing combination! It was spicy, sinful and sweet. I ordered the Short Ribs that was served with rapini and a baked potato. It was tasty but not spectacular. My date had the Steak and Frites which looked amazing. She loved the dish. Overall a good restaurant with amazing views, all priced reasonably. It's a great date place on a beautiful day or just a place to hang out with friends located near the Magnificent Mile. I'll be back even if it's just for popcorn and beer.
(4)Nicholas D.
I had a great night cap at this place. Went on Wednesday for the wine down Wednesday special which was half of wine bottles. It was a cool experience and the view by the Chicago river was nice. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)Shawn G.
We went for Saturday brunch and had the Corned-beef Hash and Crab-cake Benedict. Both were excellent. $5 Bloody Mary's on the outside deck with a great view on the river. A good option for brunch while visiting the city.
(5)Rita R.
It's so sad to write a bad review because I really wanted to like this place, but it was a disappointment in EVERY way :( First of all, no one can argue with the beautiful location and if that's all you're looking for then this place has that. However, the service was terrible, the manager was rude,and it took almost an hour to get our food after we ordered it. We went there for brunch and the eggs/potatoes came out cold. They were over-salted and not all that great. I asked if I could substitute fruit for my toast and the answer was "no" before I even finished the sentence. What kind of a place doesn't allow substitutions?? Overall, terrible dining experience in a very beautiful patio. I hope they get some new management because this place has a lot of potential if they can get their act together!
(1)SHAMIKA L.
I stumbled on this place while in Chicago for the weekend!!! What a GREAT surprise!! The food is amazing and the service is impeccable. I had the bacon pancake and OMG is was the best pancake I've ever had. I'm a New Yorker and my expectation are extremely high. This place exceeded my expectations!!! I highly recommend eating here and will definitely go back during my next trip.
(5)Jennifer Z.
I really enjoyed dining at this restaurant. On a good day, you can sit outside and dine right next to the river. I went there at night for dinner and they have a really nice view of the river from the inside. The food was amazing! The butternut squash soup was perfect and very buttery. I had the salmon which was also really good. I have only positive things to say about this place. They were very accommodating to huge groups and private events. When I come back to Chicago I am definitely going to come back here again.
(5)Sheetal P.
Im giving this place the second star ONLY because of its location right on the river. Besides that I dont have too many positive things to say about the first, and possibly last, visit to this restaurant. My friends and I actually went to brunch this past Sunday to celebrate one of the girls' pregnancy. She had actually been there already, unbeknownst to us, but not for brunch. Since this was my favorite meal of any day, I was beyond excited. But my excitement was abated when i saw, at the top of the menu, in ridiculously large font "NO SUBSTITUTIONS & NO MODIFICATIONS" None of us thought too much of it since most restaurants are still pretty accommodating to vegetarians or individuals with food allergies. As long as we didn't completely deconstruct the chef's recipe, we didn't think we'd have a problem removing the bacon or the chorizo or maybe the sprinkled on mushroom caps. We would later be proved wrong....much later seeing as we waited forever for any service. Before we ordered our meals, we ordered a basket of their fresh beignets to share along with a couple cups of coffee, mimosas and some non alcoholic bevvies for our pregnant girls. While the beignets were delicious, we had to wait for fresh plates and straws because the plates and glasses were DISGUSTING! The plates still had crusty remnants of previous meals and the glasses were covered with smudges and lip marks. The coffee tasted like itd been swirled around in an ashtray first so Id recommend staying away from it. When we were ready to place our orders after deliberating on how steadfast they might be about the modifications, we finally got the server to come by. Not only was she almost entirely unsure about ANYTHING that the restaurant could or couldn't do for us, she wasn't very well informed about the cheeses or juices either. My friend ordered a croissant egg and cheese sandwich without mushrooms. I asked for the huevos rancheros but just without the chorizo (I am a vegetarian). My other 3 friends didnt have any modifications but when the server came back she told me they couldnt remove the chorizo because EVERYTHING was cooked into the chorizo. They has peppers, onions, tomatoes, sauces and the egg and she was telling me that short of the egg, EVERYTHING else was just incorporated into the chorizo. I found this hard to believe as I have eaten huevos rancheros at many establishments and never ever been told this. If it's the chefs recipe and thats just how he/she does it, i think its silly and he/she should change it. Not just for me but for any person who may not like even ONE ingredient in that list of ingredients. Similarly, they did not remove the mushrooms on my other friends plate. I know for a fact those were sprinkled on top and could have just NOT been. All in all, I wouldnt suggest anyone go here unless its just for mimosas and the view. Food was far from spectacular, service was pretty poor, and it could stand a good kitchen/utensil cleaning.
(2)Brent C.
Visiting Chicago for a convention and glad we decided to try this place out. They were busy but they went out of their way to make us feel welcome and that we got a table quickly. Our waitress was awesome...personable, friendly and very helpful with drinks and the menu. I had the Pork Wings appetizer which was wonderful! For dinner I had the Fish and Chips and was very happy with the fish. It was light, not greasy and very flavorful. The "chips" we're just OK but overall I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Shanti N.
Considering Chicago is either in the midst of or climbing out of vortex 2.0, coming to a spot known for its outdoor dining would seem to fly in the face of all that is sane and reasonable. I found myself at BHT this evening, as my condo building had organized a residents' happy hour here. Fortunately, my fears of having to spend any more time outdoors than absolutely necessary were allayed, as the event took place in the bar area, which struck a perfect balance between cozy and urban, with atrium windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. The in-wall gas fireplace is an especially inspired touch. Getting down to this place was not intuitive, as the entrance is not at street level. It turns out that this spot is the lower level of the ABA building. I soon figured it out, and took the elevator down to the lower level which led immediately into the bar/restaurant where I was greeted by Chris, the manager/front of house. Going below grade, as it were, lent a speakeasy feeling to the experience. This was enhanced when I spotted the selection of whiskeys above the bar--Oban, Talisker, and Koval to name just a few. Once I got to talking with the bartenders, I found they were more than happy to elucidate me on the finer points of the scotches, which made for an entertaining backdrop to my happy hour imbibing. As to the drink selection, the menu was edited seeing how this was a special event. On offer were wines (Pinot Grigio and Merlot by the glass) along with a couple of craft beers and a special concoction that contained lemonade, blueberries, and mint. I went with the Merlot to take the chill off the evening and was pleasantly surprised that the wine was of such high caliber. I found out that this is the house wine, and a proprietary label. The bartenders were good about keeping my glass topped up and my water filled. On the wine list, I spied an array of promising pours, including a bottle of Hess Cabernet, a personal favorite. There weren't any passed appetizers at this event so I can't speak to the quality of the food. I did get a chance to look at the brunch menu and the bar menu. From what I could see, I know I will be back for the $29 bottomless bloody mary brunch. The bar bites looked promising as well, but by the time I'd narrowed it down to wanting to try either the meatballs or the scallops, the event was winding down and there was limited time to order. From the gastropub chic ambiance and high quality drink offerings, to the friendliness of the staff who immediately made us all feel welcome, I know that I will be back. Knowing that this place exists gives me one more reason to look forward to spring, when I can experience iconic views in an outdoor setting.
(4)Stephen W.
#awesomesauce. My wife was looking for something to keep my mouth shut.... Found it! Great food. Great service. Just darn great. If you've found this listing then you've come this far. Perhaps you could come just a little bit farther?
(5)Zachary W.
Great food even better service, tuna was great spicy chicken rolls were out of this world. Great views of the river, cool to see the boats go by
(5)JoAnna E.
My fiancé and I have been visiting Bridge House since just a few months after it opened and we are never disappointed! The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is beautiful and intimate. The service is superb. We always have the popcorn appetizer as it id delicious and unique. We also had the bratwurst and steak frittes for dinner and I am still raving about how good it all tasted. We will continue to visit this restaurant every chance we get.
(5)Lauren C.
There isn't one thing I disliked about this place. Our waitress was a delight. The chicken and waffles were out of this friggin world. And watching the boats lull by as I sipped my morning coffee was a treat. Highly recommend Bridge House! Oh and did I mention that they have a bacon pancake (!!!). Yeah.
(5)Liz C.
We had dinner here last Saturday night. We ordered a lot of appetizers and shared them with the table. We had the brussels sprouts that were topped with bacon and cheese. They were great! I would also recommend the veal meatballs and pulled pork with gravy and biscuits. Many of the appetizers were served in small cast iron ramekins that had been baked in the oven making the flavors of the food pop. I would recommend and go back to the Bridge House Tavern!
(4)Stephanie Q.
The owner/manager and staff here are so amazing. Came here for a brunch and lunch on Saturday stayed for hours. The food was fantastic and the drinks were even better. There's a great view of the river which helps too! I will definitely be back on my next trip to Chicago!
(5)Jackie H.
Amazing. The food is fun and different. The server, Cody, was fantastic and the owner had drinks with us. Right on the river.. Can't think of a better place for brunch.
(5)Thelin C.
Good view; Refreshing cocktail and Delicious grill; We go here for the dinner. And we first ordered 2 cocktails: Chicago breeze and Pink lemonade. I love pink lemonade and my girl friend love Chicago breeze very much. I think Pink lemonade is more sweet and chicago breeze is more sour, and both is great. really refreshing. We also ordered 1/2 dozen of western coast oyster, you can choose western coast or eastern coast oyster. and for weekdays from 2-5pm oysters are half price off. For the main dish we ordered 1/2 roasted chicken and short ribs. the chicken is served with mashed potato, the meat is very soft and it's great. the mashed potato is tasted milky, it's very good but I think it's not good to eat too much. anyway maybe it's because I am still not used to sweet and milky food. The ribs is served with vegetables and baked potato, it's more salty. So we have a great time combine this two dishes.
(5)Emily J.
I have been literally looking at Bridge House Tavern from across the river for the last few months from my apartment building balcony and finally went here for brunch the other day. What a great restaurant! I love unfussy, unpretentious brunches and Bridge House was exactly what I needed after a long hot yoga class. My sister and I were pretty much delirious from hunger and were fulfilled by the excellent huevos rancheros at Bridge House. She has celiac disease and our server and the kitchen were more than accommodating to her needs. The huevos were just what the doctor ordered-lots of eggs, black beans, corn, and a whole lot of Cholula. The portions here are large, you certainly get your money's worth, and the even the side of fruit was bigger than we expected for $5. You really can't beat the setting here either-the patio is perched right on the river and you are forever entertained during your meal with the passing boats. I would highly recommend Bridge House Tavern to anyone wanting a traditional and delicious brunch with excellent service and a lovely setting. I will certainly be back to try their $5 mimosas and bloody Marys, just not right after a yoga class!
(5)Ryan R.
I went to this place in early last November while at a conference, after finding it on yelp. They were having a private party to watch the man walk the tightrope over the Chicago River, but I was able to get a walk in ticket. I had a absolute blast. Great location, good drinks and snacks. The staff was very friendly and the owner Ryan was just awesome. I would highly suggest anyone visiting downtown Chicago to visit this place, great happy hour and food as well. I will def come back when I make my way up there again.
(4)Kate M.
Danielle was the best waitress!! She was so friendly, engaging, and offered us so many suggestions! She made the entire experience fabulous! The food and drinks were delicious and the environment was perfect right on the river!
(5)Melissa O.
The view is the only good thing about this place. I was pretty excited to dine here and it really disappointed. I had reservations and upon arriving we were never greeted, the hostess was no where to be found. It wasn't until a bus boy saw us standing there for a long time that he decided to go look for the hostess. When the hostess finally arrived she told us she had to sit us quickly because the kitchen was about to close. We were walked to a patio table with no chars. When chairs were finally brought to us we had to drag them to the table ourselves. The biggest problem I had were the dirty glasses we were served our water in. I brought it to the attention of our server, he apologized, and again brought dirty glasses. We ordered the avocado dip appetizer, two burgers and a Stella. The appetizer was served simultaneously with our entrees and our drinks weren't brought to us until we were half way done with our food. The service was terrible and the food was mediocre. You are better off trying another restaurant on the river because all they have to offer is a nice view. They were not even that busy, the patio was full but the inside was empty. I will not be returning.
(1)Lindsay K.
I have NEVER been so disappointed with the service at a Chicago restaurant in my entire life. Made a reservation for 7:30 for a Tuesday night-- got there are 7:20 to be told that they "Gave our reservation to a fat old man" (not kidding)-- we asked if there was anything they could do... giving that it was their error, not ours. The rude hostess said "I don't really know. it could be 15 seconds or 30 minutes for the next table to open up... this really isn't the end of the world" Sorry. But to be completely honest this "hostess" was one of the rudest people I have ever come in contact with at a dining establishment. Isn't it the first rule of restaurant etiquette that the customer is always right? And for her to tell us "it's not the end of the world" with a snotty attitude/ rolling her eyes really got me mad. This chick seriously needs an attitude check and to have the manager sign her up for the TLC show "What not to wear" because dressing up like a human candy cane in the middle of the summer with red lipstick on your teeth and greasy hair really isn't appealing. Other than the psycho working the front, the food was good. Will never be coming back here again.
(1)Rebecca F.
Good food and drinks. Very heavy food though. No way to leave this place without Thanksgiving pants. Service was prompt and friendly.
(4)Jeremy K.
This is one of those wonderful hidden gems of Chicago. Beautiful location, great food, good price, and a staff that's legit friendly and knowledgeable. One of the neatest things about this place is its owner. The guy is fascinated with alcohol, and talking with him about scotch got me way excited. Talk with him, you won't regret it. I went there with two friends and chowed down on the delicious popcorn, had a few beers, burger, and the chocolate cake. It was a wonderful evening, and I'm looking forward to going here again.
(5)Keith A.
I'm not really a river north guy. It's not my general place that I enjoy hanging out, but you have to just go with the flow sometimes and this is where I ended up with a friend as we waited for a party boat by the river. I was in a drinking mood as we had been at dryhop before hand. But, needing to switch it up, I grabbed one of the cocktails on their list and went with the Black Forest. Seeing that there was gin and blackberries made me know that was exactly what I needed to refresh my palate. Not only was it $10 for the drink, it was done perfectly. It was a warm night and did everything I needed it to. I also have to give props for just charging $10 a cocktail in River North and being directly on the river. I also had to get myself a flywheel from Metropolitan. Again, their pricing was very good as it was just $6 off the tap. These are some very good prices considering the area. I was hungry and my friend could eat as well. It also enabled some joking about the various 40 year olds trying their best 25 year old act. The spicy chicken avacado rolls were exactly what was needed and were more like taquitos, but really good. I was also a fan of the wild mushrooms that they had. It was all mixed in a pot with parmesan cheese and a fair amount of other things. I definitely enjoyed my trip here. It all worked out quite well and was a good place to relax on the river. I was surprised that it wasn't packed at 8:30 on a saturday evening, but everything was fine and dandy by me. It wasn't hard to get a hold of the server and she was always very friendly. I would come back here if the situation dictated it and it's nice to come across a place like this in river north.
(4)Liz P.
Went here for an event. Food was fantastic and so was the view, although we ate inside because it wad a bit nippy out. Would like to come back here for a "regular" meal at some point.
(4)Magen R.
Had an awesome experience a Bridge House Tavern today! Five of us went here to celebrate a birthday. We were seated outside on the gorgeous terrance overlooking the river, what a view! It was an amazing place to have Sunday brunch on a gorgeous day. We all decided to take advantage of the bottomless mimosa/bloody mary brunch special. The mimosas were really good and they brought carafes to our table every so often so we did not have to keep asking for more. None of us tried the bloody mary's but they looked delicious (very hangover friendly too). For our meals two of us got the pig trio biscuits and gravy, one got the veggie omelet, one got the chicken and waffles and I got the horseshoe. Everyone LOVED their meal. I had the horseshoe, it was seriously fabulous and way more than I could possibly eat but it was nice to be able to have fries to snack on for the table. I also tried a bit of the waffle which was also outstanding. Bridge House Tavern was a huge hit as far as all of us were concerned, the service was good not great and that is why I am only giving it 4 out of 5 stars; however, I hope to be back soon!
(4)Alexis P.
This place is amazing. Everything from the food to the service was exceptional. Megan was our waitress and she was very sweet and attentive. I had the parfait and beignet, it was a lot better than I expected. Big portions and reasonably priced. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Earl P.
This is the place for summer drinks! Watching the boats go by, enjoying the beauty of the bridges and the city is perfection!
(5)Liz J.
Bridge House Tavern is worth the visit if you're simply looking for decent food. It's located right on the river, which is nice, but the smell of the river isn't really very pleasant when you're trying to enjoy a drink or a dish outside. The inside has comfy, if a little bit cramped seating, but a fine solution if you're not interested in the river. We started with the bread and cheese appetizer. There wasn't enough bread for the amount of cheese, but the two cheeses were pretty good. I liked the radish as a topper for the cheese as well. Although the food was fine, it was really nothing special and was a bit overpriced for the size and overall quality. It almost seems like BHT is trying too hard to do something unique and exciting. It's falling just a little short. It's not a bad option if you're staying in one of the nearby hotels, but I'm guessing the locals go elsewhere.
(3)Kathleen C.
A friend and I visited last Friday when I was lucky enough to have a company holiday at work and she got to leave early. The weather was miserably hot, but we sat outside anyway as we just couldn't resist the river view. While I would have liked a few healthier options on the appetizer menu, I will say that the menu is pretty varied and the drink list was solid. A great little spot and surprisingly, I hadn't heard of it before I visited, so I'm not sure if we were lucky that it wasn't busy or if we beat the after work crowd.... Food - 3 Atmosphere - 5 Value - 3 Bathrooms - 5 Service - 5 (the owner came out to let us know a storm was coming!)
(4)Adrienne T.
I was pleasantly surprised by Bridge House. In my experience, the places along the riverfront have mostly catered toward the tourists who flock this amazing city during the summer months. Usually, with a high turnover rate in customers, restaurants tend to be less on their game in terms of service and food. This was not the case for Bridge House Tavern. They had a great selection of micro-brews and their "for share items" were quite scrumptious. We ordered the popcorn and cheese plate to start and were quite impressed with the quantity and quality of both food items. I was so full from the popcorn and cheese plate that I wasn't able to order a meal. My friends ordered the fish and chips, mac n cheese, and grilled cheese. With each dish given a gourmet twist, my friends were very satisfied with their choices. Honestly, I really wanted to grab their plates and take a bite. Not only did they have a lovely food and beer selection, but their service was also quite good. I highly recommend Bridge House Tavern if you are looking for a restaurant that offers great views, beers, and food. bon appetit.
(4)Jordan S.
One of my favorite places to go when visiting Chicago. My first time was for a pre-bachelor party dinner. I'd say it's definitely better to come during the spring/summer time due to the amazing view and patio area however it's worth it any time of year. I recommend the steak sandwich or fish and chips. Great food, great service and great atmosphere!
(5)Jennifer E.
Half off appetizers from 4pm-6pm during the week? Yes please! My coworkers and I went here for my going away dinner and we took advantage of the half off appetizers. First we started with the popcorn which was fabulous, but my friends who were drinking beer said it doesn't really go with the beer. Then we had the cheese board, mac and cheese, fries, onion dip, and shrimp and grits. It was all great. Definitely a great place to hang out after work,
(5)J R.
This was a pleasant surprise. Friendly staff, nice location, good food and $5 mimosa or bloody marys for brunch.
(4)jen r.
Delicious and at this price point + this view it can't be beat. I recommend: The shrimp and grits Bread and butter (truffled butter+honey=amazingness) Fish and chips.
(4)KC C.
Small plates, great fresh oysters, mixologist options and Coors "The Banquet Beer", in a bottle, what else would you require? Maybe the best water view table in the City(at least prior to or after riverfront construction completion). I've been here with family, my girlfriend and always can depend on pleasant ambiance and great service. I also like the attention and presence of Ryan, the owner, who is always paying respects and making the rounds to ensure a good experience for all. Short rib, specialized popcorn, and great fresh oysters are the most notable menu choices. Will look forward to my next visit. With Graham Elliot River North closing ole GE no longer has to worry about competing with Bridgehouse-and really never could match the comfortable environment. Off to the gym!
(4)Stephanie L.
Hello BHT My first impression was that it is a very nice bar like restaurant. We came for brunch at about 1030ish on a Sunday. We were the only people in the place so it was a little weird because it was so quiet. HA. The space was really nice and it seems like in the summer, they will have a fantastic little patio with views of the river. Also, the server told us that boats can dock here...AMAZING! We might have to do this in the summer. There was also a cute little fireplace, etc. All of the windows looked like they could basically come off and be an open area. Everyone in Chicago likes to eat outside in the spring/summer. Our server was very attentive. I am not sure if this would have been the case if it was busier, but we were very happy with her. Not to mention, she was really nice. She explained the items that we had questions about and clearly stated the specials, which included $5 mimosas and bloodys. WHY NOT? The bloody mary was fantastic. It tasted like horseradish and shrimp? Sounds kind of gross, but I thought it was delicious. Plus, I asked for it spicy and she delivered. The brunch menu was pretty extensive. They definitely had something for everyone. The classics, the greasy, the sandwiches, etc. We decided on the pig trio biscuits and gravy and the huevos rancheros. They both just sounded great. We were not disappointed. I absolutely loved the huevos rancheros. It was crispy tortillas layered with beans, meat, peppers, tomatillo sauce, etc. Oh man, it was good. AND SPICY. Again, I love spice. Some would probably not appreciate this dish if they were sensitive to spice, however, I thought it was perfect. The pig trio was delish too. The biscuits were just dense enough to stand up to the gravy mixture. It was topped with bacon and there was sausage links under the gravy...heart attack waiting to happen. Only complaint was it was a little pricey...but again, what do you expect downtown on the river. I think the B&G was $15 and the huevos was $12. No more or less than other places in the area and the food was fantastic. I am thinking we might try this for a HH in the next couple of weeks. I am interested to see what we get based on the other reviews. Definitely a place to check out for brunch.
(5)Alana T.
This was all about Sunday Funday! My friend and I went here for brunch, because, that's what folks who like to get lushy and do it on a non-empty stomach, do. Those said folks, go to brunch. There's nothing like a brunch with BOTTOMLESS mimosas and bloody Mary's. This was, actually, my first time having a bloody mary and I must say, it was undoubtedly my last. I'm saying, who drinks that by choice! But, I digress! Where was I? Oh, yes! Food! So, I had the chicken and waffles and my friend had some kind of beef sandwich with TONS of fries and cheese sauce and OMG, it was really good! Her food was WAY better than mine. Along with the brunch menu, you were able to choose your drink of choice, of course, we went with Mimosas after I mistakenly went to the other side and returned to Mimosa on my hands and knees BEGGING for her to take me back and let me drink her. She obliged. Oh did she obliged. I think this brunch was $20 or something. We both drank $40 in Mimosas, so yeah, we got our money worth. It was a beautiful day outside, so we opted for the patio. What a beautiful view of the Chicago river and other "Sunday Funday" indulgers all around us. The sun was great, the food was great the company was awesome. I will definitely go back here if only for the view and the drinks.
(4)Ed W.
We took some visitors into the city on a Saturday eve and wanted to eat somewhere outside with interesting city views. Bridge House Tavern fills the bill quite nicely. Our outdoor table was perfect for checking out the boats as they made their way up and down the river. The menu is varied - we started with the jalapeno popcorn and a shrimp appetizer. The entrees went from steak sandwich to turkey burger to fish and chips. All were very good. With beer and wine we spent $40 / person - which is not bad for a memorable night in the city. Service was great - we had a train to catch and they helped us out with a very quick checkout when we were ready to leave. The 20 minute walk to the Metra station makes it a convenient location as well. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a semi-casual dining experience in Chicago.
(4)TONI B.
We went for a date night dinner and drinks after seeing this place featured on TV. Drinks were good, Southwest salad was very good. Service was bad , BLT was so bad we had to send it back. Fish and Chips: Fish was good chips were cold and stale. Artichoke bread appetizer did not make an appearance until late in the meal after we reminded server we had not received it. It was not worth the wait. The bread was so stale I could not bite into it. Very disappointed , what a waste of time and money on our day off.
(2)Danielle D.
Food was great, the service was slow, but definitely worth the wait. I had the Crab Cake Benedict, it was amazing! The Bloody Mary was a little watery for my taste but my boyfriend loved it.
(4)Wizdom T.
I've seen this place for a couple of years and totally ignored it, assuming it was as pretentious as I expected it to be. But today I got over myself and walked down the steps to the lions den. Come to find out, I was the one being the douche I thought I was avoiding. Great service from the new kid on the block, Cody. Shout out... your all kinds of awesome dude for only being on staff for a few weeks. Cody took care of me, even to the extent of finding out the real deal on the "recommended dessert" - the Turtle Brown Sundae. And this investigative reporting was based on my strict instructions.. " i don't care what folks usually order, find out what's good. He handled his biz, thanks Cody! Drinks, Appetizers, and Desserts were on point, with a great view of the Chicago River happenings. I will def come again!
(5)Gretchen H.
I will say that sitting out on their patio is worthwhile. So while I don't think I'll be back for a full meal, I may come back for cocktails and snacks. My main complaint with BHT is that they have not really figured out portions or pricing. As I looked around it seemed that some options were a fair size for the price, however my friend and I got salads and they were tiny. We (luckily) both added protein to them and we ordered a side of fries, if we hadn't it wouldn't have been a filling meal. All in we ordered a side of fries and 2 salads, one with steak and one with shrimp. We drank water. Our bill was $50 w/ tip. There is no way the salads we got were $20 salads. So in closing, go for drinks and to enjoy the food. If you order food, avoid the salad because although tasty, they aren't a meal. As an interesting side note, they do offer a side salad with a sandwich instead of fries...it looked to be nearly the same size as our entree salads were.
