The Chew Chew Menu

  • Salads
  • Pasta and Vegetarian
  • Bar Snacks
  • Small Plates
  • Large Plates
  • Flatbreads
  • Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Chew Chew

  • Salads
  • Pasta and Vegetarian
  • Bar Snacks
  • Small Plates
  • Large Plates
  • Flatbreads
  • Sides

Visit below restaurant in Riverside for healthy meals suggestion.

Visit below restaurant in Riverside for healthy meals suggestion.

  • Donna F.

    They must have a shortage of babysitters in Riveside, as everyone brings their children here, strollers and all. I've never eaten in a place with so many kids. I hope the couple who were letting their toddler suck on the salt shaker told the server to be sure and wash it off. How utterly disgusting! It was refreshing to have calamari that was breaded and made in house, rather than the frozen variety you usually get everywhere. The white balsamic dressing on the salad was good, but the salad could have used a couple more ingredients. Shrimp cake was not bad. The grilled artichoke was very undercooked and had an unpleasant spice over it. The trout special was okay. Service was attentive. Delicious bread served with herb butter. I found it odd that they only have one selection of each wine by the glass. The upstairs room has sort of a musty odor to it. Perhaps it's the carpeting. Never understand carpeting in restaurants, especially with a lot of high chair clientele. The whole experience was a bit odd, with nothing to really draw me back. Just the pre-school ambience itself is enough to keep me away. If you do go, be wary of the salt shakers.

    (1)
  • Suzanne D.

    Wasn't too sure about this place based on the name, but so glad we went. Excellent service, nice atmosphere and very unique menu. We started with the mezze plate that featured some homemade pickled zucchini, feta, hummus, etc. It was a great starter. Everything on the menu was very tempting. I had the smoked gouda penne with chicken and my husband had a German sausage platter that was one of the evenings specials. The only downer for me was that virtually every dessert had nuts, which I can't eat, so we passed on dessert. Very lively bar area and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Looking forward to a return visit.

    (5)
  • MARK G.

    Had a stupendously delicious meal here with some friends over the weekend. The menu was not expansive but instead offered the things they were great at. We did oysters on the half shell, muscles, the wedge salad with rare steak, delicious fish tacos with corn and chorizo, the seared tuna, tasty flatbread, freshly made key lime pie and some crazy chocolate dessert too... a few drinks too and some fresh baked bread with homemade herb butter and best of all, our server was OURS. She was ON IT! Made sure everything was just right... never left us alone for too long... she was super attentive which to me seems uncommon at a restaurant at this price point. She was fantastic! A great meal for four that didn't empty our wallets. Can't wait to visit the Chew Chew again! What's funny is my wife and four year old son recently visited the Choo Choo out in DesPlaines... it's one of those old 50's burger places where the food is delivered to your table on a model train. Also, very fun! Yay for both Chew Choos!

    (5)
  • Chicago S.

    Food is fabulous and the service is exceptional. Love the drink specials,wedge salad, and spinach salad. Give this neighborhood joint a try. Afterwards, take a walk to the candy shop a few doors away for a delicious carmel apple and continue towards the train station and head to the Riverside library and relax near the fireplace overlooking the river. Or continue to walk towards the train station, turn the corner to the Arcade building and visit Conversation Piece for some shopping.

    (5)
  • Cisco C.

    The only thing keeping this from being a 5 star review is the lame dessert. We could have made something similar with a packaged brownie from Little Debbie. But the service was great, the entree was delicious and well presented, and the ambience made for a wonderful evening. We'll be back, but next time we'll skip dessert.

    (4)
  • Amy J.

    Outstanding food that you expect to find in a restaurant in Chicago. I always go for the roasted vegetable salad! Great kids menu and definitely a family friendly place. Great wine and cocktail list and they always have specials.

    (4)
  • Chris L.

    Overall, really liked this place - I'd have rated 5 stars if they had a vegetarian entree or two. Since there wasn't, I had the mezze plate (hummus, tabbouleh, olives, feta, flatbread, and the INCREDIBLY addictive zucchini pickles) as my entree, along with a small baby greens salad. My friend had the burger, which can be customized kind of endlessly with cheeses, toppings, veggies, and sides. Tasty, fresh, reasonably priced... and not a suburban chain! The restaurant itself is totally charming, not too loud, Christine was our server, and she did a nice job of checking in just often enough, very friendly. We'll definitely be back, probably starting with brunch!

    (4)
  • Evan S.

    Good food at a moderate price. Regrettably, if you want to go for lunch you'll have to chew-chew somewhere else. They cancelled their lunch hours :(

    (3)
  • Elijah W.

    great food, rivals chicago restaurants and its close to home. beer selection is awesome. if you have not tried this place, be sure to put on your list and get there.....guaranteed that you will return.

    (5)
  • Carm M.

    "It was OK" Went to all the way to Riverside to give this place a try because it has great overall reviews. We ordered the oysters and calamari as appetizers and they were both quite good. Then came the specials: My husband had the ribs and I has the trout. The review on the ribs were there were just ok. They tasted as if they were "baked" which is not the best way to prepare ribs. And the sauce was so-so. The mashed sweet potatoes tasted like butter, I could hardly taste the sweet potatoes. As for the trout, it would have not been so bad if it wasn't drenched in oil/butter. It might have been from the large mound of pesto in the middle of the trout. The spaghetti vegetables were great...that was the only thing I really liked on my plate. So, it was OK and we'll likely not return.

    (3)
  • scott o.

    We went there on a whim and really enjoyed the meal. We've now been there 3 times and did a wine tasting. Each time has been fantastic based on service, food, and quality of presentation. The owner, Scott, typically greats you at the door and does a good job making sure you are well taken care of. Go for a wine tasting if you get a chance, their pairings are fantastic and you might just learn a thing along the way. This will be a restaurant for us to go to again and again.

    (5)
  • Isabelle L.

    Perfect! Service is attentive, precise, friendly, yet not overwhelming. Decor is simple yet warm and you have enough space between tables to carry whatever conversation you may want to have. Beer, wine and drinks list is adequate. The food is perfect. Whatever you pick from the menu: fish, meat, pastas, I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed. We ordered the fish tacos which were fresh and great tasting and the filet mignon which melted in the mouth. And yes, save space for dessert, the pecan pie was amazing. Make sure you make reservation (they are on open table) as this place is always up to capacity since you are guaranteed a perfect experience.

    (5)
  • Brett C.

    Went for drinks and apps on a recent Saturday. They had a band we were interested in checking out. Righteous Cowboys. Love the name so we had to go check them out. Warmly greeted at the door by Scott, the owner. Grabbed our seat at the bar and he offered to hang our coats in the coat room. Nice touch. Love the upscale ambiance of the place. Not snooty, but very comfortable. Menu is very diverse with some great offerings. We ordered the Kobe Beef Sliders. Really well prepared. Nice portion size. I think a small side of Birds Nest Onion Rings would have been a great addition to this app. Nice wine selection and the bar staff was knowledgeable. We were concerned about the volume level when the band started. We were pleasantly surprised that they kept it at a level that we could still carry on a conversation without yelling. We were sitting about 20 feet from them. Really hate it when a band starts and the conversation has to end. All in all a great evening at a very well run restaurant. Keep up the good work. If you are ever in the Riverside area you need to give the Chew Chew a try.

    (4)
  • Meredith T.

    This place was an unexpected surprise. My boyfriend and I drove into downtown Riverside on a Friday night to find that the town looked fast asleep. There was no one walking around...stores were very much closed...my expectations for a great dinner were dwindling fast. Turns out those who are wide awake and in the mood for some great atmosphere and food are all at Chew Chew! This place was great. The staff was very welcoming and professional. The ambiance was comfortable but also upscale. There were homemade potato chips to graze upon at the bar as we sipped our drinks from a great selection of wines, beers and cocktails. The dinner menu was fantastic and included options that span the spectrum including fish, steak, pasta and pizza. I had the fish tacos made with tilapia. My boyfriend had the swordfish special for the night. Both dishes were fantastic along with the service. For desert we split the warm banana bread drizzled with hot caramel sauce and served with malt ball gelato. This was also fantastic and easy to split as the portion size was huge. My only criticism is the price of the dishes. For a party of four the bill was close to $200...which seems pretty steep to me. But definitely worth checking out...especially for a nicer occasion or if you're in the mood to splurge. There were some much more price-friendly options on the menu...we just didn't go that route. I'm definitely a fan.

    (4)
  • Victoria h.

    Dear Chew Chew - you could do no wrong. We brought my in-laws here and they loved it! My brother in law with his wife? Loved it! Our friends? couldn't stop talking about it! Let me tell you, whatever you're in the mood for, Chew Chew will probably have it. The service is polite, not too pushy, and paced-just-perfectly. The portions are huge with very very affordable prices. The ambiance is cozy, the decor is simple and modern, and a bit upscale with no need to dress up. I have yet to have a dish there that I didn't like. For some entertainment, sit in the booths by the kitchen, so you can see what's goes on in there. You'll be amazed how quiet it is! Whenever we feel like going out to dinner but don't want to research a new restaurant - we go to Chew Chew. We've gone there with and without reservations and never had to wait for seats. Oh! They also do Sunday brunch.

    (5)
  • Booda B.

    Wow. Great high-quality food, shockingly upscale ambiance. I can't believe this place is in Riverside, which I've associated my entire life with restaurants that are either "meh" or "bleh." Throughtfully prepared food in a classy place is something I'm thrilled to find after 30 years of disappointment. Great flatbread pizzas, excellent cider brined pork chop, delicious desserts. I've also had a turkey and chorizo pot pie special that was just OK, but the salad that accompanied it was very good. Some good stuff on the fairly-priced wine list. Service is sometimes good, sometimes passable, and the kitchen lets something slip once in a while (like sending half-cooked pasta to the table). Also, I wish their appetizers weren't 100% seafood. But, all in all I really like this restaurant and plan to many more return visits.

    (4)
  • April W.

    Loved this place. Thought it was a hidden gem, until I started telling people I went there and they too love it. Great wine, great service, great food. Had the ahi tuna, perfection. My party and I shared many different plates including the tacos, the pecan crusted chicken and more. All was delicious! Will be back!!!

