ZipPicks Awards
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Loop
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Loop
Best Trendy Restaurants in Loop
Best Late Night Restaurants in Loop
Best Happy Hour in Loop
Master Critic Review
The Northman Beer & Cider Garden Riverwalk
7.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
A seasonal, walk-up riverwalk beer-and-cider garden that delivers exactly what outdoor dining should here: quick ordering, river views, and snackable food that matches the setting. Keep it simple—one pretzel, one sausage, one drink—then enjoy the waterfront seat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pretzel with Cheese Sauce, The Best Wurst, Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A walk-up beer garden with prime Riverwalk seating.
Who should go: Friends doing a casual riverwalk hang
When to visit: Warm afternoons or early evening
What to order: Pretzel, one sausage, one draft cider
Insider tip: Grab food first, then hunt for the best river-edge seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Nearby public garages around Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive; street parking is very limited along the Riverwalk.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—shorts, sneakers, and daytime riverwalk wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk during off-peak hours, louder during busy afternoons and early evenings.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on crowd flow; seating turnover is fast but lines can form on sunny days.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak lunch hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—pretzels and a few snack-style options work, but it’s not menu-forward vegetarian dining.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly snacks; better as a drinks stop than a meal.
Gluten-free options: Yes for drinks—ciders are the safest bet; food options are minimal.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-pressure, daytime or early-evening first meet—great views and easy pacing, but not ideal if you want a sit-down dinner or privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—everything is walk-up. Order first, then claim open seating along the Riverwalk.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during the day—open-air seating and snackable food work well for families, though it’s more adult-focused later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Quick drinks and snacks with unbeatable Riverwalk access—faster, simpler, and more casual than nearby sit-down spots.
Skip if: You want a full meal, table service, or a quiet setting—choose a nearby restaurant or rooftop instead.