(2)Melan E.
The patio view makes this place awesome! The drinks are mediocre, the appetizer and cocktail menu rather scarce. But the service is great and the ambiance is perfect. Walking distance from other places so if you come before dinner on accident like we did you can grab food from somewhere nearby ;-)
(4)Shannon H.
My boyfriend and I came here for brunch the other day when we saw that they had bottomless mimosa's and marys for $29 which also included our food. Boy did we get our money's worth! They aren't kidding when they say bottomless! They pass around the mimosas like they are iced tea or coffee, and the food was amazing! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for stunning views and a reasonably priced brunch/lunch in Chicago.
(5)C P.
I've been to this restaurant several times, for lunch or dinner, and the food has wowed us every time. They have a great little patio overlooking the Chicago River (although there's currently construction on the river walk, so the view isn't as spectacular, but it's still a nice spot.) No kids menu, but a terrific burger the kids will love. Walking distance from the theaters, Millennium Park, and the tourist bus stops.
(5)Karin L.
Perfect for a quick bite. Great beer menu and wonderful to sit outside and watch the boats go by.
(4)M W.
Went during their $1 oyster happy hour and between the two of us we had 3 dozen and about 3 share apps. Waiter was stunned we ordered so much but warned us it was a lot of food. This was our first meal in Chicago and did not disappoint. View from the outside was perfect.
(5)Raju S.
Great location and excellent food. I have been there for brunch a few times and the location can't be beat. Food is good, prices are decent and the atmosphere is relaxing. Definitely a great place to have a couple of beers on a lazy sunday afternoon.
(4)Brian B.
We went here for Valentines day with a few couples. The food was amazing! Everyone loved their dish. The portions were plentiful and the prices were extremely reasonable. At the end of our meal the owner came by and gave us all free shots and thanked us for coming. I will definitely be going back here again.
(5)Jason C.
We went here for brunch, mainly because of the bottomless mimosa and bloody mary special. The food was outstanding. The bloody mary made me a little sad. From the start it didn't have much flavor and was made with a lot of ice so got watery really fast. But the mimosa was fantastic, especially when they brought out a full carafe. The place wasn't too busy and we hung out a while and didn't feel rushed.
(4)Nancy H.
The whole experience was an enjoyable success! We had late dinner reservations with a request for outside seating - had a table right by the River with beautiful view of the surrounding architecture at night. Our server, Emily, was energetic and personable. Our drinks and dinner arrived quickly and were to order, delicious - salads, burger, fish and chips, and reasonably priced. We would definitely return to Bridge House Tavern!
(5)Chris G.
Elegance on the Chicago River. Bridge House Tavern's smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on toasted country wheat is upmarket and delicious! I've never tasted a turkey sandwich quite like it and something I'd expect from Grahamwich. It's not just about the moist turkey... in fact that's the least interesting thing about the sandwich. It's about the toppings and sauce! I could swear there's a touch of fresh cranberry in there, as it has a refreshingly similar tartness. This place used to be Flatwater, which was an overpriced, uninspired bar with so-so food. Bridge House didn't take the easy route out by becoming another frat boy, by-the-keg type establishment. They're succeeding by offering a minimal, yet elegant menu along with adult beverages to compliment. (My dry cava came to the table, filled to the brim in a huge, chubby, stemless champagne flute.) Though just steps from my office, I decided to give them a patio lunch trail on a near-100 degree, sweltering hot Chicago summer day. The patio, as you can see from the pics, is well-heeled and on top of the dirty river. It ain't a perfect view, but it's better than many other nearby restaurants. -- UPDATE: Took a friend with me today after yesterday's outing... met the nice owner Ryan who's live in North Carolina. I'm sharing this with you because I was born and raised in Mississippi, very close to where B.B. King lived and know what good grits taste like. OMG. Someone put their damn foot in the grits that came with the roasted herb chicken at lunch. So creamy, flavorful and awesome. Especially if you have NOT experienced good grits, go check these out! I'm trying to convince them to offer quick breakfast to the office folx nearby who are also from the South or Southern family. The mussels are served with toasted baguette and fresh, sliced jalepeño peppers. Never had it like that. Great prep!
(4)Rick S.
Corned beef hash was outstanding! And the popcorn was awesome (think popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapenos, and smoky salt)! View is great and nice bar selection.
(4)Melissa P.
Sat outside on the river (which smells), a boat pulled up and people basically climbed over our table to get into the patio of the restaurant. Salads are very mini. Bloody Mary's are great but expensive. The food was good, but nothing to rave about. Maybe I just had a weird experience.
(2)Valerie M.
A great place...if you're young, single, and looking for a place to grab a round after work. Sadly, for my husband, 8-yr-old, and myself, it was not the dining destination we'd read reviews for and anticipated. We were greeted by your standard, aloof, disenchanted trio of hostesses who barely managed a smile and a welcome as one escorted us to a table on the patio, overlooking the river. Had we known in would have been quite a while before a server stopped by to acknowledge us ad take drink orders, we might not have been so quick to judge the hostess' indifference. There was entertainment as we waited to place drink and then food orders. The river is pretty, with a seemingly endless parade of boats and barges passing by. Offering more traffic than the Chicago River and the busy pedestrian bridge within view, though, was a steady stream of restaurant workers - barkeeps, busboys, a waiter, and even the manager at one point - setting up an unseen outdoor seating area. We were lucky to be seated next to a storage cabana holding what seemed like thousands of pieces of outdoor furniture. Like busy little ants, there was a steady stream of people walking by our table with chairs, cushions, and tables. This went on for a good half hour, begging the questions "what are they setting up?" and "what does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?" The waiter DID: - take forever to come to our table to welcome us take drink orders - act perplexed and even a little annoyed when asked if they had a kids' menu or anything suitable for a younger diner - barely manage a "thanks for coming in" upon our departure The waiter DID NOT: - act concerned or offer any type of apology when my husband pointed out his contradictory pork chop (dry and cooked just outside an inch of its flavor on the outside, raw in the middle) I will say the manager found time to break away from the furniture set up to come over and offer to make things right. He offered to bring another pork chop or another entree but the time had passed. Two of the three of us were completely finished with our meal and we had places to go and things to see. I believe they did wind up taking it off the bill, which was nice of them, but did not erase the literal and figurative bad taste in our mouths. Bottom line: Great place to grab a drink with friends after work. Not a great place to grab dinner with your family.
(2)Stephanie S.
Great restaurant with great views! The staff here were exceptional, friendly and happy to make menu suggestions. I had the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, which comes with a fried egg on top, and it was wonderful! House chips with ranch are a must. We were seated indoors by the fireplace, so that a was a nice touch. Overall great experience!
(5)Soren N.
Obviously what sets this place apart from the thousand of other places in Chicago is the location, which really is unbeatable (especially for the price!) That being said the food is also stellar in my opinion. I've eaten most of what's on the menu, and never been disappointed. You gotta try the popcorn. It's such a bargain and a unique eat for sure. The drinks are great. The burger is better than most. To top it off Ryan and Mark are great owners and try their very best to make everyone's experience enjoyable. Come for any meal, including brunch! Or have an awesome happy hour.
(5)Susan S.
Comfy little restaurant with great river views. Chicken avocado rolls and onion rings satisfied this party of two for dinner, followed by the absolutely amazing turtle cheesecake topped with toasted sugared spicy pecans and Bailey's whipped cream. Our server Katie took care of our every need. Can't wait to return in the spring-summer to soak up the sun and river activity!
(5)Crystal I.
This is a hidden gem! On the river, perfect location. At first I thought it might be a tourist trap, but it wasn't. I met a few work colleagues for happy hour. We had a fabulous time. Excellent signature cocktails. Delicious appetizers. The owner introduced himself and the staff were very helpful. We will return, hopefully soon!
(5)Kati O.
The location is amazing but the service was terrible. I love Bloody Mary's but the mix had a terrible flavor, it was sour- stay away. We had to hunt down our server to get anything. The meals were good and everything was priced right. I really wanted to love this place because of the location but sitting there with an empty glass for 20 minutes in between beers was not ideal. It is a great place to sit on a nice day so I'm not ruling out a return, just wish we could have had a better experience.
(2)S G.
Had a sat night dinner here with friends. We started with specialty cocktails- I had a lemon champagne drink which was pretty good. Appetizers are large- we had the oysters, east and west coast, the mac and cheese, the mushroom bruschetta, and the chicken avocado rolls which were spicy and yummy! Main dishes: rigatoni with sausage and mushrooms, the short ribs and a large seafood pot which had lobster, corn, muscles and a great broth. The dessert menu looked good but we were too full! The place was actually pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I would definitely go again!
(4)Ermelinda C.
Great atmosphere, great food, great drinks - probably the best bloody mary I have ever had. The popcorn was a real treat ( a must try!), even though too heavy and too generous a portion to actually finish :-) The outdoor area is very enjoyable and if you are lucky, you might get to see some of the Lollapalooza concerts being projected live on their several outdoor flat screen TVs :-)))
(4)Lorena F.
I usually enjoy this place near the river. View of the river is awesome and the food is equally good. HOWEVER, I had to give this place ONE star because the hostess was very rude to us when she noticed that our party of five consisted of two adults and THREE children. She told us that it would be a long wait because they only have two tables that would fit our large party. Now I'm certain that they would jump through hoops to try to seat FIVE adults. Child discrimination in downtown restaurants is a huge problem!!!! I want to be able to eat a nice meal with a nice view with my kids too!
(1)Kelly O.
Lovely atmosphere, right on the river with both tables and a good-sized bar outside of the main dining area. The drink menu was slightly better than expected for a place like this (they offered cans of the hibiscus beer from Revolution, so I was happy), although the food menu looked a little on the pricey side. A good place for grabbing a drink or two with friends in the nice weather.
(3)Katie L.
I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 because of the view. I made a reservation to go here with my boyfriend and his family for his birthday. We ordered a few appetizers, the best was the spicy chicken avocado roll but there wasn't much avocado on it. Then we had the pork belly which was not amazing but okay. Lastly, we ordered the artichoke bruschetta which was soggy, super sweet because of too much balsamic sauce, and overall a disaster. In between the appetizers and before our entrees came out, a server put down two plates before hearing us tell him it wasn't our order. The staff seemed very confused since this happened again with drinks later in our meal. I had the sunny day salad which was served to me without the avocado (it was supposed it include it) and was not even close to worth the cost. No one else had much to say about their entrees. The rest of the dinner was spent protecting our plates because they kept trying to take them while we were still eating. This morning, I called and told the hostess over the phone was my boyfriends birthday. The hostess cheerfully let me know that they give birthday desserts. After our plates were cleared, his parents ask for the check and the waitress makes no notion of knowing that it was his birthday. So I go inside to ask if the hostess had told our waitress since I had already called and told them about it this morning... 15 minutes later a dessert (nothing special something with whip cream) comes out. The atmosphere and staff need improving. There was nirvana playing in between nickel back and the red hot chile peppers making the mood way too teenage emo for a nice evening on the river. On my walk to the elevator I found a spider on my foot...
(2)Rachel I.
Great bloody Marys and mimosas! Really friendly bartender and manager! Awesome service! Will definitely come back
(5)Polly S.
You go for the river view but you will not return because of the food. A co-worker and I went for lunch on a beautiful sunny 70 degree day. The setting was nice. Service was attentive but a bit awkward. The food was a big thumbs down. I had the BHT nicoise salad and the salmon in it was ineligibly salty. My co-worker had the steak sandwich and the meat was extremely rare so she avoided it for fear it would walk off her plate. Prime location but the point of a restaurant is to eat.
(2)Leang E.
I am with Johnny T. on this one. My coworkers and I were looking for an outdoor eating area, and with seats along the river it seemed to fit the bill. We made reservations at 11:45am and it seemed like we were the 4th group that sat inside even though there were more people outdoors. We started out with the popcorn and the creamed corn. Both were very tasty and creative dishes. Half of us ordered the special shrimp po boy sandwiches, and this was confirmed by our waiter that there would be enough left. For some reason though 20 minutes later we were told that they ran out. I am not sure how this happened when the special on the board runs out at noon when the restaurant opens at 11am. I almost felt like we got pushed down the line somehow. I was really disappointed and went with what was recommended, which was the Pork Belly BLT. I think the combination of the pork belly and bacon made it a bit more on the salty side. Maybe I just felt salty about what happened. The sauce didn't have too much flavor, but the side salad I had was pretty tasty. Our water didn't seem like it got filled fast enough, and we got our food 10 minutes before we had to leave and pay. I might come back for a happy hour, but I don't want to take a second chance on not having my first choice option for a meal again.
(2)Shradha A.
I was a huge fan of Flatwater and thankfully, an even bigger fan of Bridgehouse Tavern! Good drinks, good menu, vegetarian mac n cheese, grilled cheese and linguini options for entrees and some appetizer choices too! Service was wonderful - from the bar to the table. Place and decor are stylish but not overdone. By the water is of course a huge plus!
(4)Erin K.
The menu looked promising and you can't beat the location right on the river. However, our experience here was not the best. We arrived around 2 and were told they closed the kitchen early (no undisclosed reasons) and were only serving bar food. We were disappointed, but some of the bar food items sounded good, so we stayed. We ordered the popcorn (honey, bacon, jalapeno & smoked salt), spicy chicken avocado rolls (caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, potato curls, blue cheese sauce), tavern fries (sauce béarnaise, bacon aioli, ketchup, remoulade), and pig wings (buttermilk ranch, house made bbq, maytag celery root slaw). Unfortunately everything sounded better than it actually tasted. The popcorn was boring and after one taste, we didn't want anymore. The chicken rolls did not seem at all as described. They were hot and that was the only real flavor they had. We both liked the fries, but only the remoulade sauce, the rest were flavorless and the pig wings were pretty good. We also ordered a carafe of Jalisco Blue (El Milagro Resposado, blueberry puree, basil, lemon & lime). This was good, but I also think this was not made correctly as the herb in the carafe did not taste or look like basil. Also, our service was really poor. We didn't get our drinks until 30 minutes after we got there. However, we did see another server that was on the ball so I guess it is hit or miss. I would try this place if you are looking to dine on the water, but expect to be there a while and to pay for mediocre food.
(2)Rich A.
3+ stars. Hambergers were good, fries were very good and the service was very good under the circumstances. It was the first warm Friday and bar area an river front was packed. Hats off Tom our server and the women server in the boot. They hustled the whole time we were thier.
(3)Adam K.
I went here for Valentine's Day, mainly because I waited a little too long to make a reservation and this was one of the few places with space open. To my amazement, it was SPECTACULAR. From the friendliness of the entire staff, to the nice quaint atmosphere, and the tastiness of the food, everything was perfect. I was a little skeptical about going in the heart of winter without the patio being open, but I highly recommend checking this place out if you have some time and don't want to stay in hibernation all winter.
(5)Jamie D.
What can I say... My party and I came here this afternoon to celebrate my wedding. We docked our boat along the river, which was perfect. Both the food and service was amazing, definitely 5-star presentation and flavors. There weren't a lot of people here (we came early, a little after 4:30, when their kitchen opened up again for the dinner menu) but that was perfect because we had a party of 12. Our favorite appetizers were the popcorn and the artichoke bruchetta (you have to order these, they were amazing!). For dinner, everyone ordered burgers, the sunflower salad, or the scallops, all of which were out of this world. Our server and Ryan, one of the owners, were extremely accommodating, and made our wedding dinner very special! I highly recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Mista L.
Visiting from Los Angeles I was looking for a nice place along the river to enjoy dinner with my family. I did a lot of research prior to booking my reservations. Based on reviews, pictures, and the view, I chose Bridge House Tavern as my dining destination. We had reservations for 4 on a Friday night and we were seated immediately. I observed right away that the restaurant itself is quite small but it doesn't feel that way. It's very cozy and comfortable and the lighting is perfect (lower lighting for more intimate experience). Due to the bad weather, patio seating wasn't available. However, I don't think there is a bad table in the place. The service was phenomenal and we couldn't have asked for a better waiter. The price is consistent with other fine dining establishments that offer spectacular views, so be prepared for a higher bill. I cant remember what the popcorn appetizer was called, but its a must have item!
(5)Mahsa T.
Formerly the Flatwater Grill, the new Bridge House Tavern strives to be somewhat better than its predecessor, ever so slightly more upscale"ish"--but it fails. Is it trying to be a sports bar or a nice riverside restaurant? The many TVs mounted on the walls outside and broadcasting sports kind of ruined the mood for me. It looked tacky and why watch a TV when you're sitting on the river and can watch the passing boats and enjoy the city lights? The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back...the crowd is a mixture of tourists and locals, happy hour work groups and others that pulled up to the restaurant on their boat. Perhaps the atmosphere is too relaxed, like the server almost didn't care that we were there. It took way too long to get him to come over and take our drink order when the terrace was a little more than half full. And then there was his attitude, which I didn't care for. The menu is extremely limited--both food and drinks. It's a good thing they had just a handful of specialty beers that I could order from, otherwise I would've had to go with wine. I can't give Bridge House more than three stars without having tried the food. Based on drinks and service, it's a three. But they do have fantastic river views and great outdoor seating.
(3)Chrysa L.
After chewing on this review for a couple of weeks, I have settled on three stars. It was a beautiful day and we were actually seated right near the open window. Felt like we were outside on the patio, but not in the direct sun, so that was a plus. Our waiter (at first) seemed attentive enough, but something about how long he took taking the drink orders of the young twentysomethings seated next to us really rubbed me the wrong way. Look, I understand they're asking you a billion questions about which drinks have rum in them, but we're clearly ready to order and we're clearly on our work lunch HOUR. In any event, I had the pork belly BLT with a side of fries. The fries were exceptionally delicious and the sandwich was yummy (though, the fried egg was a little bit on the overdone side). My dining companions enjoyed the brat (wrapped in bacon with blackberry jam, melted brie, and truffle mayo) and the Wild Boar patty melt...both got rave reviews. I would really like to give this place another shot for an after-work drink and snack whilst enjoying their patio right on the river.
(3)Kep P.
We absolutely loved sitting by the river and enjoying drinks & small plates! The ambiance and scenery was to die for! As fast paced east coast natives we very much enjoyed taking our time and relaxing by the water. Our server Kristen was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. She was patient with answering our questions about beer and cheese board selections and offered excellent suggestions! She did not rush us and was kind to introduce us to another server once her shift was complete even though we weren't. Very professional and kind! I had the pink lemonade cocktail, which was refreshing and my boyfriend stuck with a Goose Island beer selection, which he loved. We shared the pretzels and cheese board. Honestly, the food was average. It wasn't bad but there wasn't anything differentiating about it either. Although, we did enjoy the stone ground mustard served with the pretzels! Overall, We enjoyed it for the most part and will definitely be visiting again once we're in Chicago during spring/summer time. Please note we were not particularly happy with any of our meals while visiting Chicago. We found the food to be very boring, bland or just made poorly but Bridge House Tavern is 1 out of 2 restaurants that will be receiving a 4 star rating on Yelp from us. The other 8 restaurants unfortunately did not meet standards of 4 or above, so be proud!
(4)Stacy F.
The Spinach salad is wonderful and complete with pickled beets, pecans, goat cheese (let's face it anything with goat cheese is awesome), and a sunny, runny egg! Great place to sit outside by the river during the warmer days and watch the boats go by. Also, great for happy hour!
(4)Kelly H.
Service, food and the ambiance were great. 1/2 price bottles of wine on Thursday's and 1/2 off all oysters everyday between 2-5 make this place a gem. Beautiful river front tables make this a perfect summer lunch spot.
(4)Judy B.
Delicious and inexpensive brunch on the river, what more could you ask for?!
(5)Liz L.
LOVE this place! My husband found it while searching for a place to grab brunch before Book of Mormon. We hit the jack pot! Bottomless mimosas, bloody's , and a brunch item all for $25. The food is great! I had the homemade corn beef and hash the first time and it was amazing. My friend got the bacon pancake and that was huge and very tasty. The location is right on the river. It can be a little hard to see but you take a cool little elevator down to the river level and enter into the restaurant. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. I have only sat inside but the patio would be amazing in the summer. There are great views of the city/river regardless if you sit inside or out. We enjoyed the place so much that my friends and I decided to throw my friends bachelorette party there! We had a group of 10 and did a brunch followed by some day drinking. Kristen from events and everyone at bridge house went out of their way to accommodate us. The hostess, the waiter and even one of the owners bent over backwards to make sure the bride had a great day. This would be a perfect place to take an out of town guest or gather with friends. Really can't say enough I HIGHLY recommend it!
(5)Theresa B.
Love, love, love! We had our rehearsal dinner at Bridge House and it was amazing. Even in the winter the views of the river were gorgeous and it was so cozy inside with the fireplace on. This place is not just for summer days! The wait staff was excellent and the management could not have been nicer with planning, accommodating my requests (and allergy laden family) and changes. The food was absolutely amazing and being greeted with glasses of champagne isn't to shabby either! I can't wait to have a reason to have another party here but in the mean time, I'll be back for dinner soon!!
(5)Jacob S.
When you hear somebody talk about location, location, location - this is it. Right on the north bank of the river downtown in the same row as Fulton's etc. The food is excellent, and the river patio is a wonderful place for an afternoon cocktail. It's just a few blocks from our house so we visit often, and the owner (Ryan) and staff are always welcoming and helpful. In addition to the physical location, Bridge House also serves up the most intense and effective hangover therapy in town, in the form of "The Horseshoe." It's a bewildering but delicious pile of braised short ribs, giardiniera, beer cheese sauce, bacon, and a sunny side egg (I usually ask for an extra egg and then can't finish my meal, I'll never learn) on an open faced French roll. Good grief that'll patch you up on a Sunday morning. Our only poor experience here has been with spotty service outside, but we also have a habit of showing up exactly during shift changes and since the outside area is frequently used for corporate events (excellent place for your next company happy hour) the sections are fluid so the layout can be confusing for incoming servers. They've always resolved any issues with a free round of drinks or a friendly apology. Overall we love this place. It somehow manages to be just right for a weekend brunch, a company event, or a nice dinner on the river while maintaining reasonable prices and avoiding a generic or douchey atmosphere, which is a lot more than many of its competitors in the area can say. It's rare to find a place downtown that marries quality of food and service with a neighborhood feel. A real gem for us Loop-dwellers.
(4)Lindsay L.
I would have given this place 5 stars a few months ago, because their brunch food is amazzzzing (I've only been for brunch), but they stopped doing all you can drink brunch... and now I dont really see a point in coming. Very sad. You stink BHT, now bring back AYCD brunch!
(3)Tammi H.
First time here was with a group of coworkers from my firm. Service was fine, automatic 20% gratuity for groups 6 or more. I made a reservation for my boyfriend and I today and indicated we wanted a table by the window. But the hostess sat us at a table in the back (with seating for 4) away from the windows, even though there were empty tables by the windows (also seat 4). I asked if we could sit at a table by the window instead, but she said it was "prime seating" (those exact words) reserved for groups of 4 and we only had 2 people. Except a table next to the empty table also only had 2 men (that table also had seating for 4). I pointed that out, she realized she made a foolish statement, so she went back to ask some other girl if it would be okay for us to take the "prime seating" table by the windows. When she came back, she said we still couldn't take that table, but we could take a table behind those tables, which were still not by the windows. They wouldn't accommodate so we left and went to Tortoise Club instead, which had perfect service in comparison (I tipped 25% there). Seems like discriminatory seating to me. We're young, Asians. My boyfriend was wearing a polo instead of business clothes. Apparently "prime seating" is not for us.
(1)Lotus G.
The food was ok. The views were awesome unfortunately most people were drinking at the bar and we could not eat dinner on the river. I was so bummed as I had a reservation for weeks. I think because we were not young and drinking we got stuck back in the restaurant and we were buying a meal! Ugh!!! Won't be back!!!!
(3)Lanita T.
I enjoyed my food very much. The staff there was very nice and help. The shrimp and grits was sooooo delicious! I also ordered a turkey sandwich on Focaccia and asked the waitress to bring me some of their basil mayo and that took that sandwich to whole other level. I also took one of our VIPs to this restaurant and even though I hadn't told anyone I was bringing a VIP, the owner was there and greeted us and made sure we all were very comfortable. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Rachel A.
Love this place! Great food, the AGM Rich was courteous and took care of us well. I met the owners and they were nice guys since they took time to stop by and say hello. Very nice staff and did I mention AMAZING food?!?!? Wow. Oh and a side note...Theo Epstein just happened to walk in and eat here...made my night as I am a HUGE Cubs fan :)
(5)Lisa I.
I've been here multiple times already and every time we have had an exceptional experience! The wait staff is extremely attentive, the food is divine and I absolutely love the atmosphere! It has such unique flair, chic yet warm and inviting. This is for sure the new Chicago hot spot!
(5)Ranjit V.
I got the roasted chicken. It came with grits by default so I asked if I could sub onion rings. At first, the waitress said no subs, so I ordered a side. Then she check with the manager and got the sub with an up-charge. They were very nice and the food was good. It came out fast too!
(3)Julie K.
I loved sitting right on the river. Was so beautiful. We ordered appetizers and loved everything
(4)Ray K.