    (5)
  • Teodora C.

    Tasty food, great décor and nice people.

    (5)
  • Rachel P.

    I jumped on the Chew Chew bandwagon when it was at its former location and was heartbroken when they closed. Needless to say, we RUSHED back when they reopened down the street. The service is always top notch. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable. We've always been impressed with their wine recommendations and the pacing of the courses is always satisfactory. Their steaks are always savory. The fish tacos are inventive. Appetizers are varied so every visit has a fresh new twist. My husband typically orders sambuca, which they didn't used to have in stock. Scott (the owner) had a premium bottle specially ordered so that my husband would have his favorite night cap the next time we dropped in. That is what I consider a personal dining experience. Per the usual, I MUST make note of the decor. This is a beautiful space with that modern-meets-vintage motif that is hugely popular right now. The train theme is carried out in a subtle way while the lighting is romantic and the furnishings are chic yet comfy. We'll continue to recommend Chew Chew to friends and is a great date night destination.

    (5)
  • Kitty K.

    We discovered this amazing restaurant while driving around beautiful Riverside one night. I think I went to heaven. We had the macadamia-crusted chicken topped with mango lemon butter and salsa, with rum mashed sweet potatoes and brocciolini. The other entree was ribs topped with a Guinness sauce, the same mouthwatering mashed sweet potatoes and a salsa made with chorizo, corn, tomatoes and cilantro. For dessert, we split a vanilla bean creme brulee topped with strawberries. Wonderful beer and wine list. Kid-friendly, too. Our server was prompt and friendly. Our food arrived almost too quickly. I told the owner that we would be back so often, he would get tired of looking at us. What a find!!

    (5)
  • Penny M.

    Located in the quaint little neighborhood of Riverside, Chew Chew offers a different menu than other small diners. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because they didn't have a good seating method, seating two other people that walked in after us. (It seemed like if they knew your face, you were seated right away). The food was really good. I had the macadamia chicken with mashed sweet potatoes and broccoli. It came with 2 breasts of chicken which I devoured. The chicken was topped with a fruit salsa which, together with the grilled/fried chicken, tasted great. I definitely want to go back and try their vegetarian lasagna.

    (4)
  • Bobby O.

    I really liked this place. The food and ambience were a match. We started out with the tuna appetizer. It was skillfully prepared and left me wanting more of the same. I moved on to the lamb chops as I slowly sipped my dirty martini(grey goose straight up) and gazed into my wife's eyes wondering how she managed to spear that last piece of succulent tuna from under my watchful eye...Oh back to the chops. They were also a hit. Prepared medium with a little bit of natural juices escaping onto my warm plate. Coupled with the Greek pasta salad, I was more than satisfied!

    (4)
  • Kate F.

    My boyfriend lives kind of above this restaurant..so he eats here A LOT. Now he brings me here. My first impression was very nice...we walk in, the host/manager knew said boyfriend by his name, walked us to a nice table, and we had a nice server promptly speak with us. The decor is nice(a tad modern for my taste, but I'm the classic sort), the bar looks inviting, and I loved the large windows. On to the food... APPETIZER: P.E.I. Muscles....unbelievably WONDERFUL!!! Honestly...the bacon really made the muscles pop! Loved it. ENTREES: He got the Penne Pasta. I guess this is one of his standard dishes. It was very very good. I got the Prime Skirt Steak as I wasn't too hungry...but in the mood for meat! BEWARE!!!! This steak was the worst one I have ever had in my life. Overcooked(ordered mid-rare, came out mid-well) and the saltiest thing you could imagine. Boyfriend suggested I go with a better cut next time and tell them to leave the salt to a minimum. I will do this. The second time he took me here we actually got take-out. APPETIZERS: He got the fries with beer and cheese fondue. Ok, I wouldn't really call it 'fondue', more like a runny syrupy concoction. Not good. I just got the fries themselves with roasted pepper mayo. Not a fan of the mayo at all. loved the fries. ENTREES: He got the Ahi Tuna Fillet. He had never had bok choy and decided to give it a try. It was delicious and he ate every bite. I got the Santa Fe Salad. It was absolutely everything I wanted at that moment. A HUGE salad so I had plenty left over the next day. I highly recommend it. I am definitely looking forward to going downstairs for many more trips to the Chew Chew. A cute place, great service, great wine, good food. I just know better than to get the skirt steak. Next time...bring on the Porterhouse Steak baby!!!

    (4)
  • Lisa H.

    My husband and I went tonight after I bought the groupon this week. We made reservation and glad I did the wait was an hour without tonight. We got there on time, and waited just 15 mins for our reservation which was fine. Once seated Denise was our waitress and she was great. She went through the specials and my husband order the Mahi Mahi which was the special for dinner and I had pork chop with mac and cheese. The pork takes about 25 mins to cook which I was told before I ordered in case we were in a hurry. It was on the bone and delicious the apples chutney was extremely good and the mac and cheese was incredible. It wasn't too thick and the noodles were over baked which I appreciate. My husband like the Mahi and said was fresh and not frozen. We ordered dessert I had the mini hot fudge sundae and my husband has the spiced rum cake. Both were very good, the brandied cherries on top of the sundae were very strong but good. Total before the groupon our bill was $75 for two dinners, two dessert an ice tea and 2 Guinness which I thought was a good deal. Our service overall was very good, you can tell the difference when staff is professional and this is their career versus a side job. We will definitely be going back, glad they used the groupon so we could try something new.

    (4)
  • Tay H.

    Haven't had anything I disliked...even the salads are good (and I don't really like vegis ;-) The prices are a little high, the reason I gave then four stars and not five.

    (4)
  • Aileen E.

    Love this place! Great food and mouth watering desserts. My fav is the macadamia crusted chicken, has a great balance of both sweet and salt. All desserts have been awesome: key lime pie and the chocolate cake that is baked to order is to-die for. Wish they were still open on Mondays for their hamburger specials... but you can always order it any other day. They also offer specials throughout the year that are just as yummy. I'm hoping for a summer themed special that they had years ago to reappear soon!

    (5)
  • Margo L.

    This restaurant does a lot right. They have raw oysters for a dollar, they pour very generous glasses of wine, the food is consistently excellent and the atmosphere is great. Some favorites include the fish tacos, the duck confit appetizer, the soups and the pulled pork sandwich. The burgers are probably the only disappointment, but with such unique menu choices - why pick a burger anyway? The staff are personable and helpful - I particularly like to sit in the bar as it is lively without being overly noisy. The Chew Chew has become such a favorite local spot!

    (5)
  • Patricia M.

    Fantastic. We having been coming here for many years. Foods is great. Fresh. Great specials. Our friends comes in for the Ribs on Saturday. Great bar. Tina is part of the fabulous wait staff. Check it out.

    (5)
  • Linnea L.

    Husband and son shared a plate of mussels for an appetizer: said it was very good. I had the skirt steak with chimichurri and skinny fries: outstanding. Probably one of the best steaks I've ever had, and this was just a skirt steak. Seasoning amazing, the steak was almost like butter. Husband had the lamb shank, which he said was very good, but almost too rich. Son had the fish tacos. Said he had not known what to expect, but it was okay. He decided that fish is too delicate and dry for a taco. Service was attentive but not overdone. Décor is modern, and very attractive. We would definitely go back again. I give 4 stars only for the fish taco. Too bad there are not half stars.

    (4)
  • Terese S.

    A gem in downtown Riverside -wait this is the ONLY gem in downtown Riverside. I give the owners props for committing to this downtown area that is otherwise devoid of nightlife. Overall, the Chew Chew is wonderful. Great drink menu, great food. It can be pricey though. We have taken the kids and also gone there on a date night. Both times it was well above average. We also enjoyed the live music. I had the tacos. But the artichoke appetizer was amazing. We will be back.

    (4)
  • Nick F.

    I want to love it, but I just like it. They get an extra star because the staff and owner are great and very friendly. I wish they had longer hours and brunch on the weekends. Overall, the food is really good, but I've had some stuff that missed (BBQ pork special stands out). I always love the burger. Not impressed with fish or pasta from there. Decent beer selection. Great atmosphere,and great people.

    (4)
  • Michael D.

    Just for a break from the usual Oak Park fare which, after living here for ten years is good, but you know, you get tired of the same old same old all the time. On a whim, I googled 'restaurants, Riverside' as I was looking for an excuse to visit this charming little 'burb, which calls up visions of stepping off of the train in 'Music Man' straight into River City, Iowa. I keep expecting Buddy Hackett to pop out from behind a building singing 'Shpoopi.' Chew Chew came up, and always looking for an adventure, the spousal unit and I hopped into the Santa Fe and followed the wenches voice on the GPS, meandering thru the beautifully kept homes of Riverside, 'til we were deposited in front of Chew Chew. I was expecting kind of a cheesy themed place, one with everybody dressed like conductors, and your food delivered by an electric train to your table. Not a'tall! It's a tastefully decorated eatery, with, much to my delight, some truly tasty and different items on the menu. We weren't hungry enought to eat our shoes, so something on the lighter side sounded good--we opted for an order of spinach hummus, which came with some excellent, just crunchy-right flatbreads, a couple of salads, and an order of onion rings. Truth be told, I've had better rings--they were OK, but would order something else next time. Salads were mongo sized, and we rolled out of the place happy and sated. Aside from the Nurse Ratchet hostess, who seemed to double up on her ration of snarky pills that day, we had a terrific meal & will definitely be back for more.

    (4)
  • Kevin D.

    Top Notch! The food was all fabulous. Easy to find, plenty of parking. My reservations thru OpenTable made for no wait. Some may think a little pricey, but I didn't think that one bit for what I got.

    (5)
  • Jim P.

    I ate here with my family when I was visiting Chicago and was impressed with the service and the quality of the food. Being a vegetarian, I noticed there wasn't much selection on the menu. However, I talked with the server and the chef was able to tweak a couple recipes to make them vegetarian. The end result was delicious! Also, they have quality beers on draft, which is always a plus in my books.

    (4)
  • Tom S.

