ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Late Night Burgers in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
LUXBAR
8.6
LUXBAR is a Gold Coast standby where truffle fries and hand-cut fries come out alongside Gibsons-group burgers, steaks, and cocktails. The corner patio and upstairs rooms make it as useful for late-afternoon snacks and drinks as for full burger-and-fries dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Fries, Lux Royale Burger, Classic Burger with Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A polished Gold Coast bar where truffle fries and burgers anchor cocktails and people-watching.
Who should go: Groups wanting upscale bar bites and fry-focused snacking.
When to visit: Late afternoons and early evenings for patio and bar seating.
What to order: Truffle fries, Lux Royale Burger, Classic Burger with fries.
Insider tip: Upgrade to truffle fries when you order any burger—portions are generous enough to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service most evenings and weekends via the Gibsons group; limited metered street parking nearby and garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean polished or dressy-casual.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at tables, but bar and patio can get buzzy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially for patio or bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins are commonly seated right away or within 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, fries, and select appetizers can work for vegetarians, with a few mains available by request.
Vegan options: Limited — fries and a small number of sides may be adaptable; most mains require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request, including burgers without the bun and some salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and upstairs dining room feel stylish without being formal, and the menu is approachable enough for an easy, low-pressure first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often — walk-ins are common at the bar and patio, but expect a wait during prime weekend hours; arriving earlier in the afternoon improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — high-top and bar areas skew adult, but standard tables work for families, especially earlier in the day; evenings tend to feel more social and cocktail-focused.
Best For
Better for: Upscale bar-style dining with standout fries, burgers, cocktails, and one of the strongest patio people-watching scenes in the Gold Coast.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, a budget-focused casual burger spot, or a menu with extensive vegan or specialty-diet options.