ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Loop
Best Romantic Restaurants in Loop
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Loop
Best Happy Hour in Loop
Master Critic Review
Porter Kitchen & Deck
8.5
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Porter Kitchen & Deck pairs New American classics and a deep whiskey list with some of the Loop’s best river views from both dining room and deck. It’s a go-to for client lunches, post-work cocktails, and group dinners that feel like an occasion without leaving the office corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Sliders, Lobster Roll, Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Riverfront New American cooking with a whiskey-forward bar and a true deck overlooking the skyline.
Who should go: Teams hosting clients or colleagues who want river views.
When to visit: Sunny weekdays for deck lunches or golden-hour drinks.
What to order: Filet Sliders, Lobster Roll, Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Insider tip: Book the deck or window tables for sunset; inside, the bar rail often has last-minute space when reservations are gone.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet most days; guests typically use nearby paid garages along Wacker and Canal. Street parking is limited and competitive during office hours, easier later evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — office attire and polished jeans are common; business-casual leans dressy at lunch and happy hour.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at tables, but bar and deck areas get energetic during peak after-work hours.
Weekend wait: Usually short waits or none; the Loop is calmer on weekends, but prime deck tables can still be claimed early.
Weekday lunch: Busy during peak corporate lunch hours; reservations recommended, though small parties may be seated with a brief wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, vegetable starters, and a few mains can work with minor modifications.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 viable dishes with modifications; best to confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes and sides can be prepared gluten-free on request; staff is accustomed to accommodating allergies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want river views and a polished, grown-up setting; the vibe leans business-social rather than intimate, so it’s strongest for relaxed, conversation-forward dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — especially on weekends or later evenings. The bar rail and parts of the deck are commonly held for walk-ins, but peak weekday lunches and golden-hour deck times book up fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Casually kid-tolerant but not geared for children. Older kids are fine during earlier seatings; evenings skew adult, business, and cocktail-focused.
Best For
Better for: Corporate lunches, client dinners, and post-work gatherings where river views, outdoor seating, and a polished-but-comfortable menu matter.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge or chef-driven cuisine, a very quiet or intimate setting, or budget-focused casual dining.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday4pm - 11pm
SundayClosed