    This is a fantastic restaurant and it has been a favorite of mine and my family. We used to go to it's original location and now that it is open again, we go as often as we can. The menu is fantastic because the chef is extremely talented and knows how to bring the greatest flavors to life in your mouth. The entire restaurant uses a theme based off of traveling on a train and the relaxed elegance of the interior is complimented by the friendly service and aroma of delicious food. If you are looking for a excellent dinner at a elegant yet relaxed location. The Chew Chew in Riverside is the place to go

    (5)
  • Matthew G.

    Very good food, and the description of "traditional American" fare is misleading... The dishes are nothing like what I'd imagine traditional would be, each one imaginative and well-executed. The pork chops I had were delicious and cooked perfectly, and the potatoes and greens were a perfect compliment. Service was outstanding; quick, polite, and one step ahead of your every need.

    (4)
  • Peng M.

    I have been to this place 4 times. All of my visits have been good on both service and food every single time. They have knowledgeable waiters that know the menu, so feel free to ask them something. My favorite dish is their Ribeye dinner. I can't remember if it is a special or on their regular menu. The meat is great, not too much fat, but enough of it to flavor the meat just right. They also make great martinis. Not much more to say, but good food, good drinks, good ambiance, and good service. Another plus is it's close to home so I don't have to drive far after a couple drinks...I highly recommend trying this place. I almost feel bad not giving this place 5 stars, but will probably give that out only once or twice in my lifetime. Would definitely have given them 4 1/2 if there was that option.

    (4)
  • Nicole D.

    Love this place. The food. The atmosphere. The cocktails! Anytime we are looking for a good place in the area to have dinner Chew Chew comes to mind. I feel like they have a down town menu in the comfort of the burbs. Always happy when we leave and its a great place to gather with friends! My favorite drink is their Cosmos absolutely the best! :)

    (4)
  • MATT L.

    This is Riverside's hidden gem. The food is great and very creative but has all all price points covered. The flatbread with gorgonzola and fig chutney is a particular favorrite of mine. The decor is warm and inviting with a great bar to either enjoy for a drink or to wait for friends for dinner. The wine list is great for a smaller local restuarant and covers the winw map with good choices. The bear menu is my personal favorite with all the classics plus a good mix of small craft beers from all over the country. The bartenders are very knowlegable and prepare some great classic cocktails. There is live music on Saturday evenings with a mix of cool jazz to folk music.

    (5)
  • Meghan L.

    i've been here twice now. the first time i was in the neighborhood with my husband and parents in law. despite their enthusiasm to try new things, all three have kind of differently and arbitrarily picky tastes. i read the reviews and decided this place was a crowd-pleaser. i'm so glad i did! i had bites of everyone's food, so i can attest that basically anything on the menu that involves a fish is incredible. i was most impressed with my husband's tuna steak, which was perfectly warm on the outside, cold, sushi-like, and bursting with flavor on the inside. the tuna was plated like a sushi dish with a wonderful wasabi ginger sauce, perfectly sweet sweet potatoes, and some fresh bok choy. on my first visit, i ordered a portabella burger with the works (you can choose from a list of amazing toppings such as blue cheese, carmelized onions, sauteed spinach, and garlic aoli), which i enjoyed. however, i was most impressed by the fish tacos i ordered on my second visit. they came with all your standard fish taco fixings including cabbage, corn slaw, and salsa, along with a delicious creamy chipotle sauce. the fish was perfectly crispy, seasoned, and flaky without being overcooked. these were seriously THE BEST FISH TACOS I HAVE EVER HAD. which is saying something, because i noticed a few bites in that the avocado wasn't entirely ripe. normally, this would've been a deal breaker, but i was so enamored with the taco that i just laid it to the side and continued to chow down happily. aside from the food, the place has a great atmosphere with exposed brick walls, beautiful wood tables and booths, a full old-fashioned bar, etc. the beer/wine/liquor/cocktail selection is also extensive, though i can really only speak for the beer list. they had dogfish head, three floyds, and some other respectable microbreweries on there, so i was happy.

    (5)
  • Brian F.

    Love this place! It is the only decent restaurant within a 5 mile radius and it had been closed for a year, only to open at a new and improved location. The food is just as tasty as in the past. We had the Chilean Sea Bass which was cooked to perfection and the New York steak which was equally good. The onion soup was fabulous though small. Glad to have them back!

    (4)
  • George N.

    Not kid friendly at all despite what the profile says. I walked in with my wife and 2 kids. Restaurant had at least 6 open tables that were not reserved and there were no other walk ins waiting. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait. We promptly left.

    (1)
  • Jessica S.

    Love this place. The flatbreads are amazing! Also, the owner really cares about his patrons. Once when they were out of the dessert wine I like, the owner came out to apologize and offer me a slightly more expensive dessert wine for the same price!

    (5)
  • Rachel L.

    I have loved almost everything I've eaten here, especially the mussels appetizer, BBQ ribs on Friday night, and warm crusty bread. Also like that menu is varied to include yummy fish tacos and salads and the space is warm and intimate enough to feel special occasion (helped by 2 levels and lots of booths) but still casual enough to be family friendly. A neighborhood gem worth traveling for.

    (4)
  • Barry P.

    My wife and I's favorite restaurant. One of the reasons why we love living in Riverside so much. We are nostalgic for the old location in the arcade building, but the bottom line is the great food and service. Plus, the new location is really nice. Favorites include the fish tacos, ahi tuna, flatbread, penne pasta. The owners are really nice and the wait staff seem like friends. Turnover here is low. The wait staff have all been there since the old days.

    (5)
  • Len S.

    My wife and I and another couple had dinner recently each for the first time although we had eaten at the previous Choo Choo many times. There are definite shortcomings in food and service. The dinner bread is fresh and warm but only one small metal container of herb butter was provided for 4 people, hardly enough. Three of us had the salmon with potatoes and asparagus and the food quality was good but the fish portion small for the $20.95. Two of us had coffee and we had to get the waiter to give us a second cup. The ladies shared a chocolate cake for dessert which was miniscule for one person let alone two. Overall disappointed.

    (2)
  • Geri O.

    Fantastic food and service - love the ambiance! I had the panko crusted chicked breast and it was delicious! Will definitely come back here!

    (5)
  • D D.

    So very sad that I stumbled across this place 2 days before it closed its doors. The dining room was inviting and airy. The food rocked & the service was perfect. Their bourbon french onion soup was fantastic, the burger was cooked to perfection and delicious. The bloody mary was adequate, but that's not why I was there.

    (5)
  • Brigitte K.

    I'm going 5 stars here... Brought my: Dad - Finicky Old Austrian Boyfriend - Regular Guy Myself - Yay, new restaurant to try! The space is pretty and we enjoyed sitting by the giant open windows. The service was good - attentive, nice waitress...but a bit formal for us at the early dinner hour of 4pm (finicky Dad dinner time). The food was delicious! I really didn't know what to expect menu-wise, but we all cleaned our plates. *Special of the night - A huge slab or perfectly cooked ribs, Pomme Frites with just enough salt, and a Sangria. *bone in Pork Chop, again perfectly cooked, great tamarind sauce. *macadamia crusted Chicken Breast with Broccolini, and Mashed Sweet Potato. Delicious. I thought the price was right for the portions and the quality of the food. I will be back and next time I'm bringing friends - I'd like to make use of their bar area for a drink first as well!

    (5)
  • Margaretsen H.

    It reopened on Burlington Avenue in Riverside Illinois.

    (3)
  • Beer H.

    I love this place! They have a lot of tables. I have never had to wait for a seat. The atmosphere is nice. The service is as good as it gets in the burbs. My favorite thing to get here is the fish tacos and a Magic Hat beer. They have a good beer list, and they know how to mix a drink! This is my Friday night dinner place! I'm so glad that they finally reopened!

    (5)
  • Vanessa P.

    I've been here many times with my family. The servers and staff all have great customer service skills. The servers are very knowledgeable about their wines and the menu. One of my favorite dishes is the Linguine with Tiger Shrimp and Mussels. The sauce is a bit spicy, but the dish has red peppers and goat cheese in it as well. It's sooo good! -1 star for the fact that there are no restrooms actually in the restaurant itself. You have to go into a hall to use the public restrooms that are shared with other businesses.

    (4)
  • Erika A.

    So glad my sister took me here! Very nice decor and firendly, attentive & quick service! The first time I came here I had the special which was a soft shell crab blt. And it was delicious! Since then I've had a NY strip-perfectly cooked & nicely seasoned, a pulled-pork sandwich with slaw and a chicken cobb salad with a zesty mustard vineagrette. All delicious! Their skinny fries are also really good. The prices are a bit high, but I definitely don't mind for the quality of food and service!

    (5)
  • Carmella P.

    Haven't chugged on in to Chew-Chew since it's former location in the now-being-completely-renovated Arcade Building, so yesterday's visit was quite a treat. While I miss the tacky charm and the BNSF rolling by every few minutes to say nothing of the fun stuff they used to have have on the menu (not that I'd ever eat them, but what happened to the Buffalo Burgers!?!?!?!) Chew-Chew is now a classy little upscale dining establishment that sets new standards for this part of Chicagoland. The menu was diverse INCLUDING VEGETARIAN LASAGNE (take note whiny reviewers!) and my pasta in gouda cream sauce was worth jumping the lights at a railroad crossing for. I also loved the mezze platter appetizer which was a great value for the money -- all three of us got plenty of goodies, including some fantastic pickled zucchini. Don't hesitate to ride this train, as long as you are prepared for the cost of the ticket which can be a little pricey!

    (5)
  • Paul F.

    Tasty quality food. I enjoyed the artichoke and great service. My sandwich and soup were quite good and better than most meals I get in Chicagoland. The sandwich was a bit over buttered but overall I was very pleased and recommend.

    (4)
  • Cam s.

    Love the Chew Chew! Great food, wonderful atmosphere, great service. What more can I say? Every time we go to the Chew Chew, we have a wonderful culinary experience - from the fish tacos (not as common as the name implies), to the steaks, to the pasta, every dish is love on a plate!.

    (4)
  • Lynn C.

    This was our first visit and our dinner was delicious. Attentive service, warm bread, excellent chicken cobbed salad and cheeseburger. For dessert, we shared a huge warm brownie with vanilla ice cream, banana and sauces (we asked the strawberries to be left off). We'll be back - we want to try it all.

    (5)
  • Steve W.