Stopped in for happy hour after work. They're on the North side of the Chicago River and have a great outdoor patio & view. In the early evening it sits in the shadow so you're protected when its hot out and heat lamps will keep you warm when its chilly. Not a great beer selection (large that is...but on a good note, it has decent variety and brews as well as a good drink menu overall). Service was friendly and attentive. I've been there for lunch before and want to come back to try their food again. TV's on the outdoor patio was a surprise bonus to watch the game.
(4)Karen G.
Went here for lunch. No wait to sit onside on a beautiful Chicago day. It was delicious and I could barely walk when I left. We started with the popcorn (honey, bacon, jalapeno) and the shrimp and grits. The shrimp dish was phenomenal!! We then had sandwiches (turkey and chicken) and they were fine, large in portion size. We decided to end the meal with the fried waffle and ice cream. Again, phenomenal! There was also the bottle of Moscato mixed in, which was great as well (and well priced). Well I can't say that I eat this way for lunch every day, but I would definitely come back again. If you like shrimp and grits, you can't go wrong- and save room for dessert.
(4)Susana D.
interesting salads, gorgeous views of the city and, yes, the servers, strangely exceptional side sauces (I seem to recall something pairing berries and horseradish, and a tomato relish that was a knock-out)...could use umbrellas, but if you can get the table at the far west end, the trees do the trick
(3)Kim B.
Great location with huge patio overlooking the river. Inside, it is pretty small. I really wanted to like this place. The service was great, our waiter was super sweet and very attentive. I went with a friend for some after work wine and snacks. They were out of my first 2 choices of wine by the glass. I finally settled on a glass of red and the temperature of the wine was hot. It was a 95 degree day and it tasted like they were storing it on the patio in the sun. We had the cheese board and charcuterie. The cheeses were really disappointing, kinda grocery store type stuff. A blue, smoked mozzarella and swiss. The charcuterie was odd in that it was 3 pates, so all had the same texture and overall taste. They were great quality and flavor, just would have nice to have some variety with salumi or something else. I would go back for the outdoor seating.
(3)Lauren U.
What a beautiful place for a summer evening. Delicious cheese platter, beer and cheddar soup, pasta with cream mushroom and truffle sauce. Summer beer, water, and sunshine -- a table right on the water. Just make sure to make reservations.
(5)LeeAnn T.
WOW, this places screams that they don't need new business clientelle when not only is the host rude to the guests but the owner is also. We called two weeks in advavance for a reservation, and were told to call again the day of instead. We called the day of and were told we should have called sooner by the same person (TOBI). Once we arrived to the place, Tobi greeted us with a rude and condensending tone of "we won't set your party up until they all arrived." We all arrive and not only is the table not set up but we are told by Tobi that the tables assigned to us we can't put our things on. Then we are told by the busboy we can't sit at the tables Tobi walked us to. I proceed to call the owner who tells me on the phone that his staff handled the situation appropriately. Wow! I think the owner should stick to the back of the house improving the menu items critiqued by the Sun Times and stay out of running client services. The only thing charming about this place is the river, don't waste your time, go to another river view spot as these people don't care about customer service only their egos.
(1)Jeff P.
One of our friends raved about Bridge House so we took a party of 10 there. Part of the appeal was the location - the restaurant's at river level so there is an unusual view. Asked for seating at the windows when we reserved and the restaurant said there would be no problem. Learned better; no windows on a Monday night when, aside from us, there were only 8 other customers. Let me bottom line this: menu selection was limited, food was poorly prepared. Chance of going back: zero. There are too many good restaurants in Chicago to waste a second chance on this place.
(2)Andrew G.
Expectations EXCEEDED. The food is just as great as everybody says but the service was what made the night. I called in earlier this week and was excited to have been able to get a reservation for 8 on a Thursday night. Granted it was an early meal at 5:15 but I could tell that the hostess was doing me a favor because they had a private event planned for later that evening. We were thrown for a quick loop when we got there because they failed to mention that due to the private event we would have to be out of the place in just over an hour. My family had come into the city for the purpose of celebrating my parents' birthdays so we were ready to cancel and find a place where we could spend more of the evening together, something I knew wouldn't be easy to do last minute. We decided to at least sit down and get some appetizers when one of the managers came over and told us that they were able to move us to their "front" table where we could dine in private for as long as we'd like. This "front" table turned out to be a large full table with plush chairs situated beneath atrium windows... the kind of table you'd have in your house but use only on Thanksgiving. Our situation instantly went from stressful to best-case scenario and improved even more-so once the food came out... Appetizers - The pig wings were cooked perfectly and the sauce was one of the best I've had. The bruschetta was unique and equally as flavorful. There was enough to go around with both dishes. We ordered a few burgers - 10oz and two patties stacked about 5 inches high and stabbed with a wooden steak knife that brought the total height of the dish to what seemed like 3ft. I didn't try it but the reviews were glowing. The fish of the day - A generously-sized fillet of Mahi Mahi over a roasted red pepper and chipotle sauce with corn polenta. Fantastic. Shaved salad with chicken - I was skeptical about taking the healthy route with this one and although it came out looking small and light, it was incredibly flavorful and filling. Bonus points for the lightly fried ricotta croutons. The fish and chips - A substantial basket of lightly-fried whitefish over some excellent french fries. Also great. And lastly, a side of the grits - My parents happen to be true grits-eating Southerners who claim to have tried this dish in every possible form. These grits are officially their new favorite. Living down the street from this place and given the selection of over-priced so-so restaurants in River North I think I found a new favorite for the area. I can't wait to get back and get brunch out on the patio... I'm convinced it'll be as good as the other reviews say it is.
(5)John C.
love the restauraunt and the food, location is great , staff is nice , hostess is the worst she makes u feel uncomfortable when u get there
(4)Alexa F.
i came in not expecting much last Monday, and left truly happy! From the moment we walked in to the moment we left everyone was polite and made our experience worth the trip! Dominique was our server, its nice to have a person patient and knowlegable of there trade. Even though she was running around she still took the time to explain everything in detail and chit chat. The food was just amazing! from Apps to Dessert ! My friends and I will be back for sure ! Thank you!
(5)Andrea F.
Bridge House Tavern was the perfect place for Father's Day brunch. A friend of mine recommended it and I have to say - many thanks. Sitting outside along the river is something you have to take advantage of in the summer. We were fortunate and had perfect weather. We started with some very tasty mimosas. They also had a bloody mary special, the next table over ordered, which also looked pretty good too. Dad got the burger and I had the eggs benedict. The burger was no ordinary burger - stacked tall, and mouthwatering. Of course I had to steal some fries - yummm. I'm a big fan of eggs benedict and these did not disappoint. From ham to hollandaise, I ate every last bite. The Bridge House potatoes they are served with were equally amazing. I highly recommend this place for food, drinks and great location on the river.
(5)Trish T.
Loved the location. It was our first time in Chicago and we got a table outside on the river. Such a fun place to eat and enjoy the beauty of the river...just a all round great setting. Our appetizers were great, we ordered the cheese board and oysters. Both were yummy. Both our entrees were also great and wine was great also. What I loved most was the location!!!
(4)Red W.
While visiting Chicago today my family and I heard about this place and decided to give it a try. It's right on the river and has a great outdoor dining area. Watching the boats go by while staring at all the beautiful buildings we waited for our table. I was surprised that they didn't have any local brews but they had Sierra Nevada from Cali, so that was a plus. We got great service from the hostess station and our waitress was super friendly too. A pork chop dish we had was really tasty. Super tender and had a great garnish/set-up. Rockin' good Mac n cheese too. My meal came luke-warm at best, though, and was charred black/burned on the outside while raw in some parts. After our meal I mentioned my experience to the manager and she went above and beyond to make the issue right. When we come back to Chicago we'll definitely put it on the list of places to go back to.
(4)Penny D.
Went here to celebrate a friend's birthday last night and loved it! The space was great with views overlooking the river. Casual vibe, but with sophisticated touches. This will be a great summer dining spot. The food was delicious and i would recommend the steak frites and pork dish. Huge portions. Attentive wait staff as well. The owner stopped by our table to welcome us and chat for a bit, very nice touch. It's always a joy to dine in a restaurant where they are welcoming and genuinely interested in making sure you are enjoying the experience. Keep up the good work and I think this is a winner!
(5)Joan H.
Wonderful location, right on the river, and we were seated outside. The food was delicious, although the dessert menu was lacking. Service was solid.
(4)Cheryl A.
I have gone to Bridgehouse a few times and really enjoy it. The outside patio is fantastic and on a warm day, nothing beats it. Sipping a cocktail while watching boats go by on the river is a great way to spend the afternoon on a nice, summer day in Chicago! They have a good selection of food (you gotta try the Honey, Bacon, Jalapeno popcorn---addictive!) and the wait staff has always been pleasant and attentive. Great vibe, good food and excellent location! Highly recommended!
(4)Katie L.
Had dinner here and LOVED it! Warm, intimate atmosphere, great wine and beer, wonderful food. I love the location. Even on a cold, winter night...the river looked beautiful. I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(4)donna y.
carafe of spiked Pink lemonade + outdoor seating = perfect summer
(4)Victoria G.
IF ONLY.... this place had better management it could really compete with the best terraces in the city, but... So I dragged my husband here because I remembered that two summers ago, this place was decent. The second we came in, a had a bad feeling, and, unfortunately, I was not wrong. It had a vibe of a sport bar on a Monday night. My husband was ready to leave after the cheese board. It wasn't your regular five 1oz. pieces of gourmet cheeses, imported jams and homemade honey, no, no... It was a load of Great Value looking/tasting cheese, a pile of some bread and dirty grapes. The look on my husband's face (who orders cheese boar everywhere we go) was priceless and that is why I give this place an extra star :) The rest of the dinner didn't matter any longer. We ate the bread, noone touched the cheese that stuck together awkwardly and decided to never come back... Now imagine this place with good chef ...? In summer times - it could be a gold mine.
(3)Christine C.
Sunday brunch, $5 mimosas, $5 bloody marys... need I say more? Well I will. It's on the river, with pretty good (and reasonably priced) food, great service and definitely the best atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, enjoying drenching ourselves in anything but water on this hot Sunday afternoon. At the table we had the croissant (tonsa egg, yum), the pig wings (meaty meat meat), the veg omelette - standard and good, annnd the horseshoe (large braised beef, egg, fries, cheese) it looked disgusting but I was assured it was the perfect hangover helper. Check this place out.
(4)Stina N.
I ended up here on a business lunch, and I was fairly certain I actually died and went to grilled cheese heaven. There's nothing I love more in the world than a really great grilled cheese - sophisticated palate right here ya know. The grilled cheese here was outstanding: Brie, Fontina, and Cheddar with bacon, tomato, and a stellar tomato jam on a soft, grilled roll of some sort. I figured all the cheese was plenty of fatty goodness for one meal so I opted to sub the french fries with the Green City Market Veggies (it was wild mushrooms and asparagus today). I was incredibly pleased with my decision. And my aforementioned sophisticated palate loves french fries so to make me not regret my decision even a little bit is an accomplishment in itself. We didn't have any service issues, but the restaurant also half empty (which seemed kind of odd considering we were there right at noon.) Our waitress was friendly, prompt and attentive without being overbearing. Unfortunately it's cold and rainy out today so we couldn't enjoy the patio, but the decor inside is lovely, and there's still a nice view of the river.
(4)Yanyao N.
Do not deny a fat kid her bacon. Seriously. Nothing disappoints fat kids more than the promise of bacon with no delivery on said promise. Bridge House Tavern's fatal error? Seducing me with "popcorn with bacon, honey, jalapeno & smoked salt"... doesn't that sound AMAZING? My dining companion both zeroed in within seconds, looked at each other, and said "POPCORN!" but after ordering drinks and a few appetizers to start, we quickly became very disappointed. Let's rewind a little bit. We were led here with the glowing Yelp reviews. After arriving, we were told by the hostess there were 5 parties before us waiting for seats on the patio (I did not see any of them) and that she couldn't quote a wait time. Fair enough. I could see many empty tables inside the restaurant and waited around a little for her to offer up immediate seating inside. This didn't happen. We had to ask to if we could be seated immediately inside. Once inside, and seated, we spent out entire meal staring out onto the patio at 4 empty tables that remained empty throughout the entire meal. STRIKE 1! Then, we begin to focus on the menu. The popcorn, of course. A charcuterie plate from Butcher & Larder? Why, yes, of course! I was a little curious about the "pig wings" that were listed, so I asked our server who replied with "they're pork". REALLY? No other information. With the number of restaurants in this city that will not only describe to you what CUT of meat they are serving you, but also what specific farm the animal was sourced from, this is a plain no-no. Of course, I know that they are pork... but I asked because I want to know what part of the pig this comes from. Last time I checked, pigs didn't fly? STRIKE 2! When the food came out, the pig wings were lukewarm at best. But the popcorn almost made me cry. It was a sweet soggy mess with occasional bits of heat - completely lacking in the salt department. There was not a speck of bacon to be seen in the entire giant basket, and not a granule of smoked salt to be tasted. So disappointing. The charcuterie was not describes when brought to the table and the crostini were gum-cuttingly burnt. Not okay. STRIKE 3! So: if you intend to come here to eat, then don't. Turn around, and go somewhere else. However: if you want to sail in on your boat, and be all scene-y, and drink booze on the patio and pay for poorly-executed and over-priced food, then go ahead. I'm sure you'll have a terrific time! Just make sure to bring your own bacon.
(2)Carol K.
Looking for a new place to share a drink with a friend along the Chicago River? Bridge House Tavern is quickly becoming my new favorite place in the city to do just that. I mean, what's not to like on a sunny afternoon or a warm Summer's night than sitting outside next to the river enjoying well poured drinks or some really good food. On my first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Ryan, the owner, who even though he had been at the restaurant all day, took the time to sit with our table and enjoy a drink with us while his staff explained the menu. Nice! We ordered a wide range of items starting with appetizers and working our way to dessert. For the appetizers- I would suggest the cheese plate, the chacuterie, the mussels and the oysters. All were delicious but the cheese plate and chacuterie were at the top of my list. For entrees- there were mostly winners- try the pork chop with the maple glaze quite good. Or if you really want to splurge- the grilled cheese with three kinds of cheese was the table favorite! And those fish sticks? Totally undersold on the menu. More like fish and chips with a light tempura batter that we all raved about. We also had the poor boy sandwich (eh- not so much) and the mac and cheese with Nueske's bacon. . . needs more cheese if you ask me but I hear they're working on that. Finally, just when we thought the food extravaganza was over- out came the deconstructed bread pudding. Funny. We all seemed to find room for this little plate of deliciousness! This is a great location right at Clark and the river. We sat inside right by the open windows on my first visit and out doors the other times. Both locations were perfect. And I have it on good authority that on Friday nights- sofas and chairs are put out on the mezzanine level and with music playing, it is THE place to be on the weekends! While the decor is upscale and trendy, the atmosphere is easy going and laid back. After all- there are people in their swimsuits on boats pulled up to the river side and guys in their suits conducting business just a few tables away. Love the diversity of it all. Check it out and I bet you will too!
(4)Hayley N.
Didn't love this place. The a/c was not working, but they had a few fans. It was just super hot and humid outside, so it made for an unpleasant setting. The waitress got our orders mixed up, but brought the right order shortly after. The food wasn't all that great. I would say the atmosphere would be better sitting outside on a nice day getting something simple to eat.
(2)Summer H.
This is a awesome restaurant with best Chicago night view n delicious food.
(4)Amy W.
I really like this place. Coordinated an office happy hour here once, but had never been. My boss chose the location. I really loved the location and the food isn't bad either. Such a great place in the summer when you can sit out on the patio. Went back for drinks one night with the girls and then just had lunch there earlier this week. I've always had good service and like I said the location is great. I'll definitely go back and recommend it for company happy hours, drinks with friends, etc.
(4)TJ P.
Wow. Let me say that again... Wow. After reading reviews of several local places (and hearing about 2-3 hour waits) I decided to try this one. Let me just say again how much I love Yelp! I made a reservation through OpenTable for 8pm. I showed up a couple minutes early but was seated fairly quickly on the patio. It took a bit longer than I would have liked to get my order taken, but any misgivings spurred by that were quickly swept away. Patio overlooks the river. It can be breezy, so watch you keep hold of your napkin and menu. But it's worth it to feel marvelously out of the hustle and bustle if only for a while. A nice steady parade of boat tours goes by, and you will have plenty of chances to taunt them with the awesome meal you are having and they are not. I tried the popcorn appetizer. It has a delightful mix of jalapeno, bacon, honey and salt. It was positively mouth-watering. The portion is clearly big enough to be shared (probably with 3 or 4 people), so I asked the waiter to box up half of it for me. I'm snacking on it now as I write the review. Next I had the Beer Cheese Soup. It was the only soup they offered, and I was in the mood for soup, so what the heck. Glad I did. Rich and cheesy. Just the right blend of flavors. The "croutons" are made from pretzels. This is a serious soup for serious people. And oh so good. Entree was the double Prime Rib of Pork, which comes with their Nueske bacon Mac and Cheese. Both were stellar. The pork was a bit fatty, but since the fat is where the flavor comes from, I was happy to carve away the excess fat in exchange for the flavors left behind. Moist and tender, cooked exactly to perfection, which is nearly impossible to do with a chop that is a full three inches thick, but this chef has mad skillz. Did I just drop a "mad skillz" in my review? Must be the popcorn... mmm... popcorn. Any sane person would have been done at this point, but I felt obligated to sample a dessert if only to appease the curiosity of my fellow Yelpers. Honest! No other reason! ;) So the Banana Split was mine. No ordinary split this one. Carmelized banana. Pecans. Ice cream. Chocolate sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar... When the waiter came back to check on me, his only comment was "Wow, you must have hated it!" Hated it? An entire CSI team wouldn't have been able to find traces of it left in the bowl. So, so good. Damages including tip were just over $70. But they better raise their prices quick or this will be the next restaurant with 2 hour waits for tables. They've been open just 2 months now and word is getting out. Five and a half stars!
(5)Marsha S.
Party of 6 for lunch. Fantastic salads, location/view and service. First tour of Chicago and this was a great choice for lunch!!
(5)Michael M.
Beautiful view and good food. Service (waiter & hostess/seating policies) were "so-so"......After I posting this, the manager contacted me. Pretty impressive. Raised him stars (on my rating) & will go back.
(4)Colin G.
Came for lunch on a very nice day. Chose this place because I recalled walking through their patio before they were open the last time I was in Chicago, and thought then that I should go back. Decor is modern and chic but it still feels very comfortable. There are varying seating options, from interior low tables to exterior high tables to the bar inside. But you get a good view, even if you do sit inside. Music was interesting. Definitely my kind of stuff, but I don't know that it would be for everyone: Black Keys, Beck, White Stripes, etc. Probably a Pandora station. It wasn't loud, but it was louder than I would expect. The menu at lunch is not minimal nor is it expansive. Sandwiches, salads, three entrees, and a variety of appetizers. $11-15 for the sandwiches and salads, which is not bad for the area. Good beer selection, although the menu said they had Guinness on draft and they do not. They've replaced it with a stout, but I don't recall which one. I had the chicken BLT, minus the T, and my companion had the steak sandwich, both with salads. You can also choose fries or chips. I had some food envy. The steak sandwich would be my choice if I come back. But my sandwich was very good also: chicken breast was well-cooked, bacon was nice and did not fall apart, the other ingredients (including the avocado) were a nice touch and worked well together. Dessert was very tempting because it seems like it would be very good here. Couldn't do it though. We both had just enough food to satisfy but not leave us with too much leftover. Service was very good and friendly. The knock I would give them is that it took quite a while to be seated. They have a sort of maitre'd + hostesses situation, which backed everything up. And they don't have much of a waiting area, so it was made worse. I think that, when they get really busy, they should meet you upstairs and work out some kind of communication system with the downstairs, but maybe they already do that. Overall, it was a good experience and I would come back. At least to try that steak sandwich.
(4)Roberto H.
Excellent view of the river, great service, very enjoyable food. Highly recommended if you are looking for such a combination in the River North-ish area. FYI - if you choose to sit on the outdoor patio, the staff will even warn you to come inside if it's going to start raining. Very cool!
(5)Melissa M.
Bridge House Tavern is AMAZING!! Best patio in Chicago, hands down.. I love their outdoor seating area, it's the perfect spot for whatever you're looking to do - happy hour cocktails, date night, girls night out, guys night out, group dinner or a work party - BHT is the best! The food is amazing and I love that the menu changes seasonally, there's a lot of thought and creativity goes into the dishes. The bartenders are awesome (Go Terry and Ken!) as are the waitstaff and hostesses. Guys, they've got flat screens on the patio so you can take your girl out and keep an eye on the game - bam!
(5)Dave O.
Right on the river, must be a really nice place to dine outside in the summer but for some reason wife & I decide to drop by in mid-January. And...the place is absolutely dead. We were the only table, with maybe one person at the bar. But the pretzel bread appetizer we ordered was really really tasty. Then my Pork Osso Bucco arrived and the smell alone was amazing. That was one of the better dishes I've had in a while. Wife liked her braised short ribs. The entrees are not cheap, and come to think of it the shared plates weren't either, but definitely recommend if you're downtown and looking for good food.
(4)Tom K.
Brunch was great, we got the French toast and Eggs Benedict, both of which were one of the best kinds we have had.
(4)Melissa H.
We loved this place so much we ate here twice during our visit to the city! Dinner along the river was just great - great view, light breeze, and great service. The place is lively with music and an indoor/outdoor bar. When the humidity is too high and the temps too hot, there are a handful of high top seats indoors as well and a few formal dining tables. Don't miss the burger or the mussels. The mussels come in a sauce with orange, coriander, and jalapeno. It was quite possibly the best mussels dish we've ever had. We also enjoyed the popcorn that comes seasoned with honey, smoked salt, and bacon. It's a large portion that is plenty for a group of 4-6. Tasty, sweet & spicy but be sure to eat it quickly before it gets soggy with the honey. I love honey on my popcorn so I might be biased! If you want to split a salad, they will glady divide it between plates at no extra charge. Tasty cocktail menu and a few decent wines by the glass.
(4)Tim H.
Great location right next to the river. Great place for an outdoor seating brunch in the summer. Prices are very reasonable given location and riverside seating. Their corned beef hash was very good. I believe it had some truffle oil in it as I smelled and tasted a bit of truffle. I would say it was great if not for the fact that I thought it was a little bit too oily and there were chunks of fat purposely left in. The french toast I tried was very solid. It came with fresh blueberries and strawberries.
(4)Julie Z.
BEST location! It's perfect for happy hour in the summer. I will never tire of drinking a cocktail while watching boats pass on the river. Even better is that they allow you to dock boats. My friend drove his boat over, docked, came to join our party and then we easily hopped back on the boat to go to our next location. River Bar Crawl??!?! Woohoo! The manager came over to introduce himself b/c of the boat. He was super friendly and invited us to come back whenever. I loved our server. He was a lil flighty but in a funny way and it was Friday so I was happy and not much was going to bother me :) Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - They actually are Spicy! YES!! Pig Wings - tasty Margs - on point! I like this place for apps and cocktails. I'm not sure if I would eat an entire meal here b/c it is more a social environment where you can easily meet others so the focus is not necessarily on the food.
(4)Lauren Z.
Definitely some pluses and minuses about my first experience at this place. The good: The view and sitting outside in the warm sun was all I wanted to do this past Sunday and this place made it happen. I like how they have flat screens outside too. My entree was yummy: chicken and waffles. I recommend. The bad: Our server was slow. Service was also slow. It took FOREVER to get both of our rounds of mimosas. We were sitting next to the bar...and how long does it take to make a mimosa? Our service also spilled a drink on another guest behind us and did not apologize. She was obviously embarrassed but it is common sense and common decency to apologize. As a fellow diner, that bothered me. My boyfriend's huevos rancheros were way too salty which is sad because they would have been pretty good without all the salt.
(3)John M.
Hello Chicago! On a clear & warm Sunday morning, the girlfriend & I found ourselves In Chicago for the 1st time & hungry. Stepping out of our hotel in the North end of the Loop, we didn't have a clue where to go for breakfast or brunch. As always, it was Yelp to the rescue. A quick search produced Bridge House Tavern as a good looking option within a short walking distance. After a leisurely stroll, we were at the entrance which turned out to be either an elevator or descending staircase on the other side of the Clark Street Bridge. Going down, Bridge House Tavern sits right next to the river with both indoor & outdoor seating. We didn't have reservations, but it was still early so there was plenty of open tables. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside & took in the views. Our server was along shortly. Though friendly, it was difficult to get her attention at times. For brunch, there was $5 Bloody Mary special. We both started off with 1. Skimming the menu, 1 particular item jumped out immediately: the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. On weekends, I love a heavy, rib-sticking breakfast. I also love biscuits & gravy. With grilled sausage, biscuits & sausage gravy all topped with bacon + 2 eggs, I had to have the Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy. Our food took a while, which was time enough to order a 2nd Bloody Mary round & enjoy our scenic surroundings. The Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy is a massive, heaping plate of food. Given its pig on pig on pig action, it was pretty good but the biscuits were really dry. More reason to seriously lay on the gravy & chase it all down with a couple more Bloody Marys. After soaking in some sun & scenery, as well as devouring our gut bomb brunch, the girlfriend & I were very well satisfied as we set off to see more of Chicago. Brunch at Bridge House Tavern was a great way to start the day with good eats & drinks. Hungry & in an unfamiliar city, Yelp came through yet again.
(4)Saba A.
