The Kitchen American Bistro

The Kitchen American Bistro

316 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

+1 312-836-1300

Restaurant, American restaurant, Bar & grill
(1557)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Nestled along Chicago’s scenic riverfront at 316 N Clark St, The Kitchen American Bistro invites guests to savor a refined yet approachable take on classic American cuisine. This vibrant bar & grill masterfully blends contemporary flavors with all-time favorites, crafting a menu that appeals to both adventurous food lovers and traditional palates alike.

Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the lively atmosphere—inviting, bright, and perfect for everything from a casual brunch to an evening out with friends. The riverside patio offers sweeping views that perfectly complement your meal, making every bite feel like part of a special occasion. Whether seated indoors or outside, the bistro buzzes with welcoming energy and attentive, friendly service.

The menu strikes an impressive balance between comforting and innovative dishes. Signature plates like the All American Cheeseburger deliver that satisfying, juicy experience you crave, while standout items such as the Black Linguini showcase the kitchen’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into bold statements. Brunch favorites like the smooth, creamy Eggs Benedict and the indulgent French Toast celebrate classic morning staples with flair and finesse.

If you’re seeking something extraordinary, the Lobster Roll melts in your mouth with fresh ocean flavors, and the Sticky Toffee Pudding offers an irresistible, warm finish sweetened just right. The seasonal Summer Berry Mess provides a burst of freshness that celebrates the best of local produce, while the Burrata appetizer rounds out the menu with creamy textures and delicate tastes.

What also sets The Kitchen American Bistro apart is its impressive cocktail list. From the bright and citrusy The Kitchen Margarita to the elegantly complex Foolproof Old Fashioned, each drink is crafted with precision and style. Non-alcoholic options like the Pineapple Splash and Spirit Free Pom & Tonic ensure everyone can sip something refreshing and unique. Whether you’re in the mood for a robust coffee — their cappuccino though critiqued by some, still offers a cozy companion to any meal — or a celebratory mimosa, you’ll find a drink to suit your mood.

Customer experiences echo the quality and atmosphere found here. Guests appreciate the friendly, responsive staff and the quick service—whether you’re popping in for an efficient lunch before a show or lingering over drinks on the patio at sunset. As one diner noted, while some dishes like the blackened sandwich can be a matter of personal taste, the overall food quality remains consistently satisfying, complemented by the great views along the riverfront.

More than just a meal, The Kitchen American Bistro provides a welcoming, spirited spot where the food invites you to indulge and the setting encourages you to stay a little longer. Whether you’re craving a classic American feast or seeking new flavors complemented by inventive cocktails, this vibrant bistro is a must-visit on Chicago’s culinary map.

Contact: 316 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654 | +1 312-836-1300

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Healthy options Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • John Rechtien
    1 month ago

    Food was good but not great. The blackened sandwich we ordered unfortunately had good presentation but the blackened portions tasted a bit like. . . Charcoal. And the flavor overwhelmed the other flavors on the sandwich. Fried chicken sandwich was good. Drinks were good, service was quick and employees very friendly and responsive. Right on the river with great views and outside seating. If you are staying in the area, a good spot for lunch.

  • Kirk Paulsen
    1 month ago

    Our first time here. Our server, Matias, is a rock star. We told him we had a performance to go to at the nearby Chicago Theater and he was Johnny-on-the-spot. The bar even accommodated my wife’s special cocktail request. Food was delicious! We will most definitely be back.

  • Mariana
    1 month ago

    10/10 brunch experience. The food was AMAZING and the view as well. The sweet banana waffle is a must, it was really delicious, soft and crispy. My mocktail was very nice, not very sweet and very refreshing. The coffee (cappuccino) was the only thing we didn’t like because of the flavor and the texture of the foam. But everything else was perfect! The young lady who took care of us was very kind and we definitely will be back! I recommend to make a reservation right when brunch starts to have a chance of seating in front of the river before the place starts to get busy!

  • Nashid
    2 month ago

    Really impressed by this place. Was really caught off-guard seeing Carrots being a menu item, let alone being recommended by our server (Hunter, I think his name was) - seeing as I’m not a small rodent, I wasn’t sure why I would ever order carrots- lowkey I thought he was joking at first. But honestly, that was one of the best appetizers I’ve ever had. So delicious, filling and flavourful. The fried chicken sandwich and the other entree (cant remember what it was called, but it was basically a mediterranean style wrap) were pretty good as well, if not a little dill-heavy. The vibes at the place are excellent - half of what you pay is probably for the view alone, but the inside is just as beautiful with clean washrooms and a spacious, rustic kind of environment. The wait time was minimal and the service was friendly and personable. Would recommend if you don’t mind spending a bit more on brunch.

  • Hesam Abedini
    3 month ago

    Their patio has a wonderful view and their waitresses are very friendly and awesome! We enjoyed everything we ordered, but nothing too special. Their interior design was nice too. I give them 4-star because although there were several seats available in the patio they had us wait for 40 minutes and we didn’t understand why!

  • Ursela Hybridge
    3 month ago

    The view is great we had a windows seat and I always wanted to eat along the river this is a great breakfast spot! They even have mock tails which we got! Everything was perfect. They have an outside patio area that over looks the river. We wanted to sit inside window seat bc we were going to be in the sun all day anyways. Thank you Veins for making our visit memorable and gave great service.

  • Danielle Sydnor
    3 month ago

    This place is underrated! Excellent customer service and amazing views of the river for the outdoor patio. The brunch was a hit for us! We ordered the smashed cheese burger and cauliflower dish, both were flavorful. I would highly recommend! The cauliflower flower dosh had so many flavors. Fresh herbs are also a hit. Also the fries were delicious . We definitely will visit here again soon.

  • Mike
    4 month ago

    The Kitchen American Bistro has a modern vibe and a great location right by the river with beautiful views. We had dinner there and ordered the crispy cod, shrimp a la plancha, and a couple of cocktails. The cod was wrapped in kataifi (thin, crispy noodles) instead of the usual batter, which made it perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the fish inside tender and juicy. The shrimp was cooked nicely too, though the seasoning was a bit on the salty side. I’d definitely recommend the crispy cod—it was a standout! Overall, it was a really enjoyable dinner with good cocktails and a great atmosphere.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.