    Our favorite local restaurant. We have eaten here twice since it reopened. New location has about twice as many tables and the food is great. Try the fish tacos or my favorite, the New York Steak with a side of their onion rings!

    (5)
  • Meredith B.

    The food here is good, although eclectic. We go here and eat outside so we can watch the trains go by. A bit pricey in my opinion but most people probably don't agree with that. If you don't like noise, I would skip this restaurant because it can be noisy eating outside. I like it though.

    (3)
  • Mary M.

    I was so excited to see them reopen!! It looked great and service couldn't have been better. They've only been open a short time, which may explain the unspectacular performance from the kitchen. The Oysters Rockefeller were a bit dry and served slightly warm. A little more heat may have allowed the layers to blend together. While I love spicy, the fish tacos were overly spiced and the shells glistened from too much oil. My friend had the linguine with shrimp and mussels and thought it to be a bit bland. Given some time, I'm sure they will work out the kinks in the kitchen. The additional seating may be a factor during peak periods. I remember how good this place used to be and will definitely come back, but first, I'll give them some time to get their kitchen back on track.

    (2)
  • J.P. M.

    Glad to see they're back... The wife and I went there last night. She had the Fish Tacos which she enjoyed. I had the New York Strip. The one con of the evening came when my wife, a pescatarian, took a couple of big ol' bites of the corn and black bean relish that came w/ her entree and realized there was chorizo in there - not at all mentioned in the description. I asked the waiter to see if the chef could fix up a chorizo-less corn and black bean relish - and they did. Good save on their part (and luckily, my wife didn't go ape-$hit for being served meat). On to my pimp-daddy, 3-inch tall, 14oz, Dry-agedNew York Strip. I asked for it w/ out the bleu cheese topping but for them to add a pepper crust... Un-freakin' real. Cooked to perfection and out of this world delicious. I should also mention, the jumbo-martini's are as good as ever and the Klinker Brick Old Vine Zin is a perfect accompaniment to any steak. And they served my win w/ a mini carafe. At $13 for a glass, you basically get 2 glasses. Awesome. Would've given 5 stars if the chorizo incident hadn't occured - hope they fix that as I'm sure a lot of fish eaters don't eat meat.

    (4)
  • Amiee M.

    We went with another couple on a Friday night. I had made a 8:00 reservation a few days prior. Our table was located by the front windows, with the warm summer air. Felt very comfortable. This place is a lot bigger inside than the outside makes it look. They recently switched the menu, and are celebrating 20 years in business. We had no idea this place existed. Happy we used Yelp to find it! Our waiter was so friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we knew of the specials. He was so attentive. It's been awhile since we've gone out and felt the money we spent was worth the food! Can't wait to go back. Everything we ordered was delicious. Drinks: Wine Cranberry/vodka Mango Mojito (delicious) Starters: Baked Onion Soup Chopped Wedge Ice oysters Bacon wrapped chorizo stuffed dates Main Course: Grilled Salmon Crab crusted Rainbow Trout Macadamia nut chicken Jambalaya Rice bowl Dessert: Belgium Chocolate Cake Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cappuccino's and coffee! thechewchew.com/menu

    (5)
  • Elizabeth G.

    I waited until I had been twice because I thought maybe my father has been slipping our servers a C-Note when we go out to eat because we *never* have a bad dining experience with him. :) My boyfriend and I came recently to celebrate an anniversary. We had reservations on a Tuesday evening but they were definitely not needed at 6:30 P. We began our dining with a hot appetizer of fried calamari. They had a very light breading and came with two sauces - a warm marinara and a cool ranch/tzatziki type of sauce. The boyfriend really enjoyed the tzatziki type of sauce. It is not something we typically receive with calamari and he said it was fantastic. BF had the filet mignon with a mushroom gravy. It had nice full sized mushrooms in the gravy but he said it did not have a mushroomy taste. (Important only because he detests mushrooms and was handing them over to me) He said it was one of the best filets he had in a long time. I went with the stuffed meatball and a glass of the wine special Malbec. It was an open faced meatball covered in, I believe provolone cheese, over a bed of broccolini and pasta in a light marinara sauce. The meatball itself was fantastic. I am not a fan of broccoli so this being mixed in with the pasta rather than on the side did not bode well with me but there wasn't a lot so it wasn't an issue. I should note that the menu changes seasonally. I had looked at their Spring menu as published on their facebook page and it did not include either of our selections. I had actually planned on ordering the Amish Chicken with mushroom risotto until I saw the stuffed meatball and could not decide. The menu is so incredibly diverse that it is almost impossible for you to not find something to eat. We ended the evening with Creme Brulee. This was a first for me but it definitely will not be a last. It was an incredible taste experience. The vanilla bean custard was so light and flavourful. This will definitely be our go-to spot for intimate occasions. It was a very nice meal in a very lovely environment.

    (5)
  • Andrea T.

    Great environment, average food for the prices. We had reservation for two on a Friday. Decided to offer a couple items to share instead of a main. The bacon wrapped dates were delicious. Also ordered the chicken "wings" which just appeared to be chopped up chicken fingers. Wedge salad was also average. I'll take it or leave it.

    (3)
  • Derrick M.

    I have been a fan of the Chew Chew since it was in its earlier location in the Riverside Arcade building. We have never been disappointed in a meal there, and have had many favorites on the menu, including their fish tacos, lamb (style varies over time), many of their salads, and their signature absinthe baked oysters. They make excellent cocktails, and often have interesting special wines or beers to offer. I especially enjoy their version of a Sazarac cocktail. Scott, the owner, obviously takes great pride in his restaurant and is attentive to his customers. In his original location, we had him cater my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary, and he did a wonderful job, creating a memorable experience for my in-laws and friends. And Scott has done a great job in design and decorating the new location, with the travel posters and the "railroad diner car" booths evoking train travel.

    (5)
  • Suzanne Z.

    I'd gotten a few recommendations to try this place, and many friends flipping out "OMG, I'm SO jealous!!!" when I told them I was coming to Chew Chew, so I was ready for a good experience. We were seated promptly by the window, with water and our waitress appearing seconds after that. It took us a few minutes to get our act together to select drinks, but the waitress was polite and patient with us the whole time. I ordered the Moon Over Riverside- a Quincy Street Distillery whiskey drink with cherries/lots of other yummy goodness. It was $8, but with the strength of two drinks, so it didn't seem like quite the bad deal. It took the whole meal to consume- pacing was definitely needed. The complimentary bread that came out was hot and fresh, served with a garlic butter. For food, we first ordered fried pickles- I'm a sucker for these, especially if they are pickle chips (as opposed to stackers or spears). The amount was plentiful, with the outside being extra crispy. Some pickles were not quite coated enough, though, leading to a few that got overly fried and were withered. But 90% were great, served with a ranch-y sauce. For my meal (and I felt VERY adult about this choice, as I usually go for burgers or a sandwich), I ordered the scottish salmon, served on a bed of spinach with onions and pancetta, and chickpeas. I LOVE chickpeas, and had never seen a dish quite like this before. I thought it was fantastic. It had a topping on the fish though that was a little too sour for my liking, but it was easily scraped off. My date had the fish and chips, but substituted mashed potatoes. We each took home leftovers. Mine were fantastic the next day too. The restaurant itself is large but cozy, has an upstairs level, even. I liked the train theme throughout and thought it was more on the tasteful than cheesy side. Bathrooms were nice and clean with two stalls. Everything was great with this experience. I wouldn't hesitate to come back!

    (4)
  • David C.

    I have fond memories of the Chew Chew of my youth, back when it was on the other side of the tracks and it served up an affordable lunch, even for a kid like me and his friends. I'm not all too enthused about the revamped Chew Chew with overly jacked up prices. I think it's gotten a little too big for its britches. I've been here several times when my parents want to have a "nice" dinner and I've found it to be a-ok. The food isn't something I would go out of my way to get and I think the prices are way too high for what you get. The Chew Chew has Chicago prices, which makes no sense to me because the rent is cheaper here than the city and the food is of lesser quality than many city places. I've ordered a handful of dishes here in the past and there hasn't been anything that really stood out to me. Every time I've seen the final check here, I've always cringed internally because it just seems way too high. All of that being said, it's great that there's a restaurant of higher quality than the average in Riverside. I do like supporting local businesses. I've been to a large share of high quality restaurants in Chicago, many of which have out-of-my-budget dinner entrees. What's cool is that a lot of those places have equally good food available for brunch/lunch for a way more affordable price. My suggestion for Chew Chew is to offer weekend brunch again. I'd imagine ingredient cost wouldn't be high. Riverside could use a solid brunch place and this could be it.

    (3)
  • Anurag G.

    For the location this restaurant is quite nice. There was nothing unexpected or special however. I had their famous pork chop which was good but not great. The accompanying sweet potatoes were loaded with butter and not very nice consistency. The corn was excellent. The fried pickles we had before this were greasy and not light and crunchy at all. My son had a cheeseburger and he really enjoyed it but then again he loves all cheeseburgers. My daughter had buttered noodles and she probably enjoyed her meal more than anyone else of our family. My wife had the trout encrusted with crab and it was OK but it was also quite heavy and the accompanying vegetables were soggy. For a casual restaurant it does have a nice ambiance for the neighborhood and is probably the best choice in the Riverside locale.

    (3)
  • Kathi K.

    I've never had food I didn't enjoy at The Chew Chew, but today I'd like to send a special thank you to Scott. Last week I called, explaining my Mom's 85th birthday was coming up and how I really wanted to treat her to a lobster tale for her special day. If you don't ask, you'll never know, right? He graciously agreed to special order and add it to the menu. She loved it...and the chocolate lava cake presented to her for dessert. We had a wonderful evening! Thank you!

    (5)
  • J M.