Beautiful view!! New, different things on the menu. I tried their bruschetta (it's a must) filling--and a great price and size for an appetizer! They got a whole new management this year. It's right off the river so you see boat tours. Very friendly people working there too. Here's the menu: thrillist.com/files/menu…
(5)Melissa F.
This is a drinks-only review... I found Bridge House Tavern elegant, relaxed, and...average. I love that you have to take an elevator down, being right on the level of the river. Very cool. Unfortunately, the restaurant was weirdly hot and stuffy...it's not that cold outside yet! We had eaten and didn't have any food, so my friend got a beer (3 brothers?), and she enjoyed it. I enjoyed my Summer Shandy because, well, I am a girl, now aren't I? My next (and final) choice was a Malbec. It was OK. Few wines were under $9 a glass. Really? That's kind of odd. There were very few by-the-glass options. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. Cool views, really friendly and engaging service...but overpriced and boring. I wouldn't purposefully stay away from it, though. Maybe the food would change this review! We'll see.
(3)Dee I.
I'm not an oyster fan, but I decided to just try their version because it was dipped in tempura and I was feeling adventurous. It was great! The tempura batter was salted, thank goodness, and the dipping sauce was really great - a spicy chipotle tasting remoulade sauce! And since I was on a shellfish kick, I ordered the muscles. It was also very good. Cooked in a white wine orange sauce. Wish they added more jalapeños and wish the bread was crispier, but overall good. The bartenders Terry and Michelle were fantastic. Grounded, fun and casual. The manager(?) Chris also friendly and helpful. If I ever return to Chicago I'd come back and try more on their menu!
(4)Brenda Lee J.
Review from December 7, 2013. We've been here a couple of times but I haven't written them up until now. I've always liked the service at this little hole in the wall. And this visit delivered on the food as well. The hub detests brussel sprouts--however, the description included bacon and a few pokes from me convinced him to try some of mine. He loved them! And so did I. We also enjoyed the pear salad, and, of course, the shortrib croissant. We will return to try more and review again. Enjoy!
(4)Janine K.
I met a friend here for after work drinks last night. Nice warm day in downtown Chicago so I figured anywhere with outdoor seating would be crowded, especially in the city. My friend made reservations for two for 5:30. I got there a little early so I told them half of our party (myself) was here and we preferred outdoor seating seeing we made reservations and all...I was told that they'd try their best to seat us outside once our entire party arrived so I sat and waited. In the meantime, large groups, small groups, etc. walked in ... some with, some without reservations. Ok, so here's the dealio on this place... If you're looking to come here after work for drinks and or drinks/appetizers and want to sit outside...no need for a reservation. Reservations are for dinner ONLY. There is a section of first come first serve high top and at the bar outside seating and the other half of the place are tables for dinner reservations otherwise there was plenty of seating inside. They have drink specials during the week and a variety of beverage choices. Lucky for us we did score two seats at the outdoor bar. It wasn't over crowded and just fine for what we wanted to do right after work.
(3)Lauren B.
Interesting experience here... Came on a Monday, gorgeous weather out, and we needed full party to be seated so we went to the bar area instead for half off shared plates. Prices, food, selection all very solid and typical for the area. Slight mishap when the bar started getting backed up and our third round never came and food was nowhere to be found. No refills on water. We started to get antsy and called over our "waiter" to chat. Finally he says he is the owner and is short staffed that night and chats about the service and experience and then gives us this round and food plus shots on the house. One thing I give owners and waitstaff a LOT of credit for is recognizing a shortfall and making up for it. We can all say it happens, but making it right will be bringing us back. Stand outs - Gin cocktail, mac and cheese, meatballs, blue cheese fries plate.
(4)Jason D.
Great location and really cool atmosphere, but the food was just OK. Really liked the pretzel app but I got a seafood dish that was off and I got about three bites in before I pawned it off on my girlfriend. The burger my sister-in-law got did look pretty tasty though...
(3)Hayley H.
GREAT VIEW. Right on the river, literally, a boat parked right by the dock when Jennifer Q and I had lunch. Though the food is mediocre with ridiculously large portions. Get ready to carry some home, unless starving. I'd visit again, but reservations dont apply to the outdoor seating. Good luck!
(3)Wesley N.
This is a must for anyone visiting Chitown. River atmosphere, spectacular patio on sunny days, cosy and warm on colder days. I've been here a couple times now and its definitely a downtown favorite of mine. Emily was our server. Very bubbly and friendly. Crack a joke with her! If you like popcorn, order their honey bacon creation. Dayyyuuummnnn! We had the mussels which are incredible, especially the creamy broth they are served in. Soak it up with the crusty bread. Their sandwiches are huge and will satisfy you perfectly. Ensure to enjoy with something from the bar. And BRUNCH! $29 gets you a massive plate of breakfast (Chicken and waffles for this bloke) and bottomless bloody mary's and mimosas (altho you will discover the bottom at 2pm when service ends, and you are nicely prepped for day drinking elsewhere). The refills were regular and generous. Do yourself a favor: GET THEE TO BRIDGE HOUSE! Remember to drink responsibly! Need a ride home or to your next destination? Here, enjoy a $25 Lyft credit on me! (New users only). lyft.com/invited/WESLEY2…
(4)Vicki L.
Great for drinks outside on a Sunday afternoon. Fun 80s music playing and friendly service.
(4)Anne C.
We went to Bridge House for the first time last night and I was a little skeptical-- the location is excellent, but I know there's super high turnover in that space and the last time we went it was Flatwater and our meal was sort of ho-hum. Bridge House definitely impressed-- our waitress was phenomenal. She was sweet and honest and made our night really fun. We sat outside on the patio so the ambience was great. And the food exceeded expectations. We especially loved the cauliflower gratin and the pig wing appetizers, which were like tender mini BBQ ribs. I had the Amish half chicken and it was excellent.
(4)Alma C.
I happened to come here for drinks with clients after a bit of sightseeing. It's in a nice piece of real estate right off the river, but they ran out of the beer I wanted and the gimlet I ended up ordering wasn't made correctly. The servers were nice and attentive but there's a ton of better bars/bartenders around town.
(2)Julie P.
I loved my evening and dinner here tonight. We sat outside by the River and devoured the delicious shrimp with grits dish, and they're real grits, by the way. We also tried the delicious beet salad. This spot needs to be on your radar. It's much different and much better than the last place that was at the same location. Don't assume that it's only for drinks and happy hour. My friend and I split the two, very generous dishes mentioned earlier for dinner and it was as good as more upscale and more expensive spots in the area. I will be back!
(5)Jarvis A.
This is my second second time visiting Bridge House Tavern, and this is the review I always wanted to give. Just to parrot a few items from previous reviews: 1) Boat watching on the river takes people watching to another level. 2) Yes the portion sizes are large, but that is a plus in my book. 3) The food is really good. At this point I've tried the Bridge House Burger (very good), Fish-n-Chips (very good), and the Braised Shirt Ribs (Also very good). Just remember to leave room for the Chocolate Mousse which was in the words of my wife "One of the best Chocolate Mousse's she has ever had. With that said, we didn't have the greatest experience with the Ceasar's salad, but judging by the quick and unexpected response from the owner, I will put that in the "unfortunately mistakes happen" category. Overall, a great experience and I'll be back.
(5)Libby R.
I am going to start off by telling you about the two items on the menu that BLEW MY MIND! And then I'm going to give you all the other reasons to frequent Bridge House Tavern. 1) Bruschetta. Don't let the name fool you - this is not your typical, classical, tomato-mozzarella-basil salad. This is a, shall we call it, "deconstructed and refined" version? Large slices of crusty, toasted, warm bread are topped with chopped sundried tomatoes, heaps of creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a white been puree, and finished off with chopped chives and a balsamic glaze. I could have easily just had a couple of pieces of the bruschetta along with my rose sparkling wine, in my seat (which was the best in the house, overlooking the river next to a huge window) - but no, I kept on eating... 2) The second item on the appetizer menu that was really insane and super clever: "Pig Wings." They look like chicken wings, but when you bite into them, you find that they are, in fact, pork. Falling off the bone and glazed in a sweet bbq sauce. Served with a flavorful, inventive slaw. I'm not your typical wing-eater, but this item is a keeper. Something truly unique and different. And now for all the other reasons you should visit this place: The other items on the menu are also really just fantastic. I had the shrimp cocktail, which is plated table-side, and is not your typical shrimp cocktail. I also had the gazpacho, which was the soup of the day, and also plated table-side. A fantastic combo. Other items consumed by my group were a ginormous burger and fries; the grilled cheese, which was made up of the best cheeses and served with an insane tomato jam that will actually also blow your mind; and the turkey sandwhich, which was so much more than your normal lunch fare. The ambiance is great. Dark decor on the inside, but enough light and amazing river views. The patio is awesome, complete with two cabanas. I know I will be a frequenter this summer. Prices are insanely reasonable. This is the only restaurant on the river that has boat slips, so keep this in mind for the summer if you own a boat! You won't be disappointed. Make a reso today!
(5)Justin K.
Space: Great. Right on the river. Very nice. Service: 2 parts: first, they made a mistake and did not have our table ready. Their response to this was amazing. They seated us in a cabana for drinks and quickly made a table ready. The second part, the actual table service was pretty bad. It took a very long time to simply place our order and I don't recall more than 1 check-in or refill to my water. Very unimpressed with the table service. Food: I was impressed with the menu. They had a variety of small plate items that all seemed interesting, good salad options and a handful of large plate items that seemed to be focused on specific items. I had the roast chicken and it was OK. The meat was alright but it was covered in a pretty unappetizing sauce that masked all the herbs/chicken flavor and was kind of soupy. The chicken did come with some cheese grits which were pretty on point. Highlights: Popcorn: I know...it is popcorn. Try it. Honey, jalapeno, bacon, and salt? Done. Mac n Cheese: coming from Wisconsin I know mac n cheese. this was done very well. Value: Overall price was reasonable and we left happy at under $60 for 2 people. That included 1 appetizer, 3 drinks, 2 entrées and a side.
(3)Joel W.
Great outdoor seating, great staff, great chicken club...HUGE chicken club, actually. Location can't be beat. Enjoy.
(5)Carl G.
Pretty nice place to have a quick lunch in Chicago. Right on the river, with a deck that backs right onto a dock. The brunch menu is good enough. I had the smoked trout hash and was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of the smoked trout. The eggs were over-easy, cooked perfectly, but served with a hollandaise that seemed a tad either inauthentic or hurried. It certainly wasn't 100% spot on though I'm certainly not going to accuse it of being from a packet. I think it might have just been cheap eggs. My attorney had a burger which appeared to be too large for any one human to consume. He drank Diet Coke (tm) and I had a coffee. It was good in that they brewed the pot for me, but bad in that after one cup, the waitress totally spaced on my refill. I'd go again to get a quick bite.
(3)Meghan J.
Thank you Mr. See for ensuring we had a good time when we were in a couple weeks ago! Loved the fresh summer cocktails. Great oysters and the grilled cheese was amazing. Server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Perfect summer spot for enjoying a summer afternoon or evening by the river!
(5)Jessica H.
Bridge House Tavern is a great setting. Maybe a little crowded but the view makes up for it. On the river, it's a great patio. The administrative wait staff was great. They were really trying to please. The bartenders were really good, too. The table staff is friendly but might be spread a little too thin. Reading other reviews there seems to be a service issue, but our experience was very good. I think they are trying, they were incredibly friendly. The popcorn is really good and delivers on it's promise of honey, jalapeño, and bacon! The grits might be the best I've had. Overall the food is quite good. **The restaurant previously occupying this space, Flat Water, had the best roast chicken. There is a roast chicken on this new menu - it's not the same, but it's very good. I wish they could get the old recipe, though :(
(4)Shelene C.
Unfortunately I didn't even get to try the food because of the horrible customer service I received and I really don't think I'll be back to try it again because of how I was treated. I understand it's the holidays and I know restaurants make money by closing for holiday parties. It would be nice if you can post it on your website so that when myself and a few friends decide to meet up at a place, we aren't told your closed. If you haven't visited Bridge House Tavern, you need to go to the north side of the Clark Street Bridge and take a series of stairs down to the river. If you take the stairs, you miss the door entrance up top which has a slew of signs on it including hours, menus, etc. Upon me entering the restaurant, someone held the door open for me (so the second reason I didn't see the closed sign). Upon coming into the restaurant, I hang my coat and ask the hostess where myself and a few friends could grab a few drinks and some nibbles. She ignored me so I waited. I asked again, she said "ummmm" and waited for a gentleman to come over. He then told me the full restaurant was closed for a private party. I asked him if it was posted anywhere on their website and he responded very rudely with "at the top of the stairs", I apologized and said I took the stairs and didn't see anything. He also responded very rudely with "well, it's there and it's also on the door". I politely said someone opened it for me so I didn't see it. He said "well, we're closed". OK...so my fault for not seeing the signs, but there is absolutely no reason to speak to someone in that tone or be that rude. I felt as if he was arguing with me. I then told him I didn't want to argue and that I would grab my coat and probably not come back. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I'm in the hospitality business, so I go out of my way to always be kind. I can't believe how I was treated and that no effort was made to even apologize or invite me back when they were open. If I was treated that way, then I can absolutely say I would come back to try out what they had to offer. Sadly, I just won't tolerate being treated this way and will tell others if they are ever considering it themselves. I'm friends with a lot of hotel concierges and I will definitely spread the word.
(1)Alecia G.
My friends and I stumbled upon this little gem on the Chicago River. What a fun place! Great ambiance, great crowd! I have to comment on the drinks which were made with fresh fruit-THEY WERE FANTASTIC! My friend had the club sandwich and it was huge! I had the sliders and they were perfect! The restaurant is small and on the water so I'm sure there is a wait on nice days, but we didn't have one! The staff was very accommodating to all of the customers around us. It was a fun lunch!!
(4)Matt m.
You must take someone here if you know someone who is a fan of these three things: 1) Chicago's bridges 2) Chicago River 3) Elevators This place has an elevator inside one of the bridgetowers at Clark Street. That alone is the reason to go to this place. If you are looking for a bar/restaurant downtown, then this is the unique factor that makes this place different. I always want to go inside the bridgetowers in Chicago. Other than the Bridge Museum on Michigan Avenue, you can't enter any of the other bridgetowers. But here you can not only enter one of the bridgetowers, but you can take and elevator in it.
(4)Benny J.
Right on the river. Went here on a weekday night, they had some good live music playing. The outdoor patio is really nice, food was pretty good...Perfect for a beer or two and enjoy the outdoors.
(4)Jack L.
Bridge House Tavern ("BHT") is one of my favorite restaurants in the River North area. It is often my go-to lunch/dinner spot for visiting relatives, clients, colleagues, friends and first dates. The river views, staff friendliness and food quality cannot be beat. Now for my specific (outstanding) experience on Saturday, March 17, 2012. As many Chicagoans know, St. Patrick's Day in the city is usually marked by a delightful combination of wind, low temperatures and rain or snow. Despite these impediments, thousands migrate from the Chicagoland area to the river to witness the miraculous transformation of the Chicago river from a muddy, sewage-colored green to an unsettlingly bright, radioactive-looking shade -- myself included. This year, thanks to an unseasonably warm Winter finale, I was looking forward to a chance to finally leave my umbrella at home (rather than leave it somewhere during a day of barhopping). Imagine my joy when I noticed on Facebook (after "liking" their business page) that BHT would be hosting a St. Patrick's Day event! With a location directly on the waterfront, where else would you want to spend the day? By late morning, we had it all: sunny 80-degree weather, cups of green beer and what felt like V.I.P. front-row seats to the grand Chicago skyline -- not to mention some great photos with a woman dressed as a leprechaun! The BHT team pulled out all the stops on this one. After waiting in line (expectedly) to gain entry, my group was greeted by a smiling staff and offered plenty of shiny St. Patrick's Day flair. To prepare for possible rain showers, there were tents set up in the patio area -- while it never rained, the tents provided some cooling shade in the afternoon. In anticipation of large crowds, there was not one, not two, but three additional bars dotted around the restaurant (along with the primary bar) and I don't think we had to wait longer than a minute or two to get a drink -- compared to likely 10- to 15-minute wait times at Irish-named Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville bars. With all those drinks being served, BHT smartly sprinkled some extra portable toilets on the patio to supplement the four private, unisex bathrooms inside (BHT, if you're reading this, on behalf of all patrons that day, thank you VERY MUCH for doing this!). Predictably, not too many St. Patrick's Day revelers seek the sit-down-dinner experience while barhopping. Accordingly, instead of ordering my usual 10-ounce, organic "Bridge House Burger", I ordered a nice selection of appetizers for the group to nibble on, including: - Popcorn. You won't be able to go back to the movie-theater or microwaveable varieties again once you've had the flavorful BHT edition that includes a delicious mix of honey, bacon, jalapeno and smoked salt. - Tavern Fries. Another favorite here. Sure you can dip the perfectly crispy fries in customary ketchup, but why not try bearnaise sauce, bacon aioli or remoulade? My vote is for the bearnaise, but you get to try them all! Overall, my group had a fantastic experience and we will definitely be visiting again soon. Sure, I have had great experiences dining at BHT during winter, but this place really shines when it's warmer. Thanks to an early Spring, I know I'll be back many, many times over the next several months.
(5)Nicole K.
Mediocre food and service, but there's a good view of the river from their patio. On a nice day, it's a great place to grab a drink and watch the boats and kayakers go by.
(3)Nammy N.
Do go here to relax and enjoy the view of the river and sunburnt people on their boats passing by. Don't go on a Sunday if you're looking to get food. I think their kitchen closes at 4pm. However, their bar is still open and the drinks menu had a good variety to choose from. Not too often I get to drink on the river so this experience was pretty amazing. Only awkwardness was that the hostess tried to seat us in the blazing sun when there were plenty of umbrella shaded tables...and then she did the same for another group of people that came in after us, umm whyy??..our server was good and efficient though, she checked on us regularly and magically had the check ready in her pocket right as we asked for it.
(4)Tara G.
I had high hopes for this place. I may have set my expectations too high. We did the champagne brunch on Sunday and the service was great. The food was just average though. Nothing special, my omelette was burnt and my friends bacon was very under-cooked. All of our toast was burnt. The view is great. This place has potential, perhaps maybe their dinner is better.
(3)Sean B.
Stopped here for lunch before a wedding on the Lake. Off the brunch menu, but ordered a dozen oysters that were good. 4 of us ordered something different but it was the "Horseshoe" sandwich, recommend by the manager, that definitely pleased the table, it was huge and had to share.
(4)Johnny T.
A swing and a miss! I know better. Really, I do. I know that before I go to a place, sight unseen, I need some folks to vouch for it. Folks whose tastes I understand and with which I agree. I made the mistake of going here before doing my research, so the party with whom I should be most disappointed is me. But, Bridge House Tavern has plenty of blame to share. I came here with my dining Girl Friday in search of great food, fun service and river views. After all, that's what BHT was known for, right? Right? Not being particularly hungry, we ordered the popcorn, pig wings, the Butcher & Larder charcuterie. I went back and forth with ordering the fish & chips but determined to do so after tasting the other food. This might have been my only smart move at BHT. The popcorn was a soggy, sad mess. Described as "honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt," we received Orville Redenbacher's bastard castoffs. There was no smoked salt flavor (or crystals) or bacon of which to speak. Instead, the popcorn was drenched in honey (to the point that it was soggy and mushy) with occasional bites/bursts of heat from eating a jalapeno seed. Orly? No. The pig wings were more substantial (if overcooked) but the description on the menu was rather vague (wtf is a pig wing) and our server (more on the service later) was of absolutely no help in describing the dish. Basically, pig wings are little riblets (with bone). At $13, they are overpriced for what you get in taste and execution. Thinking that there's no way charcuterie from B&L could be screwed up, my hopes rested in the final dish. From the first (almost) tooth-cracking bite into the burst toast point, I knew this was not to be. Burnt toast? Really? REALLY??? Pack your knives and go... far away. Any latch-key kid worth his tv time can make toast. Pitiful. Adding insult to (almost) injury, the charcuterie wasn't explained. Our server dropped the board off and kept it moving. What's what? How best to pair which meat with which condiment? What is going on? So, the service thing... Our server wasn't the most engaged. In fact, we hardly saw him but when he came around, he definitely left an impression -- a bad one. I knew we were in trouble when he brought me a beer that was 1/4 head. Are you kidding? I could pour a better beer at 15. Granted, I am from Kentucky, but still. 15. No bueno. He couldn't have been less interested in serving us. He couldn't or didn't answer any of our questions about the menu and when he asked us how things were (and we told him), the response was , "Mmm hmm." Mmm hmm? What? Truthfully, I shouldn't have been surprised. Our auspicious experience began with a half-empty dining room and a hostess telling us that we couldn't sit outside because of the 'long wait.' Look to the left. Look to the right. Are we in the 6th Sense? Cuz, I don't see anyone. Who's waiting? Whatever. After patrolling the dining room for open seats (um, they're all around), she sits us at an unbalanced table with a view of the outside (and empty tables). Wanting to see this rush of people who were waiting for tables, we re-sat ourselves at a table that didn't weeble wobble and kept our gaze locked on the patio. THE TABLES STAYED EMPTY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE MEAL. Again, are you kidding? So, I ate soggy popcorn, tough ribs and burnt toast. I received disinterested (at best) service and a beer poured with more head than the Frankenstein monster. And, I was told that I couldn't enjoy a table outside on a nice evening because of the 'long wait.' These tables remained empty throughout our meal. No. Not at all. There's absolutely nothing at BHT for which I'd ever come back or ever recommend to a friend. To an enemy... well, that's another story.
(2)Cathy K.
Loved this awesome place! My husband and I chose this place based on the recommendation of a good friend who was there a week earlier. We were greeted with an enthusiastic welcome by bartender Marco who suggested the champagne brunch special for $29.00. Sounded awesome but...we came for the beer selection and unique food offerings. We sat at the bar for a view of the river and chose a couple of beers from their extensive beer selection. Ryan, one of the business owners greeted us shortly when he heard us debating about what to choose from the very cool menu items. He and Marco both recommended the fabulous chicken &'waffles. I can't even to begin to describe how much deliciousness there was on one plate! Atmosphere was fun, unique and comfortable at the bar. Beer selection: excellent. We will definitely return very soon (with a group of friends in tow) to enjoy the fabulous brunch on a Saturday in April! Just a train ride away from lovely Geneva! Well worth the trip! On an added note of interest, Ryann S. is also a partner in another business on Diversey Pkwy., (Lincoln Park) Compas Bar! Yes, we headed there after to meet friends for some fantastic brick oven pizza and more unique beer "experiences"! Outstanding day/evening in the city!
(5)John P.
Absolutely stunning views of the Chicago River. Food was good too.
(4)Patrick H.
Everything on the breakfast menu is awesome. Perfect spot on the river with great views. When I return to the city in a few months, I def plan on going back
(4)Emily S.
Hey! This place is totally delightful. I read some unflattering reviews and they almost swayed me into avoiding Bridge House all together. I went anyway and must declare that the people who wrote those reviews must be crazy and/or not know how delicious pork and cheese taste together (especially in combination with berries). A friend and I met up here before a movie the other night and casually sat in the bar. We ordered the pig wings and the cheese plate and then, just for the hell of it, we got the fried waffles too. I recommend all of that. It was perfect to split between two folks. The pork was tender and the sauce was great. The cheese plate had plenty of bread and all sorts of interesting delicious bits and bites to taste. We sat, ate, talked and had some delicious beer while looking out on the river. Our servers were nice. The hostess was friendly. Everyone made sure we were well taken care of while still leaving us alone to gab it up. All in all, a big win. We'll be back in the summer for that great looking patio.
(4)Elliott D.
I went to Bridge House Tavern recently with my family for a little pre-Easter brunch and had a very pleasant experience. We had an 11:30 AM reservation and were seated inside since it was a little chilly outside, but with the sun shining it made it very pleasant to be near the open door. They had special on "morning" drinks and it was five bucks for mimosas and bloody mary's. I availed myself of an Allagash White. They have a decent selection of beers on taps though it would be nice to see a few more craft breweries represented. Our server was incredibly attentive and had our drinks constantly filled and was knowledgeable about the menu. We all had something a little different so it was good to see how they do the different foods. Universally we were happy with our food. I had the Horseshoe so I can only speak to that. I was curious about the thing and I was not disappointed. Heaping portions of eggs, cheese, fries, and brisket are very pleasing. The cheese sauce was great and the brisket was very tender and tasty. It was a huge portion and for the price was a great value. I had to take a lot of it home. I'd definitely recommend trying it at least once if you are hungry. My dad was happy with the biscuits and gravy, my sister with the huevos rancheros, my brother in law with the chicken and waffles, and my stepmom with the egg white omelet. No complaints at all. On another note, we met one of the owners and he was incredibly friendly and made sure that we were having a good experience. There was actually a hometown connection and he was very attentive to us. Hats off to the personal touch. I'd definitely recommend it and will certainly be back.
(4)Jen N.
A co-worker and I tried this place a couple weeks ago. The food was definitely good, although I wish we'd had more people so we could have sampled more! We had the bread and butter to start (tasty!) and we ordered the grilled cheese and grilled wedge salad. Both were very good, my only complaint was that they seemed a bit disorganized when it came to seating people, we waited about 15 minutes after we got there (right at the time of our reservation) before we were seated. It also took our waiter about 10 minutes to bring us our bill after we asked for it, and since we only have an hour for lunch this was a bit of an inconvenience. The staff was extremely friendly and enthusiastic though, and the outdoor seating was very nice. I think I would go back for happy hour/dinner, but not lunch considering how long it took!
