Ресторан · Chicago · ⭐ 9.5/10 · 9565 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:39:22
Address: 145 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
The Dearborn: Tavern Food That Beat Bobby Flay
When your fish and chips defeats a Food Network heavyweight on national television, you have earned the right to brag on the menu. The Dearborn does exactly that, and the rest of this Loop tavern’s Midwest-driven cooking backs up the swagger — comfort classics executed with chef-level precision and local ingredients getting top billing.
The Story
Irish-born sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless, longtime figures in Chicago hospitality, opened The Dearborn in 2016 inside Block Thirty Seven, right in the heart of the Loop. The formula is simple: Midwestern seasonality on the plate, Irish warmth in the room. Executive chef Aaron Cuschieri runs the kitchen, and the restaurant has landed on OpenTable’s list of the top hundred restaurants in America.
What to Order
Open with Parker House rolls and whipped Wisconsin butter, then head straight for the tempura-battered Icelandic cod — billed as “The One That Beat Bobby Flay” and plated with rainbow slaw, charred lemon and malt vinegar. The Midwest Fried Chicken with maple-mustard glaze and the tavern pizza with Chicago-made pepperoni and habanero hot honey are the other heavy hitters. Save room for warm beignets dunked in Nutella sauce.
The Space
A sprawling, handsome homage to the classic American tavern: tufted leather booths, vintage-style lighting, custom murals of streetcar-era Chicago and zigzag wood floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Loop bustle, and in warm months the patio spills out onto Washington Street.
Who It’s For
Pre-theater dinners before a show in the surrounding Theater District, business lunches that need to impress without feeling stiff, and anyone hunting genuinely serious tavern cooking in downtown Chicago.
Good to Know
Do I need a reservation? Book ahead for pre-theater hours and weekend evenings; mid-afternoon walk-ins are usually easy.
Is there brunch? Yes, Saturday and Sunday until mid-afternoon, with live jazz setting the tone on Sundays.
Can I sit outside? The Washington Street patio runs through the warm season.
Will I make my curtain time? Tell your server you have tickets — this kitchen lives on theater schedules.
Anything for vegetarians? Plenty: burrata with heirloom tomatoes, seasonal salads and a four-cheese or mushroom-truffle pizza.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00–21:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Friday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00–22:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00–21:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:39:22
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: chicago-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
Oh my… the rabbit curry pie is just incredible. The curry has enough spice, and the rabbit melts in your mouth. Our server Keven (sounds like Steven with a K) knows the menu well and gave nice recommendations. The octo…
06/01/26: Tony is a wonderful server. I hope he serves me next time too. The Brussels sprouts are so tasty! I loved everything I've tried here, just be sure to book a table.
Original: The fish and chips were very tasty.…
A wonderful experience! The staff and manager went above and beyond for our visit! They gave us a private table and made my birthday special. They provided a handwritten note and a birthday dessert. The food was wonderfu…
I've never written reviews specifically to contribute to a restaurant's drive to succeed in these unstable financial times, but this is exactly what's needed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I give permission to use my review in a re…
I found a real classy American burger at The Dearborn — with a farm Angus beef patty and Wisconsin cheddar ($22). I got chatting with the server. She told me her dream is to be a film editor. Besides the cheeseburger, Th…