    Riverside is held captive by The Chew Chew. There are so few restaurants in this area that your choices are limited. So who goes there? Neighborhood people who have a babysitter for a few hours, older people who really don't care to drive into Chicago and an occasional date night couples. The servers are pretty good, but the food is just so so. The menu does not convey what you are really going to get on your plate, the presentation is poor and often one or more items are COLD. I guess I expect more from a restaurant that has the chutzpah to charge upwards of $18 for a ho hum entree. Finally, Chew Chew, when I politely ask to take the remaining food home, please have the courtesy not to dump everything into a to go container and send me on my way. I got home only to find that no matter how careful I was not to jostle the box..my fish was mixed into the salad, vegs and potatoes. Right to the trash with that. I must take the ride into Oak Park, Berwyn or Chicago so I won't continue to be disappointed time after time by this place. Hopefully some new restaurants will make there way into the area and give the Chew Chew some much needed competition. Your review helps others learn about great local busine Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.

    (2)
  • Ashley P.

    This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the area. Last summer I was in here 3 times a week because the food is that great! My friends and I love to come here and split appetizers & a bottle of chianti (the edamame, hand crafted fries, flatbreads and bacon wrapped dates are a must!!!!). My boyfriend and I like to come here for date night (last night I had the ravioli which was amazing and he had the three little pigs sandwich which was also delicious). Honestly, I have not tried anything on the menu that I didn't like. It's a great place to come to for all occasions and the service is always WONDERFUL! Also, the menu is always changes which is awesome because then there is even more delicious food to try. Since the weather is getting warmer I expect to be there a lot because of the outdoor seating. I love the chew chew!

    (5)
  • Janine K.

    I came here with a friend after using a living social deal at Quincy Street Distillery about a block or so away. We came here later on a Friday night, and well basically closed the place, so that late. We sat outside, and at this time there was plenty of seating both outdoors and inside. The menu is very decent - lots of different items to cheese from. Decent drink menu too, $6 sangria on special on this particular Friday night and that was pretty tasty as well. My friend and I both ordered pasta dishes (we also got bread on the side) so needless to say it was a tasty carb filled meal! The thing that annoyed me was our waiter - who SHOULD be making eye contact with all people at the table, there were only two of us but he spoke TO my friend every time he came to the table. I only had this happen to me once before at Cabo Wabo in Las Vegas and I am not going to compare the two but HELLO two of us are eating and paying here!!! Very annoying. When I handed him our bill upon paying I got a "have a good night" not a "thank you" soooooo minus the two stars for that stuff going on.

    (3)
  • Bill B.

    One of the finest dining places in the area Upscale dining .Menu items come and go, so things don't get in a rut of same ol same ol .Super staff will attend to your ever need to make sure your dining experience is what YOU want .Substitutions are always accepted without any comments or questions Owner is usually around for comments or suggestions Prices are in line for the quality of the food,service and experience

    (5)
  • Smunsky T.

    I will never understand how this place is still open for business. Tremendously overpriced food and drinks plus the owner is a stuck up piece of s**t. He bought the space next door I'm guessing in an effort to expand. Fat chance. Is there service good? Sure it's good. It better be for the amount of money you're paying. when they go out of business I'm throwing a party at my house. You're all invited.

    (1)
  • Hannah A.

    This neighborhood gem is just that. My husband and I used to frequent this place more often, but as "old farts" we sometimes found it too noisy. I don't blame the restaurant... We were seated next to some LOUD gals and it drove me nuts. Onto last night's dining decision.... A friend flew into town and we needed a place to take her. We were happily surprised that The Chew Chew was open on Mondays. It was rather slow (not unexpected). The Brussels Sprouts appetizer was yummy! Charred edges with candies pecans... bitter, sweet and some citrus. We ordered the half-pound burger, macadamia nut crusted chicken and the wild boar/short-rib pasta. YUM YUM YUM. I had the pasta. The sauce was rich and meaty and they surrounded the plate with a drizzle of pesto. Oh lordie! The vanilla boulder dessert capped off the night with decadence. We're glad we found out they're open on Monday and are even more happy that we got reintroduced to their menu. :)

    (4)
  • Brenda A.

    The ambiance was very enjoyable. I had the scallops with polenta; it was a great dish. The scallops were served a bit cold though. Our server was very patient as we took a long time to choose our entrees. I will be back.

    (4)
  • Peggy B.

    I am a local resident of Riverside and enjoy having a delicious, tastefully prepared meal whether it be a burger, soup or entre. Never disappointed and service is great.

    (5)
  • Joanne G.

    We've been going to the Chew Chew since it was in the old location and would follow them anywhere. So welcoming for families, groups, couples...anyone! Their recent menu re-vamp has me in love with the duck breast and mushroom risotto (paired with a Chew Chew Blue extra dirty martini, of course). Also, be sure to visit the Chew Chew's taco tent during Riverside Cruise Nights over the summer. Ah-ma-zing. Don't tell my car-geek husband, but I go just for the tacos.

    (5)
  • Carolyn T.

    As a resident of Riverside, I have dined at The Chew Chew several times and in both locations. I'm a big fan of the decor and the ambiance on both levels (and especially the huge wine collection adorned on the wall). In all of my experiences dining at the Chew Chew, the staff has always been attentive. My water glass was always promptly re-filled before it was empty. The staff was very accommodating when my party was in a hurry to make it to a concert downtown; we were in and out in 45 minutes. I give this restaurant four stars only because the vegetarian options are not "as good as it gets." I enjoy trying a variety of food every time when I dine at a restaurant more than once, but I have had to get the spinach and tomato flatbread several times, which was good, but not incredible. I am also dissatisfied that the restaurant is not open for lunch and that I find the prices to be a little steep compared to other comparable places I have dined. Overall, The Chew Chew is a gem of Riverside and I will certainly dine there again!

    (4)
  • Danica S.

    Bacon wrapped dates - amazing. My husband said the pork chop may have been the best he ever had. Everything we ate was delicious.

    (5)
  • Jim E.

    Im going to keep this short and sweet. The Chew Chew was a nice find in the near West burbs, The street parking was easy, even on a Saturday night. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and our server Christy did an outstanding job. The food was very fresh, hot and well seasoned. I will definetely return, and think it should be put on your list of places to try.

    (4)
  • Alexa Y.

    We love riverside and we wanted to try a restaurant in the area. Chew chew hit it right out of the park! Great service and wine. I ordered a risotto app with salad which was satisfying and delicious and my husband went with the fish tacos. Never seen him eat so fast! We'll definitely be back soon.

    (5)
  • Deb S.

    I have struggled in writing this review. The food here is wonderful. The staff is extremely professional and accommodating. However, In recent months the clientele ChewChew has attracted has been a bunch of demanding pseudo foodies. I have eaten at this restaurant for years and the food has been fresh and well prepared. The staff strives to make it a pleasant experience, but when another diner ties them up for upwards of 10 mins with their opinions or complaints, things can't help but get backed up. My advice, go at a less busy time and truly enjoy your meal. Otherwise, you will be waiting on the whims of other diners.

    (3)
  • James G.

    Great place in Riverside. Good drinks and tasty meal. Double pork chop was fantastic (and cooked perfectly pink). Lamb burger was also excellent. Awards all around!

    (5)
  • Jessica P.

    I love the restaurant name.. don't you? I came here at around 6PM on Saturday evening with friends..it was not crowded since we got there just when they opened...:) ..we were immediately seated.. APPETIZER -Bread with Garlic Butter (free) - the garlic butter and the bread (SOFT & just baked) tasted good!!..I wanted more, but you won't want to fill your stomach with bread before a meal... -Butternut Squash & Goat Dip ($8.50) - contains goat cheese,candied pecans, syrup and flatbread... tasted good, not too sweet and not bland..I'm not a goat cheese fan so I didn't like that part, but the butternut squash was good and tasted good with the flatbread!! FOOD FOOD Saturday Special ($21) - Rainbow trout with spaghetti vegetables (thinly sliced veggies), and jasmine rice: tasted good (perfectly flavorful!) and portion was big... Mahi taco($19): make your own tacos..my friend has this and enjoyed it....portion was huge.. Spaghetti squash and vegetable Bolognese ($15) - yummy..a healthier version of spaghetti I would say...if you want spaghetti w/out the pasta try this!! Penne pasta ($17) - my friend enjoyed this pasta..big portion.. ATMOSPHERE: great to come with friends, on a date, family... COSTS: it is a little bit on the costly side as the appetizers would be up to $10/dish and the entrees range from ~$15-$30+ ...but the quality of the food is good.. PARKING: plenty of parking (street and lot) I would definitely come her again to try some of their other menu options if im in the area..

    (4)
  • K S.

    As the 3 stars mean--This place was A-OK. Although I had a reservation, we still had to wait 10-15 min for our table. We ended up waiting at the bar and the bartender was great. Finally were seated and the waiter was attentive. One thing I hate is having to ask for refills and he was on top of his game. We ordered the baked Goat Cheese, Wild Boar & Short Rib Bolognese, and the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast and it was all delicious. I wouldnt mind going back here to try other items on the menu!

    (3)
  • Karla M.

    As a resident of riverside, I have to say that this is my favorite local restaurant. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu items and drinks that compliment the various dishes. my favorite dish is the filet mignon. It is so juicy and tender. I am not a fan of pork but I did try the pork chops and they were outstanding. Definitely worth the price! Not great location for children considering the price and atmosphere is more adult oriented. My favorite server is Jeff. I always ask for him.

    (5)
  • Ani M.

    Where do I begin!!! From the time we got there to the time we left it was outstanding!! Great food, great drinks, great service. We will return for another one of great date nights ;)

    (5)
  • nan B.

    The Chew Chew has an excellent Mardi Gras Party every year. We went over the weekend and it was wonderful! We had the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, crawfish etouffee and red beans and dirty rice. The flavors were really good and it was just spicy enough. For dessert we had Cafe Du Monde chicory coffee and beignets. Their Mardi Gras menu is one of the best in the area!

    (5)
  • Monkean M.