(3)Debby K.
Our first trip to Chicago and after a day on the River we stopped at the Bridge House Tavern. The food was fantastic!!!! We had a large group and everyone had awesome meals. The setting is beautiful, the service was terrific and the food ever so yummy! We had the best spicy chicken, avocado rolls that I have EVER had. Came back to San Diego wishing I could have more of those mouth watering appetizers. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a special treat and experience. Loved this place!!!
(5)Jonas B.
Went for lunch earlier this week, mainly in an effort to try the much-hyped burger, but I do love this particular venue, though I hadn't been since Bridge House opened in the space. Had the charcuterie to split, and it was quite well done, though not what I expected. Two rustic pates and a chicken liver pate, accompanied by a ton of pickled veggies and toasted bread. Very tasty, and an enormous portion. The burger itself was very good. Almost too tall to eat, this messy disaster was well seasoned, well cooked and highly enjoyable. On the day I was there it was pretty quiet, and the service was nothing short of terrific. Attentive to the details, they didn't bug us while we lingered over lunch for a couple of hours.
(5)lindsay s.
After a terrible encounter at Bin 36 we wandered over here on a Friday afternoon (the 10th when the weather was AWFUL) We walked in and we were informed that they close from 2:30pm to ....to prepare for dinner. However, if the bartender would stay that we could! And she did! Anata (?) was her name I believe and she was so nice and willing to stay for 3 people. We ordered a cheese plate.. it was ok.. not super special. A burger, which was AWESOME & the ceasar salad. GREAT presentation. Anata was super friendly and chatted with us while we ate and drank! Great wine list! Another table of eventually 6 guys came in and they accommodated them as well. I think we all had a blast and I hope she made some $ since she stayed!
(4)Pito S.
Nice restaurant in Chicago!
(3)JJ W.
Was there for brunch and loved the food. I got the French brioche toast with fresh berries, mmmm so good!! Mimosa's at a good price too :). Just don't be surprised that their "house potatoes" even at brunch is mashed potatoes... was not expecting that. Usually brunch potatoes are hashbrowns or something similar. Still highly recommended!
(4)Corinne M.
I wasn't impressed. I had really high expectations for great flavors and was disappointed. A group of 5 of us ordered plates to share - spicy chicken avocado rolls, veal meatballs and the bridge house burger. All were just ok. I will say that the location is fantastic and the ambiance is ideal. I think that is why I had expected great food and I really hoped it could be a favorite. If I went back I would enjoy the drinks and probably stick to a salad or simple sandwich.
(2)George M.
Came here for an early lunch, and the fries we started with were good, and then we ordered bacon pancakes...and we waited...and waited...and waited. We were quite surprised that pancakes could take nearly an hour to arrive. Finally, we were graced with presence of bacon pancakes after becoming famished. Although they were good, I wouldn't say that they were worth the wait. Also, the host made a mistake at first seating us at the bar when we arrived, and because we are underaged, the bartender refused to take our order, which essentially killed the first twenty minutes of our experience. The food WAS good, (BLT's passing us looked awesome) but not good enough to warrant the poor service. Food: 3 stars Service: 1 star
(2)Mike K.
The Riverdance - Bridging the Gap. We went to Bridge House on the actual birthday during the birth week that started the previous Saturday to kick off the big 2-9*. Celebrating a 29th birthday is a big deal because you have to really get it all out of yourself in order to prepare for the big freakout of the next 365 days. As far as big blowouts go, the 29th is the second biggest after the 21st. When is the next big, important, milestone blowout after 29? How about the Irish Wake, if they even do that sort of thing anymore and you're of that persuasion. Getting old sucks. Looking younger than your actual age doesn't. Hi. I met birthday girl and her entourage of colleagues at Bridge House for pre-game drinks and apps after they had completed their daily corporate chores of folding and neatly stacking clothes and swing, country and go-go dancing over on Michigan Avenue. We were seated at a nice six top with comfortable chairs in sort of the atrium, where in shine gobs of natural light. Sparkle. It was only a drinks and apps excursion, so it was Victorias, the french fries with four sauces deal and bruschetta. The Victorias, of course, were delicious. Those tall, thin Victoria glasses remind me of...never mind. The fries were very crispy and tasty. The sauce was actually what really put them over the top. I like to get muh dip awn, ye nah? The bruschetta was a bit different, with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, but it ended up being very good. Definitely do order both the fries and the bruschetta if you're having apps, especially if you're saddled with an unadventurous palate, as I am. As far as decor and ambiance go, I can't say the place is any different than Flatwater was (apart from what I saw on the TV the one time I was at Flatwater - see my review). I think what any restaurant that occupies this space is about more than anything else is the setting, as it is right on the river and has a quite spectacular view. Still, I would at least recommend it for drinks and apps if you can find your way to it. Four stars for the early evening experience. Thank you, corporate khaki people!
(4)Peter O.
Very pleased with the food...we had the popcorn appetizer, prawns and grits, and grilled cheese. Also, the price point is very reasonable for downtown Chicago and great location. I didn't give it 5 stars because the service was a touch slow for a weekday, downtown lunch place.
(4)Amanda L.
My boyfriend and I wanted to go out for dinner on a Wednesday night, so he yelped a few places and settled on Bridge House. When we got there, we were happy with the location and view, and the decor is pretty modern and comfortable. When we asked to be seated, she asked for an indoor or outdoor table, and of course we preferred outdoor, not only for the view, but really it was so stuffy I was breaking a sweat inside. I'm not really sure how to explain the series of events that followed, because I was thoroughly confused for the next 30 minutes... the hostess sort of rambled about just wandering around outside to see if there were any open tables and come back in to tell her, or we could wait at the bar for a party to clear out and they could seat us there. We opted to just enjoy a drink and wait to be seated, but she didn't take our names down or anything, she just instructed us to sit at the bar. While at the bar we noticed many outdoor tables that were open, so we talked to her and asked what exactly we should do, just go pick one? We wandered out there and tried sitting at one at her suggestion, but was scolded saying that they were 'reservation' tables (even though my boyfriend called and they said they didn't take reservations). We tried, again, talking to the hostess to see what we were waiting for exactly, and, again, just told us to wander around outside. We saw some high top tables clear up so we went to sit there, but again were shooed away saying they weren't available for another 15 minutes. What?? Eventually a server found a place for us to sit, and frankly I don't know what the point of having a hostess is then. We were both a little grumpy after this, but still in good spirits about the food. No server came to greet us, we eventually had to flag one down to ask for menus. The server turned out to be very friendly, but him and the rest of the servers all seemed to be so hurried and flustered... probably because they have to swim around and attend to all these confused, 'wandering' guests trying to sit at unavailable clear tables. We ordered spicy chicken avocado rolls as an appetizer, which were great! I decided on the White Fish entree, my boyfriend the Bridge House Burger. The entrees arrived rather promptly, which is good, but I couldn't even finish my meal, which is bad. For $25, you get 2 tiny slivers of dry, under-seasoned white fish atop a mess of dry greens, with four slices of tomato. I tried to stick it out because i hated the thought of wasting all that money, but my fish was so gray and chewy I couldn't risk my health over it. This is probably a fault on my end for not saying anything to the server, but he was so hurried with other guests I didn't want to bother him over it, and frankly I really just wanted to go home at this point. I can't tell you if it's like this all the time or I got a bad plate, because I don't plan on coming back to find out. My boyfriend is the least picky eater in the world, but he described his burger as lackluster, commenting "I'd prefer a Big Mac". Might be a good place just to go for drinks, which I rather liked, and to enjoy the view. But I wouldn't recommend anyone I know to go here for dinner, in fact I'd discourage it. I fear this place uses its location as a crutch, and knows they will get business despite the value of their food. I also fear service is a direct reflection of management, and if so many of these yelpers, I see, have had poor experiences, then perhaps the system needs polishing. *sigh..... and it has such potential!
(2)Irene M.
My boyfriend and I had friends with us from out of town. We have heard fun things about Bridge House so took them to brunch on a warm Saturday morning. We sat outside and had a great time. There are flat screens outside so the boys were able to keep up with their ESPN. The food was above average. Bloody Mary's were flavorful and had a nice kick. We had great service. $5 mimosas and $5 bloody Marys made the brunch even more appealing. I would definitely recommend this to others. -Green Eggs 'N' Ham - pesto scrambled eggs, grilled ham steak -Smoked Trout Hash - roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, 2 eggs any style, old bay hollandaise -Huevos Rancheros - 2 eggs any style, chorizo, black beans, roasted red peppers, corn, salsa Verde, sour cream, scallions, tostadas -Bridge House Benedict - grilled ham steak, poached egg, ciabatta muffin, hollandaise served with house potatoes -Shrimp Cocktail - 4 jumbo tiger prawns, BHT cocktail sauce, lemon, greens
(5)Desirae K.
Love the location and think this is a great spot for 2 people to visit enjoy some apps and cocktails while overlooking the river. Food: (+/-) ...... Oysters ...... love the fact that Bridge House Tavern always has a east and west coast oysters to choose from. I also love my oysters served cold on ice. Unfortunately, you will not get that here. Oysters are served on room temperature river rocks. Not nice. I like the idea of the reusable, environmentally friendly rocks, but come on people, store them in the freezer. While I'm on the topic, mignonette should also be cold with ice in it. (+) ...... Popcorn ...... honey + bacon + jalapeño & smoked salt = YUM! (-) ...... Fish Sticks ...... $18 for fish sticks? Ya, they're not worth it. I do not understand the price of fish sticks/fish and chips in Chicago. Every place I've been it's outrageous and not one restaurant has lived up to the price point. Overall I really wish they'd bulk up their menu. It's pretty limited. My first suggestion would be to bring back the bison steak that Flatwater Grill offered. Set-up/Space: The space is pretty tight and not somewhere I'd recommend for groups. Try to get a spot right next to the river. It's the best view. If you can't get a spot by the "wall" (river) then the outdoor bar is your next best bet.
(3)Hadouken M.
On the water, nice space, tasty food and great libations. Can't beat this place on a nice spring, summer or fall day. Even in the winter still worth a visit for their menu.
(5)Taka M.
I decided to write my first yelp review to warn people about this restaurant. I came here for dinner with a group of 6 two nights ago, and was extremely disappointed with the service and the food. The service: Our waitress was rude and inconsiderate. She brought out plates and they had pieces of leftover food on them. I gave her attitude about how ridiculous that was, and she seemed more irritated than sorry. The food: I ordered the mussels and 2 hours later had non-stop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, painful stomach cramps, etc. I haven't eaten for the last 48hrs now, I can't even keep a bottle of ensure down. I'm actually really concerned about my health at this point as I've never had a food poisoning episode this serious. This is by far the worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant.
(1)Marc W.
Bacon popcorn drizzled with honey is all I need to say! Excellent mussels with some great scotch on the menu (Laphroaig, Oban)...it all came together in an upscale yet relaxed environment. I'd give it 4.5 stars if possible.
(4)Chang L.
Great location, beautiful view! You will see people pulling up in yachts to eat here, but you don't have to pay $$$ to feel like a yacht-owner yourself. The food was affordable for what looked to be a fancier restaurant right on the river. Definitely a good date spot if you don't want to break the bank. As for food, I only ordered a sandwich, the turkey sandwich with horseradish. It was pretty darn delicious, but then again, I have a weakness for anything with horseradish. My friend's panini was 10 minutes late and they gave it to him for free, which we thought was unnecessarily nice. Definitely want to come back again on a nice summer night!
(4)Pam L.
A group of us went to wish a co-worker good luck on his new venture. We had a lovely time on the patio. They sat us at the end in the cabana because were weren't eating dinner just having drinks. Megan was an excellent waitress. She came back frequently and actually ran separate tabs for each of us. They had heaters set up because it was a cool evening. Would definitely go back.
(5)Alex N.
Closed Sundays even though their website says they're open and opentable let's you make a Sunday reservation - SO ANNOYING AND INCONVENIENT - we made the long trip for nothing and were so embarrassed in front of our friends from out of town.
(1)India K.
Went back for the second time last night and was not disappointed. This time I tried a different menu: popcorn- whoa! unexpected and nice little snack Fruit and cheese board- delicious! Fish special was cod with veggies paired with chardonnay Great! I'll definitely be going back again-
(4)Jeff R.
A friend suggested Bridge House for an outdoor lunch so that's where we went. I had heard the name but didn't fully realize it is in the former Flatwater Grill space until we approached the steps. BHT has been described as upscale pub food and I wouldn't disagree. It's a great location right on the water with a large patio riverside. There's a nice bar with plenty of TVs and a clean sophisticated white table cloth and dark wood setting. The menu isn't overly complicated and stays within the bounds of pub style. There are nice sharable appetizers, some salads, sandwiches and a few "main courses." We started with one of their most popular dishes - popcorn. This isn't regular popcorn but popcorn infused with honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt. It sounds goofy but it was quite delicious and the most interesting popcorn I've ever had. You get more than you need for only $4. I tried to keep it healthy that day and avoided the very tasty looking large burger. I went with a smoked turkey sandwich with apple frisee slaw, blackberry horseradish aioli on country wheat (for $11). It sounded better than it was. the turkey had the day after thanksgiving dryness that I don't love and without a lot of flavor. The slaw and blackberry horseradish are overwhelmed by the wheat bread (i.e. more slaw and dressing needed). The sandwich grew on me as I ate more but it still needs some work. My side salad was very small but satisfying although I should have gone with the fries. The portions in general at BHT are very large and make sense with a larger price point - though given the location and style the prices are very reasonable and even more so considering portion size. I'd go back and try some other sandwiches or main items if I were hungry. It's definitely a summer scene and a great place to have a leisurely business lunch or a handful of happy hour cocktails.
(3)Tiff W.
My company had a private event at Bridge House, and while the place is cozy and has an awesome view of the river (note to self: must take advantage of this in the summer), I thought that the food could be a little better (the quality might have been compromised because of the quantities they needed to make for a food buffet? who knows). You have to walk down a flight of stairs or take an elevator down to the actual restaurant, because Bridge House is literally located on the banks of the Chicago River. The place was smaller than I expected, but it was a perfect size for a party of around 45-60 people. The passed hor d'oeuvres were okay. The presentation of everything was really nice: shrimp cocktail served in a shot glass filled with cocktail sauce, chicken on skewers, caprese salad neatly wrapped on skewers, mini mini crabcakes, popcorn in a paper funnel. But there was something slightly wrong with everything that I tried...shrimp and chicken overcooked, popcorn funnel hard to eat from and hold while you also have a drink in your hand, etc. The food buffet was okay as well. Nothing really stood out to me except for this creamy linguine with mushrooms & truffle oil. The Nueske bacon mac & cheese was dried and kind of flavorless. Anyhow, I will give Bridge House Tavern the benefit of the doubt, because I always feel like catering food in large quantities always kind of screws up the taste a little bit. The restaurant is in a good enough location for me to want to come back and try it out during the summer for perhaps drinks & appetizers.
(3)Kensuke Y.
Good location and great atmosphere, however customer service wasn't good.
(3)Adam M.
Whoa! This place is the total package - great food, drinks, location, service, view...I could go on and on. And I will... My partner and I both had a Monday off recently and we were headed downtown for an afternoon of fabulous Chicago. A quick Yelp search lead me to this new place right on the river. The reports were positive - affordable prices and delicious food. Plus, a bar. Which was necessary when you have the day off and you're looking for the type of leisurely long lunch that could last into the early evening. We arrived and were seated right away since the lunch crowd had mostly dispersed. We got a GREAT spot right by the window that overlooked the river and HUGE outdoor seating area. Had mother nature cooperated by giving us the May weather we deserve then we would have been seated outside to enjoy the sun. Alas, this was not the case as it was 50 degrees (mental note: must return to sit outside and enjoy said awesome outdoor patio if summer ever arrives). We quickly ordered some dirty martinis (which were made perfectly) and the popcorn appetizer. Ok, so you know how movie theater popcorn is like 6, 7 buck these days? Here we got a very large portion of popcorn that is slathered in honey, bacon, herbs, and general goodness for $4. This is a steal and there was enough to keep at least four people properly appeteased. I then ordered the grilled cheese and was so glad I did. Now, there are many restaurants that claim they have a new, great twist on the grilled cheese and I am usually under-whelmed and will stay away from this option. However, Bridge House has done it! Two long sandwich slices of fontina cheesey goodness along with bacon and tomatoes. All of it tasted golden fried and delicious yet somehow light. A perfect side salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette even managed to hold it's on my plate alongside this glorious beauty of a grilled cheese. THIS IS A MUST TRY!! My partner had the fish sticks (the Tavern's play on fish and chips), but I really couldn't be bothered with that dish as I was in cheesy heaven. All in all, this was a FANTASTIC dining experience and extremely affordable for the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere. I will be bringing everyone I know down here just as soon as humanly possible.
(5)Garrett A.
I have really mixed emotions about this place. On one hand, the food is nothing special. The pig wings, which seem to be what everyone is crazy about, was very dry and they seemed to be making up for it by drowning it in sauce. I got the grilled cheese and it was so greasy -- and not the good kind of grease -- that I couldn't even finish half of my meal. Finally, the fries tasted completely soaked like salt. If you screw up my fries, you've screwed up my meal. Sorry. It also took forever to get our drinks refilled. I know we were sitting on the far side, surrounded by tables, but that doesn't mean we don't deserve water. But on the other hand, we did get there early and snag a table right by the river, so it was great on a lazy, hot Sunday night. They get one more star for that.
(2)Alex C.
Great location overlooking the river, especially over the summer. Loved the set up of this place - have to walk down to the tavern, has a bit of a gastropub/sports bar theme with indoor and outdoor seating. Fun place to hangout with friends, grab some drinks and maybe take in some food. I had the burger and chicken sandwich - good but wasn't spectacular. The one thing from the menu I have to call out is the Popcorn appetizer (flavored with honey/bacon/jalapeño/smoked salt)....that got devoured pretty quickly.
(4)Heather P.
Took my boyfriend here for his birthday. This is the kind of place where the waitstaff are experts in their field and bend over backwards to make you happy. Sitting on the river watching the boats go by and the building lights come up was delightful. For drinks, we had a lava lamp (cava with raspberry puree) which was unbelievably good and a little bit sweet, and a black pearl (rum, ginger ale, pineapple juice with basil). It was also good and sweet and piratey enough for its name, but rum isn't so much my thing. Drinks are pricey, but okay sizes. The beer cheese soup was good, although different from what I was expecting. I love the play on pretzels and cheese with the croutons, but the flavor was slightly underwhelming (better with salt.) It was just a bit more subtle than I was expecting. Boyfriend got some sort of whitefish (doesn't matter because I wasn't going to try it anyway) over a sweet corn risotto that was completely fantastic. I got the tavern chicken, which was easily the best roasted chicken I've ever had, with an amazing herb butter sauce and thick, creamy grits. If I had one complaint about the chicken it's that the skin could have been crispier, but it was so tender and flavorful I found myself full of forgiveness. I'm still thinking about this chicken. Often. I miss it. :( I felt that the night's one pitfall was the dessert. We ordered bread pudding, and it was two small lumps sandwiching a quenelle of whipped cream ice cream. Which is exactly as strange and delicious as it sounds. I would have preferred just a big bowl of the whipped cream ice cream. The bread pudding was crispy, with streaks of chocolate, but it just wasn't that great. I am a bread pudding connoisseur, and I've definitely had better. It would have been fine at any other restaurant, I suppose, but from the Bridge House Tavern I was just expecting more. The bill was large. It was a large bill. I can't afford to go back often, but I am eagerly awaiting another special occasion so we can go back again.
(4)Kat T.
After looking for a brunch spot in central/North Chicago that wasn't $60 and up Yelp led me to Bridge House Tavern. The price is definitely what makes the Yelp reviews so glowing. However, I have to give thanks to the owners for not gouging the tourists and locals who want to sit river-front and enjoy a nice meal. Ordered yogurt parfait with a side of eggs. More than filling. Excellent job on the poached eggs! Service was a little scattered. She messed up our order (actually brought too much food) but only charged us for what we ordered. $30 for 2 people- amazing deal with great river-side views.
(3)Chad O.
Awesome! Just plain awesome! Food, service, location, atmosphere! They have it all
(4)Christina P.
Holy smokes - where'd this place come from? On one of our first sunny and delicious Chicago summer afternoons, I was lucky enough to pick a new spot for a casual lunch. Bridge House Tavern did NOT disappoint. Amazing view, perfect location, the food is absurdly good (not your average - all gussied up even on standard items) and the people watching is a 10. It also has a beautiful interior in case your crew isn't looking to bake in the sun. My only warning (and something they cannot control) was how windy it was. So ladies, hold your skirts and everyone hold tight to the menus, etc. This will be a summer staple and I cannot wait to slap on some SPF and live it up at this spot!
(5)Jon K.
Worst attitude from server and manager I've ever experienced. Went there for food and drinks on a Saturday lunch time. Bar menu was only available - so fine, ordered from that. Ordered some appetizers and half dozen oysters, at $2 per oyster. So mildly surprised when bill showed $21 for oysters. What's going on here we demanded? Server says he realized error and was taking care of it -- but only after we pointed it out. Suddenly copped an attitude too. New bill comes out , and we are now at $15. Ok, making progress, but still not correct. We were told that the "real" price for oysters was different and that bar menu was "out of date" (Note to manager, an out of date menu maybe should not be placed back to give to next customers). Manager, who also now copped an attitude, eventually just took off entire thing and only charged for other food we ate and drinks (which were also ordered off the mysterious menu that was "outdated"). It wasn't that a huge amount on the price, but it's the idea that people in hospitality admit a mistake when they are wrong. It's not like we sneaked in these menus ourselves. Honest mistakes get made all the time in bars and restaurants. Be big enough to admit when you have fouled up, rather than giving excuse after excuse. If the manger is reading this, and the guy working behind the bar (Ken) your "out of date" menu is still posted on your web-site. Better take that down. Right? Ooops!
(1)Jenn W.
I'm new to River North from Lakeview and feared I would not find a place I'd like that wasn't overly priced or snobbish. But Bridge House Tavern exceeded my expectations. After looking at the simple menu, I wasn't expecting much. But we went on a Saturday night around 6pm and were very pleasantly surprised. The service was great, even with a large private event going on at the other side of the premise. Refills were prompt & our server was knowledgeable of the menu. The $4 fancy popcorn appetizer had a subtle spice to it with a sweet glaze. The burgers were perfectly cooked to our different requests and the potato bun had the texture of freshness, not of being defrosted like at other places. Beer menu could use some more diversity in my opinion, but there are a few good offerings. And the gin and juice cocktail was like drinking a garden; divine! Not to mention the view sitting outside on the river was pretty amazing, too. The owner Ryan walked over when we were about 1/3 of the way through our burgers and seemed very honest and casual and interested in our thoughts on this new joint. When we told him the website was down prior to our arrival, he seemed surprised and apologized and said "as the guy running the show, that's not what I like to hear!" We saw him later on the upper terrace pacing on the phone; can't imagine that's fun to sort out on a Sat night. The next day we checked the site again and it was up and running. Highly recommend this place and will certainly be returning. I hope they keep up the excellent service and good eats!
(5)Eric M.
If you're looking for a great view of the river with your meal, then make this your spot. It's a fantastic view and there's a lot of seating for people. The service was good but infrequent. Our server didn't come often, but when she did she was very nice. The food was ok. I ordered their biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were quite dry and the sausage patties were a little rubbery. I don't know if I'll come back here for food but for drinks by the river it can't be beat.
(3)Shawn L.
We stopped by here for brunch today; sitting by the river in the summer in Chicago is a great time. Bridge House Tavern has a great view of the bridges and boats going by on the river. Tables and chairs in the restaurant were clean and tidy, planters were filled with wonderful foliage, and while full we were able to sit as soon as we arrived. The bartender was friendly and informative, hostess was welcoming and kind, and we even saw the manager stopping by a few tables. Food was excellent we had the French toast it came with huge barriers and generous portions of very thick French toast. However the waitress was one of the worst we have ever seen in Chicago: the check said her name was Tammy but she never introduced herself. When we arrived we did not see her for 20 minutes at which point I asked the hostess to get her, when she did come we ordered and then did not see her again until we asked for our check. We ended up asking the bus boys and other servers for the items we needed for our meal.
(3)Manny S.
I have had two bad experiences in a row at the Bridge House, today being the worst. I am so disappointed too, because its near my house and I used to love coming here pretty regularly. Last time it was a terrible, woody salad. Today, the service and food were both horrible and ridiculously slow. It was a year to get out of there today. We sat 10 minutes before the waiter told us they were out of the first beer we ordered. Spent 15 minutes waiting for the second only to find out that is gone too. Then it was another 10 minutes before he bothered to come out with one in hand. By then, all our water from our dirty water glasses was gone and we still had no damn food. I said I don't think we should pay for that beer, and he questioned me why! I said because we have been sitting here 30 minutes for it, thats why. The food, besides being the slowest meal in the world? I got huevos rancheros and it had to have been the saltiest hot mess disaster I've ever had and was just drowned in ultra sour green salsa. Terrible. Im surprised Im not dying from an ulcer from the three bites I forced myself to choke down. I always go to places I love, I'm loyal to my favorites, and usually pretty easy to please. There is no excuse for being so rudely slow. This had to be probably one of the top five worst dining experiences I've ever had, you have to just almost laugh it off.
(1)Reyna H.