    We went to the Chew Chew for a Valentine's dinner. This was our first time there, but we heard great things about it from watching "Check Please!" The decor was nice, the service was excellent, and the food was great. We had the Mezze plate to start, which had really tasty asparagus, olives, zucchini, cheese, hummus. It was almost a meal just by itself. My wife had the spinach and tomato flatbread as her entree and I had the "cabo style" fish. Can't recall the name of the fish, since they rotate it, but it was white, flaky & not fishy. It was served with chorizo, some kind of corn salad, and tortillas. I didn't even use the tortillas because the fish was great on its own. The night was capped with a key lime pie, chocolate velvet cake & cappuccino. We loved every part of our meal. The waiter was very knowledgeable, friendly & attentive. The only negative about the night was the two "ladies" we sat next to. You would be hard-pressed to find a fouler-mouthed pair of wenches. Every other word was an "F" bomb, and not in a discreet manner. A few times it was loud enough where people sitting several tables away turned their heads to look. We were trying to ignore them, but the epic "F" bomb complaints about the husband/boyfriend/boss in their lives, who apparently wronged them something fierce, was hard to ignore. They actually paid and left the restaurant for a few minutes, then wandered back in and sat at the bar right next to the host...poor gal. Apparently hadn't fully aired their grievances, or they weren't drunk enough. I don't blame the restaurant for this. All of the other clientele appeared to be civilized. We would definitely go back to the Chew Chew.

    (5)
  • Kate M.

    I liked this place despite the name. Had I just heard the name and not had the ability to look up the place I would've assumed it's a kitschy train themed place. But I'd be wrong, it's not. The Chew Chew (seriously, it makes me cringe just typing it, we'll just call it "this place" from here on out) is a nice upscale casual (is that a thing?) place serving American food with a slight twist here and there. The food was good. I had a burger, fries, and pickled zucchini. All were really good, the fries were very good. I hear the pasta was good too, but I restrained myself from stealing any of it. They serve wine either by the bottle or by the 1/3 of a bottle. A little odd if you only want 1 glass, but the prices were about what I'd expect to pay for just one glass. The decor is nice, it looks like it's pretty newly decorated, a fresh and clean look throughout. The train theme isn't as striking as I would've expected for a place with such an unfortunate name. It's subtle, and well done. It's subtly well done. The service was so so. Our waiter had a, a, an odd way about him? I can't quite put my finger on it but something about him left me not too impressed. One thing I didn't love was sitting across from the kitchen serving window. While I do prefer a booth to a table, I'd rather have sat *on* the bar to eat my dinner than 4 feet from the kitchen serving window. It was loud and distracting. And let's be serious, I'm already easily distracted by loud shiny things, we don't need to make it any harder on my tiny little brain. I'd go back to This Place. Would be a good spot for a casual dinner with friends, girls night out, date, or casual celebration (is *that* a thing?)

    (4)
  • Sandra E.

    Love it! Consistently good.! Love the martinis!

    (5)
  • LOIS B.

    I have been trying to get here for months. I wanted to visit before the Check Please episode airs. They are no longer open for lunch, so that delicious looking sandwich that appears in the photos, no longer is offered. Allow me to set the scene. You enter into the bar area which also has long bench seating against the wall and chair seating that backs the bar. The next area has 5 tables and 5 booths. Except for the red lantern hanging over the reception desk, this booth area is the only place the train theme is recognizable. Over each booth there is a fake window with a poster scene that might be seen from a train window. There are curtains to each side and a small luggage rack over each window with old fashion luggage stacked on it. Then there is the upper loft area. Fortunately, we were seated on the lower level because when we went upstairs to satisfy our yelper curiosity, the smell was nasty. Don't know if that is a constant, but on this particular evening, it was offensive. There are a few tables in this space and, again, against the back wall a combo of bench and chair seating. Okay, you sit down and there is a small glass at each setting. They bring a bottle of chilled water. I would assume these bottles get reused, but exactly how are they cleaned? By the time your entree arrives, the water has warmed to room temperature. I wish someone had warned me to ask for a glass of ice so that I could enjoy cold water for the length of my meal. Everything is a la carte. Portions are on the small side. The cookies and cream gelato I had was no different from ice cream. So, if it's ice cream, just tell me. It is pricey, and the burger is the only thing on the menu kids might eat, so I would not consider this kid friendly. This is, obviously, the place to be seen in Riverside, an abundance of locals.

    (2)
  • Rocky R.

    Went here to celebrate a friends birthday yesterday! Loveeeed it. It was my first time dining here and I will def. Be back again. Our server Christine was fabulous! Checked up on us often, always made sure we had our drinks filled and water jug filled as well, never left a dirty plate on the table. I had the French kiss martini ( very tasty) 2 of them gave me a nice buzz. We order the calamari and fried pickles as appetizers, now I don't eat calamari but my friends loved it. I really enjoyed the pickles(the dipping sauce was tasty) but even more was I enjoyed the bread, I must've ate a whole loaf of it to myself, that garlic butter is absolutely delicious! I ordered the penne for my entree it was good I substituted the scallions for zuccinni I was hoping they would've Cooked the zuccinni but it was raw so that's my only downfall. I told her early on it was the friends bday so after entrees she promptly brought up a chocolate lava cake and we all sang happy birthday. For the 4 of us the bill came out to around 220 that's not including tip we each had and entree and 2-3 drinks. I can't wait till my next dinner here.

    (5)
  • Katelyn Z.

    What a very nice hidden gem outside of downtown Chicago. Excellent and friendly service, as well as a menu with moderate prices. Good variety in the menu as well. Solid beer selection, and good music selection as well. I went for lunch myself by would recommend going for dinner on a breezy Summer night!

    (4)
  • Heather M.

    We go all the time as it is in walking distance!! Wonderful ambiance and the food is fantastic!

    (5)
  • Derrick T.

    Don't you hate when you check into a place, and then month's later, think about writing a review only to find that you've completely forgotten what you wanted to write? With the only simple memory of... wow, this place was good. And it was the perfect inbetween spot for a double date with our friends in the city. Originally started as a coffee shop, they've really stepped up their game since their early days and have a full menu of drinks and great food (surprisingly!) that aims to please. Another suburb find that's surprisingly excellent! Verdict: Will definitely come back as a double date spot for future get togethers! Note: My apologies for the lack of depth in this review compared to my norm... all I can remember is that all four of really enjoyed the meal here!

    (4)
  • Mary lou S.

    We had the pleasure to eat at Chew Chew Redtaurant last evening. Not only is the ambience adorable but the service was impeccable. My daughter has a severe egg allergy and was hesitant about coming to eat for fear she couldn't have her needs taken care of. The manager came to our table and personally handled her order so there were no problems with her allergy. Terrific town and terrific restaurant. Props to them!! Definitely going back.

    (5)
  • Shane S.

    Excellent, excellent, excellent and did I mention excellent? Great food, great atmosphere and friendly and attentive staff. The only thing that keeps this from being a five star review are the drinks. The first time I went I ordered one of their concoctions off their drink menu and it was excellent. The second time I ordered a whiskey sour and they used a mix instead of making their own sour mash. Considering it's a simple thing to make (fresh lemon, sugar and water) and I make my own sour mash at home, I was disappointed that they used a ready mix. However, you can't go wrong ordering one of the drinks on their menu, everything I've tried from appetizers down to deserts have been fantastic and they will give you a side of their zucchini pickles if you ask.

    (4)
  • Jaime G.

    The chew chew is a fine dining experience with an old charm in Brookfield. Food is good but not great. Service and ambiance is better plus really enjoyed the pumpkin martini with real pumpkin and vanilla vodka, fresh whipped cream, and pumpkin seeds. Worth going there just for this while it lasts. Like a pumpkin pie in a drink. For food, started with the fried olives app stuffed with cheese. That was good. Then the chorizo and avocado salad, chipotle flat bread, and kobe sliders. Nothing special and esp would not order the salad again. Worthy of a second shot but only if in the area.

    (3)
  • Lynette O.

    Great atmosphere, the pictures are very unique and make you feel like you're looking out a train car. The food was excellent, best crab cakes I've had so far. Our server was very attentive, we didn't have to wait long before she came back to check on us. Was just an overall wonderful dining experience.

    (5)
  • Nancy E.

    Delicious in every way! Great service, tasty food and cocktails. Will return again soon. Only downside was a couple of families with crying children who should have had the good sense to get a sitter. Fine dining in Riverside, who knew??

    (5)
  • Erin L.

    The husband and I came here since we bought a Groupon and it was expiring soon. I had never heard of this place but all the reviews made it sound really good and it was close to home. We arrived a few minutes early and they said we'd have to wait about 10 minutes. But we ended up waiting almost 25 minutes making our 7pm reservation 15 minutes late with no explanation. They also sat a larger party who came in after us before us. Finally we were taken by a nice empty table by the window to a table upstairs in a little loft area. There was a huge party up there full of mostly high school aged people who were very loud for our entire dinner. Luckily things went up from here because the first impressions were not positive. My husband and I split the avocado salad - it was so delicious. I could've eaten it for my entree. For the entrees I had the salmon and my husband had the Ahi Tuna. Both were perfectly cooked and good portions. Service was great - our water glasses were always full and food was a little slow but considering the big parties in the restaurant it was understandable. The prices are a little steep considering everything is ala carte. Food and decor 5 stars. Prices 3 stars. Service 3 stars. I may return for that avocado salad.

    (4)
  • Tasha L.

    We went here on a groupon for an impromptu date night and it was well worth it. I love walking into a new place only to be transformed back in time. The 1920's cocktails didn't hurt. We had an Old Fashioned and a Sazerac with Templeton Rye, Herbsaint Absinthe, Peychaud's Bitters, Sugar, Lemon Twist. You can't find that just anywhere and it was so lovely. Everyone from the bartender to the host to our waiter was friendly and excited to have us there. The food was just off the chain. We had some wonderful fried pickles with delectable dipping sauce. I had Wisconsin Lamb Burger at the waiters suggestion. It was just dang good. I highly recommend this somewhat hidden gem.

    (5)
  • Tasha L.

    We went here on a groupon for an impromptu date night and it was well worth it. I love walking into a new place only to be transformed back in time. The 1920's cocktails didn't hurt. We had an Old Fashioned and a Sazerac with Templeton Rye, Herbsaint Absinthe, Peychaud's Bitters, Sugar, Lemon Twist. You can't find that just anywhere and it was so lovely. Everyone from the bartender to the host to our waiter was friendly and excited to have us there. The food was just off the chain. We had some wonderful fried pickles with delectable dipping sauce. I had Wisconsin Lamb Burger at the waiters suggestion. It was just dang good. I highly recommend this somewhat hidden gem.

    (4)
  • Danny W.