Their food was atrocious- oysters that tasted like sweaty ballz, charcuterie in which the meat tasted old, and they served me chewy Jumbo Shrimp out of a shaker (they plated a bowl of greens and asked me to find the shrimp...weird). My stoli doli was pretty good I have to say, yet my bf's manhattan was completely watered down & tasteless..(he's a bartender so I believe his opinion counts) The seat by the River on a cool Sunday evening is fabulous, yet not enough to keep this place alive. Even though Flatwater chose to close their doors...you're kinda doomed if you don't do something with this food situation asap! Sorry to say, I had high hopes for this place!
(2)Halide T.
It was my friend's first time in Chicago so I wanted to take him somewhere with a nice view. With a patio right by the river, we really didn't know if we could find seats but there was definitely plenty of space. To start off, we ordered some bruschetta to nimble on while we waited for out food. Bruschetta was quite big actually. It wasn't the usual tomato/basil version. This one had goat cheese, sundried tomatoes and few other things that gave it a different flavor. It was different in a good way. I would have enjoyed it more if the bread was toasted a bit more to give it a bit more crunch.. Along with bruschetta, I wanted to try the popcorn on the menu..I have a tendency to try things that seem to have a weird combination of flavors.. We were served a big basket of one of the most amazing popcorn I have ever had.. Popcorn with honey, bacon, jalapeno and a bit of salt.. AMAZING!!!! It might sound weird but definitely worth every single bite of it! On top of all these, I attempted to finish my Salmon BLT sandwich served with perfectly done fries... Sandwich was good but I think I had a bit too much from the appetizers to finish my sandwich, considering how big their portions were.. My friend enjoyed every bit of the burger he ordered. We had a really good, relaxing dinner right by the river.. The view was wonderful, service was great and the food was worth the try. I will definitely come back to try something else.. and some more popcorn !!!!!
(4)Matthew H.
Let me give you a list of food items: - Popcorn - Honey - Bacon - Jalapeño - Smoked Salt What do these things have in common? They're all piled on top of each other for one of the tastiest (and messiest) snack foods I've ever had. And for only $4! After shoveling fistful after fistful of tasty goodness in my mouth, I was treated with the hands-down most tender piece of pork I've ever eaten (thanks to the waiter's recommendation) with the Prime Rib of Pork. With the late-night view of the river and city I can't imagine a more satisfying meal. A+
(5)Julie K.
Very very satisfied with brunch. We saw the restaurant from the boat while on the architectural tour that takes you up the river and the outside seating from the water looked awesome. Once off boat we walked back to enjoy brunch riverside. $5 bloody marys and a house fruit punch! Our table for two was right next to the river. Enjoyed huevos rancheros that was "built" on large crispy tortillas, shared unbelivably good red skin mashed potatoes and split sausage. My husband enjoyed the brioche french toast that had bailey's in the whipped cream and lots of fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Service was great and they didn't rush us out despite having the best seats in the house!
(5)Kim M.
Has fast become one of our favorite places in Chicago! Found them last February and have been back several times. The food is awesome, we had the Ossa bucco and it was some of the best I have ever had... The atmosphere is very relaxing and has almost a neighborhood feel to it.... One of the owners stopped by just to see how our meal was and if we were enjoying the evening....... Very nice touch! We're headed back later this summer and are hoping to sit on their patio! Totally recommend the bridge house!
(5)Hauwei L.
10 of us came here today for birthday brunch. The location is very nice with an excellent view of the river. The food quality was uneven. The eggs benedict and salmon blt w bacon shake were great, the french toast, corn beef hash, trout beef hash, and shrimp omelet were good/above average. The biscuits and gravy were too salty to the point of being unpleasant to eat. The mimosas and bellinis were solid, decently strong and around 5 bucks. Pricing was as expected for the river north area, entrees ranged between 12 and 15. The low point was the service. I eat out frequently at all different types of restaurants in different price ranges and i found that our waitress Jillian had a poor attitude. Its hard to identify a specific thing she said, it was more of a cold attitude, lack of attention (forgotten drinks, wrong orders), and general lack of sincerity/bad vibe which put an unnecessary damper on the meal. While the restaurant is new and there were a good number of customers, it wasnt so busy that it should explain the poor service. The owner came over and said they were new and wanted our feedback which was nice. Update: as i was writing this, the waitress brought over a free birthday dessert. This was a nice touch. Not sure if this was her initiative or company policy. I guess BHT could be worth a second shot.
(3)Nicki S.
Four friends and I visited this lovely 'on the river' establishment this past Saturday to check out their $25 mimosa brunch. Let me just say that we were not disappointed! The bartender was our server and he was very entertaining to say the least. He kept the mimosas coming without delay. Unfortunately, the weather was cool so we just had the door cracked for a bit of air as the sun was shining bright through the glass area we were sitting in. The food was just as good as the service. Collectively, we got the Chicken and Waffles, Bacon Omelet, Horseshoe, Corned Beef Hash, and Biscuits and Gravy. Everything was really good. I had never had proper Chicken and Waffles and I'm so glad I decided to give it a whirl as it was amazing. Next time I visit, (assuming we are allowed back after all of the mimosas we drank) I plan to try the Huevos Rancheros as well as the patio if the weather is nice enough! They also have fantastic happy hour specials during the week that will make for a nice post-work excursion.
(5)Jen A.
The food was decent, but the service was just atrocious. Granted, we stopped in during lunch on a Friday. Yes, we sat outside on a beautiful afternoon. Yes, the restaurant was busy. But are these excuses for a 2-hour lunch where the waiter forgets to refill our glasses at all? We started with the honey bacon popcorn. It was kinda weird. Imagine slimy, sticky popcorn with a hint of bacon and spice. I ordered the Po Boy sandwich and some friends ordered the grilled cheese sandwiches. The french fries were fantastic, and everyone was pretty happy with their food. But sitting outside in the hot sun for two hours without a refill on drinks soured the meal.
(3)Thao N.
Amazing location. Impeccable service. Phenomenal food. It was my birthday weekend and I somehow always end up downtown. We were at the hotel searching for nearby restaurants on the Yelp app when I saw Bridge House Tavern with 4.5 stars. When the taxi stopped at the address, we looked at each other and wondered where the restaurant was. We took the elevator down and found ourselves in a really modern space that butts right up to the river. There was a private event so, we couldn't get a table but were able to sit at the bar. I believe those were the best seats. You could people watch or watch the boats go by. Our bartender was attentive and personable. I think her name was Dana. To share, we had ordered the Popcorn. They flavored it with honey, bacon, jalapeño, and smoked salt. It was distinctly different in a good way. i can still taste it. For my entree, I ordered the Steak Frites. 10 oz. of hanger steak served over a bed of fries drizzled with a béarnaise sauce and truffle oil. The béarnaise and truffle oil really made this dish unforgettable. The beef was melt in your mouth perfect. If I could find any fries that weren't in the sauce, I would dip them in my sister in-laws ketchup. And I'm sure it was just Heinz but ketchup is my favorite vegetable and it tasted so much better in that setting. When we asked for the bill, the bartender said to not rush out. She had the kitchen plate some bread pudding with a candle for me. The pudding was dryer than others that I've had but really good with the ice cream. I really enjoyed my experience here and I can't wait to come back!
(5)Catherine H.
Do like to be treated like sh$t by the staff? Then come here! I give this place zero stars. I had to put one in due to the program only letting you put stars in. Sorry this is long, but trust me you'll want to read this. Came here after work with a group of co workers to celebrate another co workers recent job promotion. Another co worker organized the event and she didn't realize that this place is strict on their table seating. I was just minding my own business at the table talking with my co workers when three more people showed up from work. We asked our waiter if we could add another table to our table. He had to go and ask to see if he could. He came back and said no it's reserved. We said well we have more people coming so what can we do? Our table was suddenly not able to accommodate the group. A few min go by and Ryan, I guess a manager, came over with an attitude and a tone telling us he can't accommodate us. He said he said we could only have 2 more chairs and that was it. A few of us not just me, said that we have more people coming. He did nothing. We got the two chairs and 4 people shared 2 chairs. I felt bad for our waiter. He was at least pleasant to us. I had to ask our waiter for Ryans name because he did not introduce himself or present himself in a professional way. Not only that but the table that was said to be reserved was never sat in. Now I was busy socializing having a good time when a few more people showed up that I didn't really know. I also wasn't really paying attention to them. All of a sudden Ryan comes over to me and said "I thought I asked you not have more people at this table! You had 13 now its at 15" I'm like what? He points over to a co worker of mine who was one of the four sharing a chair who got up and found an empty seat at the other end of the table. I asked Ryan why was he telling me this? He said because it was my table and that I organized this. I'm like no I didn't. But I wasn't about to call out my co worker and say it was her that organized it. Ryan said I'm "trying" to be nice about this but I asked you not to do that. I asked him what he would like me to do about it? He just said he came over to let me know that he was upset that "I" let someone take another chair. "Ok. "Whatever. Fine, you're right, and I, the customer am wrong." I told him. He walked away with attitute, once again. I mean what was I going to do, throw my co-worker in the river? Now at this point I was trying to enjoy the appetizers that our group had ordered but he offended me by scolding and repremanding me like I was a 5 year old, that I couldn't enjoy my apps that I ordered. At this point, I was ready to leave. Everyone in my group was offended by Ryan's treatment of me. They could hear him talk to me the way he did from across the table. When our check came, Ryan approached me again and asked if he could speak to me. I said "no, I'm in the middle of a conversation." He said that he came over to apologize. However, I was still not impressed by his immature tone with me. I don't even remember what he said after I told him "no", because I went into my rant back to him. I said that everyone in my group here is an adult. If one of them sees an open chair, they will sit in it to be comfortable rather than share the chair that you only allowed. I said if you don't want people sitting in more chairs that your tables can accommodate, then don't leave an empty chair nearby for someone to take. I said these are my co-workers and I don't and will not tell them where they can and cannot sit. It's your establishment figure it out and don't put the blame on a customer! After I said that, he said nothing and threw the bill down on the table in front of me. I was just shaking I was so upset. My co-workers and I all agree that we will never return to this establishment again and we also agreed to tell our friends not to come here either due to the way I was singled out and treated. By the way, we spent $400 on drinks and appetizers and for a scolding! B.S.!
(1)Debby M.
this review based on brunch on a Saturday around 11:30. plus: outdoor seating with great view. minuses: weak bloody mary's (watered down and low in flavor), food is unremarkable to bad (odd jelly like pickled onion thing on salmon toast dish was unpalatable, egg sandwich was just a completely basic and lame cheese omelet on a croissant, french toast was tasteless), service not very attentive or pleasant (and it was not busy). overall: poor and really unmemorable dining experience, do not recommend, won't go back.
(1)Kevin W.
This is about as good as it gets for a beautiful view of the Chicago river while having some drinks. Went there for a wedding preparty night and it was such a nice and gorgeous set up. In addition to the river side tables and seating, there's also a bar inside and a couple tvs if u wanna watch some sports games.
(4)c d.
Never disappoints. Never! The food is great for lunch, happy hour or dinner. The cocktails are wonderful, great beer selection and amazing service. Love it on a nice day over looking the river or a rainy day inside the cozy restaurant.
(5)Brenda E.
Was recommended by a friend & regular who lives in the area. Very attentive, great customer service. Food was excellent,( all recommended by one of the co-owners) and everyone loved their salads & main courses in our party of 5. Loved the popcorn with truffle oil, bacon, and honey was just the right balance and great with beer. Relaxed, intimate atmosphere , will definitely return when in Chicago again.
(5)Brian C.
Great place, awesome location, good staff, not far from the train station so a good stop before you head to the airport. Popcorn was fabo, and the miller highlife cans were fresh, tasty, and cold!
(4)Amanda W.
Hadn't tried this place for lunch yet - it's a solid choice. I asked about gluten-free options and the waiter brought out someone (manager? chef?) to talk me through it. They make all of the dressings in-house, so the salads were all okay. I went with the spinach salad, which was a nice, light, summer salad. I wish I'd asked for extra dressing, as it was a bit dry, and maybe added chicken x2 because it's only been a few hours and I'm starting to feel hungry again ...
(4)Katy H.
I really just don't understand what the fuss is about this place. I was very exciting to come with a group of friends (8 of us) over Labor Day weekend. We called a week in advance and made reservations and they only had a 4:45 reservation. When we got there, we were able to get a table outside as the restaurant was mostly empty. I ordered the turkey sandwich and a salad and was just not impressed by either. The salad had no flavor and the sandwich was cold and falling apart. We stayed for a few hours and the place was pretty slow the entire night, so I wonder why we couldn't get a later reservation. There was nothing really exciting or impressive about this place and I definitely won't be back.
(3)Bruce S.
My family came downtown for some shopping and met me for a late lunch this past Friday (last day before school starts). The weather was perfect, and we searched for a good outdoor lunch spot along the river with outdoor seating. I'd heard of the Bridge House, so I had them meet me there. First, the location is outstanding. It's along the river next to Clark, so you can see lake if you're looking that way. In our case, the food was excellent. We started with the popcorn and the fries for appetizers. The popcorn, well, you just have to try it. Sweet, tangy, spicy and bit of heat at the end. The fries were fresh, hot and fried crispy - which we like. They came with three sauces and ketchup. For main meals we had the burger (nearly 3/4 lb), the half chicken, a fish special, and the linguine. My daughter also tried the beer cheese soup. With the exception of the linguine, which was a little to garlicky for our taste, everything was very good to excellent, with everyone finishing their plates. Highly recommended.
(4)S R.
I'll keep this short and sweet. Food was amazing. I went with a group of 5 and everything that we got was top notch, great atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. Things you must try: Drink: Manhattan Appetizer: Popcorn Risotto Entree: Braised short ribs Pork Ossobuco *favorite of the table Go! Now! Before it's so busy in the summer that you can't get a table!
(5)Michelle L.
This was our first stop when my friends and I arrived in Chicago. Drinks were good and reasonably priced. My friend and I shared a cheese plate while other friends had a salad. The salads were HUGE and delicious. The best part of the whole experience was the location. The restaurant is located right on the river and the view is beautiful. I will definitely return on my next Chicago visit!
(4)Molly R.
What a patio! The Bridge House Tavern is a perfect urban spot to grab a bite under the sun and watch the boats drift by. We wanted to split the mussels, but they were out, so we settled on the cheese board for an app. For entrees we went light and had a couple of salads; the wedge (Nueske bacon, roasted tomatoes, hard egg, onion trio, bleu cheese) and spinach (roasted beets, goat cheese, spicy pecans, sunny egg, strawberry vin!!). Fresh and innovative salads, but the cheese board - eeek! Fresh strawberries - yes! Honey drizzled toasts - yes! Apple slices - yes! Kraft-like cheese cubes straight from Jewel Osco - oh, no you didn't! All dishes were be-a-u-tifully plated and reasonably priced for DT Chicago. The place needs to puh-lease add some more veg-friendly options and schedule a serious cheese plate revamp, but still gets a solid rating in my book for the view, the value, and the creative menu. Methinks you should go on a sunny day, and avoid the cheese plate.
(4)Jennifer Q.
A girlfriend and I came here for lunch on a Wednesday at about 1 and were able to have a table outside which overlooked the river without having to wait. While it was a little cool and windy we still enjoyed sitting outside watching as boats and such passed by. At one point a group on a boat docked next to the restaurant to stop for lunch. Our server was very nice and quick to see what it was that we would like to for drinks. They had a good variety of on tap beers as well as a good wine list, I ended up having a Riesling and my friend had a Two Brothers beer. As for lunch, I had the chicken club sandwich with the side salad which came with an oil dressing. The sandwich was huge! And delicious! The sandwich had the normal tomato, lettuce and so on, but also had avocado, yum! The salad was good too and did not have iceberg lettuce if I remember correctly. My friend had the Reuben sandwich which was also a large serving. Overall, I would say that Bridge House Tavern is a relaxed and enjoyable place to have lunch, and I plan on eventually going back to have dinner there.
(4)Jennifer G.
I'm torn between two and three stars. I'm giving it three because they let my group of five linger for a long time on a Saturday evening and it wasn't too loud, so it was a decent spot for a group.. It was too cold to sit outside, and I think the outside seating is probably the main reason to go to Bridge House Tavern instead of the many other great restaurants in the area. The place is cozy, our table was fine and the service was decent. I was excited about the popcorn--very disappointed. Every handful I took had hard kernels in it; it was like it was from the bottom of the barrel. The bread and butter was just ok. The mussels were the smallest I've ever seen or eaten and the broth was forgettable. The steak frites was odd--the steak was on top of the frites and it was covered in sauce; it was ok but not what I expect with steak frites. One person had a pork chop and another had a BLT and they were happy with their dishes. Overall this is an ok option for drinks outside, otherwise I wouldn't go back.
(3)Maital S.
I was rather disappointed with my experience here. The service and ambiance/location was excellent, but the food was just okay. I had been looking forward to this restaurant for quite some time, so perhaps my hopes were high, but the food really did not impress me or the rest of my table. Go for the ambiance and location, not the food.
(3)Tracey M.
I am not a barbecue fan. I'll have some if I get outvoted, but it won't be my first choice. Yet when I sat down at Bridge House Tavern last weekend, what's the first thing I wanted to try? The Pig Wings. Yes, they couldn't get any more BBQ. Nevertheless, I got them. And they were GREAT. Fall off the bone, tender, melt-in-your-mouth great. Got a few other things, too, including the goat-cheese bruschetta which was also very tasty. My friend got fish and chips. Nothing extraordinary there, your typical fish and chips. Our waitress was very attentive but not so much that she was bothersome. Great meal, good wine list.
(5)L L.
Great location, indoor/outdoor options both look awesome, and a good atmosphere -- decor is good enough for a business dinner and TVs everywhere make it suitable for the sports fan. Menu, as others have stated, is on the short side but that's a good thing in my eyes. In fact, the menu somewhat characterizes the restaurant: concise but with a wide range (both drinks/cuisine), average pricing, and a few surprises (bacon shake with the salmon BLT). Having said all that, I give it 3.5* because of the service. I was on hold for at least a few minutes when I called to check for seats (at 8 pm) and was met with no apology. She was also obviously multi-tasking when I finally got to talk to her. Hostess wasn't friendly at all when we got there, waitress took a while to get to us, and she didn't really warm up untli the evening went along. I'm sure it'll get better, but I have to hold back that last star until the service improves.
(4)Juliann P.
Pretty much a perfect spring afternoon thanks to BHT. It was a bit chilly outside but the with the heaters on you would have never noticed. Lovely setting right on the river, super cool location utilizing one of the old bridge towers, excellent "bar" food, Lagunitas IPA on tap, perfect service.
(5)Tyler C.
Great view of the river, absolutely! This is a terrific brunch spot. Brunch mimosas and bloody marys. (great spice in the bloodys) The food was fair. I was expecting a little more with the biscuits and gravy and it was a little salty for my tastes, but, the Chicken and Waffles were terrific. They have many great choices, so its definitely worth going back. Besides, the people watching was fabulous, especially when boats dock up to the restaurant.
(4)Tom H.
Quality control seems to be an issue here. Had this salad again a couple of times and it wasn't the same...too bad.
(2)California J.
We loved this place! When we called and spoke to the hostess Danielle, she said she would be happy to seat us near a TV to watch the Bulls game. When we arrived she was so sweet and gave us options as to where to sit which was awesome. Our waitress Harmony was excellent. She gave us excellent recommendations on the menu: -Popcorn was delicious, we took it home and ate it the next day for leftovers -Pig wings were fall-off-the-bone amazing -Linguini with shrimp was to die for -Steak frites: now this was the only hiccup in the experience...we had to send the steak back because it was so charred it tasted like straight up charcoal even though I ordered it medium-rare. Harmony was happy to take it back and have the chef remake a new steak, and the second dish was unbelievably good. -Mousse cake, yummy but not out of this world Overall the place was awesome and I can't wait to go back when it warms up so I can sit outside and enjoy the river view! I will be back very soon.
(5)Pauly S.
hardly ever write reviews but felt compelled to do so and this one is aimed right at the bar tender who looked like a less cute version of Seth Rogen. No only was he INCREDIBLY rude to my face, he also made horribly racist remarks to other patrons loudly and made the worst gin cocktails I have ever had. We actually had to ask for limes later on just to cover up how bad they were. Food was pretty good and our waitress was very pleasant but the bartender was so offensive I will absolutely never go back here. Maybe someone should teach him a thing or two about the service industry
(2)Charley F.
We went during the winter...clearly this is a summer spot known more for drinks and space outside on the water than anything else. The food was pretty poor. I love specialty flavored popcorn however the flavors of theirs didnt seem to mesh well together. I had the beer cheese soup and a salad. Soup was pretty standard but still great comfort food. Salad was just ok. My boyfriend ordered the lamb which after ordering he was informed they were out of. He went with the short rib as an alternative which was way too tough and lacked flavor. We love to try new places. Happy to say I can check a new one off my list but I doubt we will return.
(1)Brad R.
This place was amazing. We stopped in looking for a nice place to grab a bite to eat, looking for a nice view of the river, and yet needed a place that wasn't too rowdy as we had our 18month old daughter with us. This place had everything we needed. Solid beer selection of local brews (Goose Island, Two Brothers, Half Acre) and plenty of artisinal dishes. We started with the meat and cheese platter and were blown away by the great spread before us. With the location being right on the water, you can sit outside and watch the boats go by or soak up some sun. Even at night during winter, we found it was a great place to be. The interior is pretty narrow with a long bar and several tables on either side, but we thought the layout was just perfect. We found a quaint spot on the far side of the bar where our little one could walk around without disturbing anyone while mom and dad got their drink on! Great selection of wines and beers. We stayed for dinner and had the Mac n Cheese. It was incredible. I loved the entire menu, service, and ambiance. We'd definitely be back. To top it off, they even had baby changing tables in the bathroom. Woo Hoo!
(5)Mark H.
Sat on the terrace on a beautiful Summer's evening. On the upper terrace we could only get appetizers and bottled beer which i later noticed she was pulling from a cooler. One of the appetizers was entitled the charcuterie plate and I do not exaggerate when I say it was a small amount of various meat cuts which clearly had been rejected from every other potential culinary use. These fatty grayish substances were accompanied by mounds of French toast in an effort to fill out the plate. It was about this time that I noticed I had clearly surpassed the limited capacity of the cooler and was being served warm beer. I suspect it's possible to have a much better experience elsewhere in this establishment perhaps with better food choices, but would strongly reccomend avoiding what's laughingly decribed as the "butcher and larder"
(2)Lou A.
The atmosphere of this place is so calming and nice. We went here yesterday for brunch and the food was good. Nothing that I couldnt get anywhere else in the city, but the views are fantastic. All in all I will give this place another shot for dinner instead of brunch!
(4)Matt R.
Went on a Saturday morning and had a great breakfast. For a name with tavern in it, highly above tavern food. Modern setting, American cuisine, and full bar. Friendly staff. Right on the river. Great place.
(5)Vanessa K.
We dined at this restaurant over the 4th of July weekend. The location and view were great. Ping wings were delicious, popcorns were interesting; however, the mussels and salmon we ordered were stale, and the waitress brought a pile of "clean" plates with tomato and onion leftovers stuck on them. When we asked for new plates, she was not apologetic or even surprised with what had happened. After the dinner, my friend got a severe stomachache, followed by vomiting and diarrhea from food poisoning for the remainder of the holiday weekend; he has yet to feel better. Not speaking of the poor dinner selection, I was surprised by how bad the service and the quality of the food were at this seemingly trendy, high quality restaurant.
(1)Matt S.
Spent my birthday at Bridge House Tavern last Saturday with a large group of friends for my first visit. Service, is one of the best of any restaurants/bars I have been to in Chicago. The popcorn and steak frites were excellent. Initially we intended to only visit Bridge House Tavern for dinner but ended up closing the place down. Incredible location, right on the river. Drink service was quick and quite reasonable for Chicago. The general manager Josh was extremely friendly, checking to make sure the restaurant was meeting our expectations. I was extremely impressed. Needless to say I will DEFINITELY be returning to Bridge House Tavern very soon. One of the best in Chicago hands down. Looking forward to their St. Patrick's day specials!
(5)Prashant S.
We went at lunchtime to celebrate a colleague's birthday and it was a fantastic experience sitting outside overlooking the river on a beautiful afternoon. Service was prompt and friendly. Appetizers: Chicken Avocado rolls were fantastic, so was the popcorn. Entrees: I had the fish and chips and it was one of the best I have ever had. My friend had linguini and really liked it, a couple of folks in our group had the chicken club and raved about it... I am a fan!!!
(4)David B.
This place was excellent! We had trouble deciding what to order since everything sounded good but our server was extremely helpful in offering suggestions and everything we tried was great! You must try the bacon popcorn. It is amazing! Between the excellent service, food, and amazing view, I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)Andrew G.
Worst burger ever. Salad has no flavor. Save money. McDonalds is better. Stale bun. Mustard needs processed. Stay away.
(1)Lala R.
I recently grabbed dinner and a glass of wine here with a group of friends for a girls night- enjoying a beautiful summer night on the river while catching up with great friends. It was delightful until, as the manger called them, "their furry little friends" showed up. Yes RATS RATS RATS! And they are big. One ran under our table while the other ran across the ledge NEXT to our table. Gross, right!? Nothing tastes good after seeing rats run around, not even all the wine in their bar could keep me there or coming back.
(1)Pony J.