    Really tasty but also pricey. (Maybe I've just been spoiled by a lot of Chicago eateries that are amazingly delicious and gentle on my bank account. . . .) If you're seeking a classy ambiance and good food, this is a the right place, but as with most nice things, it'll cost you.

    (3)
  • Jessica M.

    I had never been to this place and we were looking to try something new for dinner. The avocado salad is not to be missed and we really enjoyed the shrimp cake. The mahi-mahi fish tacos (with very very bitter cabbage slaw) was good, not great. Service was attentive, though if you're looking to order the special - in this case the rainbow trout, order ASAP before they run out. Bummer. The chocolate cake with marshmallow and caramel & chocolate sauce was delicious as well. We decided that we like the ambience of this place and would probably come back in another six months or so to try some new items from the menu, but it's not anything totally amazing. But it was great to try something new and different! Great cocktail list.

    (4)
  • jules l.

    I have been here 5 times now and it has ROCKED every time. I highly recommend this place. The variety is fantastic; if you are in the mood for a substantial meal or a lite bite, if you have a group with meat lovers and vegetarians - it will work! Also, they have an amazing drink menu (I recommend the mango mojito). They always have a few super unique items on the menu and the wait staff is usually very enthusiastic about the menu and telling you about what is fabulous that night or about the featured items and specials. The last time I was there we tried just about every appetizer and they were all fantastic. I also had the almond crusted rainbow trout with pesto, which was out of this world good (it came with julienne vegetables and basil rice that was to die for).

    (5)
  • John Y.

    Great decor, outstanding presentation, fabulous food and a wonderful ambiance make this charming and lively meeting place, a guaranteed memorable event. The Chew Chew could easily obtain that 5th star, however the service on the second level was pokey and the acoustics were awful..... Work on it Chew Chew... Your greatness is attainable.

    (4)
  • Carol F.

    Why go Downtown... when you can go to The Chew Chew in Riverside, IL! Been going here even before it moved to their new location. The food, drinks, servers/staff and owner cannot get any better. Always #1 in our book!

    (5)
  • M W.

    Very tasty, definitely on the pricier side, but you get your money's worth (and well sized portions too). The french onion soup was very nice and the bread with basil butter was awesome. House salad was very filling. I had the penne pasta with gouda sauce and it was GREAT! It had scallions, chicken, tomatoes and everybody's favorite-bacon. Mmmm. And the key lime pie was fab! More than enough for two to share. Service is very friendly too.

    (4)
  • Nea M.

    My mother arranged for my bridal shower at the Chew Chew and it was a fantastic experience. We had the entire upstairs floor to ourselves and the food was fantastic. Everyone had an individual entree and hors d'oeuvres. There is ample free street parking. We received lots of compliments from our guests about the quality of the food.

    (5)
  • Kourtney P.

    I am having a love affair with The Chew Chew's seared Ahi Tuna, and I don't foresee it ever ending.... I was introduced to The Chew Chew earlier this year, and it was love at first time,courtesy of my friend Alex!! I can honestly say I have never finished a meal, but this is one meal that I will completely indulge in, savor every bite and will leave nothing behind!! Everything about this dish is just to die for!! From the mouth savoring Ahi Tuna with the combination of they soy sauce with the wasabi aioli (which I get extra on the side...I have an obsession of the two mixed together) to the sides...puts me in pure delight!! I substitute the rum-mashed sweet potatoes (which I am sure are outstanding, but my taste buds do not like sweet potatoes) for the roasted yukon gold potatoes which are very tasty and I think compliment the meal perfectly. I had no idea what the vegetable was, to my surprise, the bok choy became a new favorite of mine. Scrumptious to say the least!! I am a girl that could just eat vegetables all day long...so this was a great addition to my palate of vegetables that I love!! I don't keep up with all the proper pairings of drinks with food, I tend to go with what I am thirsty for. So on that note, I chose their Sangria...which is a favorite of mine in summertime!! Love the fresh fruit with the mix of flavor is simply perfect!! When I am feeling like satisfying my sweet tooth, I indulge in their creme brulee and practically fall off my chair in pure happiness!! A fan of creme brulee I am and their's is just like a bowl of heaven!! My friend Alex is a lot more adventurous than I am, as when I like a dish...I usually get it every time and cannot part with the thought of trying something different!! I have seen many of their other dishes, from their hamburger (um HUGE) to steaks to many other...which all looked and from what I hear...delicious!! So summary.... I swear I dream of The Chew Chew and when my next visit will be!! I clearly am obsessed with the whole package of The Chew Chew!! Did I mention the ambiance is so warm, welcoming yet so trendy!! When I become rich and famous...I plan on eating there daily!! A MUST try restaurant indeed....I know anyone would love!!

    (5)
  • Chuck D.

    This was a great place to meet up with a friend coming in on the train from Chicago. Its nice, laid back, and has a pretty decent beer menu. We ended up ordering several small plates - most of them specials - and enjoying all of them! The stuffed dates were just fantastic. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. I was happy when we wanted to order the ridiculous children's dessert (ice cream loaded with different types of candy and a fudge sauce) that said it was only for kids 10 and under and the waitress was more then fine with it. I always get upset when they won't let you order something like that from the children's menu. It basically means they are more concerned with their tip then they are with your experience. Not this waitress, though, she admitted she orders it all the time as well. I'd definitely recommend this for a relaxing dinner or even just a few drinks!

    (4)
  • Al D.

    Fitting that my 100th review would be a 5-star one. A friend of mine who moved far north was passing through my area to get to Midway one Sunday, and suggested we get lunch. I decided we should try the new and redesigned location of this Riverside favorite. Upon walking in I was amazed. There are two dining levels, beautifully finished with the latest in striking interior architecutre. The lower level dining booths have small "windows" on the wall that look like a vintage Pullman car's windows, complete with curtains, fake luggage on a shelf above them, and historic views of national sights in the "window." Our waitress was very helpful and cheerful. The brunch menu is fantastic with lots of gourmet creations as well as Sunday brunch standards. The regular menu is great too. Try the grilled chicken sandwich with provelone, prosciutto and hollandaise. Delicious. The Chew Chew, despite it's funny name, backs directly up to the Riverside Metra platform and is an easy walk to or from the Brookfield Zoo. It's a new anchor to the small shops and cafes clustered around the Metra stop, which is only a 15 min. ride from the Loop. The Chew Chew also has a full bar and an amazing wine selection, at prices much cheaper than your standard Lincoln Park wine bar. This place is definitely worth a try, just to see it's amazing architecture.

    (5)
  • Angus W.

    What a gem! Four stars because what we had was not complicated. I really wanted soup, they regularly offer French Onion and a special, it's rare that I'll order French Onion (although I like it when a good bowl is served to me) and the second soup was Mushroom... I despise mushrooms to my very core.. it's personal with me. So, no soup for me this day. However, Lisa LOVED the nasty mushroom soup, absolutely loved it! We had a terrific and reasonable New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with our meal. Lisa had the fish tacos (not breaded like many) and thought they were up there in quality with Two Brother's (that's a really good thing!) I had the Perch, It was delicious, the broccolini cooked perfect and the Yukon gold potatoes just right. The service was good. The room is excellent, it's a real surprise based on the exterior. I would like to go back and try something more complicated for dinner because I get the feeling that The Chew Chew doesn't disappoint.

    (4)
  • Daina B.

    Location - quaint little village of Riverside, right off the BNSF line. At first I was sad they had to move from the Arcade building a frw years ago, but their new location is so nice that I got over that real fast. Service - fantastic, our waitress was enthusiastic, friendly and helpful Food - delicious. I ordered the Avocado salad and a side of fries. I could have done with out the fries because the salad was so large! The dressing they used on it was so delicious and refreshing, great for a summer's meal. Did I mention their sangria? delicious and potent.

    (5)
  • Bill M.

    I have eaten here twice on visits to Chicago. I will drive a good ways to get handcrafted food with a good wine list and a friendly bartender. The chew chew has a great selection of food. Bar-snack, apps, salads, flatbreads, meat and fish, along with pasta and some vegetarian entrees. I have had the chorizo salad and a special duck dish with pomegranate glaze. They have all been good. You can tell that this is a favorite among the locals because everyone knows everybody else. The bartender is called by his first name. And beers are poured before a local hits the barstool. Like I said the food is top notch. Next time I will try one of the fish dishes. Enjoy.

    (4)
  • Kymberly J.

    Oh my, where do I start? Everything was fan-friggin-tastic! Thank God for Groupon because I would have never found this place, a mere 4 miles from my home. Simply decorated. High celings, wink racks on the wall, big front windows, small bar in the front section. The menu looked so good it was really hard to decide on what to order. I finally landed on ORECCHIETTE with spicy sausage served in a broth. The broth was a nice break from a red sauce. I mmmmd and ahhhhhd all the way through my meal including the dessert. Oh, the dessert! Chocolate velet cake with salted caramel and toasted marshmallows. They give you two huge pieces of cake; thick and not too sweet. The caramel is homemade as well as the marshmallows which are shaped like bars and toasted. I was really impressed. Get there before 6 if you dont want to make a reservation. After 6 it fills up fast! No doubt with it being the best place around.

    (5)
  • Larry H.

    We've been to The Chew Chew several times, and we like it. On New Year's Eve, we dined from their prix fixe menu, which was a very nice menu. Unfortunately, they ran out of a sausage they were offering on the leg of lamb entree. Instead of telling us before we ordered, we found out after the fact. I was very unhappy, because when the server told us about it, she stated that they were out of the entree, with no additional explanation. Now, I'm not unreasonable, but they serve this entree all the time on their regular menu, so I was a little miffed that my $60 meal had to be altered. I told the server I was unhappy. She returned a little later, stating that it was only the sausage that was lacking and the chef would substitute andouille sausage. That was fine with me, but why did we have to go through the whole rigmarole of saying the dish was unavailable. It seems that there could have been better communication between the kitchen and service staff. All in all, the dinner was good, the service was good, and the evening was nice. I'll go there again, and I recommend the restaurant to others. If someone from the restaurant sees this, I hope you learn from this mistake.

    (4)
  • Little R.