I enjoyed dining along the Chicago River. I had brunch on a sunny summer Saturday morning near kayakers along the river. It's a great location, decent Bloody Mary but I will make this a cocktails only stop.
(2)Meagan C.
I went for brunch with my sister and my mom the other day. It was so beautiful out and being on the water was awesome. I wish I could say that the food was awesome, but I cannot. I ordered the bacon pancakes- there were two GIANT pancakes that were soggy and uncooked in the middle, they were way too heavy and only had four bacon pieces sticking out of the sides so you were tricked into thinking there was bacon throughout. My sister had the brioche french toast- besides lacking flavor, they were soggy and uncooked in the middle as well! Both our dishes came with fresh fruit which literally looked like someone took one little cube of a strawberry and diced it up into pieces that would be too small even for a baby to eat. My mom ordered the three pigs biscuit and gravy- the bread was rubbery, the sausage was tiny and chewy, the gravy was so sparse it was unbelievable! Biscuits and gravy usually have ample gravy, not a little tablespoon on top... Service was not great by any means! It was hot out and our glasses went unfilled for a long period of time. It was not even busy and they had at least 3-4 servers on hand that I saw for the 6 tables that were eating. Nobody checked on us and we were so over the meal. We will not be back and we will not send anyone there. I would rather wait in line at Yolk or Meli or IHOP even for breakfast... *Note to the restaurant, maybe you guys should always have your food and service on point because you never know who is dining with you. Like someone who has the ability to send you a good amount of business had everything been okay.
(2)Andrea G.
This restaurant has such potential but it seems like some of the staff needs a training in good customer service. I made a reservation and requested a table outside, they told us we could sit inside right away or wait 20-25 min for a table outside. We decided to go to the bar and wait for the table outside. The bartender was incredibly rude, making jokes and racist comments about the bussers, then belittling one of us when we said we couldn't carry 3 glasses and a carafe to our table. He didn't deserve the small tip we left. The hostess said we could sit at a high top table but that other tables she had no idea how long the wait would be...then why did you quote us 20 min before? The high tops outside are too small for 3 people. Our server was attentive, we complained about the bartender a couple times but she didn't offer to comp anything. Food was good; we had pretzel bites, chop chop salad, avocado rolls and Mac n cheese. I would come again for drinks to be along the river, but would try other places before.
(3)Kate O.
I went here for my birthday and loved it! My boyfriend made our reservations and apparently mentioned that we were celebrating my birthday; when we arrived at our table, our server came by with a delicious dessert on the house. Any meal that starts with free dessert is bound to be phenomenal! Everything from start to finish was just awesome---the pinot grigio by the glass is great; the spicy chicken avocado rolls were a yummy appetizer; and the spinach salad & linguini were delicious, too. Our servers (one was shadowing/training) were perfectly balanced in being attentive but not overbearing, and the manager checked in a couple of times to chat with us & make sure things were up to par. Our table was literally right next to the river, which was just what I was hoping for---good job to the bf & hostess for making that happen!---and the whole experience overall was just awesome. Good food, great service, and the perfect summertime dinner atmosphere. We will be back----particularly on Wednesdays for 1/2 priced bottles of wine!
(5)H M.
Today, was my second meal at Bridge House and once again, I was impressed. The spinach salad is delicious (with or without the fried egg on top). I'm also a huge fan of the popcorn (unlike any other) and the Pig Wing (despite the name) is fantastic! I've heard the Mac n Cheese, the burger and the grilled cheese sandwich are also all delicious from friends who have visited. And it's always a nice bonus to have a polite/friendly staff around you. All told- it's a perfect outdoor venue given both the quality/unique variety of food coupled with the ambience. If you go at the right time over lunch (12:30-1:00 pm), all the bridges go up to let sailboats pass which is pretty cool to watch!
(5)Trixy D.
Finally was open. Tried to go here for several weeks in January, but was closed for owners Christmas vacation till Jan 18th. The restaurant and bar are on River Level, the inside is pretty small. We came in for beer and ordered the popcorn with jalepeno, smoked salt, bacon and honey and it is pretty darned tasty!!! I'll bet it is a great place to drink on the outside patio and I would LOVE to go there and sit outside under a blanket with the heaters! Sounds cozy. In order to get down there you go into an elevator in one of the Bridge Towers...it is the only Bridge Tower you can go inside. Its not as cool as I thought it would be. :-) It was pretty dead in January when we went down there, and we tried to go there four times while they were closed...to the point that we just don't even think of going there anymore because it was closed for so long. Hopefully we will think of it once the weather gets nice and try it again.
(4)Jay G.
A friend and I decided to eat here last minute, and I'm definitely glad we chose this place. It has a gorgeous view of the river and nearby buildings. The food was delicious, and it had a nice atmosphere. Definitely a good place for dinner.
(4)Bert T.
I went to Bridge House Tavern on a recent summer Saturday at about 2 pm. There was a 15 minute wait. When I was seated, I was surprised to see that there were at least a half dozen empty tables. Most of the outdoor seating area is in direct sunlight, which is risky for me (I am very fair skinned and burn easily, both my parents have had skin cancer.) I waited for about 5 minutes to be greeted by my server, who asked what I wanted to drink -- coffee -- and then wanted to know "if I was interested in ordering any food." Why, yes. I ordered the Trout Hash with poached eggs. After at least a thirty minute wait in the sun -- during which my coffee cup and water glass got empty -- she brought my entree. The pieces of fish were very small and scarce, the portion overall was more the size of an appetizer than an entree, it did not come with any bread, and -- to top it off, literally -- I was served fried eggs, not what I ordered. Since by now it was 3 pm, & I was famished, I started eating it anyway. No one checked to see if it was OK or if I needed anything. When I was finally able to get the server's attention, I asked her if they looked like poached eggs to her, or if there had been some sort of problem. She said, "I noticed that." Well, she didn't correct it, or mention it when she brought them: she probably hoped I wouldn't notice. I work with the public, and I've never in my life treated anyone like this. I know several other places where I can get twice the food and twice the flavor for half the price, with good service too. I won't be back.
(1)Chris H.
This place was great. It is right on the lake which is nice to see the boats go by. We went for a late lunch, around 3:30, and although they had a shortened menu, it was more than adequate. They also had $5 mimosas and bloody mary's so that was an added bonus. The food was excellent as was the service. If I lived in Chicago, I would be there all the time (weather permitting).
(4)Jennifer C.
I came here with my husband for his birthday. We wanted to dine on the water but wanted something casual. The setting was wonderful; however, that was the only thing that was wonderful. They were out of several beers and the server didn't know the style of the beers they did have. So much for the "tavern." We asked what was great on the menu and the server replied "everything is good". Helpful. So, I turned to Yelp and got the chicken avocado rolls, bruschetta and fish and chips. Bruschetta: Bland is the best word to describe this. Lots of flavorless cheese. Chicken avocado rolls: Really more like tostadas. Super super fried. You could really taste all the oil. I had two but had to stop because my stomach became upset. Fish and chips: Bad batter and rubbery fish. Way overcooked. To end the meal we were notified by the server that she charged us for the wrong bill and had to void our transaction and recharge. So she gave me both the voided receipt and the correct one "in case I'm charged for both". Now I need to make sure I'm not charged twice for this terrible meal. Adding insult to injury I just got an email from OpenTable saying Bridge House Tavern reported I didn't honor this reservation. I was doing everything I could to forget this meal so at least this prompted me to write a bad review of the restaurant. I'm not sure I would have if not for the reminder. At least I have two receipts to prove that I did honor the reservation. The only reason I gave two stars is the setting. If you're looking for a place for a drink on the water this is a passable option. But dear god, don't eat here.
(2)M H.
Ate brunch here today, waitress Meghan was so friendly, played with our baby, above and beyond service. Everything was amazing, crab cake egg benedict, and wicked tots are a must! Thank you bridge house for meeting high expectations of Chicago food!
(5)Bob B.
Summing it up: Proof that a restaurant's success can be dictated strictly by it's location. It got picked as a brunch spot on a hazy Saturday morning strictly because it was on the river, with a great patio. There will be no more kind words. What it is: Whether it's 'Polished Casual' or 'Upscale Tavern' who cares, it's a patio on a river and prime example that in the game of poaching off unsuspecting tourists, business in Chicago is good. It offered a level of mediocrity that is honestly quite difficult to achieve. Ambiance: Large and long patio with lots of seating and lots of tables on the rail, see: Summing It Up. Ordered: Breakfast and Bloody Mary's, they were all mailed in. Everything about this place was mailed in. Eggs were chewy, toast wasn't buttered and came with no jelly, like the kitchen literally said here's plain toast sucker, we can't be bothered to do anything more than drop it on your plate. No condiments - ketchup, hot sauce, syrup - no salt + pepper on table, how much stuff do I have to ask our mediocre server for? The Bloody Mary's were $5 on a gorgeous Chicago Saturday in summer, that should have been our first clue. Worth the Risk?: No. This review is admittedly solely based off of one visit but in a city full of great restaurants don't waste a meal (or your money) on a place that is a celebration of all things average and very obviously just hooking tourists based on their location.
(2)Brian M.
8÷2 = 4. 2+2 = 4. Tables and chairs are movable objects. These are math and physics lessons that could have been put to use the last time I attempted to dine here. When you seat a just-arrived incomplete large party at an 8 person table while ignoring a foursome that's been there for 40 minutes, that's irksome. When you're snippy about me asking about it, that's just poor form. When you seat two separate walk-in parties of two while there's an available small 4-top that you "thought about" offering but didn't, it's just not up to Chicago standards. I feel like Bridge House Tavern is *always* hamstrung with seating constraints, though. Three out of the four times I've been here (weekday evenings), there have been private parties taking up a much larger portion of the restaurant than necessary. I don't think that "sorry, we can't accommodate a private party during our busiest time" is an unreasonable thing to say. With that said, if you DO want to book a private party when nowhere else in the area would consider closing off half the restaurant, here's your spot. The bartenders have always been solid and drink prices are actually a bit lower than what's expected for its perfect prime location. But the quite average food (throw bacon in everything and hope for the best!), lackluster service, and disorganized front of house/space management will keep me from returning.
(2)Jess G.
Came here for drinks and dinner. Got here before 5 and were told the kitchen opened didn't open until 5. When we got our menus at 5 the menu said 4:30.... Also When we arrived the hosted told us to watch our step because the floors were slippery when raining. We sat our table and saw at least five people fall on the ground while we were drinking. As an interior designer I made a comment about how the interior design was lacking and the floors were apparently not safe. We noticed no employees help people when they fall on the floor. Not sure if that's to avoid the lawsuit that's awaiting them. Note to management: Take the risk of shutting down a day or two to replace your floors to avoid the lawsuit that's just sitting in your face. Then I went to the bathroom, what tiny bathrooms!!!! I'm not one of those designers that's critics spaces when I walk into them but I can't but do that when being at this place. The food was ok , not great but the location is what sells this place. However when it's raining apparently it's nothing special. Edit: took almost 20 minutes to get and pay for our check.
(3)Karen L.
This place was bangin! Went here on a Sunday super hung over and seeking something greasy. Had the cheeseburger and it was ahhhhhhhmazing! Legit two beef patties piled w cheese. Hit the spot! AND it came w tater tots! Couldn't get much better and the view of the water is perfect in the summer.
(5)Jenny S.
4 stars only because the owner was nice. Yet it averages out to be a 2 1/2 stars for my overall experience. Mediocre is what I would call this place. Service was a 2. Unfortunately. :/ I had great expectations for this place because it was so beautiful sitting along the lake to enjoy my Bloody Mary. I wasn't a big fan of the Bloody Mary mix. The waiter had mentioned they make it in house. There was just something missing from it. I love a bold Bloody Mary, this was on the bland side. Anyway, back to the service. We came here around 1:45pm and the hostess told us the wait would be 20 minutes for the outdoor seating. We sat down a little after 2:30pm. Actually at 2:42pm to be exact. I had a call right at that time. Sat down, got our drinks, waited for them... I asked for extra olives and the waiter forgot. His helper who brought out our meals actually went back to grab them for me. He asked me how I'd like my burger and I specifically told him medium rare. The burger came out well done. Wasn't too happy. The only thing that was decent were the tater tots! Lol yum. Shortly after our meal, we told our waiter we were finished. He acknowledged it and walked away we assumed he was grabbing our checks. 9 minutes now rolls around, I tell him we'd like our checks and if he could wrap up our leftovers. Despite my par service, I still tipped the waiter $5 on my $25 tab. Got our checks and went on our way. My gf got the tuna tartare and it was a generous portion. Could use some salt! Suffice to say I won't be back though. :( I wish the service was better because this place is literally right behind my work! It's a shame because this would've been my go to spot. Hope this helps!
(2)D W.
Went last night w/ a great group of coworkers/foodies. The company I was with + the view were the best parts of dinner. Chicken avocado rolls were just ok. (Grand Lux buffalo rolls are much better imo) Bacon queso dip was not traditional bacon, more like HAM which is OK but don't mislead me. Onion rings were too doughy with an unnecessary truffle oil sauce? on them. Served a warm glass of champagne. Wasted an entire cocktail on a coworker so she had to sit there wet for the latter part of dinner. (& they did not comp anything for their clumsiness) Ordered the prosciutto wrapped chicken with grits for entrée. Meat was overcooked & looked like pig feet. Grits were undercooked and only lukewarm...tasted like lumps of cornmeal. How 1 could mess up grits is beyond me. Another person ordered a turkey burger + tots. The burger came out burnt and the tots were at least a day old. She had to send it back and get a mediocre salad instead for $14 Fried waffle dessert was good. Ordered the brownie as well and it tasted artificial. Definitely not fresh baked and for $10 that is absurd. (I will stick with Ghiradelli's BOX MIX) With a downtown Chicago location and pricing, you come to expect THE BEST and this place DOES NOT fit the bill!
(2)Miguel L.
The Bridge House Tavern is awesome!! Had burgers and east coast oysters with my co workers. Felt very relaxed and peaceful eating right by the Chicago river. You will love this place!
(5)Abbie B.
The food was good. The presentation of the food was really nice and the ambiance, scenery and atmosphere was beautiful. #ChicagoNights worth the wait.
(4)Reb A.
Great view. Good food. Excellent service. What else do you need? I have to write more in order to post so I'll just tell you that I had the shrimp/chorizo omelette. Get the tater tots because the other potatoes are mashed and don't really go with breakfast. Other than that, everything was really good. Next time I'm getting the brioche French Toast. It looked amazing!
(4)Dee B.
Wow this new drink is fantastic. Sultry summer in a glass - and it packs a punch! Franklin Peach- Buffalo Trace bourbon, 10 Cane rum, Peach Schnapps, fresh sweet & sour. Tart, sweet and smoky all in one sip. They were filming a tv show the last time I was there, which was fun!
(5)Sarah A.
This one star is for The ridiculous lunch hours, I've tried to come here on 3 different occasions & by some wicked magic it's always during the two hours between lunch & dinner when no food is being served. Wish I could write an actual review about the food, but until that time.... I appreciate the prompt response & have updated my star rating to 3, until I can get back here
(3)R. J. R.
I might be a little bit obsessed with this place...the view is obviously beautiful out on the patio, but the food is fantastic (the shrimp tacos were amazing) and the interior is so warm and inviting. After seeing pictures of the brunch by other Yelpers, we're coming back tomorrow, that's how much we enjoyed it. PS - Get the nitro Lefthand Sawtooth, so good.
(4)Norm J.
Being that my office is close by, my colleagues and I have visited Bridge House Tavern a few times. Some occasions we've had great service and food, but on other occasions we've had so-so service and meh food. Overall I'd give Bridge House Tavern 3 stars. Recommendations: *Spicy Chicken Avocado Rolls - amazing! Loved these. *Pork Belly BLT - enjoyed every bite of this sandwich. Get it with a side of tater tots. *Onion Rings - while I'm not a fan of onion rings, my colleagues all said they liked them. *Steak Sandwich - the meat was juicy and the horseradish aioli made this a definite winner. Skip: *Grilled Chicken Sandwich - my colleague thought it was dry. *Wedge Salad with Chicken - nothing special about it.
(3)Yaofu Z.
Very popular and usually much wait. The service is a little spotty given the number of customers. But the view and the food make everything worthwhile. We ordered mushroom bread, salmon spread, two salad. The two appetizers are exceptional. The salad I had is a little too acidic to my taste. But it is not bad. It is very nice to have dinner near the river. There are so many other items I want to try. Just note, the portion size is on the small size. If you are paying the bill and want to make sure everyone enjoy the time, get more appetizers.
(5)C.C. H.
Pros: beautiful patio by the river, ok pricing for the view and amount of food given, nice waitstaff but slow on the water bottle refill cons: sometimes the river smells like sewage, some brunch items were mediocre - like the beignets (although the housemade whipped cream and cinnamon glaze were on point), and the wicked tots were rather salty. probably best to just drink mimosas specials all sunday.
(3)Anthony N.
Obviously, the location here is amazing. Great view of all the river happenings if you're lucky enough to get a seat at the edge. The food, however, is just ok. My fries came out soggy and my friend's tots were cold. I've been a couple times and the only dish worth mentioning, surprisingly, is the tuna tartare. Have fun waiting if you come during after-work rush.
(3)Cecille C.
I went to this place with a group of my favorite colleagues at work. We sat close to the big window next to the river, around a big wood table. It felt like a very cozy family dinner at holiday. The duck tacos I ordered were just perfect. Duck was very flavored and well cooked. I don't know the name of the little pink pickles they put on top of each taco, but they were just perfect companies to the duck meat - truly a creative and delicious dish! We also ordered each dessert on the menu to share - all delicious! So it's truly a risk-free desserts menu.
(5)Caroline J.
I've been to Bridge House for both lunch and brunch, and it's been absolutely wonderful each time. The first time I came was for a weekday lunch with coworkers. We were seated outside almost immediately, and while I don't remember what I had, I remember that it was very good. The second time I came was on July 3rd with a few friends and while the wait was definitely longer, the food was just as incredible. I got the Pork Belly BLT (which be advised, is MESSY) and it was exactly what I wanted. It was a sizable portion, and the fact that it came with tots is just an added bonus. A friend got the pulled pork mac and cheese and proceeded to talk about how good it was for the rest of the day, and another got the steak sandwich and was equally impressed. My most recent visit was for brunch and as usual, it was outstanding. From the $5 mimosas during our (short) wait to be seated to the fantastic huevos rancheros, I was just as happy as the first few times I visited. The staff is friendly and has been very accommodating when we've wanted to move tables, and the location could not be more perfect for spending some quality time along the river. Can't wait to be back!
(5)Bianca A.
Super yummy and great view! If you don't like the heat, come early or sit inside. I got the eggs Benedict and it was pretty awesome. Downside of this place is that they put very boldly on the menu "no substitutes or modifications". I don't like that
(4)Lui F.
Excellent appetizers (or "shareables" as they call them), excellent drinks - nice selection of bourbon and done exactly as I ordered it. Service was great, ambiance was awesome. Made for a perfect afternoon after we did one of the tours along the river coming out of Navy Pier. We saw the restaurant from the boat and rode a cab back up there because we thought the ambiance would be great and it definitely was. Our water Tony was great and took really good care of us. I will definitely visit them again next time I'm up in Chitown!
(5)Jenna C.
Bridge House Tavern is awesome! Great patio right on the river, and nice view from the inside too. As far as food, the smoked salmon was crazy good. My friend and I also shared the ceviche (ok), chicken rillettes (not a fan), and spicy chicken avocado rolls (tasty). This ended up being a lot of food for 2 people! It was half off shareables night, so we went a little overboard what can I say? Our waitress was great, and the manager (maybe owner?) stopped by our table towards the end of the meal too. Definitely friendly service all around, and quick too! Both food and drink were served faster than expected. However, the cocktails failed to impress. I'm a little spoiled from the great mixology around Chicago and so would recommend keeping it simple here with a beer or glass of wine. Enjoy!
(4)Annie M.
I was in Chicago for 2 mornings... I love trying new places, ESP in a foodie city like Chicago, but this is so great I wanted to go twice. For my favorite meal of the day, brunch... It's basically a religion and it's very aggressive, this is a huge feat for a restaurant. First, the setting is beautiful. Right on the Chicago river. The staff was so much fun (we brunched from 10-430). And the crowd is fun. The food... I tried the tots, mashed potatoes, EGGS BENEDICT(!!!!)...perfect. I tried the steak and eggs... Ah-maze. It's a must must must.
(5)Donna W.
We arrived in Chicago on a Saturday day and when we arrived at the bridge house they were only serving brunch. Unfortunately I needed massive amounts of protein my glucose levels were bottoming out on me and I was ready for a wonderful Chicago steak so this was a poorly chosen option considering my needs and what they had to offer. They offer Beingets so we ordered those in both agreed double they didn't quite live up to café Du Monde! After contemplating enjoying an adult beverage and then leaving We chose to stay I ordered the crabcake Benedict it was OK my husband ordered the burger they had a burger on the menu for brunch and it was OK. Adult beverages reordered and we were feeling good. It's obviously a hotspot for weekends river watching people watching. Can't imagine this place on St. Patrick's Day crazy!
(3)Sargon K.
First time visiting BHT with my cousins from Arizona. Started out sitting outside but of course the weather made us move inside due to windy conditions making it very chilly! Service was very good and the food was even better. Fish and chips were awesome! Tots, guacamole, and spicy chicken rolls were very good! Can't wait to come back!
(4)Tamera B.
Bridge House provided a very solid tavern experience for my family and I. The food was good, service was cool, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Service - Thus was 4th of July weekend, so there was quite a crowd during peak lunch time. It was a beautiful day, so everyone was pining to get a table on the relaxing terrace, right on the river, with awesome views. We had the kiddos with us and they were "dying of hunger" so, we opted for 1st available seating. We were told our wait would be 1 hour, but it ended up only being a 35 minute wait. Shorter waits always make me giddy : ) Our server was great! Even with the busy crowd, she was just attentive enough and kept our drinks full......what more could we ask for! Food - the menu offers the standard tavern fare and some dishes with Bridge House's own twist to them. I had the fish & chips, with tots instead of fries. My food was delicious and plentiful. I got 3 large, fresh cod fillets and enough tots to feed our family of 4. The fish was delicious, not too greasy, tasty batter, and super fresh fish......none of that frozen melarky here!! I was full after eating 1 fillet. My husband had the Tavern burger, which was really good as well. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly and served on a brioche bun. They offer an unofficial kids menu that includes: chicken fingers, cheeseburger, or grilled cheese. These come with a side and they are $10 each. A little pricey for kids meals! Next time, we'll probably just get a $14 Tavern burger and cut it in half. One of my boys had the grilled cheese and the other had the cheeseburger. They were happy with their meals, so I was happy. We will definitely visit Bridge House again, preferably when it's not so busy, so that we can enjoy the terrace.
(4)Jon L.
I was here with friends for dinner after work one day. We were seated very quickly and had a great view of the Chicago River. I ordered the greek goddess salad with chicken which had a decent assortment of veggies, some of which tasted strange to me. I also had the bbq pork mac n' cheese which actually tasted very good considering I'm normally not a big mac n' cheese guy. Service-wise, our waitress rarely if ever checked up on us and was often nowhere to be found when we called for her. I'm not sure if it was because it was a busy service night or if she just forgot about us, but I didn't really care for the lack of service. I would normally give two stars for the lack of service and mediocre-at-best salad but the view of the river and the mac n' cheese were their saving grace for the third star.
(3)Hannah C.
I've been here twice now and I don't understand what all the fuss is about. We went there for an office happy hour a few months ago, and it was fine, although I found the apps unreasonably small for the price (also, like, they provided a freakishly small number of chips for all the dip-type things). Nevertheless, I thought "perhaps it's more of a meal place" and went to brunch. The bacon pancake was the only thing I can even try to recommend. It was perfectly fine and a great meal size. The bad: the beignets were painfully stale and not even warm. The house potatoes (mashed) were under seasoned, the wicked tots were too salty, and the Chicago 75 tasted like watered down gin (no other flavors). I wouldn't go back, especially with so many good options nearby.
(2)Rachael B.
Come prepared for a wait... But a wait worth awhile! took 45 min to get a table for Saturday brunch but grab a drink at the bar ($5 bloody Mary's or mimosa) and wait for a table on the water. Amazing views, usually live music playing across the street, and so much to people watch. The food is a 5!!!! Absolutely divine! Chicken and waffles on point and huevos rancheros full of flavor. The mash potatoes are best I have ever had also! The drinks are so-so so the review lost a star cuz I was not too impressed with the cocktails or the front desk reception. But the views and food make it a must visit spot in Chicago!
(4)Marc M.
nice location for summer. food was good and prices fair. its all about location.
(3)Jesse B.
I don't know if we just had a horrible server or if it was because it was Saturday night but our first visit here was absolutely crap. A forgotten about appetizer, a server who seemed to not care about us after he found out we weren't ordering alcohol, and a dreadfully long wait for any sort of food made this a one time stop for us. Disappointing because the food was quite good but the service was wretched enough to make us not want to come back. He couldn't even be bothered to check-in with us to let us know why we had to wait over an hour for our food. He even still offered to put in for the appetizer at that point! Are you kidding me? What a disgrace.
(1)Jaclyn S.
Went here for dinner on Mon with OpenTable reservation hoping to sit on the water. Due to forecasted storm we sat inside. No trouble or wait for a table at 7:30. $25/pp with one drink. For appetizers we had the spicy chicken Avo rolls - our waitress said the most ordered/popular thing on the menu- they were good, fried. The mushroom bruschetta was better, tangy, herby, and truffle oil always helps. I had the turkey burger which was ok, the side salad was simple, the burger had pepper jack, arugula, remoulade and onions- but was just missing that pow of flavor or spice and the bun was very greasy on the outside. Friends had the greenhouse salad which is very small for $12, but was saved by spicy pecans! The braised shortribs were cooked well and fell apart nicely- probably the best thing ordered at the table. The squash side was yummy and mashbos were just avg. Drink menu was large for beer options and they have daily specials during happy hour times. Service was mediocre. Our waitress didn't know the menu or what went into dishes. Overall this place is basic. Nothing stood out and I have no reason to go back or recommend. Sitting by the water would be awesome but bear in mind the avg food/service when going here.
(3)Shelly D.
Great atmosphere, terrible food. Went here on Wednesday night, got a table outside. Beautiful weather and jazz music played while we ate, which was fantastic. We ordered the tater tots with blue cheese and asparagus which was ok, but very very salty. I ordered the cod with teriyaki and it was almost inedible. The teriyaki sauce tasted like it was from a jar (definitely not homemade) and the cod was undercooked. I have it 2 starts because the service was great, hostesses were friendly, we were seated right away, and the patio was lovely. Next time, i'll go for drinks not food. Or I will just go somewhere else.
(2)Edna P.
Great view of the river, friendly staff and food was good. I got the duck tacos while hubby had the pork belly sandwich.
(5)Mark J.
Been here twice while visiting Chicago, the first for a drink and to enjoy the waterfront ambiance. A cocktail was only 10 dollars compared to 13 to 15 we've paid. Came for lunch Friday, the following day, and had steak sandwiches, a turkey burger and tater tots w asparagus. ..and turtle cheesecake. The flavors were wonderful. The host, and server Tony, were the same both days. They were warm and friendly.
(5)Mykaila D.
Really the vibes and location are what gave this place three stars. The mac and cheese is super weak. Not enough cheese, the noodles are too intricate to absorb all the cheese the right way, and the bbq pork resembles dried squid. I know that sounds really weird, but if you've had it before you know exactly what I mean. The fries taste like cheap whataburger fries and based on the nibble I had of the tuna tartare I wasn't feeling the liquid base. Really disappointing, but I've had a day from hell so Malbec has put me in good spirits and I am completely disregarding the fact that this meal sucked.
(3)Kristen L.
Went here on a cold and rainy night with a couple of old high school friends. The location is fantastic, but not so great when it's 40 degrees and raining. The food is okay...nothing to write home about. We ended up ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing since 2 out of the 3 of us weren't really that hungry. Also ordered drinks, but I didn't end up touching mine since it was waaaaaaay too strong for my taste. The service was okay--not great. Overall...Meh.
(2)Ginny G.
Came into town from Kansas City to watch the Royals play and made a reservation for five on Saturday morning at 11. You enter through an elevator on Clark street that takes you down to the restaurant. Unfortunately it was raining so we didn't sit outside on the gorgeous patio. Instead, we were seated by the large windows so we had a great view. Saturday's they have $5 mimosas and Bloody Mary's. Both were great and they did not skimp on the alcohol. There were so many things on the brunch menu I wanted to order but I settled on the biscuits and gravy. It's more like two biscuit and sausage sandwiches drizzled in gravy and topped with bacon. You also get two eggs with the order. Tons of food. The group I was with ordered the hash, loaded tots and the chicken and waffles. All of it was amazing. Everyone loved their meal. I just wish I had also ordered the bacon pancake to top it off.
(5)Amber A.
Looking for a killer patio on the water?? Boom, this is it. We spent no less that 3hrs here on a gorgeous Day having cocktails. The bar opens up to outside with seating both in and out, as well as a lot of tables on the water. We had typical cocktails- beer and Bloody Mary. They make their own Bloody Mary mix in house. We also split the turkey burger which, unlike most turkey burgers, was delicious!
(4)Jackie C.
I love this place! It was so fun to be near the water on such a beautiful day! The service was lack luster but the food was really good. On Wednesdays they have half price bottles of wine.
(4)Manasa S.
We went here for Saturday brunch and got the Hash, Veggie omelette, and the brioche French toast. All three were beautifully presented but the taste was mediocre at best. Also, there are no substations or changes to any of the dishes on the brunch menu which was a little limiting. However, their Bloody Mary was absolutely delicious and you can't beat the views by the river.
(3)Renee S.
What a great view! I have been here with friends and had a great time with great service. What blew me out of the water was the exceptional service I had when i had booked a semi-private corporate event on the terrace. The service was top notch - servers and bartenders made sure all our guests had a drink in their hands and made sure everyone was satisfied. The food came out warm and delicious. The setting was BEAUTIFUL! The owner even stopped by to give us a thank you. I highly recommend this place!!
(5)Lauren F.
So, I must say that I have never written a Yelp review, but this restaurant/bar has surpassed any expectation that I had of the place (due to its former name) that I just had to post! The service was excellent, and I don't remember the last time that I had so many people (including the waiters/bartenders/management) make sure I was having an enjoyable experience. The place was pleasantly busy and the service was still great. Prices were right on par with the area and in my opinion pretty cheap considering the OUTSTANDING view of the river which is the main focal point of the restaurant. The food was so delicious I can't wait to go back and try more. I had the grilled cheese, which was so so good and then my fair share of the unlimited drink options they had.
(5)Vivi W.
I wouldn't recommend..location is great. Little over priced? Food looks GREAT, but tastes kinda bland. Had the boned-in pork chop. Had better. The fish and chips was greasy and soggy. The pop corn was super soggy. The buffalo pork was dry. My frd had a birthday, and the waitress bought some bread pudding, and charged us for $8...and she took over 15 min to get it...
(2)Marie M.
I've been going there countless times this summer. And usually take out of town visitor for lunch/brunch. You CAN NOT beat the location. This place is beautifully located, and you get a perfect view of the river/neighborhood. The food is good. I do prefer the old menu (when it was still flat water) as there was more choice. But everything on the new menu is good quality and the prices are more than reasonnable for quality'location/service. If you go on a busy week end brunch, do not expect to be out of there fast, they still have some service issues to fix. But everyone is friendly and happy to help. Will definitely be back next summer!
(4)Joe Z.
Great spot right on the water. So close that if you are not careful with your bag you could drop them into the river. Drinks were reasonably priced. Menu was somewhat limited, but the linguine with shrimp was quite good.
(4)Lyn B.
Been here for brunch, lunch and dinner, and have enjoyed it every time! Best time to go here is when it's warm outside, so you can sit in their outdoor area overlooking the river. The service is always good, and favorites on the menu include the brioche french toast, potatoes, Caesar salad (be careful- it comes with the anchovies on top so ask to exclude them if you don't like them!), spinach salad, and burgers!
(4)Claire F.
Turkey Sandwich! It was amazing, and the fries were something extra special with a delicious seasoning and tang to them. The best part about the restaurant is the view and setting. The service was also amazing! $13 for dinner in a really nice and beautiful restaurant, I'm sold!
(4)Katie T.
Found this place on yelp. We decided to try it out because it has great reviews, a patio with a river view, and the photos of the interior looked so cozy with all of the wood. After a long day at work, sitting on the patio and having a beer was exactly what we needed. The popcorn starter was amazing and so different. We split the burger and fries which were so good, and plenty for 2 people. The staff was also very nice and welcoming. I can't wait to visit Chicago again to come back to this place.
(5)J J.
Four of us had brunch there on a Sunday morning and the food was excellent! I had the Huevos Rancheros, others had the Eggs Benedict and Pig Trio Biscuits & Gravy - all of them were great choices. Breakfast drinks were a bit of a let down. I wish they offered more than just drip coffee but there is no espresso machine in the house. The coffee was served in very basic cups - my school cafeteria had the same ones and I've seen them at the Golden Nugget too. The Bridge House Tavern can surely do better than those establishments. No good brunch in my book goes without OJ, and I was hoping for a treat of freshly squeezed one. The offering was far from my expectations - it was the basic OJ from concentrate, usually used for making bar drinks like Screw Drivers. The service staff was really nice and accommodating. We were seated in the atrium area by the windows, just past the bar and got to enjoy the river view. One issue I had was with the AC. The vent grills were directed straight down towards our table and blasted cold air all the time. I had to put my wool coat on with the collar up and left with a headache. The staff expressed similar concerns but could not do much to turn down the AC. I really appreciated that Mike, the new manager/owner, stopped by to say Hi and made sure we are enjoying our stay. Being a new place, I am sure the Bridge House Tavern will work out the kinks. For now I can barely award it four stars, mostly for the food and ambiance. It's right by my office so I am looking forward to going back there with friends and colleagues for lunch and after hours.
(4)Jen C.
Second time there today. This time, we had a big work group that went for a celebratory lunch and it was wonderful. Our server, Annetta (sp?) was thoroughly knowledgeable about the menu, and offered some good suggestions. The food was delicious ... I mean, delicious! Everyone loved their meals. The staff was accommodating, and was able to change our seating from outside (it's 90 degrees, after all) to inside as quick as that. Additionally, the management made a point to check in with us to make sure we were happy and ask for suggestions. Classy. No one seemed 100% sold on the bacon milkshake (I didn't try it, so can't say), but everything else was stellar. Definitely coming back... soon!
(5)Brad F.
We came here by boat one night for dinner. Wish we could of sat outside but unfortunately we were with a group of 12. The service was great everything came out perfect and our large group was very satisfied! The burger I got was excellent! Those fries that they serve with all the dipping sauces was out of this world. Cant wait to come get those fries again!
(4)Eeeee L.
We had a party of six here on Friday night for dinner. The server we had was great. The view was incredible. We could hear the nice live music drifting from another restaurant across the river, which really made the evening. The food was very delicious and well-received by our group overall. The drinks were tasty and prompt. Between us, we tried several menu items. To name a few: - "pig wings"...so good, definitely the hit of the table! - burgers...huge and all were yummy (good fries, too) - mussels...WARNING: we'll get to that in the next paragraph - salmon BLT...fabulous flavor and generous portion size - Tavern chicken...can't go wrong with chicken, although the grits weren't quite up to par My only unhappiness with this place was with the preparation of the mussels (appetizer I chose for my entree). I love seafood and know how it should be done, and I would not get this item again based on my recent experience. The quantity was scant compared to the 18-25 range given by the waiter (who confirmed with someone who seemed to be a manager). First disappointment, but I will forgive them for that. The second disappointment is why I write this review, mostly to caution to future customers. The mussels had not been cleaned properly and were full of VERY LARGE grains of sand. There was zero warning of this upon serving, and I was very startled when I bit into the first one and felt like I had chomped down on a bucket of gravel. (A very tasty gravel bucket nonetheless.) I joked around that I almost busted a tooth while we all ate up and enjoyed catching up. Several more were just as grainy, but I was being more careful than a Grandma when she eats taffy with her dentures in. I ended up swallowing most of them as if they were oysters. After we settled up and were walking down Clark, I felt around...I actually DID chip a very healthy tooth!!! I made an emergency appointment with my dentist first-chance I could this week to check out my mangled molar. Let's just say this is the most expensive bowl of mussels I have ever ordered. Well, when I get the dental bill...it will easily be the most expensive meal all together. Though the pan sauce for the mussels was completely delectable and right-on (oh, I would have sopped it up with every last piece of bread!!!)...this was not a pleasant experience for me due to ruining decades of a perfect dental record and depleting my wallet far beyond a $10 appetizer. RATING: - 4.5 stars for flavor - 5 stars for great outdoor seating on the river - 4 stars for the staff - 0 stars from the Tooth Fairy - overall rating of 3 stars
(3)Lisa L.
Great place to have lunch in the summer! So cool to watch the water taxis and architectural tour boats going by as you eat! I definitely recommend eating outside! A little pricey for everyday lunch, but perfect for a special occassion!
(4)shai h.
Best. Pork chop. Ever. In my while life. Seriously. And the oysters are amazing!
(5)Mikey G.
I was in Chicago last week on business and decided to try this place based on the good reviews. All I can say is AWESOME. The turkey sandwich was the best I ever had.... No joke. The outdoor patio is right alongside the river and people were pulling up in their boats. Great atmosphere and yummy yummy food... Can't ask for more! And the waitstaff is super nice!
(5)Curtis R.
I am not really the person to write a review! For the simple fact that every person is different. I never judge a place until I try it! That being said. This Saturday 8/20/2011 I was frustrated the Air n Water show had been delayed because of a storm! I found myself leaving my can/slip too water taxi into the city and explore! I had a few familiar places I wanted to have a beer at and maybe a sandwich! I started at Dick's Last Resort, they didn't open until 11 am I guess. So, I went next door to the House of Blues. They, again did not open. They all had plenty of staff, but would not budge on serving me. Then I remembered that an old friend started a new job at BRIDGE HOUSE TAVERN. I was very pleased to see it had a waterfront and a beautiful patio with canopy's for dinning out in the elements! I would love to see it in Autumn with the changing season! Further more I was greeted by my friend and the owner. We shared great conversation about the new business and how it has become a hit in downtown Chicago! I just had a regular Cheese Burger because I am simple. However, the chick next to me was eating an amazing breakfast plate with with eggs and thick slices of bacon! If i had been there early enough I would have ordered it. I do recommend this place for it's setting, staff, and awesome food with a unique menu! Also, there is a first come first serve waters edge docking for your personal watercraft in front of the building! They do have docking cleats for large cruiser boats. However, they need some cleats bolted into the wood down below for power boats that sit in the water lower! When your heading North on Clark just when you pass the Chicago Canal it's on the right... look for the old Bridge House elevator to take you down to the landing!! Thank you Bridge House Tavern and thanks Dana for the company! I can't wait to come back and try something new! Your Friend Waterboycurtis. Ps.. When you are a costumer at BHT, they don't care if you own a boat! So, they do not discriminate between travelers by foot or by water! They just like serving people well!
(5)Emily M.
Ok, i'm sold now. I love the atmosphere during winter. It's like a cozy escape from the awful Chicago wind and snow. The fireplace and smaller sized floor plan makes it a really intimate and laid back place in the winter.
(4)Amy F.
I had a blast here! I was here for my sister's wedding rehearsal dinner. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. We had half of the outdoor patio for our party and it was great. There were two cabanas with great ample seating. Plus tables and chairs available. The river was beautiful, watching the boats and kayaks pass was fun. Some even tied up to dine while we were there! Our out of town guests got a big kick out of that. One of the owners, Ryan, was very nice. He made sure everything was running smoothly and seemed genuinely interested in how our evening was going. I would recommend this place for everyone. Just a night out, hanging with friends, or a more formal dinner date, to a wonderful party! Thanks for a great time.
(5)Rebecca C.
I rarely venture out of my Bucktown/Wicker Park nieghborhood but I was recommended this resturant by friends and yummo. The mussels and pig wings are sinfully good and the fish sticks were so different, delicious and unique. The great wine selection and view certainly tops off the whole atmosphere.
(5)Justin P.
Delicious. Everything was great and the atmosphere was amazing. Try the pig wings or the bruschetta. So glad I chose this place.
(5)Lorena d.
This year I wanted to celebrate my birthday low key with just dinner and drinks with some of my family and friends, so we decided to go to Bridgehouse because some one had recommneded it to me. I called and made a reservation for 12 people, the day of I got a phone call to confirm my reservation and who ever I spoke to said 8 people, I told her No 12 so she said "ok that's fine see you tonite". I got to the restaurant a half hour before my friends and family and when they show me my table it was set uip for 8 people, I told the waitress right away and they took care of the problem by adding a table and some chairs right away, I was pleased because this all happend before my guests got there because that would have been embarssing if there wasn't enough seats when my guests arrived. We also got 2 orders of the popcorn complimentry for the misunderstaning which I must say the popcorn was excellent nothing I have ever had before. I love the sweet-salty taste of it and all foods in general. Service was excellent even though they goofed up on my reservation they quickly accomadated us. There was not an empty glass of water or any other drink for that matter the whole night. Our waitress was very knowledgable and served us very well and if she was not around the bus boys were very helpful with getting us what ever we needed, so that kind of made up for the reservation mess up. Mark the owner came out and apoligezed also for the reservation mishap which also very nice!All around good service from everyone! As we were waiting for the rest of our party we had Victoris beer on draft oh my God were they good, Victoria beer is a little pricey beer when you buy them in bottles and it's hard to find them on draft and actually taste good. We also went and ordered the mussles EXCELLENT loved them, the bread served with the mussles was also so good we asked if we could get an order of just the bread so we could finish the sauce the mussles came with. We went on to order the pigwings they were EXCELLENT as well couldn't help to lick my fingers. For our main courses 2 people ordered the big steak burgers I didn't hear any complaints. Some one ordered the po boy which she said she was even surprised to find that on the menu. She said it wasn't like the one she had in New Orleans but it was close enough! I personally had the steak frites it was delish cooked well nice size cuts of meat. The mac-n-cheese was the best part of my night it was above EXCELLENT, next time I go there I plan on ordering that for sure and YES I do plan on going back there and recommend you all do the same!!!
(5)Jeremy M.
Credit where it is due: Not long after writing the initial review, the owner sent a reply acknowledging the problem. Such a rapid and genuine response deserves note: it's a sign of a restaurant that cares about its customers' experience. I hadn't been planning on going back, but this did change my mind, and I will try to find another time to go. It doesn't always take much to change the mind of an open-minded critic--but it is all the more notable because it happens so rarely.
(3)Carolyn B.
Nice location on the river, but the food was not good. Frozen tasteless hamburger patty, bottled Caesar salad dressing.
(1)Ebony G.
My visit here was mixed...it started off great, went horribly wrong in the middle and kind of worked itself out in the end. Let me explain.... A friend and I were meeting for food and drinks, we sat outside along the wall next to the river. The good.... Our waiter Bobby was AMAZING, he was friendly, attentive, gave great food and drink suggestions. I would go back just for him, because he was so nice. The view was great. The food was really good. I would come back for the food. I had the special, a whitefish with grilled calamari on top and my friend had the grilled cheese sandwich; for our appetizer we had the pig wings....all very tasty. The owner Ryan, he was pleasant came to our table, addressed our concerns, apologized profusely. He redeemed this restaurant experience. The bad..... Unbeknownst to us, we were sitting next to a dock enter and let off point. We saw the silver ladder on the other side of the wall but didn't expect a boat to dock and for people to try and unload right at our table. My friend had to move in order for the people to get off the boat. When she went to find a manager, the people coming off the boat were using her chair to step down to the ground. It was insanely rude and unsanitary. She found the other owner, NOT Ryan, and when she suggested they move that table from in front of the ladder he said to not have that table there means less money for them. It was a table for 2. REALLY?! When she mentioned the potential loss of customers, no response. So we moved to another table, and as soon as we left they sat another perosn there, who had the EXACT same experience and had to be moved as well. So Ryan, the great owner, spoke with us, apologized and moved the tables so that people unloading could do so without bothering the diners. I'll go back, I just won't sit next to the ladders.
(3)Lila G.
This is the sort of place where you have a good time DESPITE the service and food. We went on a Wed night. Ideal location, beautiful waterfront tables, etc. The hostesses, in their haste to prevent you from becoming pushy people while waiting for tables outside, become ridiculously pushy in advance. We were perfectly fine sitting inside (which was completely empty) but they insisted "there was a wait" and that we put our names down on a list for a table outside. Oh and they're also "not allowed" to give out wait times. Odd. We finally got our way and sat inside, which was perfectly fine except it took a visit to the bartender to get a waitress to come over. Our waitress was really nice, but harried. Our appetizer arrived and 2 min later half the entrees. Awkward. 10 min later the rest of the food came out. Also awkward. The waitress also confessed that she was "AFRAID TO GO INTO THE KITCHEN" which made us all slightly nervous! The burger was decent, nothing special. The salmon BLT was tasty, but the much-touted "bacon milkshake" didn't taste at all like bacon. We're not smokers so our senses of taste are quite good. No bacon flavor. The fish and chips had an interesting skewer-like presentation, but they were covered in thick chunks of batter that puffed up in the fryer and became chewy and heavy rather than becoming crispy. Oh well. Go for the setting, do not go for the food or the service, and grit your teeth as the hostesses try to convince you to sit somewhere you don't want to. Hahahah! What can you say, takes all types to make the world!
(2)Ami H.
I am as confused writing this review as I was reading the menu. The combinations of flavors in the dishes are so ... we'll say "unique" ... that it's hard to imagine what food is going to taste like. The popcorn - delicious. The beer & cheese soup, also delicious. The turkey sandwich, WAYYY too salty and unedible. The bread pudding, bland. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and despite the turkey sandwich, we were enjoying a mild evening on the river quite nicely. Then, just as dinner was wrapping up, a VERY LARGE ... we'll say "rodent" to be polite... started creeping under the tables looking for crumbs. I guess it's to be expected since the patio is ON the river, but still. So the moral of this story? Probably left you feeling as confused as I still am. Thumbs up for the unique flavors that work, thumbs down for the ones that don't. Thumbs up for atmosphere, thumbs down for critters.
(3)Alison H.
Great outdoor seating. The service was very prompt, helpful and friendly. My friend and I had salads, which were creative and tasty. Loved the outdoor atmosphere. I highly recommend. Nice to see that Chicago is developing the riverfront. The scenery backdrop was fabulous. I look forward to going back from Happy Hour or dinner.
(4)Howard C.
The view is great and provides alot of conversation opportunities. The meal was the cheapest, yet easily one of the best we had during our weekend in Chicago. The staff was nice and attentive. It's a tradition for us to stop there.
(5)Mark C.
Food was alright, place was hot and stuffy, bloody Mary was full of horse radish. Turkey sandwich was dry, salad had no dressing.
(2)Chrissy M.
We had dinner here on a Thursday night. We did call to make reservations. The reason I mention this is because my family (9 of us) arrived and were told we only have 45 minutes to eat and get out in time for a private event. We were extremely disappointed at first since we had made a reservation and were there to celebrate our dad's 50th birthday. We sat down and were considering leaving when the manager came back to our table and told us we would be seated in a different area of the restaurant out of the way with a wonderful view and would be able to take our time. We were very appreciative (although, I do believe we should have accepted nothing less). We did not have to go far, just to a table in the front portion of the restaurant and it actually worked out much nicer for us anyways. There are windows facing the river and an outdoor bar and patio. My 1 year old son came along and they were very accommodating. The food was very good but a little pricey. We had fine service. We did not have very nice weather so I would probably go back again for the patio and the views if nothing else!
(4)Fuudcritic C.
Disaster! Went for brunch. Service was terrible! How can a restaurant mess up breakfast food? Really. Service? We had to find our waiter and ask for water. We had to find our waiter for our check. And, no, it was not busy. If you're there for just the view and drinks (in the evening), great. Food and service? FORGET IT!!
(1)Natasha C.
I went to Bridge House Tavern for Dinner on a beautiful September night. We sat outside on the patio with the view of the river and the skyline which granted it 3 stars. However, I think you pay more for the view than the food. We got a macaroni and cheese app which was pretty good, but I've had better. Then I got the grilled cheese because I'm vegetarian which was pretty awful. I didn't eat any of it. My boyfriend got the steak sandwich which he said was okay, but not great. The drinks were good, but I thought the drink menu was limited. I would go back for the view in the summer because it's awesome not the food.
(3)Morgan C.
This place is just not worth it, despite the fact that it provides river-front views. I have been here a couple times and I am really struggling to see how I will ever decide to come to this place again, especially since there are just so many places that pay closer attention to the details that make a dining experience enjoyable. If it's hard to justify coming here in summer, I really can't imagine how this place can survive over the long Chicago winter (clearly they rely heavily on tourist traffic). This review is a for people considering going to Bridge House but also is directed to the Manager/Owner of Bridge House (since I can see that he sometimes responds to yelp reviews, so I assume takes some consideration of them). FOOD: The food here is not bad in terms of flavor, but the problem is that the portion sizes are really ridiculous. After reading this complaint in other reviews, my first thought was "well, you can't fault a restaurant much for giving you too much food as opposed to too little." Well, I was wrong. My most recent trip here for brunch proved to me that there is such a thing as portions that are so big that they severely detract from the enjoyment of the meal and the setting. The food that could otherwise be described as slightly upscale comfort food, loses that characteristic because you can't be anything close to upscale when the portions are 2 or 3 times times too large. The ambiance of this place is lost when your server arrives with a cheesecake factory size dish. I would think that a restaurant would want to avoid this type of unnecessary waste. SERVICE: The large portion sizes could be excused if not for the HORRIBLE service, which is truly a reflection on management. Our server was friendly enough, and I don't think he is to blame. It's the overall lack of general service from the entire operation that is the problem. Just to give a couple examples (because there are too many to list them all), servers don't recognize that an empty water bottle sitting on the side of a table is an indication to get a table more water. Even if this is technically our waiter's job, other server's should be instructed to pitch in with something so simple yet critical to service (and of course our server should be told that he should look out for this). Our server also never seemed to recognize that our empty mimosa glasses sitting on the side of the table was an indication that we probably should be asked if we would like to order another drink. The overall unappetizing dishes plus many other service issues left us regretting our decision to have brunch at Bridge House. I really wanted to like this place and have given it a few tries as a result, but service is such a huge part of a dining experience and that it is hard to overlook when it is truly poor. I hope the manager takes the service aspect of the dining experience more seriously because I really would like to be able to return and enjoy a meal on the river in the future (or even return in the colder months if the food/service merits it). For now, it definitely does not.
(2)