    The Chew Chew is the perfect restaurant for downtown Riverside. It has a nice, diverse menu with lots of vegetarian/pescatarian options (try the spaghetti squash dish - delish!), great service, lots of daily/weekly specials (half-price wine night Wednesdays- hey-oh!), and kids eat here for free on Sundays. It's as wonderful for families as it is for a ladies' night out (whoop-whoop!). Plus, they pass the wedge-salad test - it's tasty and done just right!

    (4)
  • Amy B.

    I really like this place and that it is located in beautiful Riverside. Chew Chew consistently has great food and good service. Nice casual dress is appropriate and the space is comfortable. I appreciate that, when possible, they will make modifications to dishes for vegetarians and those who cannot eat gluten. Yum! The only reason I did not give 5 stars is that it is a little pricey.

    (4)
  • Sean R.

    Fantastic food! Great service! a 1st class restaurant

    (5)
  • Karen Anne B.

    Automatic one star reduction for no longer offering a vegetarian entree. Our last trip was quite a disappointment. We arrived without a reservation and were told it'd be a short wait. It was Friday, that was fine. We sat at the bar and had a drink. About 10-15 after whatever time they told us we'd need to wait until, they seated us upstairs. It was practically empty, and I hadn't seen any large parties leave. At least 2 servers were working the small area, so I don't know what the deal was. The lack of a vegetarian entree was pretty annoying to me, but "their salads are all available without meat". Now, I know lots of people think vegetarians like salads as all their meals. But we kind of like meals with real substance too. Something that isn't a portabella mushroom sandwich (which is on the menu here - a vegetarian cop-out in my opinion). I was pretty irritated. I ended up with a salad. It did have a very good flavor, but was a bit overdressed. One time when our water was being refilled I asked for more bread. He said "Definitely" and took the basket. We never saw him again. By the time the saw the server, we were done with our dinners. We wanted to split a dessert, and the husband wanted key lime pie. Key lime pie isn't my favorite, but it was pretty good. I don't know how many times you can update a review. I hope some day I'll be able to update this and, at a minimum, give them back the 4th star...

    (3)
  • Melissa B.

    Bleh. Mediocre at best. I do not understand how this place has such good reviews. I personally think it's because people are lazy and do not want to travel very far to get real good food. They have a good selection of wine and decent drinks, that's what the 2 stars are for. The food is just awful though. I have been about 5 times and each time I am extremely disappointed, to the point of not planning to ever return. Even the things that are supposedly their specialties are just not great. The atmosphere is nice, the wait staff is pretty on it, but the food is just not good. Save your money and travel a little further to the city or even Oak Park.

    (2)
  • Denise M.

    "Over-priced and pretentious" as another reviewer said. And I agree. Bad service and VERY overpriced . I have had better food for less, and have gotten WAY better service at Mother's Day. $130 for 2 people in Riverside? Yeah I don't think so.

    (1)
  • Michelle C.

    Quite honestly it's hard to find any fault in this gem of an eatery, so here's my overall breakdown: Pros: 1. Parking: The street parking is pretty ample. 2. Location: Easily accessible from Harlem Avenue in downtown Riverside. 3. Reservations: Bonus for allowing guests to book reservations online! 4. Wine selection: Decent, but not overwhelming. Their Riesling is the perfect amount of sweet and flavorful. 5. Food: Absolutely delicious! Perfectly cooked, comes out quickly, scrumptious! 6. Ambiance: Perfection! This restaurant belongs in the West Village/Greenwich Village in NYC. It's cozy, welcoming, perfectly lit (dimly, perfect for evening dinning), the tables are well spaced, decor is spot-on. 7. Menu selection: Impressive. The menu is not overwhelming by any means. You can easily choose a menu item from their selection(s), it's easily readable, well thought-out and full of mouth-watering descriptions. 8. Service: Attentive staff. Water was refilled continuously from cute water carafes. The waiter even filled our wine glasses from the small carafe as we got low in our glass. Cons: The Chew Chew is only open in the evenings/late afternoon. This place would make a KILLING if they were open for brunch (which if I remember correctly, they actually used to be, not sure what happened to that?). For this, I give one less star. What I ate: Salmon: (I forget the exact menu item name) Was perfectly cooked; the chick peas were cooked to perfection, the olive relish was a great flavor combination, and it was a generous portion of perfectly cooked salmon! This is a MUST if you are in the area and are looking for the perfect spot for a date, a meet up with friends, or the like.

    (4)
  • Bob L.

    I've been going to the Chew Chew for years - since they were on the other side of the tracks. I went last night and had the diver scallops dinner. It was good as usual but last night they only had 3 scallops on the plate! They were large, but looked kind of lonely! If you are going to order this entree, I recommend asking how many scallops you get for your $25 and decide for yourself if it is worth it.

    (4)
  • Rhonda G.

    Three words...awesome, awesome, awesome. Friendly staff, great food. We walked in a couple minutes after our reservation and were promptly seated in a booth (we later realized that the setup of this row of booths is meant to simulate a dining car from the overhead luggage to the picturesque views out of of the "windows"). We were here on Valentines day which is also really close to Mardi Gras so most of the staff was decked out in attire for each holiday (i'm looking at you cupid). Their was a fortune teller of sorts walking around and offering good luck beads along with a short "fortune". I found this very fun and not invasive by any means. Apparently I have some money coming!! They offered a special Mardi Gras New Orleans style menu special in addition to the regular menu but I went with the standard menu. My meal: Grilled Norwegian Salmon, Fig Chutney, Grilled Asparagus, 10-Year Balsamic, Fingerling Potato, Cipollini Onion, SO GOOD!

    (5)
  • Padme A.

    Another surprise restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Great food, service and decent prices for what you get. The wine list is huge. The food was well prepared and fresh. Nice selection of modern American fare with a twist of international dishes mixed in. They have Poke! They have weekly specials. Mondays are apparently burger nights and were delicious!

    (4)
  • Michael S.

    Seems like I've done quite a few reviews for the southwest suburbs and here is another one... This one though seems to be something worth traveling to from the city by itself. So came here on a Friday night with reservations. It really wasn't crowded, but it wasn't empty either. We were seated in a booth near where the orders come out of the kitchen so we got to see the food leaving. The place itself is nicely decorated and the service was very good. Here is what we ordered: Lychee martini and the chew chew blue martini. Both were good for the value as they had a lot of alcohol. I thought the lychee martini did have a weird taste though. Also, someone else had the classic margarita. Really good from what was said for the margarita. Also had the baby spinach salad and an order of raw oysters. Both items were really fresh. Very good... With all that food we split a cowboy steak special for the night. It was a new york strip steak topped with a homemade tomato salsa. The ingredients were of quality and it was cooked very well. Also had the dessert though didn't really want it.. It was fine, but wasn't anything special... Overall, with the service and food it was a very good experience.

    (4)
  • Tina H.

    We were in Riverside for the Arts festival and stumbled upon The Chew Chew. Saw it was a neighborhood fav on open table Yah! Very nice place, reasonably priced and a nice selection of craft beers on tap. I had the turkey with smoked applewood bacon with pickled zucchinis on the side. Very nice sammy :) My boyfriend had the fish tacos. Very fresh and tasty! Overall a wonderful place to visit in Riverside.

    (4)
  • Joy S.

    I went with a large group of friends over mardi gras - all the employees were dressed up in costumes, so fun! I got the penne pasta, without bacon, sooo good! Very creamy. Split an order of skinny fries w/ red pepper aioli - oh my YUM! We will definitely be back! This would've been a 5 star review, but the restaurant is not fully wheelchair accessible - If you are seated upstairs, you have to go down a very long stairwell to get to the restrooms. So I obviously couldn't order/drink any alcohol, as I'm disabled and stairs are already a challenge for me. So they either need a bathroom upstairs, or an elevator would be even better.

    (4)
  • Peter S.

    Went on Good Friday evening. All the food was very good. Perch, vegetarian, linguine with scallops and mussels, appetizers, desserts. in fact the arti appetizer was great. The most tender artichoke I have ever had. Nice atmosphere. One issue: our server not that good. Never read us the specials until we asked. This was after we heard her telling the table next to us after we ordered. Went again with a party of 10 to celebrate a couple of birthdays. The staff went out of their way to accommodate us. We were seated on a Saturday night right at our 6:30 reservation time. Needed one more little table but a women at the table they were counting on was nursing her drink.. So we were a little cramped for a while but enjoyed great drinks and appetizers including a large choice of beers, excellent mixed drinks, calamari, artichoke, flatbreads and goat cheese spread. The rib special was special . Fall off the bone. The penne with Gouda was a delicious and rich carbonara. The stuffed meatballs, filet and crab, and Amish chicken were all great. I know everyone loves the fish tacos, but just ok. Mahi mahi was very good but I guess I just don't like fish tacos. Key lime pie was fantastic. And they comped our desserts because of the initial seating issue. We will be back!

    (5)
  • mei s.

    The funny thing about this place is that we discovered it because my husband somehow acquired a book of matches from this place but had no idea how he got it. At first, we figured it was some kids place that served food on trains, just by the name. He looked it up online on yelp and since he has such a freaky love of fish tacos and he had read the reviews talking about them, he was set on going. We went for Saturday night dinner. I made reservations on opentable.com but for some reason they don't offer points. We were greeted immediately and asked where we prefered to sit. Since we had never been, he offered us a "tour". We settled on the room adjacent to the bar rather than upstairs because he said it would be very quiet up there. The place is nice but it's broken up a bit too much in terms of space. So the area we sat in was close to the kitchen and the restroom. So we could see the dishes coming out, which was a plus. But it certainly wasn't as bustling as we thought it would be. We ordered the fish tacos, of course. We also ordered the Penne Pasta (with Smoked Gouda Cream,Chicken Breast, Applewood Bacon, Fresh Tomato, Green Onion) and the spinach salad (with Gorgonzola, Green Apple, Candied Pecans, Tomato Wedges, Red Onion, Applewood Bacon, WarmHoney Mustard.) The fish tacos were made of grilled fish, which is fine, when it's not overcooked. And this was not. The Penne was awesome. Our kids loved the leftovers the next day. And the spinach salad was really nice. Not overwhelming. I recommend this place to families, date night, etc. I'm not fond of the layout, but the food is great. And it's a nice place in the burbs.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :5:00 pm - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

The Chew